Morphometric, quantitative, and three-dimensional analysis of the heart muscle fibers of old rats: transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy methods.

PubMed

Cury, Diego Pulzatto; Dias, Fernando José; Sosthenes, Marcia Consentino Kronka; Dos Santos Haemmerle, Carlos Alexandre; Ogawa, Koichi; Da Silva, Marcelo Cavenaghi Pereira; Mardegan Issa, João Paulo; Iyomasa, Mamie Mizusaki; Watanabe, Ii-Sei

2013-02-01

This research investigated the morphological, morphometric, and ultrastructural cardiomyocyte characteristics of male Wistar rats at 18 months of age. The animals were euthanized using an overdose of anesthesia (ketamine and xylazine, 150/10 mg/kg) and perfused transcardially, after which samples were collected for light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that cardiomyocyte arrangement was disposed parallel between the mitochondria and the A-, I-, and H-bands and their M- and Z-lines from the sarcomere. The sarcomere junction areas had intercalated disks, a specific structure of heart muscle. The ultrastructural analysis revealed several mitochondria of various sizes and shapes intermingled between the blood capillaries and their endothelial cells; some red cells inside vessels are noted. The muscle cell sarcolemma could be observed associated with the described structures. The cardiomyocytes of old rats presented an average sarcomere length of 2.071 ± 0.09 μm, a mitochondrial volume density (Vv) of 0.3383, a mitochondrial average area of 0.537 ± 0.278 μm(2), a mitochondrial average length of 1.024 ± 0.352 μm, an average mitochondrial cristae thickness of 0.038 ± 0.09 μm and a ratio of mitochondrial greater length/lesser length of 1.929 ± 0.965. Of the observed mitochondrial shapes, 23.4% were rounded, 45.3% were elongated, and 31.1% had irregular profiles. In this study, we analyzed the morphology and morphometry of cardiomyocytes in old rats, focusing on mitochondria. These data are important for researchers who focus the changes in cardiac tissue, especially changes owing to pathologies and drug administration that may or may not be correlated with aging. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Temperature behaviour of the average size of nanoparticle lattices co-deposited with an amorphous matrix. Analysis of Ge + Al2O3 and Ni + Al2O3 thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mezzasalma, Stefano A.; Car, Tihomir; Nekić, Nikolina; Jerčinović, Marko; Buljan, Maja

2017-11-01

We theoretically interpret the thermal behaviour of the average radius versus substrate temperature of regular quantum dot/nanocluster arrays formed by sputtering semiconductor/metal atoms with oxide molecules. The analysis relies on a continuum theory for amorphous films with given surface quantities, perturbed by a nanoparticle lattice. An account of the basic thermodynamic contributions is given in terms of force-flux phenomenological coefficients of each phase (Ge, Ni, Al2O3). Average radii turn out to be expressible by a characteristic length scale and a dimensionless parameter, which mainly depend upon temperature through diffusion lengths, film pressures and finite-size corrections to interfacial tensions. The numerical agreement is good in both Ge (4 % ) and Ni (15.4 % ) lattices grown at temperatures ≤slant 800 K, despite the lower temperature behaviour of quantum dots seeming to suggest further driving forces taking part in such processes.

Increased delivery stride length places greater loads on the ankle joint in elite male cricket fast bowlers.

PubMed

Spratford, Wayne; Hicks, Amy

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect stride length has on ankle biomechanics of the leading leg with reference to the potential risk of injury in cricket fast bowlers. Ankle joint kinematic and kinetic data were collected from 51 male fast bowlers during the stance phase of the final delivery stride. The bowling cohort comprised national under-19, first class and international-level athletes. Bowlers were placed into either Short, Average or Long groups based on final stride length, allowing statistical differences to be measured. A multivariate analysis of variance with a Bonferroni post-hoc correction (α = 0.05) revealed significant differences between peak plantarflexion angles (Short-Long P = 0.005, Average and Long P = 0.04) and negative joint work (Average-Long P = 0.026). This study highlighted that during fast bowling the ankle joint of the leading leg experiences high forces under wide ranges of movement. As stride length increases, greater amounts of negative work and plantarflexion are experienced. These increases place greater loads on the ankle joint and move the foot into positions that make it more susceptible to injuries such as posterior impingement syndrome.

P. berghei Telomerase Subunit TERT is Essential for Parasite Survival

PubMed Central

Religa, Agnieszka A.; Ramesar, Jai; Janse, Chris J.; Scherf, Artur; Waters, Andrew P.

2014-01-01

Telomeres define the ends of chromosomes protecting eukaryotic cells from chromosome instability and eventual cell death. The complex regulation of telomeres involves various proteins including telomerase, which is a specialized ribonucleoprotein responsible for telomere maintenance. Telomeres of chromosomes of malaria parasites are kept at a constant length during blood stage proliferation. The 7-bp telomere repeat sequence is universal across different Plasmodium species (GGGTTT/CA), though the average telomere length varies. The catalytic subunit of telomerase, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), is present in all sequenced Plasmodium species and is approximately three times larger than other eukaryotic TERTs. The Plasmodium RNA component of TERT has recently been identified in silico. A strategy to delete the gene encoding TERT via double cross-over (DXO) homologous recombination was undertaken to study the telomerase function in P. berghei. Expression of both TERT and the RNA component (TR) in P. berghei blood stages was analysed by Western blotting and Northern analysis. Average telomere length was measured in several Plasmodium species using Telomere Restriction Fragment (TRF) analysis. TERT and TR were detected in blood stages and an average telomere length of ∼950 bp established. Deletion of the tert gene was performed using standard transfection methodologies and we show the presence of tert − mutants in the transfected parasite populations. Cloning of tert- mutants has been attempted multiple times without success. Thorough analysis of the transfected parasite populations and the parasite obtained from extensive parasite cloning from these populations provide evidence for a so called delayed death phenotype as observed in different organisms lacking TERT. The findings indicate that TERT is essential for P. berghei cell survival. The study extends our current knowledge on telomere biology in malaria parasites and validates further investigations to identify telomerase inhibitors to induce parasite cell death. PMID:25275500

Postnatal Growth Patterns in a Chilean Cohort: The Role of SES and Family Environment

PubMed Central

Kang Sim, D. E.; Cappiello, M.; Castillo, M.; Lozoff, B.; Martinez, S.; Blanco, E.; Gahagan, S.

2012-01-01

Objective. This study examined how family environmental characteristics served as mediators in the relationship between socioeconomic conditions and infant growth in a cohort of Chilean infants. Methods. We studied 999 infants, born between 1991 and 1996, from a longitudinal cohort which began as an iron deficiency anemia preventive trial. SES (Graffar Index), the Life Experiences Survey, and the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME) were assessed in infancy. Using path analysis, we assessed the relationships between the social factors, home environment, and infant growth. Results. During the first year, weight and length gain averaged 540 grams/month and 6.5 cm/month, respectively. In the path analysis model for weight gain, higher SES and a better physical environment were positively related to higher maternal warmth, which in turn was associated with higher average weight gain. Higher SES was directly related to higher average length gain. Conclusions. In our cohort, a direct relationship between SES and length gain developed during infancy. Higher SES was indirectly related to infant weight gain through the home environment and maternal warmth. As the fastest growing infants are at risk for later obesity, new strategies are needed to encourage optimal rather than maximal growth. PMID:22666275

Sensitivity of subject-specific models to Hill muscle-tendon model parameters in simulations of gait.

PubMed

Carbone, V; van der Krogt, M M; Koopman, H F J M; Verdonschot, N

2016-06-14

Subject-specific musculoskeletal (MS) models of the lower extremity are essential for applications such as predicting the effects of orthopedic surgery. We performed an extensive sensitivity analysis to assess the effects of potential errors in Hill muscle-tendon (MT) model parameters for each of the 56 MT parts contained in a state-of-the-art MS model. We used two metrics, namely a Local Sensitivity Index (LSI) and an Overall Sensitivity Index (OSI), to distinguish the effect of the perturbation on the predicted force produced by the perturbed MT parts and by all the remaining MT parts, respectively, during a simulated gait cycle. Results indicated that sensitivity of the model depended on the specific role of each MT part during gait, and not merely on its size and length. Tendon slack length was the most sensitive parameter, followed by maximal isometric muscle force and optimal muscle fiber length, while nominal pennation angle showed very low sensitivity. The highest sensitivity values were found for the MT parts that act as prime movers of gait (Soleus: average OSI=5.27%, Rectus Femoris: average OSI=4.47%, Gastrocnemius: average OSI=3.77%, Vastus Lateralis: average OSI=1.36%, Biceps Femoris Caput Longum: average OSI=1.06%) and hip stabilizers (Gluteus Medius: average OSI=3.10%, Obturator Internus: average OSI=1.96%, Gluteus Minimus: average OSI=1.40%, Piriformis: average OSI=0.98%), followed by the Peroneal muscles (average OSI=2.20%) and Tibialis Anterior (average OSI=1.78%) some of which were not included in previous sensitivity studies. Finally, the proposed priority list provides quantitative information to indicate which MT parts and which MT parameters should be estimated most accurately to create detailed and reliable subject-specific MS models. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Comparative experiments of stripping sheep maxillary sinus mucosal with new-type stripper and umbrella detacher].

PubMed

Jiadong, Fan; Yanfeng, Li; Le, Liu; Yishi, Han; Pin, Hu; Yue, Zhang; Wenya, Bao

2016-10-01

To compare the stripping length obtained through the model of 0.012 and 0.014 of the nickel-titanium dual-stage maxillary sinus mucosa stripper, and the umbrella detacher. Twenty-four goats (1.5-2 years old) were chosen, randomly divided into A, B, C groups, each group of eight. Group A was 0.012 model group, group B was 0.014 model group, group C was umbrella detacher group. Animal model was established, and maxillary sinus mucosa was stripped to the left and right sides of the bottom of the sinus in three groups. The data was measured when stripping to the limit or being perforated. The average length of group A was 12.41 mm±4.35 mm, two cases perforated. The average length of group B was 23.38 mm±4.84 mm, one case perforated. The average length of group C was 2.61 mm±0.30 mm. The population mean of stripping length in three groups was not all the same calculated by analysis of variance (P<0.01). There were significant differences in the stripping length of the three groups by the SNK test (P<0.05). The nickel-titanium dual-stage maxillary sinus mucosa stripper can achieve a larger mucosal stripping range. The stripper with a model of 0.014 has a moderate flexibility and safety, and it can strip a large area of sinus mucosa.
.

Atomic force microscopy analysis of different surface treatments of Ti dental implant surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bathomarco, Ti R. V.; Solorzano, G.; Elias, C. N.; Prioli, R.

2004-06-01

The surface of commercial unalloyed titanium, used in dental implants, was analyzed by atomic force microscopy. The morphology, roughness, and surface area of the samples, submitted to mechanically-induced erosion, chemical etching and a combination of both, were compared. The results show that surface treatments strongly influence the dental implant physical and chemical properties. An analysis of the length dependence of the implant surface roughness shows that, for scan sizes larger than 50 μm, the average surface roughness is independent of the scanning length and that the surface treatments lead to average surface roughness in the range of 0.37 up to 0.48 μm. It is shown that the implant surface energy is sensitive to the titanium surface area. As the area increases there is a decrease in the surface contact angle.

Life history variation among four lake trout morphs at Isle Royale, Lake Superior

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hansen, Michael J.; Nate, Nancy A.; Muir, Andrew M.; Bronte, Charles R.; Zimmerman, Mara S.; Krueger, Charles C.

2016-01-01

Life history traits were compared among four morphs of lake trout at Isle Royale, Lake Superior. Of 738 lake trout caught at Isle Royale, 701 were assigned to a morph (119 humpers, 160 leans, 85 redfins, and 337 siscowets) using a combination of statistical analysis of head and body shape and visual assignment. On average, redfins were longer (544 mm), heavier (1,481 g), heavier at length (Wr = 94), more buoyant, and older (22 years) than siscowets (519 mm; 1,221 g; 90; 19 years), leans (479 mm; 854 g; 82; 13 years), and humpers (443 mm; 697 g; 87; 17 years). On average, leans grew from a younger age at length = 0 and shorter length at age = 0, at a faster early growth rate to a longer asymptotic length than the other three morphs, while redfins grew at a slower instantaneous rate and humpers grew to a shorter asymptotic length than other morphs. On average, leans were longer (562 mm) and older (15 years) at 50% maturity than redfins (427 mm, 12 years), siscowets (401 mm, 11 years), or humpers (394 mm, 13 years). Life history parameters did not differ between males and females within each morph. We conclude that differences in life history attributes of lean, humper, redfin, and siscowet morphs of lake trout are consistent with differential habitat use in waters around Isle Royale, Lake Superior.

The Mathematical Analysis of Style: A Correlation-Based Approach.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oppenheim, Rosa

1988-01-01

Examines mathematical models of style analysis, focusing on the pattern in which literary characteristics occur. Describes an autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA) for predicting sentence length in different works by the same author and comparable works by different authors. This technique is valuable in characterizing stylistic…

Longer biopsy cores do not increase prostate cancer detection rate: A large-scale cohort study refuting cut-off values indicated in the literature

PubMed Central

Yılmaz, Hasan; Yavuz, Ufuk; Üstüner, Murat; Çiftçi, Seyfettin; Yaşar, Hikmet; Müezzinoğlu, Bahar; Uslubaş, Ali Kemal; Dillioğlugil, Özdal

2017-01-01

Objective Only a few papers in the literature aimed to evaluate biopsy core lengths. Additionally, studies evaluated the core length with different approaches. We aimed to determine whether prostate cancer (PCa) detection is affected from core lengths according to three different approaches in a large standard cohort and compare our cut-off values with the published cut-offs. Material and methods We retrospectively analyzed 1,523 initial consecutive transrectal ultrasound-guided 12-core prostate biopsies. Biopsies were evaluated with respect to total core length (total length of each patients’ core) average core length (total core length divided by total number of cores in each patient), and mean core length (mean length of all cores pooled), and compared our cut-off values with the published cut-offs. The prostate volumes were categorized into four groups (<30, 30–59.99, 60–119.99, ≥120 cm3) and PCa detection rates in these categories were examined. Results PCa was found in 41.5% patients. There was no difference between benign and malignant mean core lengths of the pooled cores (p>0.05). Total core length and average core length were not significantly associated with PCa in multivariate logistic regression analyses (p>0.05). The core lengths (mean, average and total core lengths) increased (p<0.001) and PCa rates decreased (p<0.001) steadily with increasing prostate volume categories. PCa percentages decreased in all categories above the utilized cut-offs for mean (p>0.05), average (p<0.05), and total core lengths (p>0.05). Conclusion There was no difference between mean core lengths of benign and malignant cores. Total core length and average core length were not significantly associated with PCa. Contrary to the cut-offs used for mean and average core lengths in the published studies, PCa rates decrease as these core lengths increase. Larger studies are necessary for the determination and acceptance of accurate cut-offs. PMID:28861301

Ureter tracking and segmentation in CT urography (CTU) using COMPASS

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

Hadjiiski, Lubomir, E-mail: lhadjisk@umich.edu; Zick, David; Chan, Heang-Ping

2014-12-15

Purpose: The authors are developing a computerized system for automated segmentation of ureters in CTU, referred to as combined model-guided path-finding analysis and segmentation system (COMPASS). Ureter segmentation is a critical component for computer-aided diagnosis of ureter cancer. Methods: COMPASS consists of three stages: (1) rule-based adaptive thresholding and region growing, (2) path-finding and propagation, and (3) edge profile extraction and feature analysis. With institutional review board approval, 79 CTU scans performed with intravenous (IV) contrast material enhancement were collected retrospectively from 79 patient files. One hundred twenty-four ureters were selected from the 79 CTU volumes. On average, the uretersmore » spanned 283 computed tomography slices (range: 116–399, median: 301). More than half of the ureters contained malignant or benign lesions and some had ureter wall thickening due to malignancy. A starting point for each of the 124 ureters was identified manually to initialize the tracking by COMPASS. In addition, the centerline of each ureter was manually marked and used as reference standard for evaluation of tracking performance. The performance of COMPASS was quantitatively assessed by estimating the percentage of the length that was successfully tracked and segmented for each ureter and by estimating the average distance and the average maximum distance between the computer and the manually tracked centerlines. Results: Of the 124 ureters, 120 (97%) were segmented completely (100%), 121 (98%) were segmented through at least 70%, and 123 (99%) were segmented through at least 50% of its length. In comparison, using our previous method, 85 (69%) ureters were segmented completely (100%), 100 (81%) were segmented through at least 70%, and 107 (86%) were segmented at least 50% of its length. With COMPASS, the average distance between the computer and the manually generated centerlines is 0.54 mm, and the average maximum distance is 2.02 mm. With our previous method, the average distance between the centerlines was 0.80 mm, and the average maximum distance was 3.38 mm. The improvements in the ureteral tracking length and both distance measures were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: COMPASS improved significantly the ureter tracking, including regions across ureter lesions, wall thickening, and the narrowing of the lumen.« less

Determinants of Major League Baseball Pitchers' Career Length.

PubMed

Hardy, Rich; Ajibewa, Tiwaloluwa; Bowman, Ray; Brand, Jefferson C

2017-02-01

To investigate variables (injury, position, performance, and pitching volume) that affect the career longevity of Major League Baseball pitchers. To be eligible, pitchers must have entered Major League Baseball between 1989 and 1992 without missing information for the variables on the website http://www.baseball-reference.com. The variables assessed were average innings pitched per year before and after age 25 years, earned run average, walks and hits divided by innings pitched, strikeout to walk ratio, pitching position, time on the disabled list, length of career, and starting and retirement age. We used analysis of variance to compare the differences between groups and a regression model to assess the relationship between variables before age 25 years and career length. Mean retirement age for the group was 31.74 (95% confidence interval 30.83-32.65) and mean career length was 10.97 (95% confidence interval, 10.02-11.92) years. Innings pitched after age 25 years increased slightly, but not significantly, from the number of innings pitched before age 25 years, 85.35 versus 74.25, P = .5063. Career earned run average was not significantly different after age 25 years compared with before age 25 years, 4.83 versus 5.58, respectively, P = .8834. Both strikeout to walk ratio, 1.55 to 1.77, P = .0022, and walks and hits divided by innings pitched, 1.63 to 1.50, P = .0339, improved significantly after age 25 years compared with before age 25 years. The position the player started and ended his career (starter or reliever) did not influence career length. Multiple regression analysis comparing the variables from before age 25 revealed only the number of innings pitched before age 25 were positively related to career length, R 2  = 0.1408, P < .0001. All other variables analyzed before age 25 years were not significantly related to career length. The only studied variable that had significant relationship, which was weak to low, with career length was innings pitched per year before age 25 years. All other variables analyzed before age 25 years were not significantly related to career length. Level IV, case series. Copyright © 2016 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Optical mapping of prefrontal brain connectivity and activation during emotion anticipation.

PubMed

Wang, Meng-Yun; Lu, Feng-Mei; Hu, Zhishan; Zhang, Juan; Yuan, Zhen

2018-09-17

Accumulated neuroimaging evidence shows that the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) is activated during emotion anticipation. The aim of this work is to examine the brain connectivity and activation differences in dlPFC between the positive, neutral and negative emotion anticipation by using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The hemodynamic responses were first assessed for all subjects during the performance of various emotion anticipation tasks. And then small-world analysis was performed, in which the small-world network indicators including the clustering coefficient, average path length, average node degree, and measure of small-world index were calculated for the functional brain networks associated with the positive, neutral and negative emotion anticipation, respectively. We discovered that compared to negative and neutral emotion anticipation, the positive one exhibited enhanced brain activation in the left dlPFC. Although the functional brain networks for the three emotion anticipation cases manifested the small-world properties regarding the clustering coefficient, average path length, average node degree, and measure of small-world index, the positive one showed significantly higher clustering coefficient and shorter average path length than those from the neutral and negative cases. Consequently, the small-world network indicators and brain activation in dlPPC were able to distinguish well between the positive, neutral and negative emotion anticipation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analyzing Patients' Values by Applying Cluster Analysis and LRFM Model in a Pediatric Dental Clinic in Taiwan

PubMed Central

Lin, Shih-Yen; Liu, Chih-Wei

2014-01-01

This study combines cluster analysis and LRFM (length, recency, frequency, and monetary) model in a pediatric dental clinic in Taiwan to analyze patients' values. A two-stage approach by self-organizing maps and K-means method is applied to segment 1,462 patients into twelve clusters. The average values of L, R, and F excluding monetary covered by national health insurance program are computed for each cluster. In addition, customer value matrix is used to analyze customer values of twelve clusters in terms of frequency and monetary. Customer relationship matrix considering length and recency is also applied to classify different types of customers from these twelve clusters. The results show that three clusters can be classified into loyal patients with L, R, and F values greater than the respective average L, R, and F values, while three clusters can be viewed as lost patients without any variable above the average values of L, R, and F. When different types of patients are identified, marketing strategies can be designed to meet different patients' needs. PMID:25045741

Study of the correlation parameters of the surface structure of disordered semiconductors by the two-dimensional DFA and average mutual information methods

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

Alpatov, A. V.; Vikhrov, S. P.; Rybina, N. V., E-mail: pgnv@mail.ru

The processes of self-organization of the surface structure of hydrogenated amorphous silicon are studied by the methods of fluctuation analysis and average mutual information on the basis of atomic-force-microscopy images of the surface. It is found that all of the structures can be characterized by a correlation vector and represented as a superposition of harmonic components and noise. It is shown that, under variations in the technological parameters of the production of a-Si:H films, the correlation properties of their structure vary as well. As the substrate temperature is increased, the formation of structural irregularities becomes less efficient; in this case,more » the length of the correlation vector and the degree of structural ordering increase. It is shown that the procedure based on the method of fluctuation analysis in combination with the method of average mutual information provides a means for studying the self-organization processes in any structures on different length scales.« less

Analyzing patients' values by applying cluster analysis and LRFM model in a pediatric dental clinic in Taiwan.

PubMed

Wu, Hsin-Hung; Lin, Shih-Yen; Liu, Chih-Wei

2014-01-01

This study combines cluster analysis and LRFM (length, recency, frequency, and monetary) model in a pediatric dental clinic in Taiwan to analyze patients' values. A two-stage approach by self-organizing maps and K-means method is applied to segment 1,462 patients into twelve clusters. The average values of L, R, and F excluding monetary covered by national health insurance program are computed for each cluster. In addition, customer value matrix is used to analyze customer values of twelve clusters in terms of frequency and monetary. Customer relationship matrix considering length and recency is also applied to classify different types of customers from these twelve clusters. The results show that three clusters can be classified into loyal patients with L, R, and F values greater than the respective average L, R, and F values, while three clusters can be viewed as lost patients without any variable above the average values of L, R, and F. When different types of patients are identified, marketing strategies can be designed to meet different patients' needs.

Topological versus rheological entanglement length in primitive-path analysis protocols, tube models, and slip-link models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Everaers, Ralf

2012-08-01

We show that the front factor appearing in the shear modulus of a phantom network, Gph=(1-2/f)(ρkBT)/Ns, also controls the ratio of the strand length, Ns, and the number of monomers per Kuhn length of the primitive paths, NphPPKuhn, characterizing the average network conformation. In particular, NphPPKuhn=Ns/(1-2/f) and Gph=(ρkBT)/NphPPKuhn. Neglecting the difference between cross-links and slip-links, these results can be transferred to entangled systems and the interpretation of primitive path analysis data. In agreement with the tube model, the analogy to phantom networks suggest that the rheological entanglement length, Nerheo=(ρkBT)/Ge, should equal NePPKuhn. Assuming binary entanglements with f=4 functional junctions, we expect that Nerheo should be twice as large as the topological entanglement length, Netopo. These results are in good agreement with reported primitive path analysis results for model systems and a wide range of polymeric materials. Implications for tube and slip-link models are discussed.

Quantifying clustered DNA damage induction and repair by gel electrophoresis, electronic imaging and number average length analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sutherland, Betsy M.; Georgakilas, Alexandros G.; Bennett, Paula V.; Laval, Jacques; Sutherland, John C.; Gewirtz, A. M. (Principal Investigator)

2003-01-01

Assessing DNA damage induction, repair and consequences of such damages requires measurement of specific DNA lesions by methods that are independent of biological responses to such lesions. Lesions affecting one DNA strand (altered bases, abasic sites, single strand breaks (SSB)) as well as damages affecting both strands (clustered damages, double strand breaks) can be quantified by direct measurement of DNA using gel electrophoresis, gel imaging and number average length analysis. Damage frequencies as low as a few sites per gigabase pair (10(9)bp) can be quantified by this approach in about 50ng of non-radioactive DNA, and single molecule methods may allow such measurements in DNA from single cells. This review presents the theoretical basis, biochemical requirements and practical aspects of this approach, and shows examples of their applications in identification and quantitation of complex clustered damages.

Image averaging of flexible fibrous macromolecules: the clathrin triskelion has an elastic proximal segment.

PubMed

Kocsis, E; Trus, B L; Steer, C J; Bisher, M E; Steven, A C

1991-08-01

We have developed computational techniques that allow image averaging to be applied to electron micrographs of filamentous molecules that exhibit tight and variable curvature. These techniques, which involve straightening by cubic-spline interpolation, image classification, and statistical analysis of the molecules' curvature properties, have been applied to purified brain clathrin. This trimeric filamentous protein polymerizes, both in vivo and in vitro, into a wide range of polyhedral structures. Contrasted by low-angle rotary shadowing, dissociated clathrin molecules appear as distinctive three-legged structures, called "triskelions" (E. Ungewickell and D. Branton (1981) Nature 289, 420). We find triskelion legs to vary from 35 to 62 nm in total length, according to an approximately bell-shaped distribution (mu = 51.6 nm). Peaks in averaged curvature profiles mark hinges or sites of enhanced flexibility. Such profiles, calculated for each length class, show that triskelion legs are flexible over their entire lengths. However, three curvature peaks are observed in every case: their locations define a proximal segment of systematically increasing length (14.0-19.0 nm), a mid-segment of fixed length (approximately 12 nm), and a rather variable end-segment (11.6-19.5 nm), terminating in a hinge just before the globular terminal domain (approximately 7.3 nm diameter). Thus, two major factors contribute to the overall variability in leg length: (1) stretching of the proximal segment and (2) stretching of the end-segment and/or scrolling of the terminal domain. The observed elasticity of the proximal segment may reflect phosphorylation of the clathrin light chains.

Scattering of electromagnetic wave by the layer with one-dimensional random inhomogeneities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kogan, Lev; Zaboronkova, Tatiana; Grigoriev, Gennadii., IV.

A great deal of attention has been paid to the study of probability characteristics of electro-magnetic waves scattered by one-dimensional fluctuations of medium dielectric permittivity. However, the problem of a determination of a density of a probability and average intensity of the field inside the stochastically inhomogeneous medium with arbitrary extension of fluc-tuations has not been considered yet. It is the purpose of the present report to find and to analyze the indicated functions for the plane electromagnetic wave scattered by the layer with one-dimensional fluctuations of permittivity. We assumed that the length and the amplitude of individual fluctuations as well the interval between them are random quantities. All of indi-cated fluctuation parameters are supposed as independent random values possessing Gaussian distribution. We considered the stationary time cases both small-scale and large-scale rarefied inhomogeneities. Mathematically such problem can be reduced to the solution of integral Fred-holm equation of second kind for Hertz potential (U). Using the decomposition of the field into the series of multiply scattered waves we obtained the expression for a probability density of the field of the plane wave and determined the moments of the scattered field. We have shown that all odd moments of the centered field (U-¡U¿) are equal to zero and the even moments depend on the intensity. It was obtained that the probability density of the field possesses the Gaussian distribution. The average field is small compared with the standard fluctuation of scattered field for all considered cases of inhomogeneities. The value of average intensity of the field is an order of a standard of fluctuations of field intensity and drops with increases the inhomogeneities length in the case of small-scale inhomogeneities. The behavior of average intensity is more complicated in the case of large-scale medium inhomogeneities. The value of average intensity is the oscillating function versus the average fluctuations length if the standard of fluctuations of inhomogeneities length is greater then the wave length. When the standard of fluctuations of medium inhomogeneities extension is smaller then the wave length, the av-erage intensity value weakly depends from the average fluctuations extension. The obtained results may be used for analysis of the electromagnetic wave propagation into the media with the fluctuating parameters caused by such factors as leafs of trees, cumulus, internal gravity waves with a chaotic phase and etc. Acknowledgment: This work was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (projects 08-02-97026 and 09-05-00450).

Obituary Analysis of Early 20th Century Marriage and Family Patterns in Northwest Ohio.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matcha, Duane A.

1995-01-01

A content analysis of obituary notices spanning a one-year period. Examined marital and family patterns such as age at marriage, length of marriage, marital status at time of death, and other factors. Single women had the highest average age at death. Patterns were less consistent among men. (RJM)

Introductory Psychology Textbooks: An Objective Analysis and Update.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Griggs, Richard A.; Jackson, Sherri L.; Christopher, Andrew N.; Marek, Pam

1999-01-01

Explores changes in the introductory psychology textbook market through an analysis of edition, author, length, and content coverage of the volumes that comprise the current market. Finds a higher edition average, a decrease in the number of authors, an increase in text pages, and a focus on developmental psychology and sensation/perception. (CMK)

A statistical analysis of energy and power demand for the tractive purposes of an electric vehicle in urban traffic - an analysis of a short and long observation period

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slaski, G.; Ohde, B.

2016-09-01

The article presents the results of a statistical dispersion analysis of an energy and power demand for tractive purposes of a battery electric vehicle. The authors compare data distribution for different values of an average speed in two approaches, namely a short and long period of observation. The short period of observation (generally around several hundred meters) results from a previously proposed macroscopic energy consumption model based on an average speed per road section. This approach yielded high values of standard deviation and coefficient of variation (the ratio between standard deviation and the mean) around 0.7-1.2. The long period of observation (about several kilometers long) is similar in length to standardized speed cycles used in testing a vehicle energy consumption and available range. The data were analysed to determine the impact of observation length on the energy and power demand variation. The analysis was based on a simulation of electric power and energy consumption performed with speed profiles data recorded in Poznan agglomeration.

Rating disease progression of Friedreich’s ataxia by the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale: analysis of a 603-patient database

PubMed Central

Coppard, Nicholas; Cooper, Jonathon M.; Delatycki, Martin B.; Dürr, Alexandra; Di Prospero, Nicholas A.; Giunti, Paola; Lynch, David R.; Schulz, J. B.; Rummey, Christian; Meier, Thomas

2013-01-01

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyse disease progression in Friedreich’s ataxia as measured by the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale. Single ratings from 603 patients with Friedreich’s ataxia were analysed as a function of disease duration, age of onset and GAA repeat lengths. The relative contribution of items and subscales to the total score was studied as a function of disease progression. In addition, the scaling properties were assessed using standard statistical measures. Average total scale progression per year depends on the age of disease onset, the time since diagnosis and the GAA repeat length. The age of onset inversely correlates with increased GAA repeat length. For patients with an age of onset ≤14 years associated with a longer repeat length, the average yearly rate of decline was 2.5 ± 0.18 points in the total International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale for the first 20 years of disease duration, whereas patients with a later onset progress more slowly (1.8 ± 0.27 points/year). Ceiling effects in posture, gait and lower limb scale items lead to a reduced sensitivity of the scale in the severely affected population with a total score of >60 points. Psychometric scaling analysis shows generally favourable properties for the total scale, but the subscale grouping could be improved. This cross-sectional study provides a detailed characterization of the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale. The analysis further provides rates of change separated for patients with early and late disease onset, which is driven by the GAA repeat length. Differences in the subscale dynamics merit consideration in the design of future clinical trials applying this scale as a neurological assessment instrument in Friedreich’s ataxia. PMID:23365101

Upper limb strength estimation of physically impaired persons using a musculoskeletal model: A sensitivity analysis.

PubMed

Carmichael, Marc G; Liu, Dikai

2015-01-01

Sensitivity of upper limb strength calculated from a musculoskeletal model was analyzed, with focus on how the sensitivity is affected when the model is adapted to represent a person with physical impairment. Sensitivity was calculated with respect to four muscle-tendon parameters: muscle peak isometric force, muscle optimal length, muscle pennation, and tendon slack length. Results obtained from a musculoskeletal model of average strength showed highest sensitivity to tendon slack length, followed by muscle optimal length and peak isometric force, which is consistent with existing studies. Muscle pennation angle was relatively insensitive. The analysis was repeated after adapting the musculoskeletal model to represent persons with varying severities of physical impairment. Results showed that utilizing the weakened model significantly increased the sensitivity of the calculated strength at the hand, with parameters previously insensitive becoming highly sensitive. This increased sensitivity presents a significant challenge in applications utilizing musculoskeletal models to represent impaired individuals.

Length of stay benchmarking in the Australian private hospital sector.

PubMed

Hanning, Brian W T

2007-02-01

Length of stay (LOS) benchmarking is a means of comparing hospital efficiency. Analysis of private cases in private facilities using Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data shows interstate variation in same-day (SD) cases and overnight average LOS (ONALOS) on an Australian Refined Diagnosis Related Groups version 4 (ARDRGv4) standardised basis. ARDRGv4 standardised analysis from 1998-99 to 2003-04 shows a steady increase in private sector SD cases (approximately 1.4% per annum) and a decrease in ONALOS (approximately 4.3% per annum). Overall, the data show significant variation in LOS parameters between private hospitals.

Cost analytic model to determine the least costly inpatient erythropoiesis stimulating therapy regimen.

PubMed

Sikand, Harminder; Decter, Adam; Greco, Tina; Watson, Sue H; Kang, Yoon Jun; Mody, Samir H; Piech, Catherine Tak; Duh, Mei Sheng; Naeem, Ayesha

2008-01-01

Unlike in outpatient settings, the comparative costs of epoetin alpha (EPO) and darbepoetin alpha (DARB) have not been evaluated broadly from the inpatient hospital perspective. To develop a cost analytic model comparing hospital inpatient costs for erythropoiesis stimulating therapies within the nephrology and oncology settings. A cost analytic model incorporating erythropoietic drug, pharmacy, and nursing costs was developed from the inpatient hospital perspective to evaluate comparative costs of EPO and DARB. Erythropoietic drug costs were calculated using unit wholesale acquisition cost multiplied by the number of units or micrograms while comparing the following dosing regimens: EPO 3 times weekly, EPO once weekly, and DARB once weekly. Pharmacy costs included dispensing and delivery costs, while nursing costs incorporated administration time costs; all were calculated by estimated fractional hours per activity multiplied by hourly wages. The total frequency of erythropoiesis stimulating therapy administrations was determined based on the average hospital length of stay. The first erythropoiesis stimulating therapy dose was assumed to occur on day 3 of hospitalization. For total inpatient costs, a weighted average was calculated across disease states. One-way sensitivity analyses were conducted by varying length of stay, day of initial erythropoiesis stimulating therapy dose, pharmacy and nursing costs, and once-weekly DARB dose. EPO 3 times weekly was the least costly regimen across all disease states evaluated. Threshold analysis indicated that the cost of once-weekly DARB regimens would have to be reduced by 37% to equal the cost of EPO 3 times weekly for an average length of stay. Sensitivity analyses did not considerably affect the results. EPO 3 times weekly was found to be the least costly erythropoiesis stimulating therapy regimen for nephrology and oncology inpatients for the average length of stay as well as most other lengths of stay considered. Once-weekly EPO was the least costly erythropoiesis stimulating therapy regimen for several other lengths of stay, while once-weekly DARB was never found to be the least costly regimen.

Average focal length and power of a section of any defined surface.

PubMed

Kaye, Stephen B

2010-04-01

To provide a method to allow calculation of the average focal length and power of a lens through a specified meridian of any defined surface, not limited to the paraxial approximations. University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom. Functions were derived to model back-vertex focal length and representative power through a meridian containing any defined surface. Average back-vertex focal length was based on the definition of the average of a function, using the angle of incidence as an independent variable. Univariate functions allowed determination of average focal length and power through a section of any defined or topographically measured surface of a known refractive index. These functions incorporated aberrations confined to the section. The proposed method closely approximates the average focal length, and by inference power, of a section (meridian) of a surface to a single or scalar value. It is not dependent on the paraxial and other nonconstant approximations and includes aberrations confined to that meridian. A generalization of this method to include all orthogonal and oblique meridians is needed before a comparison with measured wavefront values can be made. Copyright (c) 2010 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

SU-E-T-579: Impact of Cylinder Size in High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDRBT) for Primary Cancer in the Vagina

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

Zhang, H; Gopalakrishnan, M; Lee, P

2014-06-01

Purpose: To evaluate the dosimetric impact of cylinder size in high dose rate Brachytherapy for primary vaginal cancers. Methods: Patients treated with HDR vaginal vault radiation in a list of cylinders ranging from 2.5 to 4 cm in diameter at 0.5 cm increment were analyzed. All patients’ doses were prescribed at the 0.5 cm from the vaginal surface with different treatment lengths. A series of reference points were created to optimize the dose distribution. The fraction dose was 5.5 Gy, the treatment was repeated for 4 times in two weeks. A cylinder volume was contoured in each case according tomore » the prescribed treatment length, and then expanded to 5 mm to get a volume Cylinder-5mm-exp. A volume of PTV-Eval was obtained by subtracting the cylinder volume from the Cylinder-5mm-exp. The shell volume, PTV-Eval serves as the target volume for dosimetric evaluation. Results: DVH curves and average doses of PTV-Eval were obtained. Our results indicated that the DVH curves shifted toward higher dose side when larger cylinder was used instead of smaller ones. When 3.0 cm cylinder was used instead of 2.5 cm, for 3.0 cm treatment length, the average dose only increased 1%, from 790 to 799 cGy. However, the average doses for 3.5 and 4 cm cylinders respectively are 932 and 1137 cGy at the same treatment length. For 5.0 cm treatment length, the average dose is 741 cGy for 2.5 cm cylinder, and 859 cGy for 3 cm cylinder. Conclusion: Our data analysis suggests that for the vaginal intracavitary HDRBT, the average dose is at least 35% larger than the prescribed dose in the studied cases; the size of the cylinder will impact the dose delivered to the target volume. The cylinder with bigger diameter tends to deliver larger average dose to the PTV-Eval.« less

Flame surface statistics of constant-pressure turbulent expanding premixed flames

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, Abhishek; Chaudhuri, Swetaprovo; Law, Chung K.

2014-04-01

In this paper we investigate the local flame surface statistics of constant-pressure turbulent expanding flames. First the statistics of local length ratio is experimentally determined from high-speed planar Mie scattering images of spherically expanding flames, with the length ratio on the measurement plane, at predefined equiangular sectors, defined as the ratio of the actual flame length to the length of a circular-arc of radius equal to the average radius of the flame. Assuming isotropic distribution of such flame segments we then convolute suitable forms of the length-ratio probability distribution functions (pdfs) to arrive at the corresponding area-ratio pdfs. It is found that both the length ratio and area ratio pdfs are near log-normally distributed and shows self-similar behavior with increasing radius. Near log-normality and rather intermittent behavior of the flame-length ratio suggests similarity with dissipation rate quantities which stimulates multifractal analysis.

Stochastic Severing of Actin Filaments by Actin Depolymerizing Factor/Cofilin Controls the Emergence of a Steady Dynamical Regime

PubMed Central

Roland, Jeremy; Berro, Julien; Michelot, Alphée; Blanchoin, Laurent; Martiel, Jean-Louis

2008-01-01

Actin dynamics (i.e., polymerization/depolymerization) powers a large number of cellular processes. However, a great deal remains to be learned to explain the rapid actin filament turnover observed in vivo. Here, we developed a minimal kinetic model that describes key details of actin filament dynamics in the presence of actin depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin. We limited the molecular mechanism to 1), the spontaneous growth of filaments by polymerization of actin monomers, 2), the ageing of actin subunits in filaments, 3), the cooperative binding of ADF/cofilin to actin filament subunits, and 4), filament severing by ADF/cofilin. First, from numerical simulations and mathematical analysis, we found that the average filament length, 〈L〉, is controlled by the concentration of actin monomers (power law: 5/6) and ADF/cofilin (power law: −2/3). We also showed that the average subunit residence time inside the filament, 〈T〉, depends on the actin monomer (power law: −1/6) and ADF/cofilin (power law: −2/3) concentrations. In addition, filament length fluctuations are ∼20% of the average filament length. Moreover, ADF/cofilin fragmentation while modulating filament length keeps filaments in a high molar ratio of ATP- or ADP-Pi versus ADP-bound subunits. This latter property has a protective effect against a too high severing activity of ADF/cofilin. We propose that the activity of ADF/cofilin in vivo is under the control of an affinity gradient that builds up dynamically along growing actin filaments. Our analysis shows that ADF/cofilin regulation maintains actin filaments in a highly dynamical state compatible with the cytoskeleton dynamics observed in vivo. PMID:18065447

The use of transition region characteristics to improve the numerical simulation of heat transfer in bypass transitional flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, Frederick F.

1993-01-01

A method is presented for improving the numerical prediction of bypass transition heat transfer on a flat plate in a high-disturbance environment with zero or favorable pressure gradient. The method utilizes low Reynolds number k-epsilon turbulence models in combination with the characteristic parameters of the transition region. The parameters representing the characteristics of the transition region used are the intermittency, transition length and turbulent spot properties. An analysis is made of the transition length in terms of turbulent spot variables. The nondimensional spot formation rate, required for the prediction of the transition length, is shown by the analysis to be a function of the spot spreading angle, the dimensionless spot velocity ratio and the dimensionless spot area ratio. The intermittency form of the k-epsilon equations were derived from conditionally averaged equations which have been shown to be an improvement over global-time-averaged equations for the numerical calculation of the transition region. The numerical predictions are in general good agreement with the experimental data and indicate the potential use of the method in accelerating flows. Turbulence models of the k-epsilon type are known to underpredict the transition length. The present work demonstrates how incorporating transition region characteristics improves the ability of two-equation turbulence models to simulate bypass transition for flat plates with potential application to turbine vanes and blades.

Macular Ganglion Cell Imaging Study: Covariate Effects on the Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography for Glaucoma Diagnosis.

PubMed

Jeong, Jae Hoon; Choi, Yun Jeong; Park, Ki Ho; Kim, Dong Myung; Jeoung, Jin Wook

2016-01-01

To evaluate the effect of multiple covariates on the diagnostic performance of the Cirrus high-definition optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT) for glaucoma detection. A prospective case-control study was performed and included 173 recently diagnosed glaucoma patients and 63 unaffected individuals from the Macular Ganglion Cell Imaging Study. Regression analysis of receiver operating characteristic were conducted to evaluate the influence of age, spherical equivalent, axial length, optic disc size, and visual field index on the macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements. Disease severity, as measured by visual field index, had a significant effect on the diagnostic performance of all Cirrus HD-OCT parameters. Age, axial length and optic disc size were significantly associated with diagnostic accuracy of average peripapillary RNFL thickness, whereas axial length had a significant effect on the diagnostic accuracy of average GCIPL thickness. Diagnostic performance of the Cirrus HD-OCT may be more accurate in the advanced stages of glaucoma than at earlier stages. A smaller optic disc size was significantly associated with improved the diagnostic ability of average RNFL thickness measurements; however, GCIPL thickness may be less affected by age and optic disc size.

The influence of uncemented femoral stem length and design on its primary stability: a finite element analysis.

PubMed

Reimeringer, M; Nuño, N; Desmarais-Trépanier, C; Lavigne, M; Vendittoli, P A

2013-01-01

One of the crucial factors for short- and long-term clinical success of total hip arthroplasty cementless implants is primary stability. Indeed, motion at the bone-implant interface above 40 μm leads to partial bone ingrowth, while motion exceeding 150 μm completely inhibits bone ingrowth. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two cementless femoral stem designs with different lengths on the primary stability. A finite element model of a composite Sawbones(®) fourth generation, implanted with five lengths of the straight prosthesis design and four lengths of the curved prosthesis design, was loaded with hip joint and abductor forces representing two physiological activities: fast walking and stair climbing. We found that reducing the straight stem length from 146 to 54 mm increased the average micromotion from 17 to 52 μm during fast walking, while the peak value increased from 42 to 104 μm. With the curved stem, reducing length from 105 to 54 mm increased the average micromotion from 10 to 29 μm, while the peak value increased from 37 to 101 μm. Similar findings are obtained for stair climbing for both stems. Although the present study showed that femoral stem length as well as stem design directly influences its primary stability, for the two femoral stems tested, length could be reduced substantially without compromising the primary stability. With the aim of minimising surgical invasiveness, newer femoral stem design and currently well performing stems might be used with a reduced length without compromising primary stability and hence, long-term survivorship.

Central sleep apnea detection from ECG-derived respiratory signals. Application of multivariate recurrence plot analysis.

PubMed

Maier, C; Dickhaus, H

2010-01-01

This study examines the suitability of recurrence plot analysis for the problem of central sleep apnea (CSA) detection and delineation from ECG-derived respiratory (EDR) signals. A parameter describing the average length of vertical line structures in recurrence plots is calculated at a time resolution of 1 s as 'instantaneous trapping time'. Threshold comparison of this parameter is used to detect ongoing CSA. In data from 26 patients (duration 208 h) we assessed sensitivity for detection of CSA and mixed apnea (MSA) events by comparing the results obtained from 8-channel Holter ECGs to the annotations (860 CSA, 480 MSA) of simultaneously registered polysomnograms. Multivariate combination of the EDR from different ECG leads improved the detection accuracy significantly. When all eight leads were considered, an average instantaneous vertical line length above 5 correctly identified 1126 of the 1340 events (sensitivity 84%) with a total number of 1881 positive detections. We conclude that recurrence plot analysis is a promising tool for detection and delineation of CSA epochs from EDR signals with high time resolution. Moreover, the approach is likewise applicable to directly measured respiratory signals.

Karyotype variation in cultivars and spontaneous cocoa mutants (Theobroma cacao L.).

PubMed

Figueiredo, G S F; Melo, C A F; Souza, M M; Araújo, I S; Zaidan, H A; Pires, J L; Ahnert, D

2013-10-18

Four mutant cocoa accessions with morphological changes and a cultivar sample were karyomorphologically characterized. Slides were prepared by enzymatic digestion of the root meristem and squashed in 45% acetic acid, followed by 2% Giemsa staining. The chromosome number of 2n = 20 was seen in all accessions. The karyotype formula for Cacau Comum and Cacau Rui was 2n = 20m. Submetacentric chromosomes were observed in Cacau Pucala and Cacau Jaca, both with 2n = 18m + 2sm, but the karyotype formula for Cacau Sem Vidro was 2n = 16m + 4sm. Satellites were located on the long arm of the 1st and 2nd chromosome pairs of Cacau Comum, whereas Cacau Pucala had satellites on the 6th chromosome pair. Greater karyotypic variation in Cacau Sem Vidro was found, whose 1st and 2nd chromosome pairs had satellites on the long arm and 6th and 10th pairs had satellites on the short arm. Analysis revealed a lower average chromosome length in Cacau Comum (1.53 ± 0.026 µm) and a higher length in Cacau Sem Vidro (2.26 ± 0.038 µm). ANOVA revealed significant difference (P < 0.01) for the average chromosome length and the length of chromosome pairs within and between accessions. The average chromosome lengths of mutants of Cacau Rui and Cacau Jaca were not statistically different by the Tukey test at 5% probability. The karyotypic diversity observed in this study is not necessarily associated with the changing character of the accessions analyzed, but may reflect the genetic variation observed in Theobroma cacao.

Transcriptome profiling to discover putative genes associated with paraquat resistance in goosegrass (Eleusine indica L.).

PubMed

An, Jing; Shen, Xuefeng; Ma, Qibin; Yang, Cunyi; Liu, Simin; Chen, Yong

2014-01-01

Goosegrass (Eleusine indica L.), a serious annual weed in the world, has evolved resistance to several herbicides including paraquat, a non-selective herbicide. The mechanism of paraquat resistance in weeds is only partially understood. To further study the molecular mechanism underlying paraquat resistance in goosegrass, we performed transcriptome analysis of susceptible and resistant biotypes of goosegrass with or without paraquat treatment. The RNA-seq libraries generated 194,716,560 valid reads with an average length of 91.29 bp. De novo assembly analysis produced 158,461 transcripts with an average length of 1153.74 bp and 100,742 unigenes with an average length of 712.79 bp. Among these, 25,926 unigenes were assigned to 65 GO terms that contained three main categories. A total of 13,809 unigenes with 1,208 enzyme commission numbers were assigned to 314 predicted KEGG metabolic pathways, and 12,719 unigenes were categorized into 25 KOG classifications. Furthermore, our results revealed that 53 genes related to reactive oxygen species scavenging, 10 genes related to polyamines and 18 genes related to transport were differentially expressed in paraquat treatment experiments. The genes related to polyamines and transport are likely potential candidate genes that could be further investigated to confirm their roles in paraquat resistance of goosegrass. This is the first large-scale transcriptome sequencing of E. indica using the Illumina platform. Potential genes involved in paraquat resistance were identified from the assembled sequences. The transcriptome data may serve as a reference for further analysis of gene expression and functional genomics studies, and will facilitate the study of paraquat resistance at the molecular level in goosegrass.

Transcriptome Profiling to Discover Putative Genes Associated with Paraquat Resistance in Goosegrass (Eleusine indica L.)

PubMed Central

An, Jing; Shen, Xuefeng; Ma, Qibin; Yang, Cunyi; Liu, Simin; Chen, Yong

2014-01-01

Background Goosegrass (Eleusine indica L.), a serious annual weed in the world, has evolved resistance to several herbicides including paraquat, a non-selective herbicide. The mechanism of paraquat resistance in weeds is only partially understood. To further study the molecular mechanism underlying paraquat resistance in goosegrass, we performed transcriptome analysis of susceptible and resistant biotypes of goosegrass with or without paraquat treatment. Results The RNA-seq libraries generated 194,716,560 valid reads with an average length of 91.29 bp. De novo assembly analysis produced 158,461 transcripts with an average length of 1153.74 bp and 100,742 unigenes with an average length of 712.79 bp. Among these, 25,926 unigenes were assigned to 65 GO terms that contained three main categories. A total of 13,809 unigenes with 1,208 enzyme commission numbers were assigned to 314 predicted KEGG metabolic pathways, and 12,719 unigenes were categorized into 25 KOG classifications. Furthermore, our results revealed that 53 genes related to reactive oxygen species scavenging, 10 genes related to polyamines and 18 genes related to transport were differentially expressed in paraquat treatment experiments. The genes related to polyamines and transport are likely potential candidate genes that could be further investigated to confirm their roles in paraquat resistance of goosegrass. Conclusion This is the first large-scale transcriptome sequencing of E. indica using the Illumina platform. Potential genes involved in paraquat resistance were identified from the assembled sequences. The transcriptome data may serve as a reference for further analysis of gene expression and functional genomics studies, and will facilitate the study of paraquat resistance at the molecular level in goosegrass. PMID:24927422

Scaling laws and fluctuations in the statistics of word frequencies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerlach, Martin; Altmann, Eduardo G.

2014-11-01

In this paper, we combine statistical analysis of written texts and simple stochastic models to explain the appearance of scaling laws in the statistics of word frequencies. The average vocabulary of an ensemble of fixed-length texts is known to scale sublinearly with the total number of words (Heaps’ law). Analyzing the fluctuations around this average in three large databases (Google-ngram, English Wikipedia, and a collection of scientific articles), we find that the standard deviation scales linearly with the average (Taylor's law), in contrast to the prediction of decaying fluctuations obtained using simple sampling arguments. We explain both scaling laws (Heaps’ and Taylor) by modeling the usage of words using a Poisson process with a fat-tailed distribution of word frequencies (Zipf's law) and topic-dependent frequencies of individual words (as in topic models). Considering topical variations lead to quenched averages, turn the vocabulary size a non-self-averaging quantity, and explain the empirical observations. For the numerous practical applications relying on estimations of vocabulary size, our results show that uncertainties remain large even for long texts. We show how to account for these uncertainties in measurements of lexical richness of texts with different lengths.

Correlation between length and tilt of lipid tails

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopelevich, Dmitry I.; Nagle, John F.

2015-10-01

It is becoming recognized from simulations, and to a lesser extent from experiment, that the classical Helfrich-Canham membrane continuum mechanics model can be fruitfully enriched by the inclusion of molecular tilt, even in the fluid, chain disordered, biologically relevant phase of lipid bilayers. Enriched continuum theories then add a tilt modulus κθ to accompany the well recognized bending modulus κ. Different enrichment theories largely agree for many properties, but it has been noticed that there is considerable disagreement in one prediction; one theory postulates that the average length of the hydrocarbon chain tails increases strongly with increasing tilt and another predicts no increase. Our analysis of an all-atom simulation favors the latter theory, but it also shows that the overall tail length decreases slightly with increasing tilt. We show that this deviation from continuum theory can be reconciled by consideration of the average shape of the tails, which is a descriptor not obviously includable in continuum theory.

Information theory analysis of Australian humpback whale song.

PubMed

Miksis-Olds, Jennifer L; Buck, John R; Noad, Michael J; Cato, Douglas H; Stokes, M Dale

2008-10-01

Songs produced by migrating whales were recorded off the coast of Queensland, Australia, over six consecutive weeks in 2003. Forty-eight independent song sessions were analyzed using information theory techniques. The average length of the songs estimated by correlation analysis was approximately 100 units, with song sessions lasting from 300 to over 3100 units. Song entropy, a measure of structural constraints, was estimated using three different methodologies: (1) the independently identically distributed model, (2) a first-order Markov model, and (3) the nonparametric sliding window match length (SWML) method, as described by Suzuki et al. [(2006). "Information entropy of humpback whale song," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 119, 1849-1866]. The analysis finds that the song sequences of migrating Australian whales are consistent with the hierarchical structure proposed by Payne and McVay [(1971). "Songs of humpback whales," Science 173, 587-597], and recently supported mathematically by Suzuki et al. (2006) for singers on the Hawaiian breeding grounds. Both the SWML entropy estimates and the song lengths for the Australian singers in 2003 were lower than that reported by Suzuki et al. (2006) for Hawaiian whales in 1976-1978; however, song redundancy did not differ between these two populations separated spatially and temporally. The average total information in the sequence of units in Australian song was approximately 35 bits/song. Aberrant songs (8%) yielded entropies similar to the typical songs.

Statistical errors in molecular dynamics averages

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

Schiferl, S.K.; Wallace, D.C.

1985-11-15

A molecular dynamics calculation produces a time-dependent fluctuating signal whose average is a thermodynamic quantity of interest. The average of the kinetic energy, for example, is proportional to the temperature. A procedure is described for determining when the molecular dynamics system is in equilibrium with respect to a given variable, according to the condition that the mean and the bandwidth of the signal should be sensibly constant in time. Confidence limits for the mean are obtained from an analysis of a finite length of the equilibrium signal. The role of serial correlation in this analysis is discussed. The occurence ofmore » unstable behavior in molecular dynamics data is noted, and a statistical test for a level shift is described.« less

Practical approximations to quantify the impact of time windows and delivery sizes on VMT multi-stop tours.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-04-01

This paper studies approximations to the average length of Vehicle Routing Problems (VRP). The approximations are valuable for strategic and : planning analysis of transportation and logistics problems. The research focus is on VRP with varying numbe...

NMR and IR Spectroscopy for the Structural Characterization of Edible Fats and Oils: An Instrumental Analysis Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crowther, Molly W.

2008-01-01

This article describes an upper-level instrumental laboratory for undergraduates that explores the complementary nature of IR and NMR spectroscopy for analysis of several edible fats and oils that are structurally similar but differ in physical properties and health implications. Five different fats and oils are analyzed for average chain length,…

Sampling Utterances and Grammatical Analysis Revised (SUGAR): New Normative Values for Language Sample Analysis Measures

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pavelko, Stacey L.; Owens, Robert E., Jr.

2017-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to document whether mean length of utterance (MLU[subscript S]), total number of words (TNW), clauses per sentence (CPS), and/or words per sentence (WPS) demonstrated age-related changes in children with typical language and to document the average time to collect, transcribe, and analyze conversational…

Cooling of Gas Turbines. 3; Analysis of Rotor and Blade Temperatures in Liquid-Cooled Gas Turbines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, W. Byron; Livingood, John N. B.

1947-01-01

A theoretical analysis of the radial temperature distribution through the rotor and constant cross sectional area blades near the coolant passages of liquid cooled gas turbines was made. The analysis was applied to obtain the rotor and blade temperatures of a specific turbine using a gas flow of 55 pounds per second, a coolant flow of 6.42 pounds per second, and an average coolant temperature of 200 degrees F. The effect of using kerosene, water, and ethylene glycol was determined. The effect of varying blade length and coolant passage lengths with water as the coolant was also determined. The effective gas temperature was varied from 2000 degrees to 5000 degrees F in each investigation.

Linear stability analysis of scramjet unstart

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Ik; Nichols, Joseph; Moin, Parviz

2015-11-01

We investigate the bifurcation structure of unstart and restart events in a dual-mode scramjet using the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. The scramjet of interest (HyShot II, Laurence et al., AIAA2011-2310) operates at a free-stream Mach number of approximately 8, and the length of the combustor chamber is 300mm. A heat-release model is applied to mimic the combustion process. Pseudo-arclength continuation with Newton-Raphson iteration is used to calculate multiple solution branches. Stability analysis based on linearized dynamics about the solution curves reveals a metric that optimally forewarns unstart. By combining direct and adjoint eigenmodes, structural sensitivity analysis suggests strategies for unstart mitigation, including changing the isolator length. This work is supported by DOE/NNSA and AFOSR.

Recent Advances in Insect Olfaction, Specifically Regarding the Morphology and Sensory Physiology of Antennal Sensilla of the Female Sphinx Moth Manduca sexta

PubMed Central

SHIELDS, VONNIE D.C.; HILDEBRAND, JOHN G.

2008-01-01

The antennal flagellum of female Manduca sexta bears eight sensillum types: two trichoid, two basiconic, one auriculate, two coeloconic, and one styliform complex sensilla. The first type of trichoid sensillum averages 34 μm in length and is innervated by two sensory cells. The second type averages 26 μm in length and is innervated by either one or three sensory cells. The first type of basiconic sensillum averages 22 μm in length, while the second type averages 15 μm in length. Both types are innervated by three bipolar sensory cells. The auriculate sensillum averages 4 μm in length and is innervated by two bipolar sensory cells. The coeloconic type-A and type-B both average 2 μm in length. The former type is innervated by five bipolar sensory cells, while the latter type, by three bipolar sensory cells. The styliform complex sensillum occurs singly on each annulus and averages 38-40 μm in length. It is formed by several contiguous sensilla. Each unit is innervated by three bipolar sensory cells. A total of 2,216 sensilla were found on a single annulus (annulus 21) of the flagellum. Electrophysiological responses from type-A trichoid sensilla to a large panel of volatile odorants revealed three different subsets of olfactory receptor cells (ORCs). Two subsets responded strongly to only a narrow range of odorants, while the third responded strongly to a broad range of odorants. Anterograde labeling of ORCs from type-A trichoid sensilla revealed that their axons projected mainly to two large female glomeruli of the antennal lobe. PMID:11754510

Log-Normality and Multifractal Analysis of Flame Surface Statistics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, Abhishek; Chaudhuri, Swetaprovo; Law, Chung K.

2013-11-01

The turbulent flame surface is typically highly wrinkled and folded at a multitude of scales controlled by various flame properties. It is useful if the information contained in this complex geometry can be projected onto a simpler regular geometry for the use of spectral, wavelet or multifractal analyses. Here we investigate local flame surface statistics of turbulent flame expanding under constant pressure. First the statistics of local length ratio is experimentally obtained from high-speed Mie scattering images. For spherically expanding flame, length ratio on the measurement plane, at predefined equiangular sectors is defined as the ratio of the actual flame length to the length of a circular-arc of radius equal to the average radius of the flame. Assuming isotropic distribution of such flame segments we convolute suitable forms of the length-ratio probability distribution functions (pdfs) to arrive at corresponding area-ratio pdfs. Both the pdfs are found to be near log-normally distributed and shows self-similar behavior with increasing radius. Near log-normality and rather intermittent behavior of the flame-length ratio suggests similarity with dissipation rate quantities which stimulates multifractal analysis. Currently at Indian Institute of Science, India.

The Distribution of Lightning Channel Lengths in Northern Alabama Thunderstorms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peterson, H. S.; Koshak, W. J.

2010-01-01

Lightning is well known to be a major source of tropospheric NOx, and in most cases is the dominant natural source (Huntreiser et al 1998, Jourdain and Hauglustaine 2001). Production of NOx by a segment of a lightning channel is a function of channel segment energy density and channel segment altitude. A first estimate of NOx production by a lightning flash can be found by multiplying production per segment [typically 104 J/m; Hill (1979)] by the total length of the flash s channel. The purpose of this study is to determine average channel length for lightning flashes near NALMA in 2008, and to compare average channel length of ground flashes to the average channel length of cloud flashes.

Using Different Standardized Methods for Species Identification: A Case Study Using Beaks from Three Ommastrephid Species

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Guanyu; Fang, Zhou; Liu, Bilin; Chen, Xinjun; Staples, Kevin; Chen, Yong

2018-04-01

The cephalopod beak is a vital hard structure with a stable configuration and has been widely used for the identification of cephalopod species. This study was conducted to determine the best standardization method for identifying different species by measuring 12 morphological variables of the beaks of Illex argentinus, Ommastrephes bartramii, and Dosidicus gigas that were collected by Chinese jigging vessels. To remove the effects of size, these morphometric variables were standardized using three methods. The average ratios of the upper beak morphological variables and upper crest length of O. bartramii and D. gigas were found to be greater than those of I. argentinus. However, for lower beaks, only the average of LRL (lower rostrum length)/ LCL (lower crest length), LRW (lower rostrum width)/ LCL, and LLWL (lower lateral wall length)/ LCL of O. bartramii and D. gigas were greater than those of I. argentinus. The ratios of beak morphological variables and crest length were found to be all significantly different among the three species ( P < 0.001). Among the three standardization methods, the correct classification rate of stepwise discriminant analysis (SDA) was the highest using the ratios of beak morphological variables and crest length. Compared with hood length, the correct classification rate was slightly higher when using beak variables standardized by crest length using an allometric model. The correct classification rate of the lower beak was also found to be greater than that of the upper beak. This study indicates that the ratios of beak morphological variables to crest length could be used for interspecies and intraspecies identification. Meanwhile, the lower beak variables were found to be more effective than upper beak variables in classifying beaks found in the stomachs of predators.

Rock fracture skeleton tracing by image processing and quantitative analysis by geometry features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Yanjie

2016-06-01

In rock engineering, fracture measurement is important for many applications. This paper proposes a novel method for rock fracture skeleton tracing and analyzing. As for skeleton localizing, the curvilinear fractures are multiscale enhanced based on a Hessian matrix, after image binarization, and clutters are post-processed by image analysis; subsequently, the fracture skeleton is extracted via ridge detection combined with a distance transform and thinning algorithm, after which gap sewing and burrs removal repair the skeleton. In regard to skeleton analyzing, the roughness and distribution of a fracture network are respectively described by the fractal dimensions D s and D b; the intersection and fragmentation of a fracture network are respectively characterized by the average number of ends and junctions per fracture N average and the average length per fracture L average. Three rock fracture surfaces are analyzed for experiments and the results verify that both the fracture tracing accuracy and the analysis feasibility are satisfactory using the new method.

[The impacts of the multidisciplinary team model on the length of stay and hospital expenses of patients with lung cancer].

PubMed

Zou, Jing; Xu, Xingxiang; Wang, Daxin; Xu, Jin; Gu, Wenju

2015-05-01

To explore the impacts of the multidisciplinary team model on the average length of stay and hospital expenses of patients with lung cancer. After the multidisciplinary team discussion, 97 patients with lung cancer were selected as the lung cancer group according to the enrollment and elimination criteria the control group was 97 patients with lung cancer managed without team discussion during the same period. All the patients were firstly diagnosed to have lung cancer from December 2011 to December 2013 in Subei People's Hospital. The length of stay, hospital expenses, stages of tumor, types of tumor, Zubrod-ECOG-WHO score, the form of payment, smoking history, sex and age of all the patients were collected. The difference in the average length of stay and hospital expenses between the 2 groups and the associated factors were analyzed by using χ² test, t test and multi-factor stepwise regression analysis. There were 68 males and 29 females with a mean age of (61 ± 9) years in the lung cancer group, while there were 73 males and 24 females with a mean age of (63 ± 10) years in the control group. There were no differences between the 2 groups in tumor staging, tumor types, Zubrod-ECOG-WHO score, the form of payment, smoking history, sex and age (χ² = 4.854, P = 0.563, χ² = 4.248, P = 0.097; χ² = 0.395, P = 0.821; χ² = 1.191, P = 0.554; χ² = 0.108, P = 0.977; χ² = 1.011, P = 0.389; χ² = 0.649, P = 0.519; P = 0.474, P = 0.845, respectively). The average hospital expenses (13 303 vs 16 553, Yuan) were lower and the length of stay (10.33 vs 12.49, days) was shorter in the lung cancer group as compared to the control group (t = 2.616, P = 0.010; t = 2.730, P = 0.007), especially so for the first clinical hospitalization (15 953 vs 19 485 yuan, t = 2.315, P = 0.022; 12.71 vs 14.75 days, t = 1.979, P = 0.049). The average length of stay and the tumor stages were the main factors associated with the average hospital expenses. Except for patients with the limited stage of small cell lung cancer, the average length of stay and hospital expenses showed a tendency to reduce in different stages of the lung cancer group. The hospital cost was lower and the length of stay shorter for patients with stages Ia-IIIa and IIIb-IV in the lung cancer group as compared to the control group (6 722 vs 8 188 yuan; 1.09 vs 2.65 days). The multidisciplinary team model was an effective measure to cut down the hospital expenses and shorten the length of stay of lung cancer patients, especially for the first hospitalization. Patients may benefit from the multidisciplinary team approach according to their stages. On the basis of reducing the hospital costs and the length of stay, it further reduced the gap of the length of stay and hospital expenses between patients with Ia-IIIa and IIIb-IV diseases, while patients with stage Ia-IIIa disease seemed to benefit more.

A modification in the technique of computing average lengths from the scales of fishes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Oosten, John

1953-01-01

In virtually all the studies that employ scales, otollths, or bony structures to obtain the growth history of fishes, it has been the custom to compute lengths for each individual fish and from these data obtain the average growth rates for any particular group. This method involves a considerable amount of mathematical manipulation, time, and effort. Theoretically it should be possible to obtain the same information simply by averaging the scale measurements for each year of life and the length of the fish employed and computing the average lengths from these data. This method would eliminate all calculations for individual fish. Although Van Oosten (1929: 338) pointed out many years ago the validity of this method of computation, his statements apparently have been overlooked by subsequent investigators.

Intensity noise limit in a phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometer with a semiconductor laser source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

E Alekseev, A.; Tezadov, Ya A.; Potapov, V. T.

2017-05-01

In the present paper we perform, for the first time, the analysis of the average intensity noise power level at the output of a coherent phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometer (phase-OTDR) with a semiconductor laser source. The origin of the considered intensity noise lies in random phase fluctuations of a semiconductor laser source field. These phase fluctuations are converted to intensity noise in the process of interference of backscattered light. This intensity noise inevitably emerges in every phase-OTDR spatial channel and limits its sensitivity to external phase actions. The analysis of intensity noise in a phase-OTDR was based on the study of a fiber scattered-light interferometer (FSLI) which is treated as the constituent part of OTDR. When considered independently, FSLI has a broad intensity noise spectrum at its output; when FSLI is treated as a part of a phase-OTDR, due to aliasing effect, the wide FSLI noise spectrum is folded within the spectral band, determined by the probe pulse repetition frequency. In the analysis one of the conventional phase-OTDR schemes with rectangular dual-pulse probe signal was considered, the FSLI, which corresponds to this OTDR scheme, has two scattering fiber segments with additional time delay introduced between backscattered fields. The average intensity noise power and resulting noise spectrum at the output of this FSLI are determined by the degree of coherence of the semiconductor laser source, the length of the scattering fiber segments and by the additional time delay between the scattering segments. The average intensity noise characteristics at the output of the corresponding phase-OTDR are determined by the analogous parameters: the source coherence, the lengths of the parts constituting the dual-pulse and the time interval which separates the parts of the dual-pulse. In the paper the expression for the average noise power spectral density (NPSD) at the output of FSLI was theoretically derived and experimentally verified. Based on the found average NPSD of FSLI, a simple relation connecting the phase-OTDR parameters and the limiting level of full average intensity noise power at its output was derived. This relation was verified by experimental measurement of the average noise power at the output of phase-OTDR. The limiting noise level, considered in the paper, determines the fundamental noise floor for the phase-OTDR with given parameters of the source coherence, probe pulse length and time delay between two pulses constituting the dual-pulse.

Characterizing cosmic-ray propagation in massive star-forming regions: The case of 30 Doradus and the large Magellanic cloud

DOE PAGES

Murphy, E. J.; Porter, T. A.; Moskalenko, I. V.; ...

2012-04-24

We investigate the propagation characteristics of cosmic-ray (CR) electrons and nuclei in the 30 Doradus (30 Dor) star-forming region in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) using infrared, radio, and γ-ray data and a phenomenological model based on the radio-far-infrared correlation within galaxies. By employing a correlation analysis, we derive an average propagation length of ~100-140 pc for ~3 GeV CR electrons resident in 30 Dor from consideration of the radio and infrared data. Assuming that the observed γ-ray emission toward 30 Dor is associated with the star-forming region, and applying the same methodology to the infrared and γ-ray data, wemore » estimate a ~20 GeV propagation length of 200-320 pc for the CR nuclei. This is approximately twice as large as for ~3 GeV CR electrons, corresponding to a spatial diffusion coefficient that is ~4 times higher, scaling as (R/GV) δ with δ ≈ 0.7-0.8 depending on the smearing kernel used in the correlation analysis. This value is in agreement with the results found by extending the correlation analysis to include ~70 GeV CR nuclei traced by the 3-10 GeV γ-ray data (δ ≈ 0.66 ± 0.23). Using the mean age of the stellar populations in 30 Dor and the results from our correlation analysis, we estimate a diffusion coefficient D R ≈ (0.9-1.0) × 10 27(R/GV) 0.7 cm 2 s –1. We also compare the values of the CR electron propagation length and surface brightness for 30 Dor and the LMC as a whole with those of entire disk galaxies. We find that the trend of decreasing average CR propagation distance with increasing disk-averaged star formation activity holds for the LMC, and extends down to single star-forming regions, at least for the case of 30 Dor.« less

Spatial patterns of frequent floods in Switzerland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneeberger, Klaus; Rössler, Ole; Weingartner, Rolf

2017-04-01

Information about the spatial characteristics of high and extreme streamflow is often needed for an accurate analysis of flood risk and effective co-ordination of flood related activities, such as flood defence planning. In this study we analyse the spatial dependence of frequent floods in Switzerland across different scales. Firstly, we determine the average length of high and extreme flow events for 56 runoff time series of Swiss rivers. Secondly, a dependence measure expressing the probability that streamflow peaks are as high as peaks at a conditional site is used to describe and map the spatial extend of joint occurrence of frequent floods across Switzerland. Thirdly, we apply a cluster analysis to identify groups of sites that are likely to react similarly in terms of joint occurrence of high flow events. The results indicate that a time interval with a length of 3 days seems to be most appropriate to characterise the average length of high streamflow events across spatial scales. In the main Swiss basins, high and extreme streamflows were found to be asymptotically independent. In contrast, at the meso-scale distinct flood regions, which react similarly in terms of occurrence of frequent flood, were found. The knowledge about these regions can help to optimise flood defence planning or to estimate regional flood risk properly.

Macular Ganglion Cell Imaging Study: Covariate Effects on the Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography for Glaucoma Diagnosis

PubMed Central

Jeong, Jae Hoon; Choi, Yun Jeong; Park, Ki Ho; Kim, Dong Myung

2016-01-01

Purpose To evaluate the effect of multiple covariates on the diagnostic performance of the Cirrus high-definition optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT) for glaucoma detection. Methods A prospective case-control study was performed and included 173 recently diagnosed glaucoma patients and 63 unaffected individuals from the Macular Ganglion Cell Imaging Study. Regression analysis of receiver operating characteristic were conducted to evaluate the influence of age, spherical equivalent, axial length, optic disc size, and visual field index on the macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements. Results Disease severity, as measured by visual field index, had a significant effect on the diagnostic performance of all Cirrus HD-OCT parameters. Age, axial length and optic disc size were significantly associated with diagnostic accuracy of average peripapillary RNFL thickness, whereas axial length had a significant effect on the diagnostic accuracy of average GCIPL thickness. Conclusions Diagnostic performance of the Cirrus HD-OCT may be more accurate in the advanced stages of glaucoma than at earlier stages. A smaller optic disc size was significantly associated with improved the diagnostic ability of average RNFL thickness measurements; however, GCIPL thickness may be less affected by age and optic disc size. PMID:27490718

Genome Survey Sequencing for the Characterization of the Genetic Background of Rosa roxburghii Tratt and Leaf Ascorbate Metabolism Genes.

PubMed

Lu, Min; An, Huaming; Li, Liangliang

2016-01-01

Rosa roxburghii Tratt is an important commercial horticultural crop in China that is recognized for its nutritional and medicinal values. In spite of the economic significance, genomic information on this rose species is currently unavailable. In the present research, a genome survey of R. roxburghii was carried out using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. Total 30.29 Gb sequence data was obtained by HiSeq 2500 sequencing and an estimated genome size of R. roxburghii was 480.97 Mb, in which the guanine plus cytosine (GC) content was calculated to be 38.63%. All of these reads were technically assembled and a total of 627,554 contigs with a N50 length of 1.484 kb and furthermore 335,902 scaffolds with a total length of 409.36 Mb were obtained. Transposable elements (TE) sequence of 90.84 Mb which comprised 29.20% of the genome, and 167,859 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified from the scaffolds. Among these, the mono-(66.30%), di-(25.67%), and tri-(6.64%) nucleotide repeats contributed to nearly 99% of the SSRs, and sequence motifs AG/CT (28.81%) and GAA/TTC (14.76%) were the most abundant among the dinucleotide and trinucleotide repeat motifs, respectively. Genome analysis predicted a total of 22,721 genes which have an average length of 2311.52 bp, an average exon length of 228.15 bp, and average intron length of 401.18 bp. Eleven genes putatively involved in ascorbate metabolism were identified and its expression in R. roxburghii leaves was validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). This is the first report of genome-wide characterization of this rose species.

Bioinformatic analysis of phage AB3, a phiKMV-like virus infecting Acinetobacter baumannii.

PubMed

Zhang, J; Liu, X; Li, X-J

2015-01-16

The phages of Acinetobacter baumannii has drawn increasing attention because of the multi-drug resistance of A. baumanni. The aim of this study was to sequence Acinetobacter baumannii phage AB3 and conduct bioinformatic analysis to lay a foundation for genome remodeling and phage therapy. We isolated and sequenced A. baumannii phage AB3 and attempted to annotate and analyze its genome. The results showed that the genome is a double-stranded DNA with a total length of 31,185 base pairs (bp) and 97 open reading frames greater than 100 bp. The genome includes 28 predicted genes, of which 24 are homologous to phage AB1. The entire coding sequence is located on the negative strand, representing 90.8% of the total length. The G+C mol% was 39.18%, without areas of high G+C content over 200 bp in length. No GC island, tRNA gene, or repeated sequence was identified. Gene lengths were 120-3099 bp, with an average of 1011 bp. Six genes were found to be greater than 2000 bp in length. Genomic alignment and phylogenetic analysis of the RNA polymerase gene showed that similar to phage AB1, phage AB3 is a phiKMV-like virus in the T7 phage family.

Vocal tract length and formant frequency dispersion correlate with body size in rhesus macaques.

PubMed

Fitch, W T

1997-08-01

Body weight, length, and vocal tract length were measured for 23 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) of various sizes using radiographs and computer graphic techniques. linear predictive coding analysis of tape-recorded threat vocalizations were used to determine vocal tract resonance frequencies ("formants") for the same animals. A new acoustic variable is proposed, "formant dispersion," which should theoretically depend upon vocal tract length. Formant dispersion is the averaged difference between successive formant frequencies, and was found to be closely tied to both vocal tract length and body size. Despite the common claim that voice fundamental frequency (F0) provides an acoustic indication of body size, repeated investigations have failed to support such a relationship in many vertebrate species including humans. Formant dispersion, unlike voice pitch, is proposed to be a reliable predictor of body size in macaques, and probably many other species.

Comparison of male and female foot shape.

PubMed

Luo, Gangming; Houston, Vern L; Mussman, Martin; Garbarini, Maryanne; Beattie, Aaron C; Thongpop, Chaiya

2009-01-01

Morphological and geometric differences between male and female feet can be the decisive factor of whether well-fitting, functional, and comfortable footwear is available for both men and women. Optical scans, plaster wrap casts, and a set of manual measurements from the right feet of 51 female participants, aged 20 to 59 years (32 +/- 10.2 years), and 39 male participants, aged 22 to 71 years (47.1 +/- 12.1 years), were taken to determine which parameters were the most significant in characterizing pedal geometry and which had the largest difference between male and female feet. Analysis showed that the heel-to-ball length (ball length) of the male participants' feet (181.5 mm) was significantly longer, on average, than that of the female participants' feet (165.0 mm). The width of the male paticipants' feet at the ball, instep, and heel regions, as well as the ball circumference, normalized by the ball length, were all significantly larger on average, than the female test participants' feet. However, toe region, instep, and medial and lateral malleoli heights were larger, on average, for the female participants than for the male. The results show that female feet differ in size and shape from male feet and are not algebraically scaled, smaller versions of male feet, as is often assumed. The study shows that the average male participants' feet are longer than that of the female participants' feet, while the female feet are relatively narrower but higher than those of the male participants.

Interpretation of scanning electron microscope measurements of minority carrier diffusion lengths in semiconductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flat, A.; Milnes, A. G.

1978-01-01

In scanning electron microscope (SEM) injection measurements of minority carrier diffusion lengths some uncertainties of interpretation exist when the response current is nonlinear with distance. This is significant in epitaxial layers where the layer thickness is not large in relation to the diffusion length, and where there are large surface recombination velocities on the incident and contact surfaces. An image method of analysis is presented for such specimens. A method of using the results to correct the observed response in a simple convenient way is presented. The technique is illustrated with reference to measurements in epitaxial layers of GaAs. Average beam penetration depth may also be estimated from the curve shape.

Variation in leader length of bitterbrush

Treesearch

Richard L. Hubbard; David. Dunaway

1958-01-01

The estimation of herbage production and· utilization in browse plants has been a problem for many years. Most range technicians have simply estimated the average length of twigs or leaders. then expressed use by deer and livestock as a percentage thereof based on the estimated average length left after grazing. Riordan used this method on mountain mahogany (

An Investigation of the Differences and Similarities between Generated Small-World Networks for Right- and Left-Hand Motor Imageries.

PubMed

Zhang, Jiang; Li, Yuyao; Chen, Huafu; Ding, Jurong; Yuan, Zhen

2016-11-04

In this study, small-world network analysis was performed to identify the similarities and differences between functional brain networks for right- and left-hand motor imageries (MIs). First, Pearson correlation coefficients among the nodes within the functional brain networks from healthy subjects were calculated. Then, small-world network indicators, including the clustering coefficient, the average path length, the global efficiency, the local efficiency, the average node degree, and the small-world index, were generated for the functional brain networks during both right- and left-hand MIs. We identified large differences in the small-world network indicators between the functional networks during MI and in the random networks. More importantly, the functional brain networks underlying the right- and left-hand MIs exhibited similar small-world properties in terms of the clustering coefficient, the average path length, the global efficiency, and the local efficiency. By contrast, the right- and left-hand MI brain networks showed differences in small-world characteristics, including indicators such as the average node degree and the small-world index. Interestingly, our findings also suggested that the differences in the activity intensity and range, the average node degree, and the small-world index of brain networks between the right- and left-hand MIs were associated with the asymmetry of brain functions.

Youth Baseball Pitching Stride Length: Normal Values and Correlation With Field Testing

PubMed Central

Fry, Karl E.; Pipkin, Andrew; Wittman, Kelcie; Hetzel, Scott; Sherry, Marc

2016-01-01

Background: Pitching biomechanical analysis has been recommended as an important component of performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Normal values for youth pitching stride length have not been established, leading to application of normative values found among professional pitchers to youth pitchers. Hypotheses: The average youth pitching stride length will be significantly less than that of college and professional pitchers. There will be a positive correlation between stride length, lower extremity power, balance, and pitching experience. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Ninety-two youth baseball pitchers (aged 9-14 years) met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and completed the study. Stride length was recorded using a Dartfish video system over 3 maximal effort pitches. Both intra- and interrater reliability was calculated for the assessment of stride length. Double-leg vertical jump, single-leg stance time, leg length, weight, age, and pitching experience were also recorded. Results: Mean (SD) stride length was 66.0% (7.1%) of height. Stride length was correlated (P < 0.01) with vertical jump (0.38), pitching experience (0.36), and single-leg balance (0.28), with excellent intra- and interrater reliability (0.985 or higher). No significant correlations between stride length and body weight, leg length, or age existed. Conclusions: There was a significant difference between youth pitching stride length and the current published norms for older and more elite throwers. There was a positive correlation between stride length and lower extremity power, pitching experience, and single-leg balance. Clinical Relevance: Two-dimensional analysis of stride length allows for the assessment of pitching biomechanics in a practical manner. These values can be used for return to pitching parameters after an injury and designing injury prevention and performance programs. PMID:27864504

Youth Baseball Pitching Stride Length: Normal Values and Correlation With Field Testing.

PubMed

Fry, Karl E; Pipkin, Andrew; Wittman, Kelcie; Hetzel, Scott; Sherry, Marc

Pitching biomechanical analysis has been recommended as an important component of performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. Normal values for youth pitching stride length have not been established, leading to application of normative values found among professional pitchers to youth pitchers. The average youth pitching stride length will be significantly less than that of college and professional pitchers. There will be a positive correlation between stride length, lower extremity power, balance, and pitching experience. Prospective cohort study. Level 3. Ninety-two youth baseball pitchers (aged 9-14 years) met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and completed the study. Stride length was recorded using a Dartfish video system over 3 maximal effort pitches. Both intra- and interrater reliability was calculated for the assessment of stride length. Double-leg vertical jump, single-leg stance time, leg length, weight, age, and pitching experience were also recorded. Mean (SD) stride length was 66.0% (7.1%) of height. Stride length was correlated ( P < 0.01) with vertical jump (0.38), pitching experience (0.36), and single-leg balance (0.28), with excellent intra- and interrater reliability (0.985 or higher). No significant correlations between stride length and body weight, leg length, or age existed. There was a significant difference between youth pitching stride length and the current published norms for older and more elite throwers. There was a positive correlation between stride length and lower extremity power, pitching experience, and single-leg balance. Two-dimensional analysis of stride length allows for the assessment of pitching biomechanics in a practical manner. These values can be used for return to pitching parameters after an injury and designing injury prevention and performance programs.

Cellulosic nanowhiskers. Theory and application of light scattering from polydisperse spheroids in the Rayleigh-Gans-Debye regime.

PubMed

Braun, Birgit; Dorgan, John R; Chandler, John P

2008-04-01

Mathematical treatment of light scattering within the Rayleigh-Gans-Debye limit for spheroids with polydispersity in both length and diameter is developed and experimentally tested using cellulosic nanowhiskers (CNW). Polydispersity indices are obtained by fitting the theoretical formfactor to experimental data. Good agreement is achieved using a polydispersity of 2.3 for the length, independent of the type of acid used. Diameter polydispersities are 2.1 and 3.0 for sulfuric and hydrochloric acids, respectively. These polydispersities allow the determination of average dimensions from the z-average mean-square radius (z) and the weight-average molecular weight (M w) easily obtained from Berry plots. For cotton linter hydrolyzed by hydrochloric acid, the average length and diameter are 244 and 22 nm. This compares to average length and diameter of 272 and 13 nm for sulfuric acid. This study establishes a new light-scattering methodology as a quick and robust tool for size characterization of polydisperse spheroidal nanoparticles.

Fan Noise Source Diagnostic Test: Vane Unsteady Pressure Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Envia, Edmane

2002-01-01

To investigate the nature of fan outlet guide vane pressure fluctuations and their link to rotor-stator interaction noise, time histories of vane fluctuating pressures were digitally acquired as part of the Fan Noise Source Diagnostic Test. Vane unsteady pressures were measured at seven fan tip speeds for both a radial and a swept vane configuration. Using time-domain averaging and spectral analysis, the blade passing frequency (BPF) harmonic and broadband contents of the vane pressures were individually analyzed. Significant Sound Pressure Level (SPL) reductions were observed for the swept vane relative to the radial vane for the BPF harmonics of vane pressure, but vane broadband reductions due to sweep turned out to be much smaller especially on an average basis. Cross-correlation analysis was used to establish the level of spatial coherence of broadband pressures between different locations on the vane and integral length scales of pressure fluctuations were estimated from these correlations. Two main results of this work are: (1) the average broadband level on the vane (in dB) increases linearly with the fan tip speed for both the radial and swept vanes, and (2) the broadband pressure distribution on the vane is nearly homogeneous and its integral length scale is a monotonically decreasing function of fan tip speed.

Preliminary genetic linkage map of the abalone Haliotis diversicolor Reeve

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Yaohua; Guo, Ximing; Gu, Zhifeng; Wang, Aimin; Wang, Yan

2010-05-01

Haliotis diversicolor Reeve is one of the most important mollusks cultured in South China. Preliminary genetic linkage maps were constructed with amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. A total of 2 596 AFLP markers were obtained from 28 primer combinations in two parents and 78 offsprings. Among them, 412 markers (15.9%) were polymorphic and segregated in the mapping family. Chi-square tests showed that 151 (84.4%) markers segregated according to the expected 1:1 Mendelian ratio ( P<0.05) in the female parent, and 200 (85.8%) in the male parent. For the female map, 179 markers were used for linkage analysis and 90 markers were assigned to 17 linkage groups with an average interval length of 25.7 cm. For the male map, 233 markers were used and 94 were mapped into 18 linkage groups, with an average interval of 25.0 cm. The estimated genome length was 2 773.0 cm for the female and 2 817.1 cm for the male map. The observed length of the linkage map was 1 875.2 cm and 1 896.5 cm for the female and male maps, respectively. When doublets were considered, the map length increased to 2 152.8 cm for the female and 2 032.7 cm for the male map, corresponding to genome coverage of 77.6% and 72.2%, respectively.

Comparison of different digital elevation models and satellite imagery for lineament analysis: Implications for identification and spatial arrangement of fault zones in crystalline basement rocks of the southern Black Forest (Germany)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meixner, J.; Grimmer, J. C.; Becker, A.; Schill, E.; Kohl, T.

2018-03-01

GIS-based remote sensing techniques and lineament mapping provide additional information on the spatial arrangement of faults and fractures in large areas with variable outcrop conditions. Due to inherent censoring and truncation bias mapping of lineaments is still a challenging task. In this study we show how statistical evaluations help to improve the reliability of lineament mappings by comparing two digital elevation models (ASTER, LIDAR) and satellite imagery data sets in the seismically active southern Black Forest. A statistical assessment of the orientation, average length, and the total length of mapped lineaments reveals an impact of the different resolutions of the data sets that allow to define maximum (censoring bias) and minimum (truncation bias) observable lineament length for each data set. The increase of the spatial resolution of the digital elevation model from 30 m × 30 m to 5 m × 5 m results in a decrease of total lineament length by about 40% whereby the average lineament lengths decrease by about 60%. Lineament length distributions of both data sets follow a power law distribution as documented elsewhere for fault and fracture systems. Predominant NE-, N-, NNW-, and NW-directions of the lineaments are observed in all data sets and correlate with well-known, mappable large-scale structures in the southern Black Forest. Therefore, mapped lineaments can be correlated with faults and hence display geological significance. Lineament density in the granite-dominated areas is apparently higher than in the gneiss-dominated areas. Application of a slip- and dilation tendency analysis on the fault pattern reveals largest reactivation potentials for WNW-ESE and N-S striking faults as strike-slip faults whereas normal faulting may occur along NW-striking faults within the ambient stress field. Remote sensing techniques in combination with highly resolved digital elevation models and a slip- and dilation tendency analysis thus can be used to quickly get first order results of the spatial arrangement of critically stressed faults in crystalline basement rocks.

Decomposition Analyses Applied to a Complex Ultradian Biorhythm: The Oscillating NADH Oxidase Activity of Plasma Membranes Having a Potential Time-Keeping (Clock) Function

PubMed Central

Foster, Ken; Anwar, Nasim; Pogue, Rhea; Morré, Dorothy M.; Keenan, T. W.; Morré, D. James

2003-01-01

Seasonal decomposition analyses were applied to the statistical evaluation of an oscillating activity for a plasma membrane NADH oxidase activity with a temperature compensated period of 24 min. The decomposition fits were used to validate the cyclic oscillatory pattern. Three measured values, average percentage error (MAPE), a measure of the periodic oscillation, mean average deviation (MAD), a measure of the absolute average deviations from the fitted values, and mean standard deviation (MSD), the measure of standard deviation from the fitted values plus R-squared and the Henriksson-Merton p value were used to evaluate accuracy. Decomposition was carried out by fitting a trend line to the data, then detrending the data if necessary, by subtracting the trend component. The data, with or without detrending, were then smoothed by subtracting a centered moving average of length equal to the period length determined by Fourier analysis. Finally, the time series were decomposed into cyclic and error components. The findings not only validate the periodic nature of the major oscillations but suggest, as well, that the minor intervening fluctuations also recur within each period with a reproducible pattern of recurrence. PMID:19330112

A character network study of two Sci-Fi TV series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, M. S. A.; Ujum, E. A.; Ratnavelu, K.

2014-03-01

This work is an analysis of the character networks in two science fiction television series: Stargate and Star Trek. These networks are constructed on the basis of scene co-occurrence between characters to indicate the presence of a connection. Global network structure measures such as the average path length, graph density, network diameter, average degree, median degree, maximum degree, and average clustering coefficient are computed as well as individual node centrality scores. The two fictional networks constructed are found to be quite similar in structure which is astonishing given that Stargate only ran for 18 years in comparison to the 48 years for Star Trek.

A new approach to process control using Instability Index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weintraub, Jeffrey; Warrick, Scott

2016-03-01

The merits of a robust Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodology have long been established. In response to the numerous SPC rule combinations, processes, and the high cost of containment, the Instability Index (ISTAB) is presented as a tool for managing these complexities. ISTAB focuses limited resources on key issues and provides a window into the stability of manufacturing operations. ISTAB takes advantage of the statistical nature of processes by comparing the observed average run length (OARL) to the expected run length (ARL), resulting in a gap value called the ISTAB index. The ISTAB index has three characteristic behaviors that are indicative of defects in an SPC instance. Case 1: The observed average run length is excessively long relative to expectation. ISTAB > 0 is indicating the possibility that the limits are too wide. Case 2: The observed average run length is consistent with expectation. ISTAB near zero is indicating that the process is stable. Case 3: The observed average run length is inordinately short relative to expectation. ISTAB < 0 is indicating that the limits are too tight, the process is unstable or both. The probability distribution of run length is the basis for establishing an ARL. We demonstrate that the geometric distribution is a good approximation to run length across a wide variety of rule sets. Excessively long run lengths are associated with one kind of defect in an SPC instance; inordinately short run lengths are associated with another. A sampling distribution is introduced as a way to quantify excessively long and inordinately short observed run lengths. This paper provides detailed guidance for action limits on these run lengths. ISTAB as a statistical method of review facilitates automated instability detection. This paper proposes a management system based on ISTAB as an enhancement to more traditional SPC approaches.

In vivo imaging and quantitative analysis of changes in axon length using transgenic zebrafish embryos.

PubMed

Kanungo, Jyotshnabala; Lantz, Susan; Paule, Merle G

2011-01-01

We describe an imaging procedure to measure axon length in zebrafish embryos in vivo. Automated fluorescent image acquisition was performed with the ImageXpress Micro high content screening reader and further analysis of axon lengths was performed on archived images using AcuityXpress software. We utilized the Neurite Outgrowth Application module with a customized protocol (journal) to measure the axons. Since higher doses of ethanol (2-2.5%, v/v) have been shown to deform motor neurons and axons during development, here we used ethanol to treat transgenic [hb9:GFP (green fluorescent protein)] zebrafish embryos at 28 hpf (hours post-fertilization). These embryos express GFP in the motor neurons and their axons. Embryos after ethanol treatment were arrayed in 384-well plates for automated fluorescent image acquisition in vivo. Average axon lengths of high dose ethanol-treated embryos were significantly lower than the control. Another experiment showed that there was no significant difference in the axon lengths between the embryos grown for 24h at 22°C and 28.5°C. These test experiments demonstrate that using axon development as an end-point, compound screening can be performed in a time-efficient manner. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Flexible chain molecules in the marginal and concentrated regimes: universal static scaling laws and cross-over predictions.

PubMed

Laso, Manuel; Karayiannis, Nikos Ch

2008-05-07

We present predictions for the static scaling exponents and for the cross-over polymer volumetric fractions in the marginal and concentrated solution regimes. Corrections for finite chain length are made. Predictions are based on an analysis of correlated fluctuations in density and chain length, in a semigrand ensemble in which mers and solvent sites exchange identities. Cross-over volumetric fractions are found to be chain length independent to first order, although reciprocal-N corrections are also estimated. Predicted scaling exponents and cross-over regimes are compared with available data from extensive off-lattice Monte Carlo simulations [Karayiannis and Laso, Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 050602 (2008)] on freely jointed, hard-sphere chains of average lengths from N=12-500 and at packing densities from dilute ones up to the maximally random jammed state.

Amperometric biosensor based on glassy carbon electrode modified with long-length carbon nanotube and enzyme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furutaka, Hajime; Nemoto, Kentaro; Inoue, Yuki; Hidaka, Hiroki; Muguruma, Hitoshi; Inoue, Hitoshi; Ohsawa, Tatsuya

2016-05-01

An amperometric biosensor based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with long-length multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and enzyme nicotinamide-adenine-dinucleotide-dependent glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) is presented. We demonstrate the effect of the MWCNT length on the amperometric response of the enzyme biosensor. The long length of MWCNT is 200 µm (average), whereas the normal length of MWCNT is 1 µm (average). The response of the long MWCNT-GDH electrode is 2 times more sensitive than that of the normal-length MWCNT-GDH electrode in the concentration range from 0.25-35 mM. The result of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements suggest that the long-length MWCNT-GDH electrode formed a better electron transfer network than the normal-length one.

RESTRICTION FRAGMENT LENGTH POLYMORPHISM ANALYSIS OF PCR-AMPLIFIED NIFH SEQUENCES FROM WETLAND PLANT RHIZOSPHERE COMMUNITIES

EPA Science Inventory

We describe a method to assess the community structure of N2-fixing bacteria in the rhizosphere. Total DNA was extracted from Spartina alterniflora and Sesbania macrocarpa root zones by bead-beating and purified by CsCl-EtBr gradient centrifugation. The average DNA yield was 5.5 ...

A markerless system based on smartphones and webcam for the measure of step length, width and duration on treadmill.

PubMed

Barone, V; Verdini, F; Burattini, L; Di Nardo, F; Fioretti, S

2016-03-01

A markerless low cost prototype has been developed for the determination of some spatio-temporal parameters of human gait: step-length, step-width and cadence have been considered. Only a smartphone and a high-definition webcam have been used. The signals obtained by the accelerometer embedded in the smartphone are used to recognize the heel strike events, while the feet positions are calculated through image processing of the webcam stream. Step length and width are computed during gait trials on a treadmill at various speeds (3, 4 and 5 km/h). Six subjects have been tested for a total of 504 steps. Results were compared with those obtained by a stereo-photogrammetric system (Elite, BTS Engineering). The maximum average errors were 3.7 cm (5.36%) for the right step length and 1.63 cm (15.16%) for the right step width at 5 km/h. The maximum average error for step duration was 0.02 s (1.69%) at 5 km/h for the right steps. The system is characterized by a very high level of automation that allows its use by non-expert users in non-structured environments. A low cost system able to automatically provide a reliable and repeatable evaluation of some gait events and parameters during treadmill walking, is relevant also from a clinical point of view because it allows the analysis of hundreds of steps and consequently an analysis of their variability. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The relationship between type of telephone service and smoking cessation among rural smokers enrolled in quitline tobacco dependence treatment.

PubMed

Nemeth, Julianna M; Cooper, Sarah; Wermert, Amy; Shoben, Abigail; Wewers, Mary Ellen

2017-12-01

Quitlines are successful tools for smoking cessation, but no known study has examined whether type of phone service (cell phone only (CPO) vs. landline (LL)) impacts quitline utilization, quit attempts, and sustained cessation. This report details an observational study examining the association between phone service and quitline utilization and cessation among Ohio Appalachian adults willing to quit smoking and enrolled in a cessation trial from 2010 to 2014. A secondary analysis was conducted with data obtained from smokers enrolled in the Ohio Tobacco Quitline arm of a group randomized trial (n = 345). The intermediate outcome variables included number of calls, cumulative total call length, average call length, verified shipments of NRT, and 24-hour quit attempt. The primary outcome measure was biologically confirmed 7-day point prevalence abstinence from tobacco at 3, 6, and 12 months post treatment. Participants with LL service, on average, made almost one more call to the quitline and spoke 17.2 min longer over the course of treatment than those with CPO service. Those with LL service were more likely to receive a second 4-week supply of NRT. Phone service status was not associated with average quitline call length, receiving at least one NRT shipment, having made one quit attempt at the end of treatment, or biochemically confirmed abstinence at 3, 6, or 12-month follow-up. Participants with LL services completed more counseling calls, accrued a longer cumulative length, and received more NRT when compared with CPO service participants. However, type of phone service did not deter abstinence outcomes.

Ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness according to myopia and optic disc area: a quantitative and three-dimensional analysis.

PubMed

Seo, Sam; Lee, Chong Eun; Jeong, Jae Hoon; Park, Ki Ho; Kim, Dong Myung; Jeoung, Jin Wook

2017-03-11

To determine the influences of myopia and optic disc size on ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness profiles obtained by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). One hundred and sixty-eight eyes of 168 young myopic subjects were recruited and assigned to one of three groups according to their spherical equivalent (SE) values and optic disc area. All underwent Cirrus HD-OCT imaging. The influences of myopia and optic disc size on the GCIPL and RNFL thickness profiles were evaluated by multiple comparisons and linear regression analysis. Three-dimensional surface plots of GCIPL and RNFL thickness corresponding to different combinations of myopia and optic disc size were constructed. Each of the quadrant RNFL thicknesses and their overall average were significantly thinner in high myopia compared to low myopia, except for the temporal quadrant (all Ps ≤0.003). The average and all-sectors GCIPL were significantly thinner in high myopia than in moderate- and/or low-myopia (all Ps ≤0.002). The average OCT RNFL thickness was correlated significantly with SE (0.81 μm/diopter, P < 0.001), axial length (-1.44 μm/mm, P < 0.001), and optic disc area (5.35 μm/mm 2 , P < 0.001) by linear regression analysis. As for the OCT GCIPL parameters, average GCIPL thickness showed a significant correlation with SE (0.84 μm/diopter, P < 0.001) and axial length (-1.65 μm/mm, P < 0.001). There was no significant correlation of average GCIPL thickness with optic disc area. Three-dimensional curves showed that larger optic discs were associated with increased average RNFL thickness and that more-myopic eyes were associated with decreased average GCIPL and RNFL thickness. Myopia can significantly affect GCIPL and RNFL thickness profiles, and optic disc size has a significant influence on RNFL thickness. The current OCT maps employed in the evaluation of glaucoma should be analyzed in consideration of refractive status and optic disc size.

Length estimations of presumed upward connecting leaders in lightning flashes to flat water and flat ground

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stolzenburg, Maribeth; Marshall, Thomas C.; Karunarathne, Sumedhe; Orville, Richard E.

2018-10-01

Using video data recorded at 50,000 frames per second for nearby negative lightning flashes, estimates are derived for the length of positive upward connecting leaders (UCLs) that presumably formed prior to new ground attachments. Return strokes were 1.7 to 7.8 km distant, yielding image resolutions of 4.25 to 19.5 m. No UCLs are imaged in these data, indicating those features were too transient or too dim compared to other lightning processes that are imaged at these resolutions. Upper bound lengths for 17 presumed UCLs are determined from the height above flat ground or water of the successful stepped leader tip in the image immediately prior to (within 20 μs before) the return stroke. Better estimates of maximum UCL lengths are determined using the downward stepped leader tip's speed of advance and the estimated return stroke time within its first frame. For 17 strokes, the upper bound length of the possible UCL averages 31.6 m and ranges from 11.3 to 50.3 m. Among the close strokes (those with spatial resolution <8 m per pixel), the five which connected to water (salt water lagoon) have UCL upper bound estimates averaging significantly shorter (24.1 m) than the average for the three close strokes which connected to land (36.9 m). The better estimates of maximum UCL lengths for the eight close strokes average 20.2 m, with slightly shorter average of 18.3 m for the five that connected to water. All the better estimates of UCL maximum lengths are <38 m in this dataset

Capacity of MIMO free space optical communications using multiple partially coherent beams propagation through non-Kolmogorov strong turbulence.

PubMed

Deng, Peng; Kavehrad, Mohsen; Liu, Zhiwen; Zhou, Zhou; Yuan, Xiuhua

2013-07-01

We study the average capacity performance for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) free-space optical (FSO) communication systems using multiple partially coherent beams propagating through non-Kolmogorov strong turbulence, assuming equal gain combining diversity configuration and the sum of multiple gamma-gamma random variables for multiple independent partially coherent beams. The closed-form expressions of scintillation and average capacity are derived and then used to analyze the dependence on the number of independent diversity branches, power law α, refractive-index structure parameter, propagation distance and spatial coherence length of source beams. Obtained results show that, the average capacity increases more significantly with the increase in the rank of MIMO channel matrix compared with the diversity order. The effect of the diversity order on the average capacity is independent of the power law, turbulence strength parameter and spatial coherence length, whereas these effects on average capacity are gradually mitigated as the diversity order increases. The average capacity increases and saturates with the decreasing spatial coherence length, at rates depending on the diversity order, power law and turbulence strength. There exist optimal values of the spatial coherence length and diversity configuration for maximizing the average capacity of MIMO FSO links over a variety of atmospheric turbulence conditions.

Collective Emotions Online and Their Influence on Community Life

PubMed Central

Chmiel, Anna; Sienkiewicz, Julian; Thelwall, Mike; Paltoglou, Georgios; Buckley, Kevan; Kappas, Arvid; Hołyst, Janusz A.

2011-01-01

Background E-communities, social groups interacting online, have recently become an object of interdisciplinary research. As with face-to-face meetings, Internet exchanges may not only include factual information but also emotional information – how participants feel about the subject discussed or other group members. Emotions in turn are known to be important in affecting interaction partners in offline communication in many ways. Could emotions in Internet exchanges affect others and systematically influence quantitative and qualitative aspects of the trajectory of e-communities? The development of automatic sentiment analysis has made large scale emotion detection and analysis possible using text messages collected from the web. However, it is not clear if emotions in e-communities primarily derive from individual group members' personalities or if they result from intra-group interactions, and whether they influence group activities. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, for the first time, we show the collective character of affective phenomena on a large scale as observed in four million posts downloaded from Blogs, Digg and BBC forums. To test whether the emotions of a community member may influence the emotions of others, posts were grouped into clusters of messages with similar emotional valences. The frequency of long clusters was much higher than it would be if emotions occurred at random. Distributions for cluster lengths can be explained by preferential processes because conditional probabilities for consecutive messages grow as a power law with cluster length. For BBC forum threads, average discussion lengths were higher for larger values of absolute average emotional valence in the first ten comments and the average amount of emotion in messages fell during discussions. Conclusions/Significance Overall, our results prove that collective emotional states can be created and modulated via Internet communication and that emotional expressiveness is the fuel that sustains some e-communities. PMID:21818302

Investigating the mechanisms responsible for the lack of surface energy balance closure in a central Amazonian tropical rainforest

DOE PAGES

Gerken, Tobias; Ruddell, Benjamin L.; Fuentes, Jose D.; ...

2017-04-29

This work investigates the diurnal and seasonal behavior of the energy balance residual (E) that results from the observed difference between available energy and the turbulent fluxes of sensible heat (H) and latent heat (LE) at the FLUXNET BR-Ma2 site located in the Brazilian central Amazon rainforest. The behavior of E is analyzed by extending the eddy covariance averaging length from 30 min to 4 h and by applying an Information Flow Dynamical Process Network to diagnose processes and conditions affecting E across different seasons. Results show that the seasonal turbulent flux dynamics and the Bowen ratio are primarily drivenmore » by net radiation (R n), with substantial sub-seasonal variability. The Bowen ratio increased from 0.25 in April to 0.4 at the end of September. Extension of the averaging length from 0.5 (94.6% closure) to 4 h and thus inclusion of longer timescale eddies and mesoscale processes closes the energy balance and lead to an increase in the Bowen ratio, thus highlighting the importance of additional H to E. Information flow analysis reveals that the components of the energy balance explain between 25 and 40% of the total Shannon entropy with higher values during the wet season than the dry season. Dry season information flow from the buoyancy flux to E are 30–50% larger than that from H, indicating the potential importance of buoyancy fluxes to closing E. While the low closure highlights additional sources not captured in the flux data and random measurement errors contributing to E, the findings of the information flow and averaging length analysis are consistent with the impact of mesoscale circulations, which tend to transport more H than LE, on the lack of closure.« less

Investigating the mechanisms responsible for the lack of surface energy balance closure in a central Amazonian tropical rainforest

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

Gerken, Tobias; Ruddell, Benjamin L.; Fuentes, Jose D.

This work investigates the diurnal and seasonal behavior of the energy balance residual (E) that results from the observed difference between available energy and the turbulent fluxes of sensible heat (H) and latent heat (LE) at the FLUXNET BR-Ma2 site located in the Brazilian central Amazon rainforest. The behavior of E is analyzed by extending the eddy covariance averaging length from 30 min to 4 h and by applying an Information Flow Dynamical Process Network to diagnose processes and conditions affecting E across different seasons. Results show that the seasonal turbulent flux dynamics and the Bowen ratio are primarily drivenmore » by net radiation (R n), with substantial sub-seasonal variability. The Bowen ratio increased from 0.25 in April to 0.4 at the end of September. Extension of the averaging length from 0.5 (94.6% closure) to 4 h and thus inclusion of longer timescale eddies and mesoscale processes closes the energy balance and lead to an increase in the Bowen ratio, thus highlighting the importance of additional H to E. Information flow analysis reveals that the components of the energy balance explain between 25 and 40% of the total Shannon entropy with higher values during the wet season than the dry season. Dry season information flow from the buoyancy flux to E are 30–50% larger than that from H, indicating the potential importance of buoyancy fluxes to closing E. While the low closure highlights additional sources not captured in the flux data and random measurement errors contributing to E, the findings of the information flow and averaging length analysis are consistent with the impact of mesoscale circulations, which tend to transport more H than LE, on the lack of closure.« less

Modeling participation duration, with application to the North American Breeding Bird Survey

USGS Publications Warehouse

Link, William; Sauer, John

2014-01-01

We consider “participation histories,” binary sequences consisting of alternating finite sequences of 1s and 0s, ending with an infinite sequence of 0s. Our work is motivated by a study of observer tenure in the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). In our analysis, j indexes an observer’s years of service and Xj is an indicator of participation in the survey; 0s interspersed among 1s correspond to years when observers did not participate, but subsequently returned to service. Of interest is the observer’s duration D = max {j: Xj = 1}. Because observed records X = (X1, X2,..., Xn)1 are of finite length, all that we can directly infer about duration is that D ⩾ max {j ⩽n: Xj = 1}; model-based analysis is required for inference about D. We propose models in which lengths of 0s and 1s sequences have distributions determined by the index j at which they begin; 0s sequences are infinite with positive probability, an estimable parameter. We found that BBS observers’ lengths of service vary greatly, with 25.3% participating for only a single year, 49.5% serving for 4 or fewer years, and an average duration of 8.7 years, producing an average of 7.7 counts.

The impact of maternity length-of-stay mandates on the labor market and insurance coverage.

PubMed

Sabik, Lindsay M; Laugesen, Miriam J

2012-01-01

To understand the effects of insurance regulation on the labor market and insurance coverage, this study uses a difference-in-difference-in-differences analysis to compare five states that passed minimum maternity length-of-stay laws with states that waited until after a federal law was passed. On average, we do not find statistically significant effects on labor market outcomes such as hours of work and wages. However, we find that employees of small firms in states with maternity length-of-stay mandates experienced a 6.2-percentage-point decline in the likelihood of having employer-sponsored insurance. Implementation of federal health reform that requires minimum benefit standards should consider the implications for firms of differing sizes.

Perception and analysis of Spanish accents in English speech

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chism, Cori; Lass, Norman

2002-05-01

The purpose of the present study was to determine what relates most closely to the degree of perceived foreign accent in the English speech of native Spanish speakers: intonation, vowel length, stress, voice onset time (VOT), or segmental accuracy. Nineteen native English speaking listeners rated speech samples from 7 native English speakers and 15 native Spanish speakers for comprehensibility and degree of foreign accent. The speech samples were analyzed spectrographically and perceptually to obtain numerical values for each variable. Correlation coefficients were computed to determine the relationship beween these values and the average foreign accent scores. Results showed that the average foreign accent scores were statistically significantly correlated with three variables: the length of stressed vowels (r=-0.48, p=0.05), voice onset time (r =-0.62, p=0.01), and segmental accuracy (r=0.92, p=0.001). Implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Changes in average length of stay and average charges generated following institution of PSRO review.

PubMed Central

Westphal, M; Frazier, E; Miller, M C

1979-01-01

A five-year review of accounting data at a university hospital shows that immediately following institution of concurrent PSRO admission and length of stay review of Medicare-Medicaid patients, there was a significant decrease in length of stay and a fall in average charges generated per patient against the inflationary trend. Similar changes did not occur for the non-Medicare-Medicaid patients who were not reviewed. The observed changes occurred even though the review procedure rarely resulted in the denial of services to patients, suggesting an indirect effect of review. PMID:393658

Asymptotically optimum multialternative sequential procedures for discernment of processes minimizing average length of observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fishman, M. M.

1985-01-01

The problem of multialternative sequential discernment of processes is formulated in terms of conditionally optimum procedures minimizing the average length of observations, without any probabilistic assumptions about any one occurring process, rather than in terms of Bayes procedures minimizing the average risk. The problem is to find the procedure that will transform inequalities into equalities. The problem is formulated for various models of signal observation and data processing: (1) discernment of signals from background interference by a multichannel system; (2) discernment of pulse sequences with unknown time delay; (3) discernment of harmonic signals with unknown frequency. An asymptotically optimum sequential procedure is constructed which compares the statistics of the likelihood ratio with the mean-weighted likelihood ratio and estimates the upper bound for conditional average lengths of observations. This procedure is shown to remain valid as the upper bound for the probability of erroneous partial solutions decreases approaching zero and the number of hypotheses increases approaching infinity. It also remains valid under certain special constraints on the probability such as a threshold. A comparison with a fixed-length procedure reveals that this sequential procedure decreases the length of observations to one quarter, on the average, when the probability of erroneous partial solutions is low.

Analysis of and Techniques for Adaptive Equalization for Underwater Acoustic Communication

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

used and in (b) an averaging window of 1000 samples is used. There was an overlap length of half the averaging window. The solid black line shows the ...array processing by constraining the signal covariance matrix to be realizable when the received signal was a sum of narrowband plane waves. Their goal...u0 −u0 v(u)vH(u)du. (4.4.9) A key part of the proof in [48] uses the Poincare separation theorem to show that the eigenvectors corresponding to the

Computer analysis speeds corrugated horn design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loefer, G. R.; Newton, J. M.; Schuchardt, J. M.; Dees, J. W.

1976-01-01

A computer analysis program is developed for selecting the optimum flare angle and horn length of a corrugated horn design, the horn diameter, and the radiation pattern, before resorting to machining operations. The calculated antenna pattern is best suited to narrowband designs, and averaging of the E and H planes is recommended for wideband work. The program language used is BASIC. Some design examples are provided with representative data, printouts, and a rundown of the equations programmed.

The Impact of Averaging Window Length on the “Desaturation” Indexes Obtained Via Overnight Pulse Oximetry at High Altitude

PubMed Central

Cross, Troy J.; Keller-Ross, Manda; Issa, Amine; Wentz, Robert; Taylor, Bryan; Johnson, Bruce

2015-01-01

Study Objectives: To determine the impact of averaging window-length on the “desaturation” indexes (DIs) obtained via overnight pulse oximetry (SpO2) at high altitude. Design: Overnight SpO2 data were collected during a 10-day sojourn at high altitude. SpO2 was obtained using a commercial wrist-worn finger oximeter whose firmware was modified to store unaveraged beat-to-beat data. Simple moving averages of window lengths spanning 2 to 20 cardiac beats were retrospectively applied to beat-to-beat SpO2 datasets. After SpO2 artifacts were removed, the following DIs were then calculated for each of the averaged datasets: oxygen desaturation index (ODI); total sleep time with SpO2 < 80% (TST < 80), and the lowest SpO2 observed during sleep (SpO2 low). Setting: South Base Camp, Mt. Everest (5,364 m elevation). Participants: Five healthy, adult males (35 ± 5 y; 180 ± 1 cm; 85 ± 4 kg). Interventions: N/A. Measurements and Results: 49 datasets were obtained from the 5 participants, totalling 239 hours of data. For all window lengths ≥ 2 beats, ODI and TST < 80 were lower, and SpO2 low was higher than those values obtained from the beat-to-beat SpO2 time series data (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that increasing oximeter averaging window length progressively underestimates the frequency and magnitude of sleep disordered breathing events at high altitude, as indirectly assessed via the desaturation indexes. Citation: Cross TJ, Keller-Ross M, Issa A, Wentz R, Taylor B, Johnson B. The impact of averaging window length on the “desaturation” indexes obtained via overnight pulse oximetry at high altitude. SLEEP 2015;38(8):1331–1334. PMID:25581919

Fat content of the flesh of siscowets and lake trout from Lake Superior

USGS Publications Warehouse

Eschmeyer, Paul H.; Phillips, Arthur M.

1965-01-01

Samples of flesh were excised from the middorsal region of 67 siscowets (Salvelinus namaycush siscowet) and 46 lake trout (Salvelinus n. namaycush) collected from Lake Superior. Chemical analysis of the samples revealed a range in fat content (dry weight) of 32.5 to 88.8 per cent in siscowets and 6.6 to 52.3 per cent in lake trout. Percentage fat increased progressively with increase in length of fish in both forms, but the average rate of increase was far greater for siscowets than for lake trout at lengths between 12 and 20 inches. Despite substantial individual variation, the percentage fat in the two forms was widely different and without overlap at all comparable lengths. The range in iodine number of the fat was 100 to 160 for siscowets and 103 to 161 for lake trout; average values were generally lower for siscowets than for lake trout among fish of comparable length. Percentage fat and relative weight were not correlated significantly in either subspecies. The fat content of flesh samples from a distinctive subpopulation of Lake Superior lake trout known as 'humpers' was more closely similar to that of typical lean lake trout than to siscowets, but the rate of increase in fat with increasing length was greater than for lean lake trout. Flesh samples from hatchery-reared stocks of lake trout, hybrid lake trout X siscowets, and siscowets tended to support the view that the wide difference in fat content between siscowets and lake trout is genetically determined.

Relationship between body composition, leg strength, anaerobic power, and on-ice skating performance in division I men's hockey athletes.

PubMed

Potteiger, Jeffrey A; Smith, Dean L; Maier, Mark L; Foster, Timothy S

2010-07-01

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between laboratory tests and on-ice skating performance in division I men's hockey athletes. Twenty-one men (age 20.7 +/- 1.6 years) were assessed for body composition, isokinetic force production in the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, and anaerobic muscle power via the Wingate 30-second cycle ergometer test. Air displacement plethysmography was used to determine % body fat (%FAT), fat-free mass (FFM), and fat mass. Peak torque and total work during 10 maximal effort repetitions at 120 degrees .s were measured during concentric muscle actions using an isokinetic dynamometer. Muscle power was measured using a Monark cycle ergometer with resistance set at 7.5% of body mass. On-ice skating performance was measured during 6 timed 89-m sprints with subjects wearing full hockey equipment. First length skate (FLS) was 54 m, and total length skate (TLS) was 89 m with fastest and average skating times used in the analysis. Correlation coefficients were used to determine relationships between laboratory testing and on-ice performance. Subjects had a body mass of 88.8 +/- 7.8 kg and %FAT of 11.9 +/- 4.6. First length skate-Average and TLS-Average skating times were moderately correlated to %FAT ([r = 0.53; p = 0.013] and [r = 0.57; p = 0.007]) such that a greater %FAT was related to slower skating speeds. First length skate-Fastest was correlated to Wingate percent fatigue index (r = -0.48; p = 0.027) and FLS-Average was correlated to Wingate peak power per kilogram body mass (r = -0.43; p = 0.05). Laboratory testing of select variables can predict skating performance in ice hockey athletes. This information can be used to develop targeted and effective strength and conditioning programs that will improve on-ice skating speed.

Mesomelic dwarfism in pseudoachondroplasia.

PubMed

Song, Hae-Ryong; Li, Qi-Wei; Oh, Chang-Wug; Lee, Kwang-Soo; Koo, Soo Kyung; Jung, Sung-Chul

2004-09-01

Pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) is associated with mutations in the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) gene and the clinical characteristics include short stature, deformities of the extremities involving the epiphyses and metaphyses, early onset arthritis, and ligament laxity. PSACH has been considered a rhizomelic form of dwarfism. So far no previous report has described mesomelic shortening of the limbs in PSACH. We reviewed nine patients with a diagnosis of PSACH based on clinical and radiographic examination and mutation analysis of the COMP gene. The mean height in the adults was 116 cm. All patients showed mesomelic dwarfism. The average ratios of radial length to humeral length and tibial length to femoral length were 0.62 and 0.63, respectively. The tibia and the radius showed more severe bony deformity than the femur and humerus. The degree of short stature was related to the site of the mutation in the COMP gene, but there was no correlation between bony deformity and height or gene mutation.

Genetic analysis of floating Enteromorpha prolifera in the Yellow Sea with AFLP marker

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Cui; Zhang, Jing; Sun, Xiaoyu; Li, Jian; Zhang, Xi; Liu, Tao

2011-09-01

Extremely large accumulation of green algae Enteromorpha prolifera floated along China' coastal region of the Yellow Sea ever since the summer of 2008. Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was applied to assess the genetic diversity and relationships among E. prolifera samples collected from 9 affected areas of the Yellow Sea. Two hundred reproducible fragments were generated with 8 AFLP primer combinations, of which 194 (97%) were polymorphic. The average Nei's genetic diversity, the coefficiency of genetic differentiation (Gst), and the average gene flow estimated from Gst in the 9 populations were 0.4018, 0.6404 and 0.2807 respectively. Cluster analysis based on the unweighed pair group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) showed that the genetic relationships within one population or among different populations were all related to their collecting locations and sampling time. Large genetic differentiation was detected among the populations. The E. prolifera originated from different areas and were undergoing a course of mixing.

Speckle suppression by doubly scattering systems.

PubMed

Li, Dayan; Kelly, Damien P; Sheridan, John T

2013-12-10

Speckle suppression in a two-diffuser system is examined. An analytical expression for the speckle space-time correlation function is derived, so that the speckle suppression mechanism can be investigated statistically. The grain size of the speckle field illuminating the second diffuser has a major impact on the speckle contrast after temporal averaging. It is shown that, when both the diffusers are rotating, the one with the lower rotating speed determines the period of the speckle correlation function. The coherent length of the averaged speckle intensity is shown to equal the mean speckle size of the individual speckle pattern before averaging. Numerical and experimental results are presented to verify our analysis in the context of speckle reduction.

A multidimensional generalization of Heilbronn's theorem on the average length of a finite continued fraction

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

Illarionov, A A

2014-03-31

Heilbronn's theorem on the average length of a finite continued fraction is generalized to the multidimensional case in terms of relative minima of the lattices which were introduced by Voronoy and Minkowski. Bibliography: 21 titles.

Analysis of human acellular nerve allograft reconstruction of 64 injured nerves in the hand and upper extremity: a 3 year follow-up study.

PubMed

Zhu, Shuang; Liu, Jianghui; Zheng, Canbin; Gu, Liqiang; Zhu, Qingtang; Xiang, Jianping; He, Bo; Zhou, Xiang; Liu, Xiaolin

2017-08-01

Human acellular nerve allografts have been increasingly applied in clinical practice. This study was undertaken to investigate the functional outcomes of nerve allograft reconstruction for nerve defects in the upper extremity. A total of 64 patients from 13 hospitals were available for this follow-up study after nerve repair using human acellular nerve allografts. Sensory and motor recovery was examined according to the international standards for motor and sensory nerve recovery. Subgroup analysis and logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify the relationship between the known factors and the outcomes of nerve repair. Mean follow-up time was 355 ± 158 (35-819) days; mean age was 35 ± 11 (14-68) years; average nerve gap length was 27 ± 13 (10-60) mm; no signs of infection, tissue rejection or extrusion were observed among the patients; 48/64 (75%) repaired nerves experienced meaningful recovery. Univariate analysis showed that site and gap length significantly influenced prognosis after nerve repair using nerve grafts. Delay had a marginally significant relationship with the outcome. A multivariate logistic regression model revealed that gap length was an independent predictor of nerve repair using human acellular nerve allografts. The results indicated that the human acellular nerve allograft facilitated safe and effective nerve reconstruction for nerve gaps 10-60 mm in length in the hand and upper extremity. Factors such as site and gap length had a statistically significant influence on the outcomes of nerve allograft reconstruction. Gap length was an independent predictor of nerve repair using human acellular nerve allografts. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Simulation study of entropy production in the one-dimensional Vlasov system

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

Dai, Zongliang, E-mail: liangliang1223@gmail.com; Wang, Shaojie

2016-07-15

The coarse-grain averaged distribution function of the one-dimensional Vlasov system is obtained by numerical simulation. The entropy productions in cases of the random field, the linear Landau damping, and the bump-on-tail instability are computed with the coarse-grain averaged distribution function. The computed entropy production is converged with increasing length of coarse-grain average. When the distribution function differs slightly from a Maxwellian distribution, the converged value agrees with the result computed by using the definition of thermodynamic entropy. The length of the coarse-grain average to compute the coarse-grain averaged distribution function is discussed.

Unit and internal chain profiles of maca amylopectin.

PubMed

Zhang, Ling; Li, Guantian; Yao, Weirong; Zhu, Fan

2018-03-01

Unit chain length distributions of amylopectin and its φ, β-limit dextrins, which reflect amylopectin internal structure from three maca starches, were determined by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection after debranching, and the samples were compared with maize starch. The amylopectins exhibited average chain lengths ranging from 16.72 to 17.16, with ranges of total internal chain length, external chain length, and internal chain length of the maca amylopectins at 12.49 to 13.68, 11.24 to 11.89, and 4.27 to 4.48. The average chain length, external chain length, internal chain length, and total internal chain length were comparable in three maca amylopectins. Amylopectins of the three maca genotypes studied here presented no significant differences in their unit chain length profiles, but did show significant differences in their internal chain profiles. Additional genetic variations between different maca genotypes need to be studied to provide unit- and internal chain profiles of maca amylopectin. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Reducing SCADA System Nuisance Alarms in the Water Industry in Northern Ireland.

PubMed

O'Donoghue, Nigel; Phillips, Debra H; Nicell, Ciaran

2015-08-01

The advancement of telemetry control for the water industry has increased the difficulty of managing large volumes of nuisance alarms (i.e., alarms that do not require a response). The aim of this study was to identify and reduce the number of nuisance alarms that occur for Northern Ireland (NI) Water by carrying out alarm duration analysis to determine the appropriate length of persistence (an advanced alarm management tool) that could be applied. All data were extracted from TelemWeb (NI Water's telemetry monitoring system) and analyzed in Excel. Over a 6-week period, an average of 40 000 alarms occurred per week. The alarm duration analysis, which has never been implemented before by NI Water, found that an average of 57% of NI Water alarms had a duration of <5 minutes. Applying 5-minute persistence, therefore, could prevent an average 26 816 nuisance alarms per week. Most of these alarms were from wastewater assets.

[Analysis of medical cost of atlantoaxial disorders in patients receiving innovated treatment technologies].

PubMed

Wu, Yunxia; Liu, Zhongjun

2016-01-19

To explore the effects of innovated technologies and products on improving outcomes and decreasing medical costs by analyzing a total and subtotal medical costs of patients with atlantoaxial disorders. The medical costs of 1 489 patients with atlantoaxial disorders from Peking University Third Hospital from 2005 to 2014, who received innovated technologies and products treatment were retrospectively analyzed and compared.Descriptive analysis and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis, and SPSS 19.0 was used to analyze data. From 2005 to 2014, under the situation of a general increase in medical cost by 327%, the total medical costs were stable for patients who used innovated technologies and products for treatment, fluctuating from 20 851 in 2005 to 20 878 in 2014; however, the cases of operation increased year by year, from 88 in 2005 to 163 in 2014; the average length of stay decreased from 21 in 2005 to 10 in 2014; the total cases of transfusion were 22 from 2005 to 2014; the safety, stability and feasibility of the innovated technologies and products were illustrated through the decrease of average length of stay, the reduction of bleeding and the significance of outcomes. It is illustrated that the innovated technologies and products not only decrease patients' suffering and medical costs but also are safe, stable and feasible.

Characterization biometric and morphophysiological of Peach rootstock seeds using images of their seedling vigor.

PubMed

Souza, Aline Das Graças; Smiderle, Oscar Jose; Bianchi, Valmor Joao

2018-04-26

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of using the computerized imaging seed analysis system (SAS) in the biometric and morphophysiological characterization of seeds and the initial growth of seedlings from peach rootstocks. The experimental design was completely randomized with five replicates of 20 seeds. The variables analyzed were degree of seed humidity, length and width of seeds measured by SAS technology and manual measurements, mean germination time, germination percentage, radicle length and width, taproot length, length of the aerial part and taproot/aerial part ratio. The highest seed length, germination percentage (100%) and lower germination time (11.3), were obtained with the cv. Capdeboscq while, 'Tsukuba 1', 2' and 3' had intermediate seedlings length, varying from 1.55 to 1.65 cm with mean germination times between 14.5 and 18.0 days and average germination percentage of 96%. The computerized analysis of images is fast and efficient for biometric evaluations such as seed width and length, as well as initial growth of peach tree seedlings. The cvs Capdeboscq, Flordaguard and Tsukuba 2 presented greater radicle width, length and a mean taproot/aerial part ratio equal to 2, as well as higher number of adventitious roots, which indicated a strong positive correlation between radicle length, taproot length and initial seedling growth. The continuity of the research will certainly allow the development of reliable procedures for other species, besides allowing the identification of wider alternatives for the use of this system for the expansion of knowledge in the areas of physiology and evaluation of the physiological potential of seeds. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Cost of management in epistaxis admission: Impact of patient and hospital characteristics.

PubMed

Goljo, Erden; Dang, Rajan; Iloreta, Alfred M; Govindaraj, Satish

2015-12-01

To investigate patient and hospital characteristics associated with increased cost and length of stay in the inpatient management of epistaxis. Retrospective cross-sectional study of the 2008 to 2012 National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample. Patient and hospital characteristics of epistaxis admissions were analyzed. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to ascertain variables associated with increased cost and length of hospital stay. Variables significantly associated with high cost were further analyzed to determine the contribution of operative intervention and total procedures to cost. A total of 16,828 patients with an admitting diagnosis of epistaxis were identified. The average age was 67.5; 52.3% of the patients were male; 73.3% of the patients were Caucasian; and 70.7% of the hospital stays were government funded. The average length of stay was 3.24 days, and average hospitalization cost was $6,925. Longer length of stay was associated with black race, alcohol abuse, sinonasal disease, renal disease, Medicaid, and care at a northeastern U.S. hospital. Increased hospitalization costs of > $1,000 were associated with Asian/Pacific Islander race; sinonasal disease; renal disease; top income quartile; and care at urban teaching, northeastern, and western hospitals in the United States. High costs were predicted by procedural intervention in patients with comorbid alcohol abuse, sinonasal disease, renal disease, patients with private insurance, and patients managed at large hospitals. Although hospitalization costs are complex and multifactorial, we were able to identify patient and hospital characteristics associated with high costs in the management of epistaxis. Early identification and intervention, combined with implementation of targeted hospital management protocols, may improve outcomes and reduce financial burden. 2C. © 2015 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Determination of oligomeric chain length distributions at surfaces using ToF-SIMS: segregation effects and polymer properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gardella, Joseph A.; Mahoney, Christine M.

2004-06-01

While many XPS and SIMS studies of polymers have detected and quantified segregation of low surface energy blocks or components in copolymers and polymer blends [D. Briggs, in: D.R. Clarke, S. Suresh, I.M. Ward (Eds.), Surface Analysis of Polymers by XPS and Static SIMS, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1998 (Chapter 5).], this paper reports ToF-SIMS studies of direct measurement of the segment length distribution at the surface of siloxane copolymers. These data allow insight into the segregation of particular portions of the oligomeric distribution; specifically, in this study, longer PDMS oligomers segregated at the expense of shorter PDMS chains. We have reported XPS analysis of competitive segregation effects for short PDMS chains [Macromolecules 35 (13) (2002) 5256]. In this study, a series of poly(ureaurethane)-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PUU-PDMS) copolymers have been synthesized containing varying ratios of G-3 and G-9 (G- X describes the average segment length of the PDMS added), while maintaining a constant overall siloxane weight percentage (10, 30, and 60%). These copolymers were utilized as model systems to study the preferential segregation of certain siloxane segment lengths to the surface over others. ToF-SIMS analysis of PUU-PDMS copolymers has yielded high-mass range copolymer fragmentation patterns containing intact PDMS segments. For the first time, this information is utilized to determine PDMS segment length distributions at the copolymer surface as compared to the bulk. The results show that longer siloxane segment lengths are preferentially segregating to the surface over shorter chain lengths. These results also show the importance of ToF-SIMS and mass spectrometry in the development of new materials containing low molecular weight amino-propyl-terminated siloxanes.

Impacts of oak pollen on allergic asthma in the United States ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Oak pollen season length for moderate (RCP4.5) and severe climate change scenarios (RCP8.5) are estimated through 2090 using five climate models and published relationships between temperature, precipitation, and oak pollen season length. We calculated asthma ED visit counts associated with 1994-2010 average oak pollen concentrations and simulated future oak pollen season length changes using the Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (BenMAP-CE), driven by epidemiologically-derived concentration-response relationships. Future climate change is expected to lengthen and intensify pollen seasons in the U.S., potentially increasing incidence of allergic asthma. We developed a proof-of-concept approach for estimating asthma emergency department (ED) visits in the U.S. associated with present-day and climate-induced changes in oak pollen.

Three-disk microswimmer in a supported fluid membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ota, Yui; Hosaka, Yuto; Yasuda, Kento; Komura, Shigeyuki

2018-05-01

A model of three-disk micromachine swimming in a quasi-two-dimensional supported membrane is proposed. We calculate the average swimming velocity as a function of the disk size and the arm length. Due to the presence of the hydrodynamic screening length in the quasi-two-dimensional fluid, the geometric factor appearing in the average velocity exhibits three different asymptotic behaviors depending on the microswimmer size and the hydrodynamic screening length. This is in sharp contrast with a microswimmer in a three-dimensional bulk fluid that shows only a single scaling behavior. We also find that the maximum velocity is obtained when the disks are equal-sized, whereas it is minimized when the average arm lengths are identical. The intrinsic drag of the disks on the substrate does not alter the scaling behaviors of the geometric factor.

Intelligence and Complexity of the Averaged Evoked Potential: An Attentional Theory.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bates, Tim; And Others

1995-01-01

A study measuring average evoked potentials in 21 college students finds that intelligence test scores correlate significantly with the difference between string length in attended and nonattended conditions, a finding that suggests that previous inconsistencies in reporting string length-intelligence correlations may have resulted from confound…

Visual Circular Analysis of 266 Years of Sunspot Counts.

PubMed

Buelens, Bart

2016-06-01

Sunspots, colder areas that are visible as dark spots on the surface of the Sun, have been observed for centuries. Their number varies with a period of ∼11 years, a phenomenon closely related to the solar activity cycle. Recently, observation records dating back to 1749 have been reassessed, resulting in the release of a time series of sunspot numbers covering 266 years of observations. This series is analyzed using circular analysis to determine the periodicity of the occurrence of solar maxima. The circular analysis is combined with spiral graphs to provide a single visualization, simultaneously showing the periodicity of the series, the degree to which individual cycle lengths deviate from the average period, and differences in levels reached during the different maxima. This type of visualization of cyclic time series with varying cycle lengths in which significant events occur periodically is broadly applicable. It is aimed particularly at science communication, education, and public outreach.

Spatial methods for deriving crop rotation history

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller-Warrant, George W.; Trippe, Kristin M.; Whittaker, Gerald W.; Anderson, Nicole P.; Sullivan, Clare S.

2017-08-01

Benefits of converting 11 years of remote sensing classification data into cropping history of agricultural fields included measuring lengths of rotation cycles and identifying specific sequences of intervening crops grown between final years of old grass seed stands and establishment of new ones. Spatial and non-spatial methods were complementary. Individual-year classification errors were often correctable in spreadsheet-based non-spatial analysis, whereas their presence in spatial data generally led to exclusion of fields from further analysis. Markov-model testing of non-spatial data revealed that year-to-year cropping sequences did not match average frequencies for transitions among crops grown in western Oregon, implying that rotations into new grass seed stands were influenced by growers' desires to achieve specific objectives. Moran's I spatial analysis of length of time between consecutive grass seed stands revealed that clustering of fields was relatively uncommon, with high and low value clusters only accounting for 7.1 and 6.2% of fields.

Epidemiology meets econometrics: using time-series analysis to observe the impact of bed occupancy rates on the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

PubMed

Kaier, K; Meyer, E; Dettenkofer, M; Frank, U

2010-10-01

Two multivariate time-series analyses were carried out to identify the impact of bed occupancy rates, turnover intervals and the average length of hospital stay on the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria in a teaching hospital. Epidemiological data on the incidences of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria were collected. Time-series of bed occupancy rates, turnover intervals and the average length of stay were tested for inclusion in the models as independent variables. Incidence was defined as nosocomial cases per 1000 patient-days. This included all patients infected or colonised with MRSA/ESBL more than 48h after admission. Between January 2003 and July 2008, a mean incidence of 0.15 nosocomial MRSA cases was identified. ESBL was not included in the surveillance until January 2005. Between January 2005 and July 2008 the mean incidence of nosocomial ESBL was also 0.15 cases per 1000 patient-days. The two multivariate models demonstrate a temporal relationship between bed occupancy rates in general wards and the incidence of nosocomial MRSA and ESBL. Similarly, the temporal relationship between the monthly average length of stay in intensive care units (ICUs) and the incidence of nosocomial MRSA and ESBL was demonstrated. Overcrowding in general wards and long periods of ICU stay were identified as factors influencing the spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria in hospital settings. Copyright 2010 The Hospital Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Resource utilization in primary repair of cleft palate.

PubMed

Owusu, James A; Liu, Meixia; Sidman, James D; Scott, Andrew R

2013-03-01

To estimate the current incidence of cleft palate in the United States and to determine national variations in resource utilization for primary repair of cleft palate. Retrospective analysis of a national, pediatric database (2009 Kids Inpatient Database). Patients aged 3 and below admitted for cleft palate repair were selected, using ICD-9 codes for cleft palate and procedure code for primary (initial) repair of cleft palate. A number of demographic variables were analyzed, and hospital charges were considered as a measure of resource utilization. Primary repair of cleft palate was performed on 1,943 patients. The estimated incidence was 0.11% with male to female ratio of 1.2:1. Regional incidence ranged from 0.09% (Northeast) to 0.12% (Midwest). The mean age at surgery was 13.4 months. The average length of stay was 1.9 days. The average total charge nationwide was $22,982, ranging from $17,972 (South) to $25,671 (Northeast). Average charge in a teaching institution was $4,925 higher than for nonteaching institutions. The strongest predictor of charge was length of stay, increasing charge by $7,663 for every additional hospital day (P < 0.01). National variations exist in resource utilization for primary repair of cleft palate, with higher charges in Northeastern states and teaching hospitals. The strongest predictor of increased resource use was length of stay, which was significantly higher at teaching institutions. Copyright © 2012 The American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society, Inc.

Mesh Denoising based on Normal Voting Tensor and Binary Optimization.

PubMed

Yadav, Sunil Kumar; Reitebuch, Ulrich; Polthier, Konrad

2017-08-17

This paper presents a two-stage mesh denoising algorithm. Unlike other traditional averaging approaches, our approach uses an element-based normal voting tensor to compute smooth surfaces. By introducing a binary optimization on the proposed tensor together with a local binary neighborhood concept, our algorithm better retains sharp features and produces smoother umbilical regions than previous approaches. On top of that, we provide a stochastic analysis on the different kinds of noise based on the average edge length. The quantitative results demonstrate that the performance of our method is better compared to state-of-the-art smoothing approaches.

Electron Microscopic Analysis of the Products of DNA Synthesis by DNA Polymerases from Calf Thymus and Herpes Simplex Virus Type I

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-10-03

DNA replication showed an average of 2.5 primers per M13 DNA circle. The measurement of the double stranded length from individual replicative intermediates by electron microscopy was within the accuracy of 10% standard deviation. The product length distribution obtained from the HSV-1 DNA polymerase catalyzed replication of M13 DNA primed with a specific pentadecamer and in the presence of E. Coli SSB protein showed a near Poisson distribution. Replication of the same primer-template system or DNA primase primed M13 DNA template by calf thymus DNA polymerase a showed a

The growth and reproduction of Seren (Diplocheilichtys pleurotaenia) in the Jatigede Reservoir Sumedang Regency Province of West Java

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herawati, T.; Yustiati, A.; Diliana, S. Y.; Adhardiansyah

2018-03-01

The research was conducted to find out the growth and productive pattern of Seren fish in Jatigede Sumedang Reservoir of West Java during the period of November 2016 to December 2016. The research used survey method with quantitative descriptive data analysis. Seren fish samples used in the study was 30 individuals collected in November 2016 and 41 individuals collected December 2016. The parameters observed namely were sex, gonads maturity level and index and fecundity. The results show that the average length of seren fish was 147 mm and the largest one was 273 mm. The fish growth patterns were allometrically negative. The condition factor ranged from 0.973 to 1.105. The ratio of nutritional fish seren was balanced between male and female fish. Gonad Maturity Index of male seren fish and female seren were relatively similar. The GMI male fish ranged between 0.285 to 11.055 % while the female GMI fish ranged from 1.23 to 11.76 %. The Seren fish of 225 mm has average fecundity of 10,032 grains, fish fitting 260 mm average 23,471 grains, there was a relationship between the addition of length size and fecundity.

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

Stillman, A.E.; Wilke, N.; Li, D.

Our goal was to determine the feasibility of using an intravascular MR contrast agent to improve 3D MRA. Three-dimensional TOF MRA was performed in nine patients both prior to and following the administration of an ultrasmall particle superparamagnetic iron oxide contrast agent (AMI 227). The lengths of both renal arteries were measured from the maximum intensity projection (MIP) images as well as the individual partitions. Seven of these patients also were studied by a 3D coronary artery MRA sequence. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) measurements of the right coronary artery were determined both prior to and following themore » administration of AMI 227. Statistical analysis of both renal artery lengths and right coronary SNR and CNR was performed using a one tailed paired t test comparing pre- and postcontrast images. The renal artery lengths significantly increased (right renal artery: 30%, p = 0.001; left renal artery: 25%, p < 0.008) when measured from the individual axial slice partitions. No significant increase in length was observed on the MIP images following contrast. In the right coronary artery, the SNR increased by an average of 80% (p = 0.008) and CNR increased by an average of 109% (p = 0.007). Increased background signal and superimposed venous structures reduced the measurable lengths of the renal arteries from the MIP images. These studies support the hypothesis that 3D MRA in the body will benefit from the use of intravascular contrast agents. Nevertheless, conventional MIP processing is unable to reveal the full advantage of the contrast improvement. 14 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Mean-intercept anisotropy analysis of porous media. II. Conceptual shortcomings of the MIL tensor definition and Minkowski tensors as an alternative.

PubMed

Klatt, Michael A; Schröder-Turk, Gerd E; Mecke, Klaus

2017-07-01

Structure-property relations, which relate the shape of the microstructure to physical properties such as transport or mechanical properties, need sensitive measures of structure. What are suitable fabric tensors to quantify the shape of anisotropic heterogeneous materials? The mean intercept length is among the most commonly used characteristics of anisotropy in porous media, e.g., of trabecular bone in medical physics. Yet, in this series of two papers we demonstrate that it has conceptual shortcomings that limit the validity of its results. We test the validity of general assumptions regarding the properties of the mean-intercept length tensor using analytical formulas for the mean-intercept lengths in anisotropic Boolean models (derived in part I of this series), augmented by numerical simulations. We discuss in detail the functional form of the mean intercept length as a function of the test line orientations. As the most prominent result, we find that, at least for the example of overlapping grains modeling porous media, the polar plot of the mean intercept length is in general not an ellipse and hence not represented by a second-rank tensor. This is in stark contrast to the common understanding that for a large collection of grains the mean intercept length figure averages to an ellipse. The standard mean intercept length tensor defined by a least-square fit of an ellipse is based on a model mismatch, which causes an intrinsic lack of accuracy. Our analysis reveals several shortcomings of the mean intercept length tensor analysis that pose conceptual problems and limitations on the information content of this commonly used analysis method. We suggest the Minkowski tensors from integral geometry as alternative sensitive measures of anisotropy. The Minkowski tensors allow for a robust, comprehensive, and systematic approach to quantify various aspects of structural anisotropy. We show the Minkowski tensors to be more sensitive, in the sense, that they can quantify the remnant anisotropy of structures not captured by the mean intercept length analysis. If applied to porous tissue and microstructures, this improved structure characterization can yield new insights into the relationships between geometry and material properties. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Cost Analysis and Policy Implications of a Pediatric Palliative Care Program.

PubMed

Gans, Daphna; Hadler, Max W; Chen, Xiao; Wu, Shang-Hua; Dimand, Robert; Abramson, Jill M; Ferrell, Betty; Diamant, Allison L; Kominski, Gerald F

2016-09-01

In 2010, California launched Partners for Children (PFC), a pediatric palliative care pilot program offering hospice-like services for children eligible for full-scope Medicaid delivered concurrently with curative care, regardless of the child's life expectancy. We assessed the change from before PFC enrollment to the enrolled period in 1) health care costs per enrollee per month (PEPM), 2) costs by service type and diagnosis category, and 3) health care utilization (days of inpatient care and length of hospital stay). A pre-post analysis compared enrollees' health care costs and utilization up to 24 months before enrollment with their costs during participation in the pilot, from January 2010 through December 2012. Analyses were conducted using paid Medicaid claims and program enrollment data. The average PEPM health care costs of program enrollees decreased by $3331 from before their participation in PFC to the enrolled period, driven by a reduction in inpatient costs of $4897 PEPM. PFC enrollees experienced a nearly 50% reduction in the average number of inpatient days per month, from 4.2 to 2.3. Average length of stay per hospitalization dropped from an average of 16.7 days before enrollment to 6.5 days while in the program. Through the provision of home-based therapeutic services, 24/7 access to medical advice, and enhanced, personally tailored care coordination, PFC demonstrated an effective way to reduce costs for children with life-limiting conditions by moving from costly inpatient care to more coordinated and less expensive outpatient care. PFC's home-based care strategy is a cost-effective model for pediatric palliative care elsewhere. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

LINDENS: A program for lineament length and density analysis*1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casas, Antonio M.; Cortés, Angel L.; Maestro, Adolfo; Soriano, M. Asunción; Riaguas, Andres; Bernal, Javier

2000-11-01

Analysis of lineaments from satellite images normally includes the determination of their orientation and density. The spatial variation in the orientation and/or number of lineaments must be obtained by means of a network of cells, the lineaments included in each cell being analysed separately. The program presented in this work, LINDENS, allows the density of lineaments (number of lineaments per km 2 and length of lineaments per km 2) to be estimated. It also provides a tool for classifying the lineaments contained in different cells, so that their orientation can be represented in frequency histograms and/or rose diagrams. The input file must contain the planar coordinates of the beginning and end of each lineament. The density analysis is done by creating a network of square cells, and counting the number of lineaments that are contained within each cell, that have one of their ends within the cell or that cross-cut the cell boundary. The lengths of lineaments are then calculated. To obtain a representative density map the cell size must be fixed according to: (1) the average lineament length; (2) the distance between the lineaments; and (3) the boundaries of zones with low densities due to lithology or outcrop features. An example from the Neogene Duero Basin (Northern Spain) is provided to test the reliability of the density maps obtained with different cell sizes.

The Weibull probabilities analysis on the single kenaf fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibrahim, I.; Sarip, S.; Bani, N. A.; Ibrahim, M. H.; Hassan, M. Z.

2018-05-01

Kenaf fiber has a great potential to be replaced with the synthetic composite due to their advantages such as environmentally friendly and outstanding performance. However, the main issue of this natural fiber that to be used in structural composite is inconsistency of their mechanical properties. Here, the influence of the gage length on the mechanical properties of single kenaf fiber was evaluated. This fiber was tested using the Universal testing machine at a loading rate of 1mm per min following ASTM D3822 standard. In this study, the different length of treated fiber including 20, 30 and 40mm were being tested. Following, Weibull probabilities analysis was used to characterize the tensile strength and Young modulus of kenaf fiber. The predicted average tensile strength from this approach is in good agreement with experimental results for the obtained parameter.

Telomere length and telomere repeating factors: Cellular markers for post-traumatic stress disorder-like model.

PubMed

Dong, Yuanjun; Zhang, Guiqing; Yuan, Xiuyu; Zhang, Yueqi; Hu, Min

2016-05-01

The aim of the present study was to explore the telomere length of peripheral blood leukocytes from a rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as the expression level of telomere-binding protein in the hippocampal CA1 region. The PTSD model was established with 42 adult male Wistar rats. The relative telomere length of the leukocytes was measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the expression levels of telomere repeating factor 1 (TRF1) and telomere repeating factor 2 (TRF2) in the hippocampal CA1 region of the PTSD rat model were determined by immunofluorescence technology. The covariance analysis of repeated measurements by the mixed model approach was used for the telomere length analysis. The comparison of averaged data among groups was performed using least significant difference and analysis of variance. The Student's t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for intragroup comparison. The association study among groups was conducted using the Spearman test. The shortening speed of telomere length significantly accelerated in rats after Single Prolonged Stress (SPS) stimulation (P<0.05). The expression levels of TRF1 and TRF2 increased with the progress of PTSD, and the expression peak was shown in day 14, which was significantly different from the control group (P<0.05). The shortening speed of the telomere length of peripheral blood leukocytes accelerated in PTSD rats, and the expression levels of TRF1 and TRF2 increased in hippocampus, both of which were closely associated with the pathological progress of the PTSD-like model and unfavorable prognosis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Kinetic analysis of F-actin depolymerization in polymorphonuclear leukocyte lysates indicates that chemoattractant stimulation increases actin filament number without altering the filament length distribution

PubMed Central

1991-01-01

The rate of filamentous actin (F-actin) depolymerization is proportional to the number of filaments depolarizing and changes in the rate are proportional to changes in filament number. To determine the number and length of actin filaments in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and the change in filament number and length that occurs during the increase in F-actin upon chemoattractant stimulation, the time course of cellular F-actin depolymerization in lysates of control and peptide- stimulated cells was examined. F-actin was quantified by the TRITC- labeled phalloidin staining of pelletable actin. Lysis in 1.2 M KCl and 10 microM DNase I minimized the effects of F-actin binding proteins and G-actin, respectively, on the kinetics of depolymerization. To determine filament number and length from a depolymerization time course, depolymerization kinetics must be limited by the actin monomer dissociation rate. Comparison of time courses of depolymerization in the presence (pointed ends free) or absence (barbed and pointed ends free) of cytochalasin suggested depolymerization occurred from both ends of the filament and that monomer dissociation was rate limiting. Control cells had 1.7 +/- 0.4 x 10(5) filaments with an average length of 0.29 +/- 0.09 microns. Chemo-attractant stimulation for 90 s at room temperature with 0.02 microM N-formylnorleucylleucylphenylalanine caused a twofold increase in F-actin and about a two-fold increase in the total number of actin filaments to 4.0 +/- 0.5 x 10(5) filaments with an average length of 0.27 +/- 0.07 microns. In both cases, most (approximately 80%) of the filaments were quite short (less than or equal to 0.18 micron). The length distributions of actin filaments in stimulated and control cells were similar. PMID:1918158

Anomalous light output from lightning dart leaders

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guo, C.; Krider, E. P.

1985-01-01

About 5 percent of the multiple-stroke cloud-to-ground lightning discharges recorded at the NASA Kennedy Space Center during the summer of 1981 contained dart leaders that produced an unusually large light output. An analysis of these cases indicates that the average peak light output per unit length in the leader may be comparable to or even exceed that of the return stroke that follows.

Study of Natural Fiber Breakage during Composite Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quijano-Solis, Carlos Jafet

Biofiber-thermoplastic composites have gained considerable importance in the last century. To provide mechanical reinforcement to the polymer, fibers must be larger than a critical aspect ratio (length-to-width ratio). However, biofibers undergo breakage in length or width during processing, affecting their final aspect ratio in the composites. In this study, influence on biofiber breakage by factors related to processing conditions, fiber morphology and the flow type was investigated through: a) experiments using an internal mixer, a twin-screw extruder (TSE) or a capillary rheometer; and b) a Monte Carlo computer simulation. Composites of thermomechanical fibers of aspen or wheat straw mixed with polypropylene were studied. Internal mixer experiments analyzed wheat straw and two batches of aspen fibers, named AL and AS. AL fibers had longer average length. Processing variables included the temperature, rotors speed and fiber concentration. TSE experiments studied AL and AS fiber composites under various screws speeds, temperatures and feeding rates of the polymer and fibers. Capillary rheometers experiments determined AL fiber breakage in shear and elongational flows for composites processed at different concentrations, temperatures, and strain rates. Finally, the internal mixer experimental results where compared to Monte Carlo simulation predictions. The simulation focused on fiber length breakage due to fiber-polymer interactions. Internal mixer results showed that final fiber average length depended almost solely on processing conditions while final fiber average width depended on both processing conditions and initial fiber morphology. In the TSE, processing conditions as well as initial fiber length influenced final average length. TSE results showed that the fiber concentration regime seems to influence the effect of processing variables on fiber breakage. Capillary rheometer experiments demonstrated that biofiber breakage happens in both elongational and shear flows. In some cases, percentage of biofiber breakage in elongational flow is higher. In general, simulation predictions of final average lengths were in good agreement with experiments, indicating the importance of fiber-polymer interactions on fiber breakage. The largest discrepancies were obtained at higher fiber concentration composites; these differences might be resolved, in future simulations, by including the effect of fiber-fiber interactions.

Genetic similarity analysis within Pyropia yezoensis blades developed from both conchospores and blade archeospores using AFLP(1).

PubMed

He, Linwen; Zhu, Jianyi; Lu, Qinqin; Niu, Jianfeng; Zhang, Baoyu; Lin, Apeng; Wang, Guangce

2013-06-01

Pyropia yezoensis (Ueda) M. S. Hwang et H. G. Choi (previously called Porphyra yezoensis) is an economically important alga. The blades generated from conchospores are genetic chimeras, which are not suitable for genetic similarity analysis. In this study, two types of blades from a single filament of P. yezoensis sporophyte filament were obtained. One type, ConB, consisted of 40 blades that had germinated from conchospores. The other type, ArcB, consisted of 88 blades that had germinated from archeospores released from ConB. Both of them were analyzed by amplified fragment length polymorphism. The low genetic similarity levels for both conchospore-germinated and archeospore-germinated blades demonstrated that the conchcelis we used was cross-fertilized. Furthermore, a higher polymorphic loci ratio (98.6%) was detected in ArcB than in ConB (80.7%), and the average genetic similarity of ArcB (average 0.61) was lower than that of ConB (average 0.71). These differences indicated that genetic analysis using ArcB gives more accurate results. © 2013 Phycological Society of America.

Quantifying nonergodicity in nonautonomous dissipative dynamical systems: An application to climate change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drótos, Gábor; Bódai, Tamás; Tél, Tamás

2016-08-01

In nonautonomous dynamical systems, like in climate dynamics, an ensemble of trajectories initiated in the remote past defines a unique probability distribution, the natural measure of a snapshot attractor, for any instant of time, but this distribution typically changes in time. In cases with an aperiodic driving, temporal averages taken along a single trajectory would differ from the corresponding ensemble averages even in the infinite-time limit: ergodicity does not hold. It is worth considering this difference, which we call the nonergodic mismatch, by taking time windows of finite length for temporal averaging. We point out that the probability distribution of the nonergodic mismatch is qualitatively different in ergodic and nonergodic cases: its average is zero and typically nonzero, respectively. A main conclusion is that the difference of the average from zero, which we call the bias, is a useful measure of nonergodicity, for any window length. In contrast, the standard deviation of the nonergodic mismatch, which characterizes the spread between different realizations, exhibits a power-law decrease with increasing window length in both ergodic and nonergodic cases, and this implies that temporal and ensemble averages differ in dynamical systems with finite window lengths. It is the average modulus of the nonergodic mismatch, which we call the ergodicity deficit, that represents the expected deviation from fulfilling the equality of temporal and ensemble averages. As an important finding, we demonstrate that the ergodicity deficit cannot be reduced arbitrarily in nonergodic systems. We illustrate via a conceptual climate model that the nonergodic framework may be useful in Earth system dynamics, within which we propose the measure of nonergodicity, i.e., the bias, as an order-parameter-like quantifier of climate change.

Statistical properties of edge plasma turbulence in the Large Helical Device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dewhurst, J. M.; Hnat, B.; Ohno, N.; Dendy, R. O.; Masuzaki, S.; Morisaki, T.; Komori, A.

2008-09-01

Ion saturation current (Isat) measurements made by three tips of a Langmuir probe array in the Large Helical Device are analysed for two plasma discharges. Absolute moment analysis is used to quantify properties on different temporal scales of the measured signals, which are bursty and intermittent. Strong coherent modes in some datasets are found to distort this analysis and are consequently removed from the time series by applying bandstop filters. Absolute moment analysis of the filtered data reveals two regions of power-law scaling, with the temporal scale τ ≈ 40 µs separating the two regimes. A comparison is made with similar results from the Mega-Amp Spherical Tokamak. The probability density function is studied and a monotonic relationship between connection length and skewness is found. Conditional averaging is used to characterize the average temporal shape of the largest intermittent bursts.

Impact of Residency Training Redesign on Residents' Clinical Knowledge.

PubMed

Waller, Elaine; Eiff, M Patrice; Dexter, Eve; Rinaldo, Jason C B; Marino, Miguel; Garvin, Roger; Douglass, Alan B; Phillips, Robert; Green, Larry A; Carney, Patricia A

2017-10-01

The In-training Examination (ITE) is a frequently used method to evaluate family medicine residents' clinical knowledge. We compared family medicine ITE scores among residents who trained in the 14 programs that participated in the Preparing the Personal Physician for Practice (P4) Project to national averages over time, and according to educational innovations. The ITE scores of 802 consenting P4 residents who trained in 2007 through 2011 were obtained from the American Board of Family Medicine. The primary analysis involved comparing scores within each academic year (2007 through 2011), according to program year (PGY) for P4 residents to all residents nationally. A secondary analysis compared ITE scores among residents in programs that experimented with length of training and compared scores among residents in programs that offered individualized education options with those that did not. Release of ITE scores was consented to by 95.5% of residents for this study. Scores of P4 residents were higher compared to national scores in each year. For example, in 2011, the mean P4 score for PGY1 was 401.2, compared to the national average of 386. For PGY2, the mean P4 score was 443.1, compared to the national average of 427, and for PGY3, the mean P4 score was 477.0, compared to the national PGY3 score of 456. Scores of residents in programs that experimented with length of training were similar to those in programs that did not. Scores were also similar between residents in programs with and without individualized education options. Family medicine residency programs undergoing substantial educational changes, including experiments in length of training and individualized education, did not appear to experience a negative effect on resident's clinical knowledge, as measured by ITE scores. Further research is needed to study the effect of a wide range of residency training innovations on ITE scores over time.

Extracorporeal Circulation During Lung Transplantation Procedures: A Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Hoechter, Dominik J; Shen, Yu-Ming; Kammerer, Tobias; Günther, Sabina; Weig, Thomas; Schramm, René; Hagl, Christian; Born, Frank; Meiser, Bruno; Preissler, Gerhard; Winter, Hauke; Czerner, Stephan; Zwissler, Bernhard; Mansmann, Ulrich U; von Dossow, Vera

Extracorporeal circulation (ECC) is an invaluable tool in lung transplantation (lutx). More than the past years, an increasing number of centers changed their standard for intraoperative ECC from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) - with differing results. This meta-analysis reviews the existing evidence. An online literature research on Medline, Embase, and PubMed has been performed. Two persons independently judged the papers using the ACROBAT-NRSI tool of the Cochrane collaboration. Meta-analyses and meta-regressions were used to determine whether veno-arterial ECMO (VA-ECMO) resulted in better outcomes compared with CPB. Six papers - all observational studies without randomization - were included in the analysis. All were considered to have serious bias caused by heparinization as co-intervention. Forest plots showed a beneficial trend of ECMO regarding blood transfusions (packed red blood cells (RBCs) with an average mean difference of -0.46 units [95% CI = -3.72, 2.80], fresh-frozen plasma with an average mean difference of -0.65 units [95% CI = -1.56, 0.25], platelets with an average mean difference of -1.72 units [95% CI = -3.67, 0.23]). Duration of ventilator support with an average mean difference of -2.86 days [95% CI = -11.43, 5.71] and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay with an average mean difference of -4.79 days [95% CI = -8.17, -1.41] were shorter in ECMO patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment tended to be superior regarding 3 month mortality (odds ratio = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.21-1.02) and 1 year mortality (odds ratio = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.37-1.13). However, only the ICU length of stay reached statistical significance. Meta-regression analyses showed that heterogeneity across studies (sex, year of ECMO implementation, and underlying disease) influenced differences. These data indicate a benefit of the intraoperative use of ECMO as compared with CPB during lung transplant procedures regarding short-term outcome (ICU stay). There was no statistically significant effect regarding blood transfusion needs or long-term outcome. The superiority of ECMO in lutx patients remains to be determined in larger multi-center randomized trials.

Visualization and quantitative analysis of extrachromosomal telomere-repeat DNA in individual human cells by Halo-FISH

PubMed Central

Komosa, Martin; Root, Heather; Meyn, M. Stephen

2015-01-01

Current methods for characterizing extrachromosomal nuclear DNA in mammalian cells do not permit single-cell analysis, are often semi-quantitative and frequently biased toward the detection of circular species. To overcome these limitations, we developed Halo-FISH to visualize and quantitatively analyze extrachromosomal DNA in single cells. We demonstrate Halo-FISH by using it to analyze extrachromosomal telomere-repeat (ECTR) in human cells that use the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) pathway(s) to maintain telomere lengths. We find that GM847 and VA13 ALT cells average ∼80 detectable G/C-strand ECTR DNA molecules/nucleus, while U2OS ALT cells average ∼18 molecules/nucleus. In comparison, human primary and telomerase-positive cells contain <5 ECTR DNA molecules/nucleus. ECTR DNA in ALT cells exhibit striking cell-to-cell variations in number (<20 to >300), range widely in length (<1 to >200 kb) and are composed of primarily G- or C-strand telomere-repeat DNA. Halo-FISH enables, for the first time, the simultaneous analysis of ECTR DNA and chromosomal telomeres in a single cell. We find that ECTR DNA comprises ∼15% of telomere-repeat DNA in GM847 and VA13 cells, but <4% in U2OS cells. In addition to its use in ALT cell analysis, Halo-FISH can facilitate the study of a wide variety of extrachromosomal DNA in mammalian cells. PMID:25662602

[Spatial heterogeneity in body condition of small yellow croaker in Yellow Sea and East China Sea based on mixed-effects model and quantile regression analysis].

PubMed

Liu, Zun-Lei; Yuan, Xing-Wei; Yan, Li-Ping; Yang, Lin-Lin; Cheng, Jia-Hua

2013-09-01

By using the 2008-2010 investigation data about the body condition of small yellow croaker in the offshore waters of southern Yellow Sea (SYS), open waters of northern East China Sea (NECS), and offshore waters of middle East China Sea (MECS), this paper analyzed the spatial heterogeneity of body length-body mass of juvenile and adult small yellow croakers by the statistical approaches of mean regression model and quantile regression model. The results showed that the residual standard errors from the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and the linear mixed-effects model were similar, and those from the simple linear regression were the highest. For the juvenile small yellow croakers, their mean body mass in SYS and NECS estimated by the mixed-effects mean regression model was higher than the overall average mass across the three regions, while the mean body mass in MECS was below the overall average. For the adult small yellow croakers, their mean body mass in NECS was higher than the overall average, while the mean body mass in SYS and MECS was below the overall average. The results from quantile regression indicated the substantial differences in the allometric relationships of juvenile small yellow croakers between SYS, NECS, and MECS, with the estimated mean exponent of the allometric relationship in SYS being 2.85, and the interquartile range being from 2.63 to 2.96, which indicated the heterogeneity of body form. The results from ANCOVA showed that the allometric body length-body mass relationships were significantly different between the 25th and 75th percentile exponent values (F=6.38, df=1737, P<0.01) and the 25th percentile and median exponent values (F=2.35, df=1737, P=0.039). The relationship was marginally different between the median and 75th percentile exponent values (F=2.21, df=1737, P=0.051). The estimated body length-body mass exponent of adult small yellow croakers in SYS was 3.01 (10th and 95th percentiles = 2.77 and 3.1, respectively). The estimated body length-body mass relationships were significantly different from the lower and upper quantiles of the exponent (F=3.31, df=2793, P=0.01) and the median and upper quantiles (F=3.56, df=2793, P<0.01), while no significant difference was observed between the lower and median quantiles (F=0.98, df=2793, P=0.43).

Co-Ordination Compounds as Sensitizers for Percussion Cap Compositions

DTIC Science & Technology

1949-01-01

table. TABLE III Time elapsed (hours) Mixture Sensitivity* (inches/ £ lb.) Ballistic Pendulum » Power coefficient C. of V. of trace lengths...dimension C = 50-52. The power co-efficient is obtained by dividing the average trace length for 10 of the caps under trial by the average trace ...resulting in a high C. of V. The trace lengths as measured were as follows: 8.25, 8.30, 4.55, 10.65, 9.55, 9.0C, 8.46, 8.42, 8.21, 8.34 inches. The

Sex-specific differences of craniofacial traits in Croatia: the impact of environment in a small geographic area.

PubMed

Buretic-Tomljanovic, Alena; Giacometti, Jasminka; Ostojic, Sasa; Kapovic, Miljenko

2007-01-01

Craniometric variation in humans reflects different genetic and environmental influences. Long-term climatic adaptation is less likely to show an impact on size and shape variation in a small local area than at the global level. The aim of this work was to assess the contribution of the particular environmental factors to body height and craniofacial variability in a small geographic area of Croatia. A total of 632 subjects, aged 18-21, participated in the survey. Body height, head length, head breadth, head height, head circumference, cephalic index, morphological face height, face breadth, and facial index were analysed regarding geographic, climatic and dietary conditions in different regions of the country, and correlated with the specific climatic variables (cumulative multiyear sunshine duration, cumulative multiyear average precipitation, multiyear average air temperatures) and calcium concentrations in drinking water. Significant differences between groups classified according to geographic, climatic or dietary affiliation, and the impact of the environmental predictors on the variation in the investigated traits were assessed using multiple forward stepwise regression analyses. Higher body height measures in both sexes were significantly correlated with Mediterranean diet type. Mediterranean diet type also contributed to higher head length and head circumference measures in females. Cephalic index values correlated to geographic regions in both sexes, showing an increase from southern to eastern Croatia. In the same direction, head length significantly decreased in males and head breadth increased in females. Mediterranean climate was associated with higher and narrower faces in females. The analysis of the particular climatic variables did not reveal a significant influence on body height in either sex. Concurrently, climatic features influenced all craniofacial traits in females and only head length and facial index in males. Mediterranean climate, characterized by higher average sunshine duration, higher average precipitation and higher average air temperatures, was associated with longer, higher and narrower skulls, higher head circumference, lower cephalic index, and higher and narrower faces (lower facial index). Calcium concentrations in drinking water did not correlate significantly with any dependent variable. A significant effect of environmental factors on body height and craniofacial variability was found in Croatian young adult population. This effect was more pronounced in females, revealing sex-specific craniofacial differentiation. However, the impact of environment was low and may explain only 1.0-7.32% variation of the investigated traits.

Polyphosphate kinase: demonstration that short chain polyphosphate serves as a primer for the enzymatic synthesis of polyphosphate

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

Robinson, N.A.; Wood, H.G.

1986-05-01

Polyphosphate (poly(P)) kinase, isolated from Propionibacterium shermanii, catalyzes the following reaction: poly(P/sub n/) + ATPin equilibriumpoly(P/sub n+1/) + ADP. The authors have purified this enzyme to 90% homogeneity and have shown it to be composed of 2-3 identical subunits of M/sub r/ 80,000. Investigation of the reaction mechanism by product analysis has revealed that the elongation phase is processive whereby successive elongation occurs without release of intermediate sizes until very long chains are formed. The initiation phase of synthesis has been investigated using (/sup 32/P) poly(P) primer of chain length 11-60. It is incorporated into long chain poly(P) and themore » /sup 32/P has been shown, by use of poly(P) glucokinase, to be localized at the end of the molecule. Calculation of average chain length based upon the incorporation of /sup 32/P, however, yields a value approx.3 fold higher than the value calculated by another method using poly(P) glucokinase. This result indicates that initiation of poly(P) synthesis occurs by at least one other route which does not involve short chain poly(P) primers. The effect of temperature and concentration of poly(P) primer upon the average chain length of poly(P) synthesized was also investigated. A general trend was observed in which the chain length of the synthesized poly(P) decreased as either temperature or concentration or primer was increased.« less

[Microsurgical anatomy importance of A1-anterior communicating artery complex].

PubMed

Monroy-Sosa, Alejandro; Pérez-Cruz, Julio César; Reyes-Soto, Gervith; Delgado-Hernández, Carlos; Macías-Duvignau, Mario Alberto; Delgado-Reyes, Luis

2013-01-01

The anterior cerebral artery originates from the bifurcation of the internal carotid artery lateral to the optic chiasm, then joins with its contralateral counterpart via the anterior communicating artery. A1-anterior communicating artery complex is the most frequent anatomical variants and is the major site of aneurysms between 30 to 37%. Know the anatomy microsurgical, variants anatomical and importance of complex precommunicating segment-artery anterior communicating in surgery neurological of the pathology vascular, mainly aneurysms, in Mexican population. The study was performed in 30 brains injected. Microanatomy was studied (length and diameter) of A1-anterior communicating artery complex and its variants. 60 segments A1, the average length of left side was 11.35 mm and 11.84 mm was right. The average diameter of left was 1.67 mm and the right was 1.64 mm. The average number of perforators on the left side was 7.9 and the right side was 7.5. Anterior communicating artery was found in 29 brains of the optic chiasm, its course depended on the length of the A1 segment. The average length of the segment was 2.84 mm, the average diameter was 1.41 mm and the average number of perforators was 3.27. A1-anterior communicating artery complex variants were found in 18 (60%) and the presence of two blister-like aneurysms. It is necessary to understand the A1-anterior communicating artery complex microanatomy of its variants to have a three-dimensional vision during aneurysm surgery.

Social factors influencing hospital utilisation by tuberculosis patients in the Russian Federation: analysis of routinely collected data.

PubMed

Atun, R A; Samyshkin, Y A; Drobniewski, F; Kuznetsov, S I; Fedorin, I M; Coker, R J

2005-10-01

To establish whether admissions, discharges and hospital utilisation for tuberculosis (TB) in Russia are independent of sex, age, disability and employment status. Analysis of hospital admissions, discharges and in-patient utilisation using routinely collected data in Samara Region of the Russian Federation. Male, unemployed and disabled adults were significantly more likely to be hospitalised (P < 0.001). The unemployed and pensioners were more likely to have multiple admissions. Unemployed adults were more likely to have longer average lengths of stay per admission (P < 0.001), with a cumulative length of stay for unemployed and disabled adults significantly greater than for employed adults and adults with no disability. Interruption of hospital care was significantly more frequent in male, disabled and unemployed patients (P < 0.001). Socio-economic factors influence hospital admission patterns and the length of stay for patients when hospitalised, as the providers of TB services attempt to mitigate the lack of social care provision for patients. For the WHO DOTS strategy to be effectively implemented and sustained in the Russian Federation health system, social sector linkage issues need to be addressed.

Spatiotemporal Variables of Able-bodied and Amputee Sprinters in Men's 100-m Sprint.

PubMed

Hobara, H; Kobayashi, Y; Mochimaru, M

2015-06-01

The difference in world records set by able-bodied sprinters and amputee sprinters in the men's 100-m sprint is still approximately 1 s (as of 28 March 2014). Theoretically, forward velocity in a 100-m sprint is the product of step frequency and step length. The goal of this study was to examine the hypothesis that differences in the sprint performance of able-bodied and amputee sprinters would be due to a shorter step length rather than lower step frequency. Men's elite-level 100-m races with a total of 36 able-bodied, 25 unilateral and 17 bilateral amputee sprinters were analyzed from the publicly available internet broadcasts of 11 races. For each run of each sprinter, the average forward velocity, step frequency and step length over the whole 100-m distance were analyzed. The average forward velocity of able-bodied sprinters was faster than that of the other 2 groups, but there was no significant difference in average step frequency among the 3 groups. However, the average step length of able-bodied sprinters was significantly longer than that of the other 2 groups. These results suggest that the differences in sprint performance between 2 groups would be due to a shorter step length rather than lower step frequency. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Wind modeling and lateral control for automatic landing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holley, W. E.; Bryson, A. E., Jr.

1975-01-01

For the purposes of aircraft control system design and analysis, the wind can be characterized by a mean component which varies with height and by turbulent components which are described by the von Karman correlation model. The aircraft aero-dynamic forces and moments depend linearly on uniform and gradient gust components obtained by averaging over the aircraft's length and span. The correlations of the averaged components are then approximated by the outputs of linear shaping filters forced by white noise. The resulting model of the crosswind shear and turbulence effects is used in the design of a lateral control system for the automatic landing of a DC-8 aircraft.

Three-dimensional analysis by electron diffraction methods of nanocrystalline materials.

PubMed

Gammer, Christoph; Mangler, Clemens; Karnthaler, Hans-Peter; Rentenberger, Christian

2011-12-01

To analyze nanocrystalline structures quantitatively in 3D, a novel method is presented based on electron diffraction. It allows determination of the average size and morphology of the coherently scattering domains (CSD) in a straightforward way without the need to prepare multiple sections. The method is applicable to all kinds of bulk nanocrystalline materials. As an example, the average size of the CSD in nanocrystalline FeAl made by severe plastic deformation is determined in 3D. Assuming ellipsoidal CSD, it is deduced that the CSD have a width of 19 ± 2 nm, a length of 18 ± 1 nm, and a height of 10 ± 1 nm.

Analysis of aperture averaging measurements. [laser scintillation data on the effect of atmospheric turbulence on signal fluctuations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fried, D. L.

1975-01-01

Laser scintillation data obtained by the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center balloon flight no. 5 from White Sands Missile Range on 19 October 1973 are analyzed. The measurement data, taken with various size receiver apertures, were related to predictions of aperture averaging theory, and it is concluded that the data are in reasonable agreement with theory. The following parameters are assigned to the vertical distribution of the strength of turbulence during the period of the measurements (daytime), for lambda = 0.633 microns, and the source at the zenith; the aperture averaging length is d sub o = 0.125 m, and the log-amplitude variance is (beta sub l)2 = 0.084 square nepers. This corresponds to a normalized point intensity variance of 0.40.

Development of the expressed Ig CDR-H3 repertoire is marked by focusing of constraints in length, amino acid use, and charge that are first established in early B cell progenitors.

PubMed

Ivanov, Ivaylo I; Schelonka, Robert L; Zhuang, Yingxin; Gartland, G Larry; Zemlin, Michael; Schroeder, Harry W

2005-06-15

To gain insight into the mechanisms that regulate the development of the H chain CDR3 (CDR-H3), we used the scheme of Hardy to sort mouse bone marrow B lineage cells into progenitor, immature, and mature B cell fractions, and then performed sequence analysis on V(H)7183-containing Cmu transcripts. The essential architecture of the CDR-H3 repertoire observed in the mature B cell fraction F was already established in the early pre-B cell fraction C. These architectural features include V(H) gene segment use preference, D(H) family usage, J(H) rank order, predicted structures of the CDR-H3 base and loop, and the amino acid composition and average hydrophobicity of the CDR-H3 loop. With development, the repertoire was focused by eliminating outliers to what appears to be a preferred repertoire in terms of length, amino acid composition, and average hydrophobicity. Unlike humans, the average length of CDR-H3 increased during development. The majority of this increase came from enhanced preservation of J(H) sequence. This was associated with an increase in the prevalence of tyrosine. With an accompanying increase in glycine, a shift in hydrophobicity was observed in the CDR-H3 loop from near neutral in fraction C (-0.08 +/- 0.03) to mild hydrophilic in fraction F (-0.17 +/- 0.02). Fundamental constraints on the sequence and structure of CDR-H3 are thus established before surface IgM expression.

Localization of interictal epileptic spikes with MEG: optimization of an automated beamformer screening method (SAMepi) in a diverse epilepsy population

PubMed Central

Scott, Jonathan M.; Robinson, Stephen E.; Holroyd, Tom; Coppola, Richard; Sato, Susumu; Inati, Sara K.

2016-01-01

OBJECTIVE To describe and optimize an automated beamforming technique followed by identification of locations with excess kurtosis (g2) for efficient detection and localization of interictal spikes in medically refractory epilepsy patients. METHODS Synthetic Aperture Magnetometry with g2 averaged over a sliding time window (SAMepi) was performed in 7 focal epilepsy patients and 5 healthy volunteers. The effect of varied window lengths on detection of spiking activity was evaluated. RESULTS Sliding window lengths of 0.5–10 seconds performed similarly, with 0.5 and 1 second windows detecting spiking activity in one of the 3 virtual sensor locations with highest kurtosis. These locations were concordant with the region of eventual surgical resection in these 7 patients who remained seizure free at one year. Average g2 values increased with increasing sliding window length in all subjects. In healthy volunteers kurtosis values stabilized in datasets longer than two minutes. CONCLUSIONS SAMepi using g2 averaged over 1 second sliding time windows in datasets of at least 2 minutes duration reliably identified interictal spiking and the presumed seizure focus in these 7 patients. Screening the 5 locations with highest kurtosis values for spiking activity is an efficient and accurate technique for localizing interictal activity using MEG. SIGNIFICANCE SAMepi should be applied using the parameter values and procedure described for optimal detection and localization of interictal spikes. Use of this screening procedure could significantly improve the efficiency of MEG analysis if clinically validated. PMID:27760068

Computer analysis of three-dimensional morphological characteristics of the bile duct

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Jinyuan; Chen, Houjin; Peng, Yahui; Shang, Hua

2017-01-01

In this paper, a computer image-processing algorithm for analyzing the morphological characteristics of bile ducts in Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) images was proposed. The algorithm consisted of mathematical morphology methods including erosion, closing and skeletonization, and a spline curve fitting method to obtain the length and curvature of the center line of the bile duct. Of 10 cases, the average length of the bile duct was 14.56 cm. The maximum curvature was in the range of 0.111 2.339. These experimental results show that using the computer image-processing algorithm to assess the morphological characteristics of the bile duct is feasible and further research is needed to evaluate its potential clinical values.

Telomere Restriction Fragment (TRF) Analysis.

PubMed

Mender, Ilgen; Shay, Jerry W

2015-11-20

While telomerase is expressed in ~90% of primary human tumors, most somatic tissue cells except transiently proliferating stem-like cells do not have detectable telomerase activity (Shay and Wright, 1996; Shay and Wright, 2001). Telomeres progressively shorten with each cell division in normal cells, including proliferating stem-like cells, due to the end replication (lagging strand synthesis) problem and other causes such as oxidative damage, therefore all somatic cells have limited cell proliferation capacity (Hayflick limit) (Hayflick and Moorhead, 1961; Olovnikov, 1973). The progressive telomere shortening eventually leads to growth arrest in normal cells, which is known as replicative senescence (Shay et al. , 1991). Once telomerase is activated in cancer cells, telomere length is stabilized by the addition of TTAGGG repeats to the end of chromosomes, thus enabling the limitless continuation of cell division (Shay and Wright, 1996; Shay and Wright, 2001). Therefore, the link between aging and cancer can be partially explained by telomere biology. There are many rapid and convenient methods to study telomere biology such as Telomere Restriction Fragment (TRF), Telomere Repeat Amplification Protocol (TRAP) (Mender and Shay, 2015b) and Telomere dysfunction Induced Foci (TIF) analysis (Mender and Shay, 2015a). In this protocol paper we describe Telomere Restriction Fragment (TRF) analysis to determine average telomeric length of cells. Telomeric length can be indirectly measured by a technique called Telomere Restriction Fragment analysis (TRF). This technique is a modified Southern blot, which measures the heterogeneous range of telomere lengths in a cell population using the length distribution of the terminal restriction fragments (Harley et al. , 1990; Ouellette et al. , 2000). This method can be used in eukaryotic cells. The description below focuses on the measurement of human cancer cells telomere length. The principle of this method relies on the lack of restriction enzyme recognition sites within TTAGGG tandem telomeric repeats, therefore digestion of genomic DNA, not telomeric DNA, with a combination of 6 base restriction endonucleases reduces genomic DNA size to less than 800 bp.

Detonation mode and frequency analysis under high loss conditions for stoichiometric propane-oxygen

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

Jackson, Scott I.; Lee, Bok Jik; Shepherd, Joseph E.

In this paper, the propagation characteristics of galloping detonations were quantified with a high-time-resolution velocity diagnostic. Combustion waves were initiated in 30-m lengths of 4.1-mm inner diameter transparent tubing filled with stoichiometric propane–oxygen mixtures. Chemiluminescence from the resulting waves was imaged to determine the luminous wave front position and velocity every 83.3 μ. As the mixture initial pressure was decreased from 20 to 7 kPa, the wave was observed to become increasingly unsteady and transition from steady detonation to a galloping detonation. While wave velocities averaged over the full tube length smoothly decreased with initial pressure down to half ofmore » the Chapman–Jouguet detonation velocity (D CJ) at the quenching limit, the actual propagation mechanism was seen to be a galloping wave with a cycle period of approximately 1.0 ms, corresponding to a cycle length of 1.3–2.0 m or 317–488 tube diameters depending on the average wave speed. The long test section length of 7300 tube diameters allowed observation of up to 20 galloping cycles, allowing for statistical analysis of the wave dynamics. In the galloping regime, a bimodal velocity distribution was observed with peaks centered near 0.4 D CJ and 0.95 D CJ. Decreasing initial pressure increasingly favored the low velocity mode. Galloping frequencies ranged from 0.8 to 1.0 kHz and were insensitive to initial mixture pressure. Wave deflagration-to-detonation transition and detonation failure trajectories were found to be repeatable in a given test and also across different initial mixture pressures. The temporal duration of wave dwell at the low and high velocity modes during galloping was also quantified. It was found that the mean wave dwell duration in the low velocity mode was a weak function of initial mixture pressure, while the mean dwell time in the high velocity mode depended exponentially on initial mixture pressure. Analysis of the velocity histories using dynamical systems ideas demonstrated trajectories that varied from stable to limit cycles to aperiodic motion with decreasing initial pressure. Finally, the results indicate that galloping detonation is a persistent phenomenon at long tube lengths.« less

Detonation mode and frequency analysis under high loss conditions for stoichiometric propane-oxygen

DOE PAGES

Jackson, Scott I.; Lee, Bok Jik; Shepherd, Joseph E.

2016-03-24

In this paper, the propagation characteristics of galloping detonations were quantified with a high-time-resolution velocity diagnostic. Combustion waves were initiated in 30-m lengths of 4.1-mm inner diameter transparent tubing filled with stoichiometric propane–oxygen mixtures. Chemiluminescence from the resulting waves was imaged to determine the luminous wave front position and velocity every 83.3 μ. As the mixture initial pressure was decreased from 20 to 7 kPa, the wave was observed to become increasingly unsteady and transition from steady detonation to a galloping detonation. While wave velocities averaged over the full tube length smoothly decreased with initial pressure down to half ofmore » the Chapman–Jouguet detonation velocity (D CJ) at the quenching limit, the actual propagation mechanism was seen to be a galloping wave with a cycle period of approximately 1.0 ms, corresponding to a cycle length of 1.3–2.0 m or 317–488 tube diameters depending on the average wave speed. The long test section length of 7300 tube diameters allowed observation of up to 20 galloping cycles, allowing for statistical analysis of the wave dynamics. In the galloping regime, a bimodal velocity distribution was observed with peaks centered near 0.4 D CJ and 0.95 D CJ. Decreasing initial pressure increasingly favored the low velocity mode. Galloping frequencies ranged from 0.8 to 1.0 kHz and were insensitive to initial mixture pressure. Wave deflagration-to-detonation transition and detonation failure trajectories were found to be repeatable in a given test and also across different initial mixture pressures. The temporal duration of wave dwell at the low and high velocity modes during galloping was also quantified. It was found that the mean wave dwell duration in the low velocity mode was a weak function of initial mixture pressure, while the mean dwell time in the high velocity mode depended exponentially on initial mixture pressure. Analysis of the velocity histories using dynamical systems ideas demonstrated trajectories that varied from stable to limit cycles to aperiodic motion with decreasing initial pressure. Finally, the results indicate that galloping detonation is a persistent phenomenon at long tube lengths.« less

Cognitive inhibition of number/length interference in a Piaget-like task: evidence by combining ERP and MEG.

PubMed

Joliot, Marc; Leroux, Gaëlle; Dubal, Stéphanie; Tzourio-Mazoyer, Nathalie; Houdé, Olivier; Mazoyer, Bernard; Petit, Laurent

2009-08-01

We combined event-related potential (ERP) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) acquisition and analysis to investigate the electrophysiological markers of the inhibitory processes involved in the number/length interference in a Piaget-like numerical task. Eleven healthy subjects performed four gradually interfering conditions with the heuristic "length equals number" to be inhibited. Low resolution tomography reconstruction was performed on the combined grand averaged electromagnetic data at the early (N1, P1) and late (P2, N2, P3(early) and P3(late)) latencies. Every condition was analyzed at both scalp and regional brain levels. The inhibitory processes were visible on the late components of the electromagnetic brain activity. A right P2-related frontal orbital activation reflected the change of strategy in the inhibitory processes. N2-related SMA/cingulate activation revealed the first occurrence of the stimuli processing to be inhibited. Both P3 components revealed the working memory processes operating in a medial temporal complex and the mental imagery processes subtended by the precuneus. Simultaneous ERP and MEG signal acquisition and analysis allowed to describe the spatiotemporal patterns of neural networks involved in the inhibition of the "length equals number" interference. Combining ERP and MEG ensured a sensitivity which could be reached previously only through invasive intracortical recordings.

[Cost analysis of emergency room patients in the German diagnosis-related groups system. A practice relevant depiction subject to clinical parameters].

PubMed

Garving, C; Santosa, D; Bley, C; Pape, H-C

2014-08-01

Since the implementation of the diagnosis-related system there has been a continuous lack of finances in the treatment of multiple injured patients. The current investigation summarizes consecutive patients from a level I trauma centre and tests the hypothesis that an injury severity score (ISS) based reimbursement would be an improvement in the cost-effectiveness of this patient population. The study is based on multiple injured patients admitted to the emergency department in 2009. The ISS, intensive care unit (ICU) stay and cost data were recorded for every patient and two subgroups were formed: group I ISS < 16 and group II ISS ≥ 16. A total of 442 patients with an average age of 40.5 ± 9.1 years (ISS 12) were included. The average amount of coverage during an average length of stay of 13.15 ± 6.3 was -2,752 per patient. Patients in group I (n = 296, ISS 6.3) showed a value of -1,163 with an average length of stay of 8 ± 4.6 days. In group II (n = 146, ISS 23.6) the average amount of coverage was -5,973 during an average hospital stay of 23 ± 8.7 days. Improvements have been made with the recent adjustment of the reimbursement within the last year. Nevertheless, several factors identified in this study require additional adjustment: the ISS, the requirement of blood transfusion and the presence of additional chest trauma should be weighted in the calculation of reimbursement.

Investigating the usefulness of a cluster-based trend analysis to detect visual field progression in patients with open-angle glaucoma.

PubMed

Aoki, Shuichiro; Murata, Hiroshi; Fujino, Yuri; Matsuura, Masato; Miki, Atsuya; Tanito, Masaki; Mizoue, Shiro; Mori, Kazuhiko; Suzuki, Katsuyoshi; Yamashita, Takehiro; Kashiwagi, Kenji; Hirasawa, Kazunori; Shoji, Nobuyuki; Asaoka, Ryo

2017-12-01

To investigate the usefulness of the Octopus (Haag-Streit) EyeSuite's cluster trend analysis in glaucoma. Ten visual fields (VFs) with the Humphrey Field Analyzer (Carl Zeiss Meditec), spanning 7.7 years on average were obtained from 728 eyes of 475 primary open angle glaucoma patients. Mean total deviation (mTD) trend analysis and EyeSuite's cluster trend analysis were performed on various series of VFs (from 1st to 10th: VF1-10 to 6th to 10th: VF6-10). The results of the cluster-based trend analysis, based on different lengths of VF series, were compared against mTD trend analysis. Cluster-based trend analysis and mTD trend analysis results were significantly associated in all clusters and with all lengths of VF series. Between 21.2% and 45.9% (depending on VF series length and location) of clusters were deemed to progress when the mTD trend analysis suggested no progression. On the other hand, 4.8% of eyes were observed to progress using the mTD trend analysis when cluster trend analysis suggested no progression in any two (or more) clusters. Whole field trend analysis can miss local VF progression. Cluster trend analysis appears as robust as mTD trend analysis and useful to assess both sectorial and whole field progression. Cluster-based trend analyses, in particular the definition of two or more progressing cluster, may help clinicians to detect glaucomatous progression in a timelier manner than using a whole field trend analysis, without significantly compromising specificity. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

The impact analysis of the connecting pipe length and diameter on the operation of a piston hybrid power machine of positive displacement with gas suction capacity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shcherba, V. E.; Grigoriev, A. V.; Averyanov, G. S.; Surikov, V. I.; Vedruchenko, V. P.; Galdin, N. S.; Trukhanova, D. A.

2017-08-01

The article analyzes the impact of the connecting liquid pipe length and diameter on consumables and power characteristics of the piston hybrid power machine with gas suction capacity. The following operating characteristics of the machine were constructed and analyzed: the average height of the liquid column in the jacket space; instantaneous velocity and height of the liquid column in the jacket space; the relative height of the liquid column in the jacket space; volumetric efficiency; indicator isothermal efficiency; flowrate in the pump section; relative pressure losses during suction; relative flowrate. The dependence of the instantaneous pressure in the work space and the suction space of the compressor section on the rotation angle of the crankshaft is determined for different values of the length and diameter of the connecting pipeline.

Effect of chronic centrifugation of the musculoskeletal system of the dog.

PubMed

Amtmann, E; Oyama, J; Fisher, G L

1976-04-21

Sixteen male Beagle dogs, 293 to 509 days old, were exposed almost continuously for 3 months to 2.0 G on a 7.9 meter radius centrifuge. The dogs were maintained on the centrifuge, by means of a specially designed automated waste disposal and life support system. As compared to the mean values of normal gravity controls, centrifuged dogs showed no differences in femur length; cross-sectional area, outer and inner radii at mid-shaft of the femur; dry weights of the biceps femoris, quadriceps femoris, and gastrocnemius muscles. It was shown by analysis of covariance that chronic centrifugation has no effect on the relationship between the length and the cross-sectional dimensions at mid-shaft of the femur. Photon absorptiometry, however, revealed significant mineral content increases averaging 1.5% at 3 sites, i.e., at the 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 length of the femur.

Analysis and selection of magnitude relations for the Working Group on Utah Earthquake Probabilities

USGS Publications Warehouse

Duross, Christopher; Olig, Susan; Schwartz, David

2015-01-01

Prior to calculating time-independent and -dependent earthquake probabilities for faults in the Wasatch Front region, the Working Group on Utah Earthquake Probabilities (WGUEP) updated a seismic-source model for the region (Wong and others, 2014) and evaluated 19 historical regressions on earthquake magnitude (M). These regressions relate M to fault parameters for historical surface-faulting earthquakes, including linear fault length (e.g., surface-rupture length [SRL] or segment length), average displacement, maximum displacement, rupture area, seismic moment (Mo ), and slip rate. These regressions show that significant epistemic uncertainties complicate the determination of characteristic magnitude for fault sources in the Basin and Range Province (BRP). For example, we found that M estimates (as a function of SRL) span about 0.3–0.4 units (figure 1) owing to differences in the fault parameter used; age, quality, and size of historical earthquake databases; and fault type and region considered.

Virtual Northern analysis of the human genome.

PubMed

Hurowitz, Evan H; Drori, Iddo; Stodden, Victoria C; Donoho, David L; Brown, Patrick O

2007-05-23

We applied the Virtual Northern technique to human brain mRNA to systematically measure human mRNA transcript lengths on a genome-wide scale. We used separation by gel electrophoresis followed by hybridization to cDNA microarrays to measure 8,774 mRNA transcript lengths representing at least 6,238 genes at high (>90%) confidence. By comparing these transcript lengths to the Refseq and H-Invitational full-length cDNA databases, we found that nearly half of our measurements appeared to represent novel transcript variants. Comparison of length measurements determined by hybridization to different cDNAs derived from the same gene identified clones that potentially correspond to alternative transcript variants. We observed a close linear relationship between ORF and mRNA lengths in human mRNAs, identical in form to the relationship we had previously identified in yeast. Some functional classes of protein are encoded by mRNAs whose untranslated regions (UTRs) tend to be longer or shorter than average; these functional classes were similar in both human and yeast. Human transcript diversity is extensive and largely unannotated. Our length dataset can be used as a new criterion for judging the completeness of cDNAs and annotating mRNA sequences. Similar relationships between the lengths of the UTRs in human and yeast mRNAs and the functions of the proteins they encode suggest that UTR sequences serve an important regulatory role among eukaryotes.

Geographical Distribution of Adolescent Body Height with Respect to Effective Day Length in Japan: An Ecological Analysis

PubMed Central

Yokoya, Masana; Shimizu, Hideyasu; Higuchi, Yukito

2012-01-01

The height of Japanese youth raised in the northern region tends to be greater than that of youth raised in the southern region; therefore, a geographical gradient in youth body height exists. Although this gradient has existed for about 100 years, the reasons for it remain unclear. Consideration of the nutritional improvement, economic growth, and intense migration that has occurred in this period indicates that it is probably the result of environmental rather than nutritional or genetic factors. To identify possible environmental factors, ecological analysis of prefecture-level data on the body size of 8- to 17-year-old youth averaged over a 13-year period (1996 to 2008) and Japanese mesh climatic data on the climatic variables of temperature, solar radiation, and effective day length (duration of photoperiod exceeding the threshold of light intensity) was performed. The geographical distribution of the standardized height of Japanese adolescents was found to be inversely correlated to a great extent with the distribution of effective day length at a light intensity greater than 4000 lx. The results of multiple regression analysis of effective day length, temperature, and weight (as an index of food intake) indicated that a combination of effective day length and weight was statistically significant as predictors of height in early adolescence; however, only effective day length was statistically significant as a predictor of height in late adolescence. Day length may affect height by affecting the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that inhibits sexual and skeletal maturation, which in turn induces increases in height. By affecting melatonin production, regional differences in the duration of the photoperiod may lead to regional differences in height. Exposure to light intensity greater than 4000 lx appears to be the threshold at which light intensity begins to affect the melatonin secretion of humans who spend much of their time indoors. PMID:23227226

Comparison on three classification techniques for sex estimation from the bone length of Asian children below 19 years old: an analysis using different group of ages.

PubMed

Darmawan, M F; Yusuf, Suhaila M; Kadir, M R Abdul; Haron, H

2015-02-01

Sex estimation is used in forensic anthropology to assist the identification of individual remains. However, the estimation techniques tend to be unique and applicable only to a certain population. This paper analyzed sex estimation on living individual child below 19 years old using the length of 19 bones of left hand applied for three classification techniques, which were Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) multilayer perceptron. These techniques were carried out on X-ray images of the left hand taken from an Asian population data set. All the 19 bones of the left hand were measured using Free Image software, and all the techniques were performed using MATLAB. The group of age "16-19" years old and "7-9" years old were the groups that could be used for sex estimation with as their average of accuracy percentage was above 80%. ANN model was the best classification technique with the highest average of accuracy percentage in the two groups of age compared to other classification techniques. The results show that each classification technique has the best accuracy percentage on each different group of age. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The drug target genes show higher evolutionary conservation than non-target genes.

PubMed

Lv, Wenhua; Xu, Yongdeng; Guo, Yiying; Yu, Ziqi; Feng, Guanglong; Liu, Panpan; Luan, Meiwei; Zhu, Hongjie; Liu, Guiyou; Zhang, Mingming; Lv, Hongchao; Duan, Lian; Shang, Zhenwei; Li, Jin; Jiang, Yongshuai; Zhang, Ruijie

2016-01-26

Although evidence indicates that drug target genes share some common evolutionary features, there have been few studies analyzing evolutionary features of drug targets from an overall level. Therefore, we conducted an analysis which aimed to investigate the evolutionary characteristics of drug target genes. We compared the evolutionary conservation between human drug target genes and non-target genes by combining both the evolutionary features and network topological properties in human protein-protein interaction network. The evolution rate, conservation score and the percentage of orthologous genes of 21 species were included in our study. Meanwhile, four topological features including the average shortest path length, betweenness centrality, clustering coefficient and degree were considered for comparison analysis. Then we got four results as following: compared with non-drug target genes, 1) drug target genes had lower evolutionary rates; 2) drug target genes had higher conservation scores; 3) drug target genes had higher percentages of orthologous genes and 4) drug target genes had a tighter network structure including higher degrees, betweenness centrality, clustering coefficients and lower average shortest path lengths. These results demonstrate that drug target genes are more evolutionarily conserved than non-drug target genes. We hope that our study will provide valuable information for other researchers who are interested in evolutionary conservation of drug targets.

Analysis of data from NASA B-57B gust gradient program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frost, W.; Lin, M. C.; Chang, H. P.; Ringnes, E.

1985-01-01

Statistical analysis of the turbulence measured in flight 6 of the NASA B-57B over Denver, Colorado, from July 7 to July 23, 1982 included the calculations of average turbulence parameters, integral length scales, probability density functions, single point autocorrelation coefficients, two point autocorrelation coefficients, normalized autospectra, normalized two point autospectra, and two point cross sectra for gust velocities. The single point autocorrelation coefficients were compared with the theoretical model developed by von Karman. Theoretical analyses were developed which address the effects spanwise gust distributions, using two point spatial turbulence correlations.

Accreditation status of U.S. military graduate medical education programs.

PubMed

De Lorenzo, Robert A

2008-07-01

Military graduate medical education (GME) comprises a substantial fraction of U.S. physician training capacity. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have placed substantial stress on military medicine, and lay and professional press accounts have raised awareness of the effects on military GME. To date, however, objective data on military GME quality remains sparse. Determine the accreditation status of U.S. military GME programs. Additionally, military GME program data will be compared to national (U.S.) accreditation lengths. Retrospective review of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) data. All military-sponsored core programs in specialties with at least three residencies were included. Military-affiliated but civilian-sponsored programs were excluded. The current and past cycle data were used for the study. For each specialty, the current mean accreditation length and the net change in cycle was calculated. National mean accreditation lengths by specialty for 2005 to 2006 were obtained from the ACGME. Comparison between the overall mean national and military accreditation lengths was performed with a z test. All other comparisons employed descriptive statistics. Ninety-nine military programs in 15 specialties were included in the analysis. During the study period, 1 program was newly accredited, and 6 programs had accreditation withdrawn or were closed. The mean accreditation length of the military programs was 4.0 years. The overall national mean for the same specialties is 3.5 years (p < 0.01). In previous cycles, 68% of programs had accreditation of 4 years or longer, compared to 70% in the current cycle, while 13% had accreditation of 2 years or less in the previous cycle compared to 14% in the current cycle. Ten (68%) of the military specialties had mean accreditation lengths greater than the national average, while 5 (33%) were below it. Ten (68%) specialties had stable or improving cycle lengths when compared to previous cycles. Military GME accreditation cycle lengths are, overall, longer than national averages. Trends show many military programs are experiencing either stable or slightly lengthening accreditation compared to previous cycles. A few specialties show a declining trend. There has been a modest 5% decline in the number of military core residency programs since 2000.

Langmuir probe measurements in a time-fluctuating-highly ionized non-equilibrium cutting arc: analysis of the electron retarding part of the time-averaged current-voltage characteristic of the probe.

PubMed

Prevosto, L; Kelly, H; Mancinelli, B

2013-12-01

This work describes the application of Langmuir probe diagnostics to the measurement of the electron temperature in a time-fluctuating-highly ionized, non-equilibrium cutting arc. The electron retarding part of the time-averaged current-voltage characteristic of the probe was analysed, assuming that the standard exponential expression describing the electron current to the probe in collision-free plasmas can be applied under the investigated conditions. A procedure is described which allows the determination of the errors introduced in time-averaged probe data due to small-amplitude plasma fluctuations. It was found that the experimental points can be gathered into two well defined groups allowing defining two quite different averaged electron temperature values. In the low-current region the averaged characteristic was not significantly disturbed by the fluctuations and can reliably be used to obtain the actual value of the averaged electron temperature. In particular, an averaged electron temperature of 0.98 ± 0.07 eV (= 11400 ± 800 K) was found for the central core of the arc (30 A) at 3.5 mm downstream from the nozzle exit. This average included not only a time-average over the time fluctuations but also a spatial-average along the probe collecting length. The fitting of the high-current region of the characteristic using such electron temperature value together with the corrections given by the fluctuation analysis showed a relevant departure of local thermal equilibrium in the arc core.

Angular filter refractometry analysis using simulated annealing [An improved method for characterizing plasma density profiles using angular filter refractometry

DOE PAGES

Angland, P.; Haberberger, D.; Ivancic, S. T.; ...

2017-10-30

Here, a new method of analysis for angular filter refractometry images was developed to characterize laser-produced, long-scale-length plasmas using an annealing algorithm to iterative converge upon a solution. Angular filter refractometry (AFR) is a novel technique used to characterize the density pro files of laser-produced, long-scale-length plasmas. A synthetic AFR image is constructed by a user-defined density profile described by eight parameters, and the algorithm systematically alters the parameters until the comparison is optimized. The optimization and statistical uncertainty calculation is based on a minimization of themore » $$\\chi$$2 test statistic. The algorithm was successfully applied to experimental data of plasma expanding from a flat, laser-irradiated target, resulting in average uncertainty in the density profile of 5-10% in the region of interest.« less

Angular filter refractometry analysis using simulated annealing [An improved method for characterizing plasma density profiles using angular filter refractometry

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

Angland, P.; Haberberger, D.; Ivancic, S. T.

Here, a new method of analysis for angular filter refractometry images was developed to characterize laser-produced, long-scale-length plasmas using an annealing algorithm to iterative converge upon a solution. Angular filter refractometry (AFR) is a novel technique used to characterize the density pro files of laser-produced, long-scale-length plasmas. A synthetic AFR image is constructed by a user-defined density profile described by eight parameters, and the algorithm systematically alters the parameters until the comparison is optimized. The optimization and statistical uncertainty calculation is based on a minimization of themore » $$\\chi$$2 test statistic. The algorithm was successfully applied to experimental data of plasma expanding from a flat, laser-irradiated target, resulting in average uncertainty in the density profile of 5-10% in the region of interest.« less

The importance of chain length for the polyphosphate enhancement of acidic potassium permanganate chemiluminescence.

PubMed

Holland, Brendan J; Adcock, Jacqui L; Nesterenko, Pavel N; Peristyy, Anton; Stevenson, Paul G; Barnett, Neil W; Conlan, Xavier A; Francis, Paul S

2014-09-09

Sodium polyphosphate is commonly used to enhance chemiluminescence reactions with acidic potassium permanganate through a dual enhancement mechanism, but commercially available polyphosphates vary greatly in composition. We have examined the influence of polyphosphate composition and concentration on both the dual enhancement mechanism of chemiluminescence intensity and the stability of the reagent under analytically useful conditions. The average chain length (n) provides a convenient characterisation, but materials with similar values can exhibit markedly different distributions of phosphate oligomers. There is a minimum polyphosphate chain length (∼6) required for a large enhancement of the emission intensity, but no further advantage was obtained using polyphosphate materials with much longer average chain lengths. Providing there is a sufficient average chain length, the optimum concentration of polyphosphate is dependent on the analyte and in some cases, may be lower than the quantities previously used in routine detection. However, the concentration of polyphosphate should not be lowered in permanganate reagents that have been partially reduced to form high concentrations of the key manganese(III) co-reactant, as this intermediate needs to be stabilised to prevent formation of insoluble manganese(IV). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

On the properties of a bundle of flexible actin filaments in an optical trap.

PubMed

Perilli, Alessia; Pierleoni, Carlo; Ciccotti, Giovanni; Ryckaert, Jean-Paul

2016-06-28

We establish the statistical mechanics framework for a bundle of Nf living and uncrosslinked actin filaments in a supercritical solution of free monomers pressing against a mobile wall. The filaments are anchored normally to a fixed planar surface at one of their ends and, because of their limited flexibility, they grow almost parallel to each other. Their growing ends hit a moving obstacle, depicted as a second planar wall, parallel to the previous one and subjected to a harmonic compressive force. The force constant is denoted as the trap strength while the distance between the two walls as the trap length to make contact with the experimental optical trap apparatus. For an ideal solution of reactive filaments and free monomers at fixed free monomer chemical potential μ1, we obtain the general expression for the grand potential from which we derive averages and distributions of relevant physical quantities, namely, the obstacle position, the bundle polymerization force, and the number of filaments in direct contact with the wall. The grafted living filaments are modeled as discrete Wormlike chains, with F-actin persistence length ℓp, subject to discrete contour length variations ±d (the monomer size) to model single monomer (de)polymerization steps. Rigid filaments (ℓp = ∞), either isolated or in bundles, all provide average values of the stalling force in agreement with Hill's predictions Fs (H)=NfkBTln(ρ1/ρ1c)/d, independent of the average trap length. Here ρ1 is the density of free monomers in the solution and ρ1c its critical value at which the filament does not grow nor shrink in the absence of external forces. Flexible filaments (ℓp < ∞) instead, for values of the trap strength suitable to prevent their lateral escape, provide an average bundle force and an average trap length slightly larger than the corresponding rigid cases (few percents). Still the stalling force remains nearly independent on the average trap length, but results from the product of two strongly L-dependent contributions: the fraction of touching filaments ∝〈L〉(O.T.) (2) and the single filament buckling force ∝〈L〉(O.T.) (-2).

Association mapping of agro-morphological characters among the global collection of finger millet genotypes using genomic SSR markers.

PubMed

Kalyana Babu, B; Agrawal, P K; Pandey, Dinesh; Jaiswal, J P; Kumar, Anil

2014-08-01

Identification of alleles responsible for various agro-morphological characters is a major concern to further improve the finger millet germplasm. Forty-six genomic SSRs were used for genetic analysis and population structure analysis of a global collection of 190 finger millet genotypes and fifteen agro-morphological characters were evaluated. The overall results showed that Asian genotypes were smaller in height, smaller flag leaf length, less basal tiller number, early flowering and early maturity nature, small ear head length, and smaller in length of longest finger. The 46 SSRs yielded 90 scorable alleles and the polymorphism information content values varied from 0.292 to 0.703 at an average of 0.442. The gene diversity was in the range of 0.355 to 0.750 with an average value of 0.528. The 46 genomic SSR loci grouped the 190 finger millet genotypes into two major clusters based on their geographical origin by the both phylogenetic clustering and population structure analysis by STRUCTURE software. Association mapping of QTLs for 15 agro-morphological characters with 46 genomic SSRs resulted in identification of five markers were linked to QTLs of four traits at a significant threshold (P) level of ≤ 0.01 and ≤ 0.001. The QTL for basal tiller number was strongly associated with the locus UGEP81 at a P value of 0.001 by explaining the phenotypic variance (R (2)) of 10.8%. The QTL for days to 50% flowering was linked by two SSR loci UGEP77 and UGEP90, explained 10 and 8.7% of R (2) respectively at a P value of 0.01. The SSR marker, FM9 found to have strong association to two agro-morphological traits, flag leaf width (P-0.001, R(2)-14.1 %) and plant height (P-0.001, R(2)-11.2%). The markers linked to the QTLs for above agro-morphological characters found in the present study can be further used for cloning of the full length gene, fine mapping and their further use in the marker assisted breeding programmes for introgression of alleles into locally well adapted germplasm.

Structural Changes in Isometrically Contracting Insect Flight Muscle Trapped following a Mechanical Perturbation

PubMed Central

Wu, Shenping; Liu, Jun; Perz-Edwards, Robert J.; Tregear, Richard T.; Winkler, Hanspeter; Franzini-Armstrong, Clara; Sasaki, Hiroyuki; Goldman, Yale E.; Reedy, Michael K.; Taylor, Kenneth A.

2012-01-01

The application of rapidly applied length steps to actively contracting muscle is a classic method for synchronizing the response of myosin cross-bridges so that the average response of the ensemble can be measured. Alternatively, electron tomography (ET) is a technique that can report the structure of the individual members of the ensemble. We probed the structure of active myosin motors (cross-bridges) by applying 0.5% changes in length (either a stretch or a release) within 2 ms to isometrically contracting insect flight muscle (IFM) fibers followed after 5–6 ms by rapid freezing against a liquid helium cooled copper mirror. ET of freeze-substituted fibers, embedded and thin-sectioned, provides 3-D cross-bridge images, sorted by multivariate data analysis into ∼40 classes, distinct in average structure, population size and lattice distribution. Individual actin subunits are resolved facilitating quasi-atomic modeling of each class average to determine its binding strength (weak or strong) to actin. ∼98% of strong-binding acto-myosin attachments present after a length perturbation are confined to “target zones” of only two actin subunits located exactly midway between successive troponin complexes along each long-pitch helical repeat of actin. Significant changes in the types, distribution and structure of actin-myosin attachments occurred in a manner consistent with the mechanical transients. Most dramatic is near disappearance, after either length perturbation, of a class of weak-binding cross-bridges, attached within the target zone, that are highly likely to be precursors of strong-binding cross-bridges. These weak-binding cross-bridges were originally observed in isometrically contracting IFM. Their disappearance following a quick stretch or release can be explained by a recent kinetic model for muscle contraction, as behaviour consistent with their identification as precursors of strong-binding cross-bridges. The results provide a detailed model for contraction in IFM that may be applicable to contraction in other types of muscle. PMID:22761792

Resource utilization in primary repair of cleft lip.

PubMed

Owusu, James A; Liu, Meixia; Sidman, James D; Scott, Andrew R

2013-03-01

To determine national variations in resource utilization for primary repair of cleft lip, identify patient and institutional factors associated with high resource use, and estimate the current incidence of cleft lip in the United States. Retrospective analysis of a national, pediatric database (2009 Kids' Inpatient Database [KID]). Patients aged 1 year and younger were selected using international classification of disease codes for cleft lip and procedure codes for cleft lip repair. A number of demographic variables were analyzed, and hospital charges were considered as a measure of resource utilization. There were 1318 patients identified. The national incidence was 0.09%, with a male to female ratio of 1.8:1. Regional incidence varied from 0.07% (Northeast) to 0.10% (West). The mean age at surgery was 4.2 months. The average length of stay was 1.4 days. The national average hospital charge was $20,147, ranging from $14,635 (South) to $23,663 (West). Teaching hospitals charge an average of $9764 higher than nonteaching hospitals. The strongest predictor of charge was length of stay, increasing charge by $8102 for every additional hospital day (P < .01). Regional variations exist in resource utilization for primary cleft lip repair. Resource use is higher in the West and among teaching hospitals.

Examining Hurricane Track Length and Stage Duration Since 1980

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fandrich, K. M.; Pennington, D.

2017-12-01

Each year, tropical systems impact thousands of people worldwide. Current research shows a correlation between the intensity and frequency of hurricanes and the changing climate. However, little is known about other prominent hurricane features. This includes information about hurricane track length (the total distance traveled from tropical depression through a hurricane's final category assignment) and how this distance may have changed with time. Also unknown is the typical duration of a hurricane stage, such as tropical storm to category one, and if the time spent in each stage has changed in recent decades. This research aims to examine changes in hurricane stage duration and track lengths for the 319 storms in NOAA's National Ocean Service Hurricane Reanalysis dataset that reached Category 2 - 5 from 1980 - 2015. Based on evident ocean warming, it is hypothesized that a general increase in track length with time will be detected, thus modern hurricanes are traveling a longer distance than past hurricanes. It is also expected that stage durations are decreasing with time so that hurricanes mature faster than in past decades. For each storm, coordinates are acquired at 4-times daily intervals throughout its duration and track lengths are computed for each 6-hour period. Total track lengths are then computed and storms are analyzed graphically and statistically by category for temporal track length changes. The stage durations of each storm are calculated as the time difference between two consecutive stages. Results indicate that average track lengths for Cat 2 and 3 hurricanes are increasing through time. These findings show that these hurricanes are traveling a longer distance than earlier Cat 2 and 3 hurricanes. In contrast, average track lengths for Cat 4 and 5 hurricanes are decreasing through time, showing less distance traveled than earlier decades. Stage durations for all Cat 2, 4 and 5 storms decrease through the decades but Cat 3 storms show a positive increase though time. This compliments the results of the track length analysis indicating that as storms intensify faster, they are doing so over a shorter distance. It is expected that this research could be used to improve hurricane track forecasting and provide information about the effects of climate change on tropical systems and the tropical environment.

Genome-wide association study reveals genetic architecture of coleoptile length in wheat.

PubMed

Li, Genqiao; Bai, Guihua; Carver, Brett F; Elliott, Norman C; Bennett, Rebecca S; Wu, Yanqi; Hunger, Robert; Bonman, J Michael; Xu, Xiangyang

2017-02-01

Eight QTL for coleoptile length were identified in a genome-wide association study on a set of 893 wheat accessions, four of which are novel loci. Wheat cultivars with long coleoptiles are preferred in wheat-growing regions where deep planting is practiced. However, the wide use of gibberellic acid (GA)-insensitive dwarfing genes, Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b, makes it challenging to breed dwarf wheat cultivars with long coleoptiles. To understand the genetic basis of coleoptile length, we performed a genome-wide association study on a set of 893 landraces and historical cultivars using 5011 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Structure analysis revealed four subgroups in the association panel. Association analysis results suggested that Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b genes significantly reduced coleoptile length, and eight additional quantitative trait loci (QTL) for coleoptile length were also identified. These QTL explained 1.45-3.18 and 1.36-3.11% of the phenotypic variation in 2015 and 2016, respectively, and their allelic substitution effects ranged from 0.31 to 1.75 cm in 2015, and 0.63-1.55 cm in 2016. Of the eight QTL, QCL.stars-1BS1, QCL.stars-2DS1, QCL.stars-4BS2, and QCL.stars-5BL1 are likely novel loci for coleoptile length. The favorable alleles in each accession ranged from two to eight with an average of 5.8 at eight loci in the panel, and more favorable alleles were significantly associated with longer coleoptile, suggesting that QTL pyramiding is an effective approach to increase wheat coleoptile length.

30 CFR 206.103 - How do I value oil that is not sold under an arm's-length contract?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... arm's-length contract? 206.103 Section 206.103 Mineral Resources MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE... oil that is not sold under an arm's-length contract? This section explains how to value oil that you... average of the gross proceeds accruing to the seller under your or your affiliates' arm's-length contracts...

Anthropometric parameters and sexual maturation in 12- to 15-year-old Estonian boys.

PubMed

Veldre, Gudrun; Jürimäe, Toivo

2004-06-01

The aims of this study were 1. to fix main sexual maturation signs and anthropometric measurements, and 2. to investigate relations between maturational status and main anthropometric parameters (i.e. skinfolds, girths, lengths, breadths/lengths) in 12-15-year old boys. In total, 361 boys from Tartu, Estonia, were studied. Body height and weight, 9 skinfolds, 13 girths, 8 lengths and 8 breadths/lengths were measured. Pubertal stages were determined according to the criteria described by Tanner (1962). Self-assessment of pubic hair (PH1-PH5) was used. Genital development (G1-G5) was estimated by palpating the left testis and matching the size of wood ovoid of the Prader orchidometer. Finally, boys were asked about oigarche (= age at the first ejaculation of sperm). Most of the measured anthropometric variables were significantly different in boys of different chronological age and sexual maturity groups. By linear discriminant analysis, the safety of separation of the chronological age groups was higher than by sexual maturation variables. Nonlinear discriminant analysis allowed to separate sexual maturity groups by anthropometric variables up to 99% security. It was concluded that though the growth and development of a child is highly individual, on an average the anthropometric characteristics alter very constantly with the increase of age and biological maturation. Our results indicated that there were some significant differences in the anthropometrical parameters depending on the chronological age and biological maturation. Mostly length and breadth/length parameters change during the studied age period in respect to sexual development subgroups of boys. The skinfold thicknesses were not changed or even decreased.

Average capacity of the ground to train communication link of a curved track in the turbulence of gamma-gamma distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yanqiu; Yu, Lin; Zhang, Yixin

2017-04-01

A model of the average capacity of optical wireless communication link with pointing errors for the ground-to-train of the curved track is established based on the non-Kolmogorov. By adopting the gamma-gamma distribution model, we derive the average capacity expression for this channel. The numerical analysis reveals that heavier fog reduces the average capacity of link. The strength of atmospheric turbulence, the variance of pointing errors, and the covered track length need to be reduced for the larger average capacity of link. The normalized beamwidth and the average signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the turbulence-free link need to be increased. We can increase the transmit aperture to expand the beamwidth and enhance the signal intensity, thereby decreasing the impact of the beam wander accordingly. As the system adopting the automatic tracking of beam at the receiver positioned on the roof of the train, for eliminating the pointing errors caused by beam wander and train vibration, the equivalent average capacity of the channel will achieve a maximum value. The impact of the non-Kolmogorov spectral index's variation on the average capacity of link can be ignored.

Accessibility to health care facilities in Montreal Island: an application of relative accessibility indicators from the perspective of senior and non-senior residents.

PubMed

Paez, Antonio; Mercado, Ruben G; Farber, Steven; Morency, Catherine; Roorda, Matthew

2010-10-25

Geographical access to health care facilities is known to influence health services usage. As societies age, accessibility to health care becomes an increasingly acute public health concern. It is known that seniors tend to have lower mobility levels, and it is possible that this may negatively affect their ability to reach facilities and services. Therefore, it becomes important to examine the mobility situation of seniors vis-a-vis the spatial distribution of health care facilities, to identify areas where accessibility is low and interventions may be required. Accessibility is implemented using a cumulative opportunities measure. Instead of assuming a fixed bandwidth (i.e. a distance threshold) for measuring accessibility, in this paper the bandwidth is defined using model-based estimates of average trip length. Average trip length is an all-purpose indicator of individual mobility and geographical reach. Adoption of a spatial modelling approach allows us to tailor these estimates of travel behaviour to specific locations and person profiles. Replacing a fixed bandwidth with these estimates permits us to calculate customized location- and person-based accessibility measures that allow inter-personal as well as geographical comparisons. The case study is Montreal Island. Geo-coded travel behaviour data, specifically average trip length, and relevant traveller's attributes are obtained from the Montreal Household Travel Survey. These data are complemented with information from the Census. Health care facilities, also geo-coded, are extracted from a comprehensive business point database. Health care facilities are selected based on Standard Industrial Classification codes 8011-21 (Medical Doctors and Dentists). Model-based estimates of average trip length show that travel behaviour varies widely across space. With the exception of seniors in the downtown area, older residents of Montreal Island tend to be significantly less mobile than people of other age cohorts. The combination of average trip length estimates with the spatial distribution of health care facilities indicates that despite being more mobile, suburban residents tend to have lower levels of accessibility compared to central city residents. The effect is more marked for seniors. Furthermore, the results indicate that accessibility calculated using a fixed bandwidth would produce patterns of exposure to health care facilities that would be difficult to achieve for suburban seniors given actual mobility patterns. The analysis shows large disparities in accessibility between seniors and non-seniors, between urban and suburban seniors, and between vehicle owning and non-owning seniors. This research was concerned with potential accessibility levels. Follow up research could consider the results reported here to select case studies of actual access and usage of health care facilities, and related health outcomes.

Parameter sensitivity analysis of a lumped-parameter model of a chain of lymphangions in series.

PubMed

Jamalian, Samira; Bertram, Christopher D; Richardson, William J; Moore, James E

2013-12-01

Any disruption of the lymphatic system due to trauma or injury can lead to edema. There is no effective cure for lymphedema, partly because predictive knowledge of lymphatic system reactions to interventions is lacking. A well-developed model of the system could greatly improve our understanding of its function. Lymphangions, defined as the vessel segment between two valves, are the individual pumping units. Based on our previous lumped-parameter model of a chain of lymphangions, this study aimed to identify the parameters that affect the system output the most using a sensitivity analysis. The system was highly sensitive to minimum valve resistance, such that variations in this parameter caused an order-of-magnitude change in time-average flow rate for certain values of imposed pressure difference. Average flow rate doubled when contraction frequency was increased within its physiological range. Optimum lymphangion length was found to be some 13-14.5 diameters. A peak of time-average flow rate occurred when transmural pressure was such that the pressure-diameter loop for active contractions was centered near maximum passive vessel compliance. Increasing the number of lymphangions in the chain improved the pumping in the presence of larger adverse pressure differences. For a given pressure difference, the optimal number of lymphangions increased with the total vessel length. These results indicate that further experiments to estimate valve resistance more accurately are necessary. The existence of an optimal value of transmural pressure may provide additional guidelines for increasing pumping in areas affected by edema.

Anterior total hip arthroplasty using a metaphyseal bone-sparing stem: component alignment and early complications.

PubMed

Ahmed, Mohammed M; Otto, Thomas J; Moed, Berton R

2016-04-22

Limited-incision total hip arthroplasty (THA) preserves hip abductors, posterior capsule, and external rotators potentially diminishing dislocation risk. However, potential complications also exist, such as component malposition. Specific implants have been manufactured that enhance compatibility with this technique, while preserving metaphyseal bone; however, little data exists documenting early complications and component position. The purpose was to evaluate primary THA using a curved, bone-sparing stem inserted through the anterior approach with respect to component alignment and early complications. In a retrospective analysis of 108 cases, the surgical technique was outlined and the occurrence of intraoperative fractures, postoperative dislocations, infection, and limb length inequality was determined. Femoral stem and acetabular cup alignment was quantified using the initial postoperative radiographs. Patient follow-up averaged 12.9 (range 2 to 36) months. There were eight (7.4 %) complications requiring revision surgery in three (2.8 %) patients with three (2.8 %) infections and three (2.8 %) dislocations. Intraoperative complications included one calcar fracture above the lesser trochanter. Leg length inequality >5 mm was present in three (2.8 %) patients. Radiographic analysis showed that femoral neutral alignment was achieved in 95 hips (88.0 %). All femoral stems demonstrated satisfactory fit and fill and no evidence of subsidence, osteolysis, or loosening. An average abduction angle of 44.8° (± 5.3) and average cup anteversion of 16.2° (± 4.2) were also noted. Although the technique with this implant and approach is promising, it does not appear to offer important advantages over standard techniques. However, the findings merit further, long-term study.

An Empirical Analysis of Life Jacket Effectiveness in Recreational Boating.

PubMed

Viauroux, Christelle; Gungor, Ali

2016-02-01

This article gives a measure of life jacket (LJ) effectiveness in U.S. recreational boating. Using the U.S. Coast Guard's Boating Accident Report Database from 2008 to 2011, we find that LJ wear is one of the most important determinants influencing the number of recreational boating fatalities, together with the number of vessels involved, and the type and engine of the vessel(s). We estimate a decrease in the number of deceased per vessel of about 80% when the operator wears their LJs compared to when they do not. The odds of dying are 86% higher than average if the accident involves a canoe or kayak, but 80% lower than average when more than one vessel is involved in the accident and 34% lower than average when the operator involved in the accident has more than 100 hours of boating experience. Interestingly, we find that LJ effectiveness decreases significantly as the length of the boat increases and decreases slightly as water temperature increases. However, it increases slightly as the operator's age increases. We find that between 2008 and 2011, an LJ regulation that requires all operators to wear their LJs-representing a 20% increase in wear rate-would have saved 1,721 (out of 3,047) boaters or 1,234 out of 2,185 drowning victims. The same policy restricted to boats 16-30 feet in length would have saved approximately 778 victims. Finally, we find that such a policy would reduce the percentage of drowning victims compared to other causes of death. © 2015 Society for Risk Analysis.

Analysis of the genome of fish lymphocystis disease virus isolated directly from epidermal tumours of pleuronectes.

PubMed

Darai, G; Anders, K; Koch, H G; Delius, H; Gelderblom, H; Samalecos, C; Flügel, R M

1983-04-30

Virions of fish lymphocystis disease virus (FLDV), a member of the iridovirus family, were isolated directly from lymphocystis disease lesions of individual flatfishes and purified by sucrose and subsequent cesium chloride gradient centrifugation to homogeneity as judged by electron microscopy. The isolated FLDV DNAs appear to be heterogeneous in size. Contour length measurements of 43 DNA molecules gave an average length of 49 +/- 23 microns, corresponding to 93 +/- 44 X 10(6) D. Molecular weight estimations of FLDV DNA by restriction enzyme analysis resulted in only 64.8 X 10(6) D indicating an excess length of the DNA of about 50%. FLDV DNA was sensitive to lambda 5'-exonuclease and to E. coli 3'-exonuclease III without preference of any one terminal DNA restriction fragment. Denaturation and reannealing experiments of FLDV DNA resulted in the formation of circular DNA molecules of 34.25 microns contour length (= 65.22 X 10(6) D). This result suggests that FLDV DNA contains directly repeated sequences at both ends and that it is terminally redundant. FLDV DNA is methylated in cytosine. FLDV DNA did not hybridize with frog virus DNA indicating that the two iridoviruses are not closely related to each other. Restriction enzyme analysis and Southern blot hybridizations revealed that FLDV isolates can be classified into two different strains: FLDV strain 1 occurs in flounders and plaice, whereas strain 2 is usually found in lesions of dabs.

Approximating lens power.

PubMed

Kaye, Stephen B

2009-04-01

To provide a scalar measure of refractive error, based on geometric lens power through principal, orthogonal and oblique meridians, that is not limited to the paraxial and sag height approximations. A function is derived to model sections through the principal meridian of a lens, followed by rotation of the section through orthogonal and oblique meridians. Average focal length is determined using the definition for the average of a function. Average univariate power in the principal meridian (including spherical aberration), can be computed from the average of a function over the angle of incidence as determined by the parameters of the given lens, or adequately computed from an integrated series function. Average power through orthogonal and oblique meridians, can be similarly determined using the derived formulae. The widely used computation for measuring refractive error, the spherical equivalent, introduces non-constant approximations, leading to a systematic bias. The equations proposed provide a good univariate representation of average lens power and are not subject to a systematic bias. They are particularly useful for the analysis of aggregate data, correlating with biological treatment variables and for developing analyses, which require a scalar equivalent representation of refractive power.

Comprehensive investigation into historical pipeline construction costs and engineering economic analysis of Alaska in-state gas pipeline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rui, Zhenhua

This study analyzes historical cost data of 412 pipelines and 220 compressor stations. On the basis of this analysis, the study also evaluates the feasibility of an Alaska in-state gas pipeline using Monte Carlo simulation techniques. Analysis of pipeline construction costs shows that component costs, shares of cost components, and learning rates for material and labor costs vary by diameter, length, volume, year, and location. Overall average learning rates for pipeline material and labor costs are 6.1% and 12.4%, respectively. Overall average cost shares for pipeline material, labor, miscellaneous, and right of way (ROW) are 31%, 40%, 23%, and 7%, respectively. Regression models are developed to estimate pipeline component costs for different lengths, cross-sectional areas, and locations. An analysis of inaccuracy in pipeline cost estimation demonstrates that the cost estimation of pipeline cost components is biased except for in the case of total costs. Overall overrun rates for pipeline material, labor, miscellaneous, ROW, and total costs are 4.9%, 22.4%, -0.9%, 9.1%, and 6.5%, respectively, and project size, capacity, diameter, location, and year of completion have different degrees of impacts on cost overruns of pipeline cost components. Analysis of compressor station costs shows that component costs, shares of cost components, and learning rates for material and labor costs vary in terms of capacity, year, and location. Average learning rates for compressor station material and labor costs are 12.1% and 7.48%, respectively. Overall average cost shares of material, labor, miscellaneous, and ROW are 50.6%, 27.2%, 21.5%, and 0.8%, respectively. Regression models are developed to estimate compressor station component costs in different capacities and locations. An investigation into inaccuracies in compressor station cost estimation demonstrates that the cost estimation for compressor stations is biased except for in the case of material costs. Overall average overrun rates for compressor station material, labor, miscellaneous, land, and total costs are 3%, 60%, 2%, -14%, and 11%, respectively, and cost overruns for cost components are influenced by location and year of completion to different degrees. Monte Carlo models are developed and simulated to evaluate the feasibility of an Alaska in-state gas pipeline by assigning triangular distribution of the values of economic parameters. Simulated results show that the construction of an Alaska in-state natural gas pipeline is feasible at three scenarios: 500 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd), 750 mmcfd, and 1000 mmcfd.

Estimating Gestational Age With Sonography: Regression-Derived Formula Versus the Fetal Biometric Average.

PubMed

Cawyer, Chase R; Anderson, Sarah B; Szychowski, Jeff M; Neely, Cherry; Owen, John

2018-03-01

To compare the accuracy of a new regression-derived formula developed from the National Fetal Growth Studies data to the common alternative method that uses the average of the gestational ages (GAs) calculated for each fetal biometric measurement (biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length). This retrospective cross-sectional study identified nonanomalous singleton pregnancies that had a crown-rump length plus at least 1 additional sonographic examination with complete fetal biometric measurements. With the use of the crown-rump length to establish the referent estimated date of delivery, each method's (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development regression versus Hadlock average [Radiology 1984; 152:497-501]), error at every examination was computed. Error, defined as the difference between the crown-rump length-derived GA and each method's predicted GA (weeks), was compared in 3 GA intervals: 1 (14 weeks-20 weeks 6 days), 2 (21 weeks-28 weeks 6 days), and 3 (≥29 weeks). In addition, the proportion of each method's examinations that had errors outside prespecified (±) day ranges was computed by using odds ratios. A total of 16,904 sonograms were identified. The overall and prespecified GA range subset mean errors were significantly smaller for the regression compared to the average (P < .01), and the regression had significantly lower odds of observing examinations outside the specified range of error in GA intervals 2 (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.31) and 3 (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-1.32) than the average method. In a contemporary unselected population of women dated by a crown-rump length-derived GA, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development regression formula produced fewer estimates outside a prespecified margin of error than the commonly used Hadlock average; the differences were most pronounced for GA estimates at 29 weeks and later. © 2017 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

Correlations and path analysis among agronomic and technological traits of upland cotton.

PubMed

Farias, F J C; Carvalho, L P; Silva Filho, J L; Teodoro, P E

2016-08-12

To date, path analysis has been used with the aim of breeding different cultures. However, for cotton, there have been few studies using this analysis, and all of these have used fiber productivity as the primary dependent variable. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify agronomic and technological properties that can be used as criteria for direct and indirect phenotypes in selecting cotton genotypes with better fibers. We evaluated 16 upland cotton genotypes in eight trials conducted during the harvest 2008/2009 in the State of Mato Grosso, using a randomized block design with four replicates. The evaluated traits were: plant height, average boll weight, percentage of fiber, cotton seed yield, fiber length, uniformity of fiber, short fiber index, fiber strength, elongation, maturity of the fibers, micronaire, reflectance, and the degree of yellowing. Phenotypic correlations between the traits and cotton fiber yield (main dependent variable) were unfolded in direct and indirect effects through path analysis. Fiber strength, uniformity of fiber, and reflectance were found to influence fiber length, and therefore, these traits are recommended for both direct and indirect selection of cotton genotypes.

Biodegradable Synthetic Polyurethane Foam Nasal Packing After Septoplasty.

PubMed

Shakeel, Muhammad; Karlsson, Therese R; Khan, Imran; Hariharadas, Bobbi; Mansoor, Rashid; Maini, Sangeeta K

2015-06-01

To determine the usefulness of biodegradable Synthetic Polyurethane Foam (SPF) nasal packing as an adjunct to day-case septoplasty. Comparative, observational case series. Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK, in the year 2011. One-hundred consecutive patients who underwent septoplasty and received SPF packing in 2010 were prospectively audited while one-hundred consecutive patients undergoing septoplasty in the year 2000 were studied retrospectively. Data collected include demographics, type of operation and duration of hospital stay. Excel and SPSS were used for data collection and analysis. In the year 2000, the average age of the patients was 40.6 years. There were 37 females and 63 males. One patient returned home the same day, 22 stayed one night, 69 spent two nights and 8 stayed more than two nights in hospital for their operation. The average length of stay was 1.84 nights. In 2010, the average age of patients was 37.86 years, with 31 patients being female and 69 male. All patients in this cohort received SPF packing postoperatively. Seventy-three patients went home the same day, 24 patients stayed one night and 3 patients spent two nights in hospital for their operation. Average length of hospital stay was 0.3 nights. Results were statistically significant (p < 0.001). SPF was a useful nasal packing option after septoplasty and inferior turbinate surgery, which enabled the surgeons to carry out this surgery safely as a day-case procedure.

Should title lengths really adhere to the American Psychological Association's twelve word limit?

PubMed

Hallock, Robert M; Dillner, Kari M

2016-04-01

The publication manual for the American Psychological Association (APA) suggests that title lengths do not exceed 12 words, yet journals do not prevent longer titles. Here, we examined title lengths in APA journals to see how many exceeded the APA's suggested limit. First, we conducted a systematic analysis of 235 articles in the current issues of 23 APA journals. A total of 52% of titles were more than 12 words long. Second, we examined articles from APA journals that were at least 50 years old to examine whether title lengths have changed over time. Our results suggested that the average title lengths have indeed increased with time. One of 2 courses should be taken. Perhaps science is becoming more complex that longer titles are needed in order to convey the primary message to the reader. If this is the case, then the APA's word limit should be increased. On the other hand, however, maybe editor and reviewers should try to enforce the current word limit to force writers to be succinct. Either way, editors should make their preferences clear so that the trend for longer titles does not continue unchecked. (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Construction and Evaluation of Normalized cDNA Libraries Enriched with Full-Length Sequences for Rapid Discovery of New Genes from Sisal (Agave sisalana Perr.) Different Developmental Stages

PubMed Central

Zhou, Wen-Zhao; Zhang, Yan-Mei; Lu, Jun-Ying; Li, Jun-Feng

2012-01-01

To provide a resource of sisal-specific expressed sequence data and facilitate this powerful approach in new gene research, the preparation of normalized cDNA libraries enriched with full-length sequences is necessary. Four libraries were produced with RNA pooled from Agave sisalana multiple tissues to increase efficiency of normalization and maximize the number of independent genes by SMART™ method and the duplex-specific nuclease (DSN). This procedure kept the proportion of full-length cDNAs in the subtracted/normalized libraries and dramatically enhanced the discovery of new genes. Sequencing of 3875 cDNA clones of libraries revealed 3320 unigenes with an average insert length about 1.2 kb, indicating that the non-redundancy of libraries was about 85.7%. These unigene functions were predicted by comparing their sequences to functional domain databases and extensively annotated with Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Comparative analysis of sisal unigenes and other plant genomes revealed that four putative MADS-box genes and knotted-like homeobox (knox) gene were obtained from a total of 1162 full-length transcripts. Furthermore, real-time PCR showed that the characteristics of their transcripts mainly depended on the tight expression regulation of a number of genes during the leaf and flower development. Analysis of individual library sequence data indicated that the pooled-tissue approach was highly effective in discovering new genes and preparing libraries for efficient deep sequencing. PMID:23202944

On the Trend of the Annual Mean, Maximum, and Minimum Temperature and the Diurnal Temperature Range in the Armagh Observatory, Northern Ireland, Dataset, 1844 -2012

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, Robert M.

2013-01-01

Examined are the annual averages, 10-year moving averages, decadal averages, and sunspot cycle (SC) length averages of the mean, maximum, and minimum surface air temperatures and the diurnal temperature range (DTR) for the Armagh Observatory, Northern Ireland, during the interval 1844-2012. Strong upward trends are apparent in the Armagh surface-air temperatures (ASAT), while a strong downward trend is apparent in the DTR, especially when the ASAT data are averaged by decade or over individual SC lengths. The long-term decrease in the decadaland SC-averaged annual DTR occurs because the annual minimum temperatures have risen more quickly than the annual maximum temperatures. Estimates are given for the Armagh annual mean, maximum, and minimum temperatures and the DTR for the current decade (2010-2019) and SC24.

Cost analysis of acute burn patients treated in a burn centre: the Gulhane experience

PubMed Central

Sahin, I.; Ozturk, S.; Alhan, D.; Açikel, C.; Isik, S.

2011-01-01

Summary Even if calculating the exact cost of burn treatment is a very hard task, the study of cost analysis provides financial perspective. We performed a cost analysis study in our burn centre to respond to questions about total patient treatment cost and the length of hospital stay. We reviewed all patients admitted to the Gulhane Military Medical Academy Burn Centre in Ankara, Turkey, between March 2005 and August 2008. Forty-three patients with major burns were identified on the basis of the study criteria. The data regarding total treatment cost and the length of hospital stay for each type of burn (flame, scald, electric) were collected at the end of the study. The average total body surface area burned was 36 ± 7%.. The average duration of hospital stay was 73 ± 33 days. Patients with electrical burns stayed longer in hospital than patients with other types of burn injuries. Each one per cent of burn corresponded to a mean hospital stay of two days. The overall mean total cost was $US 15,250. The mean total cost of electrical burns was the highest, with $US 22,501 ± 24,039. Even if the costs associated with burn injury are higher than some other well-known health-related problems, they have not been much studied. Reports have produced different results, but it should be kept in mind that although the results of cost analysis studies may vary they must be performed in all newly established burn centres in order to form a financial overview. PMID:21991233

Effects of fluctuations on electrical properties of gap-junction connected cells in the turtle retina.

PubMed

Louis, E; Degli Esposti Boschi, C; Ortega, G; Andreu, E; Fernández, E; Sánchez-Andrés, J V

2002-04-19

Electrical properties of gap-junction connected cells (input voltage and length constant) are shown to depend strongly on fluctuations in membrane and contact conductances. This opens new possibilities and incorporates a further difficulty to the analysis of electrophysiological data, since four, instead of two, parameters (the average values and the magnitude of fluctuations of the two conductances) have to be used in fitting the experimental data. The discussion is illustrated by investigating the effects of dopamine on signal spreading in horizontal cells of turtle retina, assuming a linear cell arrangement. It is shown that while a standard fitting with the average values of the two conductances leads to the conclusion that both are equally affected by dopamine, including fluctuations allows fitting the data by varying just the average contact conductance plus the magnitude of fluctuations.

Pre-Steady-State Kinetic Analysis of Truncated and Full-Length Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA Polymerase Eta

PubMed Central

Brown, Jessica A.; Zhang, Likui; Sherrer, Shanen M.; Taylor, John-Stephen; Burgers, Peter M. J.; Suo, Zucai

2010-01-01

Understanding polymerase fidelity is an important objective towards ascertaining the overall stability of an organism's genome. Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA polymerase η (yPolη), a Y-family DNA polymerase, is known to efficiently bypass DNA lesions (e.g., pyrimidine dimers) in vivo. Using pre-steady-state kinetic methods, we examined both full-length and a truncated version of yPolη which contains only the polymerase domain. In the absence of yPolη's C-terminal residues 514–632, the DNA binding affinity was weakened by 2-fold and the base substitution fidelity dropped by 3-fold. Thus, the C-terminus of yPolη may interact with DNA and slightly alter the conformation of the polymerase domain during catalysis. In general, yPolη discriminated between a correct and incorrect nucleotide more during the incorporation step (50-fold on average) than the ground-state binding step (18-fold on average). Blunt-end additions of dATP or pyrene nucleotide 5′-triphosphate revealed the importance of base stacking during the binding of incorrect incoming nucleotides. PMID:20798853

Identification of literary movements using complex networks to represent texts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amancio, Diego Raphael; Oliveira, Osvaldo N., Jr.; da Fontoura Costa, Luciano

2012-04-01

The use of statistical methods to analyze large databases of text has been useful in unveiling patterns of human behavior and establishing historical links between cultures and languages. In this study, we identified literary movements by treating books published from 1590 to 1922 as complex networks, whose metrics were analyzed with multivariate techniques to generate six clusters of books. The latter correspond to time periods coinciding with relevant literary movements over the last five centuries. The most important factor contributing to the distinctions between different literary styles was the average shortest path length, in particular the asymmetry of its distribution. Furthermore, over time there has emerged a trend toward larger average shortest path lengths, which is correlated with increased syntactic complexity, and a more uniform use of the words reflected in a smaller power-law coefficient for the distribution of word frequency. Changes in literary style were also found to be driven by opposition to earlier writing styles, as revealed by the analysis performed with geometrical concepts. The approaches adopted here are generic and may be extended to analyze a number of features of languages and cultures.

Mid-tropospheric Spectral Length-scale Analysis of Many Constituents from Aircraft, Satellite and Model Results During the 2013 SENEX Field Study.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKeen, S. A.; Angevine, W. M.; Ahmadov, R.; Frost, G. J.; Kim, S. W.; Cui, Y.; McDonald, B.; Trainer, M.; Holloway, J. S.; Ryerson, T. B.; Peischl, J.; Gambacorta, A.; Barnet, C. D.; Smith, N.; Pierce, R. B.

2016-12-01

This study presents preliminary comparisons of satellite, aircraft, and model variance spectra for meteorological, thermodynamic and gas-phase species collected during the 2013 Southeastern Nexus Air Quality Experiment (SENEX). Fourier analysis of 8 constituents collected at 1 Hz by the NOAA W-P3 aircraft in the 25 to 200 km length-scale range exhibit properties consistent with previous scale dependence studies: when spectra are averaged over several 500 mb flight legs, very linear dependence is found on log-log plots of spectral density versus inverse length-scale. Derived slopes for wind speed, temperature, H2O, CO, CO2, CH4, NOy and O3 all fall within ±30% and close to the slope of -5/3 predicted from dimensional scaling theory of isotropic turbulence. Qualitative differences are seen when a similar analysis, without quality control, is applied to a preliminary set of NUCAPS satellite retrievals over the continental U.S. during SENEX. While 500mb water vapor and column integrated water show slopes close to the -5/3 value in the 200 to 1000 km length-scale range, other quantities show significantly shallower slopes, suggesting the need for rigorous quality control. Results from WRF-Chem regional air quality model simulations at 500mb show the model is unable to account for variance on length-scales less than 6ΔX, where ΔX is the model horizontal resolution (12km). Comparisons with satellite data in the 200 to 1000km range show slopes consistent with the -5/3 power law for species such as CO, CH4 and CO2 that do not undergo reinitialization, suggesting potential for future application.

Characterization of species-specific repeated DNA sequences from B. nigra.

PubMed

Gupta, V; Lakshmisita, G; Shaila, M S; Jagannathan, V; Lakshmikumaran, M S

1992-07-01

The construction and characterization of two genome-specific recombinant DNA clones from B. nigra are described. Southern analysis showed that the two clones belong to a dispersed repeat family. They differ from each other in their length, distribution and sequence, though the average GC content is nearly the same (45%). These B genome-specific repeats have been used to analyse the phylogenetic relationships between cultivated and wild species of the family Brassicaceae.

Tree Diamter Effects on Cost and Productivity of Cut-to-Length Systems

Treesearch

Matthew A. Holtzscher; Bobby L. Lanford

1997-01-01

Currently, there is a lack of economic information concerning cut-to-length harvesting systems. This study examined and measured the different costs of operating cut-to-length logging equipment over a range of average stand diameters at breast height. Three different cut-to-length logging systems were examined in this study. Systems included: 1) felier-buncher/manual/...

30 CFR 1206.103 - How do I value oil that is not sold under an arm's-length contract?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... arm's-length contract? 1206.103 Section 1206.103 Mineral Resources OFFICE OF NATURAL RESOURCES REVENUE... oil that is not sold under an arm's-length contract? This section explains how to value oil that you...-weighted average of the gross proceeds accruing to the seller under your or your affiliates' arm's-length...

30 CFR 1206.103 - How do I value oil that is not sold under an arm's-length contract?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... arm's-length contract? 1206.103 Section 1206.103 Mineral Resources OFFICE OF NATURAL RESOURCES REVENUE... oil that is not sold under an arm's-length contract? This section explains how to value oil that you...-weighted average of the gross proceeds accruing to the seller under your or your affiliates' arm's-length...

30 CFR 1206.103 - How do I value oil that is not sold under an arm's-length contract?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... arm's-length contract? 1206.103 Section 1206.103 Mineral Resources OFFICE OF NATURAL RESOURCES REVENUE... oil that is not sold under an arm's-length contract? This section explains how to value oil that you...-weighted average of the gross proceeds accruing to the seller under your or your affiliates' arm's-length...

Numerical analysis of interface debonding detection in bonded repair with Rayleigh waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Ying; Li, BingCheng; Lu, Miaomiao

2017-01-01

This paper studied how to use the variation of the dispersion curves of Rayleigh wave group velocity to detect interfacial debonding damage between FRP plate and steel beam. Since FRP strengthened steel beam is two layers medium, Rayleigh wave velocity dispersion phenomenon will happen. The interface debonding damage of FRP strengthened steel beam have an obvious effect on the Rayleigh wave velocity dispersion curve. The paper first put forward average Euclidean distance and Angle separation degree to describe the relationship between the different dispersion curves. Numerical results indicate that there is a approximate linear mapping relationship between the average Euclidean distance of dispersion curves and the length of interfacial debonding damage.

Revisiting long-range dependence in annual precipitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iliopoulou, Theano; Papalexiou, Simon Michael; Markonis, Yannis; Koutsoyiannis, Demetris

2018-01-01

Long-range dependence (LRD), the so-called Hurst-Kolmogorov behaviour, is considered to be an intrinsic characteristic of most natural processes. This behaviour manifests itself by the prevalence of slowly decaying autocorrelation function and questions the Markov assumption, often habitually employed in time series analysis. Herein, we investigate the dependence structure of annual rainfall using a large set, comprising more than a thousand stations worldwide of length 100 years or more, as well as a smaller number of paleoclimatic reconstructions covering the last 12,000 years. Our findings suggest weak long-term persistence for instrumental data (average H = 0.59), which becomes stronger with scale, i.e. in the paleoclimatic reconstructions (average H = 0.75).

Velocity Fluctuations in Helical Propulsion: How Small Can a Propeller Be.

PubMed

Ghosh, Arijit; Paria, Debadrita; Rangarajan, Govindan; Ghosh, Ambarish

2014-01-02

Helical propulsion is at the heart of locomotion strategies utilized by various natural and artificial swimmers. We used experimental observations and a numerical model to study the various fluctuation mechanisms that determine the performance of an externally driven helical propeller as the size of the helix is reduced. From causality analysis, an overwhelming effect of orientational noise at low length scales is observed, which strongly affects the average velocity and direction of motion of a propeller. For length scales smaller than a few micrometers in aqueous media, the operational frequency for the propulsion system would have to increase as the inverse cube of the size, which can be the limiting factor for a helical propeller to achieve locomotion in the desired direction.

The natural history of penile length after radical prostatectomy: a long-term prospective study.

PubMed

Vasconcelos, Juliana Souza; Figueiredo, Rui Teófilo; Nascimento, Fabio Luis Branco; Damião, Ronaldo; da Silva, Eloisio Alexsandro

2012-12-01

To describe the penile length after radical prostatectomy (RP) in a long-term follow-up. We evaluated prospectively the penile length of 105 patients with localized prostate cancer treated by open RP. Participants using therapy for penile rehabilitation were excluded from statistical analysis. Measurements of the stretched penis were taken preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months postoperatively. The International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) questionnaire was used to evaluate erectile function. The penile anthropometric measure used was the stretched length of the flaccid penis, from the pubopenile skin angle to the end of the glans, after the prepubic fat was depressed under maximum manual traction. The mean stretched penile length 3 months after RP decreased an average of 1 cm from baseline (P <.001). This mean difference persisted until 24 months. At 36 months, the penile length differed 0.6 cm. At 48 months (-0.3 cm) and 60 months (+0.4 cm), the mean differences in penile length before and after RP were not significant (P = .080 and P = .065, respectively). Erectile function was a predictor for early return of penile length. Nearly 1 cm of penile shortening after RP may be expected up to 12 months. However, a trend toward recovery of penile length occurs after 24 months of follow-up and is completely re-established after 48 months. The preserved erectile function after RP is a predictor for penile length recovery. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Characterization of the structural details of residual austenite in the weld metal of a 9Cr1MoNbV welded rotor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xia; Ji, Hui-jun; Liu, Peng; Wang, Peng; Lu, Feng-gui; Gao, Yu-lai

2014-06-01

The existence of residual austenite in weld metal plays an important role in determining the properties and dimensional accuracy of welded rotors. An effective corrosive agent and the metallographic etching process were developed to clearly reveal the characteristics of residual austenite in the weld metal of a 9Cr1MoNbV welded rotor. Moreover, the details of the distribution, shape, length, length-to-width ratio, and the content of residual austenite were systematically characterized using the Image-Pro Plus image analysis software. The results revealed that the area fraction of residual austenite was approximately 6.3% in the observed weld seam; the average area, length, and length-to-width ratio of dispersed residual austenite were quantitatively evaluated to be (5.5 ± 0.1) μm2, (5.0 ± 0.1) μm, and (2.2 ± 0.1), respectively. The newly developed corrosive agent and etching method offer an appropriate approach to characterize residual austenite in the weld metal of welded rotors in detail.

[Karyotypic comparison of five species of Lutzomyia (diptera: psychodidae) of the series townsendi and the verrucarum group in Colombia].

PubMed

Escovar, Jesús; Ferro, Cristina; Cárdenas, Estrella; Bello, Felio

2002-12-01

Cytogenetic characteristics were established for five native species of phlebotomine sand flies (Lutzomyia, series townsendi, verrucarum group): Lutzomyia longiflocosa, Lutzomyia townsendi, Lutzomyia spinicrassa, Lutzomyia torvida and Lutzomyia youngi. Karyotypes and chromosomal morphometry were compared. Using the squash technique, brain tissues from late 4th instar larvae provided the necessary mitotic chromosomes. Chromosomal measurements were made on the following chromosomal characteristics: short arm, long arm, arm ratio, total length, relative length, centromeric index and relative length average of chromosomes. Chromosomes were classified according to their morphometry and position of the centromere. The taxonomic distance was calculated, and the relationships among the species displayed in a phenogram. All five species possessed four pairs of chromosomes as diploid number (2N = 8). None of the karyotypes indicated presence of heteromorphic chromosomes. Statistical analysis of the morphometric data showed highly significant differences among the chromosomes pairs of the five species. However, the total length of the genome was very similar, with the exception of L. youngi. In conclusion, these closely related species were distinguishable at cytological level.

An Investigation of Language Environment Analysis Measures for Spanish-English Bilingual Preschoolers From Migrant Low-Socioeconomic-Status Backgrounds.

PubMed

Wood, Carla; Diehm, Emily A; Callender, Maya F

2016-04-01

The current study was designed to (a) describe average hourly Language Environment Analysis (LENA) data for preschool-age Spanish-English bilinguals (SEBs) and typically developing monolingual peers and (b) compare LENA data with mean length of utterance in words (MLUw) and total number of words (TNW) calculated on a selected sample of consecutive excerpts of audio files (CEAFs). Investigators examined average hourly child vocalizations from daylong LENA samples for 42 SEBs and 39 monolingual English-speaking preschoolers. The relationship between average hourly child vocalizations, conversational turns, and adult words from the daylong samples and MLUw from a 50-utterance CEAF was examined and compared between groups. MLUw, TNW, average hourly child vocalizations, and conversational turns were lower for young SEBs than monolingual English-speaking peers. Average hourly child vocalizations were not strongly related to MLUw performance for monolingual or SEB participants (r = .29, r = .25, respectively). In a similar manner, average hourly conversational turns were not strongly related to MLUw for either group (r = .22, r = .21, respectively). Young SEBs from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds showed lower average performance on LENA measures, MLUw, and TNW than monolingual English-speaking peers. MLUw from monolinguals were also lower than typical expectations when derived from CEAFs. LENA technology may be a promising tool for communication sampling with SEBs; however, more research is needed to establish norms for interpreting MLUw and TNW from selected CEAF samples.

Study on the photo-induced oxygen reordering in YBa2Cu3O6+x

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milić, M. M.; Lazarov, N. Dj.; Cucić, D. A.

2012-05-01

Effect of the long term illumination of the YBa2Cu3O6+x with visible light or ultraviolet irradiation on its superconducting properties was studied in the frame of a simple theoretical model, which assumes that photodoping triggers rearrangement of oxygen monomers in the chain layers thus causing the enhancement of the average chain length, lav. Since, according to the model of charge transfer mechanism, long CuO chains are better electronic hole donors than the short ones, increase of the average chain length induces additional holes transfer from chain layers to the superconducting CuO2 planes which in turn leads to the increase of the superconducting transition temperature Tc. By the use of the expression for the chain length probability distribution and numerically calculated values for the average chain length in the non-excited system, we were able to estimate the doping p (number of holes per one Cu atom in the superconducting CuO2 planes) and Tc enhancement due to photo-induced oxygen reordering. The theoretical results are compared with available experimental data.

Simulation study of poled low-water ionomers with different architectures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allahyarov, Elshad; Taylor, Philip L.; Löwen, Hartmut

2011-11-01

The role of the ionomer architecture in the formation of ordered structures in poled membranes is investigated by molecular dynamics computer simulations. It is shown that the length of the sidechain Ls controls both the areal density of cylindrical aggregates Nc and the diameter of these cylinders in the poled membrane. The backbone segment length Lb tunes the average diameter Ds of cylindrical clusters and the average number of sulfonates Ns in each cluster. A simple empirical formula is noted for the dependence of the number density of induced rod-like aggregates on the sidechain length Ls within the parameter range considered in this study.

Maternal mental health and nutritional status of six-month-old infants

PubMed Central

Hassan, Bruna Kulik; Werneck, Guilherme Loureiro; Hasselmann, Maria Helena

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze if maternal mental health is associated with infant nutritional status at six month of age. METHODS A cross-sectional study with 228 six-month-old infants who used primary health care units of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil. Mean weight-for-length and mean weight-for-age were expressed in z-scores considering the 2006 World Health Organization reference curves. Maternal mental health was measured by the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. The following cutoff points were used: ≥ 3 for common mental disorders, ≥ 5 for more severe mental disorders, and ≥ 9 for depression. The statistical analysis employed adjusted linear regression models. RESULTS The prevalence of common mental disorders, more severe mental disorders and depression was 39.9%, 23.7%, and 8.3%, respectively. Children of women with more severe mental disorders had, on average, a weight-for-length 0.37 z-scores lower than children of women without this health harm (p = 0.026). We also observed that the weight-for-length indicator of children of depressed mothers was, on average, 0.67 z-scores lower than that of children of nondepressed women (p = 0.010). Maternal depression was associated with lower mean values of weight-for-age z-scores (p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS Maternal mental health is positively related to the inadequacy of the nutritional status of infants at six months. PMID:27007683

Maternal mental health and nutritional status of six-month-old infants.

PubMed

Hassan, Bruna Kulik; Werneck, Guilherme Loureiro; Hasselmann, Maria Helena

2016-01-01

To analyze if maternal mental health is associated with infant nutritional status at six month of age. A cross-sectional study with 228 six-month-old infants who used primary health care units of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil. Mean weight-for-length and mean weight-for-age were expressed in z-scores considering the 2006 World Health Organization reference curves. Maternal mental health was measured by the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. The following cutoff points were used: ≥ 3 for common mental disorders, ≥ 5 for more severe mental disorders, and ≥ 9 for depression. The statistical analysis employed adjusted linear regression models. The prevalence of common mental disorders, more severe mental disorders and depression was 39.9%, 23.7%, and 8.3%, respectively. Children of women with more severe mental disorders had, on average, a weight-for-length 0.37 z-scores lower than children of women without this health harm (p = 0.026). We also observed that the weight-for-length indicator of children of depressed mothers was, on average, 0.67 z-scores lower than that of children of nondepressed women (p = 0.010). Maternal depression was associated with lower mean values of weight-for-age z-scores (p = 0.041). Maternal mental health is positively related to the inadequacy of the nutritional status of infants at six months.

Genetic Mapping and QTL Analysis of Growth-Related Traits in Pinctada fucata Using Restriction-Site Associated DNA Sequencing

PubMed Central

Li, Yaoguo; He, Maoxian

2014-01-01

The pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata (P. fucata), is one of the marine bivalves that is predominantly cultured for pearl production. To obtain more genetic information for breeding purposes, we constructed a high-density linkage map of P. fucata and identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for growth-related traits. One F1 family, which included the two parents, 48 largest progeny and 50 smallest progeny, was sampled to construct a linkage map using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq). With low coverage data, 1956.53 million clean reads and 86,342 candidate RAD loci were generated. A total of 1373 segregating SNPs were used to construct a sex-average linkage map. This spanned 1091.81 centimorgans (cM), with 14 linkage groups and an average marker interval of 1.41 cM. The genetic linkage map coverage, Coa, was 97.24%. Thirty-nine QTL-peak loci, for seven growth-related traits, were identified using the single-marker analysis, nonparametric mapping Kruskal-Wallis (KW) test. Parameters included three for shell height, six for shell length, five for shell width, four for hinge length, 11 for total weight, eight for soft tissue weight and two for shell weight. The QTL peak loci for shell height, shell length and shell weight were all located in linkage group 6. The genotype frequencies of most QTL peak loci showed significant differences between the large subpopulation and the small subpopulation (P<0.05). These results highlight the effectiveness of RAD-Seq as a tool for generation of QTL-targeted and genome-wide marker data in the non-model animal, P. fucata, and its possible utility in marker-assisted selection (MAS). PMID:25369421

Correlation Between Echinoidea Size and Threat Level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakshi, S.; Lee, A.; Heim, N.; Payne, J.

2017-12-01

Echinoidea (or sea urchins), are small, spiny, globular, animals that populate the seafloors of nearly the entire planet. Echinoidea have existed on Earth since the Ordovician period, and from their archaic origin there is much to be learned about the relationship between Echinoidea body size and how it affects the survivability of the individual. The goal of this project is to determine how Echinoidea dimensions such as body volume, area, and length compare across extinct and extant species by plotting Echinoidea data in R. We will use stratigraphic data as a source to find which species of sea urchin from our data is extinct. We will then create three sets of three histograms of the size data for each type of measurement. One set will include histograms for sea urchin length, area, and volume. The other set will include histograms for extinct sea urchin length, area, and volume. The last set will include histograms for extant sea urchin length, area, and volume. Our data showed that extant sea urchins had a larger size, and extinct sea urchins were smaller. Our length data showed that the average length of all sea urchins were 54.95791 mm, the average length of extinct sea urchins were 51.0337 mm, and the average length of extant sea urchins were 66.12774 mm. There is a generally increasing trend of size over time, except for a small outlier about 350 million years ago, where echinoderm extinction selected towards larger species and biovolume was abnormally high. Our data also showed that over the past 200 million years, echinoderm extinction selectivity drove slightly smaller sea urchins towards extinction, further supporting the idea that a larger size was and still is advantageous for echinoderms.

Scale Dependence of Statistics of Spatially Averaged Rain Rate Seen in TOGA COARE Comparison with Predictions from a Stochastic Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kundu, Prasun K.; Bell, T. L.; Lau, William K. M. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

A characteristic feature of rainfall statistics is that they in general depend on the space and time scales over which rain data are averaged. As a part of an earlier effort to determine the sampling error of satellite rain averages, a space-time model of rainfall statistics was developed to describe the statistics of gridded rain observed in GATE. The model allows one to compute the second moment statistics of space- and time-averaged rain rate which can be fitted to satellite or rain gauge data to determine the four model parameters appearing in the precipitation spectrum - an overall strength parameter, a characteristic length separating the long and short wavelength regimes and a characteristic relaxation time for decay of the autocorrelation of the instantaneous local rain rate and a certain 'fractal' power law exponent. For area-averaged instantaneous rain rate, this exponent governs the power law dependence of these statistics on the averaging length scale $L$ predicted by the model in the limit of small $L$. In particular, the variance of rain rate averaged over an $L \\times L$ area exhibits a power law singularity as $L \\rightarrow 0$. In the present work the model is used to investigate how the statistics of area-averaged rain rate over the tropical Western Pacific measured with ship borne radar during TOGA COARE (Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean Atmospheric Response Experiment) and gridded on a 2 km grid depends on the size of the spatial averaging scale. Good agreement is found between the data and predictions from the model over a wide range of averaging length scales.

Lossless quantum data compression with exponential penalization: an operational interpretation of the quantum Rényi entropy.

PubMed

Bellomo, Guido; Bosyk, Gustavo M; Holik, Federico; Zozor, Steeve

2017-11-07

Based on the problem of quantum data compression in a lossless way, we present here an operational interpretation for the family of quantum Rényi entropies. In order to do this, we appeal to a very general quantum encoding scheme that satisfies a quantum version of the Kraft-McMillan inequality. Then, in the standard situation, where one is intended to minimize the usual average length of the quantum codewords, we recover the known results, namely that the von Neumann entropy of the source bounds the average length of the optimal codes. Otherwise, we show that by invoking an exponential average length, related to an exponential penalization over large codewords, the quantum Rényi entropies arise as the natural quantities relating the optimal encoding schemes with the source description, playing an analogous role to that of von Neumann entropy.

How the growth and freeboard of continents may relate to geometric and kinematic parameters of mid-ocean spreading ridges

USGS Publications Warehouse

Howell, D.G.

1989-01-01

If the volume of continents has been growing since 4 Ga then the area of the ocean basins must have been shrinking. Therefore, by inferring a constant continental freeboard, in addition to constant continental crustal thicknesses and seawater volume, it is possible to calculate the necessary combinations of increased ridge lengths and spreading rates required to displace the seawater in the larger oceans of the past in order to maintain the constant freeboard. A reasonable choice from the various possibilities is that at 4 Ga ago, the ridge length and spreading rates were ca. 2.5 times greater than the averages of these parameters during the past 200 Ma. By 2.5 Ga ago the ridge length and spreading rate decreased to about 1.8 times the recent average and by 1 Ga ago these features became reduced to approximately 1.4 times recent averages. ?? 1989.

Virtual Northern Analysis of the Human Genome

PubMed Central

Hurowitz, Evan H.; Drori, Iddo; Stodden, Victoria C.; Donoho, David L.; Brown, Patrick O.

2007-01-01

Background We applied the Virtual Northern technique to human brain mRNA to systematically measure human mRNA transcript lengths on a genome-wide scale. Methodology/Principal Findings We used separation by gel electrophoresis followed by hybridization to cDNA microarrays to measure 8,774 mRNA transcript lengths representing at least 6,238 genes at high (>90%) confidence. By comparing these transcript lengths to the Refseq and H-Invitational full-length cDNA databases, we found that nearly half of our measurements appeared to represent novel transcript variants. Comparison of length measurements determined by hybridization to different cDNAs derived from the same gene identified clones that potentially correspond to alternative transcript variants. We observed a close linear relationship between ORF and mRNA lengths in human mRNAs, identical in form to the relationship we had previously identified in yeast. Some functional classes of protein are encoded by mRNAs whose untranslated regions (UTRs) tend to be longer or shorter than average; these functional classes were similar in both human and yeast. Conclusions/Significance Human transcript diversity is extensive and largely unannotated. Our length dataset can be used as a new criterion for judging the completeness of cDNAs and annotating mRNA sequences. Similar relationships between the lengths of the UTRs in human and yeast mRNAs and the functions of the proteins they encode suggest that UTR sequences serve an important regulatory role among eukaryotes. PMID:17520019

PIV measurements in the near wakes of hollow cylinders with holes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Firat, Erhan; Ozkan, Gokturk M.; Akilli, Huseyin

2017-05-01

The wake flows behind fixed, hollow, rigid circular cylinders with two rows of holes connecting the front and rear stagnation lines were investigated using particle image velocimetry (PIV) for various combinations of three hole diameters, d = 0.1 D, 0.15 D, and 0.20 D, six hole-to-hole distances, l = 2 d, 3 d, 4 d, 5 d, 6 d, and 7 d, and ten angles of incidence ( α), from 0° to 45° in steps of 5°, at a Reynolds number of Re = 6,900. Time-averaged velocity distributions, instantaneous and time-averaged vorticity patterns, time-averaged streamline topology, and hot spots of turbulent kinetic energy occurred through the interaction of shear layers from the models were presented to show how the wake flow was modified by the presence of the self-issuing jets with various momentums emanating from the downstream holes. In general, as hole diameter which is directly related to jet momentum increased, the values of time-averaged wake characteristics (length of time-averaged recirculation region, vortex formation length, length of shear layers, and gap between the shear layers) increased. Irrespective to d and l tested, the values of the vortex formation length of the models are greater than that of the cylinder without hole (reference model). That is, vortex formation process was shifted downstream by aid of jets. It was found that time-averaged wake characteristics were very sensitive to α. As α increased, the variation of these characteristics can be modeled by exponential decay functions. The effect of l on the three-dimensional vortex shedding patterns in the near wake of the models was also discussed.

Acid diffusion, standing waves, and information theory: a molecular-scale model of chemically amplified resist

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trefonas, Peter, III; Allen, Mary T.

1992-06-01

Shannon's information theory is adapted to analyze the photolithographic process, defining the mask pattern as the prior state. Definitions and constraints to the general theory are developed so that the information content at various stages of the lithographic process can be described. Its application is illustrated by exploring the information content within projected aerial images and resultant latent images. Next, a 3-dimensional molecular scale model of exposure, acid diffusion, and catalytic crosslinking in acid-hardened resists (AHR) is presented. In this model, initial positions of photogenerated acids are determined by probability functions generated from the aerial images and the local light intensity in the film. In order to simulate post-exposure baking processes, acids are diffused in a random walk manner, for which the catalytic chain length and the average distance between crosslinks can be set. Crosslink locations are defined in terms of the topologically minimized number required to link different chains. The size and location of polymer chains involved in a larger scale crosslinked network is established and related to polymer solubility. In this manner, the nature of the crosslinked latent image can be established. Good correlation with experimental data is found for the calculated percent insolubilization as a function of dose when the rms acid diffusion length is about 500 angstroms. Information analysis is applied in detail to the specific example of AHR chemistry. The information contained within the 3-D crosslinked latent image is explored as a function of exposure dose, catalytic chain length, average distance between crosslinks. Eopt (the exposure dose which optimizes the information contained within the latent image) was found to vary with catalytic chain length in a manner similar to that observed experimentally in a plot of E90 versus post-exposure bake time. Surprisingly, the information content of the crosslinked latent image remains high even when rms diffusion lengths are as long as 1500 angstroms. The information content of a standing wave is shown to decrease with increasing diffusion length, with essentially all standing wave information being lost at diffusion lengths greater than 450 angstroms. A unique mechanism for self-contrast enhancement and high resolution in AHR resist is proposed.

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

Nathanael, A. Joseph; Department of Nanomaterials Engineering, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 305-764; Mangalaraj, D., E-mail: dmraj800@yahoo.com

In this study, undoped and yttrium (Y) doped nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite crystals were synthesized by the hydrothermal method at 180 Degree-Sign C for 24 h. Highly ordered and oriented hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanorods were prepared by yttrium doping and their nanostructure and physical properties were compared with those of undoped HAp rods. FESEM images showed that the doping with Y ions reduced the diameter (from 25 nm to 15 nm) and increased the length (from 95 nm to 115 nm) of the synthesized rods. The aspect ratio of the undoped and Y-doped nanorods were calculated to be 4.303 (SD = 0.0959) andmore » 7.61 (SD = 0.0355), respectively. Specific surface area (SSA) analysis showed that SSA also increased from 66.74 m{sup 2}/g to 68.57 m{sup 2}/g with the addition of yttrium. Y-doped HAp nanorod reinforced HMWPE composites displayed the better mechanical performance than those reinforced with pure HAp nanorods. The possible strengthening of nanorods and the increase of SSA due to the reduction in the size of nanorods in the presence of yttrium may have contributed to the strengthening of Y-doped HAp/HMWPE composites. - Graphical Abstract: Highly ordered and oriented yttrium doped hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanorods were prepared by hydrothermal method. For undoped HAp the average length of the nanorod is 95 nm with mean diameter of 24 nm and for a Y doped nanorod the average length is {approx} 115 nm and the mean diameter is 15 nm. Mechanical analysis was carried out by polymer/nanoparticle composite method. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Yttrium doped hydroxyapatite nanorods were prepared by hydrothermal method. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The nanorods have highly uniform size distribution. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Yttrium substitution and nanostructure formation was confirmed by careful analysis. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Mechanical strength was analyzed by polymer nanoparticle reinforcement method.« less

Genome structure of Rosa multiflora, a wild ancestor of cultivated roses

PubMed Central

Nakamura, Noriko; Hirakawa, Hideki; Sato, Shusei; Otagaki, Shungo; Matsumoto, Shogo; Tabata, Satoshi; Tanaka, Yoshikazu

2018-01-01

Abstract The draft genome sequence of a wild rose (Rosa multiflora Thunb.) was determined using Illumina MiSeq and HiSeq platforms. The total length of the scaffolds was 739,637,845 bp, consisting of 83,189 scaffolds, which was close to the 711 Mbp length estimated by k-mer analysis. N50 length of the scaffolds was 90,830 bp, and extent of the longest was 1,133,259 bp. The average GC content of the scaffolds was 38.9%. After gene prediction, 67,380 candidates exhibiting sequence homology to known genes and domains were extracted, which included complete and partial gene structures. This large number of genes for a diploid plant may reflect heterogeneity of the genome originating from self-incompatibility in R. multiflora. According to CEGMA analysis, 91.9% and 98.0% of the core eukaryotic genes were completely and partially conserved in the scaffolds, respectively. Genes presumably involved in flower color, scent and flowering are assigned. The results of this study will serve as a valuable resource for fundamental and applied research in the rose, including breeding and phylogenetic study of cultivated roses. PMID:29045613

An explanation of the relationship between mass, metabolic rate and characteristic length for placental mammals

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

The Mass, Metabolism and Length Explanation (MMLE) was advanced in 1984 to explain the relationship between metabolic rate and body mass for birds and mammals. This paper reports on a modernized version of MMLE. MMLE deterministically computes the absolute value of Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and body mass for individual animals. MMLE is thus distinct from other examinations of these topics that use species-averaged data to estimate the parameters in a statistically best fit power law relationship such as BMR = a(bodymass)b. Beginning with the proposition that BMR is proportional to the number of mitochondria in an animal, two primary equations are derived that compute BMR and body mass as functions of an individual animal’s characteristic length and sturdiness factor. The characteristic length is a measureable skeletal length associated with an animal’s means of propulsion. The sturdiness factor expresses how sturdy or gracile an animal is. Eight other parameters occur in the equations that vary little among animals in the same phylogenetic group. The present paper modernizes MMLE by explicitly treating Froude and Strouhal dynamic similarity of mammals’ skeletal musculature, revising the treatment of BMR and using new data to estimate numerical values for the parameters that occur in the equations. A mass and length data set with 575 entries from the orders Rodentia, Chiroptera, Artiodactyla, Carnivora, Perissodactyla and Proboscidea is used. A BMR and mass data set with 436 entries from the orders Rodentia, Chiroptera, Artiodactyla and Carnivora is also used. With the estimated parameter values MMLE can calculate characteristic length and sturdiness factor values so that every BMR and mass datum from the BMR and mass data set can be computed exactly. Furthermore MMLE can calculate characteristic length and sturdiness factor values so that every body mass and length datum from the mass and length data set can be computed exactly. Whether or not MMLE can calculate a sturdiness factor value so that an individual animal’s BMR and body mass can be simultaneously computed given its characteristic length awaits analysis of a data set that simultaneously reports all three of these items for individual animals. However for many of the addressed MMLE homogeneous groups, MMLE can predict the exponent obtained by regression analysis of the BMR and mass data using the exponent obtained by regression analysis of the mass and length data. This argues that MMLE may be able to accurately simultaneously compute BMR and mass for an individual animal. PMID:26355655

Neuromuscular organization of avian flight muscle: architecture of single muscle fibres in muscle units of the pectoralis (pars thoracicus) of pigeon (Columba livia)

PubMed Central

Sokoloff, A. J.

1999-01-01

The M. pectoralis (pars thoracicus) of pigeons (Columba livia) is comprised of short muscle fibres that do not extend from muscle origin to insertion but overlap 'in-series'. Individual pectoralis motor units are limited in territory to a portion of muscle length and are comprised of either fast twitch, oxidative and glycolytic fibres (FOG) or fast twitch and glycolytic fibres (FG). FOG fibres make up 88 to 90% of the total muscle population and have a mean diameter one-half of that of the relatively large FG fibres. Here we report on the organization of individual fibres identified in six muscle units depleted of glycogen, three comprised of FOG fibres and three comprised of FG fibres. For each motor unit, fibre counts revealed unequal numbers of depleted fibres in different unit cross-sections. We traced individual fibres in one unit comprised of FOG fibres and a second comprised of FG fibres. Six fibres from a FOG unit (total length 15.45 mm) ranged from 10.11 to 11.82 mm in length and averaged (± s.d.) 10.74 ± 0.79 mm. All originated bluntly (en mass) from a fascicle near the proximal end of the muscle unit and all terminated intramuscularly. Five of these ended in a taper and one ended bluntly. Fibres coursed on average for 70% of the muscle unit length. Six fibres from a FG unit (total length 34.76 mm) ranged from 8.97 to 18.38 mm in length and averaged 15.32 ± 3.75 mm. All originated bluntly and terminated intramuscularly; one of these ended in a taper and five ended bluntly. Fibres coursed on average for 44% of the muscle unit length. Because fibres of individual muscle units do not extend the whole muscle unit territory, the effective cross-sectional area changes along the motor unit length. These non-uniformities in the distribution of fibres within a muscle unit emphasize that the functional interactions within and between motor units are complex.

An investigation of dynamic-analysis methods for variable-geometry structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Austin, F.

1980-01-01

Selected space structure configurations were reviewed in order to define dynamic analysis problems associated with variable geometry. The dynamics of a beam being constructed from a flexible base and the relocation of the completed beam by rotating the remote manipulator system about the shoulder joint were selected. Equations of motion were formulated in physical coordinates for both of these problems, and FORTRAN programs were developed to generate solutions by numerically integrating the equations. These solutions served as a standard of comparison to gauge the accuracy of approximate solution techniques that were developed and studied. Good control was achieved in both problems. Unstable control system coupling with the system flexibility did not occur. An approximate method was developed for each problem to enable the analyst to investigate variable geometry effects during a short time span using standard fixed geometry programs such as NASTRAN. The average angle and average length techniques are discussed.

[Repetitive movement of the upper limbs: results of exposure evaluation and clinical investigation during jar packaging of preserved vegetables].

PubMed

Panzone, I; Carra, G; Melosi, A; Rappazzo, G; Innocenti, A

1996-01-01

In order to assess the prevalence of work-related musculo-skeletal disorders of the upper limbs, a total population of 29 female workers in an industrial vegetable preserving plant were examined. The average age of the workers was 41.3 years (SD = 9.2), and their average length of service was 16.7 years (SD = 7.2). Only 20% of the workers were anamnestically negative, whilst 80% had one or more disorders attributable to repetitive trauma of the upper limbs. The disorders showed no prevalence for the right side, a finding in line with the risk analysis which indicated that both limbs were equally used. The results of the risk analysis and clinical assessment confirm that high-frequency actions, combined with improper posture and a shortage of suitable recovery times, play a causal role in determining the onset of the disorders studied.

Cost Analysis of Integrative Inpatient Treatment Based on DRG Data: The Example of Anthroposophic Medicine

PubMed Central

Heinz, Jürgen; Fiori, Wolfgang; Heusser, Peter

2013-01-01

Background. Much work has been done to evaluate the outcome of integrative inpatient treatment but scarcely the costs. This paper evaluates the costs for inpatient treatment in three anthroposophic hospitals (AHs). Material and Methods. Cost and performance data from a total of 23,180 cases were analyzed and compared to national reference data. Subgroup analysis was performed between the cases with and without anthroposophic medical complex (AMC) treatment. Results. Costs and length of stay in the cases without AMC displayed no relevant differences compared to the national reference data. In contrast the inlier cases with AMC caused an average of € 1,394 more costs. However costs per diem were not higher than those in the national reference data. Hence, the delivery of AMC was associated with a prolonged length of stay. 46.6% of the cases with AMC were high outliers. Only 10.6% of the inlier cases with AMC were discharged before reaching the mean length of stay of each DRG. Discussion. Treatment in an AH is not generally associated with an increased use of resources. However, the provision of AMC leads to a prolonged length of stay and cannot be adequately reimbursed by the current G-DRG system. Due to the heterogeneity of the patient population, an additional payment should be negotiated individually. PMID:23431346

Map showing length of freeze-free season in the Salina quadrangle, Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Covington, Harry R.

1972-01-01

In general, long freeze-free periods occur at low elevations, and short freeze-free periods occur at high elevations. But some valley floors have shorter freeze-free seasons than the glancing foothills because air cooled at high elevations flows downward and is trapped in the valleys. This temperature pattern occurs in the western part of the quadrangle in Rabbit Valley, Grass Valley, and the Sevier River Valley near Salina.Because year-round weather stations are sparse in Utah, a special technique for estimating length of freeze-free season was developed by Dr. Gaylen L. Ashcroft, Assistant Professor of Climatology, Utah State University, and E. Arlo Richardson, State Climatologist, U.S. Weather Bureau, based on average annual temperature, average annual temperature range, average daily temperature range, and average july maximum temperature. This technique was used in preparation of the map showing “Length of 32°F freeze-free season for Utah,” figure 23 in Hydrologic Atlas of Utah (Utah State University and Utah Division of Water Resources, 1968), from which the data for this map were taken.

Coordination of multiple appendages in drag-based swimming.

PubMed

Alben, Silas; Spears, Kevin; Garth, Stephen; Murphy, David; Yen, Jeannette

2010-11-06

Krill are aquatic crustaceans that engage in long distance migrations, either vertically in the water column or horizontally for 10 km (over 200,000 body lengths) per day. Hence efficient locomotory performance is crucial for their survival. We study the swimming kinematics of krill using a combination of experiment and analysis. We quantify the propulsor kinematics for tethered and freely swimming krill in experiments, and find kinematics that are very nearly metachronal. We then formulate a drag coefficient model which compares metachronal, synchronous and intermediate motions for a freely swimming body with two legs. With fixed leg velocity amplitude, metachronal kinematics give the highest average body speed for both linear and quadratic drag laws. The same result holds for five legs with the quadratic drag law. When metachronal kinematics is perturbed towards synchronous kinematics, an analysis shows that the velocity increase on the power stroke is outweighed by the velocity decrease on the recovery stroke. With fixed time-averaged work done by the legs, metachronal kinematics again gives the highest average body speed, although the advantage over synchronous kinematics is reduced.

Bayesian change-point analysis reveals developmental change in a classic theory of mind task.

PubMed

Baker, Sara T; Leslie, Alan M; Gallistel, C R; Hood, Bruce M

2016-12-01

Although learning and development reflect changes situated in an individual brain, most discussions of behavioral change are based on the evidence of group averages. Our reliance on group-averaged data creates a dilemma. On the one hand, we need to use traditional inferential statistics. On the other hand, group averages are highly ambiguous when we need to understand change in the individual; the average pattern of change may characterize all, some, or none of the individuals in the group. Here we present a new method for statistically characterizing developmental change in each individual child we study. Using false-belief tasks, fifty-two children in two cohorts were repeatedly tested for varying lengths of time between 3 and 5 years of age. Using a novel Bayesian change point analysis, we determined both the presence and-just as importantly-the absence of change in individual longitudinal cumulative records. Whenever the analysis supports a change conclusion, it identifies in that child's record the most likely point at which change occurred. Results show striking variability in patterns of change and stability across individual children. We then group the individuals by their various patterns of change or no change. The resulting patterns provide scarce support for sudden changes in competence and shed new light on the concepts of "passing" and "failing" in developmental studies. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparative analysis of the performance of One-Way and Two-Way urban road networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gheorghe, Carmen

2017-10-01

The fact that the number of vehicles is increasing year after year represents a challenge in road traffic management because it is necessary to adjust the road traffic, in order to prevent any incidents, using mostly the same road infrastructure. At this moment one-way road network provides efficient traffic flow for vehicles but it is not ideal for pedestrians. Therefore, a proper solution must be found and applied when and where it is necessary. Replacing one-way road network with two-way road network may be a viable solution especially if in the area is high pedestrian traffic. The paper aims to highlight the influence of both, one-way and two-way urban road networks through an experimental research which was performed by using traffic data collected in the field. Each of the two scenarios analyzed were based on the same traffic data, the same geometrical conditions of the road (lane width, total road segment width, road slopes, total length of the road network) and also the same signaling conditions (signalised intersection or roundabout). The analysis which involves two-way scenario reveals changes in the performance parameters like delay average, stops average, delay stop average and vehicle speed average. Based on the values obtained, it was possible to perform a comparative analysis between the real, one-way, scenario and the theoretical, two-way, scenario.

On the properties of a bundle of flexible actin filaments in an optical trap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perilli, Alessia; Pierleoni, Carlo; Ciccotti, Giovanni; Ryckaert, Jean-Paul

2016-06-01

We establish the statistical mechanics framework for a bundle of Nf living and uncrosslinked actin filaments in a supercritical solution of free monomers pressing against a mobile wall. The filaments are anchored normally to a fixed planar surface at one of their ends and, because of their limited flexibility, they grow almost parallel to each other. Their growing ends hit a moving obstacle, depicted as a second planar wall, parallel to the previous one and subjected to a harmonic compressive force. The force constant is denoted as the trap strength while the distance between the two walls as the trap length to make contact with the experimental optical trap apparatus. For an ideal solution of reactive filaments and free monomers at fixed free monomer chemical potential μ1, we obtain the general expression for the grand potential from which we derive averages and distributions of relevant physical quantities, namely, the obstacle position, the bundle polymerization force, and the number of filaments in direct contact with the wall. The grafted living filaments are modeled as discrete Wormlike chains, with F-actin persistence length ℓp, subject to discrete contour length variations ±d (the monomer size) to model single monomer (de)polymerization steps. Rigid filaments (ℓp = ∞), either isolated or in bundles, all provide average values of the stalling force in agreement with Hill's predictions Fs H = N f k B T ln ( ρ 1 / ρ 1 c) / d , independent of the average trap length. Here ρ1 is the density of free monomers in the solution and ρ1c its critical value at which the filament does not grow nor shrink in the absence of external forces. Flexible filaments (ℓp < ∞) instead, for values of the trap strength suitable to prevent their lateral escape, provide an average bundle force and an average trap length slightly larger than the corresponding rigid cases (few percents). Still the stalling force remains nearly independent on the average trap length, but results from the product of two strongly L-dependent contributions: the fraction of touching filaments ∝ (" separators=" < L >O . T .) 2 and the single filament buckling force ∝ (" separators=" < L >O . T .) - 2 .

Technical efficiency and productivity of Chinese county hospitals: an exploratory study in Henan province, China.

PubMed

Cheng, Zhaohui; Tao, Hongbing; Cai, Miao; Lin, Haifeng; Lin, Xiaojun; Shu, Qin; Zhang, Ru-Ning

2015-09-09

Chinese county hospitals have been excessively enlarging their scale during the healthcare reform since 2009. The purpose of this paper is to examine the technical efficiency and productivity of county hospitals during the reform process, and to determine whether, and how, efficiency is affected by various factors. 114 sample county hospitals were selected from Henan province, China, from 2010 to 2012. Data envelopment analysis was employed to estimate the technical and scale efficiency of sample hospitals. The Malmquist index was used to calculate productivity changes over time. Tobit regression was used to regress against 4 environmental factors and 5 institutional factors that affected the technical efficiency. (1) 112 (98.2%), 112 (98.2%) and 104 (91.2%) of the 114 sample hospitals ran inefficiently in 2010, 2011 and 2012, with average technical efficiency of 0.697, 0.748 and 0.790, respectively. (2) On average, during 2010-2012, productivity of sample county hospitals increased by 7.8%, which was produced by the progress in technical efficiency changes and technological changes of 0.9% and 6.8%, respectively. (3) Tobit regression analysis indicated that government subsidy, hospital size with above 618 beds and average length of stay assumed a negative sign with technical efficiency; bed occupancy rate, ratio of beds to nurses and ratio of nurses to physicians assumed a positive sign with technical efficiency. There was considerable space for technical efficiency improvement in Henan county hospitals. During 2010-2012, sample hospitals experienced productivity progress; however, the adverse change in pure technical efficiency should be emphasised. Moreover, according to the Tobit results, policy interventions that strictly supervise hospital bed scale, shorten the average length of stay and coordinate the proportion among physicians, nurses and beds, would benefit hospital efficiency. 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.

Technical efficiency and productivity of Chinese county hospitals: an exploratory study in Henan province, China

PubMed Central

Cheng, Zhaohui; Tao, Hongbing; Cai, Miao; Lin, Haifeng; Lin, Xiaojun; Shu, Qin; Zhang, Ru-ning

2015-01-01

Objectives Chinese county hospitals have been excessively enlarging their scale during the healthcare reform since 2009. The purpose of this paper is to examine the technical efficiency and productivity of county hospitals during the reform process, and to determine whether, and how, efficiency is affected by various factors. Setting and participants 114 sample county hospitals were selected from Henan province, China, from 2010 to 2012. Outcome measures Data envelopment analysis was employed to estimate the technical and scale efficiency of sample hospitals. The Malmquist index was used to calculate productivity changes over time. Tobit regression was used to regress against 4 environmental factors and 5 institutional factors that affected the technical efficiency. Results (1) 112 (98.2%), 112 (98.2%) and 104 (91.2%) of the 114 sample hospitals ran inefficiently in 2010, 2011 and 2012, with average technical efficiency of 0.697, 0.748 and 0.790, respectively. (2) On average, during 2010–2012, productivity of sample county hospitals increased by 7.8%, which was produced by the progress in technical efficiency changes and technological changes of 0.9% and 6.8%, respectively. (3) Tobit regression analysis indicated that government subsidy, hospital size with above 618 beds and average length of stay assumed a negative sign with technical efficiency; bed occupancy rate, ratio of beds to nurses and ratio of nurses to physicians assumed a positive sign with technical efficiency. Conclusions There was considerable space for technical efficiency improvement in Henan county hospitals. During 2010–2012, sample hospitals experienced productivity progress; however, the adverse change in pure technical efficiency should be emphasised. Moreover, according to the Tobit results, policy interventions that strictly supervise hospital bed scale, shorten the average length of stay and coordinate the proportion among physicians, nurses and beds, would benefit hospital efficiency. PMID:26353864

On the error probability of general tree and trellis codes with applications to sequential decoding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johannesson, R.

1973-01-01

An upper bound on the average error probability for maximum-likelihood decoding of the ensemble of random binary tree codes is derived and shown to be independent of the length of the tree. An upper bound on the average error probability for maximum-likelihood decoding of the ensemble of random L-branch binary trellis codes of rate R = 1/n is derived which separates the effects of the tail length T and the memory length M of the code. It is shown that the bound is independent of the length L of the information sequence. This implication is investigated by computer simulations of sequential decoding utilizing the stack algorithm. These simulations confirm the implication and further suggest an empirical formula for the true undetected decoding error probability with sequential decoding.

Lawsuits After Primary and Revision Total Hip Arthroplasties: A Malpractice Claims Analysis.

PubMed

Patterson, Diana C; Grelsamer, Ronald P; Bronson, Michael J; Moucha, Calin S

2017-10-01

As the prevalence of total hip arthroplasty (THA) expands, so too will complications and patient dissatisfaction. The goal of this study was to identify the common etiologies of malpractice suits and costs of claims after primary and revision THAs. Analysis of 115 malpractice claims filed for alleged neglectful primary and revision THA surgeries by orthopedic surgeons insured by a large New York state malpractice carrier between 1983 and 2011. The incidence of malpractice claims filed for negligent THA procedures is only 0.15% per year in our population. In primary cases, nerve injury ("foot drop") was the most frequent allegation with 27 claims. Negligent surgery causing dislocation was alleged in 18 and leg length discrepancy in 14. Medical complications were also reported, including 3 thromboembolic events and 6 deaths. In revision cases, dislocation and infection were the most common source of suits. The average indemnity payment was $386,153 and the largest single settlement was $4.1 million for an arterial injury resulting in amputation after a primary hip replacement. The average litigation cost to the insurer was $61,833. Nerve injury, dislocation, and leg length discrepancy are the most common reason for malpractice after primary THA. Orthopedic surgeons should continue to focus on minimizing the occurrence of these complications while adequately incorporating details about the risks and limitations of surgery into their preoperative education. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Convergent and Divergent Validity of the Grammaticality and Utterance Length Instrument

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Castilla-Earls, Anny; Fulcher-Rood, Katrina

2018-01-01

Purpose: This feasibility study examines the convergent and divergent validity of the Grammaticality and Utterance Length Instrument (GLi), a tool designed to assess the grammaticality and average utterance length of a child's prerecorded story retell. Method: Three raters used the GLi to rate audio-recorded story retells from 100 English-speaking…

Factors affecting pregnancy length and phases of parturition in Martina Franca jennies.

PubMed

Carluccio, Augusto; Gloria, Alessia; Veronesi, Maria Cristina; De Amicis, Ippolito; Noto, Federico; Contri, Alberto

2015-09-01

The knowledge of normal pregnancy length, duration of parturition stages, and neonatal early adaptation is mandatory for a rationale management of birth, especially in monotocous species with long gestations. This study reports data obtained from a large number of Martina Franca jennies with normal healthy pregnancies and spontaneous eutocic delivery of a mature, healthy, and viable donkey foal. Pregnancy lasts, on average, 371 days, and only the fetal gender significantly determines pregnancy length, with longer gestations observed in jennies bearing male fetuses. Other factors such as the year of foaling, month of ovulation, month of parturition, birth weight of the foal, and age of the jenny did not influence pregnancy length. The first stage of foaling lasted on average 65 minutes, the second stage 19 minutes, and the third stage 58 minutes. The umbilical cord ruptured on average within 16 minutes after birth; the foal stood up in 61 minutes and suckled the colostrum for the first time within 10 minutes after birth and again after 143 minutes of birth; meconium passage occurred, on average, 86 minutes after birth. Although times reported for the process of foaling are similar to data reported for the horse, the times for early neonatal donkey foal adaptation are longer as compared to the horse foal. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Primary Assembly of a Bovine Haplotype Block Map Based on a 15,036-Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Panel Genotyped in Holstein–Friesian Cattle

PubMed Central

Khatkar, Mehar S.; Zenger, Kyall R.; Hobbs, Matthew; Hawken, Rachel J.; Cavanagh, Julie A. L.; Barris, Wes; McClintock, Alexander E.; McClintock, Sara; Thomson, Peter C.; Tier, Bruce; Nicholas, Frank W.; Raadsma, Herman W.

2007-01-01

Analysis of data on 1000 Holstein–Friesian bulls genotyped for 15,036 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has enabled genomewide identification of haplotype blocks and tag SNPs. A final subset of 9195 SNPs in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and mapped on autosomes on the bovine sequence assembly (release Btau 3.1) was used in this study. The average intermarker spacing was 251.8 kb. The average minor allele frequency (MAF) was 0.29 (0.05–0.5). Following recent precedents in human HapMap studies, a haplotype block was defined where 95% of combinations of SNPs within a region are in very high linkage disequilibrium. A total of 727 haplotype blocks consisting of ≥3 SNPs were identified. The average block length was 69.7 ± 7.7 kb, which is ∼5–10 times larger than in humans. These blocks comprised a total of 2964 SNPs and covered 50,638 kb of the sequence map, which constitutes 2.18% of the length of all autosomes. A set of tag SNPs, which will be useful for further fine-mapping studies, has been identified. Overall, the results suggest that as many as 75,000–100,000 tag SNPs would be needed to track all important haplotype blocks in the bovine genome. This would require ∼250,000 SNPs in the discovery phase. PMID:17435229

Morphometric and electrophoretic analysis of 13 populations of Anatolian black pine in Turkey.

PubMed

Turna, Ibrahim; Yahyaoglu, Zeki; Yüksek, Filiz; Ayaz, F Ahmet; Guney, Deniz

2006-07-01

The genetic variation in populations of Anatolian black pine (Pinus nigra Arn. subsp. pallasiana (L.) Holmboe.), one of the species covering large areas in Turkey, was investigated. Open pollinated seeds were collected from 13 populations in a natural distribution range. Six characters of seeds (length, width, ratio of length to width, weight/1000 seeds) and seedling characters (cotyledon number and hypocotyls height) and two enzyme systems viz. leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, (GOT) were investigated. Significant differences were detected among the populations for the morphological characters. In addition, isozyme patterns of two enzyme systems revealed that LAP has two loci (one with 2 alleles and the other with 3), while GOT has three loci (two with 3 alleles and the third one with 2 alleles). Polymorphic loci were 74% on the average. The mean number of alleles per loci was 1.94 and expected heterozygosity was 19%. The mean total genetic diversity was calculated as 0.203; the mean gene diversity within populations was determined as 0.188, and the average between subpopulations diversity was 0.016. The relative magnitude of genetic differentiation among subpopulations was measured as 0.074 indicating that only 7.4% of the total genetic diversity was there between populations. Average genetic distance was 0.093 according to Gregorius. Nei's genetic distance was 0.022.

The random coding bound is tight for the average code.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gallager, R. G.

1973-01-01

The random coding bound of information theory provides a well-known upper bound to the probability of decoding error for the best code of a given rate and block length. The bound is constructed by upperbounding the average error probability over an ensemble of codes. The bound is known to give the correct exponential dependence of error probability on block length for transmission rates above the critical rate, but it gives an incorrect exponential dependence at rates below a second lower critical rate. Here we derive an asymptotic expression for the average error probability over the ensemble of codes used in the random coding bound. The result shows that the weakness of the random coding bound at rates below the second critical rate is due not to upperbounding the ensemble average, but rather to the fact that the best codes are much better than the average at low rates.

Finite-Length Diocotron Modes in a Non-neutral Plasma Column

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walsh, Daniel; Dubin, Daniel

2017-10-01

Diocotron modes are 2D distortions of a non-neutral plasma column that propagate azimuthally via E × B drifts. While the infinite-length theory of diocotron modes is well-understood for arbitrary azimuthal mode number l, the finite-length mode frequency is less developed (with some exceptions), and is naturally of relevance to experiments. In this poster, we present an approach to address finite length effects, such as temperature dependence of the mode frequency. We use a bounce-averaged solution to the Vlasov Equation, in which the Vlasov Equation is solved using action-angle variables of the unperturbed Hamiltonian. We write the distribution function as a Fourier series in the bounce-angle variable ψ, keeping only the bounce-averaged term. We demonstrate a numerical solution to this equation for a realistic plasma with a finite Debye Length, compare to the existing l = 1 theory, and discuss possible extensions of the existing theory to l ≠ 1 . Supported by NSF/DOE Partnership Grants PHY1414570 and DESC0002451.

Percutaneous epiphysiodesis using transphyseal screws (PETS): prospective case study and review.

PubMed

Nouth, Fred; Kuo, Leonard A

2004-01-01

Percutaneous epiphysiodesis using transphyseal screws (PETS) is a relatively new procedure being used for the correction of moderate leg length discrepancy and angular deformities in children. Over a mean follow-up of 2.4 years the authors followed prospectively 18 patients who underwent PETS. Nine had correction of angular deformity and nine had leg length inequality. The average reduction in leg length discrepancy was from 3.33 to 1.36 cm. The average improvement in angular deformity was 69%. This quick, minimally invasive, and potentially reversible procedure has the added benefits of a short hospital stay with low morbidity, making it a suitable alternative to the more traditional methods of epiphysiodesis.

An Analysis of Light Periods of BL Lac Object S5 0716+714 with the MUSIC Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Jie

2012-07-01

The multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm is introduced to the estimation of light periods of BL Lac objects. The principle of the MUSIC algorithm is given, together with a testing on its spectral resolution by using a simulative signal. From a lot of literature, we have collected a large number of effective observational data of the BL Lac object S5 0716+714 in the three optical wavebands V, R, and I from 1994 to 2008. The light periods of S5 0716+714 are obtained by means of the MUSIC algorithm and average periodogram algorithm, respectively. It is found that there exist two major periodic components, one is the period of (3.33±0.08) yr, another is the period of (1.24±0.01) yr. The comparison of the performances of periodicity analysis of two algorithms indicates that the MUSIC algorithm has a smaller requirement on the sample length, as well as a good spectral resolution and anti-noise ability, to improve the accuracy of periodicity analysis in the case of short sample length.

Incubation behavior of Spectacled Eiders on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Flint, Paul L.; Grand, J.B.

1999-01-01

We studied incubation behavior of Spectacled Eiders (Somateria fischeri) on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in 1996. We trapped 19 females on their nests and weighed them in early incubation and again at hatch. Average daily weight loss for incubating females was 16.6 ?? 1.0 g day-1, which resulted in a cumulative loss of 26% of body weight throughout incubation. Nest attendance was monitored for a portion of the incubation period using temperature sensing artificial eggs. Incubation constancy averaged 90 ?? 1%. Average recess length was 37.1 ?? 0.9 min, and nests cooled an average of 4.2 ?? 0.1??C during recesses. Recess frequency averaged 2.5 ?? 0.1 recesses day-1, and most recesses (70%) occurred between 10:00 and 22: 00. Incubation constancy varied among females, but was not related to changes in body weight or incubation period. There was no influence of ambient temperature on incubation recess length, however most recesses were taken during the warmest part of the day. We found considerable variation among females in patterns of daily incubation constancy, nest cooling, recess frequency, and recess length. It is not clear from our results what factors constrain incubation behavior of Spectacled Eiders, but we suggest that individual females respond to a complex suite of variables.

Statistical properties of relative weight distributions of four salmonid species and their sampling implications

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hyatt, M.W.; Hubert, W.A.

2001-01-01

We assessed relative weight (Wr) distributions among 291 samples of stock-to-quality-length brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, brown trout Salmo trutta, rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, and cutthroat trout O. clarki from lentic and lotic habitats. Statistics describing Wr sample distributions varied slightly among species and habitat types. The average sample was leptokurtotic and slightly skewed to the right with a standard deviation of about 10, but the shapes of Wr distributions varied widely among samples. Twenty-two percent of the samples had nonnormal distributions, suggesting the need to evaluate sample distributions before applying statistical tests to determine whether assumptions are met. In general, our findings indicate that samples of about 100 stock-to-quality-length fish are needed to obtain confidence interval widths of four Wr units around the mean. Power analysis revealed that samples of about 50 stock-to-quality-length fish are needed to detect a 2% change in mean Wr at a relatively high level of power (beta = 0.01, alpha = 0.05).

Molecular structure of quinoa starch.

PubMed

Li, Guantian; Zhu, Fan

2017-02-20

Quinoa starch has very small granules with unique properties. However, the molecular structure of quinoa starch remains largely unknown. In this study, composition and amylopectin molecular structure of 9 quinoa starch samples were characterised by chromatographic techniques. In particular, the amylopectin internal molecular structure, represented by φ, β-limit dextrins (LDs), was explored. Great variations in the composition and molecular structures were recorded among samples. Compared with other amylopectins, quinoa amylopectin showed a high ratio of short chain to long chains (mean:14.6) and a high percentage of fingerprint A-chains (A fp ) (mean:10.4%). The average chain length, external chain length, and internal chain length of quinoa amylopectin were 16.6, 10.6, and 5.00 glucosyl residues, respectively. Pearson correlation and principal component analysis revealed some inherent correlations among structural parameters and a similarity of different samples. Overall, quinoa amylopectins are structurally similar to that from starches with A-type polymorph such as oat and amaranth starches. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Toward developing a standardized Arabic continuous text reading chart.

PubMed

Alabdulkader, Balsam; Leat, Susan Jennifer

Near visual acuity is an essential measurement during an oculo-visual assessment. Short duration continuous text reading charts measure reading acuity and other aspects of reading performance. There is no standardized version of such chart in Arabic. The aim of this study is to create sentences of equal readability to use in the development of a standardized Arabic continuous text reading chart. Initially, 109 Arabic pairs of sentences were created for use in constructing a chart with similar layout to the Colenbrander chart. They were created to have the same grade level of difficulty and physical length. Fifty-three adults and sixteen children were recruited to validate the sentences. Reading speed in correct words per minute (CWPM) and standard length words per minute (SLWPM) was measured and errors were counted. Criteria based on reading speed and errors made in each sentence pair were used to exclude sentence pairs with more outlying characteristics, and to select the final group of sentence pairs. Forty-five sentence pairs were selected according to the elimination criteria. For adults, the average reading speed for the final sentences was 166 CWPM and 187 SLWPM and the average number of errors per sentence pair was 0.21. Childrens' average reading speed for the final group of sentences was 61 CWPM and 72 SLWPM. Their average error rate was 1.71. The reliability analysis showed that the final 45 sentence pairs are highly comparable. They will be used in constructing an Arabic short duration continuous text reading chart. Copyright © 2016 Spanish General Council of Optometry. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Factors affecting length of stay after isolated femoral shaft fractures.

PubMed

Pendleton, Albert M; Cannada, Lisa K; Guerrero-Bejarano, Maria

2007-03-01

Controlling escalating health care costs is important for hospitals and has far reaching implications for society. Hospital length of stay (LOS) is one of the most reliable predictors of cost after trauma. Our purpose was to establish LOS after isolated femur fractures treated by intramedullary (IM) nail. The trauma registry was queried to identify patients. Patients were excluded if they required assistive ambulatory devices before injury, had chronic/terminal illness or compromised brain function. There were 102 patients with an average age of 27 years. Statistical analysis was completed. The average LOS was 3.9 days. In all, 27 patients stayed longer than 4 days. Reasons included social (7), medical (10), and hospital delays (10). The average time from arrival to surgery was 17 hours. The average time from surgery to physical therapy was 1.3 days. Patients who had surgery more than 24 hours after arrival stayed longer. Patients requiring placement stayed 2.4 days longer until placement was found. Factors the hospital can control to reduce LOS include time to surgery, time for physical therapy evaluation, and radiology delays (for spine clearance radiographs). Physical therapy availability within 24 hours of surgery is important and should include weekends and holidays. Early evaluation of social factors including homelessness or obstacles to independent living may reduce time to find placement. LOS reduction after femur fractures will decrease the cost of trauma to the hospital. In addition, LOS reduction will possibly increase bed availability and minimize the time spent on diversion yielding greater revenues and increasing patient satisfaction.

Cost analysis of Omega-3 supplementation in critically ill patients with sepsis.

PubMed

Kyeremanteng, Kwadwo; Shen, Jennifer; Thavorn, Kednapa; Fernando, Shannon M; Herritt, Brent; Chaudhuri, Dipayan; Tanuseputro, Peter

2018-06-01

Nutritional supplement of omega-3 fatty acids have been proposed to improve clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. While previous work have demonstrated that omega-3 supplementation in patients with sepsis is associated with reduced ICU and hospital length of stay, the financial impact of this intervention is unknown. Perform a cost analysis to evaluate the impact of omega-3 supplementation on ICU and hospital costs. We extracted data related to ICU and hospital length of stay from the individual studies reported in a recent systematic review. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess the risk of bias in these studies. Average daily ICU and hospital costs per patient were obtained from a cost study by Kahn et al. We estimated the ICU and hospital costs by multiplying the mean length of stay by the average daily cost per patient in ICU or Hospital. Adjustments for inflation were made according to the USD annual consumer price index. We calculated the difference between the direct variable cost of patients with omega-3 supplementation and patients without omega-3 supplementation. 95% confidence intervals were estimated using bootstrap re-sampling procedures with 1000 iterations. A total of 12 RCT involving 925 patients were included in this cost analysis. Septic patients supplemented with omega-3 had both lower mean ICU costs ($15,274 vs. $18,172) resulting in $2897 in ICU savings per patient and overall hospital costs ($17,088 vs. $19,778), resulting in $2690 in hospital savings per patient. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to investigate the impact of different study methods on the LOS. The results were still consistent with the overall findings. Patients with sepsis who received omega-3 supplementation had significantly shorter LOS in the ICU and hospital, and were associated with lower direct variable costs than control patients. The 12 RCTs used in this analysis had a high risk of bias. Large-scaled, high-quality, multi-centered RCTs on the effectiveness of this intervention is recommended to improve the quality of the existing evidence. Copyright © 2018 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Laying traits and underlying transcripts, expressed in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, that were associated with egg production variability in chickens.

PubMed

Chen, Chih-Feng; Shiue, Yow-Ling; Yen, Cheng-Ju; Tang, Pin-Chi; Chang, Hui-Chiu; Lee, Yen-Pai

2007-12-01

The objective was to characterize the potential laying traits and underlying transcripts expressed in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland that were associated with egg production variability in five genetic stocks of chickens: two commercial lines, Red- (n=12) and Black-feather (n=14) Taiwan country chickens (TCCs); two selected lines of TCCs, B (high body weight/comb size; n=17) and L2 (high-egg production; n=14); and a commercial single comb White Leghorn (WL; n=17). Six laying traits, age at first egg, clutch length, pause length, oviposition lag within clutch, follicle rapid growth period, and rate of yolk accumulation were measured. The significance of differential values among five chicken stocks and correlation coefficients between laying traits and number of eggs to 50 weeks of age or laying rate after first egg, and the expression level of 33 transcripts were determined. Longer clutch length and shorter oviposition lag within clutch contributed to a higher number of eggs to 50 weeks of age or laying rate after first egg in L2 (P<0.05) and WL strains (P<0.05). However, their rate of yolk accumulation (P<0.05) and follicle rapid growth period (P<0.05) were different, indicating the accumulation of different alleles after long-term, independent selection. Across all five strains, numbers of eggs to 50 weeks of age were positive correlated with average clutch length (P<0.05) as well as the rate of yolk accumulation (P<0.05). Expressions of PLAG1, STMN2, PGDS, PARK7, ANP32A, PCDHA@, SCG2, BDH and SAR1A transcripts contributed to number of eggs to 50 weeks of age (P<0.05) or laying rate after first egg (P<0.05). Analysis of correlation coefficients indicated that PLAG1 additionally played roles in decreasing average pause length. Two transcripts, PRL and GARNL1, specifically contributed to number of eggs to 50 weeks of age or laying rate after first egg by reducing oviposition lag within clutch (P<0.05) and/or increasing average clutch length (P<0.05), respectively. Expression level of NCAM1, contributed to laying rate after first egg by association with a shorter oviposition lag within clutch (P<0.05). The current study attributed egg production phenotype in five strains into several laying traits; correlations between these traits and expression levels of underlying transcripts expressed in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland were also established.

[Ultrasonographic evaluation of the uterine cervix length remaining after LOOP-excision].

PubMed

Robert, A-L; Nicolas, F; Lavoué, V; Henno, S; Mesbah, H; Porée, P; Levêque, J

2014-04-01

To assess whether there is a correlation between the length of a conization specimen and the length of the cervix measured by vaginal ultrasonography after the operation Prospective observational study including patients less than 45 years with measurement of cervical length before and the day of the conization, and measuring the histological length of the specimen. Among the 40 patients enrolled, the average ultrasound measurements before conization was 26.9 mm (± 4.9 mm) against 18.1mm (± 4.4mm) after conization with a mean difference of 8.8mm (± 2.4mm) (difference statistically significant P<.0001). The extent of histological specimen was 9 mm (± 2.2mm) on average. A correlation between ultrasound and histological measurements with a correlation coefficient R=0.85 was found statistically significant (P<0.0001). Moreover, the rate of cervix length remove by loop-excision in our series is 33% (± 8.5%). A good correlation between the measurements of the specimen and the cervical ultrasound length before and after conization was found, as a significant reduction in cervical length after conization. The precise length of the specimen should be known in case of pregnancy and the prevention of prematurity due to conization rests on selected indications and efficient surgical technique. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Cost analysis of hospitalized Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)

PubMed Central

Hübner, Claudia; Hübner, Nils-Olaf; Muhr, Michaela; Claus, Franziska; Leesch, Henning; Kramer, Axel; Flessa, Steffen

2015-01-01

Aim: Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) causes heavy financial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. As with all hospital-acquired infections, prolonged hospital stays are the main cost driver. Previous cost studies only include hospital billing data and compare the length of stay in contrast to non-infected patients. To date, a survey of actual cost has not yet been conducted. Method: A retrospective analysis of data for patients with nosocomial CDAD was carried out over a 1-year period at the University Hospital of Greifswald. Based on identification of CDAD related treatment processes, cost of hygienic measures, antibiotics and laboratory as well as revenue losses due to bed blockage and increased length of stay were calculated. Results: 19 patients were included in the analysis. On average, a CDAD patient causes additional costs of € 5,262.96. Revenue losses due to extended length of stay take the highest proportion with € 2,555.59 per case, followed by loss in revenue due to bed blockage during isolation with € 2,413.08 per case. Overall, these opportunity costs accounted for 94.41% of total costs. In contrast, costs for hygienic measures (€ 253.98), pharmaceuticals (€ 22.88) and laboratory (€ 17.44) are quite low. Conclusion: CDAD results in significant additional costs for the hospital. This survey of actual costs confirms previous study results. PMID:26550553

Body size at birth and same-sex marriage in young adulthood.

PubMed

Frisch, Morten; Zdravkovic, Slobodan

2010-02-01

An unexplained excess of overweight has been reported among lesbians. In contrast, reports suggest that gay men may be, on average, slightly lighter and shorter than heterosexual men. We studied associations between weight, length, and body mass index (BMI) at birth and same-sex marriage in young adulthood among 818,671 Danes. We used linear regression to calculate differences in mean body measures at birth and Poisson regression analysis to calculate confounder-adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) of same-sex marriage according to body measures at birth. Overall, 739 persons entered same-sex marriage at age 18-32 years during 5.6 million person-years of follow-up. Birth year-adjusted mean body measures at birth were similar for same-sex married and other women. However, same-sex marriage rates were 65% higher among women of heavy birth weight (IRR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.18-2.31, for > or =4000 vs. 3000-3499 g, p = .02), and rates were inversely associated with birth length (p (trend) = .04). For same-sex married men, birth year-adjusted mean weight (-72 g, p = .03), length (-0.3 cm, p = .04), and BMI (-0.1 kg/m(2), p = .09) at birth were lower than for other Danish men. Same-sex marriage rates were increased in men of short birth length (IRR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.01-2.08, for < or =50 vs. 51-52 cm), although not uniformly so (p (trend) = .16). Our population-based findings suggest that overweight in lesbians may be partly rooted in constitutional factors. Novel findings of smaller average body measures at birth in same-sex marrying men need replication. Factors affecting intrauterine growth may somehow influence sexual and partner-related choices in adulthood.

Pain and Opioid Use After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty With Injectable Liposomal Bupivacaine Versus Interscalene Block.

PubMed

Angerame, Marc R; Ruder, John A; Odum, Susan M; Hamid, Nady

2017-09-01

Postoperative pain control is a significant concern after total shoulder arthroplasty. Injectable periarticular liposomal bupivacaine, which has been found to decrease opioid use after orthopedic procedures, has been proposed as a viable alternative to regional anesthesia. This study compared the efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine vs interscalene block among patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty. A retrospective review was conducted of 79 patients who underwent anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty performed by a single surgeon between January 2013 and April 2015. Patient demographics, in-hospital Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score obtained at 12-hour intervals, length of stay, and total in-hospital morphine equivalents in both the bupivacaine (n=25) and block (n=44) groups were recorded. Differences in length of stay, morphine equivalents, and age were assessed with Wilcoxon tests. Sex differences were assessed with the chi-square test. Repeated measures analysis with least square means was used to assess longitudinal changes in NPRS scores. No significant differences were found between groups for sex (P=.89), age (P=.81), American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (P=.50), preoperative opioid use (P=.41), length of stay (P=.32), or morphine equivalents (P=.71). The average NPRS score in the first 12 hours was 3.01 for the bupivacaine group and 4.41 for the interscalene block group (P=.25). By 48 hours postoperatively, average NPRS scores were similar (P=.93) for the 2 groups, 4.90 for the bupivacaine group and 4.19 for the interscalene block group. The findings for this cohort of patients undergoing anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty showed no significant difference for pain scores, postoperative narcotic use, or length of stay with injectable liposomal bupivacaine vs interscalene block. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(5):e806-e811.]. Copyright 2017, SLACK Incorporated.

Population-based trend analysis of laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplications for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

PubMed

Zingg, U; Rosella, L; Guller, U

2010-12-01

The Nissen and Toupet fundoplications are the most commonly used techniques for surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. To date, no population-based trend analysis has been reported examining the choice of procedure and short-term outcomes. This study was designed to analyze trends in the use of Nissen versus Toupet fundoplications, and corresponding short-term outcomes during a 10-year period between 1995 and 2004. A trend analysis was performed of 873 patients (Toupet: 254 patients, Nissen: 619 patients) prospectively enrolled in the database of the Swiss Association for Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic Surgery. The frequency of the performed techniques remained stable during the observation period (p value for trend 0.206). The average postoperative and total length of hospital stay both significantly decreased during the 10-year period from 5.6 to 4.0 days and 6.8 to 4.8 days, respectively (both p values for trend <0.001). The average duration of surgery decreased significantly from 141 minutes to 121 minutes (p value for trend <0.001). There was a trend towards less complications in later years (2000-2004) compared to early years (1995-1999, p = 0.058). Conversion rates were significantly lower in later years compared with early years (p = 0.004). This is the first trend analysis in the literature reporting clinical outcomes of 873 prospectively enrolled patients undergoing Nissen and Toupet fundoplications during a 10-year period. The proportion of laparoscopic Nissen versus Toupet fundoplications remained stable over time, indicating that literature reports of the advantages of one procedure over the other had minimal influence on surgeons' choice of technique. Length of hospital stay, duration of surgery, morbidity, and conversion rate decreased over time, reflecting the learning curve. Clearly, patient outcomes have much improved during the 10-year observation period.

Cow characteristics and their association with udder health after different dry period lengths.

PubMed

van Hoeij, R J; Lam, T J G M; de Koning, D B; Steeneveld, W; Kemp, B; van Knegsel, A T M

2016-10-01

Shortening or omitting the dry period (DP) in dairy cows is of interest because of potential beneficial effects on energy balance and metabolic health. Reported effects of a short or omitted dry period on udder health are ambiguous. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of no DP (0d), a short DP (30d), or a conventional DP (60 d) on the occurrence of intramammary infections (IMI) during the precalving period and on somatic cell counts (SCC), elevations of SCC (SCC≥200,000 cells/mL), and clinical mastitis in the subsequent lactation. The study also aimed to analyze which prepartum cow characteristics are associated with udder health after different DP lengths. Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (n=167) were randomly assigned to a DP length (0, 30, or 60 d). Cows with a 0-d DP had a greater occurrence of chronic IMI and a lower occurrence of cured IMI during the precalving period than cows with a 30-d or 60-d DP. Postpartum average SCC for lactation was greater in cows with a 0-d DP than in cows with a 30-d or 60-d DP. The number of cows with at least 1 elevation of SCC, the number of elevations of SCC per affected cow, the number of cows treated for clinical mastitis, and the number of cases of mastitis per affected cow did not differ among DP lengths. Cow characteristics related to postpartum average SCC for lactation were DP length, parity, and the following interactions: DP length with prepartum elevation of SCC, DP length with fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) reduction between 150 and 67d prepartum, DP length with parity and with average SCC for lactation, and last FPCM before the conventional drying-off day with average SCC for lactation. Cows with prepartum parity 1 had a lower occurrence of at least 1 elevation of SCC in subsequent lactation compared with cows with parity >2. Last SCC before the conventional drying-off day was positively associated with occurrence of clinical mastitis in the subsequent lactation. In this study, DP length was not a risk factor for either elevation of SCC or occurrence of clinical mastitis in the subsequent lactation. The identified cow characteristics could be used in a decision support model to optimize DP length for individual cows. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Techniques for small-bone lengthening in congenital anomalies of the hand and foot.

PubMed

Minguella, J; Cabrera, M; Escolá, J

2001-10-01

The purpose of this study is to analyse three different lengthening techniques used in 31 small bones for congenital malformations of the hand and foot: 15 metacarpals, 12 metatarsals, 1 foot stump and 3 spaces between a previously transplanted phalanx end of the carpus or the metacarpal. Progressive lengthening with an external fixator device was performed in 23 cases: the callus distraction (callotasis) technique was used in 15 cases, whereas in the other 8 cases the speed of lengthening was faster and the defect bridged with a bone graft as a second stage. In another eight cases, a one-stage lengthening was performed. In the callotasis group, the total length gained ranged from 9 mm to 30 mm and the percentage of lengthening obtained (compared with the initial bone length) averaged 53.4%; in the fast lengthening group, the length gained ranged from 8 mm to 15 mm, and the average percentage of lengthening was 53.1%; and in the one-stage group, the length gained ranged from 7 mm to 15 mm, and the average percentage of lengthening was 43%. The overall complication rate was 22.5%.

Phenological research of climate changes in the north part of Lithuania by the phenological garden of Šiauliai University.

PubMed

Klimienė, Asta; Vainorienė, Rimanta; Klimas, Ramutis

2017-02-01

Šiauliai University Botanical Garden is a member of the International Phenological Garden network since 2005. It is the only one botanical garden in the East Europe that participated in the programme. In 2015, 18 species were observed. For research, data of 14 plants was used. The aim of this study is to estimate the responsiveness of the species of plants of the phenological garden to annual and monthly precipitation and temperature of the air. The main variables in this investigation were growing season length and the beginning of the growing season. In the period 2006-2015, the lowest annual air temperature was in 2010 (6.0 °C), and the highest was in 2015 (8.9 °C). The lowest precipitation was in 2015 (37.3 mm), and the highest was in 2012 (63.5 mm). The leanest regression among growing length, average annual precipitation, and air temperature showed that statistically significant correlation between growing length and average annual air temperature was found for nine plants, between growing length and precipitation was found for three plants, and between growing length and both factors was found for one plant, Salix smithiana, only. Due to the short evaluating period (2007-2015), consistent regression of the length of the growing season could not be found. The growing length of Betula pubescens sequentially increased. The average growing season of 14 plants starts on April 27 (±3), but for Corylus avellana, it is on April 26 (±3). Longevity of the growing season was the most related with precipitation for C. avellana in summer, autumn, and winter and with air temperature, Ribes alpinum and Salix acutifolia in summer and in autumn.

Does Day Length Affect Winter Bird Distribution? Testing the Role of an Elusive Variable

PubMed Central

Carrascal, Luis M.; Santos, Tomás; Tellería, José L.

2012-01-01

Differences in day length may act as a critical factor in bird biology by introducing time constraints in energy acquisition during winter. Thus, differences in day length might operate as a main determinant of bird abundance along latitudinal gradients. This work examines the influence of day length on the abundance of wintering crested tits (Lophophanes cristatus) in 26 localities of Spanish juniper (Juniperus thurifera) dwarf woodlands (average height of 5 m) located along a latitudinal gradient in the Spanish highlands, while controlling for the influence of food availability, minimum night temperature, habitat structure and landscape characteristics. Top regression models in the AIC framework explained 56% of variance in bird numbers. All models incorporated day length as the variable with the highest magnitude effect. Food availability also played an important role, although only the crop of ripe juniper fruits, but not arthropods, positively affected crested tit abundance. Differences in vegetation structure across localities had also a strong positive effect (average tree height and juniper tree density). Geographical variation in night temperature had no influence on crested tit distribution, despite the low winter temperatures reached in these dwarf forests. This paper demonstrates for the first time that winter bird abundance increases with day length after controlling for the effect of other environmental variables. Winter average difference in day length was only 10.5 minutes per day along the 1°47′ latitudinal interval (190 km) included in this study. This amount of time, which reaches 13.5 h accumulated throughout the winter season, appears to be large enough to affect the long-term energy budget of small passerines during winter and to shape the distribution of winter bird abundance under restrictive environmental conditions. PMID:22393442

The impact of severe obesity on hospital length of stay.

PubMed

Hauck, Katharina; Hollingsworth, Bruce

2010-04-01

The excess health care costs caused by obesity are a concern in many countries, yet little is known about the additional resources required to treat obese patients in hospitals. To estimate differences in hospital resource use, measured by length of stay, between severely obese and other patients, conditioning on a range of patient and hospital characteristics. Administrative patient-level hospital data for 122 Australian public hospitals over the financial year 2005/06 (Victorian Admitted Episodes Data). Episodes (435,147) for patients above 17 years of age and with a stay of one night or more. Quantile Regression analysis is used to generate 19 estimates of the difference between severely obese and other patients across the whole range of length of stay, from very short to very long staying patients. Separate estimates for 17 hospital specialties and for medically and surgically treated patients are generated. There are significant differences in average length of stay for almost all specialties. For some, differences are less than 1 day, but for others, severely obese patients stay up to 4 days longer. For a number of specialties, obese patients have significantly shorter length of stay. Overall, medically managed obese patients stay longer, whereas surgically treated patients stay shorter than other patients. Differences tend to increase with length of stay. Differences in length of stay may arise because severely obese patients are medically more complex. The observed shorter stays for obese patients in some specialties may result from their observed greater likelihood of being transferred to another hospital.

Oil and gas pipeline construction cost analysis and developing regression models for cost estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thaduri, Ravi Kiran

In this study, cost data for 180 pipelines and 136 compressor stations have been analyzed. On the basis of the distribution analysis, regression models have been developed. Material, Labor, ROW and miscellaneous costs make up the total cost of a pipeline construction. The pipelines are analyzed based on different pipeline lengths, diameter, location, pipeline volume and year of completion. In a pipeline construction, labor costs dominate the total costs with a share of about 40%. Multiple non-linear regression models are developed to estimate the component costs of pipelines for various cross-sectional areas, lengths and locations. The Compressor stations are analyzed based on the capacity, year of completion and location. Unlike the pipeline costs, material costs dominate the total costs in the construction of compressor station, with an average share of about 50.6%. Land costs have very little influence on the total costs. Similar regression models are developed to estimate the component costs of compressor station for various capacities and locations.

Solar cycle signal in air temperature in North America - Amplitude, gradient, phase and distribution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Currie, R. G.

1981-01-01

The considered investigation was motivated by three factors. One is related to an extension of single-channel MESA to multi-channel by Strand (1977), Morf et al. (1978), and Jones (1978). MESA is a high-resolution signal processing and spectrum analysis technique due to Burg (1975). The considered developments resulted in the discovery of the 11-year solar cycle signal in the change of the length of day by Currie (1980, 1981). They also led Currie (1981) to study the phase spectrum of the 11-year term in height H of sea level. The investigation tries to clarify the phase relations among the involved parameters. The second factor is connected with an application of the linear time domain technique used by Currie (1981) to temperature records to obtain more accurate information regarding the signal amplitude. The third factor of motivation is related to increases in the number of stations available for an analysis, the greater average length of the records, and the more accurate data set.

The effects of pay-for-performance on tuberculosis treatment in Taiwan.

PubMed

Li, Ya-Hsin; Tsai, Wen-Chen; Khan, Mahmud; Yang, Wen-Ta; Lee, Tsuey-Fong; Wu, Yi-Chun; Kung, Pei-Tseng

2010-07-01

In order to make tuberculosis (TB) treatment more effective and to lower the transmission rate of the disease, the Bureau of National Health Insurance (BNHI) in Taiwan implemented the 'Pay-for-Performance on Tuberculosis' programme (P4P on TB) in 2004. This study investigates the effectiveness of the P4P system in terms of cure rate and length of treatment. This retrospective study obtained information on all TB cases in the national data sets of Taiwan for the years 2002 to 2005. The number of cases in pre-P4P years (2002 and 2003) was 25 754, compared with 33 536 in the post-P4P implementation years (2004 and 2005). The effectiveness of the programme was evaluated by comparing the TB cure rate and length of treatment before and after the implementation of the P4P programme, and between participating and non-participating hospitals. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the factors affecting TB patients' cure rate within a 12-month treatment period. The cure rate and the average length of treatment before the implementation of P4P were 46.9% and 256.24 days, respectively, compared with 63.0% and 249.74 days after implementation of P4P. The cure rate and length of treatment in P4P hospitals were 68.1% and 249.13 days, respectively, compared with 42.4% and 53.71 days in non-P4P hospitals. This study found that both the cure rate and average length of treatment for cured cases improved significantly after the implementation of the P4P on TB programme in Taiwan. Compared with non-P4P hospitals, P4P hospitals had significantly better treatment outcomes. Patients' age, income level, the physician density of a patient's place of residence, and whether the hospital has joined the P4P on TB programme are factors affecting the treatment outcomes of TB patients in Taiwan.

Experimental Investigation of an Air-Cooled Turbine Operating in a Turbojet Engine at Turbine Inlet Temperatures up to 2500 F

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cochran, Reeves P.; Dengler, Robert P.

1961-01-01

An experimental investigation was made of an air-cooled turbine at average turbine inlet temperatures up to 2500 F. A modified production-model 12-stage axial-flow-compressor turbojet engine operating in a static sea-level stand was used as the test vehicle. The modifications to the engine consisted of the substitution of special combustor and turbine assemblies and double-walled exhaust ducting for the standard parts of the engine. All of these special parts were air-cooled to withstand the high operating temperatures of the investigation. The air-cooled turbine stator and rotor blades were of the corrugated-insert type. Leading-edge tip caps were installed on the rotor blades to improve leading-edge cooling by diverting the discharge of coolant to regions of lower gas pressure toward the trailing edge of the blade tip. Caps varying in length from 0.15- to 0.55-chord length were used in an attempt to determine the optimum cap length for this blade. The engine was operated over a range of average turbine inlet temperatures from about 1600 to about 2500 F, and a range of average coolant-flow ratios of 0.012 to 0.065. Temperatures of the air-cooled turbine rotor blades were measured at all test conditions by the use of thermocouples and temperature-indicating paints. The results of the investigation indicated that this type of blade is feasible for operation in turbojet engines at the average turbine inlet temperatures and stress levels tested(maximums of 2500 F and 24,000 psi, respectively). An average one-third-span blade temperature of 1300 F could be maintained on 0.35-chord tip cap blades with an average coolant-flow ratio of about 0.022 when the average turbine inlet temperature was 2500 F and cooling-air temperature was about 260 F. All of the leading-edge tip cap lengths improved the cooling of the leading-edge region of the blades, particularly at low average coolant-flow ratios. At high gas temperatures, such parts as the turbine stator and the combustor liners are likely to be as critical as the turbine rotor blades.

Transcriptome analysis of sika deer in China.

PubMed

Jia, Bo-Yin; Ba, Heng-Xing; Wang, Gui-Wu; Yang, Ying; Cui, Xue-Zhe; Peng, Ying-Hua; Zheng, Jun-Jun; Xing, Xiu-Mei; Yang, Fu-He

2016-10-01

Sika deer is of great commercial value because their antlers are used in tonics and alternative medicine and their meat is healthy and delicious. The goal of this study was to generate transcript sequences from sika deer for functional genomic analyses and to identify the transcripts that demonstrate tissue-specific, age-dependent differential expression patterns. These sequences could enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying sika deer growth and development. In the present study, we performed de novo transcriptome assembly and profiling analysis across ten tissue types and four developmental stages (juvenile, adolescent, adult, and aged) of sika deer, using Illumina paired-end tag (PET) sequencing technology. A total of 1,752,253 contigs with an average length of 799 bp were generated, from which 1,348,618 unigenes with an average length of 590 bp were defined. Approximately 33.2 % of these (447,931 unigenes) were then annotated in public protein databases. Many sika deer tissue-specific, age-dependent unigenes were identified. The testes have the largest number of tissue-enriched unigenes, and some of them were prone to develop new functions for other tissues. Additionally, our transcriptome revealed that the juvenile-adolescent transition was the most complex and important stage of the sika deer life cycle. The present work represents the first multiple tissue transcriptome analysis of sika deer across four developmental stages. The generated data not only provide a functional genomics resource for future biological research on sika deer but also guide the selection and manipulation of genes controlling growth and development.

Morphometric assessment of normal human ciliary body using ultrasound biomicroscopy.

PubMed

Okamoto, Yoshifumi; Okamoto, Fumiki; Nakano, Shinichiro; Oshika, Tetsuro

2017-12-01

To quantitatively assess the biometry of the ciliary body in normal human eyes using ultrasound biomicroscopy. We evaluated 85 eyes of 85 normal subjects (35 men and 50 women), whose age ranged from 11 to 86 years (mean ± SD, 56.8 ± 20.4 years). The eyes were assessed along the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-o'clock meridians relative to the center of the cornea. Clinical data were collected, including age, axial length, ciliary body length (CBL), ciliary body thickness (CBT), anterior chamber depth, iris root thickness, trabecular-iris angle, and scleral-ciliary process angle. Axial length was measured using A-scan ultrasonography. CBL and CBT tended to be larger in the superior than in the inferior quadrant, but the differences among the four quadrants were not statistically significant. The average CBL showed a significant positive correlation with the average CBT (r = 0.40, P < 0.001). Average CBL and CBT were significantly correlated with axial length (r = 0.33, P = 0.031; r = 0.46, P < 0.01 respectively). In addition, the average CBL was significantly correlated with anterior chamber depth (r = 0.23, P < 0.05), trabecular-iris angle (r = 0.29, P = 0.01), and scleral-ciliary process angle (r = 0.40, P < 0.001). Ultrasound biomicroscopic imaging demonstrated that the ciliary body is similar in size in all circumferences, and eyes with longer axial length have an elongated and thicker ciliary body. The values obtained in the present study may serve as standard clinical references.

Description of two new gill myxozoans from smallmouth (Micropterus dolomieu) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Walsh, Heather L.; Iwanowicz, Luke R.; Glenney, Gavin W.; Iwanowicz, Deborah D.; Blazer, Vicki

2012-01-01

Two previously undescribed species of myxozoan parasites were observed in the gills of bass inhabiting the Potomac and James River basins. They are described using morphological characteristics and small-subunit (SSU) rDNA gene sequences. Both were taxonomically identified as new species of Myxobolus; Myxobolus branchiarum n. sp. was found exclusively in smallmouth bass, and Myxobolus micropterii n. sp. was found in largemouth and smallmouth bass. Small, spherical, white plasmodia of M. branchiarum from smallmouth bass were observed grossly in the gills; these plasmodia had an average length of 320.3 µm and width of 246.1 µm. The development of the plasmodia is intralamellar in the secondary lamellae of the gills. Mature spores were pyriform in shape with a length of 12.8 ± 1.4 (8.1–15.1) µm and width of 6.9 ± 1.1 (4.0–9.0) µm. Analysis of SSU rDNA identified M. branchiarum in a sister-group to 3 species of Henneguya, although morphologically caudal appendages were absent. Myxobolus micropterii observed in the gills of largemouth and smallmouth bass had larger, ovoid, cream-colored plasmodia with an average length of 568.1 µm and width of 148.1 µm. The cysts developed at the distal end of the gill filament within the primary lamellae. The mature spores were ovoid in shape with a length of 10.8 ± 0.7 (9.2–12.2) µm and width of 10.6 ± 0.6 (9.0–11.8) µm. SSU rDNA analysis placed M. micropterii in a sister group with Henneguya lobosa and Myxobolus oliveirai. The highest prevalence of M. branchiarum was observed in the gills of bass collected from the Cowpasture River (50.9%). Prevalence was 44.6% in bass from the Potomac River and only 4.3% in bass collected from the Shenandoah River. A seasonal study of M. branchiarum, which included both infected and uninfected smallmouth bass, determined that a significantly higher intensity was observed in the spring than in the summer (P < 0.001) or fall (P  =  0.004). In an analysis excluding uninfected bass, a higher intensity was observed in the spring than in the summer (P  =  0.001) or fall (P  =  0.008). Prevalence and seasonal differences were not determined for M. micropterii.

Description of two new gill myxozoans from smallmouth (Micropterus dolomieu) and largemouth (Micropterus salmoides) bass.

PubMed

Walsh, Heather L; Iwanowicz, Luke R; Glenney, Gavin W; Iwanowicz, Deborah D; Blazer, Vicki S

2012-04-01

Two previously undescribed species of myxozoan parasites were observed in the gills of bass inhabiting the Potomac and James River basins. They are described using morphological characteristics and small-subunit (SSU) rDNA gene sequences. Both were taxonomically identified as new species of Myxobolus; Myxobolus branchiarum n. sp. was found exclusively in smallmouth bass, and Myxobolus micropterii n. sp. was found in largemouth and smallmouth bass. Small, spherical, white plasmodia of M. branchiarum from smallmouth bass were observed grossly in the gills; these plasmodia had an average length of 320.3 µm and width of 246.1 µm. The development of the plasmodia is intralamellar in the secondary lamellae of the gills. Mature spores were pyriform in shape with a length of 12.8 ± 1.4 (8.1-15.1) µm and width of 6.9 ± 1.1 (4.0-9.0) µm. Analysis of SSU rDNA identified M. branchiarum in a sister-group to 3 species of Henneguya , although morphologically caudal appendages were absent. Myxobolus micropterii observed in the gills of largemouth and smallmouth bass had larger, ovoid, cream-colored plasmodia with an average length of 568.1 µm and width of 148.1 µm. The cysts developed at the distal end of the gill filament within the primary lamellae. The mature spores were ovoid in shape with a length of 10.8 ± 0.7 (9.2-12.2) µm and width of 10.6 ± 0.6 (9.0-11.8) µm. SSU rDNA analysis placed M. micropterii in a sister group with Henneguya lobosa and Myxobolus oliveirai . The highest prevalence of M. branchiarum was observed in the gills of bass collected from the Cowpasture River (50.9%). Prevalence was 44.6% in bass from the Potomac River and only 4.3% in bass collected from the Shenandoah River. A seasonal study of M. branchiarum , which included both infected and uninfected smallmouth bass, determined that a significantly higher intensity was observed in the spring than in the summer (P < 0.001) or fall (P  =  0.004). In an analysis excluding uninfected bass, a higher intensity was observed in the spring than in the summer (P  =  0.001) or fall (P  =  0.008). Prevalence and seasonal differences were not determined for M. micropterii .

An efficient approach to the travelling salesman problem using self-organizing maps.

PubMed

Vieira, Frederico Carvalho; Dória Neto, Adrião Duarte; Costa, José Alfredo Ferreira

2003-04-01

This paper presents an approach to the well-known Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) using Self-Organizing Maps (SOM). The SOM algorithm has interesting topological information about its neurons configuration on cartesian space, which can be used to solve optimization problems. Aspects of initialization, parameters adaptation, and complexity analysis of the proposed SOM based algorithm are discussed. The results show an average deviation of 3.7% from the optimal tour length for a set of 12 TSP instances.

[Analysis the statue of growth and development of infants and young children aged 6- 23 months in poor rural areas of Hunan Province, China].

PubMed

Fang, Junqun; Luo, Jiayou; Liao, Kai; Wang, Hua; Zhou, Xu; Huang, Guangwen; Xie, Donghua; Peng, Zhonghua; Yang, Wenzhen

2016-11-01

To describe the statue of growth and development among infants and young children aged 6-23 months in poor rural areas of Hunan Province. A total of 15 248 rural infants and young children aged 6-23 months in 54 poor counties of Wuling Mountains and Luoxiao Mountains in Hunan Province were selected by Probability-Proportional-to-Size Sampling( PPS) between 2009 and 2015. Participants' length and weight were tested, WHZ, WAZ, HAZ and BMI Z score were calculated according to The WHO Child Growth Standards, and describe the rate of wasting, underweight, stunting and low BMI, and the physical growth level of children were evaluated according to the WHO standards. The average weight of girls aged 6-23 months in poor rural areas of Hunan Province were 9. 17 kg, lower than boys which were 9. 79 kg. The average length of girls aged 6-23 months were 75. 53 cm, lower than boys which were 77. 19 cm. The average BMI of girls aged 6-23 months were15. 96, lower than boys which were 16. 40( P < 0. 05). The curve of weight-for-length Z scores and weight-for-age Z scores and length-for-age Z scores of infants and young children aged 6-23 months were lower than the WHO standards( P < 0. 05). The rate of wasting, underweight, stunting and low BMI of infants and young children aged 6-23 months were 3. 9%, 5. 1%, 7. 2% and 3. 9%, and boys were higher than girls in the rate of underweight and stunting, the rate of underweight and stunting were increased with the growth of age( P < 0. 05). The problem of growth and development of infants and young children aged 6-23 months in poor rural areas of Hunan Province are serious, and there are lower than the WHO standards. To improve the nutrition and health of infants and young children in poor rural areas, the ability of child health care and the feeding knowledge of caregivers are need to be improved.

Energy-saving EPON Bandwidth Allocation Algorithm Supporting ONU's Sleep Mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yinfa; Ren, Shuai; Liao, Xiaomin; Fang, Yuanyuan

2014-09-01

A new bandwidth allocation algorithm was presented by combining merits of the IPACT algorithm and the cyclic DBA algorithm based on the DBA algorithm for ONU's sleep mode. Simulation results indicate that compared with the normal mode ONU, the ONU's sleep mode can save about 74% of energy. The new algorithm has a smaller average packet delay and queue length in the upstream direction. While in the downstream direction, the average packet delay of the new algorithm is less than polling cycle Tcycle and the average queue length is less than the product of Tcycle and the maximum link rate. The new algorithm achieves a better compromise between energy-saving and ensuring quality of service.

Flux-induced Nernst effect in low-dimensional superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berger, Jorge

2017-02-01

A method is available that enables consistent study of the stochastic behavior of a system that obeys purely diffusive evolution equations. This method has been applied to a superconducting loop with nonuniform temperature, with average temperature close to Tc. It is found that a flux-dependent average potential difference arises along the loop, proportional to the temperature gradient and most pronounced in the direction perpendicular to this gradient. The largest voltages were obtained for fluxes close to 0.3Φ0, average temperatures slightly below the critical temperature, thermal coherence length of the order of the perimeter of the ring, BCS coherence length that is not negligible in comparison to the thermal coherence length, and short inelastic scattering time. This effect is entirely due to thermal fluctuations. It differs essentially from the usual Nernst effect in bulk superconductors, that is induced by magnetic field rather than by magnetic flux. We also study the effect of confinement in a 2D mesoscopic film.

EFFECTS OF MINERAL CONTENT ON THE FRACTURE PROPERTIES OF EQUINE CORTICAL BONE IN DOUBLE-NOTCHED BEAMS

PubMed Central

McCormack, Jordan; Stover, Susan M.; Gibeling, Jeffery C.; Fyhrie, David P.

2012-01-01

We recently developed a method to measure cortical bone fracture initiation toughness using a double-notched beam in four-point bending. This method was used to test the hypothesis that mineralization around the two notch roots is correlated with fracture toughness and crack extension (physical damage). Total energy absorbed to failure negatively correlated with average mineralization of the beam (r2=0.62), but not with notch root mineralization. Fracture initiation toughness was positively correlated to mineralization at the broken notch root (r2=0.34). Crack length extension at the unbroken notch was strongly negatively correlated with the average mineralization of the notch roots (r2=0.81) whereas crack length extension at the broken notch did not correlate with any of the mineralization measurements. Mineralization at the notch roots and the average mineralization contributed independently to the mechanical and damage properties. The data are consistent with an hypothesis that a) high notch root mineralization results in less stable crack length extension but high force to initiate unstable crack propagation while b) higher average mineralization leads to low post-yield (and total) energy absorption to failure. PMID:22394589

Monitoring Poisson observations using combined applications of Shewhart and EWMA charts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abujiya, Mu'azu Ramat

2017-11-01

The Shewhart and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) charts for nonconformities are the most widely used procedures of choice for monitoring Poisson observations in modern industries. Individually, the Shewhart EWMA charts are only sensitive to large and small shifts, respectively. To enhance the detection abilities of the two schemes in monitoring all kinds of shifts in Poisson count data, this study examines the performance of combined applications of the Shewhart, and EWMA Poisson control charts. Furthermore, the study proposes modifications based on well-structured statistical data collection technique, ranked set sampling (RSS), to detect shifts in the mean of a Poisson process more quickly. The relative performance of the proposed Shewhart-EWMA Poisson location charts is evaluated in terms of the average run length (ARL), standard deviation of the run length (SDRL), median run length (MRL), average ratio ARL (ARARL), average extra quadratic loss (AEQL) and performance comparison index (PCI). Consequently, all the new Poisson control charts based on RSS method are generally more superior than most of the existing schemes for monitoring Poisson processes. The use of these combined Shewhart-EWMA Poisson charts is illustrated with an example to demonstrate the practical implementation of the design procedure.

Role of spatial averaging in multicellular gradient sensing.

PubMed

Smith, Tyler; Fancher, Sean; Levchenko, Andre; Nemenman, Ilya; Mugler, Andrew

2016-05-20

Gradient sensing underlies important biological processes including morphogenesis, polarization, and cell migration. The precision of gradient sensing increases with the length of a detector (a cell or group of cells) in the gradient direction, since a longer detector spans a larger range of concentration values. Intuition from studies of concentration sensing suggests that precision should also increase with detector length in the direction transverse to the gradient, since then spatial averaging should reduce the noise. However, here we show that, unlike for concentration sensing, the precision of gradient sensing decreases with transverse length for the simplest gradient sensing model, local excitation-global inhibition. The reason is that gradient sensing ultimately relies on a subtraction of measured concentration values. While spatial averaging indeed reduces the noise in these measurements, which increases precision, it also reduces the covariance between the measurements, which results in the net decrease in precision. We demonstrate how a recently introduced gradient sensing mechanism, regional excitation-global inhibition (REGI), overcomes this effect and recovers the benefit of transverse averaging. Using a REGI-based model, we compute the optimal two- and three-dimensional detector shapes, and argue that they are consistent with the shapes of naturally occurring gradient-sensing cell populations.

Role of spatial averaging in multicellular gradient sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Tyler; Fancher, Sean; Levchenko, Andre; Nemenman, Ilya; Mugler, Andrew

2016-06-01

Gradient sensing underlies important biological processes including morphogenesis, polarization, and cell migration. The precision of gradient sensing increases with the length of a detector (a cell or group of cells) in the gradient direction, since a longer detector spans a larger range of concentration values. Intuition from studies of concentration sensing suggests that precision should also increase with detector length in the direction transverse to the gradient, since then spatial averaging should reduce the noise. However, here we show that, unlike for concentration sensing, the precision of gradient sensing decreases with transverse length for the simplest gradient sensing model, local excitation-global inhibition. The reason is that gradient sensing ultimately relies on a subtraction of measured concentration values. While spatial averaging indeed reduces the noise in these measurements, which increases precision, it also reduces the covariance between the measurements, which results in the net decrease in precision. We demonstrate how a recently introduced gradient sensing mechanism, regional excitation-global inhibition (REGI), overcomes this effect and recovers the benefit of transverse averaging. Using a REGI-based model, we compute the optimal two- and three-dimensional detector shapes, and argue that they are consistent with the shapes of naturally occurring gradient-sensing cell populations.

A STUDY OF SOME SOFTWARE PARAMETERS IN TIME-SHARING SYSTEMS.

DTIC Science & Technology

A review is made of some existing time-sharing computer systems and an exploration of various software characteristics is conducted. This...of the various parameters upon the average response cycle time, the average number in the queue awaiting service , the average length of time a user is

Clinical features and practice patterns of gastroschisis: a retrospective analysis using a Japanese national inpatient database.

PubMed

Fujiogi, Michimasa; Michihata, Nobuaki; Matsui, Hiroki; Fushimi, Kiyohide; Yasunaga, Hideo; Fujishiro, Jun

2018-05-16

The number of infants with gastroschisis is increasing worldwide, but advances in neonatal intensive care and parenteral nutrition have reduced gastroschisis mortality. Recent clinical data on gastroschisis are often from Western nations. This study aimed to examine clinical features and practice patterns of gastroschisis in Japan. We examined treatment options, outcomes, and discharge status among inpatients with simple gastroschisis (SG) and complex gastroschisis (CG), 2010-2016, using a national inpatient database in Japan. The 247 eligible patients (222 with SG) had average birth weight of 2102 g and average gestational age of 34 weeks; 30% had other congenital anomalies. Digestive anomalies were most common, followed by circulatory anomalies. In-hospital mortality was 8.1%. The median age at start of full enteral feeding was 30 days. The median length of stay was 46 days. There were no significant differences in outcomes except for length of stay, starting full enteral feeding and total hospitalization costs between the SG and CG groups. About 80% of patients were discharged to home without home medical care. The readmission rate was 28%. This study's findings on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of gastroschisis are useful for the clinical management of gastroschisis.

Is average chain length of plant lipids a potential proxy for vegetation, environment and climate changes?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, M.; Zhang, W.; Hou, J.

2015-04-01

Average chain length (ACL) of leaf wax components preserved in lacustrine sediments and soil profiles has been widely adopted as a proxy indicator for past changes in vegetation, environment and climate during the late Quaternary. The fundamental assumption is that woody plants produce leaf waxes with shorter ACL values than non-woody plants. However, there is a lack of systematic survey of modern plants to justify the assumption. Here, we investigated various types of plants at two lakes, Blood Pond in the northeastern USA and Lake Ranwu on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, and found that the ACL values were not significantly different between woody and non-woody plants. We also compiled the ACL values of modern plants in the literatures and performed a meta-analysis to determine whether a significant difference exists between woody and non-woody plants at single sites. The results showed that the ACL values of plants at 19 out of 26 sites did not show a significant difference between the two major types of plants. This suggests that extreme caution should be taken in using ACL as proxy for past changes in vegetation, environment and climate.

Nonequilibrium localization and the interplay between disorder and interactions.

PubMed

Mascarenhas, Eduardo; Bragança, Helena; Drumond, R; Aguiar, M C O; França Santos, M

2016-05-18

We study the nonequilibrium interplay between disorder and interactions in a closed quantum system. We base our analysis on the notion of dynamical state-space localization, calculated via the Loschmidt echo. Although real-space and state-space localization are independent concepts in general, we show that both perspectives may be directly connected through a specific choice of initial states, namely, maximally localized states (ML-states). We show numerically that in the noninteracting case the average echo is found to be monotonically increasing with increasing disorder; these results are in agreement with an analytical evaluation in the single particle case in which the echo is found to be inversely proportional to the localization length. We also show that for interacting systems, the length scale under which equilibration may occur is upper bounded and such bound is smaller the greater the average echo of ML-states. When disorder and interactions, both being localization mechanisms, are simultaneously at play the echo features a non-monotonic behaviour indicating a non-trivial interplay of the two processes. This interplay induces delocalization of the dynamics which is accompanied by delocalization in real-space. This non-monotonic behaviour is also present in the effective integrability which we show by evaluating the gap statistics.

Extracting p Λ scattering lengths from heavy ion collisions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shapoval, V. M.; Erazmus, B.; Lednicky, R.; Sinyukov, Yu. M.

2015-09-01

The source radii previously extracted by the STAR Collaboration from the p -Λ ⊕p ¯-Λ ¯ and p ¯-Λ ⊕p -Λ ¯ correlation functions measured in 10% most central Au+Au collisions at top Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) energy, √{sN N}=200 GeV, differ by a factor of 2. The probable reason for this is the neglect of residual correlation effect in the STAR analysis. In the present paper we analyze baryon correlation functions within the Lednický and Lyuboshitz analytical model, extended to effectively account for the residual correlation contribution. Different analytical approximations for such a contribution are considered. We also use the averaged source radii extracted from hydrokinetic model (HKM) simulations to fit the experimental data. In contrast to the STAR experimental study, the calculations in HKM show both p Λ and p Λ ¯ radii to be quite close, as expected from theoretical considerations. Using the effective Gaussian parametrization of residual correlations we obtain a satisfactory fit to the measured baryon-antibaryon correlation function with the HKM source radius value 3.28 fm. The baryon-antibaryon spin-averaged strong interaction scattering length is also extracted from the fit to the experimental correlation function.

Thermal conductivity of nanocrystalline silicon: importance of grain size and frequency-dependent mean free paths.

PubMed

Wang, Zhaojie; Alaniz, Joseph E; Jang, Wanyoung; Garay, Javier E; Dames, Chris

2011-06-08

The thermal conductivity reduction due to grain boundary scattering is widely interpreted using a scattering length assumed equal to the grain size and independent of the phonon frequency (gray). To assess these assumptions and decouple the contributions of porosity and grain size, five samples of undoped nanocrystalline silicon have been measured with average grain sizes ranging from 550 to 64 nm and porosities from 17% to less than 1%, at temperatures from 310 to 16 K. The samples were prepared using current activated, pressure assisted densification (CAPAD). At low temperature the thermal conductivities of all samples show a T(2) dependence which cannot be explained by any traditional gray model. The measurements are explained over the entire temperature range by a new frequency-dependent model in which the mean free path for grain boundary scattering is inversely proportional to the phonon frequency, which is shown to be consistent with asymptotic analysis of atomistic simulations from the literature. In all cases the recommended boundary scattering length is smaller than the average grain size. These results should prove useful for the integration of nanocrystalline materials in devices such as advanced thermoelectrics.

Estimating the duration of geologic intervals from a small number of age determinations: A challenge common to petrology and paleobiology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glazner, Allen F.; Sadler, Peter M.

2016-12-01

The duration of a geologic interval, such as the time over which a given volume of magma accumulated to form a pluton, or the lifespan of a large igneous province, is commonly determined from a relatively small number of geochronologic determinations (e.g., 4-10) within that interval. Such sample sets can underestimate the true length of the interval by a significant amount. For example, the average interval determined from a sample of size n = 5, drawn from a uniform random distribution, will underestimate the true interval by 50%. Even for n = 10, the average sample only captures ˜80% of the interval. If the underlying distribution is known then a correction factor can be determined from theory or Monte Carlo analysis; for a uniform random distribution, this factor is n+1n-1. Systematic undersampling of interval lengths can have a large effect on calculated magma fluxes in plutonic systems. The problem is analogous to determining the duration of an extinct species from its fossil occurrences. Confidence interval statistics developed for species origination and extinction times are applicable to the onset and cessation of magmatic events.

Limb lengthening in short stature patients.

PubMed

Aldegheri, R; Dall'Oca, C

2001-07-01

A series of 140 patients with short stature operated on for limb lengthening (80 had achondroplasia, 20 had hypochondroplasia, 20 had Turner syndrome, 10 had idiopathic short stature due to an undemonstrated cause, 5 regarded their stature as too short, and 5 had a psychopathic personality due to dysmorphophobia that had developed because of their short stature) was reviewed. All patients underwent symmetric lengthening of both femora and tibiae; 10 of these achondroplastic patients underwent lengthening of the humeri. We carried out the 580 lengthening procedures by means of three different surgical techniques: 440 callotasis, 120 chondrodiatasis and 20 mid-shaft osteotomy. In the 130 patients with a disproportionate short stature, the average gain in length was 18.2 +/- 3.93 cm: 43.8% had complications and 3.8% had sequelae; the average treatment time was 31 months. In the 10 patients with proportionate short stature, the average gain in length was 10.8 +/- 1.00 cm: 4 experienced complications and none had sequelae; the average treatment time was 21 months. Patients who underwent lengthening of the upper limbs experienced an average gain in length of 10.2 +/- 1.25 cm: the average treatment time was 9 months and none of them experienced any complications or sequelae. The authors discuss how difficult it is to achieve the benefits of this surgery: they underline the strong commitment on the part of the patients and their families, the time in the hospital, the number of operations and, above all, the severity of those permanent sequelae that occurred.

Influence of metal bonding layer on strain transfer performance of FBG

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hao; Chen, Weimin; Zhang, Peng; Liu, Li; Shu, Yuejie; Wu, Jun

2013-01-01

Metal bonding layer seriously affects the strain transfer performance of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG). Based on the mode of FBG strain transfer, the influence of the length, the thickness, Poisson's ratio, elasticity modulus of metal bonding layer on the strain transfer coefficient of FBG is analyzed by numerical simulation. FBG is packaged to steel wire using metal bonding technology of FBG. The tensile tests of different bonding lengths and elasticity modulus are carried out. The result shows the strain transfer coefficient of FBGs are 0.9848,0.962 and their average strain sensitivities are 1.076 pm/μɛ,1.099 pm/μɛ when the metal bonding layer is zinc, whose lengths are 15mm, 20mm, respectively. The strain transfer coefficient of FBG packaged by metal bonding layer raises 8.9 percent compared to epoxy glue package. The preliminary experimental results show that the strain transfer coefficient increases with the length of metal bonding layer, decreases with the thickness of metal bonding layer and the influence of Poisson's ratio can be ignored. The experiment result is general agreement with the analysis and provides guidance for metal package of FBG.

A Case Study to Improve Emergency Room Patient Flow at Womack Army Medical Center

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

use just the previous month, moving average 2-month period ( MA2 ) uses the average from the previous two months, moving average 3-month period (MA3...ED prior to discharge by provider) MA2 /MA3/MA4 - moving averages of 2-4 months in length MAD - mean absolute deviation (measure of accuracy for

[Intestinal fungal diversity of sub-adult giant panda].

PubMed

Ai, Shengquan; Zhong, Zhijun; Peng, Guangneng; Wang, Chengdong; Luo, Yongjiu; He, Tingmei; Gu, Wuyang; Li, Caiwu; Li, Gangshi; Wu, Honglin; Liu, Xuehan; Xia, Yu; Liu, Yanhong; Zhou, Xiaoxiao

2014-11-04

The fungi diversity in the guts of five sub-adult giant pandas was analyzed. We analyzed the fungal internal transcribed spacer sequences (ITS) using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). ITS regions were amplified with fungal universal primers to construct ITS clone libraries. The fingerprints were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism using the Hha I and Hae III enzymes. The cloned PCR products were analyzed by sequencing and diversities were demonstrated by phylogenetic tree. The gut fungi of 5 sub-adult giant pandas were mainly composed of Ascomycota (average of 46.24%), Basidiomycota ( average of 15.79%), unclassified (average of 29.14%), uncultured fungus (average of 8.83% ). Ascomycota was mainly composed of Saccharomycetes (average of 63.74%) and Dothideomycetes ( average of 35.91%); Basidiomycota was mainly composed of Tremellomycetes (average of 65.80%) and Microbotryomycetes (average of 33.15%). Four classes were mainly composed of Candida and Debaryomyces; Pleosporales and Myriangium; Cystofilobasidium and Trichosporon; Leucosporidium, and Leucosporidiella, whereas the proportions were different for each sample. Fungal flora existing in the intestines of sub-adult giant pandas expand our knowledge on the structure of the giant panda gut microbes and also help us to further study whether fungal flora can help giant pandas digest high-fiber foods.

Reduced Synapse and Axon Numbers in the Prefrontal Cortex of Rats Subjected to a Chronic Stress Model for Depression

PubMed Central

Csabai, Dávid; Wiborg, Ove; Czéh, Boldizsár

2018-01-01

Stressful experiences can induce structural changes in neurons of the limbic system. These cellular changes contribute to the development of stress-induced psychopathologies like depressive disorders. In the prefrontal cortex of chronically stressed animals, reduced dendritic length and spine loss have been reported. This loss of dendritic material should consequently result in synapse loss as well, because of the reduced dendritic surface. But so far, no one studied synapse numbers in the prefrontal cortex of chronically stressed animals. Here, we examined synaptic contacts in rats subjected to an animal model for depression, where animals are exposed to a chronic stress protocol. Our hypothesis was that long term stress should reduce the number of axo-spinous synapses in the medial prefrontal cortex. Adult male rats were exposed to daily stress for 9 weeks and afterward we did a post mortem quantitative electron microscopic analysis to quantify the number and morphology of synapses in the infralimbic cortex. We analyzed asymmetric (Type I) and symmetric (Type II) synapses in all cortical layers in control and stressed rats. We also quantified axon numbers and measured the volume of the infralimbic cortex. In our systematic unbiased analysis, we examined 21,000 axon terminals in total. We found the following numbers in the infralimbic cortex of control rats: 1.15 × 109 asymmetric synapses, 1.06 × 108 symmetric synapses and 1.00 × 108 myelinated axons. The density of asymmetric synapses was 5.5/μm3 and the density of symmetric synapses was 0.5/μm3. Average synapse membrane length was 207 nm and the average axon terminal membrane length was 489 nm. Stress reduced the number of synapses and myelinated axons in the deeper cortical layers, while synapse membrane lengths were increased. These stress-induced ultrastructural changes indicate that neurons of the infralimbic cortex have reduced cortical network connectivity. Such reduced network connectivity is likely to form the anatomical basis for the impaired functioning of this brain area. Indeed, impaired functioning of the prefrontal cortex, such as cognitive deficits are common in stressed individuals as well as in depressed patients. PMID:29440995

Self-consistent Maxwell-Bloch model of quantum-dot photonic-crystal-cavity lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cartar, William; Mørk, Jesper; Hughes, Stephen

2017-08-01

We present a powerful computational approach to simulate the threshold behavior of photonic-crystal quantum-dot (QD) lasers. Using a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique, Maxwell-Bloch equations representing a system of thousands of statistically independent and randomly positioned two-level emitters are solved numerically. Phenomenological pure dephasing and incoherent pumping is added to the optical Bloch equations to allow for a dynamical lasing regime, but the cavity-mediated radiative dynamics and gain coupling of each QD dipole (artificial atom) is contained self-consistently within the model. These Maxwell-Bloch equations are implemented by using Lumerical's flexible material plug-in tool, which allows a user to define additional equations of motion for the nonlinear polarization. We implement the gain ensemble within triangular-lattice photonic-crystal cavities of various length N (where N refers to the number of missing holes), and investigate the cavity mode characteristics and the threshold regime as a function of cavity length. We develop effective two-dimensional model simulations which are derived after studying the full three-dimensional passive material structures by matching the cavity quality factors and resonance properties. We also demonstrate how to obtain the correct point-dipole radiative decay rate from Fermi's golden rule, which is captured naturally by the FDTD method. Our numerical simulations predict that the pump threshold plateaus around cavity lengths greater than N =9 , which we identify as a consequence of the complex spatial dynamics and gain coupling from the inhomogeneous QD ensemble. This behavior is not expected from simple rate-equation analysis commonly adopted in the literature, but is in qualitative agreement with recent experiments. Single-mode to multimode lasing is also observed, depending on the spectral peak frequency of the QD ensemble. Using a statistical modal analysis of the average decay rates, we also show how the average radiative decay rate decreases as a function of cavity size. In addition, we investigate the role of structural disorder on both the passive cavity and active lasers, where the latter show a general increase in the pump threshold for cavity lengths greater than N =7 , and a reduction in the nominal cavity mode volume for increasing amounts of disorder.

Analysis of copy number variations in Holstein-Friesian cow genomes based on whole-genome sequence data.

PubMed

Mielczarek, M; Frąszczak, M; Giannico, R; Minozzi, G; Williams, John L; Wojdak-Maksymiec, K; Szyda, J

2017-07-01

Thirty-two whole genome DNA sequences of cows were analyzed to evaluate inter-individual variability in the distribution and length of copy number variations (CNV) and to functionally annotate CNV breakpoints. The total number of deletions per individual varied between 9,731 and 15,051, whereas the number of duplications was between 1,694 and 5,187. Most of the deletions (81%) and duplications (86%) were unique to a single cow. No relation between the pattern of variant sharing and a family relationship or disease status was found. The animal-averaged length of deletions was from 5,234 to 9,145 bp and the average length of duplications was between 7,254 and 8,843 bp. Highly significant inter-individual variation in length and number of CNV was detected for both deletions and duplications. The majority of deletion and duplication breakpoints were located in intergenic regions and introns, whereas fewer were identified in noncoding transcripts and splice regions. Only 1.35 and 0.79% of the deletion and duplication breakpoints were observed within coding regions. A gene with the highest number of deletion breakpoints codes for protein kinase cGMP-dependent type I, whereas the T-cell receptor α constant gene had the most duplication breakpoints. The functional annotation of genes with the largest incidence of deletion/duplication breakpoints identified 87/112 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways, but none of the pathways were significantly enriched or depleted with breakpoints. The analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) terms revealed that a cluster with the highest enrichment score among genes with many deletion breakpoints was represented by GO terms related to ion transport, whereas the GO term cluster mostly enriched among the genes with many duplication breakpoints was related to binding of macromolecules. Furthermore, when considering the number of deletion breakpoints per gene functional category, no significant differences were observed between the "housekeeping" and "strong selection" categories, but genes representing the "low selection pressure" group showed a significantly higher number of breakpoints. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Osteological Development of the Larvae and Juvenile of Bullhead torrent catfish, Liobagrus obesus

PubMed Central

Seo, Won-Il; Park, Jae-Min; Lee, Sung-Hun; Yoon, Seong Min; Hwang, Seon-Yeong; Han, Kyeong-Ho

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate the skeletal development of bullhead torrent catfish, Liobagrus obesus larvae and to utilize them as basic data for the taxonomic study of Liobagrus larvae. Skeletal development was observed by being divided into cranium, visceral skeleton, shoulder girdle bone, pelvic girdle bone and vertebra. On the first day after hatching, the pre-larvae had an average total length of 7.92 mm, and a line-shaped parasphenoid ossified in the cranium. In the jaw bone, the dentary supporting the lower jaw and the maxillary supporting the upper jaw were ossified. In the anterior abdominal vertebrae of the vertebra, seven centrums began to ossify and five neural spines ossified simultaneously. On the 3 day after hatching, pre-larvae had an average total length of 8.95 mm, and the prefrontal ossified in cranium. The number of abdominal vertebrae was increased to 14, and three parapophysis developed from the front side. On the 24th day after hatching, post-larvae had an average total length of 15.2 mm and the epural bone ossified in coccyx. The parhypural bone was ossified, and ossification of coccyx and pelvic girdle bone was completed. On the 30th day after hatching, the average total length of the juvenile was 17.8 mm, and the ossification of cranium and visceral skeleton was all completed while the preorbital and three suborbitals were ossified in the orbital region of the cranium. PMID:29707680

Independent effects of step length and foot strike pattern on tibiofemoral joint forces during running.

PubMed

Bowersock, Collin D; Willy, Richard W; DeVita, Paul; Willson, John D

2017-10-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of step length and foot strike pattern along with their interaction on tibiofemoral joint (TFJ) and medial compartment TFJ kinetics during running. Nineteen participants ran with a rear foot strike pattern at their preferred speed using a short (-10%), preferred, and long (+10%) step length. These step length conditions were then repeated using a forefoot strike pattern. Regardless of foot strike pattern, a 10% shorter step length resulted in decreased peak contact force, force impulse per step, force impulse per kilometre, and average loading rate at the TFJ and medial compartment, while a 10% increased step length had the opposite effects (all P < 0.05). A forefoot strike pattern significantly lowered TFJ and medial compartment TFJ average loading rates compared with a rear foot strike pattern (both <0.05) but did not change TFJ or medial compartment peak force, force impulse per step, or force impulse per km. The combination of a shorter step length and forefoot strike pattern produced the greatest reduction in peak medial compartment contact force (P < 0.05). Knowledge of these running modification effects may be relevant to the management or prevention of TFJ injury or pathology among runners.

Competitive advantage for multiple-memory strategies in an artificial market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitman, Kurt E.; Choe, Sehyo C.; Johnson, Neil F.

2005-05-01

We consider a simple binary market model containing N competitive agents. The novel feature of our model is that it incorporates the tendency shown by traders to look for patterns in past price movements over multiple time scales, i.e. multiple memory-lengths. In the regime where these memory-lengths are all small, the average winnings per agent exceed those obtained for either (1) a pure population where all agents have equal memory-length, or (2) a mixed population comprising sub-populations of equal-memory agents with each sub-population having a different memory-length. Agents who consistently play strategies of a given memory-length, are found to win more on average -- switching between strategies with different memory lengths incurs an effective penalty, while switching between strategies of equal memory does not. Agents employing short-memory strategies can outperform agents using long-memory strategies, even in the regime where an equal-memory system would have favored the use of long-memory strategies. Using the many-body 'Crowd-Anticrowd' theory, we obtain analytic expressions which are in good agreement with the observed numerical results. In the context of financial markets, our results suggest that multiple-memory agents have a better chance of identifying price patterns of unknown length and hence will typically have higher winnings.

Relationship Between Physician Assistant Program Length and Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination Pass Rates.

PubMed

Colletti, Thomas P; Salisbury, Helen; Hertelendy, Attila J; Tseng, Tina

2016-03-01

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between physician assistant (PA) educational program length and PA programs' 5-year average Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) first-time pass rates. This was a retrospective correlational study that analyzed previously collected data from a nonprobability purposive sample of accredited PA program Web sites. Master's level PA programs (n = 108) in the United States with published average PANCE scores for 5 consecutive classes were included. Provisional and probationary programs were excluded (n = 4). Study data were not normally distributed per the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, P = .00. There was no relationship between program length and PANCE pass rates, ρ (108) = -0.04, P = .68. Further analyses examining a possible relationship between program phase length (didactic and clinical) and PANCE pass rates also demonstrated no differences (ρ [107] = -0.05, P = .60 and ρ [107] = 0.02, P = .80, respectively). The results of this study suggest that shorter length PA programs perform similarly to longer programs in preparing students to pass the PANCE. In light of rapid expansion of PA educational programs, educators may want to consider these findings when planning the length of study for new and established programs.

Percentiles of the run-length distribution of the Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) median chart

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, K. L.; Chong, Z. L.; Khoo, M. B. C.; Teoh, W. L.; Teh, S. Y.

2017-09-01

Quality control is crucial in a wide variety of fields, as it can help to satisfy customers’ needs and requirements by enhancing and improving the products and services to a superior quality level. The EWMA median chart was proposed as a useful alternative to the EWMA \\bar{X} chart because the median-type chart is robust against contamination, outliers or small deviation from the normality assumption compared to the traditional \\bar{X}-type chart. To provide a complete understanding of the run-length distribution, the percentiles of the run-length distribution should be investigated rather than depending solely on the average run length (ARL) performance measure. This is because interpretation depending on the ARL alone can be misleading, as the process mean shifts change according to the skewness and shape of the run-length distribution, varying from almost symmetric when the magnitude of the mean shift is large, to highly right-skewed when the process is in-control (IC) or slightly out-of-control (OOC). Before computing the percentiles of the run-length distribution, optimal parameters of the EWMA median chart will be obtained by minimizing the OOC ARL, while retaining the IC ARL at a desired value.

A network model of the interbank market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shouwei; He, Jianmin; Zhuang, Yaming

2010-12-01

This work introduces a network model of an interbank market based on interbank credit lending relationships. It generates some network features identified through empirical analysis. The critical issue to construct an interbank network is to decide the edges among banks, which is realized in this paper based on the interbank’s degree of trust. Through simulation analysis of the interbank network model, some typical structural features are identified in our interbank network, which are also proved to exist in real interbank networks. They are namely, a low clustering coefficient and a relatively short average path length, community structures, and a two-power-law distribution of out-degree and in-degree.

Bayesian estimation of self-similarity exponent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makarava, Natallia; Benmehdi, Sabah; Holschneider, Matthias

2011-08-01

In this study we propose a Bayesian approach to the estimation of the Hurst exponent in terms of linear mixed models. Even for unevenly sampled signals and signals with gaps, our method is applicable. We test our method by using artificial fractional Brownian motion of different length and compare it with the detrended fluctuation analysis technique. The estimation of the Hurst exponent of a Rosenblatt process is shown as an example of an H-self-similar process with non-Gaussian dimensional distribution. Additionally, we perform an analysis with real data, the Dow-Jones Industrial Average closing values, and analyze its temporal variation of the Hurst exponent.

Analysis of the gingival biotype based on the measurement of the dentopapillary complex

PubMed Central

Malhotra, Ranjan; Grover, Vishakha; Bhardwaj, Arvind; Mohindra, Kanika

2014-01-01

Background: The gingival morphology of the maxillary anterior region plays an important role in determining the final esthetic outcome. Knowledge of the periodontal biotype is of fundamental importance because the anatomical characteristics of the periodontium, such as gingival thickness, gingival width and alveolar bone morphology, will determine periodontium behavior when submitted to physical, chemical, or bacterial injury or during periodontal or implant surgical procedures and orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: 50 subjects with healthy periodontal tissues with no loss of attachment and (b) presence of all anterior teeth in both upper and lower jaw were selected. On clinical examination gingival thickness was recorded based on the transparency of periodontal probe. Following parameters are recorded from dental cast, i.e., crown length, crown width, papillary length (PL) and papillary width. Results: There was highly significant correlation between gingival biotype and crown length and area of papilla with P value −0.002 and 0.013 respectively. Significant correlation was found between area of crown and PL with P value −0.013 and 0.016. The results of discriminant function analysis showed that average crown length was the best single determinant of biotype and area of papilla was the next best choice. Conclusion: Within the limits of the current investigation, the existence and correlation of different gingival biotypes and dentopapillary complex dimension has been confirmed. These findings can be utilized as objective guidelines for determining the biotype and response of gingiva to many dental operative procedures. PMID:24744543

Technical and scale efficiency of public community hospitals in Eritrea: an exploratory study

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Eritrean gross national income of Int$610 per capita is lower than the average for Africa (Int$1620) and considerably lower than the global average (Int$6977). It is therefore imperative that the country’s resources, including those specifically allocated to the health sector, are put to optimal use. The objectives of this study were (a) to estimate the relative technical and scale efficiency of public secondary level community hospitals in Eritrea, based on data generated in 2007, (b) to estimate the magnitudes of output increases and/or input reductions that would have been required to make relatively inefficient hospitals more efficient, and (c) to estimate using Tobit regression analysis the impact of institutional and contextual/environmental variables on hospital inefficiencies. Methods A two-stage Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method is used to estimate efficiency of hospitals and to explain the inefficiencies. In the first stage, the efficient frontier and the hospital-level efficiency scores are first estimated using DEA. In the second stage, the estimated DEA efficiency scores are regressed on some institutional and contextual/environmental variables using a Tobit model. In 2007 there were a total of 20 secondary public community hospitals in Eritrea, nineteen of which generated data that could be included in the study. The input and output data were obtained from the Ministry of Health (MOH) annual health service activity report of 2007. Since our study employs data that are five years old, the results are not meant to uncritically inform current decision-making processes, but rather to illustrate the potential value of such efficiency analyses. Results The key findings were as follows: (i) the average constant returns to scale technical efficiency score was 90.3%; (ii) the average variable returns to scale technical efficiency score was 96.9%; and (iii) the average scale efficiency score was 93.3%. In 2007, the inefficient hospitals could have become more efficient by either increasing their outputs by 20,611 outpatient visits and 1,806 hospital discharges, or by transferring the excess 2.478 doctors (2.85%), 9.914 nurses and midwives (0.98%), 9.774 laboratory technicians (9.68%), and 195 beds (10.42%) to primary care facilities such as health centres, health stations, and maternal and child health clinics. In the Tobit regression analysis, the coefficient for OPDIPD (outpatient visits as a proportion of inpatient days) had a negative sign, and was statistically significant; and the coefficient for ALOS (average length of stay) had a positive sign, and was statistically significant at 5% level of significance. Conclusions The findings from the first-stage analysis imply that 68% hospitals were variable returns to scale technically efficient; and only 42% hospitals achieved scale efficiency. On average, inefficient hospitals could have increased their outpatient visits by 5.05% and hospital discharges by 3.42% using the same resources. Our second-stage analysis shows that the ratio of outpatient visits to inpatient days and average length of inpatient stay are significantly correlated with hospital inefficiencies. This study shows that routinely collected hospital data in Eritrea can be used to identify relatively inefficient hospitals as well as the sources of their inefficiencies. PMID:23497525

Swath-altimetry measurements of the main stem Amazon River: measurement errors and hydraulic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, M. D.; Durand, M.; Jung, H. C.; Alsdorf, D.

2015-04-01

The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission, scheduled for launch in 2020, will provide a step-change improvement in the measurement of terrestrial surface-water storage and dynamics. In particular, it will provide the first, routine two-dimensional measurements of water-surface elevations. In this paper, we aimed to (i) characterise and illustrate in two dimensions the errors which may be found in SWOT swath measurements of terrestrial surface water, (ii) simulate the spatio-temporal sampling scheme of SWOT for the Amazon, and (iii) assess the impact of each of these on estimates of water-surface slope and river discharge which may be obtained from SWOT imagery. We based our analysis on a virtual mission for a ~260 km reach of the central Amazon (Solimões) River, using a hydraulic model to provide water-surface elevations according to SWOT spatio-temporal sampling to which errors were added based on a two-dimensional height error spectrum derived from the SWOT design requirements. We thereby obtained water-surface elevation measurements for the Amazon main stem as may be observed by SWOT. Using these measurements, we derived estimates of river slope and discharge and compared them to those obtained directly from the hydraulic model. We found that cross-channel and along-reach averaging of SWOT measurements using reach lengths greater than 4 km for the Solimões and 7.5 km for Purus reduced the effect of systematic height errors, enabling discharge to be reproduced accurately from the water height, assuming known bathymetry and friction. Using cross-sectional averaging and 20 km reach lengths, results show Nash-Sutcliffe model efficiency values of 0.99 for the Solimões and 0.88 for the Purus, with 2.6 and 19.1 % average overall error in discharge, respectively. We extend the results to other rivers worldwide and infer that SWOT-derived discharge estimates may be more accurate for rivers with larger channel widths (permitting a greater level of cross-sectional averaging and the use of shorter reach lengths) and higher water-surface slopes (reducing the proportional impact of slope errors on discharge calculation).

Predictors of Failure in Infant Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis.

PubMed

Hammoudeh, Jeffrey A; Fahradyan, Artur; Brady, Colin; Tsuha, Michaela; Azadgoli, Beina; Ward, Sally; Urata, Mark M

2018-03-15

Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) has been shown to be successful in treating upper airway obstruction caused by micrognathia in pediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the success rate of MDO and possible predictors of failure. The records of all neonates and infants who underwent MDO from 2008 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Procedural failure was defined as patient death or the need for tracheostomy postoperatively. Details of distraction, length of stay, and failures were captured and elucidated. Of the 82 patients, 47 (57.3%) were male; 46 (56.1%) had sporadic Pierre Robin sequence; 33 (40.3%) had syndromic Pierre Robin sequence; and 3 (3.7%) had micrognathia, not otherwise specified. The average distraction length was 27.5 mm (range, 15 to 30 mm; SD, 4.4 mm), the average age at operation was 63.3 days (range, 3 to 342 days; SD, 71.4 days), and the average length of post-MDO hospital stay was 43 days (range, 9 to 219 days; SD, 35 days) with an average follow-up period of 4.3 years (range, 1.1 to 9.6 years; SD, 2.6 years). There were 7 failures (8.5%) (5 tracheostomies and 2 deaths) resulting in a 91.5% success rate. Regression analysis showed that the predicted probability of the need for tracheostomy was 45% (P = .02) when the patient had a central nervous system (CNS) anomaly. The predicted probability of the need for tracheostomy and death combined was 99.6% when the patient had laryngomalacia and a CNS anomaly and was preoperatively intubated (P < .05). This review confirms that MDO is an effective method of treating the upper airway obstruction caused by micrognathia with a high success rate. In our sample the presence of CNS abnormalities, laryngomalacia, and preoperative intubation had a significant impact on the failure rate. Copyright © 2018 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Accuracy of acoustic velocity metering systems for measurement of low velocity in open channels

USGS Publications Warehouse

Laenen, Antonius; Curtis, R. E.

1989-01-01

Acoustic velocity meter (AVM) accuracy depends on equipment limitations, the accuracy of acoustic-path length and angle determination, and the stability of the mean velocity to acoustic-path velocity relation. Equipment limitations depend on path length and angle, transducer frequency, timing oscillator frequency, and signal-detection scheme. Typically, the velocity error from this source is about +or-1 to +or-10 mms/sec. Error in acoustic-path angle or length will result in a proportional measurement bias. Typically, an angle error of one degree will result in a velocity error of 2%, and a path-length error of one meter in 100 meter will result in an error of 1%. Ray bending (signal refraction) depends on path length and density gradients present in the stream. Any deviation from a straight acoustic path between transducer will change the unique relation between path velocity and mean velocity. These deviations will then introduce error in the mean velocity computation. Typically, for a 200-meter path length, the resultant error is less than one percent, but for a 1,000 meter path length, the error can be greater than 10%. Recent laboratory and field tests have substantiated assumptions of equipment limitations. Tow-tank tests of an AVM system with a 4.69-meter path length yielded an average standard deviation error of 9.3 mms/sec, and the field tests of an AVM system with a 20.5-meter path length yielded an average standard deviation error of a 4 mms/sec. (USGS)

Multi-trait Analysis of Agroclimate Variations During the Growing Season in East-Central Poland (1971-2005)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radzka, Elżbieta; Rymuza, Katarzyna

2015-04-01

The work is based on meteorological data recorded by nine stations of the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management located in east-central Poland from 1971 to 2005. The region encompasses the North Podlasian Lowland and the South Podlasian Lowland. Average values of selected agroclimate indicators for the growing season were determined. Moreover, principal component analysis was conducted to indicate elements that exerted the greatest influence on the agroclimate. Also, cluster analysis was carried out to select stations with similar agroclimate. Ward method was used for clustering and the Euclidean distance was applied. Principal component analysis revealed that the agroclimate of east-central Poland was predominantly affected by climatic water balance, number of days of active plant growth, length of the farming period, and the average air temperature during the growing season (Apr-Sept). Based on the analysis, the region of east-central Poland was divided into two groups (areas) with different agroclimatic conditions. The first area comprized the following stations: Szepietowo and Białowieża located in the North Podlasian Lowland and Biała Podlaska situated in the northern part of the South Podlasian Lowland. This area was characterized by shorter farming periods and a lower average air temperature during the growing season. The other group included the remaining stations located in the western part of both the Lowlands which was warmer and where greater water deficits were recorded.

Estimating the Length of the North Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, Robert M.

2012-01-01

For the interval 1945-2011, the length of the hurricane season in the North Atlantic basin averages about 130 +/- 42 days (the +/-1 standard deviation interval), having a range of 47 to 235 days. Runs-testing reveals that the annual length of season varies nonrandomly at the 5% level of significance. In particular, its trend, as described using 10-yr moving averages, generally has been upward since about 1979, increasing from about 113 to 157 days (in 2003). Based on annual values, one finds a highly statistically important inverse correlation at the 0.1% level of significance between the length of season and the occurrence of the first storm day of the season. For the 2012 hurricane season, based on the reported first storm day of May 19, 2012 (i.e., DOY = 140), the inferred preferential regression predicts that the length of the current season likely will be about 173 +/- 23 days, suggesting that it will end about November 8 +/- 23 days, with only about a 5% chance that it will end either before about September 23, 2012 or after about December 24, 2012.

Numerical analysis of the slipstream development around a high-speed train in a double-track tunnel.

PubMed

Fu, Min; Li, Peng; Liang, Xi-Feng

2017-01-01

Analysis of the slipstream development around the high-speed trains in tunnels would provide references for assessing the transient gust loads on trackside workers and trackside furniture in tunnels. This paper focuses on the computational analysis of the slipstream caused by high-speed trains passing through double-track tunnels with a cross-sectional area of 100 m2. Three-dimensional unsteady compressible Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations and a realizable k-ε turbulence model were used to describe the airflow characteristics around a high-speed train in the tunnel. The moving boundary problem was treated using the sliding mesh technology. Three cases were simulated in this paper, including two tunnel lengths and two different configurations of the train. The train speed in these three cases was 250 km/h. The accuracy of the numerical method was validated by the experimental data from full-scale tests, and reasonable consistency was obtained. The results show that the flow field around the high-speed trains can be divided into three distinct regions: the region in front of the train nose, the annular region and the wake region. The slipstream development along the two sides of train is not in balance and offsets to the narrow side in the double-track tunnels. Due to the piston effect, the slipstream has a larger peak value in the tunnel than in open air. The tunnel length, train length and length ratio affect the slipstream velocities; in particular, the velocities increase with longer trains. Moreover, the propagation of pressure waves also induces the slipstream fluctuations: substantial velocity fluctuations mainly occur in front of the train, and weaken with the decrease in amplitude of the pressure wave.

Redesigning a joint replacement program using Lean Six Sigma in a Veterans Affairs hospital.

PubMed

Gayed, Benjamin; Black, Stephen; Daggy, Joanne; Munshi, Imtiaz A

2013-11-01

In April 2009, an analysis of joint replacement surgical procedures at the Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, revealed that total hip and knee replacements incurred $1.4 million in non-Veterans Affairs (VA) care costs with an average length of stay of 6.1 days during fiscal year 2008. The Joint Replacement Program system redesign project was initiated following the Vision-Analysis-Team-Aim-Map-Measure-Change-Sustain (VA-TAMMCS) model to increase efficiency, decrease length of stay, and reduce non-VA care costs. To determine the effectiveness of Lean Six Sigma process improvement methods applied in a VA hospital. Perioperative processes for patients undergoing total joint replacement were redesigned following the VA-TAMMCS model--the VA's official, branded method of Lean Six Sigma process improvement. A multidisciplinary team including the orthopedic surgeons, frontline staff, and executive management identified waste in the current processes and initiated changes to reduce waste and increase efficiency. Data collection included a 1-year baseline period and a 20-month sustainment period. The primary endpoint was length of stay; a secondary analysis considered non-VA care cost reductions. Length of stay decreased 36% overall, decreasing from 5.3 days during the preproject period to 3.4 days during the 20-month sustainment period (P < .001). Non-VA care was completely eliminated for patients undergoing total hip and knee replacement at the Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, producing an estimated return on investment of $1 million annually when compared with baseline cost and volumes. In addition, the volume of total joint replacements at this center increased during the data collection period. The success of the Joint Replacement Program demonstrates that VA-TAMMCS is an effective tool for Lean and Six Sigma process improvement initiatives in a surgical practice, producing a 36% sustained reduction in length of stay and completely eliminating non-VA care for total hip and knee replacements while increasing total joint replacement volume at this medical center.

An interplanetary magnetic field ensemble at 1 AU

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matthaeus, W. H.; Goldstein, M. L.; King, J. H.

1985-01-01

A method for calculation ensemble averages from magnetic field data is described. A data set comprising approximately 16 months of nearly continuous ISEE-3 magnetic field data is used in this study. Individual subintervals of this data, ranging from 15 hours to 15.6 days comprise the ensemble. The sole condition for including each subinterval in the averages is the degree to which it represents a weakly time-stationary process. Averages obtained by this method are appropriate for a turbulence description of the interplanetary medium. The ensemble average correlation length obtained from all subintervals is found to be 4.9 x 10 to the 11th cm. The average value of the variances of the magnetic field components are in the approximate ratio 8:9:10, where the third component is the local mean field direction. The correlation lengths and variances are found to have a systematic variation with subinterval duration, reflecting the important role of low-frequency fluctuations in the interplanetary medium.

Dorsal Phalloplasty to Preserve Penis Length after Penile Prosthesis Implantation

PubMed Central

Shaeer, Osama; Shaeer, Kamal; Rahman, Islam A.

2017-01-01

Objectives Following penile prosthesis implantation (PPI), patients may complain of a decrease in visible penis length. A dorsal phalloplasty defines the penopubic junction by tacking pubic skin to the pubis, revealing the base of the penis. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a dorsal phalloplasty in increasing the visible penis length following PPI. Methods An inflatable penile prosthesis was implanted in 13 patients with severe erectile dysfunction (ED) at the Kamal Shaeer Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, from January 2013 to May 2014. During the surgery, nonabsorbable tacking sutures were used to pin the pubic skin to the pubis through the same penoscrotal incision. Intraoperative penis length was measured before and after the dorsal phalloplasty. Overall patient satisfaction was measured on a 5-point rating scale and patients were requested to subjectively compare their postoperative penis length with memories of their penis length before the onset of ED. Results Intraoperatively, the dorsal phalloplasty increased the visible length of the erect penis by an average of 25.6%. The average length before and after tacking was 10.2 ± 2.9 cm and 13.7 ± 2.8 cm, respectively (P <0.002). Postoperatively, seven patients (53.8%) reported a longer penis, five patients (38.5%) reported no change in length and one patient (7.7%) reported a slightly shorter penis. The mean overall patient satisfaction score was 4.9 ± 0.3. None of the patients developed postoperative complications. Conclusion A dorsal phalloplasty during PPI is an effective method of increasing visible penis length, therefore minimising the impression of a shorter penis after implantation. PMID:28417025

Treatment of odontogenic infections: An analysis of two antibiotic regimens.

PubMed

Bhagania, Manish; Youseff, Wael; Mehra, Pushkar; Figueroa, Ruben

2018-01-01

Retrospective analysis of the efficacy for two commonly used antibiotic regimens in the management of severe odontogenic infections. Evaluation of records of patients admitted to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery service at Boston University Medical Center from 2009 to 2014 with severe infections of odontogenic origin (SOI). Patients were divided into two groups based on the administered intravenous antibiotic: 1) Group I: Clindamycin only and 2) Group II: Penicillin and Metronidazole. Variables evaluated included demographic characteristics, ASA status, and anatomic site of infection risk, length of hospital stay, antibiotic failure, and pharmaceutical treatment cost. 78 patients (46 males and 32 females) were included in the study. There were 57 patients in group I (average age 32.6 years) and 21 in Group II (average age 32.8 years). The average white cell count at time of admission count was higher in Group I (19.3) versus Group II (17.4). Antibiotic failure rate was 3.5% in Group I and 4.7% for group 2 patients. Clindamycin alone and combination of Penicillin with Metronidazole are both effective pharmaceutical regimens for SOI. Clindamycin therapy resulted in shorter hospital stay and lower net treatment costs with a slightly higher success rate.

Research in health sciences library and information science: a quantitative analysis.

PubMed Central

Dimitroff, A

1992-01-01

A content analysis of research articles published between 1966 and 1990 in the Bulletin of the Medical Library Association was undertaken. Four specific questions were addressed: What subjects are of interest to health sciences librarians? Who is conducting this research? How do health sciences librarians conduct their research? Do health sciences librarians obtain funding for their research activities? Bibliometric characteristics of the research articles are described and compared to characteristics of research in library and information science as a whole in terms of subject and methodology. General findings were that most research in health sciences librarianship is conducted by librarians affiliated with academic health sciences libraries (51.8%); most deals with an applied (45.7%) or a theoretical (29.2%) topic; survey (41.0%) or observational (20.7%) research methodologies are used; descriptive quantitative analytical techniques are used (83.5%); and over 25% of research is funded. The average number of authors was 1.85, average article length was 7.25 pages, and average number of citations per article was 9.23. These findings are consistent with those reported in the general library and information science literature for the most part, although specific differences do exist in methodological and analytical areas. PMID:1422504

Fiber optic sensing system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adamovsky, Grigory (Inventor)

1991-01-01

A fiber optic interferometer utilizes a low coherence light emitting diode (LED) laser as a light source which is filtered and driven at two RF frequencies, high and low, that are specific to the initial length of the resonator chamber. A displacement of a reflecting mirror changes the length traveled by the nonreferencing signal. The low frequency light undergoes destructive interference which reduces the average intensity of the wave while the high frequency light undergoes constructive interference which increases the average intensity of the wave. The ratio of these two intensity measurements is proportional to the displacement incurred.

VCSEL-based oxygen spectroscopy for structural analysis of pharmaceutical solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svensson, T.; Andersson, M.; Rippe, L.; Svanberg, S.; Andersson-Engels, S.; Johansson, J.; Folestad, S.

2008-02-01

We present a minimalistic and flexible single-beam instrumentation based on sensitive tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) and its use in structural analysis of highly scattering pharmaceutical solids. By utilising a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) for sensing of molecular oxygen dispersed in tablets, we address structural properties such as porosity. Experiments involve working with unknown path lengths, severe backscattering and diffuse light. These unusual experimental conditions has led to the use of the term gas in scattering media absorption spectroscopy (GASMAS). By employing fully digital wavelength modulation spectroscopy and coherent sampling, system sensitivity in ambient air experiments reaches the 10-7 range. Oxygen absorption exhibited by our tablets, being influenced by both sample porosity and scattering, was in the range 8×10-5 to 2×10-3, and corresponds to 2-50 mm of path length through ambient air (Leq). The day-to-day reproducibility was on average 1.8% (0.3 mm Leq), being limited by mechanical positioning. This is the first time sub-millimetre sensitivity is reached in GASMAS. We also demonstrate measurements on gas transport on a 1-s time scale. By employing pulsed illumination and time-correlated single-photon counting, we reveal that GASMAS exhibits excellent correlation with time-domain photon migration. In addition, we introduce an optical measure of porosity by relating oxygen absorption to average photon time-of-flight. Finally, the simplicity, robustness and low cost of this novel TDLAS instrumentation provide industrial potential.

Voluntary wheel running in dystrophin-deficient (mdx) mice: Relationships between exercise parameters and exacerbation of the dystrophic phenotype.

PubMed

Smythe, Gayle M; White, Jason D

2011-12-18

Voluntary wheel running can potentially be used to exacerbate the disease phenotype in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. While it has been established that voluntary wheel running is highly variable between individuals, the key parameters of wheel running that impact the most on muscle pathology have not been examined in detail. We conducted a 2-week test of voluntary wheel running by mdx mice and the impact of wheel running on disease pathology. There was significant individual variation in the average daily distance (ranging from 0.003 ± 0.005 km to 4.48 ± 0.96 km), culminating in a wide range (0.040 km to 67.24 km) of total cumulative distances run by individuals. There was also variation in the number and length of run/rest cycles per night, and the average running rate. Correlation analyses demonstrated that in the quadriceps muscle, a low number of high distance run/rest cycles was the most consistent indicator for increased tissue damage. The amount of rest time between running bouts was a key factor associated with gastrocnemius damage. These data emphasize the need for detailed analysis of individual running performance, consideration of the length of wheel exposure time, and the selection of appropriate muscle groups for analysis, when applying the use of voluntary wheel running to disease exacerbation and/or pre-clinical testing of the efficacy of therapeutic agents in the mdx mouse.

Correlation between spectral-domain OCT findings and visual acuity in X-linked retinoschisis.

PubMed

Yang, Hyun Seung; Lee, Jung Bok; Yoon, Young Hee; Lee, Joo Yong

2014-05-08

To investigate the tomographic characteristics of the outer retina and choroid and their relationship with visual acuity in X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS) patients using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). In this retrospective, observational, case-control study, we analyzed 20 eyes of 10 patients with XLRS using SD-OCT. The clinical and tomographic features of the outer retina, including the external limiting membrane (ELM), inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction, cone cell outer segment tips (COST) line, photoreceptor outer segment (PROS) length, and choroid, were evaluated. As controls, 40 age-, sex-, and refraction-matched healthy eyes (1:2 matched) were randomly selected and imaged in parallel. The most prevalent area of abnormality in the outer retina layer of our patients was the outer plexiform layer (OPL; 60% of all affected eyes) and COST line (75% of all affected eyes). On average, the subfoveal choroid and PROS lengths were 35 μm thicker and 19 μm thinner, respectively, in XLRS patients (P = 0.084 and P < 0.001, respectively). A dominant IS/OS junction, COST line defects, and PROS length were related to patient best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; P = 0.029, P = 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively) by univariate analysis. Cone cell outer segment tips line defect and PROS length were the only factors related to BCVA in multivariate analysis (P = 0.028 and 0.003, respectively). Outer plexiform layer and photoreceptor microstructure defects are frequent in XLRS patients. Cone cell outer segment tips line defects and shortened PROS lengths as well as other photoreceptor microstructure defects may be closely related to poor vision in XLRS.

Reducing the length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty: influence of femoral and sciatic nerve block.

PubMed

Carvalho Júnior, Lúcio Honório de; Temponi, Eduardo Frois; Paganini, Vinícius Oliveira; Costa, Lincoln Paiva; Soares, Luiz Fernando Machado; Gonçalves, Matheus Braga Jacques

2015-01-01

the aim of this study is to evaluate the change in length of hospital stay postoperatively for Total Knee Arthroplasty after using femoral and sciatic nerve block. the medical records of 287 patients were evaluated, taking into account the number of hours of admission, the percentage and the reason for re-hospitalization within 30 days, as well as associated complications. All patients were divided into two groups according or not to whether they were admitted to ICU or not. During the years 2009 and 2010, isolated spinal anesthesia was the method used in the procedure. From 2011 on, femoral and sciatic nerve blocking was introduced. between the years 2009 and 2012, the average length of stay ranged from 74 hours in 2009 to 75.2 hours in 2010. The average length of stay in 2011 was 56.52 hours and 53.72 hours in 2012, all in the group of patients who did not remain in the ICU postoperatively. In the same period, among those in the group that needed ICU admission, the average length of stay was 138.7 hours in 2009, 90.25 hours in 2010, 79.8 hours in 2011, and 52.91 hours in 2012. During 2009 and 2010, the rate of re-hospitalization was 0%, while in 2011 and 2012, were 3.44% and 1%, respectively. according to this study, the use of femoral and sciatic nerve blocking after total knee arthroplasty allowed significant reduction in hospital stay.

Time delays in the nonthermal radiation of solar flares according to observations of the CORONAS-F satellite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsap, Yu. T.; Stepanov, A. V.; Kashapova, L. K.; Myagkova, I. N.; Bogomolov, A. V.; Kopylova, Yu. G.; Goldvarg, T. B.

2016-07-01

In 2001-2003, the X-ray and microwave observations of ten solar flares of M- and X-classes were carried out by the CORONAS-F orbital station, the RSTN Sun service, and Nobeyama radio polarimeters. Based on these observations, a correlation analysis of time profiles of nonthermal radiation was performed. On average, hard X-ray radiation outstrips the microwave radiation in 9 events, i.e., time delays are positive. The appearance of negative delays is associated with effective scattering of accelerated electrons in pitch angles, where the length of the free path of a particle is less than the half-length of a flare loop. The additional indications are obtained in favor of the need to account for the effect of magnetic mirrors on the dynamics of energetic particles in the coronal arches.

Theoretical description of transverse measurements of polarization in optically-pumped Rb vapor cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dreiling, Joan; Tupa, Dale; Norrgard, Eric; Gay, Timothy

2012-06-01

In optical pumping of alkali-metal vapors, the polarization of the atoms is typically determined by probing along the entire length of the pumping beam, resulting in an averaged value of polarization over the length of the cell. Such measurements do not give any information about spatial variations of the polarization along the pump beam axis. Using a D1 probe beam oriented perpendicular to the pumping beam, we have demonstrated a heuristic method for determining the polarization along the pump beam's axis. Adapting a previously developed theory [1], we provide an analysis of the experiment which explains why this method works. The model includes the effects of Rb density, buffer gas pressure, and pump detuning. [4pt] [1] E.B. Norrgard, D. Tupa, J.M. Dreiling, and T.J. Gay, Phys. Rev. A 82, 033408 (2010).

[A feasibility research of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) using hybrid internal fixation for recurrent lumbar disc herniation].

PubMed

Mao, Ke-ya; Wang, Yan; Xiao, Song-hua; Zhang, Yong-gang; Liu, Bao-wei; Wang, Zheng; Zhang, Xi-Feng; Cui, Geng; Zhang, Xue-song; Li, Peng; Mao, Ke-zheng

2013-08-01

To investigate the feasibility of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) using hybrid internal fixation of pedicle screws and a translaminar facet screw for recurrent lumbar disc herniation. From January 2010 to December 2011, 16 recurrent lumbar disc herniation patients, 10 male and 6 female patients with an average age of 45 years (35-68 years) were treated with unilateral incision MIS-TLIF through working channel. After decompression, interbody fusion and fixation using unilateral pedicle screws, a translaminar facet screw was inserted from the same incision through spinous process and laminar to the other side facet joint. The results of perioperative parameters, radiographic images and clinical outcomes were assessed. The repeated measure analysis of variance was applied in the scores of visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disablity index (ODI). All patients MIS-TLIF were accomplished under working channel including decompression, interbody fusion and hybrid fixation without any neural complication. The average operative time was (148 ± 75) minutes, the average operative blood loss was (186 ± 226) ml, the average postoperative ambulation time was (32 ± 15) hours, and the average hospitalization time was (6 ± 4) days. The average length of incision was (29 ± 4) mm, and the average length of translaminar facets screw was (52 ± 6) mm. The mean follow-up was 16.5 months with a range of 12-24 months. The postoperative X-ray and CT images showed good position of the hybrid internal fixation, and all facets screws penetrate through facets joint. The significant improvement could be found in back pain VAS, leg pain VAS and ODI scores between preoperative 1 day and postoperative follow-up at all time-points (back pain VAS:F = 52.845, P = 0.000;leg pain VAS:F = 113.480, P = 0.000;ODI:F = 36.665, P = 0.000). Recurrent lumbar disc herniation could be treated with MIS-TLIF using hybrid fixation through unilateral incision, and the advantage including less invasion and quickly recovery.

Relationship research between meteorological disasters and stock markets based on a multifractal detrending moving average algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qingchen; Cao, Guangxi; Xu, Wei

2018-01-01

Based on a multifractal detrending moving average algorithm (MFDMA), this study uses the fractionally autoregressive integrated moving average process (ARFIMA) to demonstrate the effectiveness of MFDMA in the detection of auto-correlation at different sample lengths and to simulate some artificial time series with the same length as the actual sample interval. We analyze the effect of predictable and unpredictable meteorological disasters on the US and Chinese stock markets and the degree of long memory in different sectors. Furthermore, we conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether the fluctuations of financial markets caused by meteorological disasters are derived from the normal evolution of the financial system itself or not. We also propose several reasonable recommendations.

Some structural features of the teichuronic acid of Bacillus licheniformis N.C.T.C. 6346 cell walls

PubMed Central

Hughes, R. C.; Thurman, P. F.

1970-01-01

A teichuronic acid, containing glucuronic acid and N-acetylgalactosamine, was purified from acid extracts of Bacillus licheniformis 6346 cell walls as described by Janczura, Perkins & Rogers (1961). After reduction of the carboxyl function of glucuronic acid residues in the polysaccharide the reduced polymer contains equimolar amounts of N-acetylgalactosamine and glucose. Methylation of the reduced polysaccharide by the Hakamori (1964) technique showed the glucose residues to be substituted on C-4. A disaccharide, 3-O-glucuronosylgalactosamine, was isolated from partial acid hydrolysates of teichuronic acid. After N-acetylation the disaccharide produces chromogen readily on heating at pH7, in agreement with C-3 substitution of the reducing N-acetylamino sugar. Teichuronic acid also produces chromogen under the same conditions, with concurrent elimination of a modified polysaccharide from C-3 of reducing terminal N-acetylgalactosamine residues of the teichuronic acid chains. The number-average chain lengths of several preparations of teichuronic acid were estimated from the amounts of chromogen produced in comparison with the N-acetylated disaccharide. The values obtained are in good agreement with the weight-average molecular weight determined by ultracentrifugal analysis. The reducing terminals of teichuronic acid are shown to be exclusively N-acetylgalactosamine by reduction with sodium boro[3H]hydride. The number-average chain lengths of the teichuronic acid preparations were estimated by the extent of in corporation of tritium and are in agreement with values obtained by the other methods. PMID:5419741

Organizational factors affecting length of stay in the emergency department: initial observational study.

PubMed

Bashkin, Osnat; Caspi, Sigalit; Haligoa, Rachel; Mizrahi, Sari; Stalnikowicz, Ruth

2015-01-01

Length of stay (LOS) is considered a key measure of emergency department throughput, and from the perspective of the patient, it is perceived as a measure of healthcare service quality. Prolonged LOS can be caused by various internal and external factors. This study examined LOS in the emergency department and explored the main factors that influence LOS and cause delay in patient care. Observations of 105 patients were performed over a 3-month period at the emergency room of a community urban hospital. Observers monitored patients from the moment of entrance to the department until discharge or admission to another hospital ward. Analysis revealed a general average total emergency department LOS of 438 min. Significant differences in average LOS were found between admitted patients (Mean = 544 min, SD = 323 min) and discharged patients (Mean = 291 min, SD = 286 min). In addition, nurse and physician change of shifts and admissions to hospital wards were found to be significant factors associated with LOS. Using an Ishikawa causal diagram, we explored various latent organizational factors that may prolong this time. The study identified several factors that are associated with high average emergency department LOS. High LOS may lead to increases in expenditures and may have implications for patient safety, whereas certain organizational changes, communication improvement, and time management may have a positive effect on it. Interdisciplinary methods can be used to explore factors causing prolonged emergency department LOS and contribute to a better understanding of them.

The effect of flow data resolution on sediment yield estimation and channel design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosburg, Tyler T.; Nelson, Peter A.; Sholtes, Joel S.; Bledsoe, Brian P.

2016-07-01

The decision to use either daily-averaged or sub-daily streamflow records has the potential to impact the calculation of sediment transport metrics and stream channel design. Using bedload and suspended load sediment transport measurements collected at 138 sites across the United States, we calculated the effective discharge, sediment yield, and half-load discharge using sediment rating curves over long time periods (median record length = 24 years) with both daily-averaged and sub-daily streamflow records. A comparison of sediment transport metrics calculated with both daily-average and sub-daily stream flow data at each site showed that daily-averaged flow data do not adequately represent the magnitude of high stream flows at hydrologically flashy sites. Daily-average stream flow data cause an underestimation of sediment transport and sediment yield (including the half-load discharge) at flashy sites. The degree of underestimation was correlated with the level of flashiness and the exponent of the sediment rating curve. No consistent relationship between the use of either daily-average or sub-daily streamflow data and the resultant effective discharge was found. When used in channel design, computed sediment transport metrics may have errors due to flow data resolution, which can propagate into design slope calculations which, if implemented, could lead to unwanted aggradation or degradation in the design channel. This analysis illustrates the importance of using sub-daily flow data in the calculation of sediment yield in urbanizing or otherwise flashy watersheds. Furthermore, this analysis provides practical charts for estimating and correcting these types of underestimation errors commonly incurred in sediment yield calculations.

Determining average path length and average trapping time on generalized dual dendrimer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ling; Guan, Jihong

2015-03-01

Dendrimer has wide number of important applications in various fields. In some cases during transport or diffusion process, it transforms into its dual structure named Husimi cactus. In this paper, we study the structure properties and trapping problem on a family of generalized dual dendrimer with arbitrary coordination numbers. We first calculate exactly the average path length (APL) of the networks. The APL increases logarithmically with the network size, indicating that the networks exhibit a small-world effect. Then we determine the average trapping time (ATT) of the trapping process in two cases, i.e., the trap placed on a central node and the trap is uniformly distributed in all the nodes of the network. In both case, we obtain explicit solutions of ATT and show how they vary with the networks size. Besides, we also discuss the influence of the coordination number on trapping efficiency.

Towards An Improvement of Hospital Services and Streamlining of Health Care Costs: The DRG Analysis in Italy.

PubMed

Bellavia, M; Tomasello, G; Damiani, P; Damiani, F; Geraci, A; Accardo, Fm; Gioviale, Mc; Lo Monte, Ai

2012-01-01

The term Diagnosis-related Group (DRG) refers to a classification system used to assess hospital services with the aim of a better management of health care costs and improving performance. The DRG system focuses on the utilization of resources, and is not concerned with the specific type of care provided to the patient. This system highlights any diseconomies and eventual critical aspects of the hospital system. This article, starting from the history of heath care financing in Italy and pointing out the difficulty to define the "quality" of health care services, describes the variables used to evaluate correctly hospital performance based on the DRG system. These include Average Length of Stay, Average Daily Patient Load, Comparative Performance Index, and Case Mix Index.

Infant head circumference growth is saltatory and coupled to length growth.

PubMed

Lampl, Michelle; Johnson, Michael L

2011-05-01

Rapid growth rates of head circumference and body size during infancy have been reported to predict developmental pathologies that emerge during childhood. This study investigated whether growth in head circumference was concordant with growth in body length. Forty infants (16 males) were followed between the ages of 2 days and 21 months for durations ranging from 4 to 21 months (2616 measurements). Longitudinal anthropometric measurements were assessed weekly (n=12), semi-weekly (n=24) and daily (n=4) during home visits. Individual head circumference growth was investigated for the presence of saltatory patterns. Coincident analysis tested the null hypothesis that head growth was randomly coupled to length growth. Head circumference growth during infancy is saltatory (p<0.05), characterized by median increments of 0.20 cm (95% confidence interval, 0.10-0.30 cm) in 24-h, separated by intervals of no growth ranging from 1 to 21 days. Daily assessments identified that head growth saltations were coupled to length growth saltations within a median time frame of 2 days (interquartile 0-4, range 1-8 days). Assessed at semi-weekly and weekly intervals, an average 82% (SD 0.13) of head growth saltations was non-randomly concordant with length growth (p≤0.006). Normal infant head circumference grows by intermittent, episodic saltations that are temporally coupled to growth in total body length by a process of integrated physiology that remains to be described. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sensitivity of a phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometer with a semiconductor laser source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alekseev, A. E.; Tezadov, Ya A.; Potapov, V. T.

2018-06-01

In the present paper we perform, for the first time, an analysis of the average sensitivity of a coherent phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometer (phase-OTDR) with a semiconductor laser source to external actions. The sensitivity of this OTDR can be defined in a conventional manner via average SNR at its output, which in turn is defined by the average useful signal power and the average intensity noise power in the OTDR spatial channels in the bandwidth defined by the OTDR sampling frequency. The average intensity noise power is considered in detail in a previous paper. In the current paper we examine the average useful signal power at the output of a phase-OTDR. The analysis of the average useful signal power of a phase-OTDR is based on the study of a fiber scattered-light interferometer (FSLI) which is treated as a constituent part of a phase- OTDR. In the analysis, one of the conventional phase-OTDR schemes with a rectangular dual-pulse probe signal is considered. The FSLI which corresponds to this OTDR scheme has two scattering fiber segments with additional time delay, introduced between backscattered fields. The average useful signal power and the resulting average SNR at the output of this FSLI are determined by the degree of coherence of the semiconductor laser source, the length of the scattering fiber segments, and by the additional time delay between the scattering fiber segments. The average useful signal power characteristic of the corresponding phase-OTDR is determined by analogous parameters: the source coherence, the time durations of the parts constituting the dual-pulse, and the time interval which separates these parts. In the paper an expression for the average useful signal power of a phase-OTDR is theoretically derived and experimentally verified. Based on the found average useful signal power of a phase-OTDR and the average intensity noise power, derived in the previous paper, the average SNR of a phase-OTDR is defined. Setting the average signal SNR to 1, at a defined spectral band the minimum detectable external action amplitude for our particular phase-OTDR setup is determined. We also derive a simple relation for the average useful signal power and the average SNR which results when making the assumption that the laser source coherence is high. The results of the paper can serve as the basis for further development of the concept of phase-OTDR sensitivity.

Sexual differences in telomere selection in the wild.

PubMed

Olsson, Mats; Pauliny, Angela; Wapstra, Erik; Uller, Tobias; Schwartz, Tonia; Miller, Emily; Blomqvist, Donald

2011-05-01

Telomere length is restored primarily through the action of the reverse transcriptase telomerase, which may contribute to a prolonged lifespan in some but not all species and may result in longer telomeres in one sex than the other. To what extent this is an effect of proximate mechanisms (e.g. higher stress in males, higher oestradiol/oestrogen levels in females), or is an evolved adaptation (stronger selection for telomere length in one sex), usually remains unknown. Sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) females have longer telomeres than males and better maintain telomere length through life than males do. We also show that telomere length more strongly contributes to life span and lifetime reproductive success in females than males and that telomere length is under sexually diversifying selection in the wild. Finally, we performed a selection analysis with number of recruited offspring into the adult population as a response variable with telomere length, life span and body size as predictor variables. This showed significant differences in selection pressures between the sexes with strong ongoing selection in females, with these three predictors explaining 63% of the variation in recruitment. Thus, the sexually dimorphic telomere dynamics with longer telomeres in females is a result of past and ongoing selection in sand lizards. Finally, we compared the results from our selection analyses based on Telometric-derived data to the results based on data generated by the software ImageJ. ImageJ resulted in shorter average telomere length, but this difference had virtually no qualitative effect on the patterns of ongoing selection. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Length of urban residence and obesity among within-country rural-to-urban Andean migrants.

PubMed

Antiporta, Daniel A; Smeeth, Liam; Gilman, Robert H; Miranda, J Jaime

2016-05-01

To evaluate the association between length of residence in an urban area and obesity among Peruvian rural-to-urban migrants. Cross-sectional database analysis of the migrant group from the PERU MIGRANT Study (2007). Exposure was length of urban residence, analysed as both a continuous (10-year units) and a categorical variable. Four skinfold site measurements (biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac) were used to calculate body fat percentage and obesity (body fat percentage >25% males, >33% females). We used Poisson generalized linear models to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios and 95 % confidence intervals. Multicollinearity between age and length of urban residence was assessed using conditional numbers and correlation tests. A peri-urban shantytown in the south of Lima, Peru. Rural-to-urban migrants (n 526) living in Lima. Multivariable analyses showed that for each 10-year unit increase in residence in an urban area, rural-to-urban migrants had, on average, a 12 % (95 % CI 6, 18 %) higher prevalence of obesity. This association was also present when length of urban residence was analysed in categories. Sensitivity analyses, conducted with non-migrant groups, showed no evidence of an association between 10-year age units and obesity in rural (P=0·159) or urban populations (P=0·078). High correlation and a large conditional number between age and length of urban residence were found, suggesting a strong collinearity between both variables. Longer lengths of urban residence are related to increased obesity in rural-to-urban migrant populations; therefore, interventions to prevent obesity in urban areas may benefit from targeting migrant groups.

Differentiating sex and species of Western Grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and Clark's Grebes (Aechmophorus clarkii) and their eggs using external morphometrics and discriminant function analysis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hartman, C. Alex; Ackerman, Joshua T.; Eagles-Smith, Collin A.; Herzog, Mark

2016-01-01

In birds where males and females are similar in size and plumage, sex determination by alternative means is necessary. Discriminant function analysis based on external morphometrics was used to distinguish males from females in two closely related species: Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) and Clark's Grebe (A. clarkii). Additionally, discriminant function analysis was used to evaluate morphometric divergence between Western and Clark's grebe adults and eggs. Aechmophorus grebe adults (n = 576) and eggs (n = 130) were sampled across 29 lakes and reservoirs throughout California, USA, and adult sex was determined using molecular analysis. Both Western and Clark's grebes exhibited considerable sexual size dimorphism. Males averaged 6–26% larger than females among seven morphological measurements, with the greatest sexual size dimorphism occurring for bill morphometrics. Discriminant functions based on bill length, bill depth, and short tarsus length correctly assigned sex to 98% of Western Grebes, and a function based on bill length and bill depth correctly assigned sex to 99% of Clark's Grebes. Further, a simplified discriminant function based only on bill depth correctly assigned sex to 96% of Western Grebes and 98% of Clark's Grebes. In contrast, external morphometrics were not suitable for differentiating between Western and Clark's grebe adults or their eggs, with correct classification rates of discriminant functions of only 60%, 63%, and 61% for adult males, adult females, and eggs, respectively. Our results indicate little divergence in external morphology between species of Aechmophorus grebes, and instead separation is much greater between males and females.

Progress in Operational Analysis of Launch Vehicles in Nonstationary Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

James, George; Kaouk, Mo; Cao, Timothy

2013-01-01

This paper presents recent results in an ongoing effort to understand and develop techniques to process launch vehicle data, which is extremely challenging for modal parameter identification. The primary source of difficulty is due to the nonstationary nature of the situation. The system is changing, the environment is not steady, and there is an active control system operating. Hence, the primary tool for producing clean operational results (significant data lengths and data averaging) is not available to the user. This work reported herein uses a correlation-based two step operational modal analysis approach to process the relevant data sets for understanding and development of processes. A significant drawback for such processing of short time histories is a series of beating phenomena due to the inability to average out random modal excitations. A recursive correlation process coupled to a new convergence metric (designed to mitigate the beating phenomena) is the object of this study. It has been found in limited studies that this process creates clean modal frequency estimates but numerically alters the damping.

On the structural properties of small-world networks with range-limited shortcut links

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Tao; Kulkarni, Rahul V.

2013-12-01

We explore a new variant of Small-World Networks (SWNs), in which an additional parameter (r) sets the length scale over which shortcuts are uniformly distributed. When r=0 we have an ordered network, whereas r=1 corresponds to the original Watts-Strogatz SWN model. These limited range SWNs have a similar degree distribution and scaling properties as the original SWN model. We observe the small-world phenomenon for r≪1, indicating that global shortcuts are not necessary for the small-world effect. For limited range SWNs, the average path length changes nonmonotonically with system size, whereas for the original SWN model it increases monotonically. We propose an expression for the average path length for limited range SWNs based on numerical simulations and analytical approximations.

Reducing the length of postnatal hospital stay: implications for cost and quality of care.

PubMed

Bowers, John; Cheyne, Helen

2016-01-15

UK health services are under pressure to make cost savings while maintaining quality of care. Typically reducing the length of time patients stay in hospital and increasing bed occupancy are advocated to achieve service efficiency. Around 800,000 women give birth in the UK each year making maternity care a high volume, high cost service. Although average length of stay on the postnatal ward has fallen substantially over the years there is pressure to make still further reductions. This paper explores and discusses the possible cost savings of further reductions in length of stay, the consequences for postnatal services in the community, and the impact on quality of care. We draw on a range of pre-existing data sources including, national level routinely collected data, workforce planning data and data from national surveys of women's experience. Simulation and a financial model were used to estimate excess demand, work intensity and bed occupancy to explore the quantitative, organisational consequences of reducing the length of stay. These data are discussed in relation to findings of national surveys to draw inferences about potential impacts on cost and quality of care. Reducing the length of time women spend in hospital after birth implies that staff and bed numbers can be reduced. However, the cost savings may be reduced if quality and access to services are maintained. Admission and discharge procedures are relatively fixed and involve high cost, trained staff time. Furthermore, it is important to retain a sufficient bed contingency capacity to ensure a reasonable level of service. If quality of care is maintained, staffing and bed capacity cannot be simply reduced proportionately: reducing average length of stay on a typical postnatal ward by six hours or 17% would reduce costs by just 8%. This might still be a significant saving over a high volume service however, earlier discharge results in more women and babies with significant care needs at home. Quality and safety of care would also require corresponding increases in community based postnatal care. Simply reducing staffing in proportion to the length of stay increases the workload for each staff member resulting in poorer quality of care and increased staff stress. Many policy debates, such as that about the length of postnatal hospital-stay, demand consideration of multiple dimensions. This paper demonstrates how diverse data sources and techniques can be integrated to provide a more holistic analysis. Our study suggests that while earlier discharge from the postnatal ward may achievable, it may not generate all of the anticipated cost savings. Some useful savings may be realised but if staff and bed capacity are simply reduced in proportion to the length of stay, care quality may be compromised.

Optimal screw placement for base plate fixation in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

PubMed

DiStefano, James Guido; Park, Andrew Y; Nguyen, Thuc-Quyen D; Diederichs, Gerd; Buckley, Jenni M; Montgomery, William H

2011-04-01

Scapular cortical thickness has not been fully characterized from the perspective of determining optimal screw placement for securing the glenoid base plate in reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Twelve fresh frozen cadaveric scapulae underwent high resolution CT scans with 3-dimensional reconstructions and wall thickness analysis. Digital base plates were positioned and virtual screws were placed according to 2 scenarios: A - intraosseous through the entire course and exits a "safe region" with no known neurovascular structures; B - may leave and re-enter the bone and penetrates the thickest cortical region accessible regardless of adjacent structures. For scenario A, the optimal screw configurations were: (superior screw) length = 35 mm, 9° superior, 2° posterior; (inferior screw-A) length = 34 mm, 16° inferior, 5° anterior; (inferior screw-B) length = 31 mm, 31 inferior, 4 posterior; (posterior screw) length 19 mm, 29° inferior, 3° anterior. For scenario B: (superior screw) length = 36 mm, 28° superior, 10° anterior; (inferior screw) length = 35 mm, 19° inferior, 4° anterior; (posterior screw) length 37 mm, 23° superior, 3° anterior. The anterior screw was consistent between scenarios A and B, averaged 29 mm in length and was directed 16° inferior and 14° posterior. Thicker cortical regions were present in the lateral aspect of the suprascapular notch, scapular spine base, anterior/superior aspect of inferior pillar and junction of glenoid neck and scapular spine. Regions with high cortical thickness were accessible for both scenarios except for the posterior screw in scenario A. Copyright © 2011 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Spatio-Temporal Migration Patterns of Pacific Salmon Smolts in Rivers and Coastal Marine Waters

PubMed Central

Melnychuk, Michael C.; Welch, David W.; Walters, Carl J.

2010-01-01

Background Migrations allow animals to find food resources, rearing habitats, or mates, but often impose considerable predation risk. Several behavioural strategies may reduce this risk, including faster travel speed and taking routes with shorter total distance. Descriptions of the natural range of variation in migration strategies among individuals and populations is necessary before the ecological consequences of such variation can be established. Methodology/Principal Findings Movements of tagged juvenile coho, steelhead, sockeye, and Chinook salmon were quantified using a large-scale acoustic tracking array in southern British Columbia, Canada. Smolts from 13 watersheds (49 watershed/species/year combinations) were tagged between 2004–2008 and combined into a mixed-effects model analysis of travel speed. During the downstream migration, steelhead were slower on average than other species, possibly related to freshwater residualization. During the migration through the Strait of Georgia, coho were slower than steelhead and sockeye, likely related to some degree of inshore summer residency. Hatchery-reared smolts were slower than wild smolts during the downstream migration, but after ocean entry, average speeds were similar. In small rivers, downstream travel speed increased with body length, but in the larger Fraser River and during the coastal migration, average speed was independent of body length. Smolts leaving rivers located towards the northern end of the Strait of Georgia ecosystem migrated strictly northwards after ocean entry, but those from rivers towards the southern end displayed split-route migration patterns within populations, with some moving southward. Conclusions/Significance Our results reveal a tremendous diversity of behavioural migration strategies used by juvenile salmon, across species, rearing histories, and habitats, as well as within individual populations. During the downstream migration, factors that had strong effects on travel speeds included species, wild or hatchery-rearing history, watershed size and, in smaller rivers, body length. During the coastal migration, travel speeds were only strongly affected by species differences. PMID:20886121

Cluster structure of EU-15 countries derived from the correlation matrix analysis of macroeconomic index fluctuations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gligor, M.; Ausloos, M.

2007-05-01

The statistical distances between countries, calculated for various moving average time windows, are mapped into the ultrametric subdominant space as in classical Minimal Spanning Tree methods. The Moving Average Minimal Length Path (MAMLP) algorithm allows a decoupling of fluctuations with respect to the mass center of the system from the movement of the mass center itself. A Hamiltonian representation given by a factor graph is used and plays the role of cost function. The present analysis pertains to 11 macroeconomic (ME) indicators, namely the GDP (x1), Final Consumption Expenditure (x2), Gross Capital Formation (x3), Net Exports (x4), Consumer Price Index (y1), Rates of Interest of the Central Banks (y2), Labour Force (z1), Unemployment (z2), GDP/hour worked (z3), GDP/capita (w1) and Gini coefficient (w2). The target group of countries is composed of 15 EU countries, data taken between 1995 and 2004. By two different methods (the Bipartite Factor Graph Analysis and the Correlation Matrix Eigensystem Analysis) it is found that the strongly correlated countries with respect to the macroeconomic indicators fluctuations can be partitioned into stable clusters.

Geometric morphometric footprint analysis of young women

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Most published attempts to quantify footprint shape are based on a small number of measurements. We applied geometric morphometric methods to study shape variation of the complete footprint outline in a sample of 83 adult women. Methods The outline of the footprint, including the toes, was represented by a comprehensive set of 85 landmarks and semilandmarks. Shape coordinates were computed by Generalized Procrustes Analysis. Results The first four principal components represented the major axes of variation in foot morphology: low-arched versus high-arched feet, long and narrow versus short and wide feet, the relative length of the hallux, and the relative length of the forefoot. These shape features varied across the measured individuals without any distinct clusters or discrete types of footprint shape. A high body mass index (BMI) was associated with wide and flat feet, and a high frequency of wearing high-heeled shoes was associated with a larger forefoot area of the footprint and a relatively long hallux. Larger feet had an increased length-to-width ratio of the footprint, a lower-arched foot, and longer toes relative to the remaining foot. Footprint shape differed on average between left and right feet, and the variability of footprint asymmetry increased with BMI. Conclusions Foot shape is affected by lifestyle factors even in a sample of young women (median age 23 years). Geometric morphometrics proved to be a powerful tool for the detailed analysis of footprint shape that is applicable in various scientific disciplines, including forensics, orthopedics, and footwear design. PMID:23886074

Retinal nerve fiber layer measurements by scanning laser polarimetry with enhanced corneal compensation in healthy subjects.

PubMed

Rao, Harsha L; Venkatesh, Chirravuri R; Vidyasagar, Kelli; Yadav, Ravi K; Addepalli, Uday K; Jude, Aarthi; Senthil, Sirisha; Garudadri, Chandra S

2014-12-01

To evaluate the (i) effects of biological (age and axial length) and instrument-related [typical scan score (TSS) and corneal birefringence] parameters on the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements and (ii) repeatability of RNFL measurements with the enhanced corneal compensation (ECC) protocol of scanning laser polarimetry (SLP) in healthy subjects. In a cross-sectional study, 140 eyes of 73 healthy subjects underwent RNFL imaging with the ECC protocol of SLP. Linear mixed modeling methods were used to evaluate the effects of age, axial length, TSS, and corneal birefringence on RNFL measurements. One randomly selected eye of 48 subjects from the cohort underwent 3 serial scans during the same session to determine the repeatability. Age significantly influenced all RNFL measurements. RNFL measurements decreased by 1 µm for every decade increase in age. TSS affected the overall average RNFL measurement (β=-0.62, P=0.003), whereas residual anterior segment retardance affected the superior quadrant measurement (β=1.14, P=0.01). Axial length and corneal birefringence measurements did not influence RNFL measurements. Repeatability, as assessed by the coefficient of variation, ranged between 1.7% for the overall average RNFL measurement and 11.4% for th nerve fiber indicator. Age significantly affected all RNFL measurements with the ECC protocol of SLP, whereas TSS and residual anterior segment retardance affected the overall average and the superior average RNFL measurements, respectively. Axial length and corneal birefringence measurements did not influence any RNFL measurements. RNFL measurements had good intrasession repeatability. These results are important while evaluating the change in structural measurements over time in glaucoma patients.

Structural and rectifying junction properties of self-assembled ZnO nanoparticles in polystyrene diblock copolymers on (1 0 0)Si substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, H. A.; Iliadis, A. A.; Martinez-Miranda, L. J.; Lee, U.

2006-06-01

The structural and electronic transport properties of self-assembled ZnO nanoparticles in polystyrene-acrylic acid, [PS] m/[PAA] n, diblock copolymer on p-type (1 0 0)Si substrates are reported for the first time. Four different block repeat unit ratios ( m/ n) of 159/63, 139/17,106/17, and 106/4, were examined in order to correlate the physical parameters (size, density) of the nanoparticles with the copolymer block lengths m and n. We established that the self-assembled ZnO nanoparticle average size increased linearly with minority block length n, while the average density decreased exponentially with majority block length m. Average size varied from 20 nm to 250 nm and average density from 3.5 × 10 7 cm -2 to 1 × 10 10 cm -2, depending on copolymer parameters. X-ray diffraction studies showed the particles to have a wurtzite crystal structure with the (1 0 0) being the dominant orientation. Room temperature current-voltage characteristics measured for an Al/ZnO-nanocomposite/Si structure exhibited rectifying junction properties and indicated the formation of Al/ZnO-nanocomposite Schottky type junction with a barrier height of 0.7 V.

Full empirical potential curves for the X{sup 1}Σ{sup +} and A{sup 1}Π states of CH{sup +} from a direct-potential-fit analysis

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

Cho, Young-Sang; Le Roy, Robert J.

2016-01-14

All available “conventional” absorption/emission spectroscopic data have been combined with photodissociation data and translational spectroscopy data in a global analysis that yields analytic potential energy and Born-Oppenheimer breakdown functions for the X{sup 1}Σ{sup +} and A{sup 1}Π states of CH{sup +} and its isotopologues that reproduce all of the data (on average) within their assigned uncertainties. For the ground X{sup 1}Σ{sup +} state, this fully quantum mechanical “Direct-Potential-Fit” analysis yielded an improved empirical well depth of D{sub e} = 34 362.8(3) cm{sup −1} and equilibrium bond length of r{sub e} = 1.128 462 5 (58) Å. For the A{sup 1}Π state, the resulting wellmore » depth and equilibrium bond length are D{sub e} = 10 303.7(3) cm{sup −1} and r{sub e} = 1.235 896 (14) Å, while the electronic isotope shift from the hydride to the deuteride is ΔT{sub e} = − 5.99(±0.08) cm{sup −1}.« less

Genetic variation and genetic structure of the endangered species Sinowilsonia henryi Hemsi. (Hamamelidaceae) revealed by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers.

PubMed

Zhang, H; Ji, W L; Li, M; Zhou, L Y

2015-10-14

Comprehensive research of genetic variation is crucial in designing conservation strategies for endangered and threatened species. Sinowilsonia henryi Hemsi. is a tertiary relic with a limited geographical distribution in the central and western areas of China. It is endangered because of climate change and habitat fragmentation over the last thousands of years. In this study, amplified fragment length polymorphism markers were utilized to estimate genetic diversity and genetic structure in and among S. henryi. In this study, Nei's genetic diversity and Shannon's information index were found to be 0.192 and 0.325 respectively, indicating a moderate-to-high genetic diversity in species. According to analysis of molecular variation results, 32% of the genetic variation was shown to be partitioned among populations, demonstrating a relatively high genetic divergence; this was supported by principal coordinate analysis and unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic average analysis. Moreover, the Mantel test showed that there was no significant correlation between genetic and geographical distances. The above results can be explained by the effects of habitat fragmentation, history traits, and gene drift. Based on the results, several implications were indicated and suggestions proposed for preservation strategies for this species.

Isolation and in silico analysis of a novel H+-pyrophosphatase gene orthologue from the halophytic grass Leptochloa fusca

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rauf, Muhammad; Saeed, Nasir A.; Habib, Imran; Ahmed, Moddassir; Shahzad, Khurram; Mansoor, Shahid; Ali, Rashid

2017-02-01

Structure prediction can provide information about function and active sites of protein which helps to design new functional proteins. H+-pyrophosphatase is transmembrane protein involved in establishing proton motive force for active transport of Na+ across membrane by Na+/H+ antiporters. A full length novel H+-pyrophosphatase gene was isolated from halophytic grass Leptochloa fusca using RT-PCR and RACE method. Full length LfVP1 gene sequence of 2292 nucleotides encodes protein of 764 amino acids. DNA and protein sequences were used for characterization using bioinformatics tools. Various important potential sites were predicted by PROSITE webserver. Primary structural analysis showed LfVP1 as stable protein and Grand average hydropathy (GRAVY) indicated that LfVP1 protein has good hydrosolubility. Secondary structure analysis showed that LfVP1 protein sequence contains significant proportion of alpha helix and random coil. Protein membrane topology suggested the presence of 14 transmembrane domains and presence of catalytic domain in TM3. Three dimensional structure from LfVP1 protein sequence also indicated the presence of 14 transmembrane domains and hydrophobicity surface model showed amino acid hydrophobicity. Ramachandran plot showed that 98% amino acid residues were predicted in the favored region.

Exploring if day and time of admission is associated with average length of stay among inpatients from a tertiary hospital in Singapore: an analytic study based on routine admission data.

PubMed

Earnest, Arul; Chen, Mark I C; Seow, Eillyne

2006-01-22

It has been postulated that patients admitted on weekends or after office hours may experience delays in clinical management and consequently have longer length of stay (LOS). We investigated if day and time of admission is associated with LOS in Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), a 1,400 bed acute care tertiary hospital serving the central and northern regions of Singapore. This was a historical cohort study based on all admissions from TTSH from 1st September 2003 to 31st August 2004. Data was extracted from routinely available computerized hospital information systems for analysis by episode of care. LOS for each episode of care was log-transformed before analysis, and a multivariate linear regression model was used to study if sex, age group, type of admission, admission source, day of week admitted, admission on a public holiday or eve of public holiday, admission on a weekend and admission time were associated with an increased LOS. In the multivariate analysis, sex, age group, type of admission, source of admission, admission on the eve of public holiday and weekends and time of day admitted were independently and significantly associated with LOS. Patients admitted on Friday, Saturday or Sunday stayed on average 0.3 days longer than those admitted on weekdays, after adjusting for potential confounders; those admitted on the eve of public holidays, and those admitted in the afternoons and after office hours also had a longer LOS (differences of 0.71, 1.14 and 0.65 days respectively). Cases admitted over a weekend, eve of holiday, in the afternoons, and after office hours, do have an increased LOS. Further research is needed to identify processes contributing to the above phenomenon.

Transcriptome Analysis of Dendrobium officinale and its Application to the Identification of Genes Associated with Polysaccharide Synthesis

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jianxia; He, Chunmei; Wu, Kunlin; Teixeira da Silva, Jaime A.; Zeng, Songjun; Zhang, Xinhua; Yu, Zhenming; Xia, Haoqiang; Duan, Jun

2016-01-01

Dendrobium officinale is one of the most important Chinese medicinal herbs. Polysaccharides are one of the main active ingredients of D. officinale. To identify the genes that maybe related to polysaccharides synthesis, two cDNA libraries were prepared from juvenile and adult D. officinale, and were named Dendrobium-1 and Dendrobium-2, respectively. Illumina sequencing for Dendrobium-1 generated 102 million high quality reads that were assembled into 93,881 unigenes with an average sequence length of 790 base pairs. The sequencing for Dendrobium-2 generated 86 million reads that were assembled into 114,098 unigenes with an average sequence length of 695 base pairs. Two transcriptome databases were integrated and assembled into a total of 145,791 unigenes. Among them, 17,281 unigenes were assigned to 126 KEGG pathways while 135 unigenes were involved in fructose and mannose metabolism. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that the majority of genes were associated with metabolic and cellular processes. Furthermore, 430 glycosyltransferase and 89 cellulose synthase genes were identified. Comparative analysis of both transcriptome databases revealed a total of 32,794 differential expression genes (DEGs), including 22,051 up-regulated and 10,743 down-regulated genes in Dendrobium-2 compared to Dendrobium-1. Furthermore, a total of 1142 and 7918 unigenes showed unique expression in Dendrobium-1 and Dendrobium-2, respectively. These DEGs were mainly correlated with metabolic pathways and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. In addition, 170 DEGs belonged to glycosyltransferase genes, 37 DEGs were related to cellulose synthase genes and 627 DEGs encoded transcription factors. This study substantially expands the transcriptome information for D. officinale and provides valuable clues for identifying candidate genes involved in polysaccharide biosynthesis and elucidating the mechanism of polysaccharide biosynthesis. PMID:26904032

International variations in primary care physician consultation time: a systematic review of 67 countries

PubMed Central

Neves, Ana Luisa; Oishi, Ai; Tagashira, Hiroko; Verho, Anistasiya; Holden, John

2017-01-01

Objective To describe the average primary care physician consultation length in economically developed and low-income/middle-income countries, and to examine the relationship between consultation length and organisational-level economic, and health outcomes. Design and outcome measures This is a systematic review of published and grey literature in English, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian languages from 1946 to 2016, for articles reporting on primary care physician consultation lengths. Data were extracted and analysed for quality, and linear regression models were constructed to examine the relationship between consultation length and health service outcomes. Results One hundred and seventy nine studies were identified from 111 publications covering 28 570 712 consultations in 67 countries. Average consultation length differed across the world, ranging from 48 s in Bangladesh to 22.5 min in Sweden. We found that 18 countries representing about 50% of the global population spend 5 min or less with their primary care physicians. We also found significant associations between consultation length and healthcare spending per capita, admissions to hospital with ambulatory sensitive conditions such as diabetes, primary care physician density, physician efficiency and physician satisfaction. Conclusion There are international variations in consultation length, and it is concerning that a large proportion of the global population have only a few minutes with their primary care physicians. Such a short consultation length is likely to adversely affect patient healthcare and physician workload and stress. PMID:29118053

Geographical variation in camper expenditures

Treesearch

Wilbur F. LaPage; Edward G. Fisher

1971-01-01

Daily expenditures by families camping in New Hampshire State parks in 1967 averaged $11.81. Considerable variation was found between the northern, central, and southern regions of the State in both the average amount of money spent and the way in which the money was spent. Daily expenditures in the north were higher, but average visit lengths were shorter, resulting...

14 CFR Appendix F to Part 25

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... not exceed 6 inches and the average flame time after removal of the flame source may not exceed 15... means. The average burn length may not exceed 8 inches, and the average flame time after removal of the... Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018). If the film travels through ducts, the ducts must...

14 CFR Appendix F to Part 25

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... not exceed 6 inches and the average flame time after removal of the flame source may not exceed 15... means. The average burn length may not exceed 8 inches, and the average flame time after removal of the... Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018). If the film travels through ducts, the ducts must...

14 CFR Appendix F to Part 25

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... not exceed 6 inches and the average flame time after removal of the flame source may not exceed 15... means. The average burn length may not exceed 8 inches, and the average flame time after removal of the... Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018). If the film travels through ducts, the ducts must...

14 CFR Appendix F to Part 25

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... not exceed 6 inches and the average flame time after removal of the flame source may not exceed 15... means. The average burn length may not exceed 8 inches, and the average flame time after removal of the... Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018). If the film travels through ducts, the ducts must...

Pediatric Endoscopic Pilonidal Sinus Treatment, a Revolutionary Technique to Adopt in Children with Pilonidal Sinus Fistulas: Our Preliminary Experience.

PubMed

Esposito, Ciro; Izzo, Serena; Turrà, Francesco; Cerulo, Mariapina; Severino, Giovanni; Settimi, Alessandro; Iannazzone, Marta; Masieri, Lorenzo; Cortese, Giuseppe; Escolino, Maria

2018-03-01

This study aimed to report our preliminary experience with pediatric endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (PEPSiT). We retrospectively reviewed the reports of 15 patients, 6 girls and 9 boys, with an average age of 16 years (range 13-18) with noninfected pilonidal sinus disease who underwent PEPSiT in our institution over an 18-month period. Four cases were redo-procedures, for recurrence of disease after open excision repair. Surgical outcomes of sinus healing, recurrence of disease, postoperative pain, hospital stay, analgesic requirements, and patient satisfaction levels were evaluated and a comparison analysis with classic open repair was performed. All procedures were performed under subarachnoid spinal anesthesia. We always adopted a fistuloscope, an endoscopic forceps, and a monopolar electrode to remove the hairs and to heal the fistula. The average length of surgery was 28.5 minutes (range 26-41). No intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported. The average pain score evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scale during the first 48 postoperative hours was 3.2 (range 2-5). The average analgesic requirement was 22 hours (range 16-28). The average hospital stay length was 28 hours (range 22-48). They changed dressing daily, by applying a topical solution of eosin 2% and a silver sulfadiazine spray. At 1 month postoperatively, the external openings were closed in all patients and no recurrence was recorded at a mean follow-up of 6 month. PEPSiT was associated with a significantly shorter, painless, and better outcome compared to open technique. On the basis of our preliminary experience, we believe that PEPSiT is a promising technique for surgical treatment of pilonidal sinus in children. It is technically easy and quick to perform, with a short and painless hospital stay, without recurrences in our series. It allows operated patients an early return to full daily activities without restrictions that happen for the classic treatment.

Green Synthesis of Ag and Pd Nanospheres, Nanowires, and Nanorods Using Vitamin B 2 : Catalytic Polymerisation of Aniline and Pyrrole

DOE PAGES

Nadagouda, Mallikarjuna N.; Varma, Rajender S.

2008-01-01

Formore » the first time, we report green chemistry approach using vitamin B 2 in the synthesis of silver (Ag) and palladium (Pd), nanospheres, nanowires, and nanorods at room temperature without using any harmful reducing agents, such as sodium borohydride ( NaBH 4 ) or hydroxylamine hydrochloride and any special capping or dispersing agent. Vitamin B 2 was used as reducing agent as well as capping agent due to its high-water solubility, biodegradability, and low-toxicity compared with other reducing agents. The average particle size of nanoprticle was found to be Ag (average size 6.1 ± 0.1 nm) and Pd (average size 4.1 ± 0.1 nm) nanoparticles in ethylene glycol and Ag (average size 5.9 ± 0.1 nm, and average size 6.1 ± 0.1) nanoparticles in acetic acid and NMP, respectively. The formation of noble multiple shape nanostructures and their self assembly were dependent on the solvent employed for the preparation. When water was used as solvent media, Ag and Pd nanoparticles started to self-assemble into rod-like structures and in isopropanol Ag and Pd nanoparticles yielded wire-like structures with a thickness in the range of 10 to 20 nm and several hundred microns in length. In acetone and acetonitrile medium, the Ag and Pd nanoparticles are self-assembled into a regular pattern making nanorod structures with thicknesses ranging from 100 to 200 nm and lengths of a few microns. The so-synthesized nanostructures were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and UV spectroscopy. The ensuing Ag and Pd nanoparticles catalyzed the reactions of aniline and pyrrole to generate polyaniline and polypyrrole nanofibers and may find various technological and biological applications. This single-step greener approach is general and can be extended to other noble metals and transition metal oxides.« less

[cDNA library construction from panicle meristem of finger millet].

PubMed

Radchuk, V; Pirko, Ia V; Isaenkov, S V; Emets, A I; Blium, Ia B

2014-01-01

The protocol for production of full-size cDNA using SuperScript Full-Length cDNA Library Construction Kit II (Invitrogen) was tested and high quality cDNA library from meristematic tissue of finger millet panicle (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) was created. The titer of obtained cDNA library comprised 3.01 x 10(5) CFU/ml in avarage. In average the length of cDNA insertion consisted about 1070 base pairs, the effectivity of cDNA fragment insertions--99.5%. The selective sequencing of cDNA clones from created library was performed. The sequences of cDNA clones were identified with usage of BLAST-search. The results of cDNA library analysis and selective sequencing represents prove good functionality and full length character of inserted cDNA clones. Obtained cDNA library from meristematic tissue of finger millet panicle represents good and valuable source for isolation and identification of key genes regulating metabolism and meristematic development and for mining of new molecular markers to conduct out high quality genetic investigations and molecular breeding as well.

Proper catheter selection for needle thoracostomy: a height and weight-based criteria.

PubMed

Powers, William F; Clancy, Thomas V; Adams, Ashley; West, Tonnya C; Kotwall, Cyrus A; Hope, William W

2014-01-01

Obesity increases the incidence of mortality in trauma patients. Current Advanced Trauma Life Support guidelines recommend using a 5-cm catheter at the second intercostal (ICS) space in the mid-clavicular line to treat tension pneumothoraces. Our study purpose was to determine whether body mass index (BMI) predicted the catheter length needed for needle thoracostomy. We retrospectively reviewed trauma patients undergoing chest computed tomography scans January 2004 through September 2006. A BMI was calculated for each patient, and the chest wall thickness (CWT) at the second ICS in the mid-clavicular line was measured bilaterally. Patients were grouped by BMI as underweight (≤ 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.6-24.9 kg/m(2)), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m(2)), or obese (≥ 30 kg/m(2)). Three hundred twenty-six patients were included in the study; 70% were male. Ninety-four percent of patients experienced blunt trauma. Sixty-three percent of patients were involved in a motor vehicle collision. The average BMI was 29 [SD 7.8]. The average CWT was 6.2 [SD 1.9]cm on the right and 6.3 [SD 1.9]cm on the left. As BMI increased, a statistically significant (p<0.0001) CWT increase was observed in all BMI groups. There were no significant differences in ISS, ventilator days, ICU length of stay, or overall length of stay among the groups. As BMI increases, there is a direct correlation to increasing CWT. This information could be used to quickly select an appropriate needle length for needle thoracostomy. The average patient in our study would require a catheter length of 6-6.5 cm to successfully decompress a tension pneumothorax. There are not enough regionally available data to define the needle lengths needed for needle thoracostomy. Further study is required to assess the feasibility and safety of using varying catheter lengths. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Well-defined block copolymers for gene delivery to dendritic cells: probing the effect of polycation chain-length.

PubMed

Tang, Rupei; Palumbo, R Noelle; Nagarajan, Lakshmi; Krogstad, Emily; Wang, Chun

2010-03-03

The development of safe and efficient polymer carriers for DNA vaccine delivery requires mechanistic understanding of structure-function relationship of the polymer carriers and their interaction with antigen-presenting cells. Here we have synthesized a series of diblock copolymers with well-defined chain-length using atom transfer radical polymerization and characterized the influence of polycation chain-length on the physico-chemical properties of the polymer/DNA complexes as well as the interaction with dendritic cells. The copolymers consist of a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) block and a cationic poly(aminoethyl methacrylate) (PAEM) block. The average degree of polymerization (DP) of the PAEM block was varied among 19, 39, and 75, with nearly uniform distribution. With increasing PAEM chain-length, polyplexes formed by the diblock copolymers and plasmid DNA had smaller average particle size and showed higher stability against electrostatic destabilization by salt and heparin. The polymers were not toxic to mouse dendritic cells (DCs) and only displayed chain-length-dependent toxicity at a high concentration (1mg/mL). In vitro gene transfection efficiency and polyplex uptake in DCs were also found to correlate with chain-length of the PAEM block with the longer polymer chain favoring transfection and cellular uptake. The polyplexes induced a modest up-regulation of surface markers for DC maturation that was not significantly dependent on PAEM chain-length. Finally, the polyplex prepared from the longest PAEM block (DP of 75) achieved an average of 20% enhancement over non-condensed anionic dextran in terms of uptake by DCs in the draining lymph nodes 24h after subcutaneous injection into mice. Insights gained from studying such structurally well-defined polymer carriers and their interaction with dendritic cells may contribute to improved design of practically useful DNA vaccine delivery systems. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In Vivo Measurement of Pediatric Vocal Fold Motion Using Structured Light Laser Projection

PubMed Central

Patel, Rita R.; Donohue, Kevin D.; Lau, Daniel; Unnikrishnan, Harikrishnan

2013-01-01

Summary Objective The aim of the study was to present the development of a miniature structured light laser projection endoscope and to quantify vocal fold length and vibratory features related to impact stress of the pediatric glottis using high-speed imaging. Study Design The custom-developed laser projection system consists of a green laser with a 4-mm diameter optics module at the tip of the endoscope, projecting 20 vertical laser lines on the glottis. Measurements of absolute phonatory vocal fold length, membranous vocal fold length, peak amplitude, amplitude-to-length ratio, average closing velocity, and impact velocity were obtained in five children (6–9 years), two adult male and three adult female participants without voice disorders, and one child (10 years) with bilateral vocal fold nodules during modal phonation. Results Independent measurements made on the glottal length of a vocal fold phantom demonstrated a 0.13 mm bias error with a standard deviation of 0.23 mm, indicating adequate precision and accuracy for measuring vocal fold structures and displacement. First, in vivo measurements of amplitude-to-length ratio, peak closing velocity, and impact velocity during phonation in pediatric population and a child with vocal fold nodules are reported. Conclusion The proposed laser projection system can be used to obtain in vivo measurements of absolute length and vibratory features in children and adults. Children have large amplitude-to-length ratio compared with typically developing adults, whereas nodules result in larger peak amplitude, amplitude-to-length ratio, average closing velocity, and impact velocity compared with typically developing children. PMID:23809569

Molecular orientation in aligned electrospun polyimide nanofibers by polarized FT-IR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Yang, Haoqi; Jiang, Shaohua; Fang, Hong; Hu, Xiaowu; Duan, Gaigai; Hou, Haoqing

2018-07-05

Quantitative explanation on the improved mechanical properties of aligned electrospun polyimide (PI) nanofibers as the increased imidization temperatures is highly required. In this work, polarized FT-IR spectroscopy is applied to solve this problem. Based on the polarized FT-IR spectroscopy and the molecular model in the fibers, the length of the repeat unit of PI molecule, the angle between the fiber axis and the symmetric stretching direction of carbonyl group on the imide ring, and the angle between the PI molecular axis and fiber axis are all investigated. The Mark-Howink equation is used to calculate the number-average molar mass of PI molecules. The orientation states of PI molecules in the electrospun nanofibers are studied from the number-average molar mass of PI molecules and the average fiber diameter. Quantitative analysis of the orientation factor of PI molecules in the electrospun nanofibers is performed by polarized FT-IR spectroscopy. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

OSI Network-layer Abstraction: Analysis of Simulation Dynamics and Performance Indicators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawniczak, Anna T.; Gerisch, Alf; Di Stefano, Bruno

2005-06-01

The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model provides a conceptual framework for communication among computers in a data communication network. The Network Layer of this model is responsible for the routing and forwarding of packets of data. We investigate the OSI Network Layer and develop an abstraction suitable for the study of various network performance indicators, e.g. throughput, average packet delay, average packet speed, average packet path-length, etc. We investigate how the network dynamics and the network performance indicators are affected by various routing algorithms and by the addition of randomly generated links into a regular network connection topology of fixed size. We observe that the network dynamics is not simply the sum of effects resulting from adding individual links to the connection topology but rather is governed nonlinearly by the complex interactions caused by the existence of all randomly added and already existing links in the network. Data for our study was gathered using Netzwerk-1, a C++ simulation tool that we developed for our abstraction.

Court Decisions on Medical Malpractice in China After the New Tort Liability Law.

PubMed

Zhang, Kui; Li, Yuan; Fan, Fei; Liu, Xin; Deng, Zhen-Hua

2016-09-01

A new Tort Law of the People's Republic of China became effective on July 1, 2010. We undertook an analysis of medical malpractice lawsuits brought before regional courts in Beijing districts after this new Tort Liability Law went into effect. In total, 726 cases eventuating in a final verdict were collected from the Beijing district courts from 2011 to 2013 in this retrospective study; 83.7% of the 726 alleged instances of medical malpractice were confirmed to be malpractice by the final verdict. The disciplines most frequently involved with claims of medical malpractice were obstetrics and gynecology, the most frequent outcomes was death, and the most common types of case associated with malpractice was surgery related. The average length of time between the occurrence of the injury and closure of the claim was 9.2 months, and the average payment was ¥163,000. Since the introduction of the new Tort Liability Law, the average time to complete a litigation was shortened, but it has made little apparent difference otherwise.

Diffusing-wave spectroscopy in a standard dynamic light scattering setup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fahimi, Zahra; Aangenendt, Frank J.; Voudouris, Panayiotis; Mattsson, Johan; Wyss, Hans M.

2017-12-01

Diffusing-wave spectroscopy (DWS) extends dynamic light scattering measurements to samples with strong multiple scattering. DWS treats the transport of photons through turbid samples as a diffusion process, thereby making it possible to extract the dynamics of scatterers from measured correlation functions. The analysis of DWS data requires knowledge of the path length distribution of photons traveling through the sample. While for flat sample cells this path length distribution can be readily calculated and expressed in analytical form; no such expression is available for cylindrical sample cells. DWS measurements have therefore typically relied on dedicated setups that use flat sample cells. Here we show how DWS measurements, in particular DWS-based microrheology measurements, can be performed in standard dynamic light scattering setups that use cylindrical sample cells. To do so we perform simple random-walk simulations that yield numerical predictions of the path length distribution as a function of both the transport mean free path and the detection angle. This information is used in experiments to extract the mean-square displacement of tracer particles in the material, as well as the corresponding frequency-dependent viscoelastic response. An important advantage of our approach is that by performing measurements at different detection angles, the average path length through the sample can be varied. For measurements performed on a single sample cell, this gives access to a wider range of length and time scales than obtained in a conventional DWS setup. Such angle-dependent measurements also offer an important consistency check, as for all detection angles the DWS analysis should yield the same tracer dynamics, even though the respective path length distributions are very different. We validate our approach by performing measurements both on aqueous suspensions of tracer particles and on solidlike gelatin samples, for which we find our DWS-based microrheology data to be in good agreement with rheological measurements performed on the same samples.

Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Telomere Length in Children and Adolescents Living in Fresno, CA: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Lee, Eunice Y; Lin, Jue; Noth, Elizabeth M; Hammond, S Katharine; Nadeau, Kari C; Eisen, Ellen A; Balmes, John R

2017-05-01

The main objective of this pilot study was to gather preliminary information about how telomere length (TL) varies in relation to exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in children living in a highly polluted city. We conducted a cross-sectional study of children living in Fresno, California (n = 14). Subjects with and without asthma were selected based on their annual average PAH level in the 12-months prior to their blood draw. We measured relative telomere length from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). We found an inverse linear relationship between average PAH level and TL (R = 0.69), as well as between age and TL (R = 0.21). Asthmatics had shorter mean telomere length than non-asthmatics (TLasthmatic = 1.13, TLnon-asthmatic = 1.29). These preliminary findings suggest that exposure to ambient PAH may play a role in telomere shortening.Become familiar with previous evidence suggesting that telomere length may be a biomarker of air pollution-induced cytotoxicity.Summarize the new findings on the association between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure and telomere length in adolescents, including those with asthma.Discuss the implications for recommendations and policies to mitigate the health and respiratory effects of traffic-related air pollution.

Regression-based model of skin diffuse reflectance for skin color analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsumura, Norimichi; Kawazoe, Daisuke; Nakaguchi, Toshiya; Ojima, Nobutoshi; Miyake, Yoichi

2008-11-01

A simple regression-based model of skin diffuse reflectance is developed based on reflectance samples calculated by Monte Carlo simulation of light transport in a two-layered skin model. This reflectance model includes the values of spectral reflectance in the visible spectra for Japanese women. The modified Lambert Beer law holds in the proposed model with a modified mean free path length in non-linear density space. The averaged RMS and maximum errors of the proposed model were 1.1 and 3.1%, respectively, in the above range.

Proceedings of the U.S. Air Force and The Federal Republic of Germany Data Exchange Agreement Meeting (9th), Viscous and Interacting Flow Field Effects Held at Silver Spring, Maryland on 9-10 May 1984,

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-08-01

found in References 1-3. 2. Modeling of Roughness Effects on Turbulent Flow In turbulent flow analysis , use of time-averaged equations leads to the...eddy viscosity and the mixing length which are important parameters used in current algebraic modeling of the turbulence shear term. Two different ...surfaces with three-dimensional (distributed) roughness elements. Calculations using the present model have been compared with experimental data from

The research on the design and performance of 7×1 pump combiners

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Yang; Sheng, Quan; Fu, Shijie; Zhang, Haiwei; Bai, Xiaolei; Shi, Wei; Yao, Jianquan

2018-02-01

The 7×1 end-pumped pump combiners employing 105/125 μm multimode fibers as pump fibers are investigated. Based on the results of our theoretical analysis, sufficient taper length (TL) and low refractive index (RI) of the capillary have been adopted to fabricate high transmission efficiency combiners. A 7×1 end-pumped pump combiner with an average transmission efficiency of 98.9% and a total return loss of 1.1‰ is fabricated in experiments, which could find its application in high-power fiber laser systems.

Influence of particle shape on the microstructure evolution and the mechanical properties of granular materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Jianqiu; Liu, Enlong; Jiang, Lian; Jiang, Xiaoqiong; Sun, Yi; Xu, Ran

2018-06-01

In order to study the influence of particle shape on the microstructure evolution and the mechanical properties of granular materials, a two-dimensional DEM analysis of samples with three particle shapes, including circular particles, triangular particles, and elongated particles, is proposed here to simulate the direct shear tests of coarse-grained soils. For the numerical test results, analyses are conducted in terms of particle rotations, fabric evolution, and average path length evolution. A modified Rowe's stress-dilatancy equation is also proposed and successfully fitted onto simulation data.

A Model of Nursing Interim Care.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thienhaus, Ole J.; Greschel, Jean

In an increasingly cost-conscious health care environment, average length of hospital stay has decreased. Although psychiatric inpatient treatment is largely exempt from the constraints of the Medicare diagnosis related groups (DRG's), length of stay for geropsychiatric hospital services has decreased also. A trend toward higher rates of early…

National Trends in Demographics and Outcomes Following Cervical Fusion for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

PubMed Central

Vonck, Caroline E.; Tanenbaum, Joseph E.; Smith, Gabriel A.; Benzel, Edward C.; Mroz, Thomas E.; Steinmetz, Michael P.

2017-01-01

Study Design: Retrospective trends analysis. Objectives: Cervical fusion is a common adjunctive surgical modality used in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). The purpose of this study was to quantify national trends in patient demographics, hospital characteristics, and outcomes in the surgical management of CSM. Methods: This was a retrospective study that used the National Inpatient Sample. The sample included all patients over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of CSM who underwent cervical fusion from 2003 to 2013. The outcome measures were in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and hospital charges. Chi-square tests were performed to compare categorical variables. Independent t tests were performed to compare continuous variables. Results: We identified 62 970 patients with CSM who underwent cervical fusion from 2003 to 2013. The number of fusions performed per year in the treatment of CSM increased from 3879 to 8181. The average age of all fusion patients increased from 58.2 to 60.6 years (P < .001). Length of stay did not change significantly from a mean of 3.7 days. In-hospital mortality decreased from 0.6% to 0.3% (P < .01). Hospital charges increased from $49 445 to $92 040 (P < .001). Conclusions: This study showed a dramatic increase in cervical fusions to treat CSM from 2003 to 2013 concomitant with increasing age of the patient population. Despite increases in average age and number of comorbidities, length of stay remained constant and a decrease in mortality was seen across the study period. However, hospital charges increased dramatically.

Speech Deficits in Serious mental Illness: A Cognitive Resource Issue?

PubMed Central

Cohen, Alex S.; McGovern, Jessica E.; Dinzeo, Thomas J.; Covington, Michael A.

2014-01-01

Speech deficits, notably those involved in psychomotor retardation, blunted affect, alogia and poverty of content of speech, are pronounced in a wide range of serious mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia, unipolar depression, bipolar disorders). The present project evaluated the degree to which these deficits manifest as a function of cognitive resource limitations. We examined natural speech from 52 patients meeting criteria for serious mental illnesses (i.e., severe functional deficits with a concomitant diagnosis of schizophrenia, unipolar and/or bipolar affective disorders) and 30 non-psychiatric controls using a range of objective, computer-based measures tapping speech production (“alogia”), variability (“blunted vocal affect”) and content (“poverty of content of speech”). Subjects produced natural speech during a baseline condition and while engaging in an experimentally-manipulated cognitively-effortful task. For correlational analysis, cognitive ability was measured using a standardized battery. Generally speaking, speech deficits did not differ as a function of SMI diagnosis. However, every speech production and content measure was significantly abnormal in SMI versus control groups. Speech variability measures generally did not differ between groups. For both patients and controls as a group, speech during the cognitively-effortful task was sparser and less rich in content. Relative to controls, patients were abnormal under cognitive load with respect only to average pause length. Correlations between the speech variables and cognitive ability were only significant for this same variable: average pause length. Results suggest that certain speech deficits, notably involving pause length, may manifest as a function of cognitive resource limitations. Implications for treatment, research and assessment are discussed. PMID:25464920

Speech deficits in serious mental illness: a cognitive resource issue?

PubMed

Cohen, Alex S; McGovern, Jessica E; Dinzeo, Thomas J; Covington, Michael A

2014-12-01

Speech deficits, notably those involved in psychomotor retardation, blunted affect, alogia and poverty of content of speech, are pronounced in a wide range of serious mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia, unipolar depression, bipolar disorders). The present project evaluated the degree to which these deficits manifest as a function of cognitive resource limitations. We examined natural speech from 52 patients meeting criteria for serious mental illnesses (i.e., severe functional deficits with a concomitant diagnosis of schizophrenia, unipolar and/or bipolar affective disorders) and 30 non-psychiatric controls using a range of objective, computer-based measures tapping speech production ("alogia"), variability ("blunted vocal affect") and content ("poverty of content of speech"). Subjects produced natural speech during a baseline condition and while engaging in an experimentally-manipulated cognitively-effortful task. For correlational analysis, cognitive ability was measured using a standardized battery. Generally speaking, speech deficits did not differ as a function of SMI diagnosis. However, every speech production and content measure was significantly abnormal in SMI versus control groups. Speech variability measures generally did not differ between groups. For both patients and controls as a group, speech during the cognitively-effortful task was sparser and less rich in content. Relative to controls, patients were abnormal under cognitive load with respect only to average pause length. Correlations between the speech variables and cognitive ability were only significant for this same variable: average pause length. Results suggest that certain speech deficits, notably involving pause length, may manifest as a function of cognitive resource limitations. Implications for treatment, research and assessment are discussed. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Physical Models of Layered Polar Firn Brightness Temperatures from 0.5 to 2 GHz

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tan, Shurun; Aksoy, Mustafa; Brogioni, Marco; Macelloni, Giovanni; Durand, Michael; Jezek, Kenneth C.; Wang, Tian-Lin; Tsang, Leung; Johnson, Joel T.; Drinkwater, Mark R.;

Evaluation of very long baseline interferometry atmospheric modeling improvements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macmillan, D. S.; Ma, C.

1994-01-01

We determine the improvement in baseline length precision and accuracy using new atmospheric delay mapping functions and MTT by analyzing the NASA Crustal Dynamics Project research and development (R&D) experiments and the International Radio Interferometric Surveying (IRIS) A experiments. These mapping functions reduce baseline length scatter by about 20% below that using the CfA2.2 dry and Chao wet mapping functions. With the newer mapping functions, average station vertical scatter inferred from observed length precision (given by length repeatabilites) is 11.4 mm for the 1987-1990 monthly R&D series of experiments and 5.6 mm for the 3-week-long extended research and development experiment (ERDE) series. The inferred monthly R&D station vertical scatter is reduced by 2 mm or by 7 mm is a root-sum-square (rss) sense. Length repeatabilities are optimum when observations below a 7-8 deg elevation cutoff are removed from the geodetic solution. Analyses of IRIS-A data from 1984 through 1991 and the monthly R&D experiments both yielded a nonatmospheric unmodeled station vertical error or about 8 mm. In addition, analysis of the IRIS-A exeriments revealed systematic effects in the evolution of some baseline length measurements. The length rate of change has an apparent acceleration, and the length evolution has a quasi-annual signature. We show that the origin of these effects is unlikely to be related to atmospheric modeling errors. Rates of change of the transatlantic Westford-Wettzell and Richmond-Wettzell baseline lengths calculated from 1988 through 1991 agree with the NUVEL-1 plate motion model (Argus and Gordon, 1991) to within 1 mm/yr. Short-term (less than 90 days) variations of IRIS-A baseline length measurements contribute more than 90% of the observed scatter about a best fit line, and this short-term scatter has large variations on an annual time scale.

Scanning capacitance microscopy of ErAs nanoparticles embedded in GaAs pn junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, K. W.; Nair, H. P.; Crook, A. M.; Bank, S. R.; Yu, E. T.

2011-09-01

Scanning capacitance microscopy is used to characterize the electronic properties of ErAs nanoparticles embedded in GaAs pn junctions grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Voltage-dependent capacitance images reveal localized variations in subsurface electronic structure near buried ErAs nanoparticles at lateral length scales of 20-30 nm. Numerical modeling indicates that these variations arise from inhomogeneities in charge modulation due to Fermi level pinning behavior associated with the embedded ErAs nanoparticles. Statistical analysis of image data yields an average particle radius of 6-8 nm—well below the direct resolution limit in scanning capacitance microscopy but discernible via analysis of patterns in nanoscale capacitance images.

[Feeding habits of Trichiurus lepturus in Beibu Gulf of South China Sea].

PubMed

Yan, Yun-Rong; Chen, Jun-Lan; Hou, Gang; Lu, Huo-Sheng; Jin, Xian-Shi

2010-03-01

From August 2008 to September 2009, the feeding habits of Trichurus lepturus L. in Beibu Gulf of South China Sea were studied by monthly sampling and stomach content analysis. In study area, T. lepturus was euryphagous, which fed on fish, cephalopoda, benthic crustacean, and zooplankton, etc., among which, Bregmaceros rarisquamosu, Decapterus maruadsi, and Acetes chinensis were the main prey components, accounting for 37.99%, 16.42%, and 10.03%, respectively. D. maruadsi and Anchoviella heteroloba appeared throughout the Beibu Gulf all year round, and could be served as the index species for the migration and fishing ground distribution of T. lepturus. The indices feeding intensity and stomach fullness differed significantly among seasons (P < 0.001); while the index prey diversity had no significant seasonal difference (P > 0.05), which peaked in autumn and had an annual average value of 1.97. Cluster analysis revealed that when the preanal length of T. lepturus was 190 mm, i. e., at 50% of maturity length, a clear diet shift happened, from small zooplankton, pelagic fishes, and crustacean for the juveniles to predominantly larger fish and cephalopoda for the adults.

A spectral analysis of the domain decomposed Monte Carlo method for linear systems

DOE PAGES

Slattery, Stuart R.; Evans, Thomas M.; Wilson, Paul P. H.

2015-09-08

The domain decomposed behavior of the adjoint Neumann-Ulam Monte Carlo method for solving linear systems is analyzed using the spectral properties of the linear oper- ator. Relationships for the average length of the adjoint random walks, a measure of convergence speed and serial performance, are made with respect to the eigenvalues of the linear operator. In addition, relationships for the effective optical thickness of a domain in the decomposition are presented based on the spectral analysis and diffusion theory. Using the effective optical thickness, the Wigner rational approxi- mation and the mean chord approximation are applied to estimate the leakagemore » frac- tion of random walks from a domain in the decomposition as a measure of parallel performance and potential communication costs. The one-speed, two-dimensional neutron diffusion equation is used as a model problem in numerical experiments to test the models for symmetric operators with spectral qualities similar to light water reactor problems. We find, in general, the derived approximations show good agreement with random walk lengths and leakage fractions computed by the numerical experiments.« less

A preliminary analysis of low frequency pressure oscillations in hybrid rocket motors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jenkins, Rhonald M.

1994-01-01

Past research with hybrid rockets has suggested that certain motor operating conditions are conducive to the formation of pressure oscillations, or flow instabilities, within the motor combustion chamber. These combustion-related vibrations or pressure oscillations may be encountered in virtually any type of rocket motor and typically fall into three frequency ranges: low frequency oscillations (0-300 Hz); intermediate frequency oscillations (400-1000 Hz); and high frequency oscillations (greater than 1000 Hz). In general, combustion instability is characterized by organized pressure oscillations occurring at well-defined intervals with pressure peaks that may maintain themselves, grow, or die out. Usually, such peaks exceed +/- 5% of the mean chamber pressure. For hybrid motors, these oscillations have been observed to grow to a limiting amplitude which may be dependent on factors such as fuel characteristics, oxidizer injector characteristics, average chamber pressure, oxidizer mass flux, combustion chamber length, and grain geometry. The approach taken in the present analysis is to develop a modified chamber length, L, instability theory which accounts for the relationship between pressure and oxidizer to fuel concentration ratio in the motor.

Real-time determination of sarcomere length of a single cardiomyocyte during contraction

PubMed Central

Kalda, Mari; Vendelin, Marko

2013-01-01

Sarcomere length of a cardiomyocyte is an important control parameter for physiology studies on a single cell level; for instance, its accurate determination in real time is essential for performing single cardiomyocyte contraction experiments. The aim of this work is to develop an efficient and accurate method for estimating a mean sarcomere length of a contracting cardiomyocyte using microscopy images as an input. The novelty in developed method lies in 1) using unbiased measure of similarities to eliminate systematic errors from conventional autocorrelation function (ACF)-based methods when applied to region of interest of an image, 2) using a semianalytical, seminumerical approach for evaluating the similarity measure to take into account spatial dependence of neighboring image pixels, and 3) using a detrend algorithm to extract the sarcomere striation pattern content from the microscopy images. The developed sarcomere length estimation procedure has superior computational efficiency and estimation accuracy compared with the conventional ACF and spectral analysis-based methods using fast Fourier transform. As shown by analyzing synthetic images with the known periodicity, the estimates obtained by the developed method are more accurate at the subpixel level than ones obtained using ACF analysis. When applied in practice on rat cardiomyocytes, our method was found to be robust to the choice of the region of interest that may 1) include projections of carbon fibers and nucleus, 2) have uneven background, and 3) be slightly disoriented with respect to average direction of sarcomere striation pattern. The developed method is implemented in open-source software. PMID:23255581

Kinematics and Kinetics of Taekwon-do Side Kick

PubMed Central

Wąsik, Jacek

2011-01-01

The aim of the paper is to present an analysis of the influence of selected kinematic factors on the side kick technique. This issue is especially important in the traditional version of taekwon-do, in which a single strike may reveal the winner. Six taekwon-do (International Taekwon-do Federation) athletes were asked to participate in this case study. Generally accepted criteria of sports technique biomechanical analysis were adhered to. The athletes executed a side kick three times (in Taekwon-do terminology referred to as yop chagi) in a way which they use the kick in board breaking. The obtained data were used to determine the mean velocity changes in the function of relative extension length of the kicking leg. The maximum knee and foot velocities in the Cartesian coordinate system were determined. The leg lifting time and the duration of kick execution as well as the maximum force which the standing foot exerted on the ground were also determined. On the basis of the obtained values, mean values and standard deviations were calculated. The correlation dependence (r=0.72) shows that greater knee velocity affects the velocity which the foot develops as well as the fact that the total time of kick execution depends on the velocity which the knee (r = −0.59) and the foot (r = − 0.86) develop in the leg lifting phase. The average maximum speed was obtained at the length of the leg equal to 82% of the maximum length of the fully extended leg. This length can be considered the optimum value for achieving the maximum dynamics of the kick. PMID:23486086

[Comparison between the Austrian and German DRG systems in hand surgery].

PubMed

Lotter, O; Jaminet, P; Schwarzach, S; Schaller, H E

2013-02-01

Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) are a patient classification system grouping related types of patients treated to the resources they consumed. In this analysis, we compared the Austrian and the German DRG systems. The 15 most common hand surgical diagnoses and their corresponding operative treatment were transferred into the Austrian system. Thus, the length of stay and the reimbursement of both countries could be obtained and compared. The mean values and the median values of the upper and lower thresholds of length of stay as well as the average length of stay were all lower in Austria compared to Germany. Reimbursement in Germany was higher in 13 of 19 cases. Total proceeds amounted to 1.67 million in the German and 1.70 million in the Austrian health care system. Considering the purchasing power applying consumer prize parities, the difference of reimbursement between the countries rose to 130,000 which equals a difference of almost 8%. Reimbursement of the top 15 diagnoses in hand surgery in Austria is 8% higher than in Germany. Except for one case, mean values as well as upper and lower thresholds of length of stay are considerably shorter in Austria. Comparison of international data to refine a national compensation system is advocated.

Streamwise Versus Spanwise Spacing of Obstacle Arrays: Parametrization of the Effects on Drag and Turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simón-Moral, Andres; Santiago, Jose Luis; Krayenhoff, E. Scott; Martilli, Alberto

2014-06-01

A Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes model is used to investigate the evolution of the sectional drag coefficient and turbulent length scales with the layouts of aligned arrays of cubes. Results show that the sectional drag coefficient is determined by the non-dimensional streamwise distance (sheltering parameter), and the non-dimensional spanwise distance (channelling parameter) between obstacles. This is different than previous approaches that consider only plan area density . On the other hand, turbulent length scales behave similarly to the staggered case (e. g. they are function of only). Analytical formulae are proposed for the length scales and for the sectional drag coefficient as a function of sheltering and channelling parameters, and implemented in a column model. This approach demonstrates good skill in the prediction of vertical profiles of the spatially-averaged horizontal wind speed.

The effect of maternal substance abuse on the cost of neonatal care.

PubMed

Norton, E C; Zarkin, G A; Calingaert, B; Bradley, C J

1996-01-01

This study addresses the effect of maternal substance abuse on the cost of neonatal care in a sample of all singleton live births in Maryland in 1991. Most other cost studies have analyzed data from only one hospital; we analyzed data from 54 hospitals and therefore can control for individual hospital effects and correlation of observations within hospitals. We find that maternal drug abuse has a significant positive effect on total hospital charges, length of stay, and average daily charges, with the increase in length of stay being proportionally greater than the increase in average daily charges. Maternal alcohol abuse also has a positive effect on hospital charges and length of stay, but the effects are not statistically significant. About half the effect of drug abuse on total charges works indirectly through premature birth and other comorbidities.

Bayesian analyses of time-interval data for environmental radiation monitoring.

PubMed

Luo, Peng; Sharp, Julia L; DeVol, Timothy A

2013-01-01

Time-interval (time difference between two consecutive pulses) analysis based on the principles of Bayesian inference was investigated for online radiation monitoring. Using experimental and simulated data, Bayesian analysis of time-interval data [Bayesian (ti)] was compared with Bayesian and a conventional frequentist analysis of counts in a fixed count time [Bayesian (cnt) and single interval test (SIT), respectively]. The performances of the three methods were compared in terms of average run length (ARL) and detection probability for several simulated detection scenarios. Experimental data were acquired with a DGF-4C system in list mode. Simulated data were obtained using Monte Carlo techniques to obtain a random sampling of the Poisson distribution. All statistical algorithms were developed using the R Project for statistical computing. Bayesian analysis of time-interval information provided a similar detection probability as Bayesian analysis of count information, but the authors were able to make a decision with fewer pulses at relatively higher radiation levels. In addition, for the cases with very short presence of the source (< count time), time-interval information is more sensitive to detect a change than count information since the source data is averaged by the background data over the entire count time. The relationships of the source time, change points, and modifications to the Bayesian approach for increasing detection probability are presented.

Scaling range of power laws that originate from fluctuation analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grech, Dariusz; Mazur, Zygmunt

2013-05-01

We extend our previous study of scaling range properties performed for detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) [Physica A0378-437110.1016/j.physa.2013.01.049 392, 2384 (2013)] to other techniques of fluctuation analysis (FA). The new technique, called modified detrended moving average analysis (MDMA), is introduced, and its scaling range properties are examined and compared with those of detrended moving average analysis (DMA) and DFA. It is shown that contrary to DFA, DMA and MDMA techniques exhibit power law dependence of the scaling range with respect to the length of the searched signal and with respect to the accuracy R2 of the fit to the considered scaling law imposed by DMA or MDMA methods. This power law dependence is satisfied for both uncorrelated and autocorrelated data. We find also a simple generalization of this power law relation for series with a different level of autocorrelations measured in terms of the Hurst exponent. Basic relations between scaling ranges for different techniques are also discussed. Our findings should be particularly useful for local FA in, e.g., econophysics, finances, or physiology, where the huge number of short time series has to be examined at once and wherever the preliminary check of the scaling range regime for each of the series separately is neither effective nor possible.

Three-dimensional architecture of the whole human soleus muscle in vivo

PubMed Central

Finni, Taija; D’Souza, Arkiev; Eguchi, Junya; Clarke, Elizabeth C.; Herbert, Robert D.

2018-01-01

Background Most data on the architecture of the human soleus muscle have been obtained from cadaveric dissection or two-dimensional ultrasound imaging. We present the first comprehensive, quantitative study on the three-dimensional anatomy of the human soleus muscle in vivo using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) techniques. Methods We report three-dimensional fascicle lengths, pennation angles, fascicle curvatures, physiological cross-sectional areas and volumes in four compartments of the soleus at ankle joint angles of 69 ± 12° (plantarflexion, short muscle length; average ± SD across subjects) and 108 ± 7° (dorsiflexion, long muscle length) of six healthy young adults. Microdissection and three-dimensional digitisation on two cadaveric muscles corroborated the compartmentalised structure of the soleus, and confirmed the validity of DTI-based muscle fascicle reconstructions. Results The posterior compartments of the soleus comprised 80 ± 5% of the total muscle volume (356 ± 58 cm3). At the short muscle length, the average fascicle length, pennation angle and curvature was 37 ± 8 mm, 31 ± 3° and 17 ± 4 /m, respectively. We did not find differences in fascicle lengths between compartments. However, pennation angles were on average 12° larger (p < 0.01) in the posterior compartments than in the anterior compartments. For every centimetre that the muscle-tendon unit lengthened, fascicle lengths increased by 3.7 ± 0.8 mm, pennation angles decreased by −3.2 ± 0.9° and curvatures decreased by −2.7 ± 0.8 /m. Fascicles in the posterior compartments rotated almost twice as much as in the anterior compartments during passive lengthening. Discussion The homogeneity in fascicle lengths and inhomogeneity in pennation angles of the soleus may indicate a functionally different role for the anterior and posterior compartments. The data and techniques presented here demonstrate how DTI can be used to obtain detailed, quantitative measurements of the anatomy of complex skeletal muscles in living humans. PMID:29682414

Using queuing theory and simulation model to optimize hospital pharmacy performance.

PubMed

Bahadori, Mohammadkarim; Mohammadnejhad, Seyed Mohsen; Ravangard, Ramin; Teymourzadeh, Ehsan

2014-03-01

Hospital pharmacy is responsible for controlling and monitoring the medication use process and ensures the timely access to safe, effective and economical use of drugs and medicines for patients and hospital staff. This study aimed to optimize the management of studied outpatient pharmacy by developing suitable queuing theory and simulation technique. A descriptive-analytical study conducted in a military hospital in Iran, Tehran in 2013. A sample of 220 patients referred to the outpatient pharmacy of the hospital in two shifts, morning and evening, was selected to collect the necessary data to determine the arrival rate, service rate, and other data needed to calculate the patients flow and queuing network performance variables. After the initial analysis of collected data using the software SPSS 18, the pharmacy queuing network performance indicators were calculated for both shifts. Then, based on collected data and to provide appropriate solutions, the queuing system of current situation for both shifts was modeled and simulated using the software ARENA 12 and 4 scenarios were explored. Results showed that the queue characteristics of the studied pharmacy during the situation analysis were very undesirable in both morning and evening shifts. The average numbers of patients in the pharmacy were 19.21 and 14.66 in the morning and evening, respectively. The average times spent in the system by clients were 39 minutes in the morning and 35 minutes in the evening. The system utilization in the morning and evening were, respectively, 25% and 21%. The simulation results showed that reducing the staff in the morning from 2 to 1 in the receiving prescriptions stage didn't change the queue performance indicators. Increasing one staff in filling prescription drugs could cause a decrease of 10 persons in the average queue length and 18 minutes and 14 seconds in the average waiting time. On the other hand, simulation results showed that in the evening, decreasing the staff from 2 to 1 in the delivery of prescription drugs, changed the queue performance indicators very little. Increasing a staff to fill prescription drugs could cause a decrease of 5 persons in the average queue length and 8 minutes and 44 seconds in the average waiting time. The patients' waiting times and the number of patients waiting to receive services in both shifts could be reduced by using multitasking persons and reallocating them to the time-consuming stage of filling prescriptions, using queuing theory and simulation techniques.

Using Queuing Theory and Simulation Model to Optimize Hospital Pharmacy Performance

PubMed Central

Bahadori, Mohammadkarim; Mohammadnejhad, Seyed Mohsen; Ravangard, Ramin; Teymourzadeh, Ehsan

2014-01-01

Background: Hospital pharmacy is responsible for controlling and monitoring the medication use process and ensures the timely access to safe, effective and economical use of drugs and medicines for patients and hospital staff. Objectives: This study aimed to optimize the management of studied outpatient pharmacy by developing suitable queuing theory and simulation technique. Patients and Methods: A descriptive-analytical study conducted in a military hospital in Iran, Tehran in 2013. A sample of 220 patients referred to the outpatient pharmacy of the hospital in two shifts, morning and evening, was selected to collect the necessary data to determine the arrival rate, service rate, and other data needed to calculate the patients flow and queuing network performance variables. After the initial analysis of collected data using the software SPSS 18, the pharmacy queuing network performance indicators were calculated for both shifts. Then, based on collected data and to provide appropriate solutions, the queuing system of current situation for both shifts was modeled and simulated using the software ARENA 12 and 4 scenarios were explored. Results: Results showed that the queue characteristics of the studied pharmacy during the situation analysis were very undesirable in both morning and evening shifts. The average numbers of patients in the pharmacy were 19.21 and 14.66 in the morning and evening, respectively. The average times spent in the system by clients were 39 minutes in the morning and 35 minutes in the evening. The system utilization in the morning and evening were, respectively, 25% and 21%. The simulation results showed that reducing the staff in the morning from 2 to 1 in the receiving prescriptions stage didn't change the queue performance indicators. Increasing one staff in filling prescription drugs could cause a decrease of 10 persons in the average queue length and 18 minutes and 14 seconds in the average waiting time. On the other hand, simulation results showed that in the evening, decreasing the staff from 2 to 1 in the delivery of prescription drugs, changed the queue performance indicators very little. Increasing a staff to fill prescription drugs could cause a decrease of 5 persons in the average queue length and 8 minutes and 44 seconds in the average waiting time. Conclusions: The patients' waiting times and the number of patients waiting to receive services in both shifts could be reduced by using multitasking persons and reallocating them to the time-consuming stage of filling prescriptions, using queuing theory and simulation techniques. PMID:24829791

ELECTRICAL AEROSOL DETECTOR (EAD) MEASUREMENTS AT THE ST. LOUIS SUPERSITE

EPA Science Inventory

The Model 3070A Electrical Aerosol Detector (EAD) measures a unique aerosol parameter called total aerosol length. Reported as mm/cm3, aerosol length can be thought of as a number concentration times average diameter, or simply as d1 weighting. This measurement falls between nu...

50 CFR 216.175 - Requirements for monitoring and reporting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...., FFG, DDG, or CG). (G) Length of time observers maintained visual contact with marine mammal. (H) Wave... height in feet (high, low and average during exercise). (I) Narrative description of sensors and... sensor. (F) Length of time observers maintained visual contact with marine mammal. (G) Wave height. (H...

Hospital length of stay and cost burden of HIV, tuberculosis, and HIV-tuberculosis coinfection among pregnant women in the United States.

PubMed

Falana, Adeola; Akpojiyovwi, Vanessa; Sey, Esther; Akpaffiong, Andika; Agumbah, Olive; Chienye, Samara; Banks, Jamie; Jones, Erin; Spooner, Kiara K; Salemi, Jason L; Olaleye, Omonike A; Onyiego, Sherri D; Salihu, Hamisu M

2018-05-01

We sought to determine hospital length of stay (LOS) and cost burden associated with hospital admissions among pregnant women with HIV monoinfection, tuberculosis (TB) monoinfection, or HIV-TB coinfection in the United States. Analysis covered the period from 2002-2014 using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Relevant ICD-9-CM codes were used to determine HIV and TB status. Costs associated with hospitalization were calculated and adjusted to 2010 dollars using the medical care component of the Consumer Price Index. We found modest annual average reduction in HIV, TB, and HIV-TB coinfection rates over the study period. The mean LOS was lowest among mothers free of HIV or TB disease and highest among those with HIV-TB coinfection. The average LOS among mothers diagnosed with TB monoinfection was 60% higher than for those with HIV monoinfection. The cost associated with pregnancy-related hospital admissions among mothers with HIV was approximately 30% higher than disease-free mothers, and the cost more than doubled among patients with TB monoinfection or HIV-TB coinfection. TB significantly increased hospital care cost among HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women. Copyright © 2018 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Filling double-walled carbon nanotubes with WO3 and W nanowires via confined chemical reactions.

PubMed

Zhao, Keke; Wang, Zhiyong; Shi, Zujin; Gu, Zhennan; Jinj, Zhaoxia

2011-03-01

Carbon nanotubes filled with metals and semiconductors have been regarded as one of the most promising materials for nanodevices. Here, we demonstrate a simple and effective method to produce tungsten trioxide (WO3) and tungsten (W) nanowires with diameters of below 4 nm inside double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs). First, the precursors, i.e., phosphotungstic acid (HPW, H3PW12O40) molecules, are successfully introduced into DWCNTs. Subsequent decomposition and reduction lead to the formation of WO3 and W nanowires inside DWCNTs. The products were carefully characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. FTIR spectra provide a direct proof that the HPW molecules enter the DWCNTs as an ionic state, i.e., PW12O40(3-) and H+, instead of the molecular state. HRTEM analysis shows that the diameter of the WO3 nanowires inside DWCNTs is 1.1-2.4 nm with the average length of 16-18 nm, and that for W nanowires is 1.2-3.4 nm with the average length of 15-17 nm. Meanwhile, DWCNTs are doped by the encapsulated WO3 and W nanowires. Tangential band shift in Raman spectra revealed the charge transfer between the nanowires and carbon nanotubes.

Association between Functional Severity and Amputation Type with Rehabilitation Outcomes in Patients with Lower Limb Amputation

PubMed Central

Graham, James E.; Reistetter, Timothy A.; Kumar, Amit; Niewczyk, Paulette; Granger, Carl V.; Ottenbacher, Kenneth J.

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine independent influences of functional level and lower limb amputation type on inpatient rehabilitation outcomes. We conducted a secondary data analysis for patients with lower limb amputation who received inpatient medical rehabilitation (N = 26,501). The study outcomes included length of stay, discharge functional status, and community discharge. Predictors included the 3-level case mix group variable and a 4-category amputation variable. Age of the sample was 64.5 years (13.4) and 64% were male. More than 75% of patients had a dysvascular-related amputation. Patients with bilateral transfemoral amputations and higher functional severity experienced longest lengths of stay (average 13.7 days) and lowest functional rating at discharge (average 79.4). Likelihood of community discharge was significantly lower for those in more functionally severe patients but did not differ between amputation categories. Functional levels and amputation type are associated with rehabilitation outcomes in inpatient rehabilitation settings. Patients with transfemoral amputations and those in case mix group 1003 (admission motor score less than 36.25) generally experience poorer outcomes than those in other case mix groups. These relationships may be associated with other demographic and/or health factors, which should be explored in future research. PMID:25400948

Predicting deep neck space abscess using computed tomography.

PubMed

Smith, Joseph L; Hsu, Jack M; Chang, Jakwei

2006-01-01

To investigate objective measures that could increase the positive predictive value of computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing deep neck space infections (DNSIs). A retrospective analysis of patients surgically treated at a tertiary care hospital for DNSIs for more than 2 years were reviewed. Patients who had had CT with contrast scanning suggestive of deep neck space abscess within 24 hours before surgery were included. The average Hounsfield units for each abscess were calculated. Based on the intraoperative finding of pus, the patients were divided into groups. Student t tests compared the average Hounsfield units, white blood cell count, and maximum temperature between the groups. Outcomes were measured by comparing overall length of hospital stay, length of postoperative stay, and complications. Of the 32 patients surgically drained, 24 (75%) had discreet collections of pus, whereas 12 (25%) did not. Hounsfield unit measurement was not reliable in distinguishing abscess from phlegmon. None of the other clinical variables studied to distinguish abscess from phlegmon were statistically different either. A statistical difference between the 2 groups was not identified. Although CT with contrast plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of DNSIs, the decision for surgical drainage of an abscess should be made clinically. A negative exploration rate of nearly 25% despite careful selection criteria should be expected.

Food Security and Leukocyte Telomere Length in Adult Americans.

PubMed

Mazidi, Mohsen; Kengne, Andre Pascal; Vatanparast, Hassan

2017-01-01

Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is a biomarker of biologic age. Whether food security status modulates LTL is still unknown. We investigated the association between food security and LTL in participants of the 1999-2002 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to evaluate the association between food security categories and LTL controlling for sex, race, and education and accounting for the survey design and sample weights. We included 10,888 participants with 5228 (48.0%) being men. They were aged on average 44.1 years. In all, 2362 (21.7%) had less than high school, 2787 (25.6%) had achieved high school, while 5705 (52.5%) had done more than high school. In sex-, race-, and education-adjusted ANCOVA, average LTL (T/S ratio) for participants with high food security versus those with marginal, low, or very low food security was 1.32 versus 1.20 for the age group 25-35 years and 1.26 versus 1.11 for the 35-45 years, ( p < 0.001). The association between food insecurity and LTL shortening in young adults suggest that some of the future effects of food insecurity on chronic disease risk in this population could be mediated by telomere shortening.

5 CFR 831.703 - Computation of annuities for part-time service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... during those periods of creditable service. Pre-April 7, 1986, average pay means the largest annual rate..., 1986, service is computed in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 8339 using the pre-April 7, 1986, average pay and... computed in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 8339 using the post-April 6, 1986, average pay and length of service...

Processing of semen by density gradient centrifugation selects spermatozoa with longer telomeres for assisted reproduction techniques.

PubMed

Yang, Qingling; Zhang, Nan; Zhao, Feifei; Zhao, Wanli; Dai, Shanjun; Liu, Jinhao; Bukhari, Ihtisham; Xin, Hang; Niu, Wenbing; Sun, Yingpu

2015-07-01

The ends of eukaryotic chromosomes contain specialized chromatin structures called telomeres, the length of which plays a key role in early human embryonic development. Although the effect of sperm preparation techniques on major sperm characteristics, such as concentration, motility and morphology have been previously documented, the possible status of telomere length and its relation with sperm preparation techniques is not well-known for humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of density gradient centrifugation in the selection of spermatozoa with longer telomeres for use in assisted reproduction techniques in 105 samples before and after sperm processing. After density gradient centrifugation, the average telomere length of the sperm was significantly longer (6.51 ± 2.54 versus 5.16 ± 2.29, P < 0.01), the average motile sperm rate was significantly higher (77.9 ± 11.8 versus 44.6 ± 11.2, P < 0.01), but average DNA fragmentation rate was significantly lower (11.1 ± 5.9 versus 25.9 ± 12.9, P < 0.01) compared with raw semen. Additionally, telomere length was positively correlated with semen sperm count (rs = 0.58; P < 0.01). In conclusion, density gradient centrifugation is a useful technique for selection of sperm with longer telomeres. Copyright © 2015 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Turbulent Premixed Hydrogen/Air Flames.

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-02-15

velocity components i K Kolmogorov scale LC flame length based on a time-averaged unreactedness of 0.5 O-/(0 2 +N2) volumetric fraction of 02 in nonfuel...such effects were observed can be seen directly from the flame lengths , Lc, summarized in Table 2, clearly, L., is consistently shorter for the unstable...al., 1990). Aside from the flame length observations discussed in connection with Table 2, the flame surfaces for stable conditions were much

Entanglement entropy in a one-dimensional disordered interacting system: the role of localization.

PubMed

Berkovits, Richard

2012-04-27

The properties of the entanglement entropy (EE) in one-dimensional disordered interacting systems are studied. Anderson localization leaves a clear signature on the average EE, as it saturates on the length scale exceeding the localization length. This is verified by numerically calculating the EE for an ensemble of disordered realizations using the density matrix renormalization group method. A heuristic expression describing the dependence of the EE on the localization length, which takes into account finite-size effects, is proposed. This is used to extract the localization length as a function of the interaction strength. The localization length dependence on the interaction fits nicely with the expectations.

Quantum discord length is enhanced while entanglement length is not by introducing disorder in a spin chain.

PubMed

Sadhukhan, Debasis; Roy, Sudipto Singha; Rakshit, Debraj; Prabhu, R; Sen De, Aditi; Sen, Ujjwal

2016-01-01

Classical correlation functions of ground states typically decay exponentially and polynomially, respectively, for gapped and gapless short-range quantum spin systems. In such systems, entanglement decays exponentially even at the quantum critical points. However, quantum discord, an information-theoretic quantum correlation measure, survives long lattice distances. We investigate the effects of quenched disorder on quantum correlation lengths of quenched averaged entanglement and quantum discord, in the anisotropic XY and XYZ spin glass and random field chains. We find that there is virtually neither reduction nor enhancement in entanglement length while quantum discord length increases significantly with the introduction of the quenched disorder.

Automatic segmentation and 3D reconstruction of intravascular ultrasound images for a fast preliminar evaluation of vessel pathologies.

PubMed

Sanz-Requena, Roberto; Moratal, David; García-Sánchez, Diego Ramón; Bodí, Vicente; Rieta, José Joaquín; Sanchis, Juan Manuel

2007-03-01

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging is used along with X-ray coronary angiography to detect vessel pathologies. Manual analysis of IVUS images is slow and time-consuming and it is not feasible for clinical purposes. A semi-automated method is proposed to generate 3D reconstructions from IVUS video sequences, so that a fast diagnose can be easily done, quantifying plaque length and severity as well as plaque volume of the vessels under study. The methodology described in this work has four steps: a pre-processing of IVUS images, a segmentation of media-adventitia contour, a detection of intima and plaque and a 3D reconstruction of the vessel. Preprocessing is intended to remove noise from the images without blurring the edges. Segmentation of media-adventitia contour is achieved using active contours (snakes). In particular, we use the gradient vector flow (GVF) as external force for the snakes. The detection of lumen border is obtained taking into account gray-level information of the inner part of the previously detected contours. A knowledge-based approach is used to determine which level of gray corresponds statistically to the different regions of interest: intima, plaque and lumen. The catheter region is automatically discarded. An estimate of plaque type is also given. Finally, 3D reconstruction of all detected regions is made. The suitability of this methodology has been verified for the analysis and visualization of plaque length, stenosis severity, automatic detection of the most problematic regions, calculus of plaque volumes and a preliminary estimation of plaque type obtaining for automatic measures of lumen and vessel area an average error smaller than 1mm(2) (equivalent aproximately to 10% of the average measure), for calculus of plaque and lumen volume errors smaller than 0.5mm(3) (equivalent approximately to 20% of the average measure) and for plaque type estimates a mismatch of less than 8% in the analysed frames.

Characterizing emergency admissions of patients with sickle cell crisis in NHS brent: observational study

PubMed Central

Green, Stuart A; AlJuburi, Ghida; Majeed, Azeem; Okoye, Ogo; Amobi, Carole; Banarsee, Ricky; Phekoo, Karen J

2012-01-01

Objectives To characterize emergency admissions for patients with sickle cell crisis in NHS Brent and to determine which patients and practices may benefit most from primary care intervention. Design Observational study Setting Emergency departments attended by residents of the London borough of Brent Participants Patients with sickle cell disease registered with a general practitioner (GP) in the borough of Brent Main outcome measures Analysis of admissions between January 2008 and July 2010 that included length of stay (average and <2 days versus ≥2 days) by age group and registered GP practice. Results Thirty six percent of sickle cell disease admission spells resulted in a length of stay of less than two days. Seventy four percent of total bed days are associated with patients with more than one admission during the period of analysis, i.e. multiple admissions. Two general practices in Brent were identified as having the highest number of patients admitted to the emergency department for sickle cell crisis and may benefit most from primary care intervention. Discussion Patients with short length of stay and multiple admissions may be potentially amenable to primary care intervention. The practices which have the highest numbers of sickle cell disease patients who frequently seek emergency care will be earmarked for an education intervention designed to help further engage general practitioners in the care and management of their sickle cell patients. PMID:22768371

Characterizing emergency admissions of patients with sickle cell crisis in NHS brent: observational study.

PubMed

Green, Stuart A; Aljuburi, Ghida; Majeed, Azeem; Okoye, Ogo; Amobi, Carole; Banarsee, Ricky; Phekoo, Karen J

2012-06-01

To characterize emergency admissions for patients with sickle cell crisis in NHS Brent and to determine which patients and practices may benefit most from primary care intervention. Observational study Emergency departments attended by residents of the London borough of Brent Patients with sickle cell disease registered with a general practitioner (GP) in the borough of Brent Analysis of admissions between January 2008 and July 2010 that included length of stay (average and <2 days versus ≥2 days) by age group and registered GP practice. Thirty six percent of sickle cell disease admission spells resulted in a length of stay of less than two days. Seventy four percent of total bed days are associated with patients with more than one admission during the period of analysis, i.e. multiple admissions. Two general practices in Brent were identified as having the highest number of patients admitted to the emergency department for sickle cell crisis and may benefit most from primary care intervention. Patients with short length of stay and multiple admissions may be potentially amenable to primary care intervention. The practices which have the highest numbers of sickle cell disease patients who frequently seek emergency care will be earmarked for an education intervention designed to help further engage general practitioners in the care and management of their sickle cell patients.

Genomic DNA sequence and cytosine methylation changes of adult rice leaves after seeds space flight

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Jinming

In this study, cytosine methylation on CCGG site and genomic DNA sequence changes of adult leaves of rice after seeds space flight were detected by methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) and Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique respectively. Rice seeds were planted in the trial field after 4 days space flight on the shenzhou-6 Spaceship of China. Adult leaves of space-treated rice including 8 plants chosen randomly and 2 plants with phenotypic mutation were used for AFLP and MSAP analysis. Polymorphism of both DNA sequence and cytosine methylation were detected. For MSAP analysis, the average polymorphic frequency of the on-ground controls, space-treated plants and mutants are 1.3%, 3.1% and 11% respectively. For AFLP analysis, the average polymorphic frequencies are 1.4%, 2.9%and 8%respectively. Total 27 and 22 polymorphic fragments were cloned sequenced from MSAP and AFLP analysis respectively. Nine of the 27 fragments from MSAP analysis show homology to coding sequence. For the 22 polymorphic fragments from AFLP analysis, no one shows homology to mRNA sequence and eight fragments show homology to repeat region or retrotransposon sequence. These results suggest that although both genomic DNA sequence and cytosine methylation status can be effected by space flight, the genomic region homology to the fragments from genome DNA and cytosine methylation analysis were different.

Neonatal heart rate prediction.

PubMed

Abdel-Rahman, Yumna; Jeremic, Aleksander; Tan, Kenneth

2009-01-01

Technological advances have caused a decrease in the number of infant deaths. Pre-term infants now have a substantially increased chance of survival. One of the mechanisms that is vital to saving the lives of these infants is continuous monitoring and early diagnosis. With continuous monitoring huge amounts of data are collected with so much information embedded in them. By using statistical analysis this information can be extracted and used to aid diagnosis and to understand development. In this study we have a large dataset containing over 180 pre-term infants whose heart rates were recorded over the length of their stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). We test two types of models, empirical bayesian and autoregressive moving average. We then attempt to predict future values. The autoregressive moving average model showed better results but required more computation.

Describing differences in weight and length growth trajectories between white and Pakistani infants in the UK: analysis of the Born in Bradford birth cohort study using multilevel linear spline models.

PubMed

Fairley, Lesley; Petherick, Emily S; Howe, Laura D; Tilling, Kate; Cameron, Noel; Lawlor, Debbie A; West, Jane; Wright, John

2013-04-01

To describe the growth pattern from birth to 2 years of UK-born white British and Pakistani infants. Birth cohort. Bradford, UK. 314 white British boys, 383 Pakistani boys, 328 white British girls and 409 Pakistani girls. Weight and length trajectories based on repeat measurements from birth to 2 years. Linear spline multilevel models for weight and length with knot points at 4 and 9 months fitted the data well. At birth Pakistani boys were 210 g lighter (95% CI -290 to -120) and 0.5 cm shorter (-1.04 to 0.02) and Pakistani girls were 180 g lighter (-260 to -100) and 0.5 cm shorter (-0.91 to -0.03) than white British boys and girls, respectively. Pakistani infants gained length faster than white British infants between 0 and 4 months (+0.3 cm/month (0.1 to 0.5) for boys and +0.4 cm/month (0.2 to 0.6) for girls) and gained more weight per month between 9 and 24 months (+10 g/month (0 to 30) for boys and +30 g/month (20 to 40) for girls). Adjustment for maternal height attenuated ethnic differences in weight and length at birth, but not in postnatal growth. Adjustment for other confounders did not explain differences in any outcomes. Pakistani infants were lighter and had shorter predicted mean length at birth than white British infants, but gained weight and length quicker in infancy. By age 2 years both ethnic groups had similar weight, but Pakistani infants were on average taller than white British infants.

Reproducibility of telomere length assessment: an international collaborative study.

PubMed

Martin-Ruiz, Carmen M; Baird, Duncan; Roger, Laureline; Boukamp, Petra; Krunic, Damir; Cawthon, Richard; Dokter, Martin M; van der Harst, Pim; Bekaert, Sofie; de Meyer, Tim; Roos, Goran; Svenson, Ulrika; Codd, Veryan; Samani, Nilesh J; McGlynn, Liane; Shiels, Paul G; Pooley, Karen A; Dunning, Alison M; Cooper, Rachel; Wong, Andrew; Kingston, Andrew; von Zglinicki, Thomas

2015-10-01

Telomere length is a putative biomarker of ageing, morbidity and mortality. Its application is hampered by lack of widely applicable reference ranges and uncertainty regarding the present limits of measurement reproducibility within and between laboratories. We instigated an international collaborative study of telomere length assessment: 10 different laboratories, employing 3 different techniques [Southern blotting, single telomere length analysis (STELA) and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR)] performed two rounds of fully blinded measurements on 10 human DNA samples per round to enable unbiased assessment of intra- and inter-batch variation between laboratories and techniques. Absolute results from different laboratories differed widely and could thus not be compared directly, but rankings of relative telomere lengths were highly correlated (correlation coefficients of 0.63-0.99). Intra-technique correlations were similar for Southern blotting and qPCR and were stronger than inter-technique ones. However, inter-laboratory coefficients of variation (CVs) averaged about 10% for Southern blotting and STELA and more than 20% for qPCR. This difference was compensated for by a higher dynamic range for the qPCR method as shown by equal variance after z-scoring. Technical variation per laboratory, measured as median of intra- and inter-batch CVs, ranged from 1.4% to 9.5%, with differences between laboratories only marginally significant (P = 0.06). Gel-based and PCR-based techniques were not different in accuracy. Intra- and inter-laboratory technical variation severely limits the usefulness of data pooling and excludes sharing of reference ranges between laboratories. We propose to establish a common set of physical telomere length standards to improve comparability of telomere length estimates between laboratories. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Epidemiological Association.

Single-specialty management and reconstruction of necrotizing fasciitis of the upper extremities: clinical and economic benefits from a case series.

PubMed

Mattison, Gennaya; Leis, Amber R; Gupta, Subhas C

2014-05-01

Patients with necrotizing fasciitis are managed with multiple prompt, radical surgical debridements and critical care support. Debridement and reconstruction are often provided by different surgical teams. Anecdotally, single-specialty management seemed to be a more efficient management strategy. This study aimed to investigate and compare the outcomes of management by plastic surgery versus multiple disciplines through a retrospective economic and clinical analysis of patients with necrotizing fasciitis treated over 8 years. We also present 3 index cases for which our service functioned as the primary management team. Necrotizing fasciitis cases evaluated and treated by our department, covering both Level I and Level II Trauma Centers, were reviewed for total charges, length of hospital stay, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and number of procedures. The admission Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was calculated for each patient. Three comparative index cases of upper extremity necrotizing fasciitis managed primarily by the plastic surgery team are presented in greater detail. Patients managed primarily by the plastic surgery service had equivalent Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores to patients managed by multiple services for their necrotizing fasciitis, with the average score higher for patients managed by plastic surgery alone. In a case-matched series of upper extremity necrotizing fasciitis, the patients admitted directly to plastic surgery had shorter average lengths of hospital and ICU stays as well as decreased total number of procedures, resulting in decreased average total hospital charges. There were no amputations among the cases treated primarily by the plastic surgery. The patients also required smaller areas of reconstruction with skin grafting despite large initial areas of debridement compared to those whose reconstructive teams differed from the team performing the debridement. Improved economic and clinical outcomes-as indicated by the reduced lengths of overall and ICU stay, the reduced number of procedures, none of the cases requiring amputation, and the reduced need for skin grafting-may be attainable when the surgeon eventually performing the reconstruction is involved early in management. We propose that, in the interest of improving patient care, a closer collaboration should be established between the reconstructive and primary managing teams.

3D morphometry using automated aortic segmentation in native MR angiography: an alternative to contrast enhanced MRA?

PubMed

Müller-Eschner, Matthias; Müller, Tobias; Biesdorf, Andreas; Wörz, Stefan; Rengier, Fabian; Böckler, Dittmar; Kauczor, Hans-Ulrich; Rohr, Karl; von Tengg-Kobligk, Hendrik

2014-04-01

Native-MR angiography (N-MRA) is considered an imaging alternative to contrast enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) for patients with renal insufficiency. Lower intraluminal contrast in N-MRA often leads to failure of the segmentation process in commercial algorithms. This study introduces an in-house 3D model-based segmentation approach used to compare both sequences by automatic 3D lumen segmentation, allowing for evaluation of differences of aortic lumen diameters as well as differences in length comparing both acquisition techniques at every possible location. Sixteen healthy volunteers underwent 1.5-T-MR Angiography (MRA). For each volunteer, two different MR sequences were performed, CE-MRA: gradient echo Turbo FLASH sequence and N-MRA: respiratory-and-cardiac-gated, T2-weighted 3D SSFP. Datasets were segmented using a 3D model-based ellipse-fitting approach with a single seed point placed manually above the celiac trunk. The segmented volumes were manually cropped from left subclavian artery to celiac trunk to avoid error due to side branches. Diameters, volumes and centerline length were computed for intraindividual comparison. For statistical analysis the Wilcoxon-Signed-Ranked-Test was used. Average centerline length obtained based on N-MRA was 239.0±23.4 mm compared to 238.6±23.5 mm for CE-MRA without significant difference (P=0.877). Average maximum diameter obtained based on N-MRA was 25.7±3.3 mm compared to 24.1±3.2 mm for CE-MRA (P<0.001). In agreement with the difference in diameters, volumes obtained based on N-MRA (100.1±35.4 cm(3)) were consistently and significantly larger compared to CE-MRA (89.2±30.0 cm(3)) (P<0.001). 3D morphometry shows highly similar centerline lengths for N-MRA and CE-MRA, but systematically higher diameters and volumes for N-MRA.

3D morphometry using automated aortic segmentation in native MR angiography: an alternative to contrast enhanced MRA?

PubMed Central

Müller-Eschner, Matthias; Müller, Tobias; Biesdorf, Andreas; Wörz, Stefan; Rengier, Fabian; Böckler, Dittmar; Kauczor, Hans-Ulrich; Rohr, Karl

2014-01-01

Introduction Native-MR angiography (N-MRA) is considered an imaging alternative to contrast enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA) for patients with renal insufficiency. Lower intraluminal contrast in N-MRA often leads to failure of the segmentation process in commercial algorithms. This study introduces an in-house 3D model-based segmentation approach used to compare both sequences by automatic 3D lumen segmentation, allowing for evaluation of differences of aortic lumen diameters as well as differences in length comparing both acquisition techniques at every possible location. Methods and materials Sixteen healthy volunteers underwent 1.5-T-MR Angiography (MRA). For each volunteer, two different MR sequences were performed, CE-MRA: gradient echo Turbo FLASH sequence and N-MRA: respiratory-and-cardiac-gated, T2-weighted 3D SSFP. Datasets were segmented using a 3D model-based ellipse-fitting approach with a single seed point placed manually above the celiac trunk. The segmented volumes were manually cropped from left subclavian artery to celiac trunk to avoid error due to side branches. Diameters, volumes and centerline length were computed for intraindividual comparison. For statistical analysis the Wilcoxon-Signed-Ranked-Test was used. Results Average centerline length obtained based on N-MRA was 239.0±23.4 mm compared to 238.6±23.5 mm for CE-MRA without significant difference (P=0.877). Average maximum diameter obtained based on N-MRA was 25.7±3.3 mm compared to 24.1±3.2 mm for CE-MRA (P<0.001). In agreement with the difference in diameters, volumes obtained based on N-MRA (100.1±35.4 cm3) were consistently and significantly larger compared to CE-MRA (89.2±30.0 cm3) (P<0.001). Conclusions 3D morphometry shows highly similar centerline lengths for N-MRA and CE-MRA, but systematically higher diameters and volumes for N-MRA. PMID:24834406

Needle thoracostomy in the treatment of a tension pneumothorax in trauma patients: what size needle?

PubMed

Zengerink, Imme; Brink, Peter R; Laupland, Kevin B; Raber, Earl L; Zygun, Dave; Kortbeek, John B

2008-01-01

A tension pneumothorax requires immediate decompression using a needle thoracostomy. According to advanced trauma life support guidelines this procedure is performed in the second intercostal space (ICS) in the midclavicular line (MCL), using a 4.5-cm (2-inch) catheter (5-cm needle). Previous studies have shown a failure rate of up to 40% using this technique. Case reports have suggested that this high failure rate could be because of insufficient length of the needle. To analyze the average chest wall thickness (CWT) at the second ICS in the MCL in a trauma population and to evaluate the length of the needle used in needle thoracostomy for emergency decompression of tension pneumothoraces. Retrospective review of major trauma admissions (Injury Severity Score >12) at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Canada, who underwent a computed tomography chest scan admitted in the period from October 2001 until March 2004. Subgroup analysis on men and women, <40 years of age and >/=40 years of age was defined a priori. CWT was measured to the nearest 0.01 cm at the second ICS in the MCL. The mean CWT in the 604 male patients and 170 female patients studied averaged 3.50 cm at the left second ICS MCL and 3.51 cm on the right. The mean CWT was significantly higher for women than men (p < 0.0001). About 9.9% to 19.3% of the men had a CWT >4.5 cm and 24.1% to 35.4% of the women studied. A catheter length of 4.5 cm may not penetrate the chest wall of a substantial amount (9.9%-35.4%) of the population, depending on age and gender. This study demonstrates the need for a variable needle length for relief of a tension pneumothorax in certain population groups to improve effectiveness of needle thoracostomy.

Predicting excess cost for older inpatients with clinical complexity: A retrospective cohort study examining cognition, comorbidities and complications

PubMed Central

Draper, Brian; Berry, Helen; Karmel, Rosemary; Goss, John

2018-01-01

Background Hospital-acquired complications increase length of stay and contribute to poorer patient outcomes. Older adults are known to be at risk for four key hospital-acquired complications (pressure injuries, pneumonia, urinary tract infections and delirium). These complications have been identified as sensitive to nursing characteristics such as staffing levels and level of education. The cost of these complications compared to the cost of admission severity, dementia, other comorbidities or age has not been established. Method To investigate costs associated with nurse-sensitive hospital-acquired complications in an older patient population 157,178 overnight public hospital episodes for all patients over age 50 from one Australian state, 2006/07 were examined. A retrospective cohort study design with linear regression analysis provided modelling of length-of-stay costs. Explanatory variables included patient age, sex, comorbidities, admission severity, dementia status, surgical status and four complications. Extra costs were based on above-average length-of-stay for each patient’s Diagnosis Related Group from hospital discharge data. Results For adults over 50 who have length of stay longer than average for their diagnostic condition, comorbid dementia predicts an extra cost of A$874, (US$1,247); any one of four key complications predicts A$812 (US$1,159); each increase in admission severity score predicts A$295 ($US421); each additional comorbidity predicts A$259 (US$370), and for each year of age above 50 predicts A$20 (US$29) (all estimates significant at p<0.0001). Discussion Hospital-acquired complications and dementia cost more than other kinds of inpatient complexity, but admission severity is a better predictor of excess cost. Because complications are potentially preventable and dementia care in hospitals can be improved, risk-reduction strategies for common complications, particularly for patients with dementia could be cost effective. Conclusions Complications and dementia were found to cost more than other kinds of inpatient complexity. PMID:29474407

Predicting excess cost for older inpatients with clinical complexity: A retrospective cohort study examining cognition, comorbidities and complications.

PubMed

Bail, Kasia; Draper, Brian; Berry, Helen; Karmel, Rosemary; Goss, John

2018-01-01

Hospital-acquired complications increase length of stay and contribute to poorer patient outcomes. Older adults are known to be at risk for four key hospital-acquired complications (pressure injuries, pneumonia, urinary tract infections and delirium). These complications have been identified as sensitive to nursing characteristics such as staffing levels and level of education. The cost of these complications compared to the cost of admission severity, dementia, other comorbidities or age has not been established. To investigate costs associated with nurse-sensitive hospital-acquired complications in an older patient population 157,178 overnight public hospital episodes for all patients over age 50 from one Australian state, 2006/07 were examined. A retrospective cohort study design with linear regression analysis provided modelling of length-of-stay costs. Explanatory variables included patient age, sex, comorbidities, admission severity, dementia status, surgical status and four complications. Extra costs were based on above-average length-of-stay for each patient's Diagnosis Related Group from hospital discharge data. For adults over 50 who have length of stay longer than average for their diagnostic condition, comorbid dementia predicts an extra cost of A$874, (US$1,247); any one of four key complications predicts A$812 (US$1,159); each increase in admission severity score predicts A$295 ($US421); each additional comorbidity predicts A$259 (US$370), and for each year of age above 50 predicts A$20 (US$29) (all estimates significant at p<0.0001). Hospital-acquired complications and dementia cost more than other kinds of inpatient complexity, but admission severity is a better predictor of excess cost. Because complications are potentially preventable and dementia care in hospitals can be improved, risk-reduction strategies for common complications, particularly for patients with dementia could be cost effective. Complications and dementia were found to cost more than other kinds of inpatient complexity.

The importance of costoclavicular space on possible compression of the subclavian artery in the thoracic outlet region: a radio-anatomical study.

PubMed

Kaplan, Tevfik; Comert, Ayhan; Esmer, Ali Firat; Ataç, Gökçe Kaan; Acar, Halil Ibrahim; Ozkurt, Bulent; Tekdemir, Ibrahim; Han, Serdar

2018-04-16

The purposes of this study were to identify possible compression points along the transit route of the subclavian artery and to provide a detailed anatomical analysis of areas that are involved in the surgical management of the thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). The results of the current study are based on measurements from cadavers, computed tomography (CT) scans and dry adult first ribs. The width and length of the interscalene space and the width of the costoclavicular passage were measured on 18 cervical dissections in 9 cadavers, on 50 dry first ribs and on CT angiography sections from 15 patients whose conditions were not related to TOS. The average width and length of the interscalene space in cadavers were 15.28 ± 1.94 mm and 15.98 ± 2.13 mm, respectively. The widths of the costoclavicular passage (12.42 ± 1.43 mm) were significantly narrower than the widths and lengths of the interscalene space in cadavers (P < 0.05). The average width and length of the interscalene space (groove for the subclavian artery) in 50 dry ribs were 15.53 ± 2.12 mm and 16.12 ± 1.95 mm, respectively. In CT images, the widths of the costoclavicular passage were also significantly narrower than those of the interscalene space (P < 0.05). The measurements from cadavers, dry first ribs and CT images were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Our results showed that the costoclavicular width was the narrowest space along the passage route of the subclavian artery. When considering the surgical decompression of the subclavian artery for TOS, this narrowest area should always be kept in mind. Since measurements from CT images and cadavers were significantly similar, CT measurements may be used to evaluate the thoracic outlet region in patients with TOS.

International variations in primary care physician consultation time: a systematic review of 67 countries.

PubMed

Irving, Greg; Neves, Ana Luisa; Dambha-Miller, Hajira; Oishi, Ai; Tagashira, Hiroko; Verho, Anistasiya; Holden, John

2017-11-08

To describe the average primary care physician consultation length in economically developed and low-income/middle-income countries, and to examine the relationship between consultation length and organisational-level economic, and health outcomes. This is a systematic review of published and grey literature in English, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian languages from 1946 to 2016, for articles reporting on primary care physician consultation lengths. Data were extracted and analysed for quality, and linear regression models were constructed to examine the relationship between consultation length and health service outcomes. One hundred and seventy nine studies were identified from 111 publications covering 28 570 712 consultations in 67 countries. Average consultation length differed across the world, ranging from 48 s in Bangladesh to 22.5 min in Sweden. We found that 18 countries representing about 50% of the global population spend 5 min or less with their primary care physicians. We also found significant associations between consultation length and healthcare spending per capita, admissions to hospital with ambulatory sensitive conditions such as diabetes, primary care physician density, physician efficiency and physician satisfaction. There are international variations in consultation length, and it is concerning that a large proportion of the global population have only a few minutes with their primary care physicians. Such a short consultation length is likely to adversely affect patient healthcare and physician workload and stress. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Anti-proliferative effects of O-acyl-low-molecular-weight heparin derivatives on bovine pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells.

PubMed

Garg, Hari G; Mrabat, Hicham; Yu, Lunyin; Hales, Charles A; Li, Boyangzi; Moore, Casey N; Zhang, Fuming; Linhardt, Robert J

2011-08-01

Heparin (HP) inhibits the growth of several cell types in vitro including bovine pulmonary artery (BPA) smooth muscle cells (SMCs). In initial studies we discovered that an O-hexanoylated low-molecular-weight (LMW) HP derivative having acyl groups with 6-carbon chain length was more potent inhibitor of BPA-SMCs than the starting HP. We prepared several O-acylated LMWHP derivatives having 4-, 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, and 18- carbon acyl chain lengths to determine the optimal acyl chain length for maximum anti-proliferative properties of BPA-SMCs. The starting LMWHP was prepared from unfractionated HP by sodium periodate treatment followed by sodium borohydride reduction. The tri-n-butylammonium salt of this LMWHP was O-acylated with butanoic, hexanoic, octanoic, decanoic, dodecanoic, and stearyl anhydrides separately to give respective O-acylated LMWHP derivatives. Gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) was used to examine the average molecular weights of those O-acylated LMWHP derivatives. NMR analysis indicated the presence of one O-acyl group per disaccharide residue. Measurement of the inhibition of BPA-SMCS as a function of O-acyl chain length shows two optima, at a carbon chain length of 6 (O-hexanoylated LMWHP) and at a carbon chain length 12-18 (O-dodecanoyl and O-stearyl LMWHPs). A solution competition SPR study was performed to test the ability of different O-acylated LMWHP derivatives to inhibit fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 1 and FGF2 binding to surface-immobilized heparin. All the LMWHP derivatives bound to FGF1 and FGF2 but each exhibited slightly different binding affinity.

Determination of Normal Distribution of Distended Colon Volumes to Guide Performance of Colonic Imaging With Fluid Distention.

PubMed

Zheng, Karen S; Small, William C; Mittal, Pardeep K; Cai, Qingpo; Kang, Jian; Moreno, Courtney C

2016-01-01

The purpose was to determine the normal distribution of distended colon volumes as a guide for rectal contrast material administration protocols. All computed tomography colonography studies performed at Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, between January 2009 and January 2015, were reviewed retrospectively. In total, 85 subjects were included in the analysis (64% [54 of 85] female and 36% [31 of 85] male). Mean patient age was 65 years (range: 42-86y). Distended colon volumes were determined from colon length and transaxial diameter measurements made using a 3-dimensional workstation. Age, sex, race, height, weight, and body mass index were recorded. The normal distributions of distended colon volumes and lengths were determined. Correlations between colonic volume and colonic length, and demographic variables were assessed. Mean colon volume was 2.1L (range: 0.7-4.4L). Nearly, 17% of patients had a distended colonic volume of >3L. Mean colon length was 197cm (range: 118-285cm). A weak negative correlation was found between age and colonic volume (r = -0.221; P = 0.04). A weak positive correlation was found between body mass index and colonic length (r = 0.368; P = 0.007). Otherwise, no significant correlations were found for distended colonic volume or length and demographic variables. In conclusion, an average of approximately 2L of contrast material may be necessary to achieve full colonic opacification. This volume is larger than previously reported volumes (0.8-1.5L) for rectal contrast material administration protocols. Copyright © 2015 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

[Case-control study on methods of limb length control in hip arthroplasty].

PubMed

Zhang, Yang-yang; Zuo, Jian-lin; Gao, Zhong-li

2016-02-01

To introduce a new measuring tool for measuring postoperative limb length exactly, and to provide a convenient and effective method to control limb length after total hip replacement. From January 2013 to September 2014, 102 patients undergoing primary unilateral hip replacement were divided into two groups: experimental group and control group. There were 51 patients in the experimental group, including 25 males and 26 females, ranging in age from 37 to 92 years old, with an average of 60.41 years old. The patients in experimental group were treated with new method to control limb length. Other 51 patients in the control group, including 27 males and 24 females, ranging in age from 35 to 87 years old, with an average of 61.00 years old. The patients in the control group were treated with normal methods such as shuck test or limb touching. All the patients were operated by the same experienced surgeon. In the experimental group,total hip arthroplasties (THA) were performed on 35 patients with avascular necrosis of the femoral head or femoral neck fracture, and 16 patients were treated with hemiarthroplasty (HA). In the control group, 38 patients received THA and 13 patients received HA. On the anterior-posterior X-ray radiograph, several indexes were measured as follows: the distance of bilateral femoral offset (a), the height from tip of great trochanter to the rotation center of the femoral head (b) and the vertical distance between the top of the minor trochanter and the two tear drops line (c). The leg length discrepancy can be assessed with three parameters as follows: d1, the absolute value of the difference between the bilateral a values; d2, the difference between the bilateral b values; d3, the difference between the bilateral c values. The SPSS 21.0 was applied for the statistical analysis. In the experimental and control groups, d1 were 4.49 mm and 7.32 mm (P = 0.013); d2 were 2.37 mm and 4.32 mm (P = 0.033); d3 were 3.32 mm and 6.08 mm (P = 0.031). The values of d1, d2 and d3 in the experimental group were significant smaller than those in the control group. The new measuring tool and method can be used to control the limb length and offset effectively during operation.

Age and growth of the kiyi, Leucichthys kiyi Koelz, in Lake Michigan

USGS Publications Warehouse

Deason, Hilary J.; Hile, Ralph

1947-01-01

Ages were determined and individual growth histories were calculated from the examination and measurement of the scales of 1,649 kiyis captured at seven localities in Lake Michigan in 1931 and 1932. The numbers of individuals employed for the investigation of other phases of the life history (such as length-frequency distributions, length-weight relationship, and sex ratio) varied according to the amount of data available or required. Age-group IV was dominant in the 1931 collections from Racine, Port Washington, and Kewaunee, Wisconsin, and age-group V dominated the 1932 samples from the Fox Islands and from three localities southward of Manistique, Michigan. A trend was noticeable toward an increase in average age from south to north. Among the explanations suggested for the observed differences in age composition were: Variation with latitude in the natural span of life; differences in fishing intensity; fluctuations in the strength of year classes (to account possibly for the shift in the dominant age group from 1931 to 1932). The oldest male kiyi belonged to the VII group and the oldest female was a member of the X group. The possible distorting effects of such factors as gear selection traceable to differences in the mesh sizes of nets fished in 1931 and 1932, selection by nets on the basis of the condition (K) of the fish, and local variations in fishing intensity and hence in the selective destruction of rapidly growing individuals in the fishery were held to be sufficiently great to render doubtful the significance of most of the observed local differences in growth rate. Kiyis from all samples were combined to determine the general growth in length. The growth in weight of the Fox Islands fish, however, was considered separately as these fish were consistently lighter than kiyis of corresponding length from other localities. The Lake Michigan kiyi grows slowly, with the females growing slightly more rapidly than the males. The grand average calculated lengths indicated, for example, that the females did not attain a total length of 10 inches until the fifth year of life or the males until the sixth. Similarly, the calculated weight of 4 ounces was not reached until the fifth or sixth year (with the actual time varying with sex and locality). The season's growth of the kiyi probably begins sometime in May and most or all of the growth is completed by the end of August. The calculated lengths of the age groups exhibited large discrepancies that differed from “Lee's phenomenon” as ordinarily observed in that the data for the later rather than the earlier years of life were affected most severely. Chief among the factors held responsible for these discrepancies were gear selection and the selective destruction of the more rapidly growing individuals in the fishery. Errors inherent in the (direct-proportion) method of computing growth from scale measurements were considered to have been unimportant. The Lake Michigan kiyi exhibits growth compensation–the tendency for the smaller of the young fish to have the more rapid growth in the later years of life. Comparisons with the average lengths and weights of the age groups of the Lake Ontario kiyi given by Pritchard (1931) indicated the Lake Michigan fish to be the larger at the earlier ages (age-groups II and III) and the smaller at the later ages (age-groups IV to VI). The length-frequency distributions of the age groups exhibited extensive overlap. As many as eight age groups were represented in a single centimeter interval of length. The length frequencies and average lengths of all fish collected, arranged according to the mesh sizes of the gill nets by which they were captured, revealed that the selective action of these nets in the taking of kiyis was much more obvious in the numbers of fish in the catch than in their average size. As an illustration, in 1930–1931, the 2 3/4-inch mesh nets took fish that were only 0.1 inch longer than those in 2 1/2-inch meshes but captured less than one fourth as many. Gill nets fished in northern Lake Michigan in 1932 captured kiyis that averaged 0.2 to 0.4 inch longer than those taken in the same meshes in southern Lake Michigan in 1930–1931. Because of the more slender form of kiyis from the northeastern island region of Lake Michigan, data on the general length weight relationship were compiled separately for fish of that area and for those of the great central basins of the lake. In both regions the weight increased to a power slightly greater than the cube of the length. Available information on condition indicated that the coefficient (K) was higher in August and early September than in May, June, and July. Condition declined from early September to October and early November–the latter period the time of most active spawning. Spawning itself was accompanied by an additional loss of about 12 per cent of the body weight of females and of somewhat less than 2 per cent of the weight of males. Analysis of the variations of K within a group that was homogeneous with respect to age, sex, maturity, and time of collection revealed that a net of a particular mesh size tends to take the heavier of the shorter fish and the lighter of the longer fish within its range of effectiveness. Among fish of the same length the values of K tended to increase with increase in the mesh size of the nets employed for their capture. Practically all fish in the samples were mature (only 11 immature in more than 6,000). These “immature” fish were probably “non-functional” since all of them approached or exceeded the average length of the mature kiyis. Females were strongly predominant in the collections at all seasons but were relatively more plentiful during the summer (90 per cent of the total) than during the spawning period (75 per cent). Possible factors contributing to this predominance of females and to the change in the sex ratio at the spawning season were discussed. A decrease in the relative abundance of males with increase in age appears to be characteristic of the kiyi. This decrease indicates a differential mortality of th sexes (greater relative destruction of males in the spawning period when they are unusually abundant or a greater natural mortality rate for the males). Current fishery regulations on mesh size and closed seasons afford the kiyi good protection but offer no guarantee against depletion from too intensive fishing.

In Vivo measurement of pediatric vocal fold motion using structured light laser projection.

PubMed

Patel, Rita R; Donohue, Kevin D; Lau, Daniel; Unnikrishnan, Harikrishnan

2013-07-01

The aim of the study was to present the development of a miniature structured light laser projection endoscope and to quantify vocal fold length and vibratory features related to impact stress of the pediatric glottis using high-speed imaging. The custom-developed laser projection system consists of a green laser with a 4-mm diameter optics module at the tip of the endoscope, projecting 20 vertical laser lines on the glottis. Measurements of absolute phonatory vocal fold length, membranous vocal fold length, peak amplitude, amplitude-to-length ratio, average closing velocity, and impact velocity were obtained in five children (6-9 years), two adult male and three adult female participants without voice disorders, and one child (10 years) with bilateral vocal fold nodules during modal phonation. Independent measurements made on the glottal length of a vocal fold phantom demonstrated a 0.13mm bias error with a standard deviation of 0.23mm, indicating adequate precision and accuracy for measuring vocal fold structures and displacement. First, in vivo measurements of amplitude-to-length ratio, peak closing velocity, and impact velocity during phonation in pediatric population and a child with vocal fold nodules are reported. The proposed laser projection system can be used to obtain in vivo measurements of absolute length and vibratory features in children and adults. Children have large amplitude-to-length ratio compared with typically developing adults, whereas nodules result in larger peak amplitude, amplitude-to-length ratio, average closing velocity, and impact velocity compared with typically developing children. Copyright © 2013 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of nanotube length and density on the plasmonic terahertz response of single-walled carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karlsen, P.; Shuba, M. V.; Beckerleg, C.; Yuko, D. I.; Kuzhir, P. P.; Maksimenko, S. A.; Ksenevich, V.; Viet, Ho; Nasibulin, A. G.; Tenne, R.; Hendry, E.

2018-01-01

We measure the conductivity spectra of thin films comprising bundled single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) of different average lengths in the frequency range 0.3-1000 THz and temperature interval 10-530 K. The observed temperature-induced changes in the terahertz conductivity spectra are shown to depend strongly on the average CNT length, with a conductivity around 1 THz that increases/decreases as the temperature increases for short/long tubes. This behaviour originates from the temperature dependence of the electron scattering rate, which we obtain from Drude fits of the measured conductivity in the range 0.3-2 THz for 10 μm length CNTs. This increasing scattering rate with temperature results in a subsequent broadening of the observed THz conductivity peak at higher temperatures and a shift to lower frequencies for increasing CNT length. Finally, we show that the change in conductivity with temperature depends not only on tube length, but also varies with tube density. We record the effective conductivities of composite films comprising mixtures of WS2 nanotubes and CNTs versus CNT density for frequencies in the range 0.3-1 THz, finding that the conductivity increases/decreases for low/high density films as the temperature increases. This effect arises due to the density dependence of the effective length of conducting pathways in the composite films, which again leads to a shift and temperature dependent broadening of the THz conductivity peak.

The average direct current offset values for small digital audio recorders in an acoustically consistent environment.

PubMed

Koenig, Bruce E; Lacey, Douglas S

2014-07-01

In this research project, nine small digital audio recorders were tested using five sets of 30-min recordings at all available recording modes, with consistent audio material, identical source and microphone locations, and identical acoustic environments. The averaged direct current (DC) offset values and standard deviations were measured for 30-sec and 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, 10-, 15-, and 30-min segments. The research found an inverse association between segment lengths and the standard deviation values and that lengths beyond 30 min may not meaningfully reduce the standard deviation values. This research supports previous studies indicating that measured averaged DC offsets should only be used for exclusionary purposes in authenticity analyses and exhibit consistent values when the general acoustic environment and microphone/recorder configurations were held constant. Measured average DC offset values from exemplar recorders may not be directly comparable to those of submitted digital audio recordings without exactly duplicating the acoustic environment and microphone/recorder configurations. © 2014 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF IDIOPATHIC FOVEOMACULAR RETINOSCHISIS.

PubMed

Maruko, Ichiro; Morizane, Yuki; Kimura, Shuhei; Shiode, Yusuke; Hosokawa, Mio; Sekiryu, Tetsuju; Iida, Tomohiro; Shiraga, Fumio

2016-08-01

To describe the clinical features of idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis not in association with myopia, glaucoma, optic disk pit, or juvenile retinoschisis. Retrospective observational case series. Five eyes of five patients with idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis were included. The patients were 2 men and 3 women (average age, 75.2 years; range, 71-78 years). The average spherical equivalent was +2.40 diopters (range, +0.88 to +5.75 diopters), and the average axial length was 22.0 mm (range, 21.1-23.1 mm). All patients had retinoschisis from the macula to the optic disk in the affected eye. No patients had retinoschisis in the fellow eye. The average best-corrected visual acuity was 20/44 (68 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letter score). Idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis is not inherited or associated with myopia, vitreomacular traction syndrome, optic pit, or glaucoma but is associated with older age, unilaterality, hyperopia with short axial length, complete posterior vitreous detachment, and weak leakage from the optic disk on fluorescein angiography.

Genome-wide characterization of long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) provides new insight into viral diseases in honey bees Apis cerana and Apis mellifera.

PubMed

Jayakodi, Murukarthick; Jung, Je Won; Park, Doori; Ahn, Young-Joon; Lee, Sang-Choon; Shin, Sang-Yoon; Shin, Chanseok; Yang, Tae-Jin; Kwon, Hyung Wook

2015-09-04

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNAs that do not encode proteins. Recently, lncRNAs have gained special attention for their roles in various biological process and diseases. In an attempt to identify long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) and their possible involvement in honey bee development and diseases, we analyzed RNA-seq datasets generated from Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) and western honey bee (Apis mellifera). We identified 2470 lincRNAs with an average length of 1011 bp from A. cerana and 1514 lincRNAs with an average length of 790 bp in A. mellifera. Comparative analysis revealed that 5 % of the total lincRNAs derived from both species are unique in each species. Our comparative digital gene expression analysis revealed a high degree of tissue-specific expression among the seven major tissues of honey bee, different from mRNA expression patterns. A total of 863 (57 %) and 464 (18 %) lincRNAs showed tissue-dependent expression in A. mellifera and A. cerana, respectively, most preferentially in ovary and fat body tissues. Importantly, we identified 11 lincRNAs that are specifically regulated upon viral infection in honey bees, and 10 of them appear to play roles during infection with various viruses. This study provides the first comprehensive set of lincRNAs for honey bees and opens the door to discover lincRNAs associated with biological and hormone signaling pathways as well as various diseases of honey bee.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Mechanism Underlying the Production of a High Quantity of Chlorogenic Acid in Young Leaves of Lonicera macranthoides Hand.-Mazz

PubMed Central

Chen, Zexiong; Tang, Ning; You, Yuming; Lan, Jianbin; Liu, Yiqing; Li, Zhengguo

2015-01-01

Lonicera macranthoides Hand.-Mazz (L. macranthoides) is a medicinal herb that is widely distributed in southern China. The biosynthetic and metabolic pathways for a core secondary metabolite in L. macranthoides, chlorogenic acid (CGA), have been elucidated in many species. However, the mechanisms of CGA biosynthesis and the related gene regulatory network in L. macranthoides are still not well understood. In this study, CGA content was quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and CGA levels differed significantly among three tissues; specifically, the CGA content in young leaves (YL) was greater than that in young stems (YS), which was greater than that in mature flowers (MF). Transcriptome analysis of L. macranthoides yielded a total of 53,533,014 clean reads (average length 90 bp) and 76,453 unigenes (average length 703 bp). A total of 3,767 unigenes were involved in biosynthesis pathways of secondary metabolites. Of these unigenes, 80 were possibly related to CGA biosynthesis. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened in different tissues including YL, MF and YS. In these tissues, 24 DEGs were found to be associated with CGA biosynthesis, including six phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) genes, six 4-coumarate coenzyme A ligase (4CL) genes, four cinnamate 4-Hydroxylase (C4H) genes, seven hydroxycinnamoyl transferase/hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA quinate transferase HCT/HQT genes and one coumarate 3-hydroxylase (C3H) gene.These results further the understanding of CGA biosynthesis and the related regulatory network in L. macranthoides. PMID:26381882

Correlation of soft palate length with velum obstruction and severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PubMed

Lim, Ju-Shin; Lee, Jae Woo; Han, Chun; Kwon, Jang-Woo

2018-06-01

Our aim in this study was to analyze whether soft palate length and velum obstruction during sleep are correlated and to determine the effects of related parameters on obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) severity. We used computed tomography to measure soft palate length and drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) to evaluate velum obstruction severity. Patients also underwent polysomnography (PSG) for evaluation of OSAS severity. A retrospective cohort of 67 patients with OSAS treated between May 1st, 2013 and July 31st, 2016 was analyzed. Each patient underwent DISE, PSG, and computed tomography. Using DISE, velum obstruction was categorized by the VOTE classification method. Using computed tomography, soft palate length was measured as the length of the posterior nasal spine to the uvula. Correlations of velum obstruction in DISE and PSG parameters (obstructive apnea, hypopnea, apnea hypopnea index (AHI), respiratory effort related arousal (RERA), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), baseline SaO 2 , and minimum SaO 2 ) with soft palate length were also analyzed. Among the 67 patients, the average PNS-U length was 39.90±4.19mm. Length was significantly different by age but not by other demographic characteristics such as sex, past history, or BMI. DISE revealed a statistically significant difference of velum obstruction degree; the cutoff value for PNS-U was 39.47mm. The PSG results, obstructive apnea, AHI, RDI, baseline SaO 2 , and minimum SaO 2 were correlated with PNS-U length, while other results such as hypopnea and RERA showed no correlation. Analysis of soft palate length showed that increased PNS-U length was associated with higher rates of obstructive apnea, AHI, and RDI as assessed by PSG. In contrast, lower baseline SaO 2 and minimum SaO 2 values were seen by PSG; more severe velum obstruction was seen by DISE. We propose that when a soft palate is suspected in OSAS, computed tomography measurement of soft palate length is a valid method for estimating the degree of velum obstruction and the severity of OSAS. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Impact of HMO ownership on management processes and utilization outcomes.

PubMed

Ahern, M; Molinari, C

2001-05-01

To examine the effects of health maintenance organization (HMO) ownership characteristics on selected utilization outcomes and management processes affecting utilization. We used 1995 HMO data from the American Association of Health Plans. Using regression analysis, we examined the relation between HMO utilization (hospital discharges, days, and average length of stay; cardiac catheterization procedures; and average cost of outpatient prescriptions) and the structural characteristics of HMOs: ownership type (insurance company, hospital, physician, independent, and national managed care company), HMO size, for-profit status, model type, geographic region, and payer mix. HMO ownership type is significantly associated with medical management processes, including risk sharing by providers, risk sharing by consumers, and other management strategies. Relative to hospital-owned HMOs, insurance company-owned HMOs have fewer hospital discharges, fewer hospital days, and longer lengths of stay. National managed care organization-owned HMOs have fewer cardiac catheterizations and lower average outpatient prescription costs. Independently owned HMOs have more cardiac catheterizations. For-profit HMOs have lower prescription costs. Relative to hospital-owned HMOs, insurance company-owned HMOs are more likely to use hospital risk sharing and provider capitation and less likely to use out-of-pocket payments for hospital use and a closed formulary. National managed care organization-owned HMOs are less likely to use provider capitation, out-of-pocket payments for hospital use, catastrophic case management, and hospital risk sharing. Physician-hospital-owned HMOs are less likely to use catastrophic case management. For-profit HMOs are more likely to use hospital risk sharing and catastrophic case management. HMO ownership type affects utilization outcomes and management strategies.

Telomere length dynamics in human memory T cells specific for viruses causing acute or latent infections

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Declining telomere length (TL) is associated with T cell senescence. While TL in naïve and memory T cells declines with increasing age, there is limited data on TL dynamics in virus-specific memory CD4+ T cells in healthy adults. We combined BrdU-labeling of virus-stimulated T cells followed with flow cytometry-fluorescent in situ hybridization for TL determination. We analyzed TL in T cells specific for several virus infections: non-recurring acute (vaccinia virus, VACV), recurring-acute (influenza A virus, IAV), and reactivating viruses (varicella-zoster virus, VZV, and cytomegalovirus, CMV) in 10 healthy subjects. Additionally, five subjects provided multiple blood samples separated by up to 10 years. Results VACV- and CMV-specific T cells had longer average TL than IAV-specific CD4+ T cells. Although most virus-specific cells were CD45RA-, we observed a minor population of BrdU+ CD45RA+ T cells characterized by long telomeres. Longitudinal analysis demonstrated a slow decline in average TL in virus-specific T cells. However, in one subject, VZV reactivation led to an increase in average TL in VZV-specific memory T cells, suggesting a conversion of longer TL cells from the naïve T cell repertoire. Conclusions TLs in memory CD4+ T cells in otherwise healthy adults are heterogeneous and follow distinct virus-specific kinetics. These findings suggests that the distribution of TL and the creation and maintenance of long TL memory T cells could be important for the persistence of long-lived T cell memory. PMID:23971624

Telomere length dynamics in human memory T cells specific for viruses causing acute or latent infections.

PubMed

O'Bryan, Joel M; Woda, Marcia; Co, Mary; Mathew, Anuja; Rothman, Alan L

2013-08-26

Declining telomere length (TL) is associated with T cell senescence. While TL in naïve and memory T cells declines with increasing age, there is limited data on TL dynamics in virus-specific memory CD4+ T cells in healthy adults. We combined BrdU-labeling of virus-stimulated T cells followed with flow cytometry-fluorescent in situ hybridization for TL determination. We analyzed TL in T cells specific for several virus infections: non-recurring acute (vaccinia virus, VACV), recurring-acute (influenza A virus, IAV), and reactivating viruses (varicella-zoster virus, VZV, and cytomegalovirus, CMV) in 10 healthy subjects. Additionally, five subjects provided multiple blood samples separated by up to 10 years. VACV- and CMV-specific T cells had longer average TL than IAV-specific CD4+ T cells. Although most virus-specific cells were CD45RA-, we observed a minor population of BrdU+ CD45RA+ T cells characterized by long telomeres. Longitudinal analysis demonstrated a slow decline in average TL in virus-specific T cells. However, in one subject, VZV reactivation led to an increase in average TL in VZV-specific memory T cells, suggesting a conversion of longer TL cells from the naïve T cell repertoire. TLs in memory CD4+ T cells in otherwise healthy adults are heterogeneous and follow distinct virus-specific kinetics. These findings suggests that the distribution of TL and the creation and maintenance of long TL memory T cells could be important for the persistence of long-lived T cell memory.

A meta-analysis of the effect of hospital-based case management on hospital length-of-stay and readmission.

PubMed

Kim, Young-Ju; Soeken, Karen L

2005-01-01

Although many hospital-based case management (CM) interventions have been studied, there is little work summarizing the effectiveness of these studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hospital-based CM compared with usual care on length of hospital stay and readmission rate. A meta-analytic method was employed to analyze the effect sizes of CM intervention on outcomes. Eligible studies were retrieved using computerized database searches, footnote chasing, and contact with content experts. The authors reviewed the final 12 studies, and the effect size, 95% confidence interval (CI), sensitivity, homogeneity, and publication bias were analyzed. The overall average weighted effect size on length of stay (LOS) was 0.094 with a 95% CI of -0.032 to 0.220. The overall odds ratio for readmission was 0.87 with a 95% CI of 0.69 to 1.04. Overall, hospital-based CM interventions were not significantly effective in reducing LOS and readmissions. However, CM for patients with heart failure (effect size of 0.241 with a 95% CI of 0.012 to 0.470) was significantly effective in reducing LOS, although it was not effective for stroke patients (effect size of -0.226 with a 95% CI of -0.542 to 0.089) and frail elders (effect size of 0.126 with a 95% CI of -0.073 to 0.324). Analysis indicated that in this meta-analysis publication bias was unlikely. The findings of this meta-analysis demonstrate a 6% decrease in readmission rate for patients who received hospital-based CM interventions. Further meta-analytic studies are needed to investigate the effectiveness of CM on other outcomes.

Minimum size limits for yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in western Lake Erie

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hartman, Wilbur L.; Nepszy, Stephen J.; Scholl, Russell L.

1980-01-01

During the 1960's yellow perch (Perca flavescens) of Lake Erie supported a commercial fishery that produced an average annual catch of 23 million pounds, as well as a modest sport fishery. Since 1969, the resource has seriously deteriorated. Commercial landings amounted to only 6 million pounds in 1976, and included proportionally more immature perch than in the 1960's. Moreover, no strong year classes were produced between 1965 and 1975. An interagency technical committee was appointed in 1975 by the Lake Erie Committee of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to develop an interim management strategy that would provide for greater protection of perch in western Lake Erie, where declines have been the most severe. The committee first determined the age structure, growth and mortality rates, maturation schedule, and length-fecundity relationship for the population, and then applied Ricker-type equilibrium yield models to determine the effects of various minimum length limits on yield, production, average stock weight, potential egg deposition, and the Abrosov spawning frequency indicator (average number of spawning opportunities per female). The committee recommended increasing the minimum length limit of 5.0 inches to at least 8.5 inches. Theoretically, this change would increase the average stock weight by 36% and potential egg deposition by 44%, without significantly decreasing yield. Abrosov's spawning frequency indicator would rise from the existing 0.6 to about 1.2.

Morphology and morphometry of the reproductive system of female Saguinus midas (Linnaeus, 1758).

PubMed

Monteiro, Nathaly Cristine Da Silva; De Lima, Ana Rita; De Carvalho, Ana Flávia; De Carvalho Garcia, Rafael; Therrier, Joanne; Souza, Ana Carla Barros; Pereira, Luiza Correia; Branco, Erika

2012-06-01

In this article, the reproductive system's morphology of three young animals of the species Saguinus midas, from the bauxite mine in Paragominas, is described. The specimens were fixed and preserved in a solution of 10% aqueous formaldehyde, followed by dissection, measurement of the genital organs (uterus, vagina, ovaries, and uterine tubes), and histological processing. The vulva is delimited by the labia, with a clitoris. It is lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium with sebaceous glands of holocrine secretion. The vagina is an elongated tube with an average length of 26 mm and diameter of 1 mm, presenting a non-keratinized squamous epithelium, disposed between the vestibule of the vagina and cervix, the latter being relatively short. The uterus is simple, has globular shape and is located in the caudal portion of the abdominal cavity, with an average length of 14 mm and average width of 7 mm. It is formed by vascular and serous layers of muscles, and undergoes a bifurcation to form two structures on the bottom of blind sac. The uterine tubes are long and convoluted with an average length of 35 mm (right) and 36 mm (left), consisting of loose connective tissue and muscle layer lined by simple ciliated columnar epithelium. The ovaries are large and ellipsoid with smooth surface. Histologically, one animal showed ovulation fosse. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The predictive power of local properties of financial networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caraiani, Petre

2017-01-01

The literature on analyzing the dynamics of financial networks has focused so far on the predictive power of global measures of networks like entropy or index cohesive force. In this paper, I show that the local network properties have similar predictive power. I focus on key network measures like average path length, average degree or cluster coefficient, and also consider the diameter and the s-metric. Using Granger causality tests, I show that some of these measures have statistically significant prediction power with respect to the dynamics of aggregate stock market. Average path length is most robust relative to the frequency of data used or specification (index or growth rate). Most measures are found to have predictive power only for monthly frequency. Further evidences that support this view are provided through a simple regression model.

DRG benchmarking: analysis of service structures and -differences in dermatology departments.

PubMed

Fürstenberg, Torsten; Gierling, Patrick; Irps, Sebastian; Gollnick, Harald; Kaufmann, Roland; Stadler, Rudolf; Rompel, Rainer; Hensen, Peter

2014-07-01

In the context of DRG-based hospital funding, the analysis of services provided in dermatologic inpatient care is highly relevant. We analyzed and compared clinical service structures and varieties in dermatologic hospitals through a benchmarking technique. For this multicenter cross-sectional study, routine data from 46 German dermatologic clinics and departments were collected, processed, and analyzed. In total, 95 257 data sets from 2011 were available. The data were grouped according to the G-DRG-system 2013 version. The average length of stay for all cases was 6.3 days (DRG "inliers": 5.7 days), and average patient age was 52 years. In total, 55 % of all cases were grouped to medical, 45 % to surgical DRGs. 71 % of all hospitals provide services within or close to this average value (± 10 %). No association was found between the number of hospital beds and the variety of clinical services provided in our sample. We found huge varieties in several parameters assessing the coding quality. The results reflect the heterogeneous reality in German inpatient dermatology. The varieties in dermatologic service range still depend on patient-related factors as well as infrastructural conditions and the resources available at each site. © 2014 Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft (DDG). Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Sequencing, annotation and comparative analysis of nine BACs of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca).

PubMed

Zheng, Yang; Cai, Jing; Li, JianWen; Li, Bo; Lin, Runmao; Tian, Feng; Wang, XiaoLing; Wang, Jun

2010-01-01

A 10-fold BAC library for giant panda was constructed and nine BACs were selected to generate finish sequences. These BACs could be used as a validation resource for the de novo assembly accuracy of the whole genome shotgun sequencing reads of giant panda newly generated by the Illumina GA sequencing technology. Complete sanger sequencing, assembly, annotation and comparative analysis were carried out on the selected BACs of a joint length 878 kb. Homologue search and de novo prediction methods were used to annotate genes and repeats. Twelve protein coding genes were predicted, seven of which could be functionally annotated. The seven genes have an average gene size of about 41 kb, an average coding size of about 1.2 kb and an average exon number of 6 per gene. Besides, seven tRNA genes were found. About 27 percent of the BAC sequence is composed of repeats. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using neighbor-join algorithm across five species, including giant panda, human, dog, cat and mouse, which reconfirms dog as the most related species to giant panda. Our results provide detailed sequence and structure information for new genes and repeats of giant panda, which will be helpful for further studies on the giant panda.

Pressure relieving support surfaces (PRESSURE) trial: cost effectiveness analysis.

PubMed

Iglesias, Cynthia; Nixon, Jane; Cranny, Gillian; Nelson, E Andrea; Hawkins, Kim; Phillips, Angela; Torgerson, David; Mason, Su; Cullum, Nicky

2006-06-17

To assess the cost effectiveness of alternating pressure mattresses compared with alternating pressure overlays for the prevention of pressure ulcers in patients admitted to hospital. Cost effectiveness analysis carried out alongside the pressure relieving support surfaces (PRESSURE) trial; a multicentre UK based pragmatic randomised controlled trial. 11 hospitals in six UK NHS trusts. Intention to treat population comprising 1971 participants. Kaplan Meier estimates of restricted mean time to development of pressure ulcers and total costs for treatment in hospital. Alternating pressure mattresses were associated with lower overall costs (283.6 pounds sterling per patient on average, 95% confidence interval--377.59 pounds sterling to 976.79 pounds sterling) mainly due to reduced length of stay in hospital, and greater benefits (a delay in time to ulceration of 10.64 days on average,--24.40 to 3.09). The differences in health benefits and total costs for hospital stay between alternating pressure mattresses and alternating pressure overlays were not statistically significant; however, a cost effectiveness acceptability curve indicated that on average alternating pressure mattresses compared with alternating pressure overlays were associated with an 80% probability of being cost saving. Alternating pressure mattresses for the prevention of pressure ulcers are more likely to be cost effective and are more acceptable to patients than alternating pressure overlays.

Chemical Reactions in Turbulent Mixing Flows

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-14

explored Reynolds number effects on turbulent flame length and the influence of buoyancy on turbulent jet flames; 2. completion of a thesis entitled...the dependence of flame length on Reynolds number was begun, and the issue of buoyancy was investigated. L._Lw~ Pt-lO%Rh 2 ൡ g rn wire Flame L ZoneY...105. The flame length at a given Reynolds number was determined from the time-averaged, line- integrated temperature measurements performed by the cold

Telomere length in non-neoplastic gastric mucosa and its relationship to H. pylori infection, degree of gastritis, and NSAID use.

PubMed

Tahara, Tomomitsu; Shibata, Tomoyuki; Kawamura, Tomohiko; Ishizuka, Takamitsu; Okubo, Masaaki; Nagasaka, Mitsuo; Nakagawa, Yoshihito; Arisawa, Tomiyasu; Ohmiya, Naoki; Hirata, Ichiro

2016-02-01

Telomere shortening occurs with human aging in many organs and tissues and is accelerated by rapid cell turnover and oxidative injury. We measured average telomere length using quantitative real-time PCR in non-neoplastic gastric mucosa and assessed its relationship to H. pylori-related gastritis, DNA methylation, ulcer disease, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) usage. Gastric biopsies were obtained from 151 cancer-free subjects including 49 chronic NSAID users and 102 nonusers. Relative telomere length in genomic DNA was measured by real-time PCR. H. pylori infection status, histological severity of gastritis, and serum pepsinogens (PGs) were also investigated. E-cadherin (CDH1) methylation status was determined by methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Average relative telomere length of H. pylori-infected subjects was significantly shortened when compared to H. pylori-negative subjects (p = 0.002) and was closely associated with all histological parameter of gastritis (all p values <0.01) and CDH1 methylation (p = 0.0002). In H. pylori-negative subjects, NSAID users presented significantly shorter telomere length than nonusers (p = 0.028). Shorter telomere length was observed in duodenal and gastric ulcer patients compared with non-ulcer subjects among NSAID users. Telomere shortening is closely associated with severity of H. pylori-induced gastritis and CDH1 methylation status. Also, telomere shortening is accelerated by NSAID usage especially in H. pylori-negative subjects.

Explicit Analytical Solution of a Pendulum with Periodically Varying Length

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yang, Tianzhi; Fang, Bo; Li, Song; Huang, Wenhu

2010-01-01

A pendulum with periodically varying length is an interesting physical system. It has been studied by some researchers using traditional perturbation methods (for example, the averaging method). But due to the limitation of the conventional perturbation methods, the solutions are not valid for long-term prediction of the pendulum. In this paper,…

Using specific length amplified fragment sequencing to construct the high-density genetic map for Vitis (Vitis vinifera L. × Vitis amurensis Rupr.).

PubMed

Guo, Yinshan; Shi, Guangli; Liu, Zhendong; Zhao, Yuhui; Yang, Xiaoxu; Zhu, Junchi; Li, Kun; Guo, Xiuwu

2015-01-01

In this study, 149 F1 plants from the interspecific cross between 'Red Globe' (Vitis vinifera L.) and 'Shuangyou' (Vitis amurensis Rupr.) and the parent were used to construct a molecular genetic linkage map by using the specific length amplified fragment sequencing technique. DNA sequencing generated 41.282 Gb data consisting of 206,411,693 paired-end reads. The average sequencing depths were 68.35 for 'Red Globe,' 63.65 for 'Shuangyou,' and 8.01 for each progeny. In all, 115,629 high-quality specific length amplified fragments were detected, of which 42,279 were polymorphic. The genetic map was constructed using 7,199 of these polymorphic markers. These polymorphic markers were assigned to 19 linkage groups; the total length of the map was 1929.13 cm, with an average distance of 0.28 cm between each maker. To our knowledge, the genetic maps constructed in this study contain the largest number of molecular markers. These high-density genetic maps might form the basis for the fine quantitative trait loci mapping and molecular-assisted breeding of grape.

First report of the presence of Acartiabispinosa Carl, 1907 (Copepoda, Calanoida) in a semi-enclosed Bay (Sharm El-Maya), northern Red Sea with some notes on its seasonal variation in abundance and body size.

PubMed

El-Sherbiny, Mohsen M; Al-Aidaroos, Ali M

2014-01-01

The calanoid copepod, Acartiabispinosa Carl, 1907, is reported for the first time in the Red Sea, where it is found to be an important copepod in the mesozooplankton community structure of the Sharm El-Maya Bay. Female and male are fully redescribed and illustrated of as the mouthparts of this species have never previously been described and figured. Acartiabispinosa was collected in the plankton samples throughout the year and showed two peaks of abundance, a pronounced one in April (4234 individuals m(-3)), and second smaller peak during November (1784 individuals m(-3)). The average total length of females varied between 1.32 and 1.53 mm at the end of June and January respectively. For males, the average total length fluctuated between 1.07 and 1.16 mm at end of June and March respectively. Temperature showed an inverse relationship with the body length (P > 0.001) and seemed to be one of the prime factors affecting the body length of both sexes.

Structure-related statistical singularities along protein sequences: a correlation study.

PubMed

Colafranceschi, Mauro; Colosimo, Alfredo; Zbilut, Joseph P; Uversky, Vladimir N; Giuliani, Alessandro

2005-01-01

A data set composed of 1141 proteins representative of all eukaryotic protein sequences in the Swiss-Prot Protein Knowledge base was coded by seven physicochemical properties of amino acid residues. The resulting numerical profiles were submitted to correlation analysis after the application of a linear (simple mean) and a nonlinear (Recurrence Quantification Analysis, RQA) filter. The main RQA variables, Recurrence and Determinism, were subsequently analyzed by Principal Component Analysis. The RQA descriptors showed that (i) within protein sequences is embedded specific information neither present in the codes nor in the amino acid composition and (ii) the most sensitive code for detecting ordered recurrent (deterministic) patterns of residues in protein sequences is the Miyazawa-Jernigan hydrophobicity scale. The most deterministic proteins in terms of autocorrelation properties of primary structures were found (i) to be involved in protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions and (ii) to display a significantly higher proportion of structural disorder with respect to the average data set. A study of the scaling behavior of the average determinism with the setting parameters of RQA (embedding dimension and radius) allows for the identification of patterns of minimal length (six residues) as possible markers of zones specifically prone to inter- and intramolecular interactions.

Graph analysis of cell clusters forming vascular networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alves, A. P.; Mesquita, O. N.; Gómez-Gardeñes, J.; Agero, U.

2018-03-01

This manuscript describes the experimental observation of vasculogenesis in chick embryos by means of network analysis. The formation of the vascular network was observed in the area opaca of embryos from 40 to 55 h of development. In the area opaca endothelial cell clusters self-organize as a primitive and approximately regular network of capillaries. The process was observed by bright-field microscopy in control embryos and in embryos treated with Bevacizumab (Avastin), an antibody that inhibits the signalling of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The sequence of images of the vascular growth were thresholded, and used to quantify the forming network in control and Avastin-treated embryos. This characterization is made by measuring vessels density, number of cell clusters and the largest cluster density. From the original images, the topology of the vascular network was extracted and characterized by means of the usual network metrics such as: the degree distribution, average clustering coefficient, average short path length and assortativity, among others. This analysis allows to monitor how the largest connected cluster of the vascular network evolves in time and provides with quantitative evidence of the disruptive effects that Avastin has on the tree structure of vascular networks.

Extending solid state laser performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miesak, Ed

2017-02-01

Coherent Diode-Pumped Solid-State Orlando (CDO), formerly known as Lee Laser, headquartered in Orlando Florida produces CW and pulsed solid state lasers. Primary wavelengths include 1064 nm, 532 nm, and 355 nm. Other wavelengths produced include 1320 nm, 15xx nm, and 16xx nm. Pulse widths are in the range of singles to hundreds of nanoseconds. Average powers are in the range of a few watts to 1000 watts. Pulse repetition rates are typically in the range of 100 Hz to 100 KHz. Laser performance parameters are often modified according to customer requests. Laser parameters that can be adjusted include average power, pulse repetition rate, pulse length, beam quality, and wavelength. Laser parameters are typically cross-coupled such that adjusting one may change some or all of the others. Customers often request one or more parameters be changed without changing any of the remaining parameters. CDO has learned how to accomplish this successfully with rapid turn-around times and minimal cost impact. The experience gained by accommodating customer requests has produced a textbook of cause and effect combinations of laser components to accomplish almost any parameter change request. Understanding the relationships between component combinations provides valuable insight into lasing effects allowing designers to extend laser performance beyond what is currently available. This has led to several break through products, i.e. >150W average power 355 nm, >60W average power 6 ps 1064 nm, pulse lengths longer than 400 ns at 532 nm with average power >100W, >400W 532 nm with pulse lengths in the 100 ns range.

Incubation rhythm in the Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis: Annual variation and sex roles

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hatch, Scott A.

1990-01-01

I monitored the incubation schedules of Fulmars Fulmarus glacialis in an Alaskan colony by observing nests where the male and female were of different colour phases. Complete shifts of up to 16 days were recorded; the average shift in mid-incubation was 4–6 days. Mean shift length was inversely correlated with hatching success in 5 years, suggesting that Fulmars adjusted their foraging patterns to annual differences in food availability. Males assumed the larger share (55%) of incubation on average, and a larger share in years with lower hatching success. Serial correlation in the length of incubation shifts had two components - the influence of prior shift lengths on time spent foraging and individual variation. Failure of the male to relieve the female soon after laying resulted in a few breeding failures and egg losses were associated with exceptionally long shifts throughout incubation.

Estimation of the vortex length scale and intensity from two-dimensional samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reuss, D. L.; Cheng, W. P.

1992-01-01

A method is proposed for estimating flow features that influence flame wrinkling in reciprocating internal combustion engines, where traditional statistical measures of turbulence are suspect. Candidate methods were tested in a computed channel flow where traditional turbulence measures are valid and performance can be rationally evaluated. Two concepts are tested. First, spatial filtering is applied to the two-dimensional velocity distribution and found to reveal structures corresponding to the vorticity field. Decreasing the spatial-frequency cutoff of the filter locally changes the character and size of the flow structures that are revealed by the filter. Second, vortex length scale and intensity is estimated by computing the ensemble-average velocity distribution conditionally sampled on the vorticity peaks. The resulting conditionally sampled 'average vortex' has a peak velocity less than half the rms velocity and a size approximately equal to the two-point-correlation integral-length scale.

Axially staged combustion system for a gas turbine engine

DOEpatents

Bland, Robert J [Oviedo, FL

2009-12-15

An axially staged combustion system is provided for a gas turbine engine comprising a main body structure having a plurality of first and second injectors. First structure provides fuel to at least one of the first injectors. The fuel provided to the one first injector is adapted to mix with air and ignite to produce a flame such that the flame associated with the one first injector defines a flame front having an average length when measured from a reference surface of the main body structure. Each of the second injectors comprising a section extending from the reference surface of the main body structure through the flame front and having a length greater than the average length of the flame front. Second structure provides fuel to at least one of the second injectors. The fuel passes through the one second injector and exits the one second injector at a location axially spaced from the flame front.

Genetic Map Construction and Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) Detection of Growth-Related Traits in Litopenaeus vannamei for Selective Breeding Applications

PubMed Central

Andriantahina, Farafidy; Liu, Xiaolin; Huang, Hao

2013-01-01

Growth is a priority trait from the point of view of genetic improvement. Molecular markers linked to quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been regarded as useful for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in complex traits as growth. Using an intermediate F2 cross of slow and fast growth parents, a genetic linkage map of Pacific whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeusvannamei , based on amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) and simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers was constructed. Meanwhile, QTL analysis was performed for growth-related traits. The linkage map consisted of 451 marker loci (429 AFLPs and 22 SSRs) which formed 49 linkage groups with an average marker space of 7.6 cM; they spanned a total length of 3627.6 cM, covering 79.50% of estimated genome size. 14 QTLs were identified for growth-related traits, including three QTLs for body weight (BW), total length (TL) and partial carapace length (PCL), two QTLs for body length (BL), one QTL for first abdominal segment depth (FASD), third abdominal segment depth (TASD) and first abdominal segment width (FASW), which explained 2.62 to 61.42% of phenotypic variation. Moreover, comparison of linkage maps between L . vannamei and Penaeus japonicus was applied, providing a new insight into the genetic base of QTL affecting the growth-related traits. The new results will be useful for conducting MAS breeding schemes in L . vannamei . PMID:24086466

Assessing the Efficacy of Adjustable Moving Averages Using ASEAN-5 Currencies.

PubMed

Chan Phooi M'ng, Jacinta; Zainudin, Rozaimah

2016-01-01

The objective of this research is to examine the trends in the exchange rate markets of the ASEAN-5 countries (Indonesia (IDR), Malaysia (MYR), the Philippines (PHP), Singapore (SGD), and Thailand (THB)) through the application of dynamic moving average trading systems. This research offers evidence of the usefulness of the time-varying volatility technical analysis indicator, Adjustable Moving Average (AMA') in deciphering trends in these ASEAN-5 exchange rate markets. This time-varying volatility factor, referred to as the Efficacy Ratio in this paper, is embedded in AMA'. The Efficacy Ratio adjusts the AMA' to the prevailing market conditions by avoiding whipsaws (losses due, in part, to acting on wrong trading signals, which generally occur when there is no general direction in the market) in range trading and by entering early into new trends in trend trading. The efficacy of AMA' is assessed against other popular moving-average rules. Based on the January 2005 to December 2014 dataset, our findings show that the moving averages and AMA' are superior to the passive buy-and-hold strategy. Specifically, AMA' outperforms the other models for the United States Dollar against PHP (USD/PHP) and USD/THB currency pairs. The results show that different length moving averages perform better in different periods for the five currencies. This is consistent with our hypothesis that a dynamic adjustable technical indicator is needed to cater for different periods in different markets.

Kinematic and kinetic analysis of the knee joint before and after a PCL retaining total knee replacement during gait and single step ascent.

PubMed

Apostolopoulos, Alexandros; Lallos, Stergios; Mastrokalos, Dimitrios; Michos, Ioannis; Darras, Nikolaos; Tzomaki, Magda; Efstathopoulos, Nikolaos

2011-01-01

The objective of this study was to capture and analyze the kinetics and kinematics and determine the functional performance of the osteoarthritic knee after a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retaining total knee arthroplasty. Kinematic and kinetic gait analysis of level walking was performed in 20 subjects (12 female and 8 male) with knee ostoarthritis. These patients were free of any neurological diseases that could affect their normal gait. Mean age was 69.6 ± 6.6 years; mean height was 157.6 cm ± 7.6 cm; and mean weight was 77.2 ± 12.1 kg. Full body gait analyses were performed using the BIOKIN 3D motion analysis system before and 9 months after total knee arthroplasty procedures. Single-step ascending kinetic analyses and plantar pressure distribution analyses were also performed for all subjects. International Knee Society Scores (IKSSs) were also assessed pre- and postoperatively. Significant increases were noted postoperatively in average cadence (preoperative mean = 99.26, postoperative mean = 110.5; p < 0.004), step length (preoperative mean = 0.49, postoperative mean = 0.54; p < 0.01) , and walking velocity (preoperative mean = 0.78, preoperatively, postoperative mean = 0.99; p < 0.001). Decreases in stance duration percentage and knee adduction moment were also reported postoperatively. All patients showed a significant improvement of knee kinetics and kinematics after a PCL retaining total knee arthroplasty. Significant differences were found in the cadence, step length, stride length, and walk velocity postoperatively. IKSSs also significantly improved. Further research is warranted to determine the clinical relevance of these findings.

Quantitative quasiperiodicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Suddhasattwa; Saiki, Yoshitaka; Sander, Evelyn; Yorke, James A.

2017-11-01

The Birkhoff ergodic theorem concludes that time averages, i.e. Birkhoff averages, B_N( f):=Σn=0N-1 f(x_n)/N of a function f along a length N ergodic trajectory (x_n) of a function T converge to the space average \\int f dμ , where μ is the unique invariant probability measure. Convergence of the time average to the space average is slow. We use a modified average of f(x_n) by giving very small weights to the ‘end’ terms when n is near 0 or N-1 . When (x_n) is a trajectory on a quasiperiodic torus and f and T are C^∞ , our weighted Birkhoff average (denoted \

Method for assaying clustered DNA damages

DOEpatents

Sutherland, Betsy M.

2004-09-07

Disclosed is a method for detecting and quantifying clustered damages in DNA. In this method, a first aliquot of the DNA to be tested for clustered damages with one or more lesion-specific cleaving reagents under conditions appropriate for cleavage of the DNA to produce single-strand nicks in the DNA at sites of damage lesions. The number average molecular length (Ln) of double stranded DNA is then quantitatively determined for the treated DNA. The number average molecular length (Ln) of double stranded DNA is also quantitatively determined for a second, untreated aliquot of the DNA. The frequency of clustered damages (.PHI..sub.c) in the DNA is then calculated.

Gray whale and walrus feeding excavation on the Bering Shelf, Alaska.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nelson, C.H.; Johnson, K.R.; Barber, J.H.

1987-01-01

The gray whales (average mouth length, 2.0 m), when suction feeding on infaunal amphipods, create shallow pits in the sea floor, typically 2.5m x 1.5m x 10cm deep, which are distinct and mappable on sidescan sonographs. Similarly, walrus, when foraging for shallow clams, create long, linear feeding furrows that average 47 x 0.4 x 0.1m (length-width-depth). The whale feeding pits are commonly enlarged and oriented by seasonal storm-related scour. Walrus-feeding features are smaller, formed in higher-energy environments, and modified more rapidly than whale-feeding pits. -from Authors

Transcriptome of the Caribbean stony coral Porites astreoides from three developmental stages.

PubMed

Mansour, Tamer A; Rosenthal, Joshua J C; Brown, C Titus; Roberson, Loretta M

2016-08-02

Porites astreoides is a ubiquitous species of coral on modern Caribbean reefs that is resistant to increasing temperatures, overfishing, and other anthropogenic impacts that have threatened most other coral species. We assembled and annotated a transcriptome from this coral using Illumina sequences from three different developmental stages collected over several years: free-swimming larvae, newly settled larvae, and adults (>10 cm in diameter). This resource will aid understanding of coral calcification, larval settlement, and host-symbiont interactions. A de novo transcriptome for the P. astreoides holobiont (coral plus algal symbiont) was assembled using 594 Mbp of raw Illumina sequencing data generated from five age-specific cDNA libraries. The new transcriptome consists of 867 255 transcript elements with an average length of 685 bases. The isolated P. astreoides assembly consists of 129 718 transcript elements with an average length of 811 bases, and the isolated Symbiodinium sp. assembly had 186 177 transcript elements with an average length of 1105 bases. This contribution to coral transcriptome data provides a valuable resource for researchers studying the ontogeny of gene expression patterns within both the coral and its dinoflagellate symbiont.

Comparison of parameters characterizing lumbar lordosis in radiograph and photogrammetric examination of adults.

PubMed

Drzał-Grabiec, Justyna; Truszczyńska, Aleksandra; Tarnowski, Adam; Płaszewski, Maciej

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study was to test validity of photogrammetry compared with radiography as a method of measuring the Cobb angle and the size of anterior-posterior spine curvatures in adults. The study included 50 volunteers, 23 men and 27 women whose mean age was 52.6 years. The average weight of the subjects was 81.3 kg, average body height was 172.0 cm, and the average body mass index was 27.4. Based on radiologic examination, the length and depth of lumbar lordosis were determined and the size of the Cobb angle of lumbar scoliosis. After the radiologic examination, a photogrammetric test was performed for each subject with the projection moire phenomenon. The Pearson correlation found statistically significant associations concerning the length of lordosis (P < .001) and the Cobb angle (P < .001). Correlation of the depth of lordosis indicated a strong trend (P = .063). This study found that the moire method of photogrammetric measurement produced similar findings to radiographic measurements in determining size of the Cobb angle and the length of lumbar lordosis. Copyright © 2015 National University of Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

On the Importance of Cycle Minimum in Sunspot Cycle Prediction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, Robert M.; Hathaway, David H.; Reichmann, Edwin J.

1996-01-01

The characteristics of the minima between sunspot cycles are found to provide important information for predicting the amplitude and timing of the following cycle. For example, the time of the occurrence of sunspot minimum sets the length of the previous cycle, which is correlated by the amplitude-period effect to the amplitude of the next cycle, with cycles of shorter (longer) than average length usually being followed by cycles of larger (smaller) than average size (true for 16 of 21 sunspot cycles). Likewise, the size of the minimum at cycle onset is correlated with the size of the cycle's maximum amplitude, with cycles of larger (smaller) than average size minima usually being associated with larger (smaller) than average size maxima (true for 16 of 22 sunspot cycles). Also, it was found that the size of the previous cycle's minimum and maximum relates to the size of the following cycle's minimum and maximum with an even-odd cycle number dependency. The latter effect suggests that cycle 23 will have a minimum and maximum amplitude probably larger than average in size (in particular, minimum smoothed sunspot number Rm = 12.3 +/- 7.5 and maximum smoothed sunspot number RM = 198.8 +/- 36.5, at the 95-percent level of confidence), further suggesting (by the Waldmeier effect) that it will have a faster than average rise to maximum (fast-rising cycles have ascent durations of about 41 +/- 7 months). Thus, if, as expected, onset for cycle 23 will be December 1996 +/- 3 months, based on smoothed sunspot number, then the length of cycle 22 will be about 123 +/- 3 months, inferring that it is a short-period cycle and that cycle 23 maximum amplitude probably will be larger than average in size (from the amplitude-period effect), having an RM of about 133 +/- 39 (based on the usual +/- 30 percent spread that has been seen between observed and predicted values), with maximum amplitude occurrence likely sometime between July 1999 and October 2000.

Comparative test on several forms of background error covariance in 3DVar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, Aimei

2013-04-01

The background error covariance matrix (Hereinafter referred to as B matrix) plays an important role in the three-dimensional variational (3DVar) data assimilation method. However, it is difficult to get B matrix accurately because true atmospheric state is unknown. Therefore, some methods were developed to estimate B matrix (e.g. NMC method, innovation analysis method, recursive filters, and ensemble method such as EnKF). Prior to further development and application of these methods, the function of several B matrixes estimated by these methods in 3Dvar is worth studying and evaluating. For this reason, NCEP reanalysis data and forecast data are used to test the effectiveness of the several B matrixes with VAF (Huang, 1999) method. Here the NCEP analysis is treated as the truth and in this case the forecast error is known. The data from 2006 to 2007 is used as the samples to estimate B matrix and the data in 2008 is used to verify the assimilation effects. The 48h and 24h forecast valid at the same time is used to estimate B matrix with NMC method. B matrix can be represented by a correlation part (a non-diagonal matrix) and a variance part (a diagonal matrix of variances). Gaussian filter function as an approximate approach is used to represent the variation of correlation coefficients with distance in numerous 3DVar systems. On the basis of the assumption, the following several forms of B matrixes are designed and test with VAF in the comparative experiments: (1) error variance and the characteristic lengths are fixed and setted to their mean value averaged over the analysis domain; (2) similar to (1), but the mean characteristic lengths reduce to 50 percent for the height and 60 percent for the temperature of the original; (3) similar to (2), but error variance calculated directly by the historical data is space-dependent; (4) error variance and characteristic lengths are all calculated directly by the historical data; (5) B matrix is estimated directly by the historical data; (6) similar to (5), but a localization process is performed; (7) B matrix is estimated by NMC method but error variance is reduced by 1.7 times in order that the value is close to that calculated from the true forecast error samples; (8) similar to (7), but the localization similar to (6) is performed. Experimental results with the different B matrixes show that for the Gaussian-type B matrix the characteristic lengths calculated from the true error samples don't bring a good analysis results. However, the reduced characteristic lengths (about half of the original one) can lead to a good analysis. If the B matrix estimated directly from the historical data is used in 3DVar, the assimilation effect can not reach to the best. The better assimilation results are generated with the application of reduced characteristic length and localization. Even so, it hasn't obvious advantage compared with Gaussian-type B matrix with the optimal characteristic length. It implies that the Gaussian-type B matrix, widely used for operational 3DVar system, can get a good analysis with the appropriate characteristic lengths. The crucial problem is how to determine the appropriate characteristic lengths. (This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41275102, 40875063), and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (lzujbky-2010-9) )

Reliability of length measurements collected by community nurses and health volunteers in rural growth monitoring and promotion services.

PubMed

Laar, Matilda E; Marquis, Grace S; Lartey, Anna; Gray-Donald, Katherine

2018-02-17

Length measurements are important in growth, monitoring and promotion (GMP) for the surveillance of a child's weight-for-length and length-for-age. These two indices provide an indication of a child's risk of becoming wasted or stunted, and are more informative about a child's growth than the widely used weight-for-age index (underweight). Although the introduction of length measurements in GMP is recommended by the World Health Organization, concerns about the reliability of length measurements collected in rural outreach settings have been expressed by stakeholders. Our aim was to describe the reliability and challenges associated with community health personnel measuring length for rural outreach GMP activities. Two reliability studies (A and B), using 10 children less than 24 months each, were conducted in the GMP services of a rural district in Ghana. Fifteen nurses and 15 health volunteers (HV) with no prior experience in length measurements were trained. Intra- and inter-observer technical error of measurement (TEM), average bias from expert anthropometrist, and coefficient of reliability (R) of length measurements were assessed and compared across sessions. Observations and interviews were used to understand the ability and experiences of health personnel with measuring length at outreach GMP. Inter-observer TEM was larger than intra-observer TEM for both nurses and HV at both sessions and was unacceptably (compared to error standards) high in both groups at both time points. Average biases from expert's measurements were within acceptable limits, however, both groups tended to underestimate length measurements. The R for lengths collected by nurses (92.3%) was higher at session B compared to that of HV (87.5%). Length measurements taken by nurses and HV, and those taken by an experienced anthropometrist at GMP sessions were of moderate agreement (kappa = 0.53, p < 0.0001). The reliability of length measurements improved after two refresher trainings for nurses but not for HV. In addition, length measurements taken during GMP sessions may be susceptible to errors due to overburdened health personnel and crowded GMP clinics. There is need for both pre- and in-service training of nurses and HV on length measurements and procedures to improve reliability of length measurements.

Age, growth, and maturity of round whitefish of the Apostle Islands and Isle Royale Regions, Lake Superior

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bailey, Merryll M.

1963-01-01

The round whitefish has been of some commercial importance in the upper Great Lakes but production in Lake Superior has generally been small; the United States average was 26,600 pounds for 1929-59. This study is based on 1,173 fish collected in the Apostle Islands in 1958-60 and 103 collected at Isle Royale in 1958 and 1960. The average age of 6.0 years at Isle Royale was concluded to be significantly higher than the mean of 4.2 years in the Apostle Islands. The body-scale relation is a straight line with an intercept of 1.1 inches on the length axis. Weight of Apostle Islands round whitefish captured in several months increased as the 3.22 power of the length. Growth in length was relatively slow; nearly or fully 7 years were required to reach an acceptable commercial length of 14 inches in both the Apostle Islands and at Isle Royale. The calculated weights at the end of the seventh year were 12.6 ounces in the Apostle Islands and 13.8 ounces at Isle Royale. Minimum length at maturity of male round whitefish (7.0-7.4 inches) was less than that of females (8.5-8.9 inches). At age-group II, 11.1 percent of male round whitefish, but only 1.5 percent of the females were mature. All males were mature as age-group V and all females as age-group VI. Males dominated the younger age groups but females were more numerous in the older ones. Estimates of the number of eggs in 37 round whitefish ovaries yielded an average of 5,330 eggs for fish 10.5-17.4 inches long.

Reliability Analysis and Reliability-Based Design Optimization of Circular Composite Cylinders Under Axial Compression

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rais-Rohani, Masoud

2001-01-01

This report describes the preliminary results of an investigation on component reliability analysis and reliability-based design optimization of thin-walled circular composite cylinders with average diameter and average length of 15 inches. Structural reliability is based on axial buckling strength of the cylinder. Both Monte Carlo simulation and First Order Reliability Method are considered for reliability analysis with the latter incorporated into the reliability-based structural optimization problem. To improve the efficiency of reliability sensitivity analysis and design optimization solution, the buckling strength of the cylinder is estimated using a second-order response surface model. The sensitivity of the reliability index with respect to the mean and standard deviation of each random variable is calculated and compared. The reliability index is found to be extremely sensitive to the applied load and elastic modulus of the material in the fiber direction. The cylinder diameter was found to have the third highest impact on the reliability index. Also the uncertainty in the applied load, captured by examining different values for its coefficient of variation, is found to have a large influence on cylinder reliability. The optimization problem for minimum weight is solved subject to a design constraint on element reliability index. The methodology, solution procedure and optimization results are included in this report.

Evaluating the Quantitative Capabilities of Metagenomic Analysis Software.

PubMed

Kerepesi, Csaba; Grolmusz, Vince

2016-05-01

DNA sequencing technologies are applied widely and frequently today to describe metagenomes, i.e., microbial communities in environmental or clinical samples, without the need for culturing them. These technologies usually return short (100-300 base-pairs long) DNA reads, and these reads are processed by metagenomic analysis software that assign phylogenetic composition-information to the dataset. Here we evaluate three metagenomic analysis software (AmphoraNet--a webserver implementation of AMPHORA2--, MG-RAST, and MEGAN5) for their capabilities of assigning quantitative phylogenetic information for the data, describing the frequency of appearance of the microorganisms of the same taxa in the sample. The difficulties of the task arise from the fact that longer genomes produce more reads from the same organism than shorter genomes, and some software assign higher frequencies to species with longer genomes than to those with shorter ones. This phenomenon is called the "genome length bias." Dozens of complex artificial metagenome benchmarks can be found in the literature. Because of the complexity of those benchmarks, it is usually difficult to judge the resistance of a metagenomic software to this "genome length bias." Therefore, we have made a simple benchmark for the evaluation of the "taxon-counting" in a metagenomic sample: we have taken the same number of copies of three full bacterial genomes of different lengths, break them up randomly to short reads of average length of 150 bp, and mixed the reads, creating our simple benchmark. Because of its simplicity, the benchmark is not supposed to serve as a mock metagenome, but if a software fails on that simple task, it will surely fail on most real metagenomes. We applied three software for the benchmark. The ideal quantitative solution would assign the same proportion to the three bacterial taxa. We have found that AMPHORA2/AmphoraNet gave the most accurate results and the other two software were under-performers: they counted quite reliably each short read to their respective taxon, producing the typical genome length bias. The benchmark dataset is available at http://pitgroup.org/static/3RandomGenome-100kavg150bps.fna.

Evaluation of financial burden following complications after major surgery in France: Potential return after perioperative goal-directed therapy.

PubMed

Landais, Alain; Morel, Morgane; Goldstein, Jacques; Loriau, Jerôme; Fresnel, Annie; Chevalier, Corinne; Rejasse, Gilles; Alfonsi, Pascal; Ecoffey, Claude

2017-06-01

Perioperative goal-directed therapy (PGDT) has been demonstrated to improve postoperative outcomes and reduce the length of hospital stays. The objective of our analysis was to evaluate the cost of complications, derived from French hospital payments, and calculate the potential cost savings and length of hospital stay reductions. The billing of 2388 patients who underwent scheduled high-risk surgery (i.e. major abdominal, gynaecologic, urological, vascular, and orthopaedic interventions) over three years was retrospectively collected from three French hospitals (one public-teaching, one public, and one private hospital). A relationship between mortality, length of hospital stays, cost/patient, and severity scores, based mainly on postoperative complications but also on preoperative clinical status, were analysed. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-tests or Wilcoxon tests. Our analyses determined that a severity score of 3 or 4 was associated with complications in 90% of cases and this represented 36% of patients who, compared with those with a score of 1 or 2, were associated with significantly increased costs (€ 8205±3335 to € 22,081±16,090; P<0.001, delta of € 13,876) and a prolonged length of hospital stay (mean of 10 to 27 days; P<0.001, delta of 17 days). According to estimates for complications avoided by PGDT, there was a projected reduction in average healthcare costs of between € 854 and € 1458 per patient and a reduction in total hospital bed days from 1755 to 4423 over three years. Based on French National data (47,000 high risk surgeries per year), the potential financial savings ranged from € 40M to € 68M, not including the costs of PGDT and its implementation. Our analysis demonstrates that patients with complications are significantly more expensive to care for than those without complications. In our model, it was projected that implementing PGDT during high-risk surgery may significantly reduce healthcare costs and the length of hospital stays in France while probably improving patient access to care and reducing waiting times for procedures. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Scaling of Transient Storage Parameter Estimates with Increasing Reach Length in a Mountain Headwater Stream

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Briggs, M.; Gooseff, M. N.; McGlynn, B.

2006-12-01

. Numerous studies have used the methods of stream tracer experiments and subsequent solute transport modeling to determine transient storage characteristics of streams. Experimental reach length is often determined by site logistics, morphology, specific study goals, etc. Harvey et al. [1996] provided guidance for optimal study reach lengths, based on the Dahmkoler number, as a balance between timescales of advective transport and transient storage. In this study, we investigate the scaling of parameters in a solute transport model (OTIS) with increasing spatial scale of investigation. We conducted 2 6-hour constant rate injections of dissolved NaCl in Spring Park Creek, a headwater stream in the Tenderfoot Creek Experimental Forest, Montana. Below the first injection we sampled 4 reaches ~200m in length, we then moved upstream 640m for the second injection and sampled 3 more ~200 m reaches. Solute transport simulations were conducted for each of these sub-reaches and for combinations of these sub-reaches, from which we assessed estimates of solute velocity, dispersion, transient storage exchange, storage zone size, and Fmed (proportion of median transport time due to storage). Dahmkoler values calculated for each simulation (sub-reaches as well as longer combined reach) were within an order of magnitude of 1, suggesting that our study reach lengths were appropriate. Length-weighted average solute transport and transient storage parameters for the sub-reaches were found to be comparable to their counterparts in the longer reach simulation. In particular the average dispersion found for the sub-reaches (0.43 m2/s) compared very favorably with the value for dispersion calculated for the larger reach (0.40 m2/s). In contrast the weighted average of storage zone size for the sub-reaches was much greater (1.17 m2) than those calculated for the injection reach as a whole (0.09 m2) by a factor of ~13. Weighted average values for transient storage exchange and size for the sub-reaches were both found to be higher than that of the reach as a whole, but only by factors of ~2.5 and 3 respectively. This study indicates that some values of solute transport and transient storage for a particular reach can be reasonably extrapolated from its corresponding component reach values.

Parallel female preferences for call duration in a diploid ancestor of an allotetraploid treefrog.

PubMed

Bee, Mark A

2008-09-01

The gray treefrog species complex (Hyla chrysoscelis and H. versicolor) comprises a single allotetraploid species (H. versicolor) that arose multiple times from hybrid matings between an extant diploid species (H. chrysoscelis) and at least two other extinct diploid treefrogs. While previous studies have investigated female preferences for call duration in the tetraploid, we know little about these preferences in its putative diploid anscestors. Here, I report results from two-choice phonotaxis experiments investigating call duration preferences in H. chrysoscelis. Females preferred an average-length call over shorter-than-average calls (0.5-2.0 standard deviations [SD] below average), and they preferred longer-than-average calls over average or shorter-than-average calls if the difference in pulse number was at least 2.0 SD. When the amplitude of the longer alternative was attenuated by 6 dB, females still preferred an average-length call over a shorter-than-average call, but there was no preference for longer-than-average calls over an average call. In the presence of chorus noise, female preferences for both average and longer-than-average calls over shorter alternatives were weakened or reversed. Together, the results from this study reveal patterns of female preferences for call duration that are strikingly similar among two members of a species complex with a novel evolutionary history. In both species, female preferences are directional, nonlinear, and limited by environmental noise. Furthermore, these results also highlight the need for caution in studies of sexual selection when extrapolating from patterns of female preference obtained under ideal laboratory conditions to conclusions about how those preferences are expressed in the real world.

Qualification of a Quantitative Laryngeal Imaging System Using Videostroboscopy and Videokymography

PubMed Central

Popolo, Peter S.; Titze, Ingo R.

2008-01-01

Objectives: We sought to determine whether full-cycle glottal width measurements could be obtained with a quantitative laryngeal imaging system using videostroboscopy, and whether glottal width and vocal fold length measurements were repeatable and reliable. Methods: Synthetic vocal folds were phonated on a laboratory bench, and dynamic images were obtained in repeated trials by use of videostroboscopy and videokymography (VKG) with an imaging system equipped with a 2-point laser projection device for measuring absolute dimensions. Video images were also obtained with an industrial videoscope system with a built-in laser measurement capability. Maximum glottal width and vocal fold length were compared among these 3 methods. Results: The average variation in maximum glottal width measurements between stroboscopic data and VKG data was 3.10%. The average variations in width measurements between the clinical system and the industrial system were 1.93% (stroboscopy) and 3.49% (VKG). The variations in vocal fold length were similarly small. The standard deviations across trials were 0.29 mm for width and 0.48 mm for length (stroboscopy), 0.18 mm for width (VKG), and 0.25 mm for width and 0.84 mm for length (industrial). Conclusions: For stable, periodic vibration, the full extent of the glottal width can be reliably measured with the quantitative videostroboscopy system. PMID:18646436

Laser-zone growth in a Ribbon-To-Ribbon, RTR, process silicon sheet growth development for the large area silicon sheet task of the low cost silicon solar array project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gurtler, R. W.; Baghdadi, A.

1977-01-01

A ribbon-to-ribbon process was used for routine growth of samples for analysis and fabrication into solar cells. One lot of solar cells was completely evaluated: ribbon solar cell efficiencies averaged 9.23% with a highest efficiency of 11.7%. Spherical reflectors have demonstrated significant improvements in laser silicon coupling efficiencies. Material analyses were performed including silicon photovoltage and open circuit photovoltage diffusion length measurements, crystal morphology studies, modulus of rupture measurements, and annealing/gettering studies. An initial economic analysis was performed indicating that ribbon-to-ribbon add-on costs of $.10/watt might be expected in the early 1980's.

An assessment of the effects of casemix funding on hospital utilisation: a Northern Territory perspective.

PubMed

Xiao, J; Lee, A; Vemuri, S R; Beaver, C

2000-01-01

This article is concerned with the methodological issues of assessing the effects of casemix funding on hospital utilisation. Time-series analysis and intervention analysis are proposed to ascertain the effects. It was found there had been a decline in average length of stay and number of bed-days, an increase in weighted separations for teaching and non-teaching hospitals, and no apparent increase of costliness in terms of a comprehensive casemix index. No evidence of decline in quality of care can be established in terms of readmission rates. The long-term effects of casemix funding, and specific issues in terms of the funding model used, patients and cost shifting between hospital services and community health services, remain to be studied.

Angular filter refractometry analysis using simulated annealing.

PubMed

Angland, P; Haberberger, D; Ivancic, S T; Froula, D H

2017-10-01

Angular filter refractometry (AFR) is a novel technique used to characterize the density profiles of laser-produced, long-scale-length plasmas [Haberberger et al., Phys. Plasmas 21, 056304 (2014)]. A new method of analysis for AFR images was developed using an annealing algorithm to iteratively converge upon a solution. A synthetic AFR image is constructed by a user-defined density profile described by eight parameters, and the algorithm systematically alters the parameters until the comparison is optimized. The optimization and statistical uncertainty calculation is based on the minimization of the χ 2 test statistic. The algorithm was successfully applied to experimental data of plasma expanding from a flat, laser-irradiated target, resulting in an average uncertainty in the density profile of 5%-20% in the region of interest.

Managed care, networks and trends in hospital care for mental health and substance abuse treatment in Massachusetts: 1994-1999.

PubMed

Fleming, Elaine; Lien, Hsienming; Ma, Ching-To Albert; McGuire, Thomas G

2003-03-01

Rates of inpatient care for mental health and substance abuse treatment have been reported to fall after the introduction of managed care, but the actual decline may be overstated. Almost all managed care impact studies are based on pre-post comparisons, which have two drawbacks: secular downward trends may be attributed to a managed care effect and self-selection may exaggerate the impact of managed care. Therefore it is useful to examine long-term population-based trends in use associated with the growth of managed care. This paper examines trends in inpatient care for mental health and substance abuse treatment in Massachusetts between 1994 and 1999 by service provider and payer. We analyze how managed care impacts the trends in mental health and substance abuse care. We provide an overview of the health market in Massachusetts and compare trends in mental health and substance abuse services with all inpatient services. To analyze the impact of managed care, we compare the per discharge cost of managed care and fee for service plans in Medicare and Medicaid. Finally, we examine the role played by hospital networks in managed care. The reduction in service costs for mental health and substance abuse, about 25% in six years, is mostly due to the decline in the average cost per inpatient episode. This is only slightly greater than the decline in costs for all inpatient care. Managed care has reduced both the quantity (average length of stay) and intensity of health care (expenditure per day). Simulations suggest that the creation of hospital networks by managed care accounts for around 50% of the differential between the average costs of the HMO and FFS sectors. We find that the cost reductions in mental health and substance abuse services are larger than for physical health, but not by much. The average length of stay and average day cost is lower for managed care plans than for FFS plans, and much of this difference is attributable to the hospitals managed care plans select to participate in their networks. The data are limited to inpatient discharges from Massachusetts and therefore our conclusions may not be readily extended to other places. Furthermore, our analysis is based on the estimated cost rather than the actual payments to hospitals. IMPLICATION FOR HEALTH CARE PROVISION AND USE: The analysis highlights the importance of hospital selection and networks in affecting the cost of care. Contrary to popular belief, the analysis shows that the experience of mental health and substance abuse and non-mental health and substance abuse services is similar. Creation of networks is an important strategy in managed care. This paper provides the groundwork for extending the analysis to areas with market characteristics different to those of Massachusetts. Further research should focus on the long-term trends in health outcomes between managed care and fee for service patients.

Transverse Cervical Artery: Consistent Anatomical Landmarks and Clinical Experience with Its Use as a Recipient Artery in Complex Head and Neck Reconstruction.

PubMed

Tessler, Oren; Gilardino, Mirko S; Bartow, Matthew J; St Hilaire, Hugo; Womac, Daniel; Dionisopoulos, Tassos; Lessard, Lucie

2017-03-01

Many head and neck reconstructions occur in patients with extensive history of surgery or radiation treatment. This leads to complicated free flap reconstructions, especially in choosing recipient vessels in a "frozen neck." The transverse cervical artery is an optimal second-line recipient artery in head and neck reconstruction. Seventy-two neck sides in 36 cadavers were dissected, looking for the transverse cervical artery and transverse cervical vein. Anatomical location of these vessels, their diameter, and length were documented. A retrospective analysis on 19 patients who had head and neck reconstruction using the transverse cervical artery as a recipient artery was undertaken as well with regard to outcome of procedures, reason for surgery, previous operations, and use of vein grafts during surgery. The transverse cervical artery was present in 72 of 72 of cadaveric specimens, and was infraclavicular in two of 72 specimens. Transverse cervical artery length ranged from 4.0 to 7.0 cm, and the mean diameter was 2.65 mm. The transverse cervical vein was present in 61 of 72 cadaveric specimens, the length ranged from 4.0 to 7.0 cm, and the mean diameter was 2.90 mm. The transverse cervical artery averaged 33 mm from midline, and branched off the thyrocervical trunk at an average 17 mm superior to the clavicle. Transverse cervical artery stenosis was markedly less in comparison with external carotid artery stenosis. In a 20-year clinical follow-up study, the transverse cervical artery was the recipient artery in 19 patients. A vein graft was used in one patient, and no flap loss occurred in any of the 19 patients. The transverse cervical artery is a reliable and robust option as a recipient artery in free flap head and neck reconstruction.

Comparative Analysis of the Number and Structure of the Complexes of Microscopic Fungi in Tundra and Taiga Soils in the North of the Kola Peninsula

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korneikova, M. V.

2018-01-01

The number, biomass, length of fungal mycelium, and species diversity of microscopic fungi have been studied in soils of the tundra and taiga zones in the northern part of the Kola Peninsula: Al-Fe-humus podzols (Albic Podzols), podburs (Entic Podzols), dry peaty soils (Folic Histosols), low-moor peat soils (Sapric Histosols), and soils of frost bare spots (Cryosols). The number of cultivated microscopic fungi in tundra soils varied from 8 to 328 thousand CFU/g, their biomass averaged 1.81 ± 0.19 mg/g, and the length of fungal mycelium averaged 245 ± 25 m/g. The number of micromycetes in taiga soils varied from 80 to 350 thousand CFU/g, the number of fungal propagules in some years reached 600 thousand CFU/g; the fungal biomass varied from 0.23 to 6.2 mg/g, and the length of fungal mycelium varied from 32 to 3900 m/g. Overall, 36 species of fungi belonging to 16 genera, 13 families, and 8 orders were isolated from tundra soils. The species diversity of microscopic fungi in taiga soils was significantly higher: 87 species belonging to 31 genera, 21 families, and 11 orders. Fungi from the Penicillium genus predominated in both natural zones and constituted 38-50% of the total number of isolated species. The soils of tundra and taiga zones were characterized by their own complexes of micromycetes; the similarity of their species composition was about 40%. In soils of the tundra zone, Mortierella longicollis, Penicillium melinii, P. raistrickii, and P. simplicissimum predominated; dominant fungal species in soils of the taiga zone were represented by M. longicollis, P. decumbens, P. implicatum, and Umbelopsis isabellina.

Validity of the microsoft kinect system in assessment of compensatory stepping behavior during standing and treadmill walking.

PubMed

Shani, Guy; Shapiro, Amir; Oded, Goldstein; Dima, Kagan; Melzer, Itshak

2017-01-01

Rapid compensatory stepping plays an important role in preventing falls when balance is lost; however, these responses cannot be accurately quantified in the clinic. The Microsoft Kinect™ system provides real-time anatomical landmark position data in three dimensions (3D), which may bridge this gap. Compensatory stepping reactions were evoked in 8 young adults by a sudden platform horizontal motion on which the subject stood or walked on a treadmill. The movements were recorded with both a 3D-APAS motion capture and Microsoft Kinect™ systems. The outcome measures consisted of compensatory step times (milliseconds) and length (centimeters). The average values of two standing and walking trials for Microsoft Kinect™ and the 3D-APAS systems were compared using t -test, Pearson's correlation, Altman-bland plots, and the average difference of root mean square error (RMSE) of joint position. The Microsoft Kinect™ had high correlations for the compensatory step times ( r  = 0.75-0.78, p  = 0.04) during standing and moderate correlations for walking ( r  = 0.53-0.63, p  = 0.05). The step length, however had a very high correlations for both standing and walking ( r  > 0.97, p  = 0.01). The RMSE showed acceptable differences during the perturbation trials with smallest relative error in anterior-posterior direction (2-3%) and the highest in the vertical direction (11-13%). No systematic bias were evident in the Bland and Altman graphs. The Microsoft Kinect™ system provides comparable data to a video-based 3D motion analysis system when assessing step length and less accurate but still clinically acceptable for step times during balance recovery when balance is lost and fall is initiated.

Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of the Response to Cold Acclimation in Eucalyptus dunnii

PubMed Central

Liu, Yiqing; Jiang, Yusong; Lan, Jianbin; Zou, Yong; Gao, Junping

2014-01-01

Eucalyptus dunnii is an important macrophanerophyte with high economic value. However, low temperature stress limits its productivity and distribution. To study the cold response mechanisms of E. dunnii, 5 cDNA libraries were constructed from mRNA extracted from leaves exposed to cold stress for varying lengths of time and were evaluated by RNA-Seq analysis. The assembly of the Illumina datasets was optimized using various assembly programs and parameters. The final optimized assembly generated 205,325 transcripts with an average length of 1,701 bp and N50 of 2,627 bp, representing 349.38 Mb of the E. dunnii transcriptome. Among these transcripts, 134,358 transcripts (65.4%) were annotated in the Nr database. According to the differential analysis results, most transcripts were up-regulated as the cold stress prolonging, suggesting that these transcripts may be involved in the response to cold stress. In addition, the cold-relevant GO categories, such as ‘response to stress’ and ‘translational initiation’, were the markedly enriched GO terms. The assembly of the E. dunnii gene index and the GO classification performed in this study will serve as useful genomic resources for the genetic improvement of E. dunnii and also provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of cold acclimation in E. dunnii. PMID:25412179

Comparative analysis of DNA polymorphisms and phylogenetic relationships among Syzygium cumini Skeels based on phenotypic characters and RAPD technique.

PubMed

Singh, Jitendra P; Singh, Ak; Bajpai, Anju; Ahmad, Iffat Zareen

2014-01-01

The Indian black berry (Syzygium cumini Skeels) has a great nutraceutical and medicinal properties. As in other fruit crops, the fruit characteristics are important attributes for differentiation were also determined for different accessions of S. cumini. The fruit weight, length, breadth, length: breadth ratio, pulp weight, pulp content, seed weight and pulp: seed ratio significantly varied in different accessions. Molecular characterization was carried out using PCR based RAPD technique. Out of 80 RAPD primers, only 18 primers produced stable polymorphisms that were used to examine the phylogenetic relationship. A sum of 207 loci were generated out of which 201 loci found polymorphic. The average genetic dissimilarity was 97 per cent among jamun accessions. The phylogenetic relationship was also determined by principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) that explained 46.95 per cent cumulative variance. The two-dimensional PCoA analysis showed grouping of the different accessions that were plotted into four sub-plots, representing clustering of accessions. The UPGMA (r = 0.967) and NJ (r = 0.987) dendrogram constructed based on the dissimilarity matrix revealed a good degree of fit with the cophenetic correlation value. The dendrogram grouped the accessions into three main clusters according to their eco-geographical regions which given useful insight into their phylogenetic relationships.

Numerical Simulation of Turbulent Combustion Using Vortex Methods

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-09-27

laminar burning velocity times the flame length measured along the line of maximum reaction rate. Following the burning of the eddy core, the strain...is approximately the same as the flame length at t - 0. In the second stage, and as the eddy starts to roll up, the flame front forms a fold within the...Rp, which is the slope of the curve in Fig. 9, can be approximated by the product of the flame length times the average burning velocity along the

The influence of economic business cycles on United States suicide rates.

PubMed

Wasserman, I M

1984-01-01

A number of social science investigators have shown that a downturn in the economy leads to an increase in the suicide rate. However, the previous works on the subject are flawed by the fact that they employ years as their temporal unit of analysis. This time period is so large that it makes it difficult for investigators to precisely determine the length of the lag effect, while at the same time removing the autocorrelation effects. Also, although most works on suicide and the business cycle employ unemployment as a measure of a downturn in the business cycle, the average duration of unemployment represents a better measure for determining the social impact of an economic downturn. From 1947 to 1977 the average monthly duration of unemployment is statistically related to the suicide rate using multivariate time-series analysis. From 1910 to 1939 the Ayres business index, a surrogate measure for movement in the business cycle, is statistically related to the monthly suicide rate. An examination of the findings confirms that in most cases a downturn in the economy causes an increase in the suicide rate.

Length-Based Assessment of Coral Reef Fish Populations in the Main and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

PubMed Central

Nadon, Marc O.; Ault, Jerald S.; Williams, Ivor D.; Smith, Steven G.; DiNardo, Gerard T.

2015-01-01

The coral reef fish community of Hawaii is composed of hundreds of species, supports a multimillion dollar fishing and tourism industry, and is of great cultural importance to the local population. However, a major stock assessment of Hawaiian coral reef fish populations has not yet been conducted. Here we used the robust indicator variable “average length in the exploited phase of the population (L¯)”, estimated from size composition data from commercial fisheries trip reports and fishery-independent diver surveys, to evaluate exploitation rates for 19 Hawaiian reef fishes. By and large, the average lengths obtained from diver surveys agreed well with those from commercial data. We used the estimated exploitation rates coupled with life history parameters synthesized from the literature to parameterize a numerical population model and generate stock sustainability metrics such as spawning potential ratios (SPR). We found good agreement between predicted average lengths in an unfished population (from our population model) and those observed from diver surveys in the largely unexploited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Of 19 exploited reef fish species assessed in the main Hawaiian Islands, 9 had SPRs close to or below the 30% overfishing threshold. In general, longer-lived species such as surgeonfishes, the redlip parrotfish (Scarus rubroviolaceus), and the gray snapper (Aprion virescens) had the lowest SPRs, while short-lived species such as goatfishes and jacks, as well as two invasive species (Lutjanus kasmira and Cephalopholis argus), had SPRs above the 30% threshold. PMID:26267473

The stretch to stray on time: Resonant length of random walks in a transient

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falcke, Martin; Friedhoff, Victor Nicolai

2018-05-01

First-passage times in random walks have a vast number of diverse applications in physics, chemistry, biology, and finance. In general, environmental conditions for a stochastic process are not constant on the time scale of the average first-passage time or control might be applied to reduce noise. We investigate moments of the first-passage time distribution under an exponential transient describing relaxation of environmental conditions. We solve the Laplace-transformed (generalized) master equation analytically using a novel method that is applicable to general state schemes. The first-passage time from one end to the other of a linear chain of states is our application for the solutions. The dependence of its average on the relaxation rate obeys a power law for slow transients. The exponent ν depends on the chain length N like ν = - N / ( N + 1 ) to leading order. Slow transients substantially reduce the noise of first-passage times expressed as the coefficient of variation (CV), even if the average first-passage time is much longer than the transient. The CV has a pronounced minimum for some lengths, which we call resonant lengths. These results also suggest a simple and efficient noise control strategy and are closely related to the timing of repetitive excitations, coherence resonance, and information transmission by noisy excitable systems. A resonant number of steps from the inhibited state to the excitation threshold and slow recovery from negative feedback provide optimal timing noise reduction and information transmission.

Correlation based networks of equity returns sampled at different time horizons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tumminello, M.; di Matteo, T.; Aste, T.; Mantegna, R. N.

2007-01-01

We investigate the planar maximally filtered graphs of the portfolio of the 300 most capitalized stocks traded at the New York Stock Exchange during the time period 2001 2003. Topological properties such as the average length of shortest paths, the betweenness and the degree are computed on different planar maximally filtered graphs generated by sampling the returns at different time horizons ranging from 5 min up to one trading day. This analysis confirms that the selected stocks compose a hierarchical system progressively structuring as the sampling time horizon increases. Finally, a cluster formation, associated to economic sectors, is quantitatively investigated.

The ASAC Flight Segment and Network Cost Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaplan, Bruce J.; Lee, David A.; Retina, Nusrat; Wingrove, Earl R., III; Malone, Brett; Hall, Stephen G.; Houser, Scott A.

1997-01-01

To assist NASA in identifying research art, with the greatest potential for improving the air transportation system, two models were developed as part of its Aviation System Analysis Capability (ASAC). The ASAC Flight Segment Cost Model (FSCM) is used to predict aircraft trajectories, resource consumption, and variable operating costs for one or more flight segments. The Network Cost Model can either summarize the costs for a network of flight segments processed by the FSCM or can be used to independently estimate the variable operating costs of flying a fleet of equipment given the number of departures and average flight stage lengths.

Fish stock assessment of piraputanga Brycon microlepis in the Cuiabá River Basin, Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil.

PubMed

Mateus, L A de F; Estupiñán, G M B

2002-02-01

Fork length measurements of individuals of Brycon microlepis landed and commercialized at the Porto Market in Cuiabá, MT, from May-October 1996 to May-October 1997 were used to estimate growth and mortality parameters for this species. The average estimated populational parameters were: L infinity = 705 mm, k = 0.275 year-1, C = 0.775, WP = 0.465, Lc = 164 mm, M = 0.585 year-1, Z = 0.822 year-1, with F = 0.237 year-1. Yield per recruit analysis suggests that the stock is not yet overexploited.

Investigation on high transmission efficiency 7 × 1 pump combiner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Yang; Shi, Wei; Sheng, Quan; Fu, Shijie; Zhang, Haiwei; Bai, Xiaolei; Qi, Liang; Yao, Jianquan

2016-12-01

The 7×1 end-pumped combiner employing 105/125 μm multimode fibers as pump fibers is investigated. The theoretical analysis reveals that sufficient taper length and low refractive index of the capillary should be adopted to fabricate high transmission efficiency combiners. Based on the simulation results, we fabricate a 7×1 end-pumped pump combiner with an average transmission efficiency of 98.9% and a total return loss of 1.1‰. The measured internal operating temperature of this combiner indicates it can endure pump power of the order of kilowatts.

Temperature data analysis for 22 patients with advanced cervical carcinoma treated in Rotterdam using radiotherapy, hyperthermia and chemotherapy: a reference point is needed.

PubMed

Fatehi, D; van der Zee, J; van der Wal, E; Van Wieringen, W N; Van Rhoon, G C

2006-06-01

The growing interest and participation in multi-institutional trials involving deep hyperthermia treatment is an important step towards the further consolidation of hyperthermia as an oncological treatment modality. However, the differences in the clinical procedures of hyperthermia application also raises questions as how to compare the reported temperatures data obtained by the different institutes. In this study our recent developed approach, RHyThM (Rotterdam Hyperthermia Thermal Modulator), has been used for thermal data analysis to investigate the temperature dynamics behaviour of a series of deep hyperthermia treatments. All 22 patients (104 hyperthermia treatments) with locally advanced cervical carcinoma who participated in a feasibility study for treatment with a three-modality therapy were selected. The patients received mega-voltage external beam radiotherapy to the pelvis in daily fractions of 2 Gy five times a week to a total dose of 46 Gy and additional brachytherapy, at least four courses of weekly cisplatin (40 mg m-2) and five sessions of weekly loco regional deep hyperthermia treatments with the BSD2000-3D with the Sigma 60 or the Sigma-eye applicators at frequencies 70-120 MHz. Using RHyThM tissue type was defined along the insertion length, based on the CT scan information in radiotherapy position, for each single treatment. A step change in the slope of the profile of the first temperature map was identified to verify the insertion length of the thermometry catheter and precise location of the transition between in- and outside the body. Data analysis was performed based on the temperature readout provided by RHyThM. The temperature and RF-power data of 97 treatments could be analysed. The intra-vaginal temperature indices were slightly lower than those for bladder and rectum. The average T50 (median temperature) in all lumens, i.e. bladder, vagina and rectum, was 40.4 +/- 0.6 degrees Celsius. The average vagina all lumen T50 was 40.0 +/- 0.8 degrees Celsius. The average bladder and rectum all lumen T50 was 40.6 +/- 0.7 degrees Celsius and 40.5 +/- 0.6, respectively. When the analysis was restricted to the deepest 5 cm of the vagina lumen, the average T50 was 39.8 +/- 0.9 degrees Celsius. Good correlation exists between the various temperature indices like T20, T50 and T90, for all lumen measurements in bladder, vagina and rectum. No correlation was found between temperature indices and treatment number. For the complete patient population, no relationship was found between T50 and net integrated RF-power applied. In an explorative analysis on individual patients a positive correlation coefficient or trend was found in 14 patients between normalized net integrated RF-power and vagina T50. Average all lumen T50 for bladder, vagina and rectum differ less than 1 degrees Celsius, indicating that a large volume was heated relatively homogeneously. The vagina T50 value depends on how many measurement points are included for the analysis. In this group of patients the vagina T50 of the first treatment is not a good measure to discriminate between patients with 'heatable' and 'non-heatable' tumours. In order to compare temperature data reported by different institutes dealing with the same group of patients, one needs a strict and clear agreement on which temperature measurements or reference point(s) that should be included in the analysis.

Radiation Dose Reduction by Indication-Directed Focused z-Direction Coverage for Neck CT.

PubMed

Parikh, A K; Shah, C C

2016-06-01

The American College of Radiology-American Society of Neuroradiology-Society for Pediatric Radiology Practice Parameter for a neck CT suggests that coverage should be from the sella to the aortic arch. It also recommends using CT scans judiciously to achieve the clinical objective. Our purpose was to analyze the potential dose reduction by decreasing the scan length of a neck CT and to assess for any clinically relevant information that might be missed from this modified approach. This retrospective study included 126 children who underwent a neck CT between August 1, 2013, and September 30, 2014. Alteration of the scan length for the modified CT was suggested on the topographic image on the basis of the indication of the study, with the reader blinded to the images and the report. The CT dose index volume of the original scan was multiplied by the new scan length to calculate the dose-length product of the modified study. The effective dose was calculated for the original and modified studies by using age-based conversion factors from the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Report No. 96. Decreasing the scan length resulted in an average estimated dose reduction of 47%. The average reduction in scan length was 10.4 cm, decreasing the overall coverage by 48%. The change in scan length did not result in any missed findings that altered management. Of the 27 abscesses in this study, none extended to the mediastinum. All of the lesions in question were completely covered. Decreasing the scan length of a neck CT according to the indication provides a significant savings in radiation dose, while not altering diagnostic ability or management. © 2016 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

[Renal length measured by ultrasound in adult mexican population].

PubMed

Oyuela-Carrasco, J; Rodríguez-Castellanos, F; Kimura, E; Delgado-Hernández, R; Herrera-Félix, J P

2009-01-01

Renal length estimation by ultrasound is an important parameter in clinical evaluation of kidney disease and healthy donors. Changes in renal volume may be a sign of kidney disease. Correct interpretation of renal length requires the knowledge of normal limits, these have not been described for Latin American population. To describe normal renal length (RL) by ultrasonography in a group of Mexican adults. Ultrasound measure of RL in 153 healthy Mexican adults stratified by age. Describe the association of RL to several anthropometric variables. A total of 77 males and 76 females were scanner. The average age for the group was 44.12 +/- 15.44 years. The mean weight, body mass index (BMI) and height were 68.87 +/- 11.69 Kg, 26.77 +/- 3.82 kg/m2 and 160 +/- 8.62 cm respectively. Dividing the population by gender, showed a height of 166 +/- 6.15 cm for males and 154.7 +/- 5.97 cm for females (p =0.000). Left renal length (LRL) in the whole group was 105.8 +/- 7.56 mm and right renal length (RRL) was 104.3 +/- 6.45 mm (p = 0.000.) The LRL for males was 107.16 +/- 6.97 mm and for females was 104.6 +/- 7.96 mm. The average RRL for males was 105.74 +/- 5.74 mm and for females 102.99 +/- 6.85 mm (p = 0.008.) We noted that RL decreased with age and the rate of decline accelerates alter 60 years of age. Both lengths correlated significantly and positively with weight, BMI and height. The RL was significantly larger in males than in females in both kidneys (p = 0.036) in this Mexican population. Renal length declines after 60 years of age and specially after 70 years.

Association of center volume with outcomes in critically ill children with acute asthma.

PubMed

Gupta, Punkaj; Tang, Xinyu; Gossett, Jeffrey M; Gall, Christine M; Lauer, Casey; Rice, Tom B; Carroll, Christopher L; Kacmarek, Robert M; Wetzel, Randall C

2014-07-01

Little is known about the relation between center volume and outcomes in children requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission for acute asthma. To evaluate the association of center volume with the odds of receiving positive pressure ventilation and length of ICU stay. Patients 2 to 18 years of age with the primary diagnosis of asthma were included (2009-2012). Center volume was defined as the average number of mechanical ventilator cases per year for any diagnoses during the study period. In multivariable analysis, the odds of receiving positive pressure ventilation (invasive and noninvasive ventilation) and ICU length of stay were evaluated as a function of center volume. Fifteen thousand eighty-three patients from 103 pediatric ICUs with the primary diagnosis of acute asthma met the inclusion criteria. Seven hundred fifty-two patients (5%) received conventional mechanical ventilation and 964 patients (6%) received noninvasive ventilation. In multivariable analysis, center volume was not associated with the odds of receiving any form of positive pressure ventilation in children with acute asthma, with the exception of high- to medium-volume centers. However, ICU length of stay varied with center volume and was noted to be longer in low-volume centers compared with medium- and high-volume centers. In children with acute asthma, this study establishes a relation between center volume and ICU length of stay. However, this study fails to show any significant relation between center volume and the odds of receiving positive pressure ventilation; further analyses are needed to evaluate this relation in more detail. Copyright © 2014 American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.