The effect of adhesive dressing edges on cutaneous irritancy and skin barrier function.

PubMed

Dykes, P J

2007-03-01

To assess the effect of repeated application and removal of adhesive edges from wound-care products on cutaneous irritancy and barrier function in normal volunteer subjects. This was a study using a 'repeat-insult patch test'. Adhesive edges from six commonly used wound-care products were applied continuously to the same site (six applications over a 14-day period) in 30 normal volunteer subjects. The test sites were assessed clinically before product reapplication using established ranking scales for cutaneous erythema. The cumulative irritancy score (CIS) for each test site was determined by adding the erythema scores at days 3, 5, 8, 10, 12 and 15. At the study end the barrier function of each test site was assessed by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The CIS showed that the products fall into two distinct groups, with Mepilex, Tielle and Allevyn giving low scores and Biatain, Comfeel and DuoDERM higher scores. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) between Mepilex and Biatain, Mepilex and Comfeel, Mepilex and DuoDERM, Tielle and Biatain, Allevyn and Biatain. The mean TEWL values also indicated that the products fall into two distinct groups: Mepilex, Tielle and Allevyn with low mean values close to that of normal adjacent back skin and Biatain, Comfeel and DuoDERM with much higher mean values. Statistical analysis indicated that Mepilex, Tielle and Allevyn were not significantly different from normal skin (p < 0.05), whereas Biatain, Comfeel and DuoDERM were significantly higher than normal skin and the other products tested. The results show clear differences between products; the clinical scores and TEWL measurements indicate that the products fall into two distinct groups. This novel approach seems able to discriminate between adhesive borders and may be useful during product development and in selecting products for clinical trials.

[Quantitative analysis method based on fractal theory for medical imaging of normal brain development in infants].

PubMed

Li, Heheng; Luo, Liangping; Huang, Li

2011-02-01

The present paper is aimed to study the fractal spectrum of the cerebral computerized tomography in 158 normal infants of different age groups, based on the calculation of chaotic theory. The distribution range of neonatal period was 1.88-1.90 (mean = 1.8913 +/- 0.0064); It reached a stable condition at the level of 1.89-1.90 during 1-12 months old (mean = 1.8927 +/- 0.0045); The normal range of 1-2 years old infants was 1.86-1.90 (mean = 1.8863 +/- 4 0.0085); It kept the invariance of the quantitative value among 1.88-1.91(mean = 1.8958 +/- 0.0083) during 2-3 years of age. ANOVA indicated there's no significant difference between boys and girls (F = 0.243, P > 0.05), but the difference of age groups was significant (F = 8.947, P < 0.001). The fractal dimension of cerebral computerized tomography in normal infants computed by box methods was maintained at an efficient stability from 1.86 to 1.91. It indicated that there exit some attractor modes in pediatric brain development.

Comparison of remote sensing indices for monitoring of desert cienegas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilson, Natalie R.; Norman, Laura M.; Villarreal, Miguel; Gass, Leila; Tiller, Ron; Salywon, Andrew

2016-01-01

This research considers the applicability of different vegetation indices at 30 m resolution for mapping and monitoring desert wetland (cienega) health and spatial extent through time at Cienega Creek in southeastern Arizona, USA. Multiple stressors including the risk of decadal-scale drought, the effects of current and predicted global warming, and continued anthropogenic pressures threaten aquatic habitats in the southwest and cienegas are recognized as important sites for conservation and restoration efforts. However, cienegas present a challenge to satellite-imagery based analysis due to their small size and mixed surface cover of open water, exposed soils, and vegetation. We created time series of five well-known vegetation indices using annual Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) images retrieved during the April–June dry season, from 1984 to 2011 to map landscape-level distribution of wetlands and monitor the temporal dynamics of individual sites. Indices included the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and the Normalized Difference Infrared Index (NDII). One topographic index, the Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), was analyzed to examine the utility of topography in mapping distribution of cienegas. Our results indicate that the NDII, calculated using Landsat TM band 5, outperforms the other indices at differentiating cienegas from riparian and upland sites, and was the best means to analyze change. As such, it offers a critical baseline for future studies that seek to extend the analysis of cienegas to other regions and time scales, and has broader applicability to the remote sensing of wetland features in arid landscapes.

A systematic assessment of normalization approaches for the Infinium 450K methylation platform.

PubMed

Wu, Michael C; Joubert, Bonnie R; Kuan, Pei-fen; Håberg, Siri E; Nystad, Wenche; Peddada, Shyamal D; London, Stephanie J

2014-02-01

The Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip has emerged as one of the most popular platforms for genome wide profiling of DNA methylation. While the technology is wide-spread, systematic technical biases are believed to be present in the data. For example, this array incorporates two different chemical assays, i.e., Type I and Type II probes, which exhibit different technical characteristics and potentially complicate the computational and statistical analysis. Several normalization methods have been introduced recently to adjust for possible biases. However, there is considerable debate within the field on which normalization procedure should be used and indeed whether normalization is even necessary. Yet despite the importance of the question, there has been little comprehensive comparison of normalization methods. We sought to systematically compare several popular normalization approaches using the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) methylation data set and the technical replicates analyzed with it as a case study. We assessed both the reproducibility between technical replicates following normalization and the effect of normalization on association analysis. Results indicate that the raw data are already highly reproducible, some normalization approaches can slightly improve reproducibility, but other normalization approaches may introduce more variability into the data. Results also suggest that differences in association analysis after applying different normalizations are not large when the signal is strong, but when the signal is more modest, different normalizations can yield very different numbers of findings that meet a weaker statistical significance threshold. Overall, our work provides useful, objective assessment of the effectiveness of key normalization methods.

Relationships between vegetation indices, radiation absorption, and net photosynthesis evaluated by a sensitivity analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choudhury, Bhaskar J.

1987-01-01

A two-stream approximation to the radiative-transfer equation is used to calculate the vegetation indices (simple ratio and normalized difference), the fraction of incident photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) absorbed by the canopy, and the daily mean canopy net photosynthesis under clear-sky conditions. The model calculations are tested against field observations over wheat, cotton, corn, and soybean. The relationships between the vegetation indices and radiation absorption or net photosynthesis are generally found to be curvilinear, and changes in the soil reflectance affected these relationships. The curvilinearity of the relationship between normalized differences and PAR absorption decreases as the magnitude of soil reflectance increases. The vegetation indices might provide the fractional radiation absorption with some a priori knowledge about soil reflectance. The relationship between the vegetation indices and net photosynthesis must be distinguished for C3 and C4 crops. Effects of spatial heterogeneity are discussed.

Association of auricular pressing and heart rate variability in pre-exam anxiety students.

PubMed

Wu, Wocao; Chen, Junqi; Zhen, Erchuan; Huang, Huanlin; Zhang, Pei; Wang, Jiao; Ou, Yingyi; Huang, Yong

2013-03-25

A total of 30 students scoring between 12 and 20 on the Test Anxiety Scale who had been exhibiting an anxious state > 24 hours, and 30 normal control students were recruited. Indices of heart rate variability were recorded using an Actiheart electrocardiogram recorder at 10 minutes before auricular pressing, in the first half of stimulation and in the second half of stimulation. The results revealed that the standard deviation of all normal to normal intervals and the root mean square of standard deviation of normal to normal intervals were significantly increased after stimulation. The heart rate variability triangular index, very-low-frequency power, low-frequency power, and the ratio of low-frequency to high-frequency power were increased to different degrees after stimulation. Compared with normal controls, the root mean square of standard deviation of normal to normal intervals was significantly increased in anxious students following auricular pressing. These results indicated that auricular pressing can elevate heart rate variability, especially the root mean square of standard deviation of normal to normal intervals in students with pre-exam anxiety.

Association of auricular pressing and heart rate variability in pre-exam anxiety students

PubMed Central

Wu, Wocao; Chen, Junqi; Zhen, Erchuan; Huang, Huanlin; Zhang, Pei; Wang, Jiao; Ou, Yingyi; Huang, Yong

2013-01-01

A total of 30 students scoring between 12 and 20 on the Test Anxiety Scale who had been exhibiting an anxious state > 24 hours, and 30 normal control students were recruited. Indices of heart rate variability were recorded using an Actiheart electrocardiogram recorder at 10 minutes before auricular pressing, in the first half of stimulation and in the second half of stimulation. The results revealed that the standard deviation of all normal to normal intervals and the root mean square of standard deviation of normal to normal intervals were significantly increased after stimulation. The heart rate variability triangular index, very-low-frequency power, low-frequency power, and the ratio of low-frequency to high-frequency power were increased to different degrees after stimulation. Compared with normal controls, the root mean square of standard deviation of normal to normal intervals was significantly increased in anxious students following auricular pressing. These results indicated that auricular pressing can elevate heart rate variability, especially the root mean square of standard deviation of normal to normal intervals in students with pre-exam anxiety. PMID:25206734

Influences of Normalization Method on Biomarker Discovery in Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-Based Untargeted Metabolomics: What Should Be Considered?

PubMed

Chen, Jiaqing; Zhang, Pei; Lv, Mengying; Guo, Huimin; Huang, Yin; Zhang, Zunjian; Xu, Fengguo

2017-05-16

Data reduction techniques in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics has made the following workflow of data analysis more lucid. However, the normalization process still perplexes researchers, and its effects are always ignored. In order to reveal the influences of normalization method, five representative normalization methods (mass spectrometry total useful signal, median, probabilistic quotient normalization, remove unwanted variation-random, and systematic ratio normalization) were compared in three real data sets with different types. First, data reduction techniques were used to refine the original data. Then, quality control samples and relative log abundance plots were utilized to evaluate the unwanted variations and the efficiencies of normalization process. Furthermore, the potential biomarkers which were screened out by the Mann-Whitney U test, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, random forest, and feature selection algorithm Boruta in different normalized data sets were compared. The results indicated the determination of the normalization method was difficult because the commonly accepted rules were easy to fulfill but different normalization methods had unforeseen influences on both the kind and number of potential biomarkers. Lastly, an integrated strategy for normalization method selection was recommended.

Deriving leaf chlorophyll content of green-leafy vegetables from hyperspectral reflectance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Lihong; Yang, Linzhang

Different nitrogen (N) treatments of four common green-leafy vegetable varieties with different leaf color: lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa L.) with yellow green leaves, pakchoi ( Brassica chinensis L.) var. aijiaohuang in Chinese (AJH) with middle green leaves, spinach ( Spinacia oleracea L.) with green leaves and pakchoi ( B. chinensis L.) var. shanghaiqing in Chinese (SHQ) with dark green leaves, were carried out to achieve a wide range of chlorophyll content. The relationship of vegetable leaf hyperspectral response to its chlorophyll content was examined in this study. Almost all reported successful leaf chlorophyll indices in the literature were evaluated for their ability to predict the chlorophyll content in vegetable leaves. Some new indices based on the first derivative curve were also developed, and compared with the chlorophyll indices published. The results showed that most of the indices showed a strong relation with leaf chlorophyll content. In general, modified indices with the blue or near red edge wavelength performed better than their simple counterpart without modification, ratio indices performed a little better than normalized indices when chlorophyll expressed on area basis and reversed when chlorophyll expressed on fresh weight basis. A normalized derivative difference ratio (BND: (D722-D700)/(D722+D700) calibrated by Maire et al. [Maire, G., Francois, C., Dufrene, E., 2004. Towards universal broad leaf chlorophyll indices using PROSPECT simulated database and hyperspectral reflectance measurements. Remote Sensing of Environment 89 (1), 1-28]) gave the best results among all published indices in this study (RMSE=22.1 mg m -2), then the mSR-like indices with the RMSE between 22.6 and 23.0 mg m -2. The new indices EBAR (ratio of the area of red and blue, ∑ dRE/∑ dB), EBFN (normalized difference of the amplitude of red and blue, (dRE-dB)/(dRE+dB)) and EBAN (normalized difference of the area of red and blue, (∑ dRE-∑ dB)/(∑ dRE+∑ dB)) calculated with the derivatives also showed a good performance with the RMSE of 23.3, 24.15 and 24.33 mg m -2, respectively. The study suggests that spectral reflectance measurements hold promise for the assessment of chlorophyll content at the leaf level for green-leafy vegetables. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of such techniques on other vegetable varieties or at the canopy level.

Evaluation of genetic variability among "Early Mature" Juglans regia using microsatellite markers and morphological traits.

PubMed

Ebrahimi, Aziz; Zarei, Abdolkarim; Zamani Fardadonbeh, Mojtaba; Lawson, Shaneka

2017-01-01

Limiting the juvenile phase and reducing tree size are the two main challenges for breeders to improve most fruit crops. Early maturation and dwarf cultivars have been reported for many fruit species. "Early mature" and low vigor walnut genotypes were found among seedlings of Persian walnut. Nine microsatellite markers were used to evaluate genetic diversity among "Early Mature" Persian walnut accessions and provide a comparison with "normal growth" accessions. Six maturation related characteristics were also measured in "Early Mature" samples. Phenotypic traits and diversity indices showed relatively high levels of genetic diversity in "Early Mature" seedlings and indicated high differentiation between individuals. Seedling height, the most diverse phenotypic trait, has an important role in the clustering of "Early Mature" accessions. The "Early Mature" type had higher number of alleles, number of effective allele, and Shannon index compared to the "Normal Growth" group. The two types of studied walnuts had different alleles, with more than half of produced alleles specific to a specific group. "Early Mature" and "Normal Growth" walnuts had 27 and 17 private alleles, respectively. Grouping with different methods separated "Early Mature" and "Normal Growth" samples entirely. The presence of moderate to high genetic diversity in "Early Mature" walnuts and high genetic differentiation with "Normal Growth" walnuts, indicated that "Early Mature" walnuts were more diverse and distinct from "Normal Growth" samples. Moreover, our results showed SSR markers were useful for differentiating between "Early Mature" and "Normal Growth" walnuts. A number of identified loci have potential in breeding programs for identification of "Early Mature" walnuts at the germination phase.

An Investigation of Stimulant Effects on the EEG of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

PubMed

Clarke, Adam R; Barry, Robert J; Baker, Iris E; McCarthy, Rory; Selikowitz, Mark

2017-07-01

Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). These medications result in a normalization of the EEG. However, past research has found that complete normalization of the EEG is not always achieved. One reason for this may be that studies have used different medications interchangeably, or groups of subjects on different stimulants. This study investigated whether methylphenidate and dexamphetamine produce different levels of normalization of the EEG in children with AD/HD. Three groups of 20 boys participated in this study. There were 2 groups with a diagnosis of AD/HD; one group, good responders to methylphenidate, and the second, good responders to dexamphetamine. The third group was a normal control group. Baseline EEGs were recorded using an eyes-closed resting condition, and analyzed for total power and relative delta, theta, alpha, and beta. Subjects were placed on a 6-month trial of methylphenidate or dexamphetamine, after which a second EEG was recorded. At baseline, the children with AD/HD had elevated relative theta, less relative alpha and beta compared with controls. Baseline differences were found between the two medication groups, with the dexamphetamine group having greater EEG abnormalities than the methylphenidate group. The results indicate that good responders to methylphenidate and dexamphetamine have different EEG profiles when assessed before medication, and these differences may represent different underlying central nervous system deficits. The 2 medications were found to result in substantial normalization of the EEG, with no significant differences in EEG changes occurring between the 2 medications. This indicates that the degree of pretreatment EEG abnormality was the major factor contributing to the degree of normalization of the EEG. As good responders to the 2 medications appear to have different central nervous system abnormalities, it is recommended that stimulant medications be treated independently and not used interchangeably in research and treatment of AD/HD.

Heat treatment of human esophageal tissues: Effect on esophageal cancer detection using oxygenated hemoglobin diffuse reflectance ratio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Q. L.; Guo, Z. Y.; Si, J. L.; Wei, H. J.; Yang, H. Q.; Wu, G. Y.; Xie, S. S.; Guo, X.; Zhong, H. Q.; Li, L. Q.; Li, X. Y.

2011-03-01

The main objective of the present work is to study the influence of heat treatment on the esophageal cancer detection using the diffuse reflectance (DR) spectral intensity ratio R540/R575 of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) absorption bands to distinguish the epithelial tissues of normal human esophagus and moderately differentiated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) at different heat treatment temperature of 20, 37, 42, 50, and 60°C, respectively. The DR spectra for the epithelial tissues of the normal esophagus and ESCC in vitro at different heat-treatment temperature in the wavelength range 400-650 nm were measured with a commercial optical fiber spectrometer. The results indicate that the average DR spectral intensity overall enhancement with concomitant increase of heat-treatment temperature for the epithelial tissues of normal esophagus and ESCC, but the average DR spectral intensity for the normal esophageal epithelial tissues is relatively higher than that for ESCC epithelial tissues at the same heat-treatment temperature. The mean R540/R575 ratios of ESCC epithelial tissues were always lower than that of normal esophageal epithelial tissues at the same temperature, and the mean R540/R575 ratios of the epithelial tissues of the normal esophagus and ESCC were decreasing with the increase of different heat-treatment temperatures. The differences in the mean R540/R575 ratios between the epithelial tissues of normal esophagus and ESCC were 13.33, 13.59, 11.76, and 11.11% at different heat-treatment temperature of 20, 37, 42, and 50°C, respectively. These results also indicate that the DR intensity ratio R540/R575 of the hemoglobin bands is a useful tool for discrimination between the epithelial tissues of normal esophagus and ESCC in the temperature range from room temperature to 50°C, but it was non-effective at 60°C or over 60°C.

Evaluation of MODIS NDVI and NDWI for vegetation drought monitoring using Oklahoma Mesonet soil moisture data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gu, Yingxin; Hunt, E.; Wardlow, B.; Basara, J.B.; Brown, Jesslyn F.; Verdin, J.P.

2008-01-01

The evaluation of the relationship between satellite-derived vegetation indices (normalized difference vegetation index and normalized difference water index) and soil moisture improves our understanding of how these indices respond to soil moisture fluctuations. Soil moisture deficits are ultimately tied to drought stress on plants. The diverse terrain and climate of Oklahoma, the extensive soil moisture network of the Oklahoma Mesonet, and satellite-derived indices from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) provided an opportunity to study correlations between soil moisture and vegetation indices over the 2002-2006 growing seasons. Results showed that the correlation between both indices and the fractional water index (FWI) was highly dependent on land cover heterogeneity and soil type. Sites surrounded by relatively homogeneous vegetation cover with silt loam soils had the highest correlation between the FWI and both vegetation-related indices (r???0.73), while sites with heterogeneous vegetation cover and loam soils had the lowest correlation (r???0.22). Copyright 2008 by the American Geophysical Union.

Peer Popularity and Peer Communication Patterns: Hyperactive versus Active but Normal Boys.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

King, Cheryl A.; Young, Richard David

1981-01-01

Classroom peer perceptions of 18 teacher-nominated hyperactive and 18 teacher-nominated active but normal elementary school-age boys were compared. Results indicated that hyperactives were significantly different from actives on all sociometric measures in that they were perceived more negatively. (Author/SB)

Reaction times of normal listeners to laryngeal, alaryngeal, and synthetic speech.

PubMed

Evitts, Paul M; Searl, Jeff

2006-12-01

The purpose of this study was to compare listener processing demands when decoding alaryngeal compared to laryngeal speech. Fifty-six listeners were presented with single words produced by 1 proficient speaker from 5 different modes of speech: normal, tracheosophageal (TE), esophageal (ES), electrolaryngeal (EL), and synthetic speech (SS). Cognitive processing load was indexed by listener reaction time (RT). To account for significant durational differences among the modes of speech, an RT ratio was calculated (stimulus duration divided by RT). Results indicated that the cognitive processing load was greater for ES and EL relative to normal speech. TE and normal speech did not differ in terms of RT ratio, suggesting fairly comparable cognitive demands placed on the listener. SS required greater cognitive processing load than normal and alaryngeal speech. The results are discussed relative to alaryngeal speech intelligibility and the role of the listener. Potential clinical applications and directions for future research are also presented.

Utilization of combined remote sensing techniques to detect environmental variables influencing malaria vector densities in rural West Africa

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Introduction The use of remote sensing has found its way into the field of epidemiology within the last decades. With the increased sensor resolution of recent and future satellites new possibilities emerge for high resolution risk modeling and risk mapping. Methods A SPOT 5 satellite image, taken during the rainy season 2009 was used for calculating indices by combining the image's spectral bands. Besides the widely used Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) other indices were tested for significant correlation against field observations. Multiple steps, including the detection of surface water, its breeding appropriateness for Anopheles and modeling of vector imagines abundance, were performed. Data collection on larvae, adult vectors and geographic parameters in the field, was amended by using remote sensing techniques to gather data on altitude (Digital Elevation Model = DEM), precipitation (Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission = TRMM), land surface temperatures (LST). Results The DEM derived altitude as well as indices calculations combining the satellite's spectral bands (NDTI = Normalized Difference Turbidity Index, NDWI Mac Feeters = Normalized Difference Water Index) turned out to be reliable indicators for surface water in the local geographic setting. While Anopheles larvae abundance in habitats is driven by multiple, interconnected factors - amongst which the NDVI - and precipitation events, the presence of vector imagines was found to be correlated negatively to remotely sensed LST and positively to the cumulated amount of rainfall in the preceding 15 days and to the Normalized Difference Pond Index (NDPI) within the 500 m buffer zone around capture points. Conclusions Remotely sensed geographical and meteorological factors, including precipitations, temperature, as well as vegetation, humidity and land cover indicators could be used as explanatory variables for surface water presence, larval development and imagines densities. This modeling approach based on remotely sensed information is potentially useful for counter measures that are putting on at the environmental side, namely vector larvae control via larviciding and water body reforming. PMID:22443452

Utilization of combined remote sensing techniques to detect environmental variables influencing malaria vector densities in rural West Africa.

PubMed

Dambach, Peter; Machault, Vanessa; Lacaux, Jean-Pierre; Vignolles, Cécile; Sié, Ali; Sauerborn, Rainer

2012-03-23

The use of remote sensing has found its way into the field of epidemiology within the last decades. With the increased sensor resolution of recent and future satellites new possibilities emerge for high resolution risk modeling and risk mapping. A SPOT 5 satellite image, taken during the rainy season 2009 was used for calculating indices by combining the image's spectral bands. Besides the widely used Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) other indices were tested for significant correlation against field observations. Multiple steps, including the detection of surface water, its breeding appropriateness for Anopheles and modeling of vector imagines abundance, were performed. Data collection on larvae, adult vectors and geographic parameters in the field, was amended by using remote sensing techniques to gather data on altitude (Digital Elevation Model = DEM), precipitation (Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission = TRMM), land surface temperatures (LST). The DEM derived altitude as well as indices calculations combining the satellite's spectral bands (NDTI = Normalized Difference Turbidity Index, NDWI Mac Feeters = Normalized Difference Water Index) turned out to be reliable indicators for surface water in the local geographic setting. While Anopheles larvae abundance in habitats is driven by multiple, interconnected factors - amongst which the NDVI - and precipitation events, the presence of vector imagines was found to be correlated negatively to remotely sensed LST and positively to the cumulated amount of rainfall in the preceding 15 days and to the Normalized Difference Pond Index (NDPI) within the 500 m buffer zone around capture points. Remotely sensed geographical and meteorological factors, including precipitations, temperature, as well as vegetation, humidity and land cover indicators could be used as explanatory variables for surface water presence, larval development and imagines densities. This modeling approach based on remotely sensed information is potentially useful for counter measures that are putting on at the environmental side, namely vector larvae control via larviciding and water body reforming. © 2012 Dambach et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Thermal sensation and climate: a comparison of UTCI and PET thresholds in different climates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pantavou, Katerina; Lykoudis, Spyridon; Nikolopoulou, Marialena; Tsiros, Ioannis X.

2018-06-01

The influence of physiological acclimatization and psychological adaptation on thermal perception is well documented and has revealed the importance of thermal experience and expectation in the evaluation of environmental stimuli. Seasonal patterns of thermal perception have been studied, and calibrated thermal indices' scales have been proposed to obtain meaningful interpretations of thermal sensation indices in different climate regions. The current work attempts to quantify the contribution of climate to the long-term thermal adaptation by examining the relationship between climate normal annual air temperature (1971-2000) and such climate-calibrated thermal indices' assessment scales. The thermal sensation ranges of two thermal indices, the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and the Physiological Equivalent Temperature Index (PET), were calibrated for three warm temperate climate contexts (Cfa, Cfb, Csa), against the subjective evaluation of the thermal environment indicated by interviewees during field surveys conducted at seven European cities: Athens (GR), Thessaloniki (GR), Milan (IT), Fribourg (CH), Kassel (DE), Cambridge (UK), and Sheffield (UK), under the same research protocol. Then, calibrated scales for other climate contexts were added from the literature, and the relationship between the respective scales' thresholds and climate normal annual air temperature was examined. To maintain the maximum possible comparability, three methods were applied for the calibration, namely linear, ordinal, and probit regression. The results indicated that the calibrated UTCI and PET thresholds increase with the climate normal annual air temperature of the survey city. To investigate further climates, we also included in the analysis results of previous studies presenting only thresholds for neutral thermal sensation. The average increase of the respective thresholds in the case of neutral thermal sensation was about 0.6 °C for each 1 °C increase of the normal annual air temperature for both indices, statistically significant only for PET though.

Determination of Three-Dimensional Left Ventricle Motion to Analyze Ventricular Dyssyncrony in SPECT Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rebelo, Marina de Sá; Aarre, Ann Kirstine Hummelgaard; Clemmesen, Karen-Louise; Brandão, Simone Cristina Soares; Giorgi, Maria Clementina; Meneghetti, José Cláudio; Gutierrez, Marco Antonio

2009-12-01

A method to compute three-dimension (3D) left ventricle (LV) motion and its color coded visualization scheme for the qualitative analysis in SPECT images is proposed. It is used to investigate some aspects of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT). The method was applied to 3D gated-SPECT images sets from normal subjects and patients with severe Idiopathic Heart Failure, before and after CRT. Color coded visualization maps representing the LV regional motion showed significant difference between patients and normal subjects. Moreover, they indicated a difference between the two groups. Numerical results of regional mean values representing the intensity and direction of movement in radial direction are presented. A difference of one order of magnitude in the intensity of the movement on patients in relation to the normal subjects was observed. Quantitative and qualitative parameters gave good indications of potential application of the technique to diagnosis and follow up of patients submitted to CRT.

Dissociating Normal Aging from Alzheimer’s Disease: A View from Cognitive Neuroscience

PubMed Central

Toepper, Max

2017-01-01

Both normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are associated with changes in cognition, grey and white matter volume, white matter integrity, neural activation, functional connectivity, and neurotransmission. Obviously, all of these changes are more pronounced in AD and proceed faster providing the basis for an AD diagnosis. Since these differences are quantitative, however, it was hypothesized that AD might simply reflect an accelerated aging process. The present article highlights the different neurocognitive changes associated with normal aging and AD and shows that, next to quantitative differences, there are multiple qualitative differences as well. These differences comprise different neurocognitive dissociations as different cognitive deficit profiles, different weights of grey and white matter atrophy, and different gradients of structural decline. These qualitative differences clearly indicate that AD cannot be simply described as accelerated aging process but on the contrary represents a solid entity. PMID:28269778

Use of structured personality survey techniques to indicate operator response to stressful situations

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

Waller, M.A.

Under given circumstances, a person will tend to operate in one of four dominant orientations: (1) to perform tasks; (2) to achieve consensus; (3) to achieve understanding, or (4) to maintain structure. Historically, personality survey techniques, such as the Myers-Briggs type indicator, have been used to determine these tendencies. While these techniques can accurately reflect a person's orientation under normal social situations, under different sets of conditions, the same person may exhibit other tendencies, displaying a similar or entirely different orientation. While most do not exhibit extreme tendencies or changes of orientation, the shift in personality from normal to stressfulmore » conditions can be rather dramatic, depending on the individual. Structured personality survey techniques have been used to indicate operator response to stressful situations. These techniques have been extended to indicate the balance between orientations that the control room team has through the various levels of cognizance.« less

On binaural beats.

PubMed

Fritze, W

1985-01-01

Binaural beats have been investigated in normal volunteers using high-stable synthesizers. There are considerable differences between the subjective rhythm heard and the difference of the two frequencies, indicating that this dissimilarity must be caused centrally.

Mutagenicity and in vivo toxicity of combined particulate and semivolatile organic fractions of gasoline and diesel engine emissions.

PubMed

Seagrave, JeanClare; McDonald, Jacob D; Gigliotti, Andrew P; Nikula, Kristen J; Seilkop, Steven K; Gurevich, Michael; Mauderly, Joe L

2002-12-01

Exposure to engine emissions is associated with adverse health effects. However, little is known about the relative effects of emissions produced by different operating conditions, fuels, or technologies. Rapid screening techniques are needed to compare the biological effects of emissions with different characteristics. Here, we examined a set of engine emission samples using conventional bioassays. The samples included combined particulate material and semivolatile organic compound fractions of emissions collected from normal- and high-emitter gasoline and diesel vehicles collected at 72 degrees F, and from normal-emitter groups collected at 30 degrees F. The relative potency of the samples was determined by statistical analysis of the dose-response curves. All samples induced bacterial mutagenicity, with a 10-fold range of potency among the samples. Responses to intratracheal instillation in rats indicated generally parallel rankings of the samples by multiple endpoints reflecting cytotoxic, inflammatory, and lung parenchymal changes, allowing selection of a more limited set of parameters for future studies. The parameters selected to assess oxidative stress and macrophage function yielded little useful information. Responses to instillation indicated little difference in potency per unit of combined particulate material and semivolatile organic compound mass between normal-emitter gasoline and diesel vehicles, or between emissions collected at different temperatures. However, equivalent masses of emissions from high-emitter vehicles of both types were more potent than those from normal-emitters. While preliminary in terms of assessing contributions of different emissions to health hazards, the results indicate that a subset of this panel of assays will be useful in providing rapid, cost-effective feedback on the biological impact of modified technology.

Cortical processing of speech in individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder.

PubMed

Apeksha, Kumari; Kumar, U Ajith

2018-06-01

Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) is a condition where cochlear amplification function (involving outer hair cells) is normal but neural conduction in the auditory pathway is disordered. This study was done to investigate the cortical representation of speech in individuals with ANSD and to compare it with the individuals with normal hearing. Forty-five participants including 21 individuals with ANSD and 24 individuals with normal hearing were considered for the study. Individuals with ANSD had hearing thresholds ranging from normal hearing to moderate hearing loss. Auditory cortical evoked potentials-through odd ball paradigm-were recorded using 64 electrodes placed on the scalp for /ba/-/da/ stimulus. Onset cortical responses were also recorded in repetitive paradigm using /da/ stimuli. Sensitivity and reaction time required to identify the oddball stimuli were also obtained. Behavioural results indicated that individuals in ANSD group had significantly lower sensitivity and longer reaction times compared to individuals with normal hearing sensitivity. Reliable P300 could be elicited in both the groups. However, a significant difference in scalp topographies was observed between the two groups in both repetitive and oddball paradigms. Source localization using local auto regressive analyses revealed that activations were more diffuses in individuals with ANSD when compared to individuals with normal hearing sensitivity. Results indicated that the brain networks and regions activated in individuals with ANSD during detection and discrimination of speech sounds are different from normal hearing individuals. In general, normal hearing individuals showed more focused activations while in individuals with ANSD activations were diffused.

GAMA/H-ATLAS: a meta-analysis of SFR indicators - comprehensive measures of the SFR-M* relation and cosmic star formation history at z < 0.4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davies, L. J. M.; Driver, S. P.; Robotham, A. S. G.; Grootes, M. W.; Popescu, C. C.; Tuffs, R. J.; Hopkins, A.; Alpaslan, M.; Andrews, S. K.; Bland-Hawthorn, J.; Bremer, M. N.; Brough, S.; Brown, M. J. I.; Cluver, M. E.; Croom, S.; da Cunha, E.; Dunne, L.; Lara-López, M. A.; Liske, J.; Loveday, J.; Moffett, A. J.; Owers, M.; Phillipps, S.; Sansom, A. E.; Taylor, E. N.; Michalowski, M. J.; Ibar, E.; Smith, M.; Bourne, N.

2016-09-01

We present a meta-analysis of star formation rate (SFR) indicators in the Galaxy And Mass Assembly (GAMA) survey, producing 12 different SFR metrics and determining the SFR-M* relation for each. We compare and contrast published methods to extract the SFR from each indicator, using a well-defined local sample of morphologically selected spiral galaxies, which excludes sources which potentially have large recent changes to their SFR. The different methods are found to yield SFR-M* relations with inconsistent slopes and normalizations, suggesting differences between calibration methods. The recovered SFR-M* relations also have a large range in scatter which, as SFRs of the targets may be considered constant over the different time-scales, suggests differences in the accuracy by which methods correct for attenuation in individual targets. We then recalibrate all SFR indicators to provide new, robust and consistent luminosity-to-SFR calibrations, finding that the most consistent slopes and normalizations of the SFR-M* relations are obtained when recalibrated using the radiation transfer method of Popescu et al. These new calibrations can be used to directly compare SFRs across different observations, epochs and galaxy populations. We then apply our calibrations to the GAMA II equatorial data set and explore the evolution of star formation in the local Universe. We determine the evolution of the normalization to the SFR-M* relation from 0 < z < 0.35 - finding consistent trends with previous estimates at 0.3 < z < 1.2. We then provide the definitive z < 0.35 cosmic star formation history, SFR-M* relation and its evolution over the last 3 billion years.

Comparison for aphasic and control subjects of eye movements hypothesized in neurolinguistic programming.

PubMed

Dooley, K O; Farmer, A

1988-08-01

Neurolinguistic programming's hypothesized eye movements were measured independently using videotapes of 10 nonfluent aphasic and 10 control subjects matched for age and sex. Chi-squared analysis indicated that eye-position responses were significantly different for the groups. Although earlier research has not supported the hypothesized eye positions for normal subjects, the present findings support the contention that eye-position responses may differ between neurologically normal and aphasic individuals.

The value of different insulin resistance indices in assessment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in overweight/obese children.

PubMed

El-Karaksy, Hanaa M; El-Raziky, Mona S; Fouad, Hanan M; Anwar, Ghada M; El-Mougy, Fatma M; El-Koofy, Nehal M; El-Hennawy, Ahmad M

2015-01-01

The aim of the present study was to determine the association between insulin resistance (IR) and both non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a group of Egyptian overweight/obese children and adolescents and to evaluate different IR indices in detection of NAFLD. The study included 76 overweight/obese children aged 2-15 years; 52.6% were males. Laboratory analysis included fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, lipid profile, liver biochemical profile, and liver ultrasound. IR was calculated using the following indices; the homeostasis model assessment method (HOMA-IR), the quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and hepatic insulin sensitivity. The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria were used to estimate prevalence of MetS. Liver biopsy was done when medically indicated and accepted by parents. IR was detected in 43.4% and 34.2% by using QUICKI and HOMA, respectively. MetS was detected in 36.8% and NAFLD was detected in 45.5% among those performing liver biopsy. Cases with NAFLD had more frequent IR than children with normal histology. QUICKI showed significant difference between normal subjects and both steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; while HOMA-IR was sensitive in cases with NASH only. MetS was present in 100% of patients with NASH and in 75% of those with steatosis and they were all obese. Patients with NASH had significantly higher ALT than those with normal histology. IR was significantly associated with NAFLD. QUICKI is considered more sensitive than HOMA-IR in differentiating simple steatosis from normal liver histology. Copyright © 2013 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tissue Physiology and Pathology of Aromatase

PubMed Central

Stocco, Carlos

2011-01-01

Summary Aromatase is expressed in multiple tissues, indicating a crucial role for locally produced oestrogens in the differentiation, regulation and normal function of several organs and processes. This review is an overview of the role of aromatase in different tissues under normal physiological conditions and its contribution to the development of some oestrogen-related pathologies. PMID:22108547

The difference between slow and forced vital capacity increases with increasing body mass index: a paradoxical difference in low and normal body mass indices.

PubMed

Fortis, Spyridon; Corazalla, Edward O; Wang, Qi; Kim, Hyun J

2015-01-01

Obesity reduces FVC, the most commonly used measurement of vital capacity (VC) and slow VC (SVC). It is unknown whether the difference between SVC and FVC is constant in different body mass indices (BMIs). We hypothesized that the difference between SVC and FVC increases as a function of BMI. We retrospectively reviewed pulmonary function tests (PFTs) that included spirometry and plethysmography and were performed in adults from January 2013 to August 2013. A total of 1,805 PFTs were enrolled. The non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare FVC with SVC, and to compare FEV1/FVC with FEV1/SVC ratio. Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine whether BMI has an effect on the discordance between FVC and SVC. Finally, we used the McNemar test for paired binary data to compare the prevalence rate of obstruction when using different measurements of VC. In individuals with BMI < 25 kg/m(2) and no evidence of obstruction in the PFTs, FVC was larger than SVC (P = .03), whereas in overweight and obese individuals, SVC was significantly larger than FVC. The difference between SVC and FVC was positively correlated with BMI (P < .001). One hundred thirty-one patients had a normal FEV1/FVC but low FEV1/SVC ratio. Fifty of these 131 individuals also had a normal FVC; the majority of them (46 of 50) had the PFTs for investigation of respiratory symptoms and had BMI > 25 kg/m(2) (42 of 50). Our results indicate that FVC is larger than SVC in patients with low and normal BMI and no evidence of obstruction in the PFTs, whereas FVC is smaller than SVC in overweight and obese individual. Our findings add to the existing literature that use of FEV1/FVC may lead to underdiagnosis of obstructive airway disease in overweight and obese individuals. Copyright © 2015 by Daedalus Enterprises.

Fire effects in the northern Chihuahuan Desert derived from Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper spectral indices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, Joseph D.; Swint, Pamela

2014-01-01

Fire effects on desert ecosystems may be long-lasting based on ecological impact of fire in these environments which potentially is detected from multispectral sensors. To assess this, we analyzed changes in spectral characteristics from 1986 to 2010 of pixels associated with the location of fires that occurred between 1986 and 1999 in Big Bend National Park, USA, located in the northern Chihuahuan Desert. Using Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper (TM) data, we derived spectral indices including the simple ratio (SR), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), and normalized burn ratio (NBR) from 1989, 1999, and 2010 from the TM data and compared changes in spectral index values for sites with and without observed fire. We found that the NDVI and SAVI had significantly different values over the time for burned sites of different fire sizes. When differences of the spectral indices were calculated from each time period, time since fire was correlated with the SR and NBR indices. These results showed that large fires potentially had a persistent and long-term change in vegetation cover and soil characteristics which were detected by the extraordinary long-data collection period of the Landsat-5 TM sensor.

The onset of stress response in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss embryos subjected to density and handling.

PubMed

Ghaedi, Gholamreza; Falahatkar, Bahram; Yavari, Vahid; Sheibani, Mohammad T; Broujeni, Gholamreza Nikbakht

2015-04-01

The present study made an attempt to measure the cortisol content, as an indicator of stress response, in rainbow trout embryos which were exposed to different densities and handling stress (air exposure) during incubation. The three densities of experimental embryos at early development stages were considered as 2.55 embryos/cm(2) (low density), 5.10 embryos/cm(2) (normal density) and 7.65 embryos/cm(2) (high density). The cortisol content of eggs (5.09 ± 0.12 ng/g) decreased to 3.68 ± 0.14 ng/g in newly fertilized eggs. Resting level of cortisol dropped at three densities by day 18 of post fertilization. Then, cortisol increased at hatching stage to 1.16 ± 0.11, 1.20 ± 0.12 and 1.21 ± 0.14 ng/g at low, normal and high densities, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between cortisol concentrations in three densities. The acute handling stress test (5-min out-of-water), conducted on embryos (48 h post fertilization, organogenesis and eyed stage) in three densities, revealed no differences in whole-body cortisol levels between stressed and unstressed experimental groups. At hatching stage in low-density group, level of cortisol increased but the difference with the pre-stress levels was not statistically significant. Furthermore, significant differences in cortisol levels of stressed and unstressed embryos were detected on hatching in normal and high density groups [1.20 ± 0.12 at time 0-1.49 ± 0.11 ng/g at 1 hps (hours post stress) and from 1.21 ± 0.14 at time 0 to 1.53 ± 0.10 ng/g at 3 hps, respectively]. The results showed no difference in profile of cortisol in different densities, but acute stress conducted on embryos, incubated in different densities, revealed differences in cortisol stress response at hatching between normal and high density, which lead to cortisol increase at hatching time. It indicates that the lag time in the cortisol response to stressors immediately after hatching does not occur when the siblings were stressed during the embryo stage. Results, finally, indicated that hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal axis was active and responded to an acute stressor under normal and high density, but it is unresponsive to a stressor around hatching under low density.

Estimation on rubber tree disturbance caused by typhoon Damery (200518) with Landsat and MODIS data in Hainan Island of China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Chenyan; Fang, Weihua; Li, Jian

2016-04-01

In 2005, Typhoon Damery (200518) caused severe damage to the rubber trees in Hainan Island with its destructive winds and rainfall. Selection of proper vegetation indices using multi-source remote sensing data is critical to the assessment of forest disturbance and damage loss for this event. In this study, we will compare the performance of seven vegetation indices derived from MODIS and Landsat TM imageries prior to and after typhoon Damery, in order to select an optimal index for identifying rubber tree disturbance. The indices to be compared are normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Normalized Difference Infrared Index (NDII), Enhanced vegetation index (EVI), Leaf area index (LAI), forest z-score (IFZ), and Disturbance Index (DI). The ground truth data of rubber tree damage collected through field investigation was used to verify and compare the results. Our preliminary result for the area with ground-truth data shows that DI has the most significant performance for disturbance detection for this typhoon event. This index DI is then applied to all the areas in Hainan Island hit by Darmey to evaluate the overall forest damage severity. At last, rubber tree damage severity is analyzed with other typhoon hazard factors such as wind, topography, soil and precipitation.

Indicator methods to evaluate the hygienic performance of industrial scale operating Biowaste Composting Plants.

PubMed

Martens, Jürgen

2005-01-01

The hygienic performance of biowaste composting plants to ensure the quality of compost is of high importance. Existing compost quality assurance systems reflect this importance through intensive testing of hygienic parameters. In many countries, compost quality assurance systems are under construction and it is necessary to check and to optimize the methods to state the hygienic performance of composting plants. A set of indicator methods to evaluate the hygienic performance of normal operating biowaste composting plants was developed. The indicator methods were developed by investigating temperature measurements from indirect process tests from 23 composting plants belonging to 11 design types of the Hygiene Design Type Testing System of the German Compost Quality Association (BGK e.V.). The presented indicator methods are the grade of hygienization, the basic curve shape, and the hygienic risk area. The temperature courses of single plants are not distributed normally, but they were grouped by cluster analysis in normal distributed subgroups. That was a precondition to develop the mentioned indicator methods. For each plant the grade of hygienization was calculated through transformation into the standard normal distribution. It shows the part in percent of the entire data set which meet the legal temperature requirements. The hygienization grade differs widely within the design types and falls below 50% for about one fourth of the plants. The subgroups are divided visually into basic curve shapes which stand for different process courses. For each plant the composition of the entire data set out of the various basic curve shapes can be used as an indicator for the basic process conditions. Some basic curve shapes indicate abnormal process courses which can be emended through process optimization. A hygienic risk area concept using the 90% range of variation of the normal temperature courses was introduced. Comparing the design type range of variation with the legal temperature defaults showed hygienic risk areas over the temperature courses which could be minimized through process optimization. The hygienic risk area of four design types shows a suboptimal hygienic performance.

Contrast Sensitivity Perimetry and Clinical Measures of Glaucomatous Damage

PubMed Central

Swanson, William H.; Malinovsky, Victor E.; Dul, Mitchell W.; Malik, Rizwan; Torbit, Julie K.; Sutton, Bradley M.; Horner, Douglas G.

2014-01-01

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare conventional structural and functional measures of glaucomatous damage with a new functional measure—contrast sensitivity perimetry (CSP-2). Methods One eye each was tested for 51 patients with glaucoma and 62 age-similar control subjects using CSP-2, size III 24-2 conventional automated perimetry (CAP), 24-2 frequency-doubling perimetry (FDP), and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. For superior temporal (ST) and inferior temporal (IT) optic disc sectors, defect depth was computed as amount below mean normal, in log units. Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess agreement on defect depth, using limits of agreement and three indices: intercept, slope, and mean difference. A criterion of p < 0.0014 for significance used Bonferroni correction. Results Contrast sensitivity perimetry-2 and FDP were in agreement for both sectors. Normal variability was lower for CSP-2 than for CAP and FDP (F > 1.69, p < 0.02), and Bland-Altman limits of agreement for patient data were consistent with variability of control subjects (mean difference, −0.01 log units; SD, 0.11 log units). Intercepts for IT indicated that CSP-2 and FDP were below mean normal when CAP was at mean normal (t > 4, p < 0.0005). Slopes indicated that, as sector damage became more severe, CAP defects for IT and ST deepened more rapidly than CSP-2 defects (t > 4.3, p < 0.0005) and RNFL defects for ST deepened more slowly than for CSP, FDP, and CAP. Mean differences indicated that FDP defects for ST and IT were on average deeper than RNFL defects, as were CSP-2 defects for ST (t > 4.9, p < 0.0001). Conclusions Contrast sensitivity perimetry-2 and FDP defects were deeper than CAP defects in optic disc sectors with mild damage and revealed greater residual function in sectors with severe damage. The discordance between different measures of glaucomatous damage can be accounted for by variability in people free of disease. PMID:25259758

Contrast sensitivity perimetry and clinical measures of glaucomatous damage.

PubMed

Swanson, William H; Malinovsky, Victor E; Dul, Mitchell W; Malik, Rizwan; Torbit, Julie K; Sutton, Bradley M; Horner, Douglas G

2014-11-01

To compare conventional structural and functional measures of glaucomatous damage with a new functional measure-contrast sensitivity perimetry (CSP-2). One eye each was tested for 51 patients with glaucoma and 62 age-similar control subjects using CSP-2, size III 24-2 conventional automated perimetry (CAP), 24-2 frequency-doubling perimetry (FDP), and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. For superior temporal (ST) and inferior temporal (IT) optic disc sectors, defect depth was computed as amount below mean normal, in log units. Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess agreement on defect depth, using limits of agreement and three indices: intercept, slope, and mean difference. A criterion of p < 0.0014 for significance used Bonferroni correction. Contrast sensitivity perimetry-2 and FDP were in agreement for both sectors. Normal variability was lower for CSP-2 than for CAP and FDP (F > 1.69, p < 0.02), and Bland-Altman limits of agreement for patient data were consistent with variability of control subjects (mean difference, -0.01 log units; SD, 0.11 log units). Intercepts for IT indicated that CSP-2 and FDP were below mean normal when CAP was at mean normal (t > 4, p < 0.0005). Slopes indicated that, as sector damage became more severe, CAP defects for IT and ST deepened more rapidly than CSP-2 defects (t > 4.3, p < 0.0005) and RNFL defects for ST deepened more slowly than for CSP, FDP, and CAP. Mean differences indicated that FDP defects for ST and IT were on average deeper than RNFL defects, as were CSP-2 defects for ST (t > 4.9, p < 0.0001). Contrast sensitivity perimetry-2 and FDP defects were deeper than CAP defects in optic disc sectors with mild damage and revealed greater residual function in sectors with severe damage. The discordance between different measures of glaucomatous damage can be accounted for by variability in people free of disease.

Application of normal fluorescence and stability-indicating derivative synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy for the determination of gliquidone in presence of its fluorescent alkaline degradation product

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-ghobashy, Mohamed R.; Yehia, Ali M.; Helmy, Aya H.; Youssef, Nadia F.

2018-01-01

Simple, smart and sensitive normal fluorescence and stability-indicating derivative synchronous spectrofluorimetric methods have been developed and validated for the determination of gliquidone in the drug substance and drug product. Normal spectrofluorimetric method of gliquidone was established in methanol at λ excitation 225 nm and λ emission 400 nm in concentration range 0.2-3 μg/ml with LOD equal 0.028. The fluorescence quantum yield of gliquidone was calculated using quinine sulfate as a reference and found to be 0.542. Stability-indicating first and third derivative synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy were successfully utilized to overcome the overlapped spectra in normal fluorescence of gliquidone and its alkaline degradation product. Derivative synchronous methods are based on using the synchronous fluorescence of gliquidone and its degradation product in methanol at Δ λ50 nm. Peak amplitude in the first derivative of synchronous fluorescence spectra was measured at 309 nm where degradation product showed zero-crossing without interference. The peak amplitudes in the third derivative of synchronous fluorescence spectra, peak to trough were measured at 316,329 nm where degradation product showed zero-crossing. The different experimental parameters affecting the normal and synchronous fluorescence intensity of gliquidone were studied and optimized. Moreover, the cited methods have been validated as per ICH guidelines. The peak amplitude-concentration plots of the derivative synchronous fluorescence were linear over the concentration range 0.05-2 μg/ml for gliquidone. Limits of detection were 0.020 and 0.022 in first and third derivative synchronous spectra, respectively. The adopted methods were successfully applied to commercial tablets and the results demonstrated that the derivative synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy is a powerful stability-indicating method, suitable for routine use with a short analysis time. Statistical comparison between the results obtained by normal fluorescence and derivative synchronous methods and the official one using student's t-test and F-ratio showed no significant difference regarding accuracy and precision.

Cardiac structure and function, and ventricular-arterial interaction 11 years following a pregnancy with preeclampsia.

PubMed

Al-Nashi, Maha; Eriksson, Maria J; Östlund, Eva; Bremme, Katarina; Kahan, Thomas

2016-04-01

Preeclampsia (PE) is associated with acute left ventricular dysfunction. Whether these changes eventually resolve remains unclear. This study assessed left and right ventricular structure and function, and ventricular-arterial interaction in 15 women 11 years after a pregnancy with PE and 16 matched control subjects with a normal pregnancy. We found normal left and right ventricular dimensions, systolic function, and global left ventricular strain, with no differences between the groups. In addition, indices of diastolic function, left and right atrial size, and amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide were normal and did not differ between the groups. Women with a previous PE had impaired night/day ratios for systolic and diastolic ambulatory blood pressure. However, indices of aortic stiffness or ventricular-arterial coupling did not differ between the groups. In conclusion, we could not demonstrate remaining alterations in systolic or diastolic left or right ventricular function, or in ventricular-arterial interaction in women 11 years after PE. Copyright © 2016 American Society of Hypertension. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nutritional status and its association with physical fitness, physical activity and parasitological indicators in youths from rural Mozambique.

PubMed

Nhantumbo, Leonardo; Ribeiro Maia, José António; dos Santos, Fernanda Karina; Jani, Ilesh V; Gudo, Eduardo Samo; Katzmarzyk, Peter T; Prista, António

2013-01-01

Little information exists about the relationship of nutritional status and motor performance conditional on asymptomatic parasitemia in rural African children. The aims of this study were to (1) determine if malnourished youths from rural African areas have lower levels of physical fitness (PF) and physical activity (PA) compared to normal weight youths, (2) verify the biological relevance of anthropometric criteria used to classify nutritional status in youth, and (3) determine the prevalence of parasitological indicators, and its association with nutritional status and PF. The sample comprised 794 youths (6-17 years) from Calanga, a rural community in Mozambique. PF tests were selected from standardized test batteries, and PA was estimated by accelerometry. Nutritional status was defined according to WHO recommendations for stunting, wasting and normal weight. Parasitological indicators were determined based on stool specimens' analysis. In general terms the normal group out-performed the other nutritional groups (stunted and wasted) for PF. However, no significant differences were found for PA among nutritional groups. There were also no significant differences in prevalence of intestinal parasites. Nutritional status was not associated with PA levels or the prevalence of parasitological indicators in youth, but was related to physical performance. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Multimodal fiber-probe spectroscopy for the diagnostics and classification of bladder tumors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anand, Suresh; Cicchi, Riccardo; Fantechi, Riccardo; Gacci, Mauro; Nesi, Gabriella; Carini, Marco; Pavone, Francesco S.

2017-02-01

The gold standard for the detection of bladder cancer is white light cystoscopy, followed by an invasive biopsy and pathological examination. Tissue pathology is time consuming and often prone to sampling errors. Recently, optical spectroscopy techniques have evolved as promising techniques for the detection of neoplasia. The specific goal of this study is to evaluate the application of combined auto-fluorescence (excited using 378 nm and 445 nm wavelengths) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to discriminate normal bladder tissue from tumor at different grades. The fluorescence spectrum at both excitation wavelengths showed an increased spectral intensity in tumors with respect to normal tissues. Reflectance data indicated an increased reflectance in the wavelength range 610 nm - 700 nm for different grades of tumors, compared to normal tissues. The spectral data were further analyzed using principal component analysis for evaluating the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing tumor. The spectral differences observed between various grades of tumors provides a strong genesis for the future evaluation on a larger patient population to achieve statistical significance. This study indicates that a combined spectroscopic strategy, incorporating fluorescence and reflectance spectroscopy, could improve the capability for diagnosing bladder tumor as well as for differentiating tumors in different grades.

Does bone measurement on the radius indicate skeletal status. Concise communication

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

Mazess, R.B.; Peppler, W.W.; Chesney, R.W.

1984-03-01

Single-photon (I-125) absorptiometry was used to measure bone mineral content (BMC) of the distal third of the radius, and dual-photon absorptiometry (Gd-153) was used to measure total-body bone mineral (TBBM), as well as the BMC of major skeletal regions. Measurements were done in normal females, normal males, osteoporotic females, osteoporotic males, and renal patients. The BMC of the radius predicted TBBM well in normal subjects, but was less satisfactory in the patient groups. The spinal BMC was predicted with even lower accuracy from radius measurement. The error in predicting areal density (bone mass per unit projected skeletal area) of themore » lumbar and thoracic spine from the radius BMC divided by its width was smaller, but the regressions differed significantly among normals, osteoporotics, and renal patients. There was a preferential spinal osteopenia in the osteoporotic group and in about half of the renal patients. Bone measurements on the radius can indicate overall skeletal status in normal subjects and to a lesser degree in patients, but these radius measurements are inaccurate, even on the average, as an indicator of spinal state.« less

Quantitative evaluation of pregnant women delivery status' records in Akure, Nigeria.

PubMed

Adejumo, Adebowale O; Suleiman, Esivue A; Okagbue, Hilary I; Oguntunde, Pelumi E; Odetunmibi, Oluwole A

2018-02-01

In this data article, monthly records (datasets) of total delivery, normal delivery, delivery through Caesarean section and number of still births from pregnant women in Akure, the capital city of Ondo state Nigeria, for a period of ten years, between January 2007 and December 2016 were considered. Correlational and time series analyses were conducted on the monthly records of total delivery, normal delivery (delivery through woman virginal), delivery through Caesarean section, and number of still births, in order to observe the patterns each of these indicators follows and to recommend appropriate model for forecasting their future values. The data were obtained in raw form from State Specialist Hospital (SSH), Akure, Ondo state, Nigeria. A clear description and variation in each of these indicators (total delivery, normal delivery, caesarean section, and still births) were considered separately using descriptive statistics and box plots. Different models were also proposed for each of these indicators using time series models.

Automated Selection of Regions of Interest for Intensity-based FRET Analysis of Transferrin Endocytic Trafficking in Normal vs. Cancer Cells

PubMed Central

Talati, Ronak; Vanderpoel, Andrew; Eladdadi, Amina; Anderson, Kate; Abe, Ken; Barroso, Margarida

2013-01-01

The overexpression of certain membrane-bound receptors is a hallmark of cancer progression and it has been suggested to affect the organization, activation, recycling and down-regulation of receptor-ligand complexes in human cancer cells. Thus, comparing receptor trafficking pathways in normal vs. cancer cells requires the ability to image cells expressing dramatically different receptor expression levels. Here, we have presented a significant technical advance to the analysis and processing of images collected using intensity based Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) confocal microscopy. An automated Image J macro was developed to select region of interests (ROI) based on intensity and statistical-based thresholds within cellular images with reduced FRET signal. Furthermore, SSMD (strictly standardized mean differences), a statistical signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) evaluation parameter, was used to validate the quality of FRET analysis, in particular of ROI database selection. The Image J ROI selection macro together with SSMD as an evaluation parameter of SNR levels, were used to investigate the endocytic recycling of Tfn-TFR complexes at nanometer range resolution in human normal vs. breast cancer cells expressing significantly different levels of endogenous TFR. Here, the FRET-based assay demonstrates that Tfn-TFR complexes in normal epithelial vs. breast cancer cells show a significantly different E% behavior during their endocytic recycling pathway. Since E% is a relative measure of distance, we propose that these changes in E% levels represent conformational changes in Tfn-TFR complexes during endocytic pathway. Thus, our results indicate that Tfn-TFR complexes undergo different conformational changes in normal vs. cancer cells, indicating that the organization of Tfn-TFR complexes at the nanometer range is significantly altered during the endocytic recycling pathway in cancer cells. In summary, improvements in the automated selection of FRET ROI datasets allowed us to detect significant changes in E% with potential biological significance in human normal vs. cancer cells. PMID:23994873

Thermal sensation and climate: a comparison of UTCI and PET thresholds in different climates.

PubMed

Pantavou, Katerina; Lykoudis, Spyridon; Nikolopoulou, Marialena; Tsiros, Ioannis X

2018-06-07

The influence of physiological acclimatization and psychological adaptation on thermal perception is well documented and has revealed the importance of thermal experience and expectation in the evaluation of environmental stimuli. Seasonal patterns of thermal perception have been studied, and calibrated thermal indices' scales have been proposed to obtain meaningful interpretations of thermal sensation indices in different climate regions. The current work attempts to quantify the contribution of climate to the long-term thermal adaptation by examining the relationship between climate normal annual air temperature (1971-2000) and such climate-calibrated thermal indices' assessment scales. The thermal sensation ranges of two thermal indices, the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and the Physiological Equivalent Temperature Index (PET), were calibrated for three warm temperate climate contexts (Cfa, Cfb, Csa), against the subjective evaluation of the thermal environment indicated by interviewees during field surveys conducted at seven European cities: Athens (GR), Thessaloniki (GR), Milan (IT), Fribourg (CH), Kassel (DE), Cambridge (UK), and Sheffield (UK), under the same research protocol. Then, calibrated scales for other climate contexts were added from the literature, and the relationship between the respective scales' thresholds and climate normal annual air temperature was examined. To maintain the maximum possible comparability, three methods were applied for the calibration, namely linear, ordinal, and probit regression. The results indicated that the calibrated UTCI and PET thresholds increase with the climate normal annual air temperature of the survey city. To investigate further climates, we also included in the analysis results of previous studies presenting only thresholds for neutral thermal sensation. The average increase of the respective thresholds in the case of neutral thermal sensation was about 0.6 °C for each 1 °C increase of the normal annual air temperature for both indices, statistically significant only for PET though.

Machine learning-based assessment tool for imbalance and vestibular dysfunction with virtual reality rehabilitation system.

PubMed

Yeh, Shih-Ching; Huang, Ming-Chun; Wang, Pa-Chun; Fang, Te-Yung; Su, Mu-Chun; Tsai, Po-Yi; Rizzo, Albert

2014-10-01

Dizziness is a major consequence of imbalance and vestibular dysfunction. Compared to surgery and drug treatments, balance training is non-invasive and more desired. However, training exercises are usually tedious and the assessment tool is insufficient to diagnose patient's severity rapidly. An interactive virtual reality (VR) game-based rehabilitation program that adopted Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises, and a sensor-based measuring system were introduced. To verify the therapeutic effect, a clinical experiment with 48 patients and 36 normal subjects was conducted. Quantified balance indices were measured and analyzed by statistical tools and a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier. In terms of balance indices, patients who completed the training process are progressed and the difference between normal subjects and patients is obvious. Further analysis by SVM classifier show that the accuracy of recognizing the differences between patients and normal subject is feasible, and these results can be used to evaluate patients' severity and make rapid assessment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sensitivity of the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to Topographic Effects: A Case Study in High-density Cypress Forest.

PubMed

Matsushita, Bunkei; Yang, Wei; Chen, Jin; Onda, Yuyichi; Qiu, Guoyu

2007-11-05

Vegetation indices play an important role in monitoring variations in vegetation.The Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) proposed by the MODIS Land Discipline Groupand the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) are both global-based vegetationindices aimed at providing consistent spatial and temporal information regarding globalvegetation. However, many environmental factors such as atmospheric conditions and soilbackground may produce errors in these indices. The topographic effect is another veryimportant factor, especially when the indices are used in areas of rough terrain. In thispaper, we theoretically analyzed differences in the topographic effect on the EVI and theNDVI based on a non-Lambertian model and two airborne-based images acquired from amountainous area covered by high-density Japanese cypress plantation were used as a casestudy. The results indicate that the soil adjustment factor "L" in the EVI makes it moresensitive to topographic conditions than is the NDVI. Based on these results, we stronglyrecommend that the topographic effect should be removed in the reflectance data beforethe EVI was calculated-as well as from other vegetation indices that similarly include a term without a band ratio format (e.g., the PVI and SAVI)-when these indices are used in the area of rough terrain, where the topographic effect on the vegetation indices having only a band ratio format (e.g., the NDVI) can usually be ignored.

Post-hurricane forest damage assessment using satellite remote sensing

Treesearch

W. Wang; J.J. Qu; X. Hao; Y. Liu; J.A. Stanturf

2010-01-01

This study developed a rapid assessment algorithm for post-hurricane forest damage estimation using moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) measurements. The performance of five commonly used vegetation indices as post-hurricane forest damage indicators was investigated through statistical analysis. The Normalized Difference Infrared Index (NDII) was...

A protein anomaly in erythrocyte membranes of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

PubMed Central

1983-01-01

Raman spectroscopic comparisons of erythrocyte membranes from 20 patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and 8 age-matched controls indicate a prominent and consistent protein anomaly in the patient samples. This was apparent in the following: (a) CH-stretching signals from control membranes reveal a thermotropic transition at 15.6 degrees C, attributable to a protein/lipid phase that is lacking in dystrophic membranes. (b) CH-stretching signals from control membranes also show a protein transition at 39 degrees C [pH 7.4] that is shifted to 45 degrees in dystrophic membranes. (c) A reduction in pH to 5.7 shifts this transition from 39 degrees C to 7 degrees C in normal membranes and from 45 degrees C to 24 degrees C in dystrophic membranes. (d) The Amide I/Amide III regions indicate a significant proportion of beta- structured peptide in dystrophic but not normal membranes. (e) Analysis of tyrosine signals indicates greater polar exposure of tyrosine hydroxyl groups in dystrophic vs normal membranes. All of the differences between dystrophic and normal membranes are highly significant (P less than 0.001). PMID:6854213

Assessment of metallothionein and antibodies to metallothionein in normal and autistic children having exposure to vaccine-derived thimerosal.

PubMed

Singh, Vijendra K; Hanson, Jeff

2006-06-01

Allergic autoimmune reaction after exposure to heavy metals such as mercury may play a causal role in autism, a developmental disorder of the central nervous system. As metallothionein (MT) is the primary metal-detoxifying protein in the body, we conducted a study of the MT protein and antibodies to metallothionein (anti-MT) in normal and autistic children whose exposure to mercury was only from thimerosal-containing vaccines. Laboratory analysis by immunoassays revealed that the serum level of MT did not significantly differ between normal and autistic children. Furthermore, autistic children harboured normal levels of anti-MT, including antibodies to isoform MT-I (anti-MT-I) and MT-II (anti-MT-II), without any significant difference between normal and autistic children. Our findings indicate that because autistic children have a normal profile of MT and anti-MT, the mercury-induced autoimmunity to MT may not be implicated in the pathogenesis of autism.

Evaluation of hydraulic cement concretes containing slag added at the mixer.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1985-01-01

The study evaluated the effect of ground, granulated, iron slags on the properties of hydraulic cement concretes such as normally used in highway construction. Two cements with different alkali contents and two slags with different activity indices, ...

Relative sensitivity of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Microwave Polarization Difference Index (MPDI) for vegetation and desertification monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Becker, Francois; Choudhury, Bhaskar J.

1988-01-01

A simple equation relating the Microwave Polarization Difference Index (MPDI) and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is proposed which represents well data obtained from Nimbus 7/SMMR at 37 GHz and NOAA/AVHRR Channels 1 and 2. It is found that there is a limit which is characteristic of a particular type of cover for which both indices are equally sensitive to the variation of vegetation, and below which MPDI is more efficient than NDVI. The results provide insight into the relationship between water content and chlorophyll absorption at pixel size scales.

Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer Normalized Difference Vegetation Index Composites

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

2005-01-01

The Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) is a broad-band scanner with four to six bands, depending on the model. The AVHRR senses in the visible, near-, middle-, and thermal- infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. This sensor is carried on a series of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites (POES), beginning with the Television InfraRed Observation Satellite (TIROS-N) in 1978. Since 1989, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) has been mapping the vegetation condition of the United States and Alaska using satellite information from the AVHRR sensor. The vegetation condition composites, more commonly called greenness maps, are produced every week using the latest information on the growth and condition of the vegetation. One of the most important aspects of USGS greenness mapping is the historical archive of information dating back to 1989. This historical stretch of information has allowed the USGS to determine a 'normal' vegetation condition. As a result, it is possible to compare the current week's vegetation condition with normal vegetation conditions. An above normal condition could indicate wetter or warmer than normal conditions, while a below normal condition could indicate colder or dryer than normal conditions. The interpretation of departure from normal will depend on the season and geography of a region.

Comparison of Topographic Effects between the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsushita, B.; Yang, W.; Chen, J.; Onda, Y.

2007-12-01

Vegetation indices play an important role in monitoring variations in vegetation. The Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) proposed by the MODIS Land Discipline Group and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) are both global-based vegetation indices aimed at providing consistent spatial and temporal information regarding global vegetation. However, many environmental factors such as atmospheric conditions and soil background may produce errors in these indices. The topographic effect is another very important factor, especially when the indices are used in areas of rough terrain. In this paper, we analyzed differences in the topographic effect between the EVI and the NDVI based on a non-Lambertian model and using two airborne-based images with a spatial resolution of 1.5m acquired from a mountainous area covered by a homogeneous Japanese cypress plantation. The results indicate that the soil adjustment factor "L" in the EVI makes it more sensitive to topographic conditions than is the NDVI. Based on these results, we strongly recommend that the topographic effect be removed from the EVI--as well as from other vegetation indices that similarly include a term without a band ratio format (e.g., the PVI and SAVI)--when these indices are used in conjunction with a high spatial resolution image of an area of rough terrain, where the topographic effect on the vegetarian indices having only a band ratio format (e.g., the NDVI) can usually be ignored.

The diagnostic use of choroidal thickness analysis and its correlation with visual field indices in glaucoma using spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Lin, Zhongjing; Huang, Shouyue; Huang, Ping; Guo, Lei; Shen, Xi; Zhong, Yisheng

2017-01-01

To evaluate the quantitative characteristics of choroidal thickness in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), normal tension glaucoma (NTG) and in normal eyes using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). To evaluate the diagnostic ability of choroidal thickness in glaucoma and to determine the correlation between choroidal thickness and visual field parameters in glaucoma. A total of 116 subjects including 40 POAG, 30 NTG and 46 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Choroidal thickness measurements were acquired in the macular and peripapillary regions using SD-OCT. All subjects underwent white-on-white (W/W) and blue-on-yellow (B/Y) visual field tests using Humphrey Field Analyzer. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under curve (AUC) were generated to assess the discriminating power of choroidal thickness for glaucoma. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the structure function correlation for glaucoma patients. No significant differences were observed for macular choroidal thickness among the different groups (all P > 0.05). Regarding the peripapillary choroidal thickness (PPCT), significant differences were observed among the three groups (all P < 0.05). Post hoc tests for multiple comparisons revealed a significant difference in the NTG-normal comparison group (all P < 0.01). The inferior and temporal PPCT in POAG patients were significantly thinner than those in normal subjects (P = 0.007, P = 0.002, respectively). Different parameters of PPCT showed significantly low diagnostic values to detect POAG from normal subjects (AUC: 0.555 to 0.652) and to discriminate NTG from POAG (AUC: 0.462 to 0.702), but moderate diagnostic power to detect NTG from normal subjects (AUC: 0.708 to 0.771). Regarding the diagnosis of early glaucoma, different parameters of PPCT showed relatively low diagnostic power (AUC: 0.606 to 0.698). In all the glaucoma subjects, PPCT was not significantly correlated with W/W mean deviation (MD) (all P > 0.05), but showed significant correlations with B/Y MD (all P < 0.05). In the early glaucomatous eyes, PPCT showed significant correlations with W/W MD and B/Y MD (all P < 0.05). In our study, peripapillary choroidal thickness measured on OCT showed a low to moderate but statistically significant diagnostic power and a significant correlation with blue-on-yellow visual field indices in glaucoma. This may indicate a potential adjunct for peripapillary choroidal thickness in glaucoma diagnosis.

Raman spectral properties of squamous cell carcinoma of oral tissues and cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, L.; Sun, Y. F.; Chen, Y.; Chen, P.; Shen, A. G.; Wang, X. H.; Jia, J.; Zhao, Y. F.; Zhou, X. D.; Hu, J. M.

2012-01-01

Early diagnosis is the key of the improved survival rates of oral cancer. Raman spectroscopy is sensitive to the early changes of molecular composition and structure that occur in benign lesion during carcinogenesis. In this study, in situ Raman analysis provided distinct spectra that can be used to discriminate between normal and malignant tissues, as well as normal and cancer cells. The biochemical variations between different groups were analyzed by the characteristic bands by comparing the normalized mean spectra. Spectral profiles of normal, malignant conditions show pronounced differences between one another, and multiple Raman markers associated with DNA and protein vibrational modes have been identified that exhibit excellent discrimination power for cancer sample identification. Statistical analyses of the Raman data and classification using principal component analysis (PCA) are shown to be effective for the Raman spectral diagnosis of oral mucosal diseases. The results indicate that the biomolecular differences between normal and malignant conditions are more obviously at the cellular level. This technique could provide a research foundation for the Raman spectral diagnosis of oral mucosal diseases.

The effect of different cochlear implant microphones on acoustic hearing individuals’ binaural benefits for speech perception in noise

PubMed Central

Aronoff, Justin M.; Freed, Daniel J.; Fisher, Laurel M.; Pal, Ivan; Soli, Sigfrid D.

2011-01-01

Objectives Cochlear implant microphones differ in placement, frequency response, and other characteristics such as whether they are directional. Although normal hearing individuals are often used as controls in studies examining cochlear implant users’ binaural benefits, the considerable differences across cochlear implant microphones make such comparisons potentially misleading. The goal of this study was to examine binaural benefits for speech perception in noise for normal hearing individuals using stimuli processed by head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) based on the different cochlear implant microphones. Design HRTFs were created for different cochlear implant microphones and used to test participants on the Hearing in Noise Test. Experiment 1 tested cochlear implant users and normal hearing individuals with HRTF-processed stimuli and with sound field testing to determine whether the HRTFs adequately simulated sound field testing. Experiment 2 determined the measurement error and performance-intensity function for the Hearing in Noise Test with normal hearing individuals listening to stimuli processed with the various HRTFs. Experiment 3 compared normal hearing listeners’ performance across HRTFs to determine how the HRTFs affected performance. Experiment 4 evaluated binaural benefits for normal hearing listeners using the various HRTFs, including ones that were modified to investigate the contributions of interaural time and level cues. Results The results indicated that the HRTFs adequately simulated sound field testing for the Hearing in Noise Test. They also demonstrated that the test-retest reliability and performance-intensity function were consistent across HRTFs, and that the measurement error for the test was 1.3 dB, with a change in signal-to-noise ratio of 1 dB reflecting a 10% change in intelligibility. There were significant differences in performance when using the various HRTFs, with particularly good thresholds for the HRTF based on the directional microphone when the speech and masker were spatially separated, emphasizing the importance of measuring binaural benefits separately for each HRTF. Evaluation of binaural benefits indicated that binaural squelch and spatial release from masking were found for all HRTFs and binaural summation was found for all but one HRTF, although binaural summation was less robust than the other types of binaural benefits. Additionally, the results indicated that neither interaural time nor level cues dominated binaural benefits for the normal hearing participants. Conclusions This study provides a means to measure the degree to which cochlear implant microphones affect acoustic hearing with respect to speech perception in noise. It also provides measures that can be used to evaluate the independent contributions of interaural time and level cues. These measures provide tools that can aid researchers in understanding and improving binaural benefits in acoustic hearing individuals listening via cochlear implant microphones. PMID:21412155

Adrenal and liver in normal and cld/cld mice synthesize and secrete hepatic lipase, but the lipase is inactive in cld/cld mice.

PubMed

Schultz, C J; Blanchette-Mackie, E J; Scow, R O

2000-02-01

Combined lipase deficiency (cld) is a recessive mutation in mice that causes a severe lack of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase (HL) activities, hyperlipemia, and death within 3 days after birth. Earlier studies showed that inactive LPL and HL were synthesized by cld/cld tissues and that LPL synthesized by cld/cld brown adipocytes was retained in their ER. We report here a study of HL in liver, adrenal, and plasma of normal newborn and cld/cld mice. Immunofluorescence studies showed HL was present in extracellular space, but not in cells, in liver and adrenal of both normal and cld/cld mice. When protein secretion was blocked with monensin, HL was retained intracellularly in liver cell cultures and in incubated adrenal tissues of both groups of mice. These findings demonstrated that HL was synthesized and secreted by liver and adrenal cells in normal newborn and cld/cld mice. HL activities in liver, adrenal, and plasma in cld/cld mice were very low, <8% of that in normal newborn mice, indicating that HL synthesized and secreted by cld/cld cells was inactive. Livers of both normal newborn and cld/cld mice synthesized LPL, but the level of LPL activity in cld/cld liver was very low, <9% of that in normal liver. Immunofluorescence studies showed that LPL was present intracellularly in liver of cld/cld mice, indicating that LPL was synthesized but not secreted by cld/cld liver cells. Immunofluorescent LPL was not found in normal newborn liver cells unless the cells were treated with monensin, thus demonstrating that normal liver cells synthesized and secreted LPL. Livers of both groups of mice contained an unidentified alkaline lipase activity which accounted for 34-54% of alkaline lipase activity in normal and 65% of that in cld/cld livers. Our findings indicate that liver and adrenal cells synthesized and secreted HL in both normal newborn and cld/cld mice, but the lipase was inactive in cld/cld mice. That cld/cld liver cells secreted inactive HL while retaining inactive LPL indicates that these closely related lipases were processed differently.

A new comprehensive index for drought monitoring with TM data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yuanyuan

2017-10-01

Drought is one of the most important and frequent natural hazards to agriculture production in North China Plain. To improve agriculture water management, accurate drought monitoring information is needed. This study proposed a method for comprehensive drought monitoring by combining a meteorological index and three satellite drought indices of TM data together. SPI (Standard Precipitation Index), the meteorological drought index, is used to measure precipitation deficiency. Three satellite drought indices (Temperature Vegetation Drought Index, Land Surface Water Index, Modified Perpendicular Drought Index) are used to evaluate agricultural drought risk by exploring data from various channels (VIS, NIR, SWIR, TIR). Considering disparities in data ranges of different drought indices, normalization is implemented before combination. First, SPI is normalized to 0 — 100 given that its normal range is -4 - +4. Then, the three satellite drought indices are normalized to 0 - 100 according to the maximum and minimum values in the image, and aggregated using weighted average method (the result is denoted as ADI, Aggregated drought index). Finally, weighed geometric mean of SPI and ADI are calculated (the result is denoted as DIcombined). A case study in North China plain using three TM images acquired during April-May 2007 show that the method proposed in this study is effective. In spatial domain, DIcombined demonstrates dramatically more details than SPI; in temporal domain, DIcombined shows more reasonable drought development trajectory than satellite indices that are derived from independent TM images.

Effects of water immersion on plasma catecholamines in normal humans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Epstein, M.; Johnson, G.; Denunzio, A. G.

1983-01-01

An investigation was conducted in order to determine whether water immersion to the neck (NI) alters plasma catecholamines in normal humans. Eight normal subjects were studied during a seated control study (C) and during 4 hr of NI, and the levels of norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) as determined by radioenzymatic assay were measured hourly. Results show that despite the induction of a marked natriuresis and diuresis indicating significant central hypervolemia, NI failed to alter plasma NE or E levels compared with those of either C or the corresponding prestudy 1.5 hr. In addition, the diuresis and natriuresis was found to vary independently of NE. These results indicate that the response of the sympathetic nervous system to acute volume alteration may differ from the reported response to chronic volume expansion.

Effects of short-term weightlessness on inner ear carbonic anhydrase reactivity in fish - a parabolic aircraft flight study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anken, Ralf; Hilbig, Reinhard; Weigele, Jochen; Anken, Ralf

We have shown earlier that some fish of a given batch reveal motion sickness (a kinetosis) at the transition from increased gravity (hypergravity, hg; centrifuge) to 1g earth gravity. Total macular carbonic anhydrase (CA)-reactivity as well as the difference in reactivities between left and right maculae (asymmetry) were significantly lower in normally swimming hg-animals as compared to the kinetotically behaving hg-fish. This result clearly indicated the existence of a regulatory mechanism, which adjusts otolithic calcium carbonate incorporation via CA- reactivity towards the gravity vector. Thus, we were prompted to investigate, whether fish swimming kinetotically under weightlessness also would reveal an asymmetric CA-reactivity. Therefore, larval cichlid fish (Oreochromis mossambicus) were subjected to parabolic aircraft flights. During the flights, the animals were videorecorded. Subsequently, fish were separated according to their respective swimming behaviour into normally and abnormally (kinetotic) moving individuals (the latter performed spinning movements, i.e., turns around their longitudinal axis). Finally, CA was localized histochemically and densitometrically determined in inner ear maculae. It was found that the total macular CA-reactivity did not differ between ground controls and kinetotically or normally swimming experimental fish. Asymmetry of CA- reactivity, however, was considerably higher in experimental animals as compared to the ground controls. No difference in asymmetry of CA-reactivity was obtained when comparing kinetotic with normally behaving individuals. These results indicate that parabolic flights do not affect CA-reactivity in general, possibly due to the relatively quickly alternating G-levels (g-profile of single parabola: 1g/1.8g/0.04g/1.8g/1g, performed in 70 seconds) in up to 30 parabolas per flight day. The high asymmetry of CA-reactivity in the experimental animals - irrespective of their behaviour - probably indicates an adaptation process, which has presumably been successful in the normally swimming samples. Acknowledgement: This work was financially supported by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) (FKZ: 50 WB 0527).

5-ALA induced fluorescent image analysis of actinic keratosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Yong-Jin; Bae, Youngwoo; Choi, Eung-Ho; Jung, Byungjo

2010-02-01

In this study, we quantitatively analyzed 5-ALA induced fluorescent images of actinic keratosis using digital fluorescent color and hyperspectral imaging modalities. UV-A was utilized to induce fluorescent images and actinic keratosis (AK) lesions were demarcated from surrounding the normal region with different methods. Eight subjects with AK lesion were participated in this study. In the hyperspectral imaging modality, spectral analysis method was utilized for hyperspectral cube image and AK lesions were demarcated from the normal region. Before image acquisition, we designated biopsy position for histopathology of AK lesion and surrounding normal region. Erythema index (E.I.) values on both regions were calculated from the spectral cube data. Image analysis of subjects resulted in two different groups: the first group with the higher fluorescence signal and E.I. on AK lesion than the normal region; the second group with lower fluorescence signal and without big difference in E.I. between two regions. In fluorescent color image analysis of facial AK, E.I. images were calculated on both normal and AK lesions and compared with the results of hyperspectral imaging modality. The results might indicate that the different intensity of fluorescence and E.I. among the subjects with AK might be interpreted as different phases of morphological and metabolic changes of AK lesions.

A Multi-Index Approach to Delineate Surface Water Bodies in the Pastoral Regions of Mali Using ASTER Imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alemu, H.; Velpuri, N.; Senay, G. B.; Angerer, J.

2011-12-01

Information on the location and availability of water resources is a day-to-day challenge for pastoralists in the Sahelian region of Mali. They move seasonally along their migration corridors in search for water and forage. Satellite data can be used to map the spatial and temporal dynamics of these water resources. In this work, ASTER imagery is selected for its high (15 m) spatial resolution and suitable spectral bands for water body identification. Our research indicates that as most of the waterholes of interest in the study area are very shallow and heavily sediment-laden, using only one of those commonly used water identification indices such as the Simple Band Ratio (SBR), or the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) alone does not help in effectively characterizing all the surface water bodies in the region. As a result, we used four different spectral indices to identify surface water features: (i) Simple Band Ratio (SBR), (ii) Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), (iii) Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), and (iv) the Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) to identify and delineate surface water bodies using 91 ASTER images. Initial results indicate that the SBR method identified 17 waterholes while the NDWI 18, the MNDWI 36, and the MAD method identified 28 waterholes. However, by combining the results from the four aforementioned spectral indices following a multi-index approach, 89 waterholes that were previously unidentified by a single approach alone were identified. Furthermore, our analysis indicates that the SBR and the NDWI methods identify relatively clearer waterholes better (29% of the waterholes), whereas MNDWI and MAD proved to be good indices for identifying sediment-laden waterholes. Identifying the location and spatial distribution of surface water bodies is the first step towards monitoring their seasonal dynamics using a hydrologic modeling system, similar to an existing setup for east Africa (http://watermon.tamu.edu/). Seasonal trends in relative surface water levels are one of the most important inputs in the livestock early warning system (LEWS) along with forage and livestock market prices.

Evaluation of optic nerve head blood flow in normal rats and a rodent model of non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy using laser speckle flowgraphy.

PubMed

Takako, Hidaka; Hideki, Chuman; Nobuhisa, Nao-I

2017-10-01

To evaluate optic nerve head (ONH) blood flow in normal rats and a rodent model of non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (rNAION) in vivo using laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG). Rats were under general anesthesia; to induce NAION, Rose Bengal (RB) was injected into the tail vein. After the administration of RB, the left ONH was photoactivated using an argon green laser. We measured ONH blood flow in the normal rats and the rNAION group (at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after the induction of NAION) using an LSFG-Micro. We used the mean blur rate (MBR) of the vessel region (MV) and MBR of the tissue region (MT) as indicators of blood flow. We compared the MBR of the right and left eyes in both the normal rats and the rNAION group. In the normal rats, there were no significant differences in MV or MT between the right and left eyes. In the rNAION group, the MV and MT of the affected eyes were significantly lower than those of the unaffected eyes at all time points. There were significant differences between the left/right MV and MT ratios seen before the induction of NAION and those observed at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after the induction of NAION. However, there were no significant differences in these parameters among any of post-NAION induction time points. Our results indicated that the ONH blood flow of the rNAION rats fell in the acute and chronic phases.

Comparative Investigation of Indicators of Growth and Behavioral Disorders in Children with Normal, Low, and Very Low Birth Weight at Pre-school Age in Isfahan during 2015

PubMed Central

Yousefi, Marzieh; Abdeyazdan, Zahra; Ehsanpour, Soheila

2017-01-01

Introduction: Birth weight is one of the most important indicators of infant's health and could predict their health condition in future. This study was conducted to determine and compare indicators of growth [weight, height, and body mass index (BMI)] and behavioral disorders in children with normal, low, and very low birth weight at pre-school age. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive analytical study, 236 children (126 with normal weight, 100 with low birth weight, and 10 with very low birth weight) at pre-school age were investigated in three groups. Data collection tools were a two-part questionnaire including the Rutter Children Behavior Questionnaire for parents, and parents’ and children's demographic characteristics questionnaire, scale, and stadiometer. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, variance analysis, Chi square, and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: The mean of weight, height, and BMI at pre-school age in three groups had a significant difference (P = 0.009) and it was lower in the group with very low birth weight than the other two groups; however, the difference between the group with normal birth weight and the group with low birth weight was not significant (P = 0.10). The mean score of behavioral disorder had no significant difference between groups (P = 0.49). Conclusions: Results showed that children with very low birth weight grew less than the other two groups. Therefore, this group needs special attention and long-term follow-up for taking care of them to ensure better growth. It is recommended to conduct more extended studies to evaluate behavioral disorders in these children. PMID:28382052

Comparative Investigation of Indicators of Growth and Behavioral Disorders in Children with Normal, Low, and Very Low Birth Weight at Pre-school Age in Isfahan during 2015.

PubMed

Yousefi, Marzieh; Abdeyazdan, Zahra; Ehsanpour, Soheila

2017-01-01

Birth weight is one of the most important indicators of infant's health and could predict their health condition in future. This study was conducted to determine and compare indicators of growth [weight, height, and body mass index (BMI)] and behavioral disorders in children with normal, low, and very low birth weight at pre-school age. In this descriptive analytical study, 236 children (126 with normal weight, 100 with low birth weight, and 10 with very low birth weight) at pre-school age were investigated in three groups. Data collection tools were a two-part questionnaire including the Rutter Children Behavior Questionnaire for parents, and parents' and children's demographic characteristics questionnaire, scale, and stadiometer. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, variance analysis, Chi square, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The mean of weight, height, and BMI at pre-school age in three groups had a significant difference ( P = 0.009) and it was lower in the group with very low birth weight than the other two groups; however, the difference between the group with normal birth weight and the group with low birth weight was not significant ( P = 0.10). The mean score of behavioral disorder had no significant difference between groups ( P = 0.49). Results showed that children with very low birth weight grew less than the other two groups. Therefore, this group needs special attention and long-term follow-up for taking care of them to ensure better growth. It is recommended to conduct more extended studies to evaluate behavioral disorders in these children.

Equine alpha-fetoprotein levels in Lipizzaner mares with normal pregnancies and with pregnancy loss.

PubMed

Vincze, Boglárka; Gáspárdy, András; Kulcsár, Margit; Baska, Ferenc; Bálint, Ádám; Hegedűs, György Tamás; Szenci, Ottó

2015-12-01

Alpha-fetoprotein has proved to be a good indicator of fetal well-being in human medicine for decades. Although this molecule is present in most of the mammalian species including horses, reference values in healthy and high-risk pregnant mares have not yet been published. The aim of the present study was to determine whether equine alpha-fetoprotein (eqAFP) is a good indicator of complicated pregnancies in Lipizzaner mares. A total of 111 serum samples from 30 mares have been analyzed for eqAFP levels throughout gestation (Days 60-325). After the pregnancy was confirmed, 23 mares had normal pregnancies with viable foals, six had late embryonic loss, and one of the mares aborted in the ninth gestational month. Equine alpha-fetoprotein concentrations significantly differed in the normal group (72.93 ± 49.25 pg/mL; mean ± standard deviation) and in the complicated pregnancy loss group (152 ± 36.48 pg/mL; mean ± standard deviation). The mares' age, gestational age, and the conception rate significantly affected the alpha-fetoprotein concentrations in the normal group. Furthermore, notable individual differences occurred in eqAFP concentrations between mares. Equine alpha-fetoprotein seems to be an important indicator of fetal well-being in horses, but there are still some unanswered questions (levels in foals of different age, ponies, and draft horses) regarding this serum protein. Large-scale studies are needed to assess the specificity, sensitivity, and reliability of this test as a possible future diagnostic tool for fetal well-being in horses. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Climate-disease connections: Rift Valley Fever in Kenya

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anyamba, A.; Linthicum, K. J.; Tucker, C. J.

2001-01-01

All known Rift Valley fever(RVF) outbreaks in Kenya from 1950 to 1998 followed periods of abnormally high rainfall. On an interannual scale, periods of above normal rainfall in East Africa are associated with the warm phase of the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon. Anomalous rainfall floods mosquito-breeding habitats called dambos, which contain transovarially infected mosquito eggs. The eggs hatch Aedes mosquitoes that transmit the RVF virus preferentially to livestock and to humans as well. Analysis of historical data on RVF outbreaks and indicators of ENSO (including Pacific and Indian Ocean sea surface temperatures and the Southern Oscillation Index) indicates that more than three quarters of the RVF outbreaks have occurred during warm ENSO event periods. Mapping of ecological conditions using satellite normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data show that areas where outbreaks have occurred during the satellite recording period (1981-1998) show anomalous positive departures in vegetation greenness, an indicator of above-normal precipitation. This is particularly observed in arid areas of East Africa, which are predominantly impacted by this disease. These results indicate a close association between interannual climate variability and RVF outbreaks in Kenya.

Climate-disease connections: Rift Valley Fever in Kenya.

PubMed

Anyamba, A; Linthicum, K J; Tucker, C J

2001-01-01

All known Rift Valley fever(RVF) outbreaks in Kenya from 1950 to 1998 followed periods of abnormally high rainfall. On an interannual scale, periods of above normal rainfall in East Africa are associated with the warm phase of the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon. Anomalous rainfall floods mosquito-breeding habitats called dambos, which contain transovarially infected mosquito eggs. The eggs hatch Aedes mosquitoes that transmit the RVF virus preferentially to livestock and to humans as well. Analysis of historical data on RVF outbreaks and indicators of ENSO (including Pacific and Indian Ocean sea surface temperatures and the Southern Oscillation Index) indicates that more than three quarters of the RVF outbreaks have occurred during warm ENSO event periods. Mapping of ecological conditions using satellite normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data show that areas where outbreaks have occurred during the satellite recording period (1981-1998) show anomalous positive departures in vegetation greenness, an indicator of above-normal precipitation. This is particularly observed in arid areas of East Africa, which are predominantly impacted by this disease. These results indicate a close association between interannual climate variability and RVF outbreaks in Kenya.

Sex-Based Differences in Physiology: What Should We Teach in the Medical Curriculum?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blair, Martha L.

2007-01-01

An abundance of recent research indicates that there are multiple differences between males and females both in normal physiology and in the pathophysiology of disease. The Refresher Course on Gender Differences in Physiology, sponsored by the American Physiological Society Education Committee at the 2006 Experimental Biology Meeting in San…

Use of cone beam computed tomography in identifying postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

PubMed

Brasileiro, C B; Chalub, L L F H; Abreu, M H N G; Barreiros, I D; Amaral, T M P; Kakehasi, A M; Mesquita, R A

2017-12-01

The aim of this study is to correlate radiometric indices from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. Quantitative CBCT indices can be used to screen for women with low BMD. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by the deterioration of bone tissue and the consequent decrease in BMD and increase in bone fragility. Several studies have been performed to assess radiometric indices in panoramic images as low-BMD predictors. The aim of this study is to correlate radiometric indices from CBCT images and BMD in postmenopausal women. Sixty postmenopausal women with indications for dental implants and CBCT evaluation were selected. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed, and the patients were divided into normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis groups, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Cross-sectional images were used to evaluate the computed tomography mandibular index (CTMI), the computed tomography index (inferior) (CTI (I)) and computed tomography index (superior) (CTI (S)). Student's t test was used to compare the differences between the indices of the groups' intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Statistical analysis showed a high degree of interobserver and intraobserver agreement for all measurements (ICC > 0.80). The mean values of CTMI, CTI (S), and CTI (I) were lower in the osteoporosis group than in osteopenia and normal patients (p < 0.05). In comparing normal patients and women with osteopenia, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean value of CTI (I) (p = 0.075). Quantitative CBCT indices may help dentists to screen for women with low spinal and femoral bone mineral density so that they can refer postmenopausal women for bone densitometry.

Apparent Viscosity of Active Nematics in Poiseuille Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Zhenlu; Su, Jianbing; Zeng, Xiaoming

2015-09-01

A Leslie-Erickson continuum hydrodynamic for flowing active nematics has been used to characterize active particle systems such as bacterial suspensions. The behavior of such a system under a plane pressure-driven Poiseuille flow is analyzed. When plate anchoring is tangential and normal, we find the apparent viscosity formula indicating a significant difference between tangential anchoring and normal anchoring conditions for both active rodlike and discoid nematics.

The Role of Morphology and Short Vowelization in Reading Arabic among Normal and Dyslexic Readers in Grades 3, 6, 9, and 12

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abu-Rabia, Salim

2007-01-01

This study was an investigation of several Arabic reading measures among dyslexics and normal Arabic readers across different ages (grades 3, 6, 9, and 12): the role of morphology, short vowelization (phonological and syntactic skills), spelling, reading isolated words, and reading comprehension. The results of the one-way ANOVAs indicated clear…

Pancreatic tissue assessment using fluorescence and reflectance spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandra, Malavika; Heidt, David; Simeone, Diane; McKenna, Barbara; Scheiman, James; Mycek, Mary-Ann

2007-07-01

The ability of multi-modal optical spectroscopy to detect signals from pancreatic tissue was demonstrated by studying human pancreatic cancer xenografts in mice and freshly excised human pancreatic tumor tissue. Measured optical spectra and fluorescence decays were correlated with tissue morphological and biochemical properties. The measured spectral features and decay times correlated well with expected pathological differences in normal, pancreatitis and adenocarcinoma tissue states. The observed differences between the fluorescence and reflectance properties of normal, pancreatitis and adenocarcinoma tissue indicate a possible application of multi-modal optical spectroscopy to differentiating between the three tissue classifications.

Remotely-sensed detection of effects of extreme droughts on gross primary production.

PubMed

Vicca, Sara; Balzarolo, Manuela; Filella, Iolanda; Granier, André; Herbst, Mathias; Knohl, Alexander; Longdoz, Bernard; Mund, Martina; Nagy, Zoltan; Pintér, Krisztina; Rambal, Serge; Verbesselt, Jan; Verger, Aleixandre; Zeileis, Achim; Zhang, Chao; Peñuelas, Josep

2016-06-15

Severe droughts strongly impact photosynthesis (GPP), and satellite imagery has yet to demonstrate its ability to detect drought effects. Especially changes in vegetation functioning when vegetation state remains unaltered (no browning or defoliation) pose a challenge to satellite-derived indicators. We evaluated the performance of different satellite indicators to detect strong drought effects on GPP in a beech forest in France (Hesse), where vegetation state remained largely unaffected while GPP decreased substantially. We compared the results with three additional sites: a Mediterranean holm oak forest (Puéchabon), a temperate beech forest (Hainich), and a semi-arid grassland (Bugacpuszta). In Hesse, a three-year reduction in GPP following drought was detected only by the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI). The Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) also detected this drought effect, but only after normalization for absorbed light. In Puéchabon normalized PRI outperformed the other indicators, while the short-term drought effect in Hainich was not detected by any tested indicator. In contrast, most indicators, but not PRI, captured the drought effects in Bugacpuszta. Hence, PRI improved detection of drought effects on GPP in forests and we propose that PRI normalized for absorbed light is considered in future algorithms to estimate GPP from space.

Association between obesity and heart rate variability indices: an intuition toward cardiac autonomic alteration - a risk of CVD.

PubMed

Yadav, Ram Lochan; Yadav, Prakash Kumar; Yadav, Laxmi Kumari; Agrawal, Kopila; Sah, Santosh Kumar; Islam, Md Nazrul

2017-01-01

Obese people have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, which is supposed to be due to autonomic dysfunction and/or metabolic disorder. The alterations in cardiac autonomic functions bring out the changes in the heart rate variability (HRV) indicators, an assessing tool for cardiac autonomic conditions. To compare the cardiac autonomic activity between obese and normal weight adults and find out the highest association between the indices of HRV and obesity. The study was conducted in 30 adult obese persons (body mass index [BMI] >30 kg/m 2 ) and 29 healthy normal weight controls (BMI 18-24 kg/m 2 ). Short-term HRV variables were assessed using standard protocol. Data were compared between groups using Mann-Whitney U test. Obesity indices such as waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-hip ratio (WHR), and BMI were measured and calculated, and they were correlated with HRV indices using Spearman's correlation analysis. In the obese group, there was a significant increase in the mean heart rate, whereas the HRV parasympathetic indicators were less (eg, root mean square of differences of successive RR intervals [28.75 {16.72-38.35} vs 41.55 {30.6-56.75} ms, p =0.018], number of RR intervals that differ by >50 ms, that is, NN50 [15.5 {2-39} vs 83.5 {32.75-116.25}, p =0.010], etc) and the sympathetic indicator low frequency (LF)/high frequency (HF) ratio (1.2 [0.65-2.20] vs 0.79 [0.5-1.02], p =0.045) was more than that of the normal weight group. Spearman's correlation between HRV and obesity indices showed significant positive correlation of WHR with LF in normalized unit ( r =0.478, p <0.01) and LF/HF ratio ( r =0.479, p <0.01), whereas it had significant negative correlation with high frequency power ms 2 ( r =-0.374, p <0.05) and HF in normalized unit ( r =-0.478, p <0.01). There was a nonsignificant correlation of BMI with HRV variables in obese individuals. Increased WHR, by far an indicator of visceral adiposity, was strongly associated with reduced cardiac parasympathetic and increased sympathetic activity in obese individuals defined by BMI. However, BMI itself has a weak relationship with HRV cardiac autonomic markers. Thus, even with a slight increase in WHR in an individual, there could be a greater risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality brought about by cardiac autonomic alterations.

On the terminology of the spectral vegetation index (NIR – SWIR)/(NIR + SWIR)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ji, Lel; Zhang, Li; Wylie, Bruce K.; Rover, Jennifer R.

2011-01-01

The spectral vegetation index (ρNIR – ρSWIR)/(ρNIR + ρSWIR), where ρNIR and ρSWIR are the near-infrared (NIR) and shortwave-infrared (SWIR) reflectances, respectively, has been widely used to indicate vegetation moisture condition. This index has multiple names in the literature, including infrared index (II), normalized difference infrared index (NDII), normalized difference water index (NDWI), normalized difference moisture index (NDMI), land surface water index (LSWI), and normalized burn ratio (NBR), etc. After reviewing each term’s definition, associated sensors, and channel specifications, we found that the index consists of three variants, differing only in the SWIR region (1.2–1.3 µm, 1.55–1.75 µm, or 2.05–2.45 µm). Thus, three terms are sufficient to represent these three SWIR variants; other names are redundant and therefore unnecessary. Considering the spectral representativeness, the term’s popularity, and the “rule of priority” in scientific nomenclature, NDWI, NDII, and NBR, each corresponding to the three SWIR regions, are more preferable terms.

Nonlinear dynamics applied to the study of cardiovascular effects of stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anishchenko, T. G.; Igosheva, N. B.

1998-03-01

We study cardiovascular responses to emotional stresses in humans and rats using traditional physiological parameters and methods of nonlinear dynamics. We found that emotional stress results in significant changes of chaos degree of ECG and blood pressure signals, estimated using a normalized entropy. We demonstrate that the normalized entropy is a more sensitive indicator of the stress-induced changes in cardiovascular systems compared with traditional physiological parameters Using the normalized entropy we discovered the significant individual differences in cardiovascular stress-reactivity that was impossible to obtain by traditional physiological methods.

Fabrication of porous anodic alumina using normal anodization and pulse anodization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chin, I. K.; Yam, F. K.; Hassan, Z.

2015-05-01

This article reports on the fabrication of porous anodic alumina (PAA) by two-step anodizing the low purity commercial aluminum sheets at room temperature. Different variations of the second-step anodization were conducted: normal anodization (NA) with direct current potential difference; pulse anodization (PA) alternate between potential differences of 10 V and 0 V; hybrid pulse anodization (HPA) alternate between potential differences of 10 V and -2 V. The method influenced the film homogeneity of the PAA and the most homogeneous structure was obtained via PA. The morphological properties are further elucidated using measured current-transient profiles. The absent of current rise profile in PA indicates the anodization temperature and dissolution of the PAA structure were greatly reduced by alternating potential differences.

Evaluating Material Flammability in Microgravity and Martian Gravity Compared to the NASA Standard Normal Gravity Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oslon, Sandra. L.; Ferkul, Paul

2012-01-01

Drop tower tests are conducted at Martian gravity to determine the flammability of three materials compared to previous tests in other normal gravity and reduced gravity environments. The comparison is made with consideration of a modified NASA standard test protocol. Material flammability limits in the different gravity and flow environments are tabulated to determine the factor of safety associated with normal gravity flammability screening. Previous testing at microgravity and Lunar gravity indicated that some materials burned to lower oxygen concentrations in low gravity than in normal gravity, although the low g extinction limit criteria are not the same as 1g due to time constraints in drop testing. Similarly, the data presented in this paper for Martian gravity suggest that there is a gravity level below Earth s at which materials burn more readily than on Earth. If proven for more materials, this may indicate the need to include a factor of safety on 1g flammability limits.

The influence of surgical transection and anastomosis on the rate of cell proliferation in the colonic epithelium of normal and DMH-treated rats.

PubMed

Barkla, D H; Tutton, P M

1983-10-01

Normal and DMH-treated male rats aged 18-20 weeks underwent surgical transection and anastomosis of the transverse colon. Animals were subsequently killed at intervals of 14, 30 and 72 days. Three hours prior to sacrifice animals were injected with vinblastine sulphate and mitotic indices were subsequently estimated in histological sections. Possible differences between experimental and control groups were tested using a Student's t-test. The results show that the accumulated mitotic indices in normal and DMH-treated colon are statistically similar. The results also show that transection and anastomosis stimulates cell division in both normal and DMH-treated colon and that the increase is of greater amplitude and more prolonged duration in the DMH-treated rats. Carcinomas developed close to the line of anastomosis in DMH-treated but not in control rats. The results support the hypothesis that non-specific injury to hyperplastic colonic epithelium promotes carcinogenesis.

Complex refractive index of normal and malignant human colorectal tissue in the visible and near-infrared.

PubMed

Giannios, Panagiotis; Koutsoumpos, Spyridon; Toutouzas, Konstantinos G; Matiatou, Maria; Zografos, George C; Moutzouris, Konstantinos

2017-02-01

A multi-wavelength prism coupling refractometer is utilized to measure the angular reflectance of freshly excised human intestinal tissue specimens. Based on reflectance data, the real and imaginary part of the refractive index is calculated via Fresnel analysis for three visible (blue, green, red) and two near-infrared (963 nm and 1551 nm) wavelengths. Averaged values of the complex refractive index and corresponding Cauchy dispersion fits are given for the mucosa, submucosa and serosa layers of the colorectal wall at the normal state. The refractive constants of tumorous and normal mucosa are then cross-compared for the indicative cases of one patient diagnosed with a benign polyp and three patients diagnosed with adenocarcinomas of different phenotype. Significant index contrast exists between the normal and diseased states, indicating the potential use of refractive index as a marker of colorectal dysplasia. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Anisotropic elliptic optical fibers. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kang, Soon Ahm

1991-01-01

The exact characteristic equation for an anisotropic elliptic optical fiber is obtained for odd and even hybrid modes in terms of infinite determinants utilizing Mathieu and modified Mathieu functions. A simplified characteristic equation is obtained by applying the weakly guiding approximation such that the difference in the refractive indices of the core and the cladding is small. The simplified characteristic equation is used to compute the normalized guide wavelength for an elliptical fiber. When the anisotropic parameter is equal to unity, the results are compared with the previous research and they are in close agreement. For a fixed value normalized cross-section area or major axis, the normalized guide wavelength lambda/lambda(sub 0) for an anisotropic elliptic fiber is small for the larger value of anisotropy. This condition indicates that more energy is carried inside of the fiber. However, the geometry and anisotropy of the fiber have a smaller effect when the normalized cross-section area is very small or very large.

Pain modulatory phenotypes differentiate subgroups with different clinical and experimental pain sensitivity.

PubMed

Vaegter, Henrik B; Graven-Nielsen, Thomas

2016-07-01

Pain biomarkers are warranted for individualized pain management. Based on different pain modulatory phenotypes, the objectives of this study were to explore the existence of subgroups within patients with nonmalignant chronic pain and to investigate differences in clinical pain and pain hypersensitivity between subgroups. Cuff algometry was performed on lower legs in 400 patients with chronic pain to assess pressure pain threshold, pressure pain tolerance, temporal summation of pain (TSP: increase in pain scores to 10 repeated stimulations), and conditioned pain modulation (CPM: increase in cuff pressure pain threshold during cuff pain conditioning on the contralateral leg). Heat detection and heat pain thresholds at clinical painful and nonpainful body areas were assessed. Based on TSP and CPM, 4 distinct groups were formed: group 1 (n = 85) had impaired CPM and facilitated TSP; group 2 (n = 148) had impaired CPM and normal TSP; group 3 (n = 45) had normal CPM and facilitated TSP; and group 4 (n = 122) had normal CPM and normal TSP. Group 1 showed more pain regions than the other 3 groups (P < 0.001), indicating that impaired CPM and facilitated TSP play an important role in widespread pain. Groups 1 and 2 compared with group 4 had lower heat pain threshold at nonpainful areas and lower cuff pressure pain tolerance (P < 0.02), indicating that CPM plays a role for widespread hyperalgesia. Moreover, group 1 demonstrated higher clinical pain scores than group 4 (P < 0.05). Although not different between subgroups, patients were profiled on demographics, disability, pain catastrophizing, and fear of movement. Future research should investigate interventions tailored towards these subgroups.

Cardiac remodelling in a baboon model of intrauterine growth restriction mimics accelerated ageing.

PubMed

Kuo, Anderson H; Li, Cun; Li, Jinqi; Huber, Hillary F; Nathanielsz, Peter W; Clarke, Geoffrey D

2017-02-15

Rodent models of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) successfully identify mechanisms that can lead to short-term and long-term detrimental cardiomyopathies but differences between rodent and human cardiac physiology and placental-fetal development indicate a need for models in precocial species for translation to human development. We developed a baboon model for IUGR studies using a moderate 30% global calorie restriction of pregnant mothers and used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate offspring heart function in early adulthood. Impaired diastolic and systolic cardiac function was observed in IUGR offspring with differences between male and female subjects, compared to their respective controls. Aspects of cardiac impairment found in the IUGR offspring were similar to those found in normal controls in a geriatric cohort. Understanding early cardiac biomarkers of IUGR using non-invasive imaging in this susceptible population, especially taking into account sexual dimorphisms, will aid recognition of the clinical presentation, development of biomarkers suitable for use in humans and management of treatment strategies. Extensive rodent studies have shown that reduced perinatal nutrition programmes chronic cardiovascular disease. To enable translation to humans, we developed baboon offspring cohorts from mothers fed ad libitum (control) or 70% of the control ad libitum diet in pregnancy and lactation, which were growth restricted at birth. We hypothesized that intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) offspring hearts would show impaired function and a premature ageing phenotype. We studied IUGR baboons (8 male, 8 female, 5.7 years), control offspring (8 male, 8 female, 5.6 years - human equivalent approximately 25 years), and normal elderly (OLD) baboons (6 male, 6 female, mean 15.9 years). Left ventricular (LV) morphology and systolic and diastolic function were evaluated with cardiac MRI and normalized to body surface area. Two-way ANOVA by group and sex (with P < 0.05) indicated ejection fraction, 3D sphericity indices, cardiac index, normalized systolic volume, normalized LV wall thickness, and average filling rate differed by group. Group and sex differences were found for normalized LV wall thickening and normalized myocardial mass, without interactions. Normalized peak LV filling rate and diastolic sphericity index were not correlated in control but strongly correlated in OLD and IUGR baboons. IUGR programming in baboons produces myocardial remodelling, reduces systolic and diastolic function, and results in the emergence of a premature ageing phenotype in the heart. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the specific characteristics of cardiac programming and early life functional decline with ageing in an IUGR non-human primate model. Further studies across the life span will determine progression of cardiac dysfunction. © 2016 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2016 The Physiological Society.

Eco-Doppler evaluation of intestinal peristalsis in normal and in some pathological conditions: preliminary data.

PubMed

La Bella, A; Gimondo, P; Camboni, M

1993-01-01

Duplex-Doppler sonography could be employed in the quantitative investigation of intestinal motility. Preliminary data indicate reproductivity of the method in normal subjects and possible clinical applications in some pathological conditions affecting intestinal transit. Particularly, the possibility to discriminate between segments at different peristaltic activity seems to be very useful in intestinal obstruction. Further studies are necessary to validate this method.

Talking to Your Child about Their Cancer

MedlinePlus

... it, will differ depending on the age and maturity level of your child. Here are some things ... reactions are normal and expected. But sometimes, extreme emotions can indicate a more serious problem. Professional help ...

Sexual dimorphism and the effects of the X-linked Tfm locus on hexobarbitone metabolism and action in mice.

PubMed

King, D K; Shapiro, B H

1981-09-01

1 Normal males of the testicular feminized strain of mice (Tfm) had longer hexobarbitone-induced sleeping times than females, and hepatic hexobarbitone hydroxylase activity different in that the Km was higher and the Vmax lower in the male. 2 Castration and androgen replacement studies indicated that testicular androgens were responsible for the sexual differences in drug metabolism found in this mouse strain. 3 Hepatic hexobarbitone metabolism and action were feminized in the intact, androgen-insensitive, genetically male Tfm mouse. Furthermore, hexobarbitone hydroxylase activities were less responsive to large doses of testosterone in Tfm mice than in normal males. 4 The Tfm mouse with a deficiency in androgen receptors responded to the enzyme-inductive effects of phenobarbitone and softwood bedding, indicating that these inducers do not act through the androgen receptors.

Classification of optical coherence tomography images for diagnosing different ocular diseases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gholami, Peyman; Sheikh Hassani, Mohsen; Kuppuswamy Parthasarathy, Mohana; Zelek, John S.; Lakshminarayanan, Vasudevan

2018-03-01

Optical Coherence tomography (OCT) images provide several indicators, e.g., the shape and the thickness of different retinal layers, which can be used for various clinical and non-clinical purposes. We propose an automated classification method to identify different ocular diseases, based on the local binary pattern features. The database consists of normal and diseased human eye SD-OCT images. We use a multiphase approach for building our classifier, including preprocessing, Meta learning, and active learning. Pre-processing is applied to the data to handle missing features from images and replace them with the mean or median of the corresponding feature. All the features are run through a Correlation-based Feature Subset Selection algorithm to detect the most informative features and omit the less informative ones. A Meta learning approach is applied to the data, in which a SVM and random forest are combined to obtain a more robust classifier. Active learning is also applied to strengthen our classifier around the decision boundary. The primary experimental results indicate that our method is able to differentiate between the normal and non-normal retina with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 98.6% and also to diagnose the three common retina-related diseases, i.e., Age-related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Macular Hole, with an AUC of 100%, 95% and 83.8% respectively. These results indicate a better performance of the proposed method compared to most of the previous works in the literature.

Assessment of the capability of remote sensing and GIS techniques for monitoring reclamation success in coal mine degraded lands.

PubMed

Karan, Shivesh Kishore; Samadder, Sukha Ranjan; Maiti, Subodh Kumar

2016-11-01

The objective of the present study is to monitor reclamation activity in mining areas. Monitoring of these reclaimed sites in the vicinity of mining areas and on closed Over Burden (OB) dumps is critical for improving the overall environmental condition, especially in developing countries where area around the mines are densely populated. The present study evaluated the reclamation success in the Block II area of Jharia coal field, India, using Landsat satellite images for the years 2000 and 2015. Four image processing methods (support vector machine, ratio vegetation index, enhanced vegetation index, and normalized difference vegetation index) were used to quantify the change in vegetation cover between the years 2000 and 2015. The study also evaluated the relationship between vegetation health and moisture content of the study area using remote sensing techniques. Statistical linear regression analysis revealed that Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) coupled with Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI) is the best method for vegetation monitoring in the study area when compared to other indices. A strong linear relationship (r(2) > 0.86) was found between NDVI and NDMI. An increase of 21% from 213.88 ha in 2000 to 258.9 ha in 2015 was observed in the vegetation cover of the reclaimed sites for an open cast mine, indicating satisfactory reclamation activity. NDVI results indicated that vegetation health also improved over the years. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identification of Hemoglobin Levels Based on Anthropometric Indices in Elderly Koreans

PubMed Central

Kim, Jong Yeol

2016-01-01

Objectives Anemia is independently and strongly associated with an increased risk of mortality in older people and is also strongly associated with obesity. The objectives of the present study were to examine the associations between the hemoglobin level and various anthropometric indices, to predict low and normal hemoglobin levels using combined anthropometric indices, and to assess differences in the hemoglobin level and anthropometric indices between Korean men and women. Methods A total of 7,156 individuals ranging in age from 53–90 years participated in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Binary logistic regression (LR) and naïve Bayes (NB) models were used to identify significant differences in the anthropometric indices between subjects with low and normal hemoglobin levels and to assess the predictive power of these indices for the hemoglobin level. Results Among all of the variables, age displayed the strongest association with the hemoglobin level in both men (p < 0.0001, odds ratio [OR] = 0.487, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve based on the LR [LR-AUC] = 0.702, NB-AUC = 0.701) and women (p < 0.0001, OR = 0.636, LR-AUC = 0.625, NB-AUC = 0.624). Among the anthropometric indices, weight and body mass index (BMI) were the best predictors of the hemoglobin level. The predictive powers of all of the variables were higher in men than in women. The AUC values for the NB-Wrapper and LR-Wrapper predictive models generated using combined anthropometric indices were 0.734 and 0.723, respectively, for men and 0.649 and 0.652, respectively, for women. The use of combined anthropometric indices may improve the predictive power for the hemoglobin level. Discussion Among the various anthropometric indices, with the exception of age, we did not identify any indices that were better predictors than weight and BMI for low and normal hemoglobin levels. In addition, none of the ratios between pairs of indices were good indicators of the hemoglobin level. Finally, the Korean men tended to have higher associations between the anthropometric indices and anemia than the women. PMID:27812118

Evaluating acoustic speaker normalization algorithms: evidence from longitudinal child data.

PubMed

Kohn, Mary Elizabeth; Farrington, Charlie

2012-03-01

Speaker vowel formant normalization, a technique that controls for variation introduced by physical differences between speakers, is necessary in variationist studies to compare speakers of different ages, genders, and physiological makeup in order to understand non-physiological variation patterns within populations. Many algorithms have been established to reduce variation introduced into vocalic data from physiological sources. The lack of real-time studies tracking the effectiveness of these normalization algorithms from childhood through adolescence inhibits exploration of child participation in vowel shifts. This analysis compares normalization techniques applied to data collected from ten African American children across five time points. Linear regressions compare the reduction in variation attributable to age and gender for each speaker for the vowels BEET, BAT, BOT, BUT, and BOAR. A normalization technique is successful if it maintains variation attributable to a reference sociolinguistic variable, while reducing variation attributable to age. Results indicate that normalization techniques which rely on both a measure of central tendency and range of the vowel space perform best at reducing variation attributable to age, although some variation attributable to age persists after normalization for some sections of the vowel space. © 2012 Acoustical Society of America

Soil salinity mapping and hydrological drought indices assessment in arid environments based on remote sensing techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elhag, Mohamed; Bahrawi, Jarbou A.

2017-03-01

Vegetation indices are mostly described as crop water derivatives. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) is one of the oldest remote sensing applications that is widely used to evaluate crop vigor directly and crop water relationships indirectly. Recently, several NDVI derivatives were exclusively used to assess crop water relationships. Four hydrological drought indices are examined in the current research study. The water supply vegetation index (WSVI), the soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), the moisture stress index (MSI) and the normalized difference infrared index (NDII) are implemented in the current study as an indirect tool to map the effect of different soil salinity levels on crop water stress in arid environments. In arid environments, such as Saudi Arabia, water resources are under pressure, especially groundwater levels. Groundwater wells are rapidly depleted due to the heavy abstraction of the reserved water. Heavy abstractions of groundwater, which exceed crop water requirements in most of the cases, are powered by high evaporation rates in the designated study area because of the long days of extremely hot summer. Landsat 8 OLI data were extensively used in the current research to obtain several vegetation indices in response to soil salinity in Wadi ad-Dawasir. Principal component analyses (PCA) and artificial neural network (ANN) analyses are complementary tools used to understand the regression pattern of the hydrological drought indices in the designated study area.

Neural substrates related to auditory working memory comparisons in dyslexia: An fMRI study

PubMed Central

CONWAY, TIM; HEILMAN, KENNETH M.; GOPINATH, KAUNDINYA; PECK, KYUNG; BAUER, RUSSELL; BRIGGS, RICHARD W.; TORGESEN, JOSEPH K.; CROSSON, BRUCE

2010-01-01

Adult readers with developmental phonological dyslexia exhibit significant difficulty comparing pseudowords and pure tones in auditory working memory (AWM). This suggests deficient AWM skills for adults diagnosed with dyslexia. Despite behavioral differences, it is unknown whether neural substrates of AWM differ between adults diagnosed with dyslexia and normal readers. Prior neuroimaging of adults diagnosed with dyslexia and normal readers, and post-mortem findings of neural structural anomalies in adults diagnosed with dyslexia support the hypothesis of atypical neural activity in temporoparietal and inferior frontal regions during AWM tasks in adults diagnosed with dyslexia. We used fMRI during two binaural AWM tasks (pseudowords or pure tones comparisons) in adults diagnosed with dyslexia (n = 11) and normal readers (n = 11). For both AWM tasks, adults diagnosed with dyslexia exhibited greater activity in left posterior superior temporal (BA 22) and inferior parietal regions (BA 40) than normal readers. Comparing neural activity between groups and between stimuli contrasts (pseudowords vs. tones), adults diagnosed with dyslexia showed greater primary auditory cortex activity (BA 42; tones > pseudowords) than normal readers. Thus, greater activity in primary auditory, posterior superior temporal, and inferior parietal cortices during linguistic and non-linguistic AWM tasks for adults diagnosed with dyslexia compared to normal readers indicate differences in neural substrates of AWM comparison tasks. PMID:18577292

Personality dimensions of people who suffer from visual stress.

PubMed

Hollis, J; Allen, P M; Fleischmann, D; Aulak, R

2007-11-01

Personality dimensions of participants who suffer from visual stress were compared with those of normal participants using the Eysenck Personality Inventory. Extraversion-Introversion scores showed no significant differences between the participants who suffered visual stress and those who were classified as normal. By contrast, significant differences were found between the normal participants and those with visual stress in respect of Neuroticism-Stability. These differences accord with Eysenck's personality theory which states that those who score highly on the neuroticism scale do so because they have a neurological system with a low threshold such that their neurological system is easily activated by external stimuli. The findings also relate directly to the theory of visual stress proposed by Wilkins which postulates that visual stress results from an excess of neural activity. The data may indicate that the excess activity is likely to be localised at particular neurological regions or neural processes.

[Blood lipids and adaptation to stress as risk factors for stroke prevention].

PubMed

Anders, I; Esterbauer, E; Fink, A; Ladurner, G; Huemer, M; Wranek, U

2000-01-01

Do stroke prevention patients with increased blood-fat-protein compounds (total cholesterol, HDL- and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride) have a different method of coping than patients with normal blood fat? 1159 stroke prevention patients participated in the following stroke risk investigations at this hospital: biographical and risk factor-orientated anamnesis, a neurological status investigation, a laboratory investigation, a sonographic investigation and a psychological investigation. The differences in the coping strategies of those patients with normal and those with higher blood-fat-protein compounds were investigated. Patients with higher total cholesterol showed significantly higher values in the avoidance of stress situations (sig. 0.041) and a stronger tendency towards escapist behaviour (sig. 0.05). Patients with normal HDL cholesterol values indicated a tendency (sig. 0.07) to higher values in positive self-instruction in comparison to patients with reduced HDL cholesterol values. Those prevention patients with higher LDL values showed a tendency (sig. 0.08) to higher values in the intake of narcotic substances (nicotine, alcohol, tranquillisers, pharmaceutical agents). Patients with increased triglyceride indicated significantly higher values in coping by compensation (eating, shopping, reward behaviour, watching TV; sig. 0.037) and the intake of narcotic substances (sig. 0.044). Prevention patients with higher total cholesterol, LDL/HDL, or triglyceride values showed significantly different coping strategies in comparison to those patients with normal values. Increased avoidance and escapism behaviour and also compensation and the abuse of narcotic substances could be seen in connection with an increase in the risk of a stroke. In contrast, a constructive coping strategy such as positive self-instruction could reduce the risk of a stroke, which goes along with normal HDL cholesterol.

Aggregation of Electric Current Consumption Features to Extract Maintenance KPIs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simon, Victor; Johansson, Carl-Anders; Galar, Diego

2017-09-01

All electric powered machines offer the possibility of extracting information and calculating Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) from the electric current signal. Depending on the time window, sampling frequency and type of analysis, different indicators from the micro to macro level can be calculated for such aspects as maintenance, production, energy consumption etc. On the micro-level, the indicators are generally used for condition monitoring and diagnostics and are normally based on a short time window and a high sampling frequency. The macro indicators are normally based on a longer time window with a slower sampling frequency and are used as indicators for overall performance, cost or consumption. The indicators can be calculated directly from the current signal but can also be based on a combination of information from the current signal and operational data like rpm, position etc. One or several of those indicators can be used for prediction and prognostics of a machine's future behavior. This paper uses this technique to calculate indicators for maintenance and energy optimization in electric powered machines and fleets of machines, especially machine tools.

Differentiating pediatric epileptic brain tissue from normal brain tissue by using time-dependent diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in vivo: comprehensive data analysis method in the time domain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Sanghoon; Fernald, Bradley; Bhatia, Sanjiv; Ragheb, John; Sandberg, David; Johnson, Mahlon; Lin, Wei-Chiang

2009-05-01

This research investigated the feasibility of using time-dependent diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to differentiate pediatric epileptic brain tissue from normal brain tissue. The optical spectroscopic technique monitored the dynamic optical properties of the cerebral cortex that are associated with its physiological, morphological, and compositional characteristics. Due to the transient irregular epileptic discharge activity within the epileptic brain tissue it was hypothesized that the lesion would express abnormal dynamic optical behavior that would alter normal dynamic behavior. Thirteen pediatric epilepsy patients and seven pediatric brain tumor patients (normal controls) were recruited for this clinical study. Dynamic optical properties were obtained from the cortical surface intraoperatively using a timedependent diffuse reflectance spectroscopy system. This system consisted of a fiber-optic probe, a tungsten-halogen light source, and a spectrophotometer. It acquired diffuse reflectance spectra with a spectral range of 204 nm to 932 nm at a rate of 33 spectra per second for approximately 12 seconds. Biopsy samples were taken from electrophysiologically abnormal cortex and evaluated by a neuropathologist, which served as a gold standard for lesion classification. For data analysis, spectral intensity changes of diffuse reflectance in the time domain at two different wavelengths from each investigated site were compared. Negative correlation segment, defined by the periods where the intensity changes at the two wavelengths were opposite in their slope polarity, were extracted. The total duration of negative correlation, referred to as the "negative correlation time index", was calculated by integrating the negative correlation segments. The negative correlation time indices from all investigated sites were sub-grouped according to the corresponding histological classifications. The difference between the mean indices of two subgroups was evaluated by standard t-test. These comparison and calculation procedures were carried out for all possible wavelength combinations between 400 nm and 800 nm with 2 nm increments. The positive group consisted of seven pathologically abnormal test sites, and the negative group consisted of 13 normal test sites from non-epileptic tumor patients. A standard t-test showed significant difference between negative correlation time indices from the two groups at the wavelength combinations of 700-760 nm versus 550-580 nm. An empirical discrimination algorithm based on the negative correlation time indices in this range produced 100% sensitivity and 85% specificity. Based on these results time-dependent diffuse reflectance spectroscopy with optimized data analysis methods differentiates epileptic brain tissue from normal brain tissue adequately, therefore can be utilized for surgical guidance, and may enhance the surgical outcome of pediatric epilepsy surgery.

Acute effects of static stretching on passive stiffness of the hamstring muscles calculated using different mathematical models.

PubMed

Nordez, Antoine; Cornu, Christophe; McNair, Peter

2006-08-01

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of static stretching on hamstring passive stiffness calculated using different data reduction methods. Subjects performed a maximal range of motion test, five cyclic stretching repetitions and a static stretching intervention that involved five 30-s static stretches. A computerised dynamometer allowed the measurement of torque and range of motion during passive knee extension. Stiffness was then calculated as the slope of the torque-angle relationship fitted using a second-order polynomial, a fourth-order polynomial, and an exponential model. The second-order polynomial and exponential models allowed the calculation of stiffness indices normalized to knee angle and passive torque, respectively. Prior to static stretching, stiffness levels were significantly different across the models. After stretching, while knee maximal joint range of motion increased, stiffness was shown to decrease. Stiffness decreased more at the extended knee joint angle, and the magnitude of change depended upon the model used. After stretching, the stiffness indices also varied according to the model used to fit data. Thus, the stiffness index normalized to knee angle was found to decrease whereas the stiffness index normalized to passive torque increased after static stretching. Stretching has significant effects on stiffness, but the findings highlight the need to carefully assess the effect of different models when analyzing such data.

Sex differences in paradoxical sleep: influences of estrus cycle and ovariectomy.

PubMed

Fang, J; Fishbein, W

1996-09-23

Previously, we reported that paradoxical sleep (PS) is sexually dimorphic in mice and rats. Since some early studies indicate that PS is suppressed during proestrus night, it is important to know whether the estrus cycle and accompanying circulating ovarian hormones could explain the sexual dimorphism of PS. To examine this, sleep patterns of male rats were compared with those of normal cycling female rats and ovariectomized females in a 12:12 h light/dark cycle. Slow wave sleep and total sleep time are indistinguishable between the males, cycling females and ovariectomized females. However, normal males display significantly more PS than cycling females during both daytime and nighttime (average of all estrus stages). On the other hand, while ovariectomy has no visible effect on daytime sleep--the sexual dimorphism of PS is unchanged by ovariectomy--during nighttime, ovariectomy produces a selective increase of PS, eliminating the sex difference during the night. In sum, normal cycling females show no change in daytime sleep patterns across the estrus cycle, but have significantly less PS during proestrus nights than during metestrus and diestrus nights. The results indicate that the sex difference in nighttime PS is due to the suppression of PS by ovarian hormones during proestrus and, to a less extent, estrus nights. The sex difference in daytime PS, on the other hand, appears to be independent of circulating ovarian hormones.

Laplacian Estrada and normalized Laplacian Estrada indices of evolving graphs.

PubMed

Shang, Yilun

2015-01-01

Large-scale time-evolving networks have been generated by many natural and technological applications, posing challenges for computation and modeling. Thus, it is of theoretical and practical significance to probe mathematical tools tailored for evolving networks. In this paper, on top of the dynamic Estrada index, we study the dynamic Laplacian Estrada index and the dynamic normalized Laplacian Estrada index of evolving graphs. Using linear algebra techniques, we established general upper and lower bounds for these graph-spectrum-based invariants through a couple of intuitive graph-theoretic measures, including the number of vertices or edges. Synthetic random evolving small-world networks are employed to show the relevance of the proposed dynamic Estrada indices. It is found that neither the static snapshot graphs nor the aggregated graph can approximate the evolving graph itself, indicating the fundamental difference between the static and dynamic Estrada indices.

Comparison of nutritional status indicators according to feeding methods in patients with acute stroke.

PubMed

Kim, Sanghee; Byeon, Youngsoon

2014-04-01

Feeding methods for patients with acute stroke differ based on their ability to swallow; therefore, it is necessary to determine whether these methods deliver enough nourishment to these patients. Although nutrition could affect recovery from acute stroke, it is often overlooked. Indicators of nutritional status are important for the nutritional assessment of patients. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in nutritional indicators with various feeding methods in patients with acute stroke. Data on 261 patients with acute stroke who were admitted to a stroke unit in 2010 and met the inclusion criteria of the study were retrospectively analyzed. For comparative analysis, we investigated the participants' National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, feeding methods using the Modified Gugging Swallowing Screen, and indicators of nutritional status, such as body mass index, pre-albumin level, albumin level, total lymphocyte count, and total protein level. All nutritional indicators were compared at the time of admission to the stroke unit and at 7 days after admission. At the time of admission, indicators of nutritional status were within normal ranges in all feeding groups (tube, dysphagia, and general diet). At 7 days after admission, pre-albumin (P = 0.003), albumin (P = 0.001), and total protein (P = 0.000) values in the tube feeding group were below the normal range, and the pre-albumin value and total lymphocyte count were below the normal range in the dysphagia diet group (P = 0.027). The values for all nutritional indicators were within normal limits in the general diet group. Indicators of nutritional status change according to the swallowing ability of patients with acute stroke. At 7 days after admission to the stroke unit, patients with severe dysphagia had higher levels of indicators of malnutrition. Health care providers should consider whether the feeding method of each patient with stroke provides suitable nourishment. Additionally, it is important to know why these indicators vary based on swallowing abilities and what these patients require for adequate nutrition.

Boosted Regression Trees Outperforms Support Vector Machines in Predicting (Regional) Yields of Winter Wheat from Single and Cumulated Dekadal Spot-VGT Derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Indices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stas, Michiel; Dong, Qinghan; Heremans, Stien; Zhang, Beier; Van Orshoven, Jos

2016-08-01

This paper compares two machine learning techniques to predict regional winter wheat yields. The models, based on Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) and Support Vector Machines (SVM), are constructed of Normalized Difference Vegetation Indices (NDVI) derived from low resolution SPOT VEGETATION satellite imagery. Three types of NDVI-related predictors were used: Single NDVI, Incremental NDVI and Targeted NDVI. BRT and SVM were first used to select features with high relevance for predicting the yield. Although the exact selections differed between the prefectures, certain periods with high influence scores for multiple prefectures could be identified. The same period of high influence stretching from March to June was detected by both machine learning methods. After feature selection, BRT and SVM models were applied to the subset of selected features for actual yield forecasting. Whereas both machine learning methods returned very low prediction errors, BRT seems to slightly but consistently outperform SVM.

Combining ground-based measurements and satellite-based spectral vegetation indices to track biomass accumulation in post-fire chaparral

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uyeda, K. A.; Stow, D. A.; Roberts, D. A.; Riggan, P. J.

2015-12-01

Multi-temporal satellite imagery can provide valuable information on patterns of vegetation growth over large spatial extents and long time periods, but corresponding ground-referenced biomass information is often difficult to acquire, especially at an annual scale. In this study, I test the relationship between annual biomass estimated using shrub growth rings and metrics of seasonal growth derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) for a small area of southern California chaparral to evaluate the potential for mapping biomass at larger spatial extents. The site had most recently burned in 2002, and annual biomass accumulation measurements were available from years 5 - 11 post-fire. I tested metrics of seasonal growth using six SVIs (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Enhanced Vegetation Index, Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index, Normalized Difference Water Index, Normalized Difference Infrared Index 6, and Vegetation Atmospherically Resistant Index). While additional research would be required to determine which of these metrics and SVIs are most promising over larger spatial extents, several of the seasonal growth metrics/ SVI combinations have a very strong relationship with annual biomass, and all SVIs have a strong relationship with annual biomass for at least one of the seasonal growth metrics.

Analysis of polymorphisms in milk proteins from cloned and sexually reproduced goats.

PubMed

Xing, H; Shao, B; Gu, Y Y; Yuan, Y G; Zhang, T; Zang, J; Cheng, Y

2015-12-08

This study evaluates the relationship between the genotype and milk protein components in goats. Milk samples were collected from cloned goats and normal white goats during different postpartum (or abortion) phases. Two cloned goats, originated from the same somatic line of goat mammary gland epithelial cells, and three sexually reproduced normal white goats with no genetic relationships were used as the control. The goats were phylogenetically analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The milk protein components were identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The results indicated that despite the genetic fingerprints being identical, the milk protein composition differed between the two cloned goats. The casein content of cloned goat C-50 was significantly higher than that of cloned goat C-4. Conversely, although the genetic fingerprints of the normal white goats N-1, N-2, and N-3 were not identical, the milk protein profiles did not differ significantly in their milk samples (obtained on postpartum day 15, 20, 25, 30, and 150). These results indicated an association between milk protein phenotypes and genetic polymorphisms, epigenetic regulation, and/or non-chromosomal factors. This study extends the knowledge of goat milk protein polymorphisms, and provides new strategies for the breeding of high milk-yielding goats.

Differences in neural activation between preterm and full term born adolescents on a sentence comprehension task: implications for educational accommodations.

PubMed

Barde, Laura H F; Yeatman, Jason D; Lee, Eliana S; Glover, Gary; Feldman, Heidi M

2012-02-15

Adolescent survivors of preterm birth experience persistent functional problems that negatively impact academic outcomes, even when standardized measures of cognition and language suggest normal ability. In this fMRI study, we compared the neural activation supporting auditory sentence comprehension in two groups of adolescents (ages 9-16 years); sentences varied in length and syntactic difficulty. Preterms (n=18, mean gestational age 28.8 weeks) and full terms (n=14) had scores on verbal IQ, receptive vocabulary, and receptive language tests that were within or above normal limits and similar between groups. In early and late phases of the trial, we found interactions by group and length; in the late phase, we also found a group by syntactic difficulty interaction. Post hoc tests revealed that preterms demonstrated significant activation in the left and right middle frontal gyri as syntactic difficulty increased. ANCOVA showed that the interactions could not be attributed to differences in age, receptive language skill, or reaction time. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that preterm birth modulates brain-behavior relations in sentence comprehension as task demands increase. We suggest preterms' differences in neural processing may indicate a need for educational accommodations, even when formal test scores indicate normal academic achievement. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spatial Variations in Salinity Stress Across a Coastal Landscape Using Vegetation Indices Derived from Hyperspectral Imagery

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

NDVI , WBI970, Chlorophyll fluorescence, Salinity, Hyperspectral reflectance JC_Naumann, DR_Young, JE_Anderson Virginia Commonwealth University 800...DF=F0m for M. cerifera (r2 = 0.79) and I. frutescens (r2 = 0.72). The normalized difference vegetation index ( NDVI ), the chlorophyll index (CI), and...frutescens, while there were no differences in NDVI during the 2 years. PRI was not significantly related to NDVI , suggesting that the indices are spatially

An approach to analyzing the intensity of the daytime surface urban heat island effect at a local scale.

PubMed

Xu, Shenlai

2009-04-01

A landscape index LI is proposed to evaluate the intensity of the daytime surface urban heat island (SUHI) effect at a local scale. Three aspects of this landscape index are crucial: the source landscape, the sink landscape, and the contribution of source and sink landscapes to the intensity of the SUHI. Source and sink landscape types are identified using the thermo-band of Landsat 7 with a spatial resolution of 60 m, along with appropriate threshold values for the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Modified Normalized Difference Water Index, and Normalized Difference Built-up Index. The landscape index was defined as the ratio of the contributions of the source and sink landscapes to the intensity of the SUHI. The intensity of the daytime SUHI is assessed with the help of the landscape index. Our analysis indicates the landscape index can be used to evaluate and compare the intensity of the daytime SUHI for different areas.

Remotely-sensed detection of effects of extreme droughts on gross primary production

PubMed Central

Vicca, Sara; Balzarolo, Manuela; Filella, Iolanda; Granier, André; Herbst, Mathias; Knohl, Alexander; Longdoz, Bernard; Mund, Martina; Nagy, Zoltan; Pintér, Krisztina; Rambal, Serge; Verbesselt, Jan; Verger, Aleixandre; Zeileis, Achim; Zhang, Chao; Peñuelas, Josep

2016-01-01

Severe droughts strongly impact photosynthesis (GPP), and satellite imagery has yet to demonstrate its ability to detect drought effects. Especially changes in vegetation functioning when vegetation state remains unaltered (no browning or defoliation) pose a challenge to satellite-derived indicators. We evaluated the performance of different satellite indicators to detect strong drought effects on GPP in a beech forest in France (Hesse), where vegetation state remained largely unaffected while GPP decreased substantially. We compared the results with three additional sites: a Mediterranean holm oak forest (Puéchabon), a temperate beech forest (Hainich), and a semi-arid grassland (Bugacpuszta). In Hesse, a three-year reduction in GPP following drought was detected only by the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI). The Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) also detected this drought effect, but only after normalization for absorbed light. In Puéchabon normalized PRI outperformed the other indicators, while the short-term drought effect in Hainich was not detected by any tested indicator. In contrast, most indicators, but not PRI, captured the drought effects in Bugacpuszta. Hence, PRI improved detection of drought effects on GPP in forests and we propose that PRI normalized for absorbed light is considered in future algorithms to estimate GPP from space. PMID:27301671

Legibility of Sans Serif Type for Use as Body Copy in Computer Mediated Communication.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Geske, Joel

A study examined type legibility on computer screens to determine type styles and type sizes that are most legible. Subjects, 107 college students, tested legibility of Helvetica type in 3 different sizes and 3 different faces. Results indicated no significant differences for legibility of Helvetica 12, 10, and 9 point type in the normal typeface…

Myeloperoxidase in blood neutrophils during normal and abnormal menstrual cycles in women of reproductive age.

PubMed

Shibata, T; Sakamoto, J; Osaka, Y; Neyatani, N; Fujita, S; Oka, Y; Takagi, H; Mori, H; Fujita, H; Tanaka, Y; Sasagawa, T

2017-04-01

We previously reported that granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) plays a critical role in ovulation, suggesting that neutrophils may maintain ovulation. We assessed myeloperoxidase (MPO), a major and specific enzyme of neutrophils, in women with abnormal and normal menstrual cycles to clarify the relationship between MPO and ovulation. We analyzed MPO activity in blood neutrophils of women with abnormal menstrual cycles (indicative of anovulation, n = 12) and age- and body mass index-matched normal menstrual cycles (indicative of ovulation, n = 24) using two parameters as a marker of MPO, Neut X and mean peroxidase index (MPXI). MPO of women with abnormal menstrual cycles was significantly lower than that of women with normal menstrual cycles [Neut X: 62.6 ± 1.1 (mean ± standard error of the mean) vs. 66.2 ± 0.3, P = 0.009; MPXI: -0.54 ± 1.66 vs. 4.91 ± 0.53, P = 0.008]. Among women with normal menstrual cycles, MPO was highest in the follicular phase (Neut X: 67.0 ± 0.3; P = 0.033). The difference in MPO between women with abnormal and normal menstrual cycles and the upregulation of MPO before ovulation suggest that neutrophils and MPO are closely related to ovulation. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Earth Observation and Science: Monitoring Vegetation Dynamics from Deep Space Gateway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knyazikhin, Y.; Park, T.; Hu, B.

2018-02-01

Retrieving diurnal courses of sunlit (SLAI) and shaded (ShLAI) leaf area indices, fraction of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) absorbed by vegetation (FPAR), and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from Deep Space Gateway data.

Response of spectral vegetation indices to soil moisture in grasslands and shrublands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zhang, Li; Ji, Lei; Wylie, Bruce K.

2011-01-01

The relationships between satellite-derived vegetation indices (VIs) and soil moisture are complicated because of the time lag of the vegetation response to soil moisture. In this study, we used a distributed lag regression model to evaluate the lag responses of VIs to soil moisture for grasslands and shrublands at Soil Climate Analysis Network sites in the central and western United States. We examined the relationships between Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-derived VIs and soil moisture measurements. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) showed significant lag responses to soil moisture. The lag length varies from 8 to 56 days for NDVI and from 16 to 56 days for NDWI. However, the lag response of NDVI and NDWI to soil moisture varied among the sites. Our study suggests that the lag effect needs to be taken into consideration when the VIs are used to estimate soil moisture.

Somatic hypermutation and antigen-driven selection of B cells are altered in autoimmune diseases.

PubMed

Zuckerman, Neta S; Hazanov, Helena; Barak, Michal; Edelman, Hanna; Hess, Shira; Shcolnik, Hadas; Dunn-Walters, Deborah; Mehr, Ramit

2010-12-01

B cells have been found to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune (AI) diseases. A common feature amongst many AI diseases is the formation of ectopic germinal centers (GC) within the afflicted tissue or organ, in which activated B cells expand and undergo somatic hypermutation (SHM) and antigen-driven selection on their immunoglobulin variable region (IgV) genes. However, it is not yet clear whether these processes occurring in ectopic GCs are identical to those in normal GCs. The analysis of IgV mutations has aided in revealing many aspects concerning B cell expansion, mutation and selection in GC reactions. We have applied several mutation analysis methods, based on lineage tree construction, to a large set of data, containing IgV productive and non-productive heavy and light chain sequences from several different tissues, to examine three of the most profoundly studied AI diseases - Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Sjögren's Syndrome (SS). We have found that RA and MS sequences exhibited normal mutation spectra and targeting motifs, but a stricter selection compared to normal controls, which was more apparent in RA. SS sequence analysis results deviated from normal controls in both mutation spectra and indications of selection, also showing differences between light and heavy chain IgV and between different tissues. The differences revealed between AI diseases and normal control mutation patterns may result from the different microenvironmental influences to which ectopic GCs are exposed, relative to those in normal secondary lymphoid tissues. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enhancement of frequency domain indices of heart rate variability by cholinergic stimulation with pyridostigmine bromide.

PubMed

Zarei, Ali Asghar; Foroutan, Seyyed Abbas; Foroutan, Seyyed Mohsen; Erfanian Omidvar, Abbas

2011-01-01

Pyridostigmine bromide (PB) is a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of orally administration of single dose sustained-released tablet of pyridostigmine bromide (PBSR) on the frequency domain indices of heart rate variability (HRV). Thirty-two healthy young men were participated in this study. They were divided into 2 groups; the pyridostigmine group (n = 22) and the placebo group (n = 10). Electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded at 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 420 min after PBSR administration. At each time, simultaneously, a blood sample was prepared and PB plasma concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Statistical analysis showed that in different indices of HRV, there is a significant increase in low frequency (LF) band at 300 min, but no difference in high frequency band (HF). It also showed significant decreases in normalized high frequency band (Hfnu), normalized low frequency band (Lfnu) and LF/HF ratio at 120, 240 and 300 min after PBSR administration. Maximum plasma concentration of PB was 150 min after the administration. In conclusion, administration of a single dose PBSR can enhance the frequency domains indices of HRV and improvesympathovagal balance.

[Study on the relationship between mental health and overweight, obesity, different sex among junior middle school students].

PubMed

Que, Min; Tao, Fang-biao; He, Chun-yan; Zhang, Li-hua; Zhu, Peng

2007-05-01

To examine the relationships between overweight, obesity and indices as satisfaction of life, trait anxiety, depression, self concept etc. in male and female junior middle school students. A questionnaire survey was administered to 1818 participants in a middle school in Hefei city, Anhui province. This contents of survey would include Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (MSLSS), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Trait Anxiety Inventory (TAI), and Piers-Harris Children's Self Concept Scale (PHSCS). Anthropometric measures were taken together with the calculation of body mass index (BMI). The students were divided into normal-weight, overweight and obesity groups by BMI separate criteria. Gender differences of mental health status and group differences of mental health among normal-weight, overweight obesity students were analyzed. Relationships between BMI and the scores of MSLSS, CES-D, TAI, PHSCS were estimated among boys and girls respectively. The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity of boys (21.5%, 7.7%) were significantly higher than in girls (8.0%, 2.8%). Difference of the MSLSS scores in gender was significant among normal-weight group (P = 0.002). The difference of the CES-D scores in gender was significant among overweight group (P = 0.046). There were significant group differences of the CES-D scores, TAI scores, and PHSCS scores among normal-weight, overweight and obese girls (P < 0.05). Both the CES-D score and TAI score of obese girls were higher than normal-weight girls (P = 0.012 and P = 0.035). The PHSCS score of obese girls was lower than normal-weight girls (P = 0.014) and the group difference of the CES-D score was also significant between overweight and normal-weight girls (P = 0.025). Both prevalence rates of overweight and obesity of boys were higher than that in girls. Nevertheless, level of mental health level among girls with overweight and obesity were lower than that in boys.

Arterial spin-labeling assessment of normalized vascular intratumoral signal intensity as a predictor of histologic grade of astrocytic neoplasms.

PubMed

Furtner, J; Schöpf, V; Schewzow, K; Kasprian, G; Weber, M; Woitek, R; Asenbaum, U; Preusser, M; Marosi, C; Hainfellner, J A; Widhalm, G; Wolfsberger, S; Prayer, D

2014-03-01

Pulsed arterial spin-labeling is a noninvasive MR imaging perfusion method performed with the use of water in the arterial blood as an endogenous contrast agent. The purpose of this study was to determine the inversion time with the largest difference in normalized intratumoral signal intensity between high-grade and low-grade astrocytomas. Thirty-three patients with gliomas, histologically classified as low-grade (n = 7) or high-grade astrocytomas (n = 26) according to the World Health Organization brain tumor classification, were included. A 3T MR scanner was used to perform pulsed arterial spin-labeling measurements at 8 different inversion times (370 ms, 614 ms, 864 ms, 1114 ms, 1364 ms, 1614 ms, 1864 ms, and 2114 ms). Normalized intratumoral signal intensity was calculated, which was defined by the signal intensity ratio of the tumor and the contralateral normal brain tissue for all fixed inversion times. A 3-way mixed ANOVA was used to reveal potential differences in the normalized vascular intratumoral signal intensity between high-grade and low-grade astrocytomas. The difference in normalized vascular intratumoral signal intensity between high-grade and low-grade astrocytomas obtained the most statistically significant results at 370 ms (P = .003, other P values ranged from .012-.955). The inversion time by which to differentiate high-grade and low-grade astrocytomas by use of normalized vascular intratumoral signal intensity was 370 ms in our study. The normalized vascular intratumoral signal intensity values at this inversion time mainly reflect the labeled intra-arterial blood bolus and therefore could be referred to as normalized vascular intratumoral signal intensity. Our data indicate that the use of normalized vascular intratumoral signal intensity values allows differentiation between low-grade and high-grade astrocytomas and thus may serve as a new, noninvasive marker for astrocytoma grading.

Detection of survivin mRNA in healthy oral mucosa, oral leucoplakia and oral cancer.

PubMed

Lodi, G; Franchini, R; Bez, C; Sardella, A; Moneghini, L; Pellegrini, C; Bosari, S; Manfredi, M; Vescovi, P; Carrassi, A

2010-01-01

Survivin is involved in modulation of cell death and cell division processes. Survivin expression in normal adult tissues has not been fully understood, although it is markedly lower than in cancer, where it is over-expressed. To investigate survivin expression in normal, potentially malignant and cancerous oral mucosa. We measured survivin mRNA levels by real-time RT-PCR in specimens of oral mucosa (15 from normal mucosa, 17 from potentially malignant lesions, 17 from neoplasms). Scores were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc according to Conover. Chi-squared test was used for dichotomous data. The median relative levels of survivin mRNA resulted six for normal mucosa, eight for potentially malignant lesions, 13 for cancers: differences among these three groups were statistically significant, as between cancer and potentially malignant lesions. Expression in normal mucosa and potentially lesions group showed no significant difference. Low, but not marginal expression of survivin in normal mucosa is a new finding, and it could be explained with the higher sensibility of our methods. Survivin expression in oral potentially malignant lesions might indicate a progressive deregulation of expression paralleling oncogenesis, particularly during the first stages of process, suggesting a putative predictive role for survivin.

Two-dimensional aerodynamic characteristics of several polygon-shaped cross-sectional models applicable to helicopter fuselages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kelley, Henry L.; Crowell, Cynthia A.; Wilson, John C.

1992-01-01

A wind-tunnel investigation was conducted to determine 2-D aerodynamic characteristics of nine polygon-shaped models applicable to helicopter fuselages. The models varied from 1/2 to 1/5 scale and were nominally triangular, diamond, and rectangular in shape. Side force and normal force were obtained at increments of angle of flow incidence from -45 to 90 degrees. The data were compared with results from a baseline UH-60 tail-boom cross-section model. The results indicate that the overall shapes of the plots of normal force and side force were similar to the characteristic shape of the baseline data; however, there were important differences in magnitude. At a flow incidence of 0 degrees, larger values of normal force for the polygon models indicate an increase in fuselage down load of 1 to 2.5 percent of main-rotor thrust compared with the baseline value. Also, potential was indicated among some of the configurations to produce high fuselage side forces and yawing moments compared with the baseline model.

Analysis of normal and diseased liver tissue using auto-fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiaozhou; Jia, Chunde; Lin, Junxiu; Kang, Youping

2003-12-01

In this paper, laser induced human serum Raman spectra of liver cancer are measured. The spectra differences in serum from normal people and liver cancer patients are analyzed. For the typical spectrum of normal serum, there are three sharp Raman peaks and relative intensity of Raman peaks excited by 514.5 nm is higher than that excited by 488.0 nm. However, for the Raman spectrum of liver cancer serum there are no peaks or very weak Raman peaks at the same positions. Results from more than two hundred case measurements show that clinical diagnostic accuracy is 92.86%. And then, the liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis are studied applying the technology of LIF. To liver cirrhosis, the shape of Raman peak is similar to normal and fluorescence spectrum is similar to that of liver cancer from statistic data. The experiment indicates that there is notable fluorescence difference between the abnormal and normal liver tissue and have blue shift in fluorescence peak. These results have important reference values to explore the method of laser spectrum diagnosis.

Extreme pressure differences at 0900 NZST and winds across New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salinger, M. James; Griffiths, Georgina M.; Gosai, Ashmita

2005-07-01

Trends in extremes in station daily sea-level pressure differences at 0900 NZST are examined, and extreme daily wind gusts, across New Zealand, since the 1960s. Annual time series were examined (with indices of magnitude and frequency over threshold percentiles) from the daily indices selected. These follow from earlier indices of normalized monthly mean sea-level pressure differences between station pairs, except the daily indices are not normalized. The frequency statistics quantify the number of extreme zonal (westerly and easterly), or extreme meridional (southerly or northerly), pressure gradient events. The frequency and magnitude of extreme westerly episodes has increased slightly over New Zealand, with a significant increase in the westerly extremes to the south of New Zealand. In contrast, the magnitude and frequency of easterly extremes has decreased over New Zealand, but increased to the south, with some trends weakly significant. The frequency and magnitude of daily southerly extremes has decreased significantly in the region.Extreme daily wind gust events at key climate stations in New Zealand and at Hobart, Australia, are highly likely to be associated with an extreme daily pressure difference. The converse was less likely to hold: extreme wind gusts were not always observed on days with extreme daily pressure difference, probably due to the strong influence that topography has on localized station winds. Significant correlations exist between the frequency indices and both annual-average mean sea-level pressures around the Australasian region and annual-average sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the Southern Hemisphere. These correlations are generally stronger for indices of extreme westerly or extreme southerly airflows. Annual-average pressures in the Tasman Sea or Southern Ocean are highly correlated to zonal indices (frequency of extreme westerlies). SST anomalies in the NINO3 region or on either side of the South Island are significantly correlated with the frequency of extreme westerly airflows.

Drinking water and sanitation: progress in 73 countries in relation to socioeconomic indicators

PubMed Central

Bartram, Jamie

2016-01-01

Abstract Objective To assess progress in the provision of drinking water and sanitation in relation to national socioeconomic indicators. Methods We used household survey data for 73 countries – collected between 2000 and 2012 – to calculate linear rates of change in population access to improved drinking water (n = 67) and/or sanitation (n = 61). To enable comparison of progress between countries with different initial levels of access, the calculated rates of change were normalized to fall between –1 and 1. In regression analyses, we investigated associations between the normalized rates of change in population access and national socioeconomic indicators: gross national income per capita, government effectiveness, official development assistance, freshwater resources, education, poverty, Gini coefficient, child mortality and the human development index. Findings The normalized rates of change indicated that most of the investigated countries were making progress towards achieving universal access to improved drinking water and sanitation. However, only about a third showed a level of progress that was at least half the maximum achievable level. The normalized rates of change did not appear to be correlated with any of the national indicators that we investigated. Conclusion In many countries, the progress being made towards universal access to improved drinking water and sanitation is falling well short of the maximum achievable level. Progress does not appear to be correlated with a country’s social and economic characteristics. The between-country variations observed in such progress may be linked to variations in government policies and in the institutional commitment and capacity needed to execute such policies effectively. PMID:26957676

Drinking water and sanitation: progress in 73 countries in relation to socioeconomic indicators.

PubMed

Luh, Jeanne; Bartram, Jamie

2016-02-01

To assess progress in the provision of drinking water and sanitation in relation to national socioeconomic indicators. We used household survey data for 73 countries - collected between 2000 and 2012 - to calculate linear rates of change in population access to improved drinking water (n = 67) and/or sanitation (n = 61). To enable comparison of progress between countries with different initial levels of access, the calculated rates of change were normalized to fall between -1 and 1. In regression analyses, we investigated associations between the normalized rates of change in population access and national socioeconomic indicators: gross national income per capita, government effectiveness, official development assistance, freshwater resources, education, poverty, Gini coefficient, child mortality and the human development index. The normalized rates of change indicated that most of the investigated countries were making progress towards achieving universal access to improved drinking water and sanitation. However, only about a third showed a level of progress that was at least half the maximum achievable level. The normalized rates of change did not appear to be correlated with any of the national indicators that we investigated. In many countries, the progress being made towards universal access to improved drinking water and sanitation is falling well short of the maximum achievable level. Progress does not appear to be correlated with a country's social and economic characteristics. The between-country variations observed in such progress may be linked to variations in government policies and in the institutional commitment and capacity needed to execute such policies effectively.

Nonlinear analysis of fetal heart rate dynamics in fetuses compromised by asymptomatic partial placental abruption.

PubMed

Choi, Won-Young; Hoh, Jeong-Kyu

2015-12-01

We analyzed fetal heart rate (FHR) parameters, dynamics, and outcomes in pregnancies with asymptomatic partial placental abruption (PPA) compared with those in normal pregnancies. We examined nonstress test (NST) data acquired from 2003 to 2012 at our institution. Normal pregnancies (N = 170) and PPA cases (N = 17) were matched for gestational age, fetal sex, and mean FHR. NSTs were performed at 33-42 weeks of gestation. FHR parameters obtained from the NST and perinatal outcomes were analyzed using linear methods. Nonlinear indices, including approximate entropy (ApEn), sample entropy (SampEn), short-term and long-term scaling exponents (α1 and α2), and correlation dimension (CD), were used to interpret FHR dynamics and system complexity. The area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the nonlinear indices. There were no significant differences in general characteristics and FHR parameters between the PPA and control groups. However, gestational age at delivery, birth weight, 5-min Apgar scores, ApEn, SampEn, and CD were significantly lower in the PPA group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The long-term scaling exponent (α2) and crossover index (α2/α1) of the PPA fetuses were significantly higher than those of the controls (P < 0.01). A multiple regression model showed better performance in predicting PPA (AUC, 0.92; sensitivity 82.35%; specificity, 94.12%). Nonlinear dynamic indices of FHR in asymptomatic PPA were qualitatively different from those in normal pregnancies, whereas the conventional FHR parameters were not significantly different. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lower urinary tract dysfunction in children. What do pre-school teachers know about it?

PubMed

Lordelo, Patricia; Maron, Fabio; Barros, Daniela G; Barroso, Danilo V; Bessa, Jose; Barroso, Ubirajara

2007-01-01

To evaluate the basic knowledge of pre-school teachers who deal with children between the ages of 4 and 7 years, who present signs of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). We performed a survey with 50 teachers from 9 private schools working with pre-school children. The criteria for selection were if teachers were certified or non-certified elementary school teachers - NCEST and the amount of professional experience. Thirty-three teachers considered that the normal daily urinary frequency should be from 4 to 7 times. Two of the 50 teachers considered it normal to urinate less than 4 times per day and 15 teachers considered more than 7 times per day as normal. There was no difference between the 2 categories of certified or NCEST nor between those with more or less than five years of professional experience. Thirty-three percent believed that to urinate more than 4 times during a class period (4-5 hours) could indicate a urinary problem. There was a statistically significant difference among the certified and NCEST but not in terms of time of professional experience. If during this period the child would not ask to urinate, only 18% considered that as an indication of urinary problem. When asked about the symptoms that would indicate urinary urgency and urge incontinence, only 24% of the teachers connected it with urinary problem. There was no difference in terms of professional background or professional experience in these 2 last analyses. Our data shows evidences that private pre-schools teachers are not well informed of the clinical manifestation of LUTD.

Longitudinal changes and correlations of bioimpedance and anthropometric measurements in pregnancy: Simple possible bed-side tools to assess pregnancy evolution.

PubMed

Piuri, Gabriele; Ferrazzi, Enrico; Bulfoni, Camilla; Mastricci, Luciana; Di Martino, Daniela; Speciani, Attilio Francesco

2017-12-01

The aim of this study was to assess longitudinal changes of bioimpedance analysis compared with anthropometric measurements in low-risk pregnant woman recruited in the first trimester and to observe possible differences in these indices in women who developed high-risk pregnancies. Bioimpedance indices for the three trimesters of pregnancies were calculated separately for uneventful pregnancies delivered of newborns > the 10th centile. These findings were compared with anthropometric measurements. Data of women who developed hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) or delivered SGA newborns were calculated and compared. Significantly longitudinal increases were observed in these pregnancies for total body water (TBW), free fat mass, fat mass, and extra-cellular water. These increases were paralleled body mass index (BMI), skinfolds, and waist measurements. The correlations between these two sets of findings were poor. Women who developed HDP with AGA fetuses showed significantly different bioimpedance from normal cases. TBW indices were highly significantly different since the first trimester. In pregnancies delivered of SGA newborns, these indices were opposite of the values observed in patients with HDP-AGA, TBW in these patients was significantly reduced compared with normal pregnancies. The bioelectrical impedance is a fast, simple, noninvasive way to assess the TBW content in pregnancy. Our findings are in agreement with the hypothesis that bioimpedance might help to identify early in gestation patients at risk of developing different clinical phenotypes of hypertensive disease of pregnancy and SGA fetuses.

Effectiveness of terrestrial protected areas for conservation of lake fish communities.

PubMed

Chu, Cindy; Ellis, Lucy; de Kerckhove, Derrick T

2018-06-01

Freshwater protected areas are rare even though freshwater ecosystems are among the most imperiled in the world. Conservation actions within terrestrial protected areas (TPAs) such as development or resource extraction regulations may spill over to benefit freshwater ecosystems within their boundaries. Using data from 175 lakes across Ontario, Canada, we compared common indicators of fish-assemblage status (i.e., species richness, Shannon diversity index, catch per unit effort, and normalized-length size spectrum slopes) to evaluate whether TPAs benefit lake fish assemblages. Nearest neighbor cluster analysis was used to generate pairs of lakes: inside versus outside, inside versus bordering, and bordering versus outside TPAs based on lake characteristics. The diversity and abundance indicators did not differ significantly across comparisons, but normalized-length size spectrum slopes (NLSS) were significantly steeper in lakes outside parks. The latter indicated assemblage differences (greater abundances of small-bodied species) and less-efficient energy transfer through the trophic levels of assemblages outside parks. Although not significantly different, pollution- and turbidity-tolerant species were more abundant outside parks, whereas 3 of the 4 pollution-intolerant species were more abundant within parks. Twenty-one percent of the difference in slopes was related to higher total dissolved solids concentrations and angling pressure. Our results support the hypothesis that TPAs benefit lake fish assemblages and suggest that NLSS slopes are informative indicators for aquatic protected area evaluations because they represent compositional and functional aspects of communities. © 2017 Society for Conservation Biology.

Immunolocalization of Collagens (I and III) and Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein in the Normal and Injured Equine Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

This is a descriptive study of tendon pathology with different structural appearances of repair tissue correlated to immunolocalization of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and type I and III collagens and expression of COMP mRNA. The material consists of nine tendons from seven horses (5–25 years old; mean age of 10 years) with clinical tendinopathy and three normal tendons from horses (3, 3, and 13 years old) euthanized for non-orthopedic reasons. The injured tendons displayed different repair-tissue appearances with organized and disorganized fibroblastic regions as well as areas of necrosis. The normal tendons presented distinct immunoreactivity for COMP and expression of COMP mRNA and type I collagen in the normal aligned fiber structures, but no immunolabeling of type III collagen. However, immunoreactivity for type III collagen was present in the endotenon surrounding the fiber bundles, where no expression of COMP could be seen. Immunostaining for type I and III collagens was present in all of the pathologic regions indicating repair tissue. Interestingly, the granulation tissues showed immunostaining for COMP and expression of COMP mRNA, indicating a role for COMP in repair and remodeling of the tendon after fiber degeneration and rupture. The present results suggest that not only type III collagen but also COMP is involved in the repair and remodeling processes of the tendon. PMID:23020676

[Quantitative relationships between hyper-spectral vegetation indices and leaf area index of rice].

PubMed

Tian, Yong-Chao; Yang, Jie; Yao, Xia; Zhu, Yan; Cao, Wei-Xing

2009-07-01

Based on field experiments with different rice varieties under different nitrogen application levels, the quantitative relationships of rice leaf area index (LAI) with canopy hyper-spectral parameters at different growth stages were analyzed. Rice LAI had good relationships with several hyper-spectral vegetation indices, the correlation coefficient being the highest with DI (difference index), followed by with RI (ratio index), and NI (normalized index), based on the spectral reflectance or the first derivative spectra. The two best spectral indices for estimating LAI were the difference index DI (854, 760) (based on two spectral bands of 850 nm and 760 nm) and the difference index DI (D676, D778) (based on two first derivative bands of 676 nm and 778 nm). In general, the hyper-spectral vegetation indices based on spectral reflectance performed better than the spectral indices based on the first derivative spectra. The tests with independent dataset suggested that the rice LAI monitoring models with difference index DI (854,760) as the variable could give an accurate LAI estimation, being available for estimation of rice LAI.

Assessment of seasonal features based on Landsat time series for tree crown cover mapping in Burkina Faso

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jinxiu; Heiskanen, Janne; Aynekuly, Ermias; Pellikka, Petri

2016-04-01

Tree crown cover (CC) is an important vegetation attribute for land cover characterization, and for mapping and monitoring forest cover. Free data from Landsat and Sentinel-2 allow construction of fine resolution satellite image time series and extraction of seasonal features for predicting vegetation attributes. In the savannas, surface reflectance vary distinctively according to the rainy and dry seasons, and seasonal features are useful information for CC mapping. However, it is unclear if it is better to use spectral bands or vegetation indices (VI) for computation of seasonal features, and how feasible different VI are for CC prediction in the savanna woodlands and agroforestry parklands of West Africa. In this study, the objective was to compare seasonal features based on spectral bands and VI for CC mapping in southern Burkina Faso. A total of 35 Landsat images from November 2013 to October 2014 were processed. Seasonal features were computed using a harmonic model with three parameters (mean, amplitude and phase), and spectral bands, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI), normalized difference water index (NDWI), tasseled cap (TC) indices (brightness, greenness, wetness) as input data. The seasonal features were employed to predict field estimated CC (n = 160) using Random Forest algorithm. The most accurate results were achieved when using seasonal features based on TC indices (R2: 0.65; RMSE: 10.7%) and spectral bands (R2: 0.64; RMSE: 10.8%). GNDVI performed better than NDVI or NDWI, and NDWI resulted in the poorest results (R2: 0.56; RMSE: 11.9%). The results indicate that spectral features should be carefully selected for CC prediction as shown by relatively poor performance of commonly used NDVI. The seasonal features based on three TC indices and all the spectral bands provided superior accuracy in comparison to single VI. The method presented in this study provides a feasible method to map CC based on seasonal features with possibility to integrate medium resolution satellite observation from several sensors (e.g. Landsat and Sentinel-2) in the future.

ULTRASTRUCTURE, STEROIDOGENIC POTENTIAL, AND ENERGY METABOLISM OF THE SNELL ADRENOCORTICAL CARCINOMA 494

PubMed Central

Kimmel, G. L.; Péron, F. G.; Haksar, A.; Bedigian, E.; Robidoux, W. F.; Lin, M. T.

1974-01-01

Electron microscope studies were carried out with the adrenocortical carcinoma 494 and normal adrenal cortex tissue. The mitochondria of the tumor cells showed marked differences when compared with mitochondria from fasciculata cells of the normal adrenal cortex. These differences were primarily related to mitochondrial number and crista structure. Corticosterone production in isolated tumor cells was extremely low and neither ACTH nor dibutyryl cyclic AMP had any stimulatory effect. Normal adrenal cells showed at least a tenfold increase under identical conditions. In the presence of corticosteroid precursors the amount of corticosterone produced by the tumor cells was much less than that produced by normal cells. The results indicate a reduced capacity for 11β-hydroxylation in the tumor mitochondria and a possible reduced capacity for biosynthetic steps before the 11β-hydroxylation reaction. Glycolysis in isolated tumor cells was also lower than in normal cells. Isolated tumor mitochondria oxidized succinate normally with a good degree of coupling with phosphorylation. However, unlike normal adrenal mitochondria, the tumor mitochondria showed little or no oxygen uptake with other Krebs cycle substrates. These data suggest that the tumor mitochondria may be lacking in the flavoprotein dehydrogenases responsible for the oxidation of NADH and NADPH, although other components of the respiratory chain may be intact. PMID:4366105

Corneal polarimetry after LASIK refractive surgery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bueno, Juan M.; Berrio, Esther; Artal, Pablo

2006-01-01

Imaging polarimetry provides spatially resolved information on the polarization properties of a system. In the case of the living human eye, polarization could be related to the corneal biomechanical properties, which vary from the normal state as a result of surgery or pathologies. We have used an aberro-polariscope, which we recently developed, to determine and to compare the spatially resolved maps of polarization parameters across the pupil between normal healthy and post-LASIK eyes. The depolarization distribution is not uniform across the pupil, with post-surgery eyes presenting larger levels of depolarization. While retardation increases along the radius in normal eyes, this pattern becomes irregular after LASIK refractive surgery. The maps of slow axis also differ in normal and post-surgery eyes, with a larger disorder in post-LASIK eyes. Since these changes in polarization indicate subtle structural modifications of the cornea, this approach can be useful in a clinical environment to follow the biomechanical and optical changes of the cornea after refractive surgery or for the early diagnosis of different corneal pathologies.

CMedTEX: A Rule-based Temporal Expression Extraction and Normalization System for Chinese Clinical Notes.

PubMed

Liu, Zengjian; Tang, Buzhou; Wang, Xiaolong; Chen, Qingcai; Li, Haodi; Bu, Junzhao; Jiang, Jingzhi; Deng, Qiwen; Zhu, Suisong

2016-01-01

Time is an important aspect of information and is very useful for information utilization. The goal of this study was to analyze the challenges of temporal expression (TE) extraction and normalization in Chinese clinical notes by assessing the performance of a rule-based system developed by us on a manually annotated corpus (including 1,778 clinical notes of 281 hospitalized patients). In order to develop system conveniently, we divided TEs into three categories: direct, indirect and uncertain TEs, and designed different rules for each category of them. Evaluation on the independent test set shows that our system achieves an F-score of93.40% on TE extraction, and an accuracy of 92.58% on TE normalization under "exact-match" criterion. Compared with HeidelTime for Chinese newswire text, our system is much better, indicating that it is necessary to develop a specific TE extraction and normalization system for Chinese clinical notes because of domain difference.

Dye-Enhanced Multimodal Confocal Imaging of Brain Cancers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wirth, Dennis; Snuderl, Matija; Sheth, Sameer; Curry, William; Yaroslavsky, Anna

2011-04-01

Background and Significance: Accurate high resolution intraoperative detection of brain tumors may result in improved patient survival and better quality of life. The goal of this study was to evaluate dye enhanced multimodal confocal imaging for discriminating normal and cancerous brain tissue. Materials and Methods: Fresh thick brain specimens were obtained from the surgeries. Normal and cancer tissues were investigated. Samples were stained in methylene blue and imaged. Reflectance and fluorescence signals were excited at 658nm. Fluorescence emission and polarization were registered from 670 nm to 710 nm. The system provided lateral resolution of 0.6 μm and axial resolution of 7 μm. Normal and cancer specimens exhibited distinctively different characteristics. H&E histopathology was processed from each imaged sample. Results and Conclusions: The analysis of normal and cancerous tissues indicated clear differences in appearance in both the reflectance and fluorescence responses. These results confirm the feasibility of multimodal confocal imaging for intraoperative detection of small cancer nests and cells.

Video Head Impulse Test for Early Diagnosis of Vestibular Neuritis Among Acute Vertigo.

PubMed

Guan, Qiongfeng; Zhang, Lisan; Hong, Wenke; Yang, Yi; Chen, Zhaoying; Lu, Peilin; Zhang, Dan; Hu, Xingyue

2017-09-01

This study assesses the value of the video head impulse test (vHIT) for early diagnosis of vestibular neuritis (VN) among acute vertigo. Thirty-three cases of vestibular neuritis (VN), 96 patients with other acute vertigo (AV), and 50 cases of normal controls used vHIT to quantitatively test a pair of horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflection (VOR) gains, two pairs of vertical VOR gains, and the corresponding three pairs of VOR gain asymmetry. The peculiarity of VOR gains in VN and the differences between VN and other AV, normal controls by vHIT, were collected and analyzed. There were statistically significant differences in the three pairs of VOR gains asymmetry between VN and other AV, and normal controls (P<0.01). The sensitivity was 87.9% and specificity was 94.3% in differentiating VN from normal and other acute vertigo by vHIT. This study shows vHIT has advantages in the diagnosis of VN in acute vertigo with good sensitivity and specificity and indicates a widespread clinical application.

Contractile properties of single permeabilized muscle fibers from congenital cleft palates and normal palates of Spanish goats.

PubMed

Hanes, Michael C; Weinzweig, Jeffrey; Kuzon, William M; Panter, Kip E; Buchman, Steven R; Faulkner, John A; Yu, Deborah; Cederna, Paul S; Larkin, Lisa M

2007-05-01

Analysis of the composition of muscle fibers constituent to a cleft palate could provide significant insight into the cause of velopharyngeal inadequacy. The authors hypothesized that levator veli palatini muscle dysfunction inherent to cleft palates could affect the timing and outcome of cleft palate repair. Single, permeabilized muscle fibers from levator veli palatini muscles of three normal (n = 19 fibers) and three chemically induced congenital cleft palates (n = 21 fibers) of 14-month-old goats were isolated, and contractile properties were evaluated. The maximum isometric force and rate constants of tension redevelopment (ktr) were measured, and the specific force and normalized power were calculated for each fiber. The ktr measures indicate that cleft fibers are predominantly fast-fatigable; normal fibers are slow fatigue-resistant: after a 10-minute isometric contraction, fibers from cleft palates had a loss of force 16 percent greater than that from normal palates (p = 0.0001). The cross-sectional areas of the fibers from cleft palates (2750 +/- 209 microm2) were greater (p = 0.05) than those from normal palates (2226 +/- 143 microm2). Specific forces did not differ between the two groups. Maximum normalized power of fibers from cleft palates (11.05 +/- 1.82 W/l) was greater (p = 0.0001) than fibers from normal palates (1.60 +/- 0.12 W/l). There are clear physiologic differences in single muscle fibers from cleft palates and normal palates: cleft palate fibers are physiologically fast, have greater fatigability, and have greater power production. Detection of functional and/or fiber type differences in muscles of cleft palates may provide preoperative identification of a patient's susceptibility to velopharyngeal inadequacy and permit early surgical intervention to correct this clinical condition.

Birth Order, Sibling IQ Differences, and Family Relations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pfouts, Jane H.

The differential impact of birth order and IQ on sibling roles were examined with particular interest focused on achievement outcomes. Subjects were a stratified sample of 37 pairs of near-in-age siblings, all within the normal range in personality and IQ, but differing significantly in scores on the Slosson IQ Test. Results indicate that when the…

Electrophysiological (Event-Related Potentials) Indices of Cognitive Processing in Autistic Learners.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shibley, Ralph, Jr.; And Others

Event-related Potentials (ERPs) were recorded to both auditory and visual stimuli from the scalps of nine autistic males and nine normal controls (all Ss between 12 and 22 years of age) to examine the differences in information processing strategies. Ss were tested on three different tasks: an auditory missing stimulus paradigm, a visual color…

[Variation of soil organic carbon under different vegetation types in Karst Mountain areas of Guizhou Province, southwest China].

PubMed

Liao, Hong-kai; Long, Jian

2011-09-01

This paper studied the variation characteristics of soil organic carbon (SOC) and different particle sizes soil particulate organic carbon (POC) in normal soil and in micro-habitats under different vegetation types in typical Karst mountain areas of southwest Guizhou. Under different vegetation types, the SOC content in normal soil and in micro-habitats was all in the order of bare land < grass < shrub < forest, with the variation range being 7.18-43.42 g x kg(-1) in normal soil and being 6.62-46.47 g x kg(-1) and 9.01-52.07 g x kg(-1) in earth surface and stone pit, respectively. The POC/MOC (mineral-associated organic carbon) ratio under different vegetation types was in the order of bare land < grass < forest < shrub. Under the same vegetation types, the POC/MOC in stone pit was the highest, as compared to that in normal soil and in earth surface. In the process of bare land-grass-shrub-forest, the contents of different particle sizes soil POC increased, while the SOC mainly existed in the forms of sand- and silt organic carbon, indicating that in Karst region, soil carbon sequestration and SOC stability were weak, soil was easily subjected to outside interference and led to organic carbon running off, and thus, soil quality had the risk of decline or degradation.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of arctigenin in normal and type 2 diabetic rats after oral and intravenous administration.

PubMed

Zeng, Xiao-yan; Dong, Shu; He, Nan-nan; Jiang, Chun-jie; Dai, Yue; Xia, Yu-feng

2015-09-01

Arctigenin is the main active ingredient of Fructus Arctii for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In this study, the pharmacokinetics of arctigenin in normal and type 2 diabetic rats following oral and intravenous administration was investigated. As compared to normal rats, Cmax and AUC(0-10h) values of oral arctigenin in diabetic rats increased by 356.8% and 223.4%, respectively. In contrast, after intravenous injection, the Cmax and AUC(0-10h) values of arctigenin showed no significant difference between diabetic and normal rats. In order to explore how the bioavailability of oral arctigenin increased under diabetic condition, the absorption behavior of arctigenin was evaluated by in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP). The results indicated that arctigenin was a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). The absorption difference of arctigenin in the normal and diabetic rats could be eliminated by the pretreatment of classic P-gp inhibitor verapamil, suggesting that P-gp might be the key factor causing the absorption enhancement of arctigenin in diabetic rats. Further studies revealed that the uptake of rhodamine 123 (Rho123) in diabetic rats was significantly higher, indicating that diabetes mellitus might impair P-gp function. Consistently, a lower mRNA level of P-gp in the intestine of diabetic rats was found. In conclusion, the absorption of arctigenin after oral administration was promoted in diabetic rats, which might be partially attribute to the decreased expression and impaired function of P-gp in intestines. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of Varying Reverberation on Music Perception for Young Normal-Hearing and Old Hearing-Impaired Listeners.

PubMed

Reinhart, Paul N; Souza, Pamela E

2018-01-01

Reverberation enhances music perception and is one of the most important acoustic factors in auditorium design. However, previous research on reverberant music perception has focused on young normal-hearing (YNH) listeners. Old hearing-impaired (OHI) listeners have degraded spatial auditory processing; therefore, they may perceive reverberant music differently. Two experiments were conducted examining the effects of varying reverberation on music perception for YNH and OHI listeners. Experiment 1 examined whether YNH listeners and OHI listeners prefer different amounts of reverberation for classical music listening. Symphonic excerpts were processed at a range of reverberation times using a point-source simulation. Listeners performed a paired-comparisons task in which they heard two excerpts with different reverberation times, and they indicated which they preferred. The YNH group preferred a reverberation time of 2.5 s; however, the OHI group did not demonstrate any significant preference. Experiment 2 examined whether OHI listeners are less sensitive to (e, less able to discriminate) differences in reverberation time than YNH listeners. YNH and OHI participants listened to pairs of music excerpts and indicated whether they perceived the same or different amount of reverberation. Results indicated that the ability of both groups to detect differences in reverberation time improved with increasing reverberation time difference. However, discrimination was poorer for the OHI group than for the YNH group. This suggests that OHI listeners are less sensitive to differences in reverberation when listening to music than YNH listeners, which might explain the lack of group reverberation time preferences of the OHI group.

Evaluating Hyperspectral Vegetation Indices for Leaf Area Index Estimation of Oryza sativa L. at Diverse Phenological Stages

PubMed Central

Din, Mairaj; Zheng, Wen; Rashid, Muhammad; Wang, Shanqin; Shi, Zhihua

2017-01-01

Hyperspectral reflectance derived vegetation indices (VIs) are used for non-destructive leaf area index (LAI) monitoring for precise and efficient N nutrition management. This study tested the hypothesis that there is potential for using various hyperspectral VIs for estimating LAI at different growth stages of rice under varying N rates. Hyperspectral reflectance and crop canopy LAI measurements were carried out over 2 years (2015 and 2016) in Meichuan, Hubei, China. Different N fertilization, 0, 45, 82, 127, 165, 210, 247, and 292 kg ha-1, were applied to generate various scales of VIs and LAI values. Regression models were used to perform quantitative analyses between spectral VIs and LAI measured under different phenological stages. In addition, the coefficient of determination and RMSE were employed to evaluate these models. Among the nine VIs, the ratio vegetation index, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), modified soil-adjusted vegetation index (MSAVI), modified triangular vegetation index (MTVI2) and exhibited strong and significant relationships with the LAI estimation at different phenological stages. The enhanced vegetation index performed moderately. However, the green normalized vegetation index and blue normalized vegetation index confirmed that there is potential for crop LAI estimation at early phenological stages; the soil-adjusted vegetation index and optimized soil-adjusted vegetation index were more related to the soil optical properties, which were predicted to be the least accurate for LAI estimation. The noise equivalent accounted for the sensitivity of the VIs and MSAVI, MTVI2, and NDVI for the LAI estimation at phenological stages. The results note that LAI at different crop phenological stages has a significant influence on the potential of hyperspectral derived VIs under different N management practices. PMID:28588596

Pathfinder, Volume 7, Number 6, November/December 2009

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-01

identified forest vegetation between 2005 and 2008 using normalized difference vegetation index ( NDVI ) measurements derived from low-resolution, com...posite images. Vegetation indices, including NDVI , are helpful for monitoring the health and vigor of vegetation and are used in products displaying

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

Manikandan, M.; Santhosh, M.; Rajeswarapalanichamy, R., E-mail: rrpalanichamy@gmail.com

Ab initio calculations are performed to investigate the structural stability, electronic structure and mechanical properties of actinide carbides AnC (An=U, Np) for three different crystal structures, namely NaCl, CsCl and ZnS. Among the considered structures, NaCl structure is found to be the most stable structure for these carbides at normal pressure. A pressure induced structural phase transition from NaCl to ZnS is observed. The electronic structure reveals that these carbides are metals. The calculated elastic constants indicate that these carbides are mechanically stable at normal pressure.

On the normalization of the minimum free energy of RNAs by sequence length.

PubMed

Trotta, Edoardo

2014-01-01

The minimum free energy (MFE) of ribonucleic acids (RNAs) increases at an apparent linear rate with sequence length. Simple indices, obtained by dividing the MFE by the number of nucleotides, have been used for a direct comparison of the folding stability of RNAs of various sizes. Although this normalization procedure has been used in several studies, the relationship between normalized MFE and length has not yet been investigated in detail. Here, we demonstrate that the variation of MFE with sequence length is not linear and is significantly biased by the mathematical formula used for the normalization procedure. For this reason, the normalized MFEs strongly decrease as hyperbolic functions of length and produce unreliable results when applied for the comparison of sequences with different sizes. We also propose a simple modification of the normalization formula that corrects the bias enabling the use of the normalized MFE for RNAs longer than 40 nt. Using the new corrected normalized index, we analyzed the folding free energies of different human RNA families showing that most of them present an average MFE density more negative than expected for a typical genomic sequence. Furthermore, we found that a well-defined and restricted range of MFE density characterizes each RNA family, suggesting the use of our corrected normalized index to improve RNA prediction algorithms. Finally, in coding and functional human RNAs the MFE density appears scarcely correlated with sequence length, consistent with a negligible role of thermodynamic stability demands in determining RNA size.

On the Normalization of the Minimum Free Energy of RNAs by Sequence Length

PubMed Central

Trotta, Edoardo

2014-01-01

The minimum free energy (MFE) of ribonucleic acids (RNAs) increases at an apparent linear rate with sequence length. Simple indices, obtained by dividing the MFE by the number of nucleotides, have been used for a direct comparison of the folding stability of RNAs of various sizes. Although this normalization procedure has been used in several studies, the relationship between normalized MFE and length has not yet been investigated in detail. Here, we demonstrate that the variation of MFE with sequence length is not linear and is significantly biased by the mathematical formula used for the normalization procedure. For this reason, the normalized MFEs strongly decrease as hyperbolic functions of length and produce unreliable results when applied for the comparison of sequences with different sizes. We also propose a simple modification of the normalization formula that corrects the bias enabling the use of the normalized MFE for RNAs longer than 40 nt. Using the new corrected normalized index, we analyzed the folding free energies of different human RNA families showing that most of them present an average MFE density more negative than expected for a typical genomic sequence. Furthermore, we found that a well-defined and restricted range of MFE density characterizes each RNA family, suggesting the use of our corrected normalized index to improve RNA prediction algorithms. Finally, in coding and functional human RNAs the MFE density appears scarcely correlated with sequence length, consistent with a negligible role of thermodynamic stability demands in determining RNA size. PMID:25405875

Usefulness of the apparent diffusion coefficient for the evaluation of the white matter to differentiate between glioblastoma and brain metastases.

PubMed

Miquelini, L A; Pérez Akly, M S; Funes, J A; Besada, C H

2016-01-01

To determine whether there are significant differences in the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) between the apparently normal peritumor white matter surrounding glioblastomas and that surrounding brain metastases. We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients with histologically confirmed glioblastomas and 42 patients with a single cerebral metastasis. We measured the signal intensity in the apparently normal peritumor white matter and in the abnormal peritumor white matter on the ADC maps. We used mean ADC values in the contralateral occipital white matter as a reference from which to design normalized ADC indices. We compared mean values between the two tumor types. We calculated the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve and estimated the sensitivity and specificity of the measurements taken. Supratentorial lesions and compromise of the corpus callosum were more common in patients with glioblastoma than in patients with brain metastases. The maximum diameter of the enhanced area after injection of a contrast agent was greater in the glioblastomas (p<0.001). The minimum ADC value measured in the apparently normal peritumor white matter was higher for the glioblastomas than for the metastases (p=0.002). Significant differences in the ADC index were found only for the minimum ADC value in apparently normal peritumor white matter. The sensitivity and specificity were less than 70% for all variables analyzed. There are differences in the ADC values of apparently normal peritumor white matter between glioblastomas and cerebral metastases, but the magnitude of these differences is slight and the application of these differences in clinical practice is still limited. Copyright © 2015 SERAM. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

A Systematic Analysis on mRNA and MicroRNA Expression in Runting and Stunting Chickens

PubMed Central

Xu, Haiping; Xu, Zhenqiang; Ma, Jinge; Li, Bixiao; Lin, Shudai; Nie, Qinghua; Luo, Qingbin; Zhang, Xiquan

2015-01-01

Runting and stunting syndrome (RSS), which is characterized by lower body weight, widely occurs in broilers. Some RSS chickens simply exhibit slow growth without pathological changes. An increasing number of studies indicate that broiler strains differ in susceptibility to infectious diseases, most likely due to their genetic differences. The objective of this study was to detect the differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in RSS and normal chickens. By integrating miRNA with mRNA expression profiling, potential molecular mechanisms involved in RSS could be further explored. Twenty-two known miRNAs and 1,159 genes were differentially expressed in RSS chickens compared with normal chickens (P < 0.05). qPCR validation results displayed similar patterns. The differentially expressed genes were primarily involved in energy metabolism pathways. The antisense transcripts were extensively expressed in chicken liver albeit with reduced abundance. Dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that gga-miR-30b/c directly target CARS through binding to its 3′UTR. The miR-30b/c: CARS regulation mainly occurred in liver. In thigh muscle and the hypothalamus, miR-30b/c are expressed at higher levels in RSS chickens compared with normal chickens from 2 to 6 w of age, and notably significant differences are observed at 4 w of age. PMID:26010155

Personality correlates of criminals: A comparative study between normal controls and criminals.

PubMed

Sinha, Sudhinta

2016-01-01

Personality is a major factor in many kinds of behavior, one of which is criminal behavior. To determine what makes a criminal "a criminal," we must understand his/her personality. This study tries to identify different personality traits which link criminals to their personality. In the present study, 37 male criminals of district jail of Dhanbad (Jharkhand) and 36 normal controls were included on a purposive sampling basis. Each criminal was given a personal datasheet and Cattel's 16 personality factors (PFs) scale for assessing their sociodemographic variables and different personality traits. The objective of this study was to examine the relation between personality traits and criminal behavior, and to determine whether such factors are predictive of future recidivism. Results indicated high scores on intelligence, impulsiveness, suspicion, self-sufficient, spontaneity, self-concept control factors, and very low scores on emotionally less stable on Cattel's 16 PFs scale in criminals as compared with normal. Criminals differ from general population or non criminals in terms of personality traits.

A model for hormonal control of the menstrual cycle: structural consistency but sensitivity with regard to data.

PubMed

Selgrade, J F; Harris, L A; Pasteur, R D

2009-10-21

This study presents a 13-dimensional system of delayed differential equations which predicts serum concentrations of five hormones important for regulation of the menstrual cycle. Parameters for the system are fit to two different data sets for normally cycling women. For these best fit parameter sets, model simulations agree well with the two different data sets but one model also has an abnormal stable periodic solution, which may represent polycystic ovarian syndrome. This abnormal cycle occurs for the model in which the normal cycle has estradiol levels at the high end of the normal range. Differences in model behavior are explained by studying hysteresis curves in bifurcation diagrams with respect to sensitive model parameters. For instance, one sensitive parameter is indicative of the estradiol concentration that promotes pituitary synthesis of a large amount of luteinizing hormone, which is required for ovulation. Also, it is observed that models with greater early follicular growth rates may have a greater risk of cycling abnormally.

Stress Modulus of Cancer Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonin, Keith; Guthold, Martin; Guo, Xinyi; Sigley, Justin

2012-02-01

Our main goal is to study the different physical and mechanical properties of cells as they advance through different stages of neoplastic transformation from normal to the metastatic state. Since recent reports indicate there is significant ambiguity about how these properties change for different cancer cells, we plan to measure these properties for a single line of cells, and to determine whether the changes vary for different cellular components: i.e. whether the change in physical properties is due to a change in the cytoskeleton, the cell membrane, the cytoplasm, or a combination of these elements. Here we expect to present data on the stress modulus of cancer cells at different stages: normal, mortal cancerous, immortal cancerous, and tumorigenic. The cells are Weinberg cell line Human Mammary Epithelial (HME) cells. Atomic force microscope (AFM) probes with different diameters are used to push on the cell membrane to measure the local, regional and global cell stress modulus. Preliminary results on normal HME cells suggests a stress modulus of 1.5 ± 0.8 kPa when pushing with 7 μm spherical probes. We anticipate reporting an improved value for the modulus as well as results for some of the Weinberg cancer cells.

Gaucher disease: Physical, kinetic and immunologic investigations of human and canine acid. beta. -glucosidase

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

Fabbro, D.E.

1988-01-01

Kinetic and immunologic techniques were developed to investigate the nature of the acid {beta}-glucosidase ({beta}-Glc) defects which results in human and canine Gaucher disease (GD). Two new affinity columns, using the potent inhibitors of {beta}-Glc (N-alkyl-deoxynojirimycins) as affinity ligands, were synthesized and methods were developed to obtain homogeneous {beta}-Glc from normal human placenta. Polyclonal and monoclonal (representing 14 different epitopes from 18 clones) antibodies were produced to the pure normal {beta}-Glc. Monospecific polyclonal IgG and tritiated-bromo-conduritol B epoxide (({sup 3}H)Br-CBE), a specific covalent active site directed inhibitor of {beta}-Glc, were used to quantitate the functional catalytic sites in normal andmore » Type 1 Ashkenazi Jewish GD (AJGD) enzyme preparations: The k{sub cat} values for several new substrates with the mutant enzymes from spleen were about 1.5-fold less than the respective normal enzyme, indicating a nearly normal catalytic capacity of the mutant enzymes. Immunoblotting studies with polyclonal or several monoclonal antibodies indicated three molecular forms of {beta}-Glc (M{sub r} = 67,000, 62,000 to 65,000 and 58,000) in fibroblast extracts from normals and Type 1 AJGD patients. In comparison, only one form of cross-reacting immunologic material (CRIM) was detected in fibroblast extracts from Types 2 and 3 or several non-Jewish Type 1 GD patients.« less

Is there a correlation of sonographic measurements of true vocal cords with gender or body mass indices in normal healthy volunteers?

PubMed Central

Bright, Leah; Secko, Michael; Mehta, Ninfa; Paladino, Lorenzo; Sinert, Richard

2014-01-01

Background: Ultrasound is a readily available, non-invasive technique to visualize airway dimensions at the patient's bedside and possibly predict difficult airways before invasively looking; however, it has rarely been used for emergency investigation of the larynx. There is limited literature on the sonographic measurements of true vocal cords in adults and normal parameters must be established before abnormal parameters can be accurately identified. Objectives: The primary objective of the following study is to identify the normal sonographic values of human true vocal cords in an adult population. A secondary objective is to determine if there is a difference in true vocal cord measurements in people with different body mass indices (BMIs). The third objective was to determine if there was a statistical difference in the measurements for both genders. Materials and Methods: True vocal cord measurements were obtained in healthy volunteers by ultrasound fellowship trained emergency medicine physicians using a high frequency linear transducer orientated transversely across the anterior surface of the neck at the level of the thyroid cartilage. The width of the true vocal cord was measured perpendicularly to the length of the cord at its mid-portion. This method was duplicated from a previous study to create a standard of measurement acquisition. Results: A total of 38 subjects were enrolled. The study demonstrated no correlation between vocal cord measurements and patient's characteristics of height, weight, or BMI's. When accounting for vocal cord measurements by gender, males had larger BMI's and larger vocal cord measurements compared with females subjects with a statistically significant different in right vocal cord measurements for females compared with male subjects. Conclusion: No correlation was seen between vocal cord measurements and person's BMIs. In the study group of normal volunteers, there was a difference in size between the male and female vocal cord size. PMID:24812456

Is there a correlation of sonographic measurements of true vocal cords with gender or body mass indices in normal healthy volunteers?

PubMed

Bright, Leah; Secko, Michael; Mehta, Ninfa; Paladino, Lorenzo; Sinert, Richard

2014-04-01

Ultrasound is a readily available, non-invasive technique to visualize airway dimensions at the patient's bedside and possibly predict difficult airways before invasively looking; however, it has rarely been used for emergency investigation of the larynx. There is limited literature on the sonographic measurements of true vocal cords in adults and normal parameters must be established before abnormal parameters can be accurately identified. The primary objective of the following study is to identify the normal sonographic values of human true vocal cords in an adult population. A secondary objective is to determine if there is a difference in true vocal cord measurements in people with different body mass indices (BMIs). The third objective was to determine if there was a statistical difference in the measurements for both genders. True vocal cord measurements were obtained in healthy volunteers by ultrasound fellowship trained emergency medicine physicians using a high frequency linear transducer orientated transversely across the anterior surface of the neck at the level of the thyroid cartilage. The width of the true vocal cord was measured perpendicularly to the length of the cord at its mid-portion. This method was duplicated from a previous study to create a standard of measurement acquisition. A total of 38 subjects were enrolled. The study demonstrated no correlation between vocal cord measurements and patient's characteristics of height, weight, or BMI's. When accounting for vocal cord measurements by gender, males had larger BMI's and larger vocal cord measurements compared with females subjects with a statistically significant different in right vocal cord measurements for females compared with male subjects. No correlation was seen between vocal cord measurements and person's BMIs. In the study group of normal volunteers, there was a difference in size between the male and female vocal cord size.

The narrow therapeutic window of glycated hemoglobin and assay variability.

PubMed

Hosseini, S S; Bibler, I; Charles, M A

1999-12-01

Glycated hemoglobin is measured by a variety of assays, each of which has a unique normal level. Our purpose is to show that among the different assays available in the United States, using the same patient's blood sample, assay results may vary widely and may more or less easily achieve a glycated hemoglobin value within the normal range. The following assays were compared using the same patient's blood sample for each pair of assays: glycohemoglobin affinity assay (GHB Reader; Isolab, Akron, OH) versus gel electrophoresis assay (n = 76); Isolab versus ion capture assay (IMX; Abbott Laboratories, Irving, TX) (n = 57); monoclonal antibody assay (DCA2000; Bayer Diagnostics, Pittsburgh, PA) versus IMX (n = 100); and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay (Bio-Rad Variant A1c; Bio-Rad Laboratories, Richmond, CA) versus IMX assay (n = 55). Our analyses indicate that a relative ranking can be established for the ease of achieving a normal glycated hemoglobin level. The ranking indicates that the most stringent or difficult assays for achieving a normal level are the Isolab and DCA2000 assays. The intermediate assays are the IMX and Bio-Rad Variant, and the easiest method for achieving a normal value is the gel electrophoresis assay. Our results indicate that various glycated hemoglobin assays vary widely and are associated with more or less difficulty for an individual patient to achieve a glycated hemoglobin level within the normal range. These results are especially significant with respect to (1) the clinically narrow therapeutic window of glycated hemoglobin values in type 1 diabetes to avoid rapidly advancing severe hypoglycemia rates and chronic microvascular complication rates, and (2) the glycated hemoglobin threshold for rapidly advancing macrovascular disease in both type 1 and type 2 patients.

Analysis of Potential Deep-Seated Landslide in Hekeng Watershed by Environment Indices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsieh, C. J.; Chompuchan, C.

2014-12-01

Landslides are a major natural disaster in Taiwan relevant to the human life. After the catastrophic Xiaolin landslide during Typhoon Morakot in August 2009 caused around 400 casualties, the deep-seated landslide has become a serious issue. This study explored the potential deep-seated landslide in Hekeng watershed extracted from SPOT-5 imageries. The empirical topographic correction was applied to minimize effect of the mountain shaded area due to the difference of sun elevation and terrain angle. Consequently the multi-temporal environmental indices, i.e., modified Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (mNDVI) and modified Normalized Difference Water Index (mNDWI) were corrected. Seasonal vegetation cover and surface moisture change were analyzed incorporate with a slope which obtain from DEM data. The result showed that the distribution of potential deep-seated landslide vulnerable area mainly located at headstream watershed. It could be explained that the headstream watershed has less human interference, therefore the environmental indices interpreted those area as deep soil layer and dense vegetation coverage. However, the upstream canal could suffer from the long-term erosion and possibly cause slope toe collapse. In addition, the western watershed is the afforestation zone whereas the eastern watershed is natural forest zone with higher development ratio. The upslope forest management of eastern and western watershed should be discussed variously.

Comparing the information conveyed by envelope modulation for speech intelligibility, speech quality, and music quality.

PubMed

Kates, James M; Arehart, Kathryn H

2015-10-01

This paper uses mutual information to quantify the relationship between envelope modulation fidelity and perceptual responses. Data from several previous experiments that measured speech intelligibility, speech quality, and music quality are evaluated for normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners. A model of the auditory periphery is used to generate envelope signals, and envelope modulation fidelity is calculated using the normalized cross-covariance of the degraded signal envelope with that of a reference signal. Two procedures are used to describe the envelope modulation: (1) modulation within each auditory frequency band and (2) spectro-temporal processing that analyzes the modulation of spectral ripple components fit to successive short-time spectra. The results indicate that low modulation rates provide the highest information for intelligibility, while high modulation rates provide the highest information for speech and music quality. The low-to-mid auditory frequencies are most important for intelligibility, while mid frequencies are most important for speech quality and high frequencies are most important for music quality. Differences between the spectral ripple components used for the spectro-temporal analysis were not significant in five of the six experimental conditions evaluated. The results indicate that different modulation-rate and auditory-frequency weights may be appropriate for indices designed to predict different types of perceptual relationships.

Comparing the information conveyed by envelope modulation for speech intelligibility, speech quality, and music quality

PubMed Central

Kates, James M.; Arehart, Kathryn H.

2015-01-01

This paper uses mutual information to quantify the relationship between envelope modulation fidelity and perceptual responses. Data from several previous experiments that measured speech intelligibility, speech quality, and music quality are evaluated for normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners. A model of the auditory periphery is used to generate envelope signals, and envelope modulation fidelity is calculated using the normalized cross-covariance of the degraded signal envelope with that of a reference signal. Two procedures are used to describe the envelope modulation: (1) modulation within each auditory frequency band and (2) spectro-temporal processing that analyzes the modulation of spectral ripple components fit to successive short-time spectra. The results indicate that low modulation rates provide the highest information for intelligibility, while high modulation rates provide the highest information for speech and music quality. The low-to-mid auditory frequencies are most important for intelligibility, while mid frequencies are most important for speech quality and high frequencies are most important for music quality. Differences between the spectral ripple components used for the spectro-temporal analysis were not significant in five of the six experimental conditions evaluated. The results indicate that different modulation-rate and auditory-frequency weights may be appropriate for indices designed to predict different types of perceptual relationships. PMID:26520329

X-ray diffraction evidence for myelin disorder in brain from humans with Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Chia, L S; Thompson, J E; Moscarello, M A

1984-09-05

Wide-angle X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the lipid phase transition temperature of myelin from brain tissue of humans with Alzheimer's disease was about 12 degrees C lower than that of normal age-matched controls, indicating differences in the physical organization of the myelin lipid bilayer. Elevated levels of malondialdehyde and conjugated diene were found in brain tissue from humans with Alzheimer's disease, indicating an increased amount of lipid peroxidation over the controls. An increase in myelin disorder and in lipid peroxidation can both be correlated with aging in human brain, but the changes in myelin from humans with Alzheimer's disease are more pronounced than in normal aging. These changes might represent severe or accelerated aging.

A recursive field-normalized bibliometric performance indicator: an application to the field of library and information science.

PubMed

Waltman, Ludo; Yan, Erjia; van Eck, Nees Jan

2011-10-01

Two commonly used ideas in the development of citation-based research performance indicators are the idea of normalizing citation counts based on a field classification scheme and the idea of recursive citation weighing (like in PageRank-inspired indicators). We combine these two ideas in a single indicator, referred to as the recursive mean normalized citation score indicator, and we study the validity of this indicator. Our empirical analysis shows that the proposed indicator is highly sensitive to the field classification scheme that is used. The indicator also has a strong tendency to reinforce biases caused by the classification scheme. Based on these observations, we advise against the use of indicators in which the idea of normalization based on a field classification scheme and the idea of recursive citation weighing are combined.

A five-year analysis of MODIS NDVI and NDWI for grassland drought assessment over the central Great Plains of the United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gu, Yingxin; Brown, Jesslyn F.; Verdin, J.P.; Wardlow, B.

2007-01-01

A five-year (2001–2005) history of moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and normalized difference water index (NDWI) data was analyzed for grassland drought assessment within the central United States, specifically for the Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma. Initial results show strong relationships among NDVI, NDWI, and drought conditions. During the summer over the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, the average NDVI and NDWI were consistently lower (NDVI < 0.5 and NDWI < 0.3) under drought conditions than under non-drought conditions (NDVI>0.6 and NDWI>0.4). NDWI values exhibited a quicker response to drought conditions than NDVI. Analysis revealed that combining information from visible, near infrared, and short wave infrared channels improved sensitivity to drought severity. The proposed normalized difference drought index (NDDI) had a stronger response to summer drought conditions than a simple difference between NDVI and NDWI, and is therefore a more sensitive indicator of drought in grasslands than NDVI alone.

Flux-pinning-induced interfacial shearing and transverse normal stress in a superconducting coated conductor long strip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jing, Ze; Yong, Huadong; Zhou, Youhe

2012-08-01

In this paper, a theoretical model is proposed to analyze the transverse normal stress and interfacial shearing stress induced by the electromagnetic force in the superconducting coated conductor. The plane strain approach is used and a singular integral equation is derived. By assuming that the critical current density is magnetic field independent and the superconducting film is infinitely thin, the interfacial shearing stress and normal stress in the film are evaluated for the coated conductor during the increasing and decreasing in the transport current, respectively. The calculation results are discussed and compared for the conductor with different substrate and geometry. The results indicate that the coated conductor with stiffer substrate and larger width experiences larger interfacial shearing stress and less normal stress in the film.

Oncolytic potency and reduced virus tumor-specificity in oncolytic virotherapy. A mathematical modelling approach.

PubMed

Mahasa, Khaphetsi Joseph; Eladdadi, Amina; de Pillis, Lisette; Ouifki, Rachid

2017-01-01

In the present paper, we address by means of mathematical modeling the following main question: How can oncolytic virus infection of some normal cells in the vicinity of tumor cells enhance oncolytic virotherapy? We formulate a mathematical model describing the interactions between the oncolytic virus, the tumor cells, the normal cells, and the antitumoral and antiviral immune responses. The model consists of a system of delay differential equations with one (discrete) delay. We derive the model's basic reproductive number within tumor and normal cell populations and use their ratio as a metric for virus tumor-specificity. Numerical simulations are performed for different values of the basic reproduction numbers and their ratios to investigate potential trade-offs between tumor reduction and normal cells losses. A fundamental feature unravelled by the model simulations is its great sensitivity to parameters that account for most variation in the early or late stages of oncolytic virotherapy. From a clinical point of view, our findings indicate that designing an oncolytic virus that is not 100% tumor-specific can increase virus particles, which in turn, can further infect tumor cells. Moreover, our findings indicate that when infected tissues can be regenerated, oncolytic viral infection of normal cells could improve cancer treatment.

Experimental investigation of internal tides generated by finite-height topography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shuya; Chen, Xu; Wang, Jinhu; Meng, Jing

2018-06-01

Internal tides generated by finite-height topography are investigated in the laboratory, and the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique is applied to measure the velocity fields. The energy, energy flux, and vertical mode structure of the internal tides are calculated and analyzed. The experimental results indicate that the strength of the wave field is mainly affected by the normalized topography height. The rays radiated from the taller topography are wider than those radiated from the lower topography. Both the experimental and theoretical results indicate that the normalized energy and energy flux of the internal tides are mainly determined by the normalized topography height, and the increase of the two quantities follows a quadratic function, and they almost remain unchanged with different normalized frequencies except for higher frequency. The percentage of energy for mode-1 and mode-2 internal tides is determined not only by frequency but also by topography height. In addition, an "inherent normalized frequency" is observed in the experiment, at which the percentage of energy for mode 1 and mode 2 does not vary with topography height. The decay rate of internal tide energy in the near field and far field is also estimated, with average values of 36.5 and 7.5%, respectively.

A MODIS-based begetation index climatology

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Passive microwave soil moisture algorithms must account for vegetation attenuation of the signal in the retrieval process. One approach to accounting for vegetation is to use vegetation indices such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to estimate the vegetation optical depth. The pa...

Computer-assisted quantification of the skull deformity for craniosynostosis from 3D head CT images using morphological descriptor and hierarchical classification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Min Jin; Hong, Helen; Shim, Kyu Won; Kim, Yong Oock

2017-03-01

This paper proposes morphological descriptors representing the degree of skull deformity for craniosynostosis in head CT images and a hierarchical classifier model distinguishing among normal and different types of craniosynostosis. First, to compare deformity surface model with mean normal surface model, mean normal surface models are generated for each age range and the mean normal surface model is deformed to the deformity surface model via multi-level threestage registration. Second, four shape features including local distance and area ratio indices are extracted in each five cranial bone. Finally, hierarchical SVM classifier is proposed to distinguish between the normal and deformity. As a result, the proposed method showed improved classification results compared to traditional cranial index. Our method can be used for the early diagnosis, surgical planning and postsurgical assessment of craniosynostosis as well as quantitative analysis of skull deformity.

[Nitrogen status diagnosis and yield prediction of spring maize after green manure incorporation by using a digital camera].

PubMed

Bai, Jin-Shun; Cao, Wei-Dong; Xiong, Jing; Zeng, Nao-Hua; Shimizu, Katshyoshi; Rui, Yu-Kui

2013-12-01

In order to explore the feasibility of using the image processing technology to diagnose the nitrogen status and to predict the maize yield, a field experiment with different nitrogen rates with green manure incorporation was conducted. Maize canopy digital images over a range of growth stages were captured by digital camera. Maize nitrogen status and the relationships between image color indices derived by digital camera for maize at different growth stages and maize nitrogen status indicators were analyzed. These digital camera sourced image color indices at different growth stages for maize were also regressed with maize grain yield at maturity. The results showed that the plant nitrogen status for maize was improved by green manure application. The leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD value), aboveground biomass and nitrogen uptake for green manure treatments at different maize growth stages were all higher than that for chemical fertilization treatments. The correlations between spectral indices with plant nitrogen indicators for maize affected by green manure application were weaker than that affected by chemical fertilization. And the correlation coefficients for green manure application were ranged with the maize growth stages changes. The best spectral indices for diagnosis of plant nitrogen status after green manure incorporation were normalized blue value (B/(R+G+B)) at 12-leaf (V12) stage and normalized red value (R/(R+G+B)) at grain-filling (R4) stage individually. The coefficients of determination based on linear regression were 0. 45 and 0. 46 for B/(R+G+B) at V12 stage and R/(R+G+B) at R4 stage respectively, acting as a predictor of maize yield response to nitrogen affected by green manure incorporation. Our findings suggested that digital image technique could be a potential tool for in-season prediction of the nitrogen status and grain yield for maize after green manure incorporation when the suitable growth stages and spectral indices for diagnosis were selected.

Normal weight children have higher cognitive performance - Independent of physical activity, sleep, and diet.

PubMed

Hjorth, Mads F; Sørensen, Louise B; Andersen, Rikke; Dyssegaard, Camilla B; Ritz, Christian; Tetens, Inge; Michaelsen, Kim F; Astrup, Arne; Egelund, Niels; Sjödin, Anders

2016-10-15

Aside from the health consequences, observational studies indicate that being overweight may also negatively affect cognitive function. However, existing evidence has to a large extent not controlled for the possible confounding effect of having different lifestyles. Therefore, the objective was to examine the independent associations between weight status and lifestyle indicators with cognitive performance in 8-11year old Danish children. The analyses included 828 children (measured in 2011-2012) each having one to three measurement occasions separated by approximately 100days. Dietary intake, physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep duration were measured using dietary records and accelerometers. The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire was used to access sleep problems and the Andersen test was carried out to estimate cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF). Weight status (underweight, normal weight, and overweight/obese) was defined according to body mass index and cognitive performance was assessed using the d2-test of attention, a reading test, and a math test. A linear mixed model including a number of fixed and random effects was used to test associations between lifestyle indicators as well as BMI category and cognitive performance. After adjustment for demographics, socioeconomics, and multiple lifestyle indicators, normal weight children had higher cognitive test scores than overweight/obese and underweight children of up to 89% and 48% of expected learning within one school year (P<0.05). Daily breakfast consumption, fewer sleep problems, higher CRF, less total physical activity, more sedentary time, and less light physical activity were associated with higher cognitive performance independently of each other in at least one of the three cognitive tests (P<0.05). Normal weight children had higher cognitive performance compared to overweight/obese as well as underweight children, independent of multiple lifestyle indicators. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Detecting post-fire burn severity and vegetation recovery using multitemporal remote sensing spectral indices and field-collected composite burn index data in a ponderosa pine forest

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chen, Xuexia; Vogelmann, James E.; Rollins, Matt; Ohlen, Donald; Key, Carl H.; Yang, Limin; Huang, Chengquan; Shi, Hua

2011-01-01

It is challenging to detect burn severity and vegetation recovery because of the relatively long time period required to capture the ecosystem characteristics. Multitemporal remote sensing data can providemultitemporal observations before, during and after a wildfire, and can improve the change detection accuracy. The goal of this study is to examine the correlations between multitemporal spectral indices and field-observed burn severity, and to provide a practical method to estimate burn severity and vegetation recovery. The study site is the Jasper Fire area in the Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota, that burned during August and September 2000. Six multitemporal Landsat images acquired from 2000 (pre-fire), 2001 (post-fire), 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2007 were used to assess burn severity. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), enhanced vegetation index (EVI), normalized burn ratio (NBR), integrated forest index (IFI) and the differences of these indices between the pre-fire and post-fire years were computed and analysed with 66 field-based composite burn index (CBI) plots collected in 2002. Results showed that differences of NDVI and differences of EVI between the pre-fire year and the first two years post-fire were highly correlated with the CBI scores. The correlations were low beyond the second year post-fire. Differences of NBR had good correlation with CBI scores in all study years. Differences of IFI had low correlation with CBI in the first year post-fire and had good correlation in later years. A CBI map of the burnt area was produced using regression tree models and the multitemporal images. The dynamics of four spectral indices from 2000 to 2007 indicated that both NBR and IFI are valuable for monitoring long-term vegetation recovery. The high burn severity areas had a much slower recovery than the moderate and low burn areas.

Confidence Intervals for Proportion Estimates in Complex Samples. Research Report. ETS RR-06-21

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oranje, Andreas

2006-01-01

Confidence intervals are an important tool to indicate uncertainty of estimates and to give an idea of probable values of an estimate if a different sample from the population was drawn or a different sample of measures was used. Standard symmetric confidence intervals for proportion estimates based on a normal approximation can yield bounds…

Increased BMI in children-an indicator for less compliance during orthodontic treatment with removable appliances.

PubMed

von Bremen, Julia; Lorenz, Nathalie; Ludwig, Björn; Ruf, Sabine

2018-02-19

To assess whether or not childhood overweight is associated with lower levels of compliance during orthodontic therapy with removable appliances. Starting in 2011, all upper expansion plates and Sander II appliances were equipped with a Theramon® microsensor chip to assess appliance wear time objectively. According to their pre-treatment, BMI normal weight patients were matched to consecutively treated overweight or obese patients by gender, age, and appliance type. Cooperation was assessed with microelectronic wear time documentation over a period of at least 6 months. A total of 50 patients (25 overweight, 25 normal weight) with upper expansion plates and 64 patients (32 overweight, 32 normal weight) with Sander II appliances were analysed. Spearman Rho coefficients showed an indirect association between BMI and appliance wear time, indicating that the higher the BMI, the less the patients wore their appliances (P < 0.05). Furthermore, both normal- and overweight children wore upper expansion plates significantly more than Sander II appliances (P < 0.05). Although no gender-specific difference was found (P = 0.723), an age-related correlation could be verified, indicating a decrease in wear time with increasing age (P < 0.05). An increased BMI appears to be a risk factor for less appliance wear during orthodontic treatment with removable appliances. Additional factors which influenced cooperation during treatment with removable appliances were patient age and appliance type.

Normal and Tangential Momentum Accommodation for Earth Satellite Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knechtel, Earl D.; Pitts, William C.

1973-01-01

Momentum accommodation was determined experimentally for gas-surface interactions simulating in a practical way those of near-earth satellites. Throughout the ranges of gas energies and incidence angles of interest for earth-conditions, two components of force were measured by means of a vacuum microbalance to determine the normal and tangential momentum-accommodation coefficients for nitrogen ions on technical-quality aluminum surfaces. For these experimental conditions, the electrodynamics of ion neutralization near the surface indicate that results for nitrogen ions should differ relatively little from those for nitrogen molecules, which comprise the largest component of momentum flux for near-earth satellites. The experimental results indicated that both normal and tangential momentum-accommodation coefficients varied widely with energy, tending to be relatively well accommodated at the higher energies, but becoming progressively less accommodated as the energy was reduced to and below that for earth-satellite speeds. Both coefficients also varied greatly with incidence angle, the normal momentum becoming less accommodated as the incidence angle became more glancing, whereas the tangential momentum generally became more fully accommodated. For each momentum coefficient, an empirical correlation function was obtained which closely approximated the experimental results over the ranges of energy and incidence angle. Most of the observed variations of momentum accommodation with energy and incidence angle were qualitatively indicated by a calculation using a three-dimensional model that simulated the target surface by a one-dimensional attractive potential and hard sphere reflectors.

Hearing in Noise Test Brazil: standardization for young adults with normal hearing.

PubMed

Sbompato, Andressa Forlevise; Corteletti, Lilian Cassia Bornia Jacob; Moret, Adriane de Lima Mortari; Jacob, Regina Tangerino de Souza

2015-01-01

Individuals with the same ability of speech recognition in quiet can have extremely different results in noisy environments. To standardize speech perception in adults with normal hearing in the free field using the Brazilian Hearing in Noise Test. Contemporary, cross-sectional cohort study. 79 adults with normal hearing and without cognitive impairment participated in the study. Lists of Hearing in Noise Test sentences were randomly in quiet, noise front, noise right, and noise left. There were no significant differences between right and left ears at all frequencies tested (paired t-1 test). Nor were significant differences observed when comparing gender and interaction between these conditions. A difference was observed among the free field positions tested, except in the situations of noise right and noise left. Results of speech perception in adults with normal hearing in the free field during different listening situations in noise indicated poorer performance during the condition with noise and speech in front, i.e., 0°/0°. The values found in the standardization of the Hearing in Noise Test free field can be used as a reference in the development of protocols for tests of speech perception in noise, and for monitoring individuals with hearing impairment. Copyright © 2015 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Monitoring of permeability of different analytes in human normal and cancerous bladder tissues in vitro using optical coherence tomography

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

Bingsong Lei; Xiaoyuan Deng; Huajiang Wei

2014-12-31

We report our preliminary results on quantification of glucose and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) diffusion in normal and cancerous human bladder tissues in vitro by using a spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The permeability coefficients (PCs) of a 30% aqueous solution of glucose are found to be (7.92 ± 0.81) × 10{sup -6} cm s{sup -1} and (1.19 ± 0.13) × 10{sup -5} cm s{sup -1} in normal and cancerous bladder tissues, respectively. The PCs of 50% DMSO are calculated to be (8.99 ± 0.93) × 10{sup -6} cm s{sup -1} and (1.43 ± 0.17) × 10{sup -5} cm s{supmore » -1} in normal and cancerous bladder tissues, respectively. The obtained results show a statistically significant difference in permeability of normal and cancerous tissue and indicate that the PC of 50% DMSO is about 1.13-and 1.21-fold higher than that of 30% glucose in normal bladder and cancerous bladder tissues, respectively. Thus, the quantitative measurements with the help of PCs from OCT images can be a potentially powerful method for bladder cancer detection. (optical coherence tomography)« less

Identification of Reference Genes for Normalizing Quantitative Real-Time PCR in Urechis unicinctus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Yajiao; Zhou, Di; Wei, Maokai; Xie, Yueyang; Gao, Beibei; Qin, Zhenkui; Zhang, Zhifeng

2018-06-01

The reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) has become one of the most important techniques of studying gene expression. A set of valid reference genes are essential for the accurate normalization of data. In this study, five candidate genes were analyzed with geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and ΔCt methods to identify the genes stably expressed in echiuran Urechis unicinctus, an important commercial marine benthic worm, under abiotic (sulfide stress) and normal (adult tissues, embryos and larvae at different development stages) conditions. The comprehensive results indicated that the expression of TBP was the most stable at sulfide stress and in developmental process, while the expression of EF- 1- α was the most stable at sulfide stress and in various tissues. TBP and EF- 1- α were recommended as a suitable reference gene combination to accurately normalize the expression of target genes at sulfide stress; and EF- 1- α, TBP and TUB were considered as a potential reference gene combination for normalizing the expression of target genes in different tissues. No suitable gene combination was obtained among these five candidate genes for normalizing the expression of target genes for developmental process of U. unicinctus. Our results provided a valuable support for quantifying gene expression using RT-qPCR in U. unicinctus.

Enhancement of Frequency Domain Indices of Heart Rate Variability by Cholinergic Stimulation with Pyridostigmine Bromide

PubMed Central

Zarei, Ali Asghar; Foroutan, Seyyed Abbas; Foroutan, Seyyed Mohsen; Erfanian Omidvar, Abbas

2011-01-01

Pyridostigmine bromide (PB) is a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of orally administration of single dose sustained-released tablet of pyridostigmine bromide (PBSR) on the frequency domain indices of heart rate variability (HRV). Thirty-two healthy young men were participated in this study. They were divided into 2 groups; the pyridostigmine group (n = 22) and the placebo group (n = 10). Electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded at 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 420 min after PBSR administration. At each time, simultaneously, a blood sample was prepared and PB plasma concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Statistical analysis showed that in different indices of HRV, there is a significant increase in low frequency (LF) band at 300 min, but no difference in high frequency band (HF). It also showed significant decreases in normalized high frequency band (Hfnu), normalized low frequency band (Lfnu) and LF/HF ratio at 120, 240 and 300 min after PBSR administration. Maximum plasma concentration of PB was 150 min after the administration. In conclusion, administration of a single dose PBSR can enhance the frequency domains indices of HRV and improvesympathovagal balance. PMID:24250427

Comparisons Between Experimental and Semi-theoretical Cutting Forces of CCS Disc Cutters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Yimin; Guo, Ben; Tan, Qing; Zhang, Xuhui; Lan, Hao; Ji, Zhiyong

2018-05-01

This paper focuses on comparisons between the experimental and semi-theoretical forces of CCS disc cutters acting on different rocks. The experimental forces obtained from LCM tests were used to evaluate the prediction accuracy of a semi-theoretical CSM model. The results show that the CSM model reliably predicts the normal forces acting on red sandstone and granite, but underestimates the normal forces acting on marble. Some additional LCM test data from the literature were collected to further explore the ability of the CSM model to predict the normal forces acting on rocks of different strengths. The CSM model underestimates the normal forces acting on soft rocks, semi-hard rocks and hard rocks by approximately 38, 38 and 10%, respectively, but very accurately predicts those acting on very hard and extremely hard rocks. A calibration factor is introduced to modify the normal forces estimated by the CSM model. The overall trend of the calibration factor is characterized by an exponential decrease with increasing rock uniaxial compressive strength. The mean fitting ratios between the normal forces estimated by the modified CSM model and the experimental normal forces acting on soft rocks, semi-hard rocks and hard rocks are 1.076, 0.879 and 1.013, respectively. The results indicate that the prediction accuracy and the reliability of the CSM model have been improved.

Increased pulmonary transit times in asymptomatic dogs with mitral regurgitation.

PubMed

Lord, Peter; Eriksson, Anders; Häggström, Jens; Järvinen, Anna-Kaisa; Kvart, Clarence; Hansson, Kerstin; Maripuu, Enn; Mäkelä, Olli

2003-01-01

Pulmonary transit time (PTT) normalized to heart rate (nPTT) is a measure of the pulmonary blood volume (PBV) to stroke volume ratio (PBV/SV). It is an index of cardiac performance. To determine the effect of compensated mitral regurgitation (CMR) and decompensated mitral regurgitation (DMR) caused by valvular endocardiosis on the index nPTT, we measured nPTT by first-pass radionuclide angiocardiography and ECG in 13 normal dogs, 18 dogs with CMR, and 13 dogs with DMR. PTT was measured as time between onset of appearance of activity at the pulmonary trunk and the left atrium. In the normal dogs, the relationship between PTT and mean R-R interval (mRR) was PTT = 4.08 x mRR + 0.15 (R2 = 0.71). Normal nPTT was 4.4 +/- 0.6 (SD) (range. 3.6-5.3). in CMR, 6.3 +/- 1.6 (SD) (range, 4.0-9.7). and in DMR, 11.9 +/- 3.4 (SD) (range, 8.0-18.8). The differences among all groups were significant. Heart rates were 110 +/- 22 bpm in normal dogs, 111 +/- 20 in dogs with CMR, and 144 +/- 18 in dogs with DMR (P < .001 for difference between DMR group and normal and CMR groups). Increased nPTT in CMR indicates preclinical heart pump dysfunction. Heart rate-normalized pulmonary transit times may be a useful index of heart function in mitral regurgitation.

SU-E-J-178: A Normalization Method Can Remove Discrepancy in Ventilation Function Due to Different Breathing Patterns

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

Qu, H; Yu, N; Stephans, K

2014-06-01

Purpose: To develop a normalization method to remove discrepancy in ventilation function due to different breathing patterns. Methods: Twenty five early stage non-small cell lung cancer patients were included in this study. For each patient, a ten phase 4D-CT and the voluntarily maximum inhale and exhale CTs were acquired clinically and retrospectively used for this study. For each patient, two ventilation maps were calculated from voxel-to-voxel CT density variations from two phases of the quiet breathing and two phases of the extreme breathing. For the quiet breathing, 0% (inhale) and 50% (exhale) phases from 4D-CT were used. An in-house toolmore » was developed to calculate and display the ventilation maps. To enable normalization, the whole lung of each patient was evenly divided into three parts in the longitude direction at a coronal image with a maximum lung cross section. The ratio of cumulated ventilation from the top one-third region to the middle one-third region of the lung was calculated for each breathing pattern. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated on the ratios of the two breathing patterns for the group. Results: For each patient, the ventilation map from the quiet breathing was different from that of the extreme breathing. When the cumulative ventilation was normalized to the middle one-third of the lung region for each patient, the normalized ventilation functions from the two breathing patterns were consistent. For this group of patients, the correlation coefficient of the normalized ventilations for the two breathing patterns was 0.76 (p < 0.01), indicating a strong correlation in the ventilation function measured from the two breathing patterns. Conclusion: For each patient, the ventilation map is dependent of the breathing pattern. Using a regional normalization method, the discrepancy in ventilation function induced by the different breathing patterns thus different tidal volumes can be removed.« less

A selective deficit in the appreciation and recognition of brightness: brightness agnosia?

PubMed

Nijboer, Tanja C W; Nys, Gudrun M S; van der Smagt, Maarten J; de Haan, Edward H F

2009-01-01

We report a patient with extensive brain damage in the right hemisphere who demonstrated a severe impairment in the appreciation of brightness. Acuity, contrast sensitivity as well as luminance discrimination were normal, suggesting her brightness impairment is not a mere consequence of low-level sensory impairments. The patient was not able to indicate the darker or the lighter of two grey squares, even though she was able to see that they differed. In addition, she could not indicate whether the lights in a room were switched on or off, nor was she able to differentiate between normal greyscale images and inverted greyscale images. As the patient recognised objects, colours, and shapes correctly, the impairment is specific for brightness. As low-level, sensory processing is normal, this specific deficit in the recognition and appreciation of brightness appears to be of a higher, cognitive level, the level of semantic knowledge. This appears to be the first report of 'brightness agnosia'.

Understanding of thought bubbles as mental representations in children with autism: implications for theory of mind.

PubMed

Kerr, Sharyn; Durkin, Kevin

2004-12-01

Standard false belief tasks indicate that normally developing children do not fully develop a theory of mind until the age of 4 years and that children with autism have an impaired theory of mind. Recent evidence, however, suggests that children as young as 3 years of age understand that thought bubbles depict mental representations and that these can be false. Twelve normally developing children and 11 children with autism were tested on a standard false belief task and a number of tasks that employed thought bubbles to represent mental states. While the majority of normally developing children and children with autism failed the standard false belief task, they understood that (i) thought bubbles represent thought, (ii) thought bubbles can be used to infer an unknown reality, (iii) thoughts can be different, and (iv) thoughts can be false. These results indicate that autistic children with a relatively low verbal mental age may be capable of understanding mental representations.

Influence of Transformation Plasticity on the Distribution of Internal Stress in Three Water-Quenched Cylinders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yu; Qin, Shengwei; Zhang, Jiazhi; Wang, Ying; Rong, Yonghua; Zuo, Xunwei; Chen, Nailu

2017-10-01

Based on the hardenability of three medium carbon steels, cylinders with the same 60-mm diameter and 240-mm length were designed for quenching in water to obtain microstructures, including a pearlite matrix (Chinese steel mark: 45), a bainite matrix (42CrMo), and a martensite matrix (40CrNiMo). Through the combination of normalized functions describing transformation plasticity (TP), the thermo-elasto-plastic constitutive equation was deduced. The results indicate that the finite element simulation (FES) of the internal stress distribution in the three kinds of hardenable steel cylinders based on the proposed exponent-modified (Ex-Modified) normalized function is more consistent with the X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements than those based on the normalized functions proposed by Abrassart, Desalos, and Leblond, which is attributed to the fact that the Ex-Modified normalized function better describes the TP kinetics. In addition, there was no significant difference between the calculated and measured stress distributions, even though TP was taken into account for the 45 carbon steel; that is, TP can be ignored in FES. In contrast, in the 42CrMo and 40CrNiMo alloyed steels, the significant effect of TP on the residual stress distributions was demonstrated, meaning that TP must be included in the FES. The rationality of the preceding conclusions was analyzed. The complex quenching stress is a consequence of interactions between the thermal and phase transformation stresses. The separated calculations indicate that the three steels exhibit similar thermal stress distributions for the same water-quenching condition, but different phase transformation stresses between 45 carbon steel and alloyed steels, leading to different distributions of their axial and tangential stresses.

Absence of deficits in social behaviors and ultrasonic vocalizations in later generations of mice lacking neuroligin4.

PubMed

Ey, E; Yang, M; Katz, A M; Woldeyohannes, L; Silverman, J L; Leblond, C S; Faure, P; Torquet, N; Le Sourd, A-M; Bourgeron, T; Crawley, J N

2012-11-01

Mutations in NLGN4X have been identified in individuals with autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders. A previous study reported that adult male mice lacking neuroligin4 (Nlgn4) displayed social approach deficits in the three-chambered test, altered aggressive behaviors and reduced ultrasonic vocalizations. To replicate and extend these findings, independent comprehensive analyses of autism-relevant behavioral phenotypes were conducted in later generations of the same line of Nlgn4 mutant mice at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, MD, USA and at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, France. Adult social approach was normal in all three genotypes of Nlgn4 mice tested at both sites. Reciprocal social interactions in juveniles were similarly normal across genotypes. No genotype differences were detected in ultrasonic vocalizations in pups separated from the nest or in adults during reciprocal social interactions. Anxiety-like behaviors, self-grooming, rotarod and open field exploration did not differ across genotypes, and measures of developmental milestones and general health were normal. Our findings indicate an absence of autism-relevant behavioral phenotypes in subsequent generations of Nlgn4 mice tested at two locations. Testing environment and methods differed from the original study in some aspects, although the presence of normal sociability was seen in all genotypes when methods taken from Jamain et al. (2008) were used. The divergent results obtained from this study indicate that phenotypes may not be replicable across breeding generations, and highlight the significant roles of environmental, generational and/or procedural factors on behavioral phenotypes. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

The letter contrast sensitivity test: clinical evaluation of a new design.

PubMed

Haymes, Sharon A; Roberts, Kenneth F; Cruess, Alan F; Nicolela, Marcelo T; LeBlanc, Raymond P; Ramsey, Michael S; Chauhan, Balwantray C; Artes, Paul H

2006-06-01

To compare the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Mars Letter Contrast Sensitivity (CS) Test to the Pelli-Robson CS Chart. One eye of 47 normal control subjects, 27 patients with open-angle glaucoma, and 17 with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was tested twice with the Mars test and twice with the Pelli-Robson test, in random order on separate days. In addition, 17 patients undergoing cataract surgery were tested, once before and once after surgery. The mean Mars CS was 1.62 log CS (0.06 SD) for normal subjects aged 22 to 77 years, with significantly lower values in patients with glaucoma or AMD (P<0.001). Mars test-retest 95% limits of agreement (LOA) were +/-0.13, +/-0.19, and +/-0.24 log CS for normal, glaucoma, and AMD, respectively. In comparison, Pelli-Robson test-retest 95% LOA were +/-0.18, +/-0.19, and +/-0.33 log CS. The Spearman correlation between the Mars and Pelli-Robson tests was 0.83 (P<0.001). However, systematic differences were observed, particularly at the upper-normal end of the range, where Mars CS was lower than Pelli-Robson CS. After cataract surgery, Mars and Pelli-Robson effect size statistics were 0.92 and 0.88, respectively. The results indicate the Mars test has test-retest reliability equal to or better than the Pelli-Robson test and comparable responsiveness. The strong correlation between the tests provides evidence the Mars test is valid. However, systematic differences indicate normative values are likely to be different for each test. The Mars Letter CS Test is a useful and practical alternative to the Pelli-Robson CS Chart.

Global-scale analysis of vegetation indices for moderate resolution monitoring of terrestrial vegetation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huete, Alfredo R.; Didan, Kamel; van Leeuwen, Willem J. D.; Vermote, Eric F.

1999-12-01

Vegetation indices have emerged as important tools in the seasonal and inter-annual monitoring of the Earth's vegetation. They are radiometric measures of the amount and condition of vegetation. In this study, the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-View sensor (SeaWiFS) is used to investigate coarse resolution monitoring of vegetation with multiple indices. A 30-day series of SeaWiFS data, corrected for molecular scattering and absorption, was composited to cloud-free, single channel reflectance images. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and an optimized index, the enhanced vegetation index (EVI), were computed over various 'continental' regions. The EVI had a normal distribution of values over the continental set of biomes while the NDVI was skewed toward higher values and saturated over forested regions. The NDVI resembled the skewed distributions found in the red band while the EVI resembled the normal distributions found in the NIR band. The EVI minimized smoke contamination over extensive portions of the tropics. As a result, major biome types with continental regions were discriminable in both the EVI imagery and histograms, whereas smoke and saturation considerably degraded the NDVI histogram structure preventing reliable discrimination of biome types.

Elasticity-based identification of tumor margins using Brillouin spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Troyanova-Wood, Maria; Meng, Zhaokai; Yakovlev, Vladislav V.

2016-03-01

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy of using Brillouin spectroscopy for differentiation between healthy and cancerous tissues. Previous studies of various cancers indicate that elasticity of the tumor differs from that of the surrounding tissue. We hypothesize that it is possible to distinguish between normal and malignant areas based on their Brillouin measurements. Brillouin spectroscopy is an emerging spectroscopic technique capable of assessing the local elasticity of samples by measuring the Brillouin shift. In the present study, we have used malignant melanoma tissue samples from Sinclair miniature swine to demonstrate the validity of our proposed application. We performed Brillouin measurements on healthy tissue, normal tumor and regressing tumor (as indicated by depigmentation of tissue). Overall, the tumors were found to be stiffer than the surrounding healthy tissue. However, the regressing tumor displayed the elastic properties closer to that of the healthy tissue. Based on the Brillouin measurements, we have successfully differentiated between the tumor and healthy tissues with a high degree of confidence (p<104 for normal tumor, p<0.05 for regressing tumor). Our results indicate that Brillouin spectroscopy is an appropriate tool to not only pinpoint tumor boundaries, but also to monitor tumor growth or evaluate its response to treatment.

Comparison of waxy and normal potato starch remaining granules after chemical surface gelatinization: pasting behavior and surface morphology.

PubMed

Huang, Junrong; Chen, Zhenghong; Xu, Yalun; Li, Hongliang; Liu, Shuxing; Yang, Daqing; Schols, Henk A

2014-02-15

To understand the contribution of granule inner portion to the pasting property of starch, waxy potato starch and two normal potato starches and their acetylated starch samples were subjected to chemical surface gelatinization by 3.8 mol/L CaCl2 to obtain remaining granules. Native and acetylated, original and remaining granules of waxy potato starch had similar rapid visco analyzer (RVA) pasting profiles, while those of two normal potato starches behaved obviously different from each other. All remaining granules had lower peak viscosity than the corresponding original granules. Contribution of waxy potato starch granule's inner portion to the peak viscosity was significant more than those of normal potato starches. The shell structure appearing on the remaining granule surface for waxy potato starch was smoother and thinner than that for normal potato starches as observed by scanning electron microscopy, indicating a more regular structure of shell and a more ordered packing of shell for waxy potato starch granules. The blocklet size of waxy potato starch was smaller and more uniform than those of normal potato starches as shown by atomic force microscopy images of original and remaining granules. In general, our results provided the evidence for the spatial structure diversity between waxy and normal potato starch granules: outer layer and inner portion of waxy potato starch granule had similar structure, while outer layer had notably different structure from inner portion for normal potato starch granule. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The influence of aggregates type on W/C ratio on the strength and other properties of concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malaiskiene, J.; Skripkiunas, G.; Vaiciene, M.; Karpova, E.

2017-10-01

The influence of different types of aggregates and W/C ratio on concrete properties is analysed. In order to achieve this aim, lightweight (with expanded clay aggregate) and normal concrete (with gravel aggregate) mixtures are prepared with different W/C ratios. Different W/C ratios are selected by reducing the amount of cement when the amount of water is constant. The following properties of concrete have been determined: density, compressive strength and water absorption. Additionally, the statistical data analysis is performed and influence of aggregate type and W/C ratio on concrete properties is determined. The empirical equations indicating dependence between concrete strength and W/C and strength of aggregate are obtained for normal concrete and light-weight concrete.

Role of DNA Replication Defects in Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-10-01

Several recent studies have indicated that decreased levels of the MCM2-7 DNA replication proteins can lead to genomic instability (GIN) and cancer...exceeding that required for DNA replication under normal circumstances, we found that heterozygosity for 2 or more different MCMs caused genomic

A Physically-Based Drought Product Using Thermal Remote Sensing of Evapotranspiration

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Thermal infrared (TIR) remote sensing of land-surface temperature (LST) provides valuable information about the sub-surface moisture status. While empirical indices measuring anomalies in LST and vegetation amount (e.g., as quantified by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index; NDVI) have demonst...

Volumetric-modulated arc therapy vs conventional fixed-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy in a whole-ventricular irradiation: A planning comparison study

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

Sakanaka, Katsuyuki; Mizowaki, Takashi, E-mail: mizo@kuhp.kyoto-u.ac.jp; Sato, Sayaka

This study evaluated the dosimetric difference between volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and conventional fixed-field intensity-modulated radiotherapy (cIMRT) in whole-ventricular irradiation. Computed tomography simulation data for 13 patients were acquired to create plans for VMAT and cIMRT. In both plans, the same median dose (100% = 24 Gy) was prescribed to the planning target volume (PTV), which comprised a tumor bed and whole ventricles. During optimization, doses to the normal brain and body were reduced, provided that the dose constraints of the target coverage were satisfied. The dose-volume indices of the PTV, normal brain, and body as well as monitor unitsmore » were compared between the 2 techniques by using paired t-tests. The results showed no significant difference in the homogeneity index (0.064 vs 0.065; p = 0.824) of the PTV and conformation number (0.78 vs 0.77; p = 0.065) between the 2 techniques. In the normal brain and body, the dose-volume indices showed no significant difference between the 2 techniques, except for an increase in the volume receiving a low dose in VMAT; the absolute volume of the normal brain and body receiving 1 Gy of radiation significantly increased in VMAT by 1.6% and 8.3%, respectively, compared with that in cIMRT (1044 vs 1028 mL for the normal brain and 3079.2 vs 2823.3 mL for the body; p<0.001). The number of monitor units to deliver a 2.0-Gy fraction was significantly reduced in VMAT compared with that in cIMRT (354 vs 873, respectively; p<0.001). In conclusion, VMAT delivers IMRT to complex target volumes such as whole ventricles with fewer monitor units, while maintaining target coverage and conformal isodose distribution comparable to cIMRT; however, in addition to those characteristics, the fact that the volume of the normal brain and body receiving a low dose would increase in VMAT should be considered.« less

A comparative study of functional properties of normal and wooden breast broiler chicken meat with NaCl addition.

PubMed

Xing, Tong; Zhao, Xue; Han, Minyi; Cai, Linlin; Deng, Shaolin; Zhou, Guanghong; Xu, Xinglian

2017-09-01

The selection of broilers for augmented growth rate and breast has brought about wooden-breast (WB) muscle abnormalities, which caused substantial economic losses. The objective of this study was to compare water holding capacity, water mobility and distribution, salt-soluble protein (SSP) content, and protein profiles of normal and WB chicken meat with different additions of NaCl. Thirty WB and 30 normal chicken breasts were selected from a deboning line of a major Chinese processing plant at 2 to 3 h post mortem. Two different meat batters were formulated to 150 mg/g meat protein and different NaCl contents (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%). Results indicated that as NaCl contents increased, the cooking loss of meat batters decreased (P < 0.05). Increasing the NaCl content to 3% or more increased the solubility of myofibrillar protein and the extraction of SSPs, which resulted in the improving of cooking yield. Over a range of salt concentrations, normal and WB meat showed different protein profiles, with myosin heavy chain exhibiting a higher intensity at ≥3% salt level. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR)revealed an increased T22 and higher P22 in raw WB meat compared to normal meat (P < 0.05). Regarding the meat batters, WB meat batters had reduced T21 and lower immobilized water proportions at low NaCl contents (<2%). After heating, T2 shifted towards higher relaxation times with increasing NaCl contents in meat gels. Meat gels prepared from WB had a lower proportion of water within the myofibrillar protein matrix and a greater proportion of exuded bulk water at NaCl contents <3% (P < 0.05), while at higher NaCl contents the difference was eliminated, thus improving water retention capacity. In conclusion, for raw meat, meat batters and gels, water distribution and mobility of WB exhibited significant differences compared to normal meat. The addition of NaCl affected water mobility and distributions in meat batters, with a level of 3% NaCl eliminating the differences between processed normal and WB meat products. © 2017 Poultry Science Association Inc.

A rapid method for creating qualitative images indicative of thick oil emulsion on the ocean's surface from imaging spectrometer data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kokaly, Raymond F.; Hoefen, Todd M.; Livo, K. Eric; Swayze, Gregg A.; Leifer, Ira; McCubbin, Ian B.; Eastwood, Michael L.; Green, Robert O.; Lundeen, Sarah R.; Sarture, Charles M.; Steele, Denis; Ryan, Thomas; Bradley, Eliza S.; Roberts, Dar A.; ,

2010-01-01

This report describes a method to create color-composite images indicative of thick oil:water emulsions on the surface of clear, deep ocean water by using normalized difference ratios derived from remotely sensed data collected by an imaging spectrometer. The spectral bands used in the normalized difference ratios are located in wavelength regions where the spectra of thick oil:water emulsions on the ocean's surface have a distinct shape compared to clear water and clouds. In contrast to quantitative analyses, which require rigorous conversion to reflectance, the method described is easily computed and can be applied rapidly to radiance data or data that have been atmospherically corrected or ground-calibrated to reflectance. Examples are shown of the method applied to Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer data collected May 17 and May 19, 2010, over the oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico.

Intracranial and Intraocular Pressure at the Lamina Cribrosa: Gradient Effects.

PubMed

Jóhannesson, Gauti; Eklund, Anders; Lindén, Christina

2018-04-12

A pressure difference between the intraocular and intracranial compartments at the site of the lamina cribrosa has been hypothesized to have a pathophysiological role in several optic nerve head diseases. This paper reviews the current literature on the translamina cribrosa pressure difference (TLCPD), the associated pressure gradient, and its potential pathophysiological role, as well as the methodology to assess TLCPD. For normal-tension glaucoma (NTG), initial studies indicated low intracranial pressure (ICP) while recent findings indicate that a reduced ICP is not mandatory. Data from studies on the elevated TLCPD as a pathophysiological factor of NTG are equivocal. From the identification of potential postural effects on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) communication between the intracranial and retrolaminar space, we hypothesize that the missing link could be a dysfunction of an occlusion mechanism of the optic nerve sheath around the optic nerve. In upright posture, this could cause an elevated TLCPD even with normal ICP and we suggest that this should be investigated as a pathophysiological component in NTG patients.

Normal values for segmental bioimpedance spectroscopy in pediatric patients.

PubMed

Avila, Maria Laura; Ward, Leigh C; Feldman, Brian M; Montoya, Madeline I; Stinson, Jennifer; Kiss, Alex; Brandão, Leonardo R

2015-01-01

Localized limb edema is a clinically relevant sign in diseases such as post-thrombotic syndrome and lymphedema. Quantitative evaluation of localized edema in children is mainly done by measuring the absolute difference in limb circumference, which includes fat and fat-free mass. Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) provides information on the fluid volume of a body segment. Our objective was to determine normal ranges for segmental (arm and leg) BIS measurements in healthy children. Additionally, we determined the normal ranges for the difference in arm and ankle circumference and explored the influence of handedness and the correlation between techniques. Healthy children aged 1-18 years were recruited. The ratio of extracellular fluid content between contralateral limbs (estimated as the inter-arm and inter-leg extracellular impedance ratio), and the ratio of extracellular to intracellular fluid content for each limb (estimated as the intracellular to extracellular impedance ratio) were determined with a bioimpedance spectrometer. Arm and ankle circumference was determined with a Gulick II tape. We recruited 223 healthy children (48 infants, 54 preschoolers, 66 school-aged children, and 55 teenagers). Normal values for arm and leg BIS measurements, and for the difference in arm and ankle circumference were estimated for each age category. No influence of handedness was found. We found a statistically significant correlation between extracellular impedance ratio and circumference difference for arms among teenagers. We determined normal BIS ranges for arms and legs and for the difference in circumference between arms and between ankles in children. There was no statistically significant correlation between extracellular impedance ratio and difference in circumference, except in the case of arms in adolescents. This may indicate that limb circumference measures quantities other than fluid, challenging the adequacy of this technique to determine the presence of localized edema in most age groups.

Formation and removal of PCDD/Fs in a municipal waste incinerator during different operating periods.

PubMed

Wang, Hou Chuan; Hwang, Jyh Feng; Chi, Kai Hsien; Chang, Moo Been

2007-04-01

The PCDD/F concentrations and removal efficiencies achieved with air pollution control devices (APCDs) during different operating periods (start-up, normal operation, and shut-down) at an existing municipal waste incinerator (MWI) in Taiwan are evaluated via stack sampling and analysis. The MWI investigated is equipped with electrostatic precipitators (EP), wet scrubbers (WS), and selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) as APCDs. The sampling results indicate that the PCDD/F concentrations at the EP inlet during start-up period were 15 times higher than that measured during normal operation period. The PCDD/F concentration observed at shut-down period was close to that measured at normal operation period. The CO concentration was between 400 and 1000 ppm during start-up period, which was about 50 times higher compared with the normal operation. Hence, combustion condition significantly affected the PCDD/F formation concentration during the waste incineration process. In addition, the distributions of the PCDD/F congeners were similar at different operating periods. During the normal operation and shut-down periods, the EP decreases the PCDD/F concentration (based on TEQ) by 18.4-48.6%, while the removal efficiency of PCDD/Fs achieved with SCR system reaches 99.3-99.6%. Nevertheless, the PCDD/F removal efficiency achieved with SCR was only 42% during the 19-h start-up period due to the low SCR operating temperature (195 degrees C).

Expression of metalloprotease insulin-degrading enzyme insulysin in normal and malignant human tissues.

PubMed

Yfanti, Christina; Mengele, Karin; Gkazepis, Apostolos; Weirich, Gregor; Giersig, Cecylia; Kuo, Wen-Liang; Tang, Wei-Jen; Rosner, Marsha; Schmitt, Manfred

2008-10-01

Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE, insulysin, insulinase; EC 3.4.22.11), a thiol metalloendopeptidase, is involved in intracellular degradation of insulin, thereby inhibiting its translocation and accumulation to the nucleus. Recently, protein expression of IDE has been demonstrated in the epithelial ducts of normal breast and breast cancer tissue. Utilizing four different antibodies generated against different epitopes of the IDE molecule, we performed Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining on several normal human tissues, on a plethora of tumor cell lines of different tissue origin, and on malignant breast and ovarian tissue. Applying the four IDE-directed antibodies, we demonstrated IDE expression at the protein level, by means of immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry, in each of the tumor cell lines analyzed. Insulin-degrading enzyme protein expression was found in normal tissues of the kidney, liver, lung, brain, breast and skeletal muscle, as well as in breast and ovarian cancer tissues. Immunohistochemical visualization of IDE indicated cytoplasmic localization of IDE in each of the cell lines and tissues assessed. In conclusion, we performed for the first time a wide-ranging survey on IDE protein expression in normal and malignant tissues and cells thus extending our knowledge on the cellular and tissue distribution of IDE, an enzyme which to date has mainly been studied in connection with Alzheimer's disease and diabetes but not in cancer.

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

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

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

1993-01-01

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

Methods of scaling threshold color difference using printed samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Min; Cui, Guihua; Liu, Haoxue; Luo, M. Ronnier

2012-01-01

A series of printed samples on substrate of semi-gloss paper and with the magnitude of threshold color difference were prepared for scaling the visual color difference and to evaluate the performance of different method. The probabilities of perceptibly was used to normalized to Z-score and different color differences were scaled to the Z-score. The visual color difference was got, and checked with the STRESS factor. The results indicated that only the scales have been changed but the relative scales between pairs in the data are preserved.

Isolation and genome-wide expression and methylation characterization of CD31+ cells from normal and malignant human prostate tissue

PubMed Central

Luo, Wei; Hu, Qiang; Wang, Dan; Deeb, Kristin K.; Ma, Yingyu; Morrison, Carl D.; Liu, Song; Johnson, Candace S.; Trump, Donald L.

2013-01-01

Endothelial cells (ECs) are an important component involved in the angiogenesis. Little is known about the global gene expression and epigenetic regulation in tumor endothelial cells. The identification of gene expression and epigenetic difference between human prostate tumor-derived endothelial cells (TdECs) and those in normal tissues may uncover unique biological features of TdEC and facilitate the discovery of new anti-angiogenic targets. We established a method for isolation of CD31+ endothelial cells from malignant and normal prostate tissues obtained at prostatectomy. TdECs and normal-derived ECs (NdECs) showed >90% enrichment in primary culture and demonstrated microvascular endothelial cell characteristics such as cobblestone morphology in monolayer culture, diI-acetyl-LDL uptake and capillary-tube like formation in Matrigel®. In vitro primary cultures of ECs maintained expression of endothelial markers such as CD31, von Willebrand factor, intercellular adhesion molecule, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2. We then conducted a pilot study of transcriptome and methylome analysis of TdECs and matched NdECs from patients with prostate cancer. We observed a wide spectrum of differences in gene expression and methylation patterns in endothelial cells, between malignant and normal prostate tissues. Array-based expression and methylation data were validated by qRT-PCR and bisulfite DNA pyrosequencing. Further analysis of transcriptome and methylome data revealed a number of differentially expressed genes with loci whose methylation change is accompanied by an inverse change in gene expression. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of isolation of ECs from histologically normal prostate and prostate cancer via CD31+ selection. The data, although preliminary, indicates that there exist widespread differences in methylation and transcription between TdECs and NdECs. Interestingly, only a small proportion of perturbed genes were overlapped between American (AA) and Caucasian American (CA) patients with prostate cancer. Our study indicates that identifying gene expression and/or epigenetic differences between TdECs and NdECs may provide us with new anti-angiogenic targets. Future studies will be required to further characterize the isolated ECs and determine the biological features that can be exploited in the prognosis and therapy of prostate cancer. PMID:23978847

Quantitative analysis of collagen change between normal and cancerous thyroid tissues based on SHG method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xiwen; Huang, Zufang; Xi, Gangqin; Chen, Yongjian; Lin, Duo; Wang, Jing; Li, Zuanfang; Sun, Liqing; Chen, Jianxin; Chen, Rong

2012-03-01

Second-harmonic generation (SHG) is proved to be a high spatial resolution, large penetration depth and non-photobleaching method. In our study, SHG method was used to investigate the normal and cancerous thyroid tissue. For SHG imaging performance, system parameters were adjusted for high-contrast images acquisition. Each x-y image was recorded in pseudo-color, which matches the wavelength range in the visible spectrum. The acquisition time for a 512×512-pixels image was 1.57 sec; each acquired image was averaged four frames to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Our results indicated that collagen presence as determined by counting the ratio of the SHG pixels over the whole pixels for normal and cancerous thyroid tissues were 0.48+/-0.05, 0.33+/-0.06 respectively. In addition, to quantitatively assess collagen-related changes, we employed GLCM texture analysis to the SHG images. Corresponding results showed that the correlation both fell off with distance in normal and cancerous group. Calculated value of Corr50 (the distance where the correlation crossed 50% of the initial correlation) indicated significant difference. This study demonstrates that SHG method can be used as a complementary tool in thyroid histopathology.

Comparison and Intercalibration of Vegetation Indices from Different Sensors for Monitoring Above-Ground Plant Nitrogen Uptake in Winter Wheat

PubMed Central

Yao, Xinfeng; Yao, Xia; Jia, Wenqing; Tian, Yongchao; Ni, Jun; Cao, Weixing; Zhu, Yan

2013-01-01

Various sensors have been used to obtain the canopy spectral reflectance for monitoring above-ground plant nitrogen (N) uptake in winter wheat. Comparison and intercalibration of spectral reflectance and vegetation indices derived from different sensors are important for multi-sensor data fusion and utilization. In this study, the spectral reflectance and its derived vegetation indices from three ground-based sensors (ASD Field Spec Pro spectrometer, CropScan MSR 16 and GreenSeeker RT 100) in six winter wheat field experiments were compared. Then, the best sensor (ASD) and its normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI (807, 736)) for estimating above-ground plant N uptake were determined (R2 of 0.885 and RMSE of 1.440 g·N·m−2 for model calibration). In order to better utilize the spectral reflectance from the three sensors, intercalibration models for vegetation indices based on different sensors were developed. The results indicated that the vegetation indices from different sensors could be intercalibrated, which should promote application of data fusion and make monitoring of above-ground plant N uptake more precise and accurate. PMID:23462622

Ferrokinetic and hematologic studies in cystic fibrosis patients

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

Wagener, J.S.; McNeill, G.C.; Taussig, L.M.

We investigated 28 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients to determine why hypoxia from their obstructive pulmonary disease does not produce polycythemia. Oxygen saturation was lower and erythropoietin levels were higher in CF patients than in 25 age-comparable reference subjects (90.8% and 47 mimu vs. 94.7% and 29 mimu, p less than 0.01). Hematocrit and red blood cell (RBC) indices were not different between groups. Serum vitamin and iron levels, ferrokinetics, RBC volume, and RBC survival were studied in 10 of the 28 CF patients. Total iron-binding capacity and vitamin E levels were low, and serum iron, ferritin, vitamin B12, and folatemore » levels were normal in these patients. Red blood cell survival was minimally decreased in six patients although there was no other evidence for hemolysis. Ferrokinetics (/sup 59/Fe) indicated a reduction in total erythropoiesis in only two patients. Plasma volume was high-normal in five and above normal in four CF patients; RBC mass was increased appropriately for each patient's degree of hypoxia, when compared to healthy individuals living at different altitudes. These results suggest that CF patients are able to compensate for hypoxia by increasing RBC mass; however, an expanded plasma volume prevents a detectable rise in hematocrit.« less

Temporal order and processing acuity of visual, auditory, and tactile perception in developmentally dyslexic young adults.

PubMed

Laasonen, M; Service, E; Virsu, V

2001-12-01

We studied the temporal acuity of 16 developmentally dyslexic young adults in three perceptual modalities. The control group consisted of 16 age- and IQ-matched normal readers. Two methods were used. In the temporal order judgment (TOJ) method, the stimuli were spatially separate fingertip indentations in the tactile system, tone bursts of different pitches in audition, and light flashes in vision. Participants indicated which one of two stimuli appeared first. To test temporal processing acuity (TPA), the same 8-msec nonspeech stimuli were presented as two parallel sequences of three stimulus pulses. Participants indicated, without order judgments, whether the pulses of the two sequences were simultaneous or nonsimultaneous. The dyslexic readers were somewhat inferior to the normal readers in all six temporal acuity tasks on average. Thus, our results agreed with the existence of a pansensory temporal processing deficit associated with dyslexia in a language with shallow orthography (Finnish) and in well-educated adults. The dyslexic and normal readers' temporal acuities overlapped so much, however, that acuity deficits alone would not allow dyslexia diagnoses. It was irrelevant whether or not the acuity task required order judgments. The groups did not differ in the nontemporal aspects of our experiments. Correlations between temporal acuity and reading-related tasks suggested that temporal acuity is associated with phonological awareness.

Development of spectral indices for roofing material condition status detection using field spectroscopy and WorldView-3 data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samsudin, Sarah Hanim; Shafri, Helmi Z. M.; Hamedianfar, Alireza

2016-04-01

Status observations of roofing material degradation are constantly evolving due to urban feature heterogeneities. Although advanced classification techniques have been introduced to improve within-class impervious surface classifications, these techniques involve complex processing and high computation times. This study integrates field spectroscopy and satellite multispectral remote sensing data to generate degradation status maps of concrete and metal roofing materials. Field spectroscopy data were used as bases for selecting suitable bands for spectral index development because of the limited number of multispectral bands. Mapping methods for roof degradation status were established for metal and concrete roofing materials by developing the normalized difference concrete condition index (NDCCI) and the normalized difference metal condition index (NDMCI). Results indicate that the accuracies achieved using the spectral indices are higher than those obtained using supervised pixel-based classification. The NDCCI generated an accuracy of 84.44%, whereas the support vector machine (SVM) approach yielded an accuracy of 73.06%. The NDMCI obtained an accuracy of 94.17% compared with 62.5% for the SVM approach. These findings support the suitability of the developed spectral index methods for determining roof degradation statuses from satellite observations in heterogeneous urban environments.

Using SPOT-5 images in rice farming for detecting BPH (Brown Plant Hopper)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghobadifar, F.; Wayayok, A.; Shattri, M.; Shafri, H.

2014-06-01

Infestation of rice plant-hopper such as Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) (Nilaparvata lugens) is one of the most notable risk in rice yield in tropical areas especially in Asia. In order to use visible and infrared images to detect stress in rice production caused by BPH infestation, several remote sensing techniques have been developed. Initial recognition of pest infestation by means of remote sensing will spreads, for precision farming practice. To address this issue, detection of sheath blight in rice farming was examined by using SPOT-5 images. Specific image indices such as Normalized decrease food production costs, limit environmental hazards, and enhance natural pest control before the problem Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Standard difference indices (SDI) and Ratio Vegetation Index (RVI) were used for analyses using ENVI 4.8 and SPSS software. Results showed that all the indices to recognize infected plants are significant at α = 0.01. Examination of the association between the disease indices indicated that band 3 (near infrared) and band 4 (mid infrared) have a relatively high correlation. The selected indices declared better association for detecting healthy plants from diseased ones. Consequently, these sorts of indices especially NDVI could be valued as indicators for developing techniques for detecting the sheath blight of rice by using remote sensing. This infers that they are useful for crop disease detection but the spectral resolution is probably not sufficient to distinguish plants with light infections (low severity level). Using the index as an indicator can clarify the threshold for zoning the outbreaks. Quick assessment information is very useful in precision farming to practice site specific management such as pesticide application.

Effect of land cover and green space on land surface temperature of a fast growing economic region in Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheikhi, A.; Kanniah, K. D.; Ho, C. H.

2015-10-01

Green space must be increased in the development of new cities as green space can moderate temperature in the cities. In this study we estimated the land surface temperature (LST) and established relationships between LST and land cover and various vegetation and urban surface indices in the Iskandar Malaysia (IM) region. IM is one of the emerging economic gateways of Malaysia, and is envisaged to transform into a metropolis by 2025. This change may cause increased temperature in IM and therefore we conducted a study by using Landsat 5 image covering the study region (2,217 km2) to estimate LST, classify different land covers and calculate spectral indices. Results show that urban surface had highest LST (24.49 °C) and the lowest temperature was recorded in, forest, rubber and water bodies ( 20.69 to 21.02°C). Oil palm plantations showed intermediate mean LST values with 21.65 °C. We further investigated the relationship between vegetation and build up densities with temperature. We extracted 1000 collocated pure pixels of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), Urban Index (UI) and LST in the study area. Results show a strong and significant negative correlation with (R2= -0.74 and -0.79) respectively between NDVI, NDWI and LST . Meanwhile a strong positive correlation (R2=0.8 and 0.86) exists between NDBI, UI and LST. These results show the importance of increasing green cover in urban environment to combat any adverse effects of climate change.

Ion beam analysis of ancient Mexican colored teeth from archaeological sites in Mexico City

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez-Fernández, L.; Ruvalcaba-Sil, J. L.; Ontalba-Salamanca, M. A.; Román-Berrelleza, J. A.; Gallardo, M. L.; Grimaldi, D. M.; de Lucio, O. G.; Miranda, J.

1999-04-01

Infant teeth with extremely rare colored enamel regions white, blue-gray and brown, have been analyzed by Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS). The teeth were part of human being sacrifices to deities of the Mexica culture, Mexico, corresponding to the Late Post-classic period (1325-1521 A.D.). Comparisons to normal teeth from the same historical period indicate that the colored ones present larger mean amounts of Mn and Fe, while Zn and Sr do not differ too much. Possible inorganic compounds responsible for the different colorations are indicated.

Oscillographic and Physiological Measurements of Delayed Auditory Feedback and Anxiety Factors in Stutterers and Non-Stutterers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Timmons, Beverly A.; Boudreau, James P.

Reported are five studies on the use of delayed auditory feedback (DAF) with stutterers. The first study indicates that sex differences and age differences in temporal reaction were found when subjects (5-, 7-, 9-, 11-, and 13-years-old) recited a nursery rhyme under DAF and NAF (normal auditory feedback) conditions. The second study is reported…

Auditory Evoked Potential Mismatch Negativity in Normal-Hearing Adults

PubMed Central

Schwade, Laura Flach; Didoné, Dayane Domeneghini; Sleifer, Pricila

2017-01-01

Introduction  Mismatch Negativity (MMN) corresponds to a response of the central auditory nervous system. Objective  The objective of this study is to analyze MMN latencies and amplitudes in normal-hearing adults and compare the results between ears, gender and hand dominance. Methods  This is a cross-sectional study. Forty subjects participated, 20 women and 20 men, aged 18 to 29 years and having normal auditory thresholds. A frequency of 1000Hz (standard stimuli) and 2000Hz (deviant stimuli) was used to evoked the MMN. Results  Mean latencies in the right ear were 169.4ms and 175.3ms in the left ear, with mean amplitudes of 4.6µV in the right ear and 4.2µV in the left ear. There was no statistically significant difference between ears. The comparison of latencies between genders showed a statistically significant difference for the right ear, being higher in the men than in women. There was no significant statistical difference between ears for both right-handed and left-handed group. However, the results indicated that the latency of the right ear was significantly higher for the left handers than the right handers. We also found a significant result for the latency of the left ear, which was higher for the right handers. Conclusion  It was possible to obtain references of values for the MMN. There are no differences in the MMN latencies and amplitudes between the ears. Regarding gender, the male group presented higher latencies in relation to the female group in the right ear. Some results indicate that there is a significant statistical difference of the MMN between right- and left-handed individuals. PMID:28680490

Experience and Grouping Effects when Handling Non-Normal Situations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trujillo, Anna C.

2004-01-01

Currently, most of the displays in control rooms can be categorized as status, alerts/procedures, or control screens. With the advent and use of CRTs and the associated computing power available to compute and display information, it is now possible to combine these different elements of information and control onto a single display. An experiment was conducted to determine which, if any, of these functions should be collocated in order to better handle simple anticipated non-normal system events. The results indicated that there are performance benefits and subject preferences to combining all the information onto one screen or combining the status and alert/procedure information onto one screen and placing the controls in another area. The results indicated that operators quickly modify their display preferences to the display configuration most recently used.

What is a Good Looking Penis? How Women Rate the Penile Appearance of Men with Surgically Corrected Hypospadias.

PubMed

Ruppen-Greeff, Norma Katharina; Weber, Daniel M; Gobet, Rita; Landolt, Markus A

2015-08-01

Some men with corrected hypospadias perceive their penile appearance to be abnormal, although health professionals consider these results satisfactory. The aim of this study was to investigate how relevant women consider single aspects of penile appearance to be. Moreover, we studied whether women perceive hypospadias-affected surgically repaired genitals (HASRGs) to be as normal-looking as circumcised genitals and identified the most relevant predictors that influence whether a penis is perceived as normal. In this cross-sectional study, 105 women in different age groups (age range: 16-20, 25-30, and 40-45 years) completed a standardized questionnaire. Participants had to rate the importance of eight penile aspects and to indicate how normal they found the appearance of standardized photos of 10 HASRGs and of 10 circumcised genitals. Furthermore, they were asked about demographic characteristics and their sexuality. Results showed that women considered the position and shape of the meatus as the least important penile aspect. Furthermore, results showed that HASRGs with distal hypospadias were perceived to be as normal-looking as circumcised genitals, whereas genitals with more proximal hypospadias were perceived as significantly less normal. However, the difference need not be considered clinically relevant, as the effect size was small. Observer-related predictors of a more positive perception of HASRGs were higher age, higher sexual interest, and perceiving the general cosmetic penile appearance as more important and penile length as less important. Overall, women were found to consider the "position and shape of the meatus" as the least important penile aspect. These findings may stimulate reflections regarding the relevance of surgical correction of the meatus in minor forms of hypospadias. In addition, this study indicates that women perceived genitals of men with distal operated hypospadias (which represents the majority of hypospadias) to be as normal as nonaffected, circumcised genitals. © 2015 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

Length Normalized Indices for Fat Mass and Fat-Free Mass in Preterm and Term Infants during the First Six Months of Life

PubMed Central

Goswami, Ipsita; Rochow, Niels; Fusch, Gerhard; Liu, Kai; Marrin, Michael L.; Heckmann, Matthias; Nelle, Mathias; Fusch, Christoph

2016-01-01

Objective: Postnatal tissue accretion in preterm infants differs from those in utero, affecting body composition (BC) and lifelong morbidity. Length normalized BC data allows infants with different body lengths to be compared and followed longitudinally. This study aims to analyze BC of preterm and term infants during the first six months of life. Methods: The BC data, measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, of 389 preterm and 132 term infants from four longitudinal studies were combined. Fat-mass/length2 (FMI) and fat-free mass/length2 (FFMI) for postmenstrual age were calculated after reaching full enteral feeding, at term and two further time points up to six months corrected age. Results: Median FMI (preterm) increased from 0.4 kg/m2 at 30 weeks to 2.5, 4.3, and 4.8 kg/m2 compared to 1.7, 4.7, and 6 kg/m2 in term infants at 40, 52, and 64 weeks, respectively. Median FFMI (preterm) increased from 8.5 kg/m2 (30 weeks) to 11.4 kg/m2 (45 weeks) and remained constant thereafter, whereas term FFMI remained constant at 11 kg/m2 throughout the tested time points. Conclusion: The study provides a large dataset of length normalized BC indices. Followed longitudinally, term and preterm infants differ considerably during early infancy in the pattern of change in FMI and FFMI for age. PMID:27399768

Developing a Method to Mask Trees in Commercial Multispectral Imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becker, S. J.; Daughtry, C. S. T.; Jain, D.; Karlekar, S. S.

2015-12-01

The US Army has an increasing focus on using automated remote sensing techniques with commercial multispectral imagery (MSI) to map urban and peri-urban agricultural and vegetative features; however, similar spectral profiles between trees (i.e., forest canopy) and other vegetation result in confusion between these cover classes. Established vegetation indices, like the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), are typically not effective in reliably differentiating between trees and other vegetation. Previous research in tree mapping has included integration of hyperspectral imagery (HSI) and LiDAR for tree detection and species identification, as well as the use of MSI to distinguish tree crowns from non-vegetated features. This project developed a straightforward method to model and also mask out trees from eight-band WorldView-2 (1.85 meter x 1.85 meter resolution at nadir) satellite imagery at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville, MD spanning 2012 - 2015. The study site included tree cover, a range of agricultural and vegetative cover types, and urban features. The modeling method exploits the product of the red and red edge bands and defines accurate thresholds between trees and other land covers. Results show this method outperforms established vegetation indices including the NDVI, Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index, Normalized Difference Water Index, Simple Ratio, and Normalized Difference Red Edge Index in correctly masking trees while preserving the other information in the imagery. This method is useful when HSI and LiDAR collection are not possible or when using archived MSI.

[Study on correlation between HLA-A, B, DR alleles and Duchenne muscular dystrophy].

PubMed

Chen, Wei; Xiao, Lulu; Zhang, Cheng; Wu, Hong-ling

2007-10-01

To analyze the polymorphism of HLA-A, B and DR alleles of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients in Han nationality of South China and to discuss the role of immune and genetic factors in the pathogenesis of DMD and muscular fiber necrosis. Polymerase chain reaction-reverse sequence specific oligonucleotide (PCR-RSSO) and National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) were used to analyze the polymorphism of HLA-A,B and DR alleles of 113 DMD patients and 406 normal controls in Han nationality of South China. The frequencies of HLA-A24, A30 alleles in DMD group were 11.25% and 5.46% respectively, indicating notable difference (P=0.001, < 0.01) from 22.16% and 0.87% of control group; the frequencies of HLA-B13, B15, B61 and B62 alleles in DMD group were 12.26%, 16.92%, 0.44% and 0.44%, indicating a notable difference (P=0.016, < 0.01, 0.001) from 6.76%, 1.49%, 4.79% and 5.05% of control group; the frequencies of HLA-DR04, DR07, DR12 alleles in DMD group were 17.45%, 6.40% and 19.62%, indicating a notable difference (P=0.018, < 0.01, 0.012) from 10.67%, 2.24% and 11.92% of control group. There are significant differences in the HLA gene frequencies between DMD patients and normal controls. These results suggest that HLA genotype relates to the muscular necrosis and the pathogenesis of DMD.

[Endocrine differences between patients with luteal phase deficiency and inadequate endometrial response].

PubMed

Xu, M; Zhang, Z; Jiang, S

1997-03-01

To study the difference of endocrine characteristics between patients with luteal phase deficiency (LPD) and inadequate endometrial response (IER). Serum estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and prolactin levels were determined by radioimmunoassay in cycles of LPD, IER and normal controls. Contents of endometrial cytoplasmic estradiol receptors (ERc), nuclear estradiol receptors (ERn), cytoplasmic progesterone receptors (PRc) and nuclear progesterone receptors (PRn) were determined by dextran coated charcoal assay in the same cycle. Serum E2 and P levels in the luteal phase of patients with LPD were significantly lower than those of normal group (P < 0.001), no significant difference of endometrial estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor contents was found between the two groups (P > 0.1). Serum E2 levels in both follicular and luteal phase of IER patients were significantly lower than those of normal groups (P < 0.001), but serum P levels in luteal phase of the two groups showed no difference (P > 0.1). The contents of ERc and PRn in proliferative phase and PRc contents throughout the menstrual cycle were also lower than those of the normal group (P < 0.001, < 0.001 and < 0.05 respectively). These results indicate that LPD and IER are two distinct entities in terms of endocrine characteristics. To distinguish underdeveloped endometrium caused by either LPD or IER is the key to choose appropriate treatment.

Assessing corn water stress using spectral reflectance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mefford, Brenna S.

Multiple remote sensing techniques have been developed to identify crop water stress, but some methods may be difficult for farmers to apply. Unlike most techniques, shortwave vegetation indices can be calculated using satellite, aerial, or ground imagery from the green (525-600 nm), red (625-700 nm), and near infrared (750-900 nm) spectral bands. If vegetation indices can be used to monitor crop water stress, growers could use this information as a quick low-cost guideline for irrigation management, thus helping save water by preventing over irrigating. This study occurred in the 2013 growing season near Greeley, CO, where pressurized drip irrigation was used to irrigate twelve corn ( Zea mays L.) treatments of varying water deficit. Multispectral data was collected and four different vegetation indices were evaluated: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Optimized Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (OSAVI), Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI), and the Wide Dynamic Range Vegetation Index (WDRVI). The four vegetation indices were compared to corn water stress as indicated by the stress coefficient (Ks) and water deficit in the root zone, calculated by using a water balance that monitors crop evapotranspiration (ET), irrigation events, precipitation events, and deep percolation. ET for the water balance was calculated using two different methods for comparison purposes: (1) calculation of the stress coefficient (Ks) using FAO-56 standard procedures; (2) use of canopy temperature ratio (Tc ratio) of a stressed crop to a non-stressed crop to calculate Ks. It was found that obtaining Ks from Tc ratio is a viable option, and requires less data to obtain than Ks from FAO-56. In order to compare the indices to Ks, vegetation ratios were developed in the process of normalization. Vegetation ratios are defined as the non-stressed vegetation index divided by the stressed vegetation index. Results showed that vegetation ratios were sensitive to water stress as indicated by good R2 values (Nratio = 0.53, G ratio=0.46, Oratio=0.49) and low RMSE values (Nratio = 0.076, Gratio=0.062, Oratio=0.076) when compared to Ks. Therefore it can be concluded that corn spectral reflectance is sensitive to water stress. In order to use spectral reflectance to manage crop water stress an irrigation trigger point of 0.93 for the vegetation ratios was determined. These results were validated using data collected by a MSR5 multispectral sensor in an adjacent field (SWIIM Field). The results from the second field proved better than in the main field giving higher R 2 values (Nratio = 0.66, Gratio = 0.63, Oratio = 0.66), and lower RMSE values (Nratio = 0.043, Gratio = 0.036, Oratio = 0.043) between Ks and the vegetation indices. SWIIM field further validated the results that spectral reflectance can be used to monitor corn water stress.

Prospective evaluation of basal stromal Doppler studies in women with good ovarian reserve and infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer treatment: patients with polycystic ovary syndrome versus ovulatory patients.

PubMed

Younis, Johnny S; Jadaon, Jimmy E; Haddad, Sami; Izhaki, Ido; Ben-Ami, Moshe

2011-04-01

To gain insight into the ovarian stromal blood flow in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as compared with women with normal ovulation, good ovarian reserve, and infertility and to evaluate the role of stromal flow in these patients to predict clinical pregnancy in an assisted reproductive technologies setting. A prospective observational cohort study. A university-affiliated reproductive medicine unit. Eighteen consecutive patients with PCOS (study) compared with 101 patients with normal ovulation and infertility (control), undergoing their first IVF-ET treatment at our unit. Women with low ovarian reserve were excluded a priori from evaluation. Basal ovarian reserve parameters and stromal flow studies were conducted as routinely performed in our unit, in a natural cycle before starting treatment. None. Basal ovarian endocrine, sonographic, and stromal flow studies were compared between the groups. After completion of treatment, the stromal flow studies were compared between conception and nonconception cycles. Patients' characteristics and basal ovarian reserve, including endocrine and sonographic parameters, were similar between the PCOS and control groups. Only antral follicle count and LH/FSH ratio were higher in the PCOS as compared with the control group, corresponding to 15.11 ± 6.05 versus 9.05 ± 4.77 and 1.14 ± 0.64 versus 0.79 ± 0.37, respectively. Basal stromal flow indices were similar between the PCOS group and the group with normal ovulation and good ovarian reserve. Clinical pregnancy rate per initiated cycle was 50.0% and 39.6% in the PCOS and control groups, respectively, with no significant difference. Flow indices were similar between conception cycles in the PCOS and control groups. As well, the indices did not differ significantly between conception and nonconception cycles within the PCOS and control groups. Basal ovarian stromal blood flow does not differ between women with PCOS and women with normal ovulation, good ovarian reserve, and infertility. Moreover, stromal flow has no predictive value, in these patients, for clinical pregnancy achievement in an IVF-ET setting. Copyright © 2011 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Torsional Tribological Behavior and Torsional Friction Model of Polytetrafluoroethylene against 1045 Steel

PubMed Central

Wang, Shibo; Niu, Chengchao

2016-01-01

In this work, the plane-on-plane torsional fretting tribological behavior of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was studied. A model of a rigid, flat-ended punch acting on an elastic half-space was built according to the experimental conditions. The results indicate that the shape of T–θ curves was influenced by both the torsional angle and the normal load. The torsion friction torque and wear rate of PTFE exponentially decreased when the torsion angle rose. The torsional torque increased from 0.025 N·m under a normal load of 43 N to 0.082 N·m under a normal load of 123 N. With sequentially increasing normal load, the value of torque was maintained. With rising normal load, the wear mass loss of PTFE disks was increased and the wear rate was decreased. Good agreement was found with the calculated torque according to the model and the experimental torque except for that under a normal load of 163 N. The difference under a normal load of 163 N was caused by the coefficient of friction. Usually the coefficient of friction of a polymer decreases with increasing normal load, whereas a constant coefficient of friction was applied in the model. PMID:26799324

Personality correlates of criminals: A comparative study between normal controls and criminals

PubMed Central

Sinha, Sudhinta

2016-01-01

Background: Personality is a major factor in many kinds of behavior, one of which is criminal behavior. To determine what makes a criminal “a criminal,” we must understand his/her personality. This study tries to identify different personality traits which link criminals to their personality. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 37 male criminals of district jail of Dhanbad (Jharkhand) and 36 normal controls were included on a purposive sampling basis. Each criminal was given a personal datasheet and Cattel's 16 personality factors (PFs) scale for assessing their sociodemographic variables and different personality traits. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the relation between personality traits and criminal behavior, and to determine whether such factors are predictive of future recidivism. Results: Results indicated high scores on intelligence, impulsiveness, suspicion, self-sufficient, spontaneity, self-concept control factors, and very low scores on emotionally less stable on Cattel's 16 PFs scale in criminals as compared with normal. Conclusion: Criminals differ from general population or non criminals in terms of personality traits. PMID:28163407

Women have farther to fall: gender differences between normal elderly and Alzheimer's disease in verbal memory engender better detection of Alzheimer's disease in women.

PubMed

Chapman, Robert M; Mapstone, Mark; Gardner, Margaret N; Sandoval, Tiffany C; McCrary, John W; Guillily, Maria D; Reilly, Lindsey A; DeGrush, Elizabeth

2011-07-01

We analyzed verbal episodic memory learning and recall using the Logical Memory (LM) subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale-III to determine how gender differences in AD compare to those seen in normal elderly and whether or not these differences impact assessment of AD. We administered the LM to both an AD and a Control group, each comprised of 21 men and 21 women, and found a large drop in performance from normal elders to AD. Of interest was a gender interaction whereby the women's scores dropped 1.6 times more than the men's did. Control women on average outperformed Control men on every aspect of the test, including immediate recall, delayed recall, and learning. Conversely, AD women tended to perform worse than AD men. Additionally, the LM achieved perfect diagnostic accuracy in discriminant analysis of AD versus Control women, a statistically significantly higher result than for men. The results indicate the LM is a more powerful and reliable tool in detecting AD in women than in men.

Based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy analysis of serum albumin in different stages of liver disease for early screening primary liver cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Fadian; Ruan, Qiuyong; Lin, Juqiang; Lin, Jinyong; Zeng, Yongyi; Li, Ling; Huang, Zufang; Liu, Nenrong; Chen, Rong

2014-09-01

Despite the introduction of high-technology methods of detection and diagnosis, screening of primary liver cancer (PLC) remains imperfect. To diagnosis PLC earlier, Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) coupled with cellulose-acetate membrane electrophoresis were introduced to separate human serum albumin and SERS spectra. Three groups (15 normal persons' samples, 17 hepatitis/cirrhosis samples, 15 cases of PLC) of serum albumin were tested. Silver colloid was used to obtain SERS spectra of human serum albumin. Principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were also employed for statistical analysis. The mean Raman spectra of three groups and the difference spectra of any two suggested that the albumin has changed in liver patients. Compared to normal groups, some Raman peaks have shifted or even disappeared in hepatitis/cirrhosis and PLCs groups. The sensitivity and specificity between PLCs and normal groups is 80% and 93.3%. Among hepatitis/cirrhosis and normal groups, the sensitivity is 88.2% and specificity is also 93.3%. Besides, the sensitivity and specificity between PLCs and hepatitis/cirrhosis groups is 86.7% and 76.5%. All the above data and results indicated that early screening of PLC is potential by SERS in different stages of liver disease before cancer occurs.

Three-dimensional finite analysis of acetabular contact pressure and contact area during normal walking.

PubMed

Wang, Guangye; Huang, Wenjun; Song, Qi; Liang, Jinfeng

2017-11-01

This study aims to analyze the contact areas and pressure distributions between the femoral head and mortar during normal walking using a three-dimensional finite element model (3D-FEM). Computed tomography (CT) scanning technology and a computer image processing system were used to establish the 3D-FEM. The acetabular mortar model was used to simulate the pressures during 32 consecutive normal walking phases and the contact areas at different phases were calculated. The distribution of the pressure peak values during the 32 consecutive normal walking phases was bimodal, which reached the peak (4.2 Mpa) at the initial phase where the contact area was significantly higher than that at the stepping phase. The sites that always kept contact were concentrated on the acetabular top and leaned inwards, while the anterior and posterior acetabular horns had no pressure concentration. The pressure distributions of acetabular cartilage at different phases were significantly different, the zone of increased pressure at the support phase distributed at the acetabular top area, while that at the stepping phase distributed in the inside of acetabular cartilage. The zones of increased contact pressure and the distributions of acetabular contact areas had important significance towards clinical researches, and could indicate the inductive factors of acetabular osteoarthritis. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Taiwan.

Histological and reference system for the analysis of mouse intervertebral disc.

PubMed

Tam, Vivian; Chan, Wilson C W; Leung, Victor Y L; Cheah, Kathryn S E; Cheung, Kenneth M C; Sakai, Daisuke; McCann, Matthew R; Bedore, Jake; Séguin, Cheryle A; Chan, Danny

2018-01-01

A new scoring system based on histo-morphology of mouse intervertebral disc (IVD) was established to assess changes in different mouse models of IVD degeneration and repair. IVDs from mouse strains of different ages, transgenic mice, or models of artificially induced IVD degeneration were assessed. Morphological features consistently observed in normal, and early/later stages of degeneration were categorized into a scoring system focused on nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) changes. "Normal NP" exhibited a highly cellularized cell mass that decreased with natural ageing and in disc degeneration. "Normal AF" consisted of distinct concentric lamellar structures, which was disrupted in severe degeneration. NP/AF clefts indicated more severe changes. Consistent scores were obtained between experienced and new users. Altogether, our scoring system effectively differentiated IVD changes in various strains of wild-type and genetically modified mice and in induced models of IVD degeneration, and is applicable from the post-natal stage to the aged mouse. This scoring tool and reference resource addresses a pressing need in the field for studying IVD changes and cross-study comparisons in mice, and facilitates a means to normalize mouse IVD assessment between different laboratories. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:233-243, 2018. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Changes in Landscape Greenness and Climatic Factors over 25 Years (1989–2013) in the USA

EPA Science Inventory

Monitoring and quantifying changes in vegetation cover over large areas using remote sensing can be achieved using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), an indicator of greenness. However, distinguishing gradual shifts in NDVI (e.g. climate change) versus direct and ...

Assessing phenological change in China from 1982 to 2006 using AVHRR imagery

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Long term trends in vegetation phenology indicate ecosystem change due to the combined impacts of human activities and climate. In this study, we used 1982 to 2006 Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (AVHRR NDVI) imagery across China and the TIMESAT progra...

Photoacoustic Imaging for Differential Diagnosis of Benign Polyps versus Malignant Polyps of the Gallbladder: A Preliminary Study.

PubMed

Chae, Hee-Dong; Lee, Jae Young; Jang, Jin-Young; Chang, Jin Ho; Kang, Jeeun; Kang, Mee Joo; Han, Joon Koo

2017-01-01

To investigate the feasibility of ex vivo multispectral photoacoustic (PA) imaging in differentiating cholesterol versus neoplastic polyps, and benign versus malignant polyps, of the gallbladder. A total of 38 surgically confirmed gallbladder polyps (24 cholesterol polyps, 4 adenomas, and 10 adenocarcinomas) from 38 patients were prospectively included in this study. The surgical specimens were set on a gel pad immersed in a saline-filled container. The PA intensities of polyps were then measured, using two separate wavelength intervals (421-647 nm and 692-917 nm). Mann-Whitney U test was performed for the comparison of normalized PA intensities between the cholesterol and neoplastic polyps, and between the benign and malignant polyps. Kruskal-Wallis test was conducted for the comparison of normalized PA intensities among the cholesterol polyps, adenomas, and adenocarcinomas. A significant difference was observed in the normalized PA intensities between the cholesterol and neoplastic polyps at 459 nm (median, 1.00 vs. 0.73; p = 0.032). Comparing the benign and malignant polyps, there were significant differences in the normalized PA intensities at 765 nm (median, 0.67 vs. 0.78; p = 0.013), 787 nm (median, 0.65 vs. 0.77; p = 0.034), and 853 nm (median, 0.59 vs. 0.85; p = 0.028). The comparison of the normalized PA intensities among cholesterol polyps, adenomas, and adenocarcinomas demonstrated marginally significant differences at 765 nm (median, 0.67 vs. 0.66 vs. 0.78, respectively; p = 0.049). These preliminary results indicate that benign versus malignant gallbladder polyps might exhibit different spectral patterns on multispectral PA imaging.

Abnormal lung sounds in patients with asthma during episodes with normal lung function.

PubMed

Schreur, H J; Vanderschoot, J; Zwinderman, A H; Dijkman, J H; Sterk, P J

1994-07-01

Even in patients with clinically stable asthma with normal lung function, the airways are characterized by inflammatory changes, including mucosal swelling. In order to investigate whether lung sounds can distinguish these subjects from normal subjects, we compared lung sound characteristics between eight normal and nine symptom-free subjects with mild asthma. All subjects underwent simultaneous recordings of airflow, lung volume changes, and lung sounds during standardized quiet breathing, and during forced maneuvers. Flow-dependent power spectra were computed using fast Fourier transform. For each spectrum we determined lung sound intensity (LSI), frequencies (Q25%, Q50%, Q75%) wheezing (W), and W%. The results were analyzed by ANOVA. During expiration, LSI was lower in patients with asthma than in healthy controls, in particular at relatively low airflow values. During quiet expiration, Q25% to Q75% were higher in asthmatics than in healthy controls, while the change of Q25% to Q75% with flow was greater in asthmatic than in normal subjects. The W and W% were not different between the subject groups. The results indicate that at given airflows, lung sounds are lower in intensity and higher in pitch in asthmatics as compared with controls. This suggests that the generation and/or transmission of lung sounds in symptom-free patients with stable asthma differ from that in normal subjects, even when lung function is within the normal range. Therefore, airflow standardized phonopneumography might reflect morphologic changes in airways of patients with asthma.

Crowding in central vision in normally sighted and visually impaired [corrected] children aged 4 to 8 years: the influence of age and test design.

PubMed

Huurneman, Bianca; Boonstra, F Nienke; Cillessen, Antonius H N; van Rens, Ger; Cox, Ralf F A

2012-06-01

To investigate crowding ratios in children with a visual impairment due to ocular disease (n = 58) and normally sighted children (n = 75) aged 4 to 8 years using several variants of two clinically available tests with different optotype spacing (fixed or proportional to the optotype size). Crowding ratios, calculated by dividing the single acuity by the linear acuity, were measured binocularly with the C-test and the LH line chart. Ratios >1.00 indicate crowding. The charts with fixed spacing revealed significantly higher crowding ratios for visually impaired children than normally sighted children (both for measurements at 40 cm and 5 m). The age-related reduction of the crowding ratios seen in normally sighted children when tested with near-vision charts with fixed spacing was not present in the visually impaired group. Visually impaired children with nystagmus showed higher crowding ratios than visually impaired children without nystagmus. The chart with proportional intersymbol spacing (ISS) did not reveal differences between the normally sighted and visually impaired children; nor did it show group, age, or nystagmus effects. Visually impaired children showed higher crowding ratios than normally sighted children when measured with charts with fixed ISS. This study illustrates that test design and target/flanker interference as a manifestation of crowding are critical issues to bear in mind when assessing crowding ratios in children.

Developmental Trajectory of McGurk Effect Susceptibility in Children and Adults With Amblyopia.

PubMed

Narinesingh, Cindy; Goltz, Herbert C; Raashid, Rana Arham; Wong, Agnes M F

2015-03-05

The McGurk effect is an audiovisual illusion that involves the concurrent presentation of a phoneme (auditory syllable) and an incongruent viseme (visual syllable). Adults with amblyopia show less susceptibility to this illusion than visually normal controls, even when viewing binocularly. The present study investigated the developmental trajectory of McGurk effect susceptibility in adults, older children (10-17 years), and younger children (4-9 years) with amblyopia. A total of 62 participants with amblyopia (22 adults, 12 older children, 28 younger children) and 66 visually normal controls (25 adults, 17 older children, 24 younger children) viewed videos that combined phonemes and visemes, and were asked to report what they heard. Videos with congruent (auditory and visual matching) and incongruent (auditory and visual not matching) stimuli were presented. Incorrect responses on incongruent trials correspond to high McGurk effect susceptibility, indicating that the viseme influenced the phoneme. Participants with amblyopia (28.0% ± 3.3%) demonstrated a less consistent McGurk effect than visually normal controls (15.2% ± 2.3%) across all age groups (P = 0.0024). Effect susceptibility increased with age (P = 0.0003) for amblyopic participants and controls. Both groups showed a similar response pattern to different speakers and syllables, but amblyopic participants invariably demonstrated a less consistent effect. Amblyopia is associated with reduced McGurk effect susceptibility in children and adults. Our findings indicate that the differences do not simply indicate delayed development in children with amblyopia; rather, they represent permanent alterations that persist into adulthood. Copyright 2015 The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Inc.

On entanglement of light and Stokes parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Żukowski, Marek; Laskowski, Wiesław; Wieśniak, Marcin

2016-08-01

We present a new approach to Stokes parameters, which enables one to see better non-classical properties of bright quantum light, and of undefined overall photon numbers. The crucial difference is as follows. The standard quantum optical Stokes parameters are averages of differences of intensities of light registered at the two exits of polarization analyzers, and one gets their normalized version by dividing them by the average total intensity. The new ones are averages of the registered normalized Stokes parameters, for the duration of the experiment. That is, we redefine each Stokes observable as the difference of photon number operators at the two exits of a polarizing beam splitter multiplied by the inverse of their sum. The vacuum eigenvalue of the operator is defined a zero. We show that with such an approach one can obtain more sensitive entanglement indicators based on polarization measurements.

Measuring the electromagnetic chirality of 2D arrays under normal illumination.

PubMed

Garcia-Santiago, X; Burger, S; Rockstuhl, C; Fernandez-Corbaton, I

2017-10-15

We present an electromagnetic chirality measure for 2D arrays of subwavelength periodicities under normal illumination. The calculation of the measure uses only the complex reflection and transmission coefficients from the array. The measure allows the ordering of arrays according to their electromagnetic chirality, which further allows a quantitative comparison of different design strategies. The measure is upper bounded, and the extreme properties of objects with high values of electromagnetic chirality make them useful in both near- and far-field applications. We analyze the consequences that different possible symmetries of the array have on its electromagnetic chirality. We use the measure to study four different arrays. The results indicate the suitability of helices for building arrays of high electromagnetic chirality, and the low effectiveness of a substrate for breaking the transverse mirror symmetry.

Ideologies of care in community residential services: what do caregivers believe?

PubMed

Heaney, C A; Burke, A C

1995-10-01

Ideologies of care, or systems of beliefs about the importance of particular goals and activities, help guide how care is provided. One currently pervasive ideology of care is that of normalization. In this paper, the ideologies of care of both house managers and direct care staff in group homes are contrasted. Results indicate that the ideology of direct care staff is less differentiated than that of the house managers. In addition, house managers are more likely to subscribe to a normalization ideology and less likely to subscribe to a family orientation ideology than are direct care staff. Ideological differences between house managers and direct care staff are only partially explained by differences in the demographic composition of the two groups.

Damage to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex reduces interpersonal disgust.

PubMed

Ciaramelli, Elisa; Sperotto, Rebecca G; Mattioli, Flavia; di Pellegrino, Giuseppe

2013-02-01

Disgust for contaminating objects (core disgust), immoral behaviors (moral disgust) and unsavory others (interpersonal disgust), have been assumed to be closely related. It is not clear, however, whether different forms of disgust are mediated by overlapping or specific neural substrates. We report that 10 patients with damage to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) avoided behaviors that normally elicit interpersonal disgust (e.g. using the scarf of a busker) less frequently than healthy and brain-damaged controls, whereas they avoided core and moral disgust elicitors at normal rates. These results indicate that different forms of disgust are dissociated neurally. We propose that the vmPFC is causally (and selectively) involved in mediating interpersonal disgust, shaping patterns of social avoidance and approach.

Damage to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex reduces interpersonal disgust

PubMed Central

Ciaramelli, Elisa; Sperotto, Rebecca G.; Mattioli, Flavia

2013-01-01

Disgust for contaminating objects (core disgust), immoral behaviors (moral disgust) and unsavory others (interpersonal disgust), have been assumed to be closely related. It is not clear, however, whether different forms of disgust are mediated by overlapping or specific neural substrates. We report that 10 patients with damage to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) avoided behaviors that normally elicit interpersonal disgust (e.g. using the scarf of a busker) less frequently than healthy and brain-damaged controls, whereas they avoided core and moral disgust elicitors at normal rates. These results indicate that different forms of disgust are dissociated neurally. We propose that the vmPFC is causally (and selectively) involved in mediating interpersonal disgust, shaping patterns of social avoidance and approach. PMID:22842816

Comparison of MODIS and AVHRR 16-day normalized difference vegetation index composite data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gallo, Kevin P.; Ji, Lei; Reed, Bradley C.; Dwyer, John L.; Eidenshink, Jeffery C.

2004-01-01

Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data derived from visible and near-infrared data acquired by the MODIS and AVHRR sensors were compared over the same time periods and a variety of land cover classes within the conterminous USA. The relationship between the AVHRR derived NDVI values and those of future sensors is critical to continued long term monitoring of land surface properties. The results indicate that the 16-day composite values are quite similar over the 23 intervals of 2001 that were analyzed, and a linear relationship exists between the NDVI values from the two sensors. The composite AVHRR NDVI data were associated with over 90% of the variation in the MODIS NDVI values. Copyright 2004 by the American Geophysical Union.

Compositions of Normal and Anomalous Eucrite-Type Mafic Achondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mittlefehldt, D. W.; Peng, Z. X.; Mertzman, S. A.

2016-01-01

The most common asteroidal igneous meteorites are eucrite-type mafic achondrites - basalts and gabbros composed of ferroan pigeonite, ferroan augite, calcic plagioclase, silica, ilmenite, troilite, Ca-phosphate, chromite and Fe-metal. These rocks are thought to have formed on a single asteroid along with howardites and diogenites. However, high precision O-isotopic analyses have shown that some mafic achondrites have small, well-resolved, non-mass-dependent differences that have been interpreted as indicating derivation from different asteroids. Some of these O-anomalous mafic achondrites also have anomalous petrologic characteristics, strengthening the case that they hail from distinct parent asteroids. We present the results of bulk compositional studies of a suite of normal and anomalous eucrite-type basalts and cumulate gabbros.

The Profile of Memory Function in Children With Autism

PubMed Central

Williams, Diane L.; Goldstein, Gerald; Minshew, Nancy J.

2007-01-01

A clinical memory test was administered to 38 high-functioning children with autism and 38 individually matched normal controls, 8–16 years of age. The resulting profile of memory abilities in the children with autism was characterized by relatively poor memory for complex visual and verbal information and spatial working memory with relatively intact associative learning ability, verbal working memory, and recognition memory. A stepwise discriminant function analysis of the subtests found that the Finger Windows subtest, a measure of spatial working memory, discriminated most accurately between the autism and normal control groups. A principal components analysis indicated that the factor structure of the subtests differed substantially between the children with autism and controls, suggesting differing organizations of memory ability. PMID:16460219

Time-independent models of asset returns revisited

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gillemot, L.; Töyli, J.; Kertesz, J.; Kaski, K.

2000-07-01

In this study we investigate various well-known time-independent models of asset returns being simple normal distribution, Student t-distribution, Lévy, truncated Lévy, general stable distribution, mixed diffusion jump, and compound normal distribution. For this we use Standard and Poor's 500 index data of the New York Stock Exchange, Helsinki Stock Exchange index data describing a small volatile market, and artificial data. The results indicate that all models, excluding the simple normal distribution, are, at least, quite reasonable descriptions of the data. Furthermore, the use of differences instead of logarithmic returns tends to make the data looking visually more Lévy-type distributed than it is. This phenomenon is especially evident in the artificial data that has been generated by an inflated random walk process.

The MMPI-2 in chronic psychiatric illness.

PubMed

Bosch, Peggy; Van Luijtelaar, Gilles; Van Den Noort, Maurits; Schenkwald, Julia; Kueppenbender, Nicole; Lim, Sabina; Egger, Jos; Coenen, Anton

2014-10-01

While previous studies on the MMPI-2 in patients with schizophrenia and depression have used mixed samples of both early stage and chronic psychiatric patients. Here, it is investigated whether chronicity itself might have a differential effect on the MMPI-2 profiles of these patients and whether demoralization 'associated with long-term illness' affects the scales of the MMPI-2. Thirty long-term patients with schizophrenia, 30 long-term patients with depression, and 30 healthy participants completed the MMPI-2. Groups were compared on Clinical Scales and on the Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales. Patients with schizophrenia differed from patients with depression on 14 MMPI-2 scales and from healthy controls on 10 scales, generally showing mean UT-scores < 65, indicating a subjective experience of (near) normal functioning. Patients with depression differed from healthy controls on 17 scales mostly with UT-scores > 65, indicating impaired functioning. Demoralization was higher in patients with depression than in patients with schizophrenia and both psychiatric groups differed from the healthy control group. It is concluded that long-term patients with depression show impaired functioning and high demoralization, while long-term patients with schizophrenia surprisingly show near normal functioning and less demoralization. © 2014 Scandinavian Psychological Associations and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Drought in the Rockies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

This image shows the difference between the amount of vegetation in July 2000 and the average July vegetation for North America. Of particular interest are the dry conditions in the western United States. This spring and summer the Rocky Mountains have been relatively dry, and the brown regions stretching from the Canadian to the Mexican border, indicate the effect on the regions' forests. Western Montana and eastern Idaho are particularly parched, and appear darker brown. The dry conditions have contributed to this year's devastating fire season, during which millions of acres have burned in the west. Scientists find that during the growing season, land plants can be used to measure drought. Healthy, thriving plants reflect and absorb visible and near-infrared light differently than plants under stress. These variations in reflectance and absorption can be measured by satellites to produce maps of healthy and stressed vegetation. This image shows Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) anomaly, which indicates where vegetation growth was above average (green pixels), below average (brown pixels), or normal (white pixels). For more images and information about measuring vegetation and drought from space visit: Drought and Vegetation Monitoring. Image courtesy NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Biospheric Sciences Branch, based on data from NOAA.

Post-extension shortening strains preserved in calcites of the Keweenawan rift

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

Donnelly, K.; Craddock, J.; McGovern, M.

1993-02-01

The Keweenawan rift is part of failed triple junction system that underlies Lake Superior and the Michigan Basin. The rift experienced extensional stresses dating about 1.1 Ga, which were followed by compressional stresses from about 1,060 Ma to < 350 Ma. Associated with the rift are two thrust faults: the Douglas (dipping southeast) and the Keweenawan-Lake Owen (dipping northwest). To determine the direction of rifting, calcite twins were used to calculate strain ellipsoids (Groshong method) which are indicative of the intensity and direction of the stress applied to a rocks in a region at a given time. Rock samples whichmore » contain significant calcite within the zone of rifting were collected, slabbed, and made into thin sections. Calcite appears as amygdule, vein, and cement filings, as well as limestones. Analyses show that different calcite types show different stain orientations. Two principle directions of sub-horizontal shortening are present: one parallel to rift, and one normal to the rift, indicating that rifting motion varied out the time in which different calcite types were deposited. Shortening parallel to the rift is seen predominantly on the western margin while shortening normal to the rift is seen predominantly on the eastern margin.« less

Fluctuations in heart rate variability of health care workers during four consecutive extended work shifts and recovery during rest and sleep.

PubMed

Goffeng, Elisabeth M; Nordby, Karl-Christian; Tarvainen, Mika P; Järvelin-Pasanen, Susanna; Wagstaff, Anthony; Goffeng, Lars Ole; Bugge, Merete; Skare, Øivind; Sigstad Lie, Jenny-Anne

2018-04-07

The aim of this study was to investigate fluctuations in heart rate variability (HRV), which reflect autonomic nervous system (ANS) function and potential psychological and physical strain, among 24 health care workers during work and sleep during four consecutive extended work shifts. Data included 24/36/12 h of HRV measurements, two logbooks, and a questionnaire. A cross-shift/cross-week design was applied. HRV was measured during work, leisure time, and sleep. The HRV data included time-domain [mean RR, SD of normal to normal R-R intervals (SDNN), and root mean square of the successive differences (RMSSD)] and frequency-domain [low frequency (LF)/high frequency (HF) ratio] parameters. HRV parameters revealed significant differences among work, leisure time, and sleep. Mean RR, RMSSD, and SDNN values were lower and the LF/HF ratio was higher on the first versus last day of the work period; however, the differences were most prominent in the morning hours. The results indicate higher levels of cardiovascular stress on the first versus fourth day of the working period, and measurements at night indicate a satisfactory recovery from the extended shifts.

Gastroprotective Properties of Karanjin from Karanja (Pongamia pinnata) Seeds; Role as Antioxidant and H, K-ATPase Inhibitor.

PubMed

Vismaya; Belagihally, Srikanta M; Rajashekhar, Sindhu; Jayaram, Vinay B; Dharmesh, Shylaja M; Thirumakudalu, Sindhu Kanya C

2011-01-01

Plant extracts are the most attractive sources of newer drugs and have been shown to produce promising results for the treatment of gastric ulcers. Karanjin, a furano-flavonoid has been evaluated for anti-ulcerogenic property by employing adult male albino rats. Karanjin (>95% pure) was administered to these rats in two different concentrations, that is, 10 and 20 mg kg(-1) b.w. Ulcers were induced in the experimental animals by swim and ethanol stress. Serum, stomach and liver-tissue homogenates were assessed for biochemical parameters. Karanjin inhibited 50 and 74% of ulcers induced by swim stress at 10 and 20 mg kg(-1) b.w., respectively. Gastric mucin was protected up to 85% in case of swim stress, whereas only 47% mucin recovery was seen in ethanol stress induced ulcers. H(+), K(+)-ATPase activity, which was increased 2-fold in ulcer conditions, was normalized by Karanjin in both swim/ethanol stress-induced ulcer models. Karanjin could inhibit oxidative stress as evidenced by the normalization of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme (i.e., catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) levels. Karanjin at concentrations of 20 mg kg(-1) b.w., when administered orally for 14 days, did not indicate any lethal effects. There were no significant differences in total protein, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase between normal and Karanjin-treated rats indicating no adverse effect on major organs. During treatment schedule, animals remained as healthy as control animals with normal food and water intake and body weight gain.

Gastroprotective Properties of Karanjin from Karanja (Pongamia pinnata) Seeds; Role as Antioxidant and H+, K+-ATPase Inhibitor

PubMed Central

Vismaya; Belagihally, Srikanta M.; Rajashekhar, Sindhu; Jayaram, Vinay B.; Dharmesh, Shylaja M.; Thirumakudalu, Sindhu Kanya C.

2011-01-01

Plant extracts are the most attractive sources of newer drugs and have been shown to produce promising results for the treatment of gastric ulcers. Karanjin, a furano-flavonoid has been evaluated for anti-ulcerogenic property by employing adult male albino rats. Karanjin (>95% pure) was administered to these rats in two different concentrations, that is, 10 and 20 mg kg−1 b.w. Ulcers were induced in the experimental animals by swim and ethanol stress. Serum, stomach and liver-tissue homogenates were assessed for biochemical parameters. Karanjin inhibited 50 and 74% of ulcers induced by swim stress at 10 and 20 mg kg−1 b.w., respectively. Gastric mucin was protected up to 85% in case of swim stress, whereas only 47% mucin recovery was seen in ethanol stress induced ulcers. H+, K+-ATPase activity, which was increased 2-fold in ulcer conditions, was normalized by Karanjin in both swim/ethanol stress-induced ulcer models. Karanjin could inhibit oxidative stress as evidenced by the normalization of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme (i.e., catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) levels. Karanjin at concentrations of 20 mg kg−1 b.w., when administered orally for 14 days, did not indicate any lethal effects. There were no significant differences in total protein, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase between normal and Karanjin-treated rats indicating no adverse effect on major organs. During treatment schedule, animals remained as healthy as control animals with normal food and water intake and body weight gain. PMID:21799691

How specific Raman spectroscopic models are: a comparative study between different cancers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, S. P.; Kumar, K. Kalyan; Chowdary, M. V. P.; Maheedhar, K.; Krishna, C. Murali

2010-02-01

Optical spectroscopic methods are being contemplated as adjunct/ alternative to existing 'Gold standard' of cancer diagnosis, histopathological examination. Several groups are actively pursuing diagnostic applications of Ramanspectroscopy in cancers. We have developed Raman spectroscopic models for diagnosis of breast, oral, stomach, colon and larynx cancers. So far, specificity and applicability of spectral- models has been limited to particular tissue origin. In this study we have evaluated explicitly of spectroscopic-models by analyzing spectra from already developed spectralmodels representing normal and malignant tissues of breast (46), cervix (52), colon (25), larynx (53), and oral (47). Spectral data was analyzed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) using scores of factor, Mahalanobis distance and Spectral residuals as discriminating parameters. Multiparametric limit test approach was also explored. The preliminary unsupervised PCA of pooled data indicates that normal tissue types were always exclusive from their malignant counterparts. But when we consider tissue of different origin, large overlap among clusters was found. Supervised analysis by Mahalanobis distance and spectral residuals gave similar results. The 'limit test' approach where classification is based on match / mis-match of the given spectrum against all the available spectra has revealed that spectral models are very exclusive and specific. For example breast normal spectral model show matches only with breast normal spectra and mismatch to rest of the spectra. Same pattern was seen for most of spectral models. Therefore, results of the study indicate the exclusiveness and efficacy of Raman spectroscopic-models. Prospectively, these findings might open new application of Raman spectroscopic models in identifying a tumor as primary or metastatic.

Simple luminosity normalization of greenness, yellowness and redness/greenness for comparison of leaf spectral profiles in multi-temporally acquired remote sensing images.

PubMed

Doi, Ryoichi

2012-09-01

Observation of leaf colour (spectral profiles) through remote sensing is an effective method of identifying the spatial distribution patterns of abnormalities in leaf colour, which enables appropriate plant management measures to be taken. However, because the brightness of remote sensing images varies with acquisition time, in the observation of leaf spectral profiles in multi-temporally acquired remote sensing images, changes in brightness must be taken into account. This study identified a simple luminosity normalization technique that enables leaf colours to be compared in remote sensing images over time. The intensity values of green and yellow (green+red) exhibited strong linear relationships with luminosity (R2 greater than 0.926) when various invariant rooftops in Bangkok or Tokyo were spectralprofiled using remote sensing images acquired at different time points. The values of the coefficient and constant or the coefficient of the formulae describing the intensity of green or yellow were comparable among the single Bangkok site and the two Tokyo sites, indicating the technique's general applicability. For single rooftops, the values of the coefficient of variation for green, yellow, and red/green were 16% or less (n=6-11), indicating an accuracy not less than those of well-established remote sensing measures such as the normalized difference vegetation index. After obtaining the above linear relationships, raw intensity values were normalized and a temporal comparison of the spectral profiles of the canopies of evergreen and deciduous tree species in Tokyo was made to highlight the changes in the canopies' spectral profiles. Future aspects of this technique are discussed herein.

A case study on dual forms of malnutrition among selected households in District 1, Tondo, Manila.

PubMed

Angeles-Agdeppa, Imelda; Lana, Ruby D; Barba, Corazon V C

2003-01-01

The co-existence of under-and overnutrition in developing countries might be the resultant factor of a marked shift in dietary and lifestyle practices of people, especially in urban areas. The eating of high fat, high caloric diets, the presence of inactive entertainment devices and mechanized labour influence patterns of food demand and physical activity. This study identified factors associated with the occurrence of under/overweight or normal/normal nutritional status of child-mother pairs in one household. This study was conducted in two phases. The first phase was a survey of 376 child-mother pairs. The children aged 33-83 months were attending classes in government day care centres. Anthropometric indices: weight-for-age Z score (WAZ) < or = -2SD was used to classify underweight in children. WAZ+1 to -1SD was used to indicate normal nutritional status in children, specifically for this study, in order to establish a more homogenous group. Body mass index (BMI) > or = 25 kg/m2 was used to measure overweight among mothers. Results showed that about 59% of the child-mother pairs were suffering from two different types of malnutrition. From this, 31 (8.2%) child-mother pairs in the same household were experiencing underweight/overweight: the child was underweight and the mother was overweight. The second phase of the study was an in-depth study of these 31 under/overweight child-mother pairs and 30 randomly selected normal/normal pairs. Pre-tested questionnaires were used to gather socio-economic-demographic data; 3 day 24-h food recall for dietary intake and 24-h activity recall for physical activity. Results showed that the different factors associated with the existence of underweight child/overweight mother (UC/OM) or normal child/normal mother (NC/NM) in this study were: mother's educational level, mother's occupation, and number of children in the household; energy intake, the preference of meats, sweets and sugars among children or meats and fried foods among mothers; and mother's perception on body size. Physical activity of both mothers and children was higher in the UC/OM than in the NC/NM group. The problem of undernutrition and overnutrition in one household poses enormous challenges. Although this study cannot make an inference to the whole population, the results indicate that there is a need to consider whether public health programs should focus on healthy diet and lifestyle patterns that will lead to optimal health outcomes at both ends of the spectrum of nutritional status.

Sensitivity analysis of the Commonly Used Drought Indices on the different land use Types - Case Study over Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ersoy, E. N.; Hüsami Afşar, M.; Bulut, B.; Onen, A.; Yilmaz, M. T.

2017-12-01

Droughts are climatic phenomenon that may impact large and small regions alike for long or short time periods and influence society in terms of industrial, agricultural, domestic and many more aspects. The characteristics of the droughts are commonly investigated using indices like Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). On the other hand, these indices may not necessarily yield similar performance over different vegetation types. The aim is to analyze the sensitivity of drought indices (SPI, SPEI, PDSI) to vegetation types over different climatic regions in Turkey. Here the magnitude of the drought severity is measured using MODIS NDVI data, while the vegetation type (e.g., non-irrigated arable lands, vineyards, fruit trees and berry plantations, olive groves, pastures, land principally occupied by agriculture) information is obtained using CORINE land cover classification. This study has compared the drought characteristics and vegetation conditions on different land use types using remotely sensed datasets (e.g., CORINE land use data, MODIS NDVI), and commonly used drought indices between 2000 and 2016 using gauge based precipitation and temperature measurements.

Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Evaluation of Mandibular Asymmetry in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate.

PubMed

Paknahad, Maryam; Shahidi, Shoaleh; Bahrampour, Ehsan; Beladi, Amir Saied; Khojastepour, Leila

2018-01-01

Objective The purpose of the present study was to compare mandibular vertical asymmetry in patients with unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate and subjects with normal occlusion. Materials and Methods Cone beam computed tomography scans of three groups consisting of 20 patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate, 20 patients affected by bilateral cleft lip and palate, and a control group of 20 subjects with normal occlusion were analyzed for this study. Condylar, ramal, and condylar plus ramal asymmetry indices were measured for all subjects using the method of Habets et al. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to determine any significant differences between the groups for all indices at the 95% level of confidence. Results There were no significant differences regarding sex for all mandibular asymmetry indices in all three groups. All Asymmetry indices (condylar, ramal, and condylar plus ramal asymmetry) were significantly higher in the unilateral cleft group compared with the other two groups. Conclusion Cone beam computed tomography images showed that patients with cleft lip and palate suffered from mandibular asymmetry. Subjects with unilateral cleft lip and palate had a more asymmetric mandible compared with the bilateral cleft lip and palate and control groups. Therefore, the mandible appears to be the leading factor in facial asymmetry in subjects with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

A Multi-Index Integrated Change detection method for updating the National Land Cover Database

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jin, Suming; Yang, Limin; Xian, George Z.; Danielson, Patrick; Homer, Collin G.

2010-01-01

Land cover change is typically captured by comparing two or more dates of imagery and associating spectral change with true thematic change. A new change detection method, Multi-Index Integrated Change (MIIC), has been developed to capture a full range of land cover disturbance patterns for updating the National Land Cover Database (NLCD). Specific indices typically specialize in identifying only certain types of disturbances; for example, the Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) has been widely used for monitoring fire disturbance. Recognizing the potential complementary nature of multiple indices, we integrated four indices into one model to more accurately detect true change between two NLCD time periods. The four indices are NBR, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Change Vector (CV), and a newly developed index called the Relative Change Vector (RCV). The model is designed to provide both change location and change direction (e.g. biomass increase or biomass decrease). The integrated change model has been tested on five image pairs from different regions exhibiting a variety of disturbance types. Compared with a simple change vector method, MIIC can better capture the desired change without introducing additional commission errors. The model is particularly accurate at detecting forest disturbances, such as forest harvest, forest fire, and forest regeneration. Agreement between the initial change map areas derived from MIIC and the retained final land cover type change areas will be showcased from the pilot test sites.

Assessment of Pansharpening Methods Applied to WorldView-2 Imagery Fusion.

PubMed

Li, Hui; Jing, Linhai; Tang, Yunwei

2017-01-05

Since WorldView-2 (WV-2) images are widely used in various fields, there is a high demand for the use of high-quality pansharpened WV-2 images for different application purposes. With respect to the novelty of the WV-2 multispectral (MS) and panchromatic (PAN) bands, the performances of eight state-of-art pan-sharpening methods for WV-2 imagery including six datasets from three WV-2 scenes were assessed in this study using both quality indices and information indices, along with visual inspection. The normalized difference vegetation index, normalized difference water index, and morphological building index, which are widely used in applications related to land cover classification, the extraction of vegetation areas, buildings, and water bodies, were employed in this work to evaluate the performance of different pansharpening methods in terms of information presentation ability. The experimental results show that the Haze- and Ratio-based, adaptive Gram-Schmidt, Generalized Laplacian pyramids (GLP) methods using enhanced spectral distortion minimal model and enhanced context-based decision model methods are good choices for producing fused WV-2 images used for image interpretation and the extraction of urban buildings. The two GLP-based methods are better choices than the other methods, if the fused images will be used for applications related to vegetation and water-bodies.

Assessment of Pansharpening Methods Applied to WorldView-2 Imagery Fusion

PubMed Central

Li, Hui; Jing, Linhai; Tang, Yunwei

2017-01-01

Since WorldView-2 (WV-2) images are widely used in various fields, there is a high demand for the use of high-quality pansharpened WV-2 images for different application purposes. With respect to the novelty of the WV-2 multispectral (MS) and panchromatic (PAN) bands, the performances of eight state-of-art pan-sharpening methods for WV-2 imagery including six datasets from three WV-2 scenes were assessed in this study using both quality indices and information indices, along with visual inspection. The normalized difference vegetation index, normalized difference water index, and morphological building index, which are widely used in applications related to land cover classification, the extraction of vegetation areas, buildings, and water bodies, were employed in this work to evaluate the performance of different pansharpening methods in terms of information presentation ability. The experimental results show that the Haze- and Ratio-based, adaptive Gram-Schmidt, Generalized Laplacian pyramids (GLP) methods using enhanced spectral distortion minimal model and enhanced context-based decision model methods are good choices for producing fused WV-2 images used for image interpretation and the extraction of urban buildings. The two GLP-based methods are better choices than the other methods, if the fused images will be used for applications related to vegetation and water-bodies. PMID:28067770

Assessment of the maximum voluntary arm muscle contraction in sign language for the deaf.

PubMed

Regalo, S C H; Teixeira, V R; Vitti, M; Chaves, T C; Hallak, J E C; Bevilaqua-Grossi, D; Siriani de Oliveira, A

2006-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of upper member muscles' activation of deaf individuals, who use the Brazilian sign language - LIBRAS, comparing these findings to volunteers with no postural deviations and normal hearing Forty eight volunteers divided into two groups comprising healthy and deaf subjects (24 volunteers for each group). The signs of rest were obtained with the volunteer maintaining the upper member in an anatomical position, but with the forearm flexed and sustained by the lower member. Maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) of the biceps, triceps, deltoid, and trapezius muscles were performed in the position of muscular function testing. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS-10.0. Continuous data with normal distribution were analyzed by ANOVA with the significance level of p < 0.01. The normalized electromyographic muscle data obtained in muscular rest do not show statistically significant differences among the studies muscles, in both groups. In the comparison of normalized RMS values obtained in MVIC, the mean values for the trapezius muscle of deaf group were statistically lower than control group. This study's results indicate there are no differences between the levels of muscular activation for arm biceps, arm triceps, and the anterior portion of the deltoid muscle between the mean normalized RMS values of deaf and healthy individuals.

Perceived athletic competence and physical activity in children with developmental coordination disorder who are clinically referred, and control children.

PubMed

Noordstar, Johannes J; Stuive, Ilse; Herweijer, Hester; Holty, Lian; Oudenampsen, Chantal; Schoemaker, Marina M; Reinders-Messelink, Heleen A

2014-12-01

The relationship between perceived athletic competence (PAC) and physical activity (PA) in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is still unclear. This study investigated differences in PAC and PA between, and within, a group of children with DCD that were clinically referred (n = 31) and a group of control children (n = 38), aged 7-12 years. All children were categorized in four groups: (1) children with DCD/low PAC, (2) children with DCD/normal to high PAC, (3) control children/low PAC, and (4) control children/normal to high PAC. PAC was assessed with the Self-Perception Profile for Children, and PA was assessed with the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire. Children with DCD participated less in unorganized PA, but not in organized PA, compared with control children. Normal to high PAC was found in more than half of the children (64.5%) with DCD. Children with DCD/low PAC and children with DCD/normal to high PAC participated significantly less in unorganized physical activity compared with control children/normal to high PAC, but not compared with control children/low PAC. The results indicate that there are large individual differences in PAC in children with DCD. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Micro FT-IR Characterization Of Human Lung Tumor Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benedetti, Enzo; Teodori, L.; Vergamini, Piergiorgio; Trinca, M. L.; Mauro, F.; Salvati, F.; Spremolla, Giuliano

1989-12-01

FT-IR spectroscopy has opened up a new approach to the analytical study of cell transformation. Investigations carried out in normal and leukemic lymphocytes have evidenced an increase in DNA with respect to proteic components in neoplastic cells.(1) The evaluation of the ratio of the integrated areas(A) of the bands at 1080 cm-1 (mainly DNA) and at 1540 cm-1 (proteic components) has allowed us to establish a parameter which indicates, for values above 1.5, the neoplastic nature of cells. Recently, this approach has been applied to the study of human lung tumor cells. Several monocellular suspension procedures of the tissue fragment (mechanical and/or chemical) were tested to obtain reproducible and reliable spectra able to differentiate clearly between normal and patological cells. Chemical treatment (EDTA, Pepsin, Collagenase, etc.) produced additional bands in the spectra of the cells causing distortion of the profiles of some absorptions, and as a result, mechanical treatment was preferred. The normal and neoplastic cells homogeneously distributed by cytospin preparation on BaF2 windows were examined by means of FT-IR microscopy. An examination of several microareas of each sample yielded reproducible spectra, with values of the A 1080 cm-1 / A 1540 cm-1 parameter within a very narrow range for each sample, even if certain differences still remained among the different cases, in good agreement with the results obtained for leukemic cells.(1) The value of this parameter was found to be lower for cells isolated from the normal area of lung, than in the case of those corresponding to the tumoral area, meaning that an increase occurs in DNA with respect to the proteic components. These insights, which provide a basis to obtain indications at the molecular level, can open up new possibilities in clinical practice, in order to obtain diagnosis confirmation, to detect early stages of disease and to offer additional indications in cases of dubious interpretation.

Analysis of the genetic phylogeny of multifocal prostate cancer identifies multiple independent clonal expansions in neoplastic and morphologically normal prostate tissue.

PubMed

Cooper, Colin S; Eeles, Rosalind; Wedge, David C; Van Loo, Peter; Gundem, Gunes; Alexandrov, Ludmil B; Kremeyer, Barbara; Butler, Adam; Lynch, Andrew G; Camacho, Niedzica; Massie, Charlie E; Kay, Jonathan; Luxton, Hayley J; Edwards, Sandra; Kote-Jarai, ZSofia; Dennis, Nening; Merson, Sue; Leongamornlert, Daniel; Zamora, Jorge; Corbishley, Cathy; Thomas, Sarah; Nik-Zainal, Serena; O'Meara, Sarah; Matthews, Lucy; Clark, Jeremy; Hurst, Rachel; Mithen, Richard; Bristow, Robert G; Boutros, Paul C; Fraser, Michael; Cooke, Susanna; Raine, Keiran; Jones, David; Menzies, Andrew; Stebbings, Lucy; Hinton, Jon; Teague, Jon; McLaren, Stuart; Mudie, Laura; Hardy, Claire; Anderson, Elizabeth; Joseph, Olivia; Goody, Victoria; Robinson, Ben; Maddison, Mark; Gamble, Stephen; Greenman, Christopher; Berney, Dan; Hazell, Steven; Livni, Naomi; Fisher, Cyril; Ogden, Christopher; Kumar, Pardeep; Thompson, Alan; Woodhouse, Christopher; Nicol, David; Mayer, Erik; Dudderidge, Tim; Shah, Nimish C; Gnanapragasam, Vincent; Voet, Thierry; Campbell, Peter; Futreal, Andrew; Easton, Douglas; Warren, Anne Y; Foster, Christopher S; Stratton, Michael R; Whitaker, Hayley C; McDermott, Ultan; Brewer, Daniel S; Neal, David E

2015-04-01

Genome-wide DNA sequencing was used to decrypt the phylogeny of multiple samples from distinct areas of cancer and morphologically normal tissue taken from the prostates of three men. Mutations were present at high levels in morphologically normal tissue distant from the cancer, reflecting clonal expansions, and the underlying mutational processes at work in morphologically normal tissue were also at work in cancer. Our observations demonstrate the existence of ongoing abnormal mutational processes, consistent with field effects, underlying carcinogenesis. This mechanism gives rise to extensive branching evolution and cancer clone mixing, as exemplified by the coexistence of multiple cancer lineages harboring distinct ERG fusions within a single cancer nodule. Subsets of mutations were shared either by morphologically normal and malignant tissues or between different ERG lineages, indicating earlier or separate clonal cell expansions. Our observations inform on the origin of multifocal disease and have implications for prostate cancer therapy in individual cases.

Are cancer cells really softer than normal cells?

PubMed

Alibert, Charlotte; Goud, Bruno; Manneville, Jean-Baptiste

2017-05-01

Solid tumours are often first diagnosed by palpation, suggesting that the tumour is more rigid than its surrounding environment. Paradoxically, individual cancer cells appear to be softer than their healthy counterparts. In this review, we first list the physiological reasons indicating that cancer cells may be more deformable than normal cells. Next, we describe the biophysical tools that have been developed in recent years to characterise and model cancer cell mechanics. By reviewing the experimental studies that compared the mechanics of individual normal and cancer cells, we argue that cancer cells can indeed be considered as softer than normal cells. We then focus on the intracellular elements that could be responsible for the softening of cancer cells. Finally, we ask whether the mechanical differences between normal and cancer cells can be used as diagnostic or prognostic markers of cancer progression. © 2017 Société Française des Microscopies and Société de Biologie Cellulaire de France. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Detection of liver cancer and abnormal liver tissue by Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiaozhou; Ding, Jianhua; Zhang, Xiujun; Lin, Junxiu; Wang, Deli

2005-01-01

In this paper, laser induced human serum Raman spectra of liver cancer are measured. The spectra differences in serum from normal people and liver disease patients are analyzed. For the typical spectrum of normal serum, there are three sharp Raman peaks and relative intensity of Raman peaks excited by 514.5nm is higher than that excited by 488.0nm. For the Raman spectrum of liver cancer serum there are no peaks or very weak Raman peaks at the same positions. Results from more than two hundred case measurements show that clinical diagnostic accuracy is 92.86%. And then, the liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis are studied applying the technology of LIF. To liver cirrhosis, the shape of Raman peak is similar to normal and fluorescence spectrum is similar to that of liver cancer from statistic data. The experiment indicates that there is notable fluorescence difference between the abnormal and normal liver tissue and have blue shift in fluorescence peak. Except for human serum, we use rats serum for researching either. Compared with results of path al examination, we analyze the spectra of normal cases, hepatic fibrosis and hepatocirrhosis respectively in an attempt to find some difference between them. Red shift of fluorescence peak is observed with disease evolution using 514.5nm excitation of an Ar-ion laser. However, no distinct changes happen with 488.0nm excitation. These results have important reference values to explore the method of laser spectrum diagnosis.

Expression of metalloprotease insulin-degrading enzyme (insulysin) in normal and malignant human tissues

PubMed Central

Yfanti, Christina; Mengele, Karin; Gkazepis, Apostolos; Weirich, Gregor; Giersig, Cecylia; Kuo, Wen-Liang; Tang, Wei-Jen; Rosner, Marsha; Schmitt, Manfred

2013-01-01

Background Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE, insulysin, insulinase; EC 3.4.22.11), a thiol metalloendopeptidase, is involved in intracellular degradation of insulin, thereby inhibiting its translocation and accumulation to the nucleus. Recently, protein expression of IDE has been demonstrated in the epithelial ducts of normal breast and in breast cancer tissue (Radulescu et al., Int J Oncol 30:73; 2007). Materials and Methods Utilizing four different antibodies generated against different epitopes of the IDE molecule, we performed western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining on several normal human tissues, on a plethora of tumor cell lines of different tissue origin, and on malignant breast and ovarian tissue. Results Applying the four IDE-directed antibodies, we demonstrate IDE expression at the protein level, both by means of immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry, in all of the tumor cell lines analyzed. Besides, IDE protein expression was found in normal tissues of the kidney, liver, lung, brain, breast and skeletal muscle, as well as in breast and ovarian cancer tissues. Immunohistochemical visualization of IDE indicated cytoplasmic localization of IDE in all of the cell lines and tissues assessed. Conclusions We performed for the first time a wide-ranging survey on IDE protein expression in normal and malignant tissues and cells and thus extend knowledge about cellular and tissue distribution of IDE, an enzyme which so far has mainly been studied in connection with Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes but not in cancer. PMID:18813847

A Generalized Framework for Different Drought Indices: Testing its Suitability in a Simulation of the last two Millennia for Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raible, Christoph C.; Baerenbold, Oliver; Gomez-Navarro, Juan Jose

2016-04-01

Over the past decades, different drought indices have been suggested in the literature. This study tackles the problem of how to characterize drought by defining a general framework and proposing a generalized family of drought indices that is flexible regarding the use of different water balance models. The sensitivity of various indices and its skill to represent drought conditions is evaluated using a regional model simulation in Europe spanning the last two millennia as test bed. The framework combines an exponentially damped memory with a normalization method based on quantile mapping. Both approaches are more robust and physically meaningful compared to the existing methods used to define drought indices. Still, framework is flexible with respect to the water balance, enabling users to adapt the index formulation to the data availability of different locations. Based on the framework, indices with different complex water balances are compared with each other. The comparison shows that a drought index considering only precipitation in the water balance is sufficient for Western to Central Europe. However, in the Mediterranean temperature effects via evapotranspiration need to be considered in order to produce meaningful indices representative of actual water deficit. Similarly, our results indicate that in north-eastern Europe and Scandinavia, snow and runoff effects needs to be considered in the index definition to obtain accurate results.

Determining density of maize canopy. 3: Temporal considerations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stoner, E. R.; Baumgardner, M. F.; Anuta, P. E.; Cipra, J. E.

1972-01-01

Multispectral scanner data were collected in two flights over ground cover plots at an altitude of 305 m. Eight ground reflectance panels in close proximity to the ground cover plots were used to normalize the scanner data obtained on different dates. Separate prediction equations were obtained for both flight dates for all eleven reflective wavelength bands of the multispectral scanner. Ratios of normalized scanner data were related to leaf area index over time. Normalized scanner data were used to plot relative reflectance versus wavelength for the ground cover plots. Spectral response curves were similar to those for bare soil and green vegetation as determined by laboratory measurements. The spectral response curves from the normalized scanner data indicated that reflectance in the 0.72 to 1.3 micron wavelength range increased as leaf area index increased. A decrease in reflectance was observed in the 0.65 micron chlorophyll absorption band as leaf area index increased.

Acute myeloid leukemia originates from a hierarchy of leukemic stem cell classes that differ in self-renewal capacity.

PubMed

Hope, Kristin J; Jin, Liqing; Dick, John E

2004-07-01

Emerging evidence suggests cancer stem cells sustain neoplasms; however, little is understood of the normal cell initially targeted and the resultant cancer stem cells. We show here, by tracking individual human leukemia stem cells (LSCs) in nonobese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficiency mice serially transplanted with acute myeloid leukemia cells, that LSCs are not functionally homogeneous but, like the normal hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) compartment, comprise distinct hierarchically arranged LSC classes. Distinct LSC fates derived from heterogeneous self-renewal potential. Some LSCs emerged only in recipients of serial transplantation, indicating they divided rarely and underwent self-renewal rather than commitment after cell division within primary recipients. Heterogeneity in LSC self-renewal potential supports the hypothesis that they derive from normal HSCs. Furthermore, normal developmental processes are not completely abolished during leukemogenesis. The existence of multiple stem cell classes shows the need for LSC-targeted therapies.

Radioprotection: smart games with death.

PubMed

Gudkov, Andrei V; Komarova, Elena A

2010-07-01

The efficacy of cancer treatment by radiation and chemotherapeutic drugs is often limited by severe side effects that primarily affect the hematopoietic system and the epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract. Progress in understanding differences in the mechanisms involved in the responses of normal and tumor cells to genotoxic stress has led to the development of new rational approaches to selective protection of normal cells, such as suppression of apoptosis by pharmacological inhibition of p53 or activation of NF-kappaB. Another promising approach presented in this issue by Johnson et al. is based on the idea of using pharmacological inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) to convert normal cells into a radioresistant state by inducing reversible cell cycle arrest at the G1/S transition. The evidence indicates that this approach is likely to be specific for protection of normal cells and may, therefore, have clinical potential as an adjuvant in anticancer therapies.

Fuel cell system shutdown with anode pressure control

DOEpatents

Clingerman, Bruce J.; Doan, Tien M.; Keskula, Donald H.

2002-01-01

A venting methodology and pressure sensing and vent valving arrangement for monitoring anode bypass valve operating during the normal shutdown of a fuel cell apparatus of the type used in vehicle propulsion systems. During a normal shutdown routine, the pressure differential between the anode inlet and anode outlet is monitored in real time in a period corresponding to the normal closing speed of the anode bypass valve and the pressure differential at the end of the closing cycle of the anode bypass valve is compared to the pressure differential at the beginning of the closing cycle. If the difference in pressure differential at the beginning and end of the anode bypass closing cycle indicates that the anode bypass valve has not properly closed, a system controller switches from a normal shutdown mode to a rapid shutdown mode in which the anode inlet is instantaneously vented by rapid vents.

Normal-hearing listener preferences of music as a function of signal-to-noise-ratio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrett, Jillian G.

2005-04-01

Optimal signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) for speech discrimination are well-known, well-documented phenomena. Discrimination preferences and functions have been studied for both normal-hearing and hard-of-hearing populations, and information from these studies has provided clearer indices on additional factors affecting speech discrimination ability and SNR preferences. This knowledge lends itself to improvements in hearing aids and amplification devices, telephones, television and radio transmissions, and a wide arena of recorded media such as movies and music. This investigation was designed to identify the preferred signal-to-background ratio (SBR) of normal-hearing listeners in a musical setting. The signal was the singer's voice, and music was considered the background. Subjects listened to an unfamiliar ballad with a female singer, and rated seven different SBR treatments. When listening to melodic motifs with linguistic content, results indicated subjects preferred SBRs similar to those in conventional speech discrimination applications. However, unlike traditional speech discrimination studies, subjects did not prefer increased levels of SBR. Additionally, subjects had a much larger acceptable range of SBR in melodic motifs where the singer's voice was not intended to communicate via linguistic means, but by the pseudo-paralinguistic means of vocal timbre and harmonic arrangements. Results indicate further studies investigating perception of singing are warranted.

Hyperspectral Imaging and K-Means Classification for Histologic Evaluation of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ.

PubMed

Khouj, Yasser; Dawson, Jeremy; Coad, James; Vona-Davis, Linda

2018-01-01

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a non-invasive optical imaging modality that shows the potential to aid pathologists in breast cancer diagnoses cases. In this study, breast cancer tissues from different patients were imaged by a hyperspectral system to detect spectral differences between normal and breast cancer tissues. Tissue samples mounted on slides were identified from 10 different patients. Samples from each patient included both normal and ductal carcinoma tissue, both stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain and unstained. Slides were imaged using a snapshot HSI system, and the spectral reflectance differences were evaluated. Analysis of the spectral reflectance values indicated that wavelengths near 550 nm showed the best differentiation between tissue types. This information was used to train image processing algorithms using supervised and unsupervised data. The K-means method was applied to the hyperspectral data cubes, and successfully detected spectral tissue differences with sensitivity of 85.45%, and specificity of 94.64% with true negative rate of 95.8%, and false positive rate of 4.2%. These results were verified by ground-truth marking of the tissue samples by a pathologist. In the hyperspectral image analysis, the image processing algorithm, K-means, shows the greatest potential for building a semi-automated system that could identify and sort between normal and ductal carcinoma in situ tissues.

Signal-to-background-ratio preferences of normal-hearing listeners as a function of music

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrett, Jillian G.

2005-04-01

The primary purpose of speech is to convey a message. Many factors affect the listener's overall reception, several of which have little to do with the linguistic content itself, but rather with the delivery (e.g., prosody, intonation patterns, pragmatics, paralinguistic cues). Music, however, may convey a message either with or without linguistic content. In instances in which music has lyrics, one cannot assume verbal content will take precedence over sonic properties. Lyric emphasis over other aspects of music cannot be assumed. Singing introduces distortion of the vowel-consonant temporal ratio of speech, emphasizing vowels and de-emphasizing consonants. The phonemic production alterations of singing make it difficult for even those with normal hearing to understand the singer. This investigation was designed to identify singer-to-background-ratio (SBR) prefer- ences for normal hearing adult listeners (as opposed to SBR levels maxi-mizing speech discrimination ability). Stimuli were derived from three different original songs, each produced in two different genres and sung by six different singers. Singer and genre were the two primary contributors to significant differences in SBR preferences, though results clearly indicate genre, style and singer interact in different combinations for each song, each singer, and for each subject in an unpredictable manner.

Fluorescence Spectroscopic Properties of Normal and Abnormal Biomedical Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pradhan, Asima

Steady state and time-resolved optical spectroscopy and native fluorescence is used to study the physical and optical properties occurring in diseased and non-diseased biological human tissue, in particular, cancer of the human breast, artery and the dynamics of a photosensitizer useful in photodynamic therapy. The main focus of the research is on the optical properties of cancer and atherosclerotic tissues as compared to their normal counterparts using the different luminescence based spectroscopic techniques such as steady state fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, excitation spectroscopy and phosphorescence. The excitation and steady-state spectroscopic fluorescence using visible excitation wavelength displays a difference between normal and malignant tissues. This difference is attributed to absorption of the emission by hemoglobin in normal tissues. This method using 488nm fails to distinguish neoplastic tissue such as benign tissues and tumors from malignant tumors. The time-resolved fluorescence at visible, near -uv and uv excitation wavelengths display non-exponential profiles which are significantly different for malignant tumors as compared to non-malignant tissues only with uv excitation. The differences observed with visible and near-uv excitation wavelengths are not as significant. The non-exponential profiles are interpreted as due to a combination of fluorophores along with the action of non-radiative processes. Low temperature luminescence studies confirm the occurrence of non-radiative decay processes while temporal studies of various relevant biomolecules indicate the probable fluorophores responsible for the observed signal in tissues. Phosphorescence from human tissues have been observed for the first time and lifetimes of a few hundred nanoseconds are measured for malignant and benign tissues. Time-resolved fluorescence studies of normal artery and atherosclerotic plaque have shown that a combination of two excitation wavelengths can distinguish fibrous and calcified atherosclerotic plaque from normal artery. A minor effort of the study involves the high intensity effects on the optical properties of the dye, doxycycline (a particular photosensitizer of the tetracycline group) occurring during relaxation when excited at different laser intensities. This study has been performed by observing the fluorescence lifetimes and quantum yields of DOTC at different excitation intensities. The results obtained support the sequential excited state absorption model.

Does Body Mass Index Influence Behavioral Regulations, Dispositional Flow and Social Physique Anxiety in Exercise Setting?

PubMed Central

Ersöz, Gözde; Altiparmak, Ersin; Aşçı, F. Hülya

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in behavioral regulations, dispositional flow, social physique anxiety of exercisers in terms of body mass index (BMI). 782 university students participated in this study. Dispositional Flow State Scale-2, Behavioral Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire-2, Social Physique Anxiety Scale and Physical Activity Stages of Change Questionnaire were administered to participants. After controlling for gender, analysis indicated significant differences in behavioral regulations, dispositional flow and social physique anxiety of exercise participants with regards to BMI. In summary, the findings demonstrate that normal weighted participants exercise for internal reasons while underweighted participants are amotivated for exercise participation. Additionally, participants who are underweight had higher dispositional flow and lower social physique anxiety scores than other BMI classification. Key points Normal weighted participants exercise for internal reasons. Underweighted participants are amotivated for exercise participation. Underweighted participants had higher dispositional flow. Underweighted participants have lower social physique anxiety scores than normal weighted, overweight and obese participants. PMID:27274667

Developmental Origins of Low Mathematics Performance and Normal Variation in Twins from 7 to 9 Years

PubMed Central

Haworth, Claire M. A.; Kovas, Yulia; Petrill, Stephen A.; Plomin, Robert

2009-01-01

A previous publication reported the etiology of mathematics performance in 7-year-old twins (Oliver et al., 2004). As part of the same longitudinal study we investigated low mathematics performance and normal variation in a representative United Kingdom sample of 1713 same-sex 9-year-old twins based on teacher-assessed National Curriculum standards. Univariate individual differences and DeFries-Fulker extremes analyses were performed. Similar to our results at 7 years, all mathematics scores at 9 years showed high heritability (.62–.75) and low shared environmental estimates (.00–.11) for both the low performance group and the full sample. Longitudinal analyses were performed from 7 to 9 years. These longitudinal analyses indicated strong genetic continuity from 7 to 9 years for both low performance and mathematics in the normal range. We conclude that, despite the considerable differences in mathematics curricula from 7 to 9 years, the same genetic effects largely operate at the two ages. PMID:17539370

Heat treatment effects on impact toughness of 9Cr 1MoVNb and 12Cr 1MoVW steels irradiated to 100 dpa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klueh, R. L.; Alexander, D. J.

1998-10-01

Plates of 9Cr-1MoVNb and 12Cr-1MoVW steels were given four different heat treatments: two normalizing treatments were used and for each normalizing treatment two tempers were used. Miniature Charpy specimens from each heat treatment were irradiated to ≈20 dpa at 365°C and to ≈100 dpa at 420°C in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF). In previous work, the same steels were irradiated in FFTF to 4-5 dpa at 365°C and 35-36 dpa at 420°C. The tests indicated that prior austenite grain size, which was varied by the different normalizing treatments, affected the impact behavior of the 9Cr-1MoVNb but not the 12Cr-1MoVW. Tempering had relatively little effect on the impact behavior of both steels. Conclusions are presented on how heat treatment can be used to optimize impact properties.

Developmental origins of low mathematics performance and normal variation in twins from 7 to 9 years.

PubMed

Haworth, Claire M A; Kovas, Yulia; Petrill, Stephen A; Plomin, Robert

2007-02-01

A previous publication reported the etiology of mathematics performance in 7-year-old twins (Oliver et al., 2004). As part of the same longitudinal study we investigated low mathematics performance and normal variation in a representative United Kingdom sample of 1713 same-sex 9-year-old twins based on teacher-assessed National Curriculum standards. Univariate individual differences and DeFries-Fulker extremes analyses were performed. Similar to our results at 7 years, all mathematics scores at 9 years showed high heritability (.62-.75) and low shared environmental estimates (.00-.11) for both the low performance group and the full sample. Longitudinal analyses were performed from 7 to 9 years. These longitudinal analyses indicated strong genetic continuity from 7 to 9 years for both low performance and mathematics in the normal range. We conclude that, despite the considerable differences in mathematics curricula from 7 to 9 years, the same genetic effects largely operate at the two ages.

Comparison of oral iodine-131-cellulose and indium-111-DTPA as tracers for colon transit scintigraphy: Analysis by colon activity profiles

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

Smart, R.C.; McLean, R.G.; Gaston-Parry, D.

1991-09-01

In 11 normal subjects and 11 patients with a clinical diagnosis of constipation, oral 131I-cellulose and 111In-DTPA were compared simultaneously as tracers for radionuclide colon transit scintigraphy. Visual assessment of the images revealed no differences between tracers. Quantitation was performed using total and segmental percent retention and the derived value of clearance half-time. In addition, profiles of the activity distribution along the length of the colon were generated and the mean position of the activity in the colon calculated. For all indices, the results were similar in both normal subjects and constipated patients when comparing tracers, although marked differences weremore » present between normal subjects and constipated patients for each tracer. Indium-111-DTPA was easy to administer and dosimetry was more acceptable than for 131I-cellulose, especially in constipated patients. It is concluded that 111In-DTPA is the preferred tracer for oral colon transit scintigraphy.« less

Microspectroscopic Analysis Of HpD Fluorescence In Bioptic Samples From Human Pre-Malignant And Malignant Lesions Of The Skin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bottiroli, G.; Dell'Acqua, R.; Jucci, A.; Ricevuti, G.; Sacchi, A. S.

1987-07-01

Microfluorometric analysis was performed on bioptic samples of pre-malignant and malignant cutanous lesions present in the same patients, 48 h after i.v. injection of HpD. Data obtained indicate that actinic keratosis and squamous celle carcinoma show a preferential accumulation if compared to normal skin. The two lesions differ for both intensity and spectral shape of HpD fluorescence. This difference is correlated with a different clinical response to HpD laser phototherapy.

Differences in hypothalamic type 2 deiodinase ubiquitination explain localized sensitivity to thyroxine

PubMed Central

Werneck de Castro, Joao Pedro; Fonseca, Tatiana L.; Ueta, Cintia B.; McAninch, Elizabeth A.; Abdalla, Sherine; Wittmann, Gabor; Lechan, Ronald M.; Gereben, Balazs; Bianco, Antonio C.

2015-01-01

The current treatment for patients with hypothyroidism is levothyroxine (L-T4) along with normalization of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). However, normalization of serum TSH with L-T4 monotherapy results in relatively low serum 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3) and high serum thyroxine/T3 (T4/T3) ratio. In the hypothalamus-pituitary dyad as well as the rest of the brain, the majority of T3 present is generated locally by T4 deiodination via the type 2 deiodinase (D2); this pathway is self-limited by ubiquitination of D2 by the ubiquitin ligase WSB-1. Here, we determined that tissue-specific differences in D2 ubiquitination account for the high T4/T3 serum ratio in adult thyroidectomized (Tx) rats chronically implanted with subcutaneous L-T4 pellets. While L-T4 administration decreased whole-body D2-dependent T4 conversion to T3, D2 activity in the hypothalamus was only minimally affected by L-T4. In vivo studies in mice harboring an astrocyte-specific Wsb1 deletion as well as in vitro analysis of D2 ubiquitination driven by different tissue extracts indicated that D2 ubiquitination in the hypothalamus is relatively less. As a result, in contrast to other D2-expressing tissues, the hypothalamus is wired to have increased sensitivity to T4. These studies reveal that tissue-specific differences in D2 ubiquitination are an inherent property of the TRH/TSH feedback mechanism and indicate that only constant delivery of L-T4 and L-T3 fully normalizes T3-dependent metabolic markers and gene expression profiles in Tx rats. PMID:25555216

Dielectric properties of human normal, malignant and cirrhotic liver tissue: in vivo and ex vivo measurements from 0.5 to 20 GHz using a precision open-ended coaxial probe.

PubMed

O'Rourke, Ann P; Lazebnik, Mariya; Bertram, John M; Converse, Mark C; Hagness, Susan C; Webster, John G; Mahvi, David M

2007-08-07

Hepatic malignancies have historically been treated with surgical resection. Due to the shortcomings of this technique, there is interest in other, less invasive, treatment modalities, such as microwave hepatic ablation. Crucial to the development of this technique is the accurate knowledge of the dielectric properties of human liver tissue at microwave frequencies. To this end, we characterized the dielectric properties of in vivo and ex vivo normal, malignant and cirrhotic human liver tissues from 0.5 to 20 GHz. Analysis of our data at 915 MHz and 2.45 GHz indicates that the dielectric properties of ex vivo malignant liver tissue are 19 to 30% higher than normal tissue. The differences in the dielectric properties of in vivo malignant and normal liver tissue are not statistically significant (with the exception of effective conductivity at 915 MHz, where malignant tissue properties are 16% higher than normal). Also, the dielectric properties of in vivo normal liver tissue at 915 MHz and 2.45 GHz are 16 to 43% higher than ex vivo. No statistically significant differences were found between the dielectric properties of in vivo and ex vivo malignant tissue (with the exception of effective conductivity at 915 MHz, where malignant tissue properties are 28% higher than normal). We report the one-pole Cole-Cole parameters for ex vivo normal, malignant and cirrhotic liver tissue in this frequency range. We observe that wideband dielectric properties of in vivo liver tissue are different from the wideband dielectric properties of ex vivo liver tissue, and that the in vivo data cannot be represented in terms of a Cole-Cole model. Further work is needed to uncover the mechanisms responsible for the observed wideband trends in the in vivo liver data.

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

Ai, H; Zhang, H

Purpose: To evaluate normal tissue toxicity in patients with head and neck cancer by calculating average survival fraction (SF) and equivalent uniform dose (EUD) for normal tissue cells. Methods: 20 patients with head and neck cancer were included in this study. IMRT plans were generated using EclipseTM treatment planning system by dosimetrist following clinical radiotherapy treatment guidelines. The average SF for three different normal tissue cells of each concerned structure can be calculated from dose spectrum acquired from differential dose volume histogram (DVH) using linear quadratic model. The three types of normal tissues include radiosensitive, moderately radiosensitive and radio-resistant thatmore » represents 70%, 50% and 30% survival fractions, respectively, for a 2-Gy open field. Finally, EUDs for three types of normal tissue of each structure were calculated from average SF. Results: The EUDs of the brainstem, spinal cord, parotid glands, brachial plexus and etc were calculated. Our analysis indicated that the brainstem can absorb as much as 14.3% of prescription dose to the tumor if the cell line is radiosensitive. In addition, as much as 16.1% and 18.3% of prescription dose were absorbed by the brainstem for moderately radiosensitive and radio-resistant cells, respectively. For the spinal cord, the EUDs reached up to 27.6%, 35.0% and 42.9% of prescribed dose for the three types of radiosensitivities respectively. Three types of normal cells for parotid glands can get up to 65.6%, 71.2% and 78.4% of prescription dose, respectively. The maximum EUDs of brachial plexsus were calculated as 75.4%, 76.4% and 76.7% of prescription for three types of normal cell lines. Conclusion: The results indicated that EUD can be used to quantify and evaluate the radiation damage to surrounding normal tissues. Large variation of normal tissue EUDs may come from variation of target volumes and radiation beam orientations among the patients.« less

Impaired face detection may explain some but not all cases of developmental prosopagnosia.

PubMed

Dalrymple, Kirsten A; Duchaine, Brad

2016-05-01

Developmental prosopagnosia (DP) is defined by severe face recognition difficulties due to the failure to develop the visual mechanisms for processing faces. The two-process theory of face recognition (Morton & Johnson, 1991) implies that DP could result from a failure of an innate face detection system; this failure could prevent an individual from then tuning higher-level processes for face recognition (Johnson, 2005). Work with adults indicates that some individuals with DP have normal face detection whereas others are impaired. However, face detection has not been addressed in children with DP, even though their results may be especially informative because they have had less opportunity to develop strategies that could mask detection deficits. We tested the face detection abilities of seven children with DP. Four were impaired at face detection to some degree (i.e. abnormally slow, or failed to find faces) while the remaining three children had normal face detection. Hence, the cases with impaired detection are consistent with the two-process account suggesting that DP could result from a failure of face detection. However, the cases with normal detection implicate a higher-level origin. The dissociation between normal face detection and impaired identity perception also indicates that these abilities depend on different neurocognitive processes. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Contrast normalization in colour vision: the effect of luminance contrast on colour contrast detection

PubMed Central

Mullen, Kathy T.; Kim, Yeon Jin; Gheiratmand, Mina

2014-01-01

While contrast normalization is well known to occur in luminance vision between overlaid achromatic contrasts, and in colour vision between overlaid colour contrasts, it is unknown whether it transfers between colour and luminance contrast. Here we investigate whether contrast detection in colour vision can be normalized by achromatic contrast, or whether this is a selective process driven only by colour contrast. We use a method of cross-orientation masking, in which colour detection is masked by cross-oriented achromatic contrast, over a range of spatio-temporal frequencies (0.375–1.5 cpd, 2–8 Hz). We find that there is virtually no cross-masking of colour by achromatic contrast under monocular or binocular conditions for any of the spatio-temporal frequencies tested, although we find significant facilitation at low spatio-temporal conditions (0.375 cpd, 2 Hz). These results indicate that the process of contrast nornalization is colour selective and independent of achromatic contrast, and imply segregated chromatic signals in early visual processing. Under dichoptic conditions, however, we find a strikingly different result with significant masking of colour by achromatic contrast. This indicates that the dichoptic site of suppression is unselective, responding similarly to colour and luminance contrast, and suggests that dichoptic suppression has a different origin from monocular or binocular suppression. PMID:25491564

The Cardiovascular Effects of Obesity on Ventricular Function and Mass in Patients after Tetralogy of Fallot Repair.

PubMed

Fogel, Mark A; Pawlowski, Thomas; Keller, Marc S; Cohen, Meryl S; Goldmuntz, Elizabeth; Diaz, Laura; Li, Christine; Whitehead, Kevin K; Harris, Matthew A

2015-08-01

To determine the cardiovascular effects of obesity on patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair. Ventricular performance measures were compared between obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥95%), overweight (85% ≤BMI <95%), and normal weight subjects (BMI <85%) in a retrospective review of patients with TOF who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance from 2005-2010. Significance was P < .05. Of 260 consecutive patients with TOF, 32 were obese (12.3%), 48 were overweight (18.5%), and 180 were normal weight (69.2%). Biventricular mass was increased in obese compared with normal weight patients with right ventricular mass more affected than left ventricular mass. Obese patients demonstrated decreased biventricular end-diastolic volume (EDV) and stroke volume (SV) when indexed to body surface area (BSA) with an increased heart rate when compared with normal weight patients; cardiac index, ejection fraction, and pulmonary regurgitation fraction were similar. When indexed to ideal BSA, biventricular EDV and SV were similar. EDV and SV for overweight patients were nearly identical to normal weight patients with ventricular mass in between the other 2 groups. Approximately 12% of patients after TOF repair referred for cardiac magnetic resonance in a tertiary referral center are obese with increased biventricular mass. Obese patients and normal weight patients have similar cardiac indices, however, when indexed to actual BSA, obese patients demonstrate decreased EDV and SV with increased heart rate and similar cardiac indices. When indexed to ideal BSA, no differences in biventricular volumes were noted. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Does osteoporosis reduce the primary tilting stability of cementless acetabular cups?

PubMed

von Schulze Pellengahr, Christoph; von Engelhardt, Lars V; Wegener, Bernd; Müller, Peter E; Fottner, Andreas; Weber, Patrick; Ackermann, Ole; Lahner, Matthias; Teske, Wolfram

2015-04-21

Cementless hip cups need sufficient primary tilting stability to achieve osseointegration. The aim of the study was to assess differences of the primary implant stability in osteoporotic bone and in bone with normal bone density. To assess the influence of different cup designs, two types of threaded and two types of press-fit cups were tested. The maximum tilting moment for two different cementless threaded cups and two different cementless press-fit cups was determined in macerated human hip acetabuli with reduced (n=20) and normal bone density (n=20), determined using Q-CT. The tilting moments for each cup were determined five times in the group with reduced bone density and five times in the group with normal bone density, and the respective average values were calculated. The mean maximum extrusion force of the threaded cup Zintra was 5670.5 N (max. tilting moment 141.8 Nm) in bone with normal density and.5748.3 N (max. tilting moment 143.7 Nm) in osteoporotic bone. For the Hofer Imhof (HI) threaded cup it was 7681.5 N (192.0 Nm) in bone with normal density and 6828.9 N (max. tilting moment 170.7 Nm) in the group with osteoporotic bone. The mean maximum extrusion force of the macro-textured press-fit cup Metallsockel CL was 3824.6 N (max. tilting moment 95.6 Nm) in bone with normal and 2246.2 N (max. tilting moment 56.2 Nm) in osteoporotic bone. For the Monoblock it was 1303.8 N (max. tilting moment 32.6 Nm) in normal and 1317 N (max. tilting moment 32.9 Nm) in osteoporotic bone. There was no significance. A reduction of the maximum tilting moment in osteoporotic bone of the ESKA press-fit cup Metallsockel CL was noticed. Results on macerated bone specimens showed no statistically significant reduction of the maximum tilting moment in specimens with osteoporotic bone density compared to normal bone, neither for threaded nor for the press-fit cups. With the limitation that the results were obtained using macerated bone, we could not detect any restrictions for the clinical indication of the examined cementless cups in osteoporotic bone.

Placental three-dimensional power Doppler indices in mid-pregnancy and late pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Surányi, A; Kozinszky, Z; Molnár, A; Nyári, T; Bitó, T; Pál, A

2013-10-01

The aim of our study was to evaluate placental three-dimensional power Doppler indices in diabetic pregnancies in the second and third trimesters and to compare them with those of the normal controls. Placental vascularization of pregnant women was determined by three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound technique. The calculated indices included vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization flow index (VFI). Uncomplicated pregnancies (n = 113) were compared with pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (n = 56) and diabetes mellitus (n = 43). The three-dimensional power Doppler indices were not significantly different between the two diabetic subgroups. All the indices in diabetic patients were significantly reduced compared with those in non-diabetic individuals (p < 0.001). Placental three-dimensional power Doppler indices are slightly diminished throughout diabetic pregnancy [regression coefficients: -0.23 (FI), -0.06 (VI), and -0.04 (VFI)] and normal pregnancy [regression coefficients: -0.13 (FI), -0.20 (VI), and -0.11 (VFI)]. The uteroplacental circulation (umbilical and uterine artery) was not correlated significantly to the three-dimensional power Doppler indices. If all placental indices are low during late pregnancy, then the odds of the diabetes are significantly high (adjusted odds ratio: 1.10). A decreased placental vascularization could be an adjunct sonographic marker in the diagnosis of diabetic pregnancy in mid-gestation and late gestation. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

On the sensitivity of transtensional versus transpressional tectonic regimes to remote dynamic triggering by Coulomb failure

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hill, David P.

2015-01-01

 Accumulating evidence, although still strongly spatially aliased, indicates that although remote dynamic triggering of small-to-moderate (Mw<5) earthquakes can occur in all tectonic settings, transtensional stress regimes with normal and subsidiary strike-slip faulting seem to be more susceptible to dynamic triggering than transpressional regimes with reverse and subsidiary strike-slip faulting. Analysis of the triggering potential of Love- and Rayleigh-wave dynamic stresses incident on normal, reverse, and strike-slip faults assuming Andersonian faulting theory and simple Coulomb failure supports this apparent difference for rapid-onset triggering susceptibility.

California Community College and California State University English Faculty Grading Practices: An Assessment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bogart, Quentin J.; Kistler, Kathleen M.

1987-01-01

Discusses a study of the extent to which the use of 21 grading criteria was comparable among community college and university English faculty. Reports no differences in criteria selected for normal grading situations. Indicates that university faculty gave more importance to "adherence to due dates" in borderline situations. (DMM)

Investigations of possible contributions NDVI's have to misclassification in AVHRR data analysis

Treesearch

David L. Evans; Raymond L. Czaplewski

1996-01-01

Numerous subcontinental-scale projects have placed significant emphasis on the use of Normalized Difference Vegetation Indices (NDVI's) derived from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) satellite data for vegetation type recognition. In multi-season AVHRR data, overlap of NDVI ranges for vegetation classes may degrade overall classification performance...

Are Rorschach Responses Influenced by Society's Change?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ames, Louise Bates

1975-01-01

Based on the general belief that people "normally" see male figures on Rorschach Card III and females on Card VII; to see the opposite, according to some, would indicate a confusing of sex roles. This study makes two comparisons: age and time changes of individual responses to these cards in different decades. (DEP)

Relation between Fluid Intelligence and Frontal Lobe Functioning in Older Adults.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Isingrini, Michel; Vazou, Florence

1997-01-01

Examines relationships among normal aging, intelligence, and frontal lobe functioning. Results, based on intelligence tasks and frontal lobe functioning tasks administered to 107 adults from two age groups, indicate significant age differences in favor of the young on the intelligence tests, with a fluid component on measures of frontal lobe…

Loads and motions of an F-106B flying through thunderstorms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winebarger, R. M.

1986-01-01

Data are presented on loads and motions of a NASA F-106B airplane flying inside thunderstorms. No significant differences in piloting techniques were observed among the three pilots involved. It is indicated that airliners in normal operations occasionally encounter turbulence almost as severe as those encountered in these thunderstorm flights.

Estimating leaf area and above-ground biomass of forest regeneration areas using a corrected normalized difference vegetation index

Treesearch

Tommy L. Coleman; James H. Miller; Bruce R. Zutter

1992-01-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the regression relations between vegetation indices derived from remotely-sensed data of single and mixed forest regeneration plots. Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings, sweelgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) seedlings and broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus L.)...

Effect of the Earth's inner structure on the gravity in definitions of height systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tenzer, Robert; Foroughi, Ismael; Pitoňák, Martin; Šprlák, Michal

2017-04-01

In context of the vertical datum unification, the geoid-to-quasi-geoid separation has been of significant interest in recent years, because most of existing local vertical datums are realized in the system of either normal or orthometric heights. Nevertheless, the normal-orthometric heights are still used in many other countries where the normal gravity values along leveling lines were adopted instead of the observed gravity. Whereas the conversion between the orthometric and normal heights is defined by means of the mean gravity disturbances (i.e. differences between the mean values of the actual and normal gravity) along the plumbline within the topography, differences between the normal and normal-orthometric heights can be described by means of the surface gravity disturbances. Since the normal gravity field does not reflect the topographic masses and actual mass density distribution inside the Earth, the definition of gravity represents a principal aspect for a realization of particular vertical datum. To address this issue in this study, we investigate effects of the Earth's inner density structure on the surface and mean gravity disturbances, and discuss their impact on the vertical datum realization. These two gravity field quantities are computed globally with a spectral resolution complete to a spherical harmonic degree 2160 using the global gravity, terrain, ice-thickness, inland bathymetry and crustal structure models. Our results reveal that both, the surface and mean gravity disturbances mostly comprise the gravitational signal of topography and masses distributed below the geoid surface. Moreover, in polar areas, a significant contribution comes from large glaciers. In contrast, the contributions of anomalous density distribution within the topography attributed to major lakes, sediments and bedrock density variations are much less pronounced. We also demonstrate that the mean gravity disturbances within the topography are significantly modified compared to the corresponding surface values mainly due to topographic elevation and terrain geometry as well as the presence of large glaciers in polar regions. Changes of the vertical gravity gradient within the topography attributed to the masses distributed below the geoid (dominated mainly by the isostatic signature and the long-wavelength gravitational signature of deep mantle density heterogeneities) are, on the other hand, relatively small. Despite differences between the normal and normal-orthometric heights could directly be assessed from the surface gravity disturbances only when taken along leveling lines with information about the spirit leveling height differences, our results indicate that differences between these two height systems can be significant.

Swimming kinematics and respiratory behaviour of Xenopus laevis larvae raised in altered gravity.

PubMed

Fejtek, M; Souza, K; Neff, A; Wassersug, R

1998-06-01

We examined the respiratory behaviours and swimming kinematics of Xenopus laevis tadpoles hatched in microgravity (Space Shuttle), simulated microgravity (clinostat) and hypergravity (3 g centrifuge). All observations were made in the normal 1 g environment. Previous research has shown that X. laevis raised in microgravity exhibit abnormalities in their lungs and vestibular system upon return to 1 g. The tadpoles raised in true microgravity exhibited a significantly lower tailbeat frequency than onboard 1 g centrifuge controls on the day of landing (day0), but this behaviour normalized within 9 days. The two groups did not differ significantly in buccal pumping rates. Altered buoyancy in the space-flight microgravity tadpoles was indicated by an increased swimming angle on the day after landing (day1). Tadpoles raised in simulated microgravity differed to a greater extent in swimming behaviours from their 1 g controls. The tadpoles raised in hypergravity showed no substantive effects on the development of swimming or respiratory behaviours, except swimming angle. Together, these results show that microgravity has a transient effect on the development of locomotion in X. laevis tadpoles, most notably on swimming angle, indicative of stunted lung development. On the basis of the behaviours we studied, there is no indication of neuromuscular retardation in amphibians associated with embryogenesis in microgravity.

Swimming kinematics and respiratory behaviour of Xenopus laevis larvae raised in altered gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fejtek, M.; Souza, K.; Neff, A.; Wassersug, R.

1998-01-01

We examined the respiratory behaviours and swimming kinematics of Xenopus laevis tadpoles hatched in microgravity (Space Shuttle), simulated microgravity (clinostat) and hypergravity (3 g centrifuge). All observations were made in the normal 1 g environment. Previous research has shown that X. laevis raised in microgravity exhibit abnormalities in their lungs and vestibular system upon return to 1 g. The tadpoles raised in true microgravity exhibited a significantly lower tailbeat frequency than onboard 1 g centrifuge controls on the day of landing (day0), but this behaviour normalized within 9 days. The two groups did not differ significantly in buccal pumping rates. Altered buoyancy in the space-flight microgravity tadpoles was indicated by an increased swimming angle on the day after landing (day1). Tadpoles raised in simulated microgravity differed to a greater extent in swimming behaviours from their 1 g controls. The tadpoles raised in hypergravity showed no substantive effects on the development of swimming or respiratory behaviours, except swimming angle. Together, these results show that microgravity has a transient effect on the development of locomotion in X. laevis tadpoles, most notably on swimming angle, indicative of stunted lung development. On the basis of the behaviours we studied, there is no indication of neuromuscular retardation in amphibians associated with embryogenesis in microgravity.

Evaluation and diagnosis of brain death by functional near-infrared spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Boan; Zhong, Fulin; Huang, Xiaobo; Pan, Lingai; Lu, Sen; Li, Ting

2017-02-01

Brain death, the irreversible and permanent loss of the brain and brainstem functions, is hard to be judged precisely for some clinical reasons. The traditional diagnostic methods are time consuming, expensive and some are even dangerous. Functional near infrared spectroscopy (FNIRS), using the good scattering properties of major component of blood to NIR, is capable of noninvasive monitoring cerebral hemodynamic responses. Here, we attempt to use portable FNIRS under patients' natural state for brain death diagnosis. Ten brain death patients and seven normal subjects participated in FNIRS measurements. All of them were provided different fractional concentration of inspired oxygen (FIO2) in different time periods. We found that the concentration variation of deoxyhemoglobin concentration (Δ[Hb]) presents the trend of decrease in the both brain death patients and normal subjects with the raise of the FIO2, however, the data in the normal subjects is more significant. And the concentration variation of oxyhemoglobins concentration (Δ[HbO2]) emerges the opposite trends. Thus Δ[HbO2]/Δ[Hb] in brain death patients is significantly higher than normal subjects, and emerges the rising trend as time went on. The findings indicated the potential of FNIRS-measured hemodynamic index in diagnosing brain death.

Generation of monoclonal antibodies reacting with human epithelial ovarian cancer.

PubMed

Tagliabue, E; Mènard, S; Della Torre, G; Barbanti, P; Mariani-Costantini, R; Porro, G; Colnaghi, M I

1985-01-01

Fusion of the murine myeloma line P3-X63-Ag8-U1 with spleen cells from a mouse immunized with a membrane preparations (CM) of a mucinous ovarian cystoadenocarcinoma yielded two monoclonal antibodies, MOv1 and MOv2, which reacted by solid-phase radioimmunoassay with immunizing tumor CM but were unreactive with normal kidney CM as well as with plasma proteins and peripheral blood cells from the immunizing carcinoma patient. MOv1 and MOv2 were further tested by solid-phase radioimunoassay on a panel of different CM from fresh surgical specimens of ovarian and nonovarian carcinomas, benign ovarian tumors, normal ovary and kidney tissues, and on various tumor cell lines. In addition, the antibodies were characterized by immunofluorescence on live cells from cell lines and surgical specimens, and on frozen sections of benign and malignant ovarian tumors, of nonovarian tumors, and of normal tissues. The results obtained indicate that MOv1 and MOv2 recognize two different epitopes on molecules present on malignant and benign ovarian mucinous tumors and colonic glands. In addition, the antigen recognized by MOv2 was also detected in carcinmas of lung, colon, stomach, and breast; in gastrointestinal glands; and in the glandular lumina of normal lactating breast.

In vivo imaging of pulmonary nodule and vasculature using endoscopic co-registered optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence imaging (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pahlevaninezhad, Hamid; Lee, Anthony; Hohert, Geoffrey; Schwartz, Carely; Shaipanich, Tawimas; Ritchie, Alexander J.; Zhang, Wei; MacAulay, Calum E.; Lam, Stephen; Lane, Pierre M.

2016-03-01

Peripheral lung nodules found by CT-scans are difficult to localize and biopsy bronchoscopically particularly for those ≤ 2 cm in diameter. In this work, we present the results of endoscopic co-registered optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence imaging (OCT-AFI) of normal and abnormal peripheral airways from 40 patients using 0.9 mm diameter fiber optic rotary pullback catheter. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can visualize detailed airway morphology endoscopically in the lung periphery. Autofluorescence imaging (AFI) can visualize fluorescing tissue components such as collagen and elastin, enabling the detection of airway lesions with high sensitivity. Results indicate that AFI of abnormal airways is different from that of normal airways, suggesting that AFI can provide a sensitive visual presentation for rapidly identifying possible sites of pulmonary nodules. AFI can also rapidly visualize in vivo vascular networks using fast scanning parameters resulting in vascular-sensitive imaging with less breathing/cardiac motion artifacts compared to Doppler OCT imaging. It is known that tumor vasculature is structurally and functionally different from normal vessels. Thus, AFI can be potentially used for differentiating normal and abnormal lung vasculature for studying vascular remodeling.

Relationship of multispectral satellite data to land surface evaporation from the Australian continent

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, R. C. G.; Choudhury, B. J.

1990-01-01

Based on NOAA-9 AVHRR and Nimbus-7 SMMR satellite data, satellite indices of vegetation from the Australian continent are calculated for the period of May 1986 to April 1987. Visible (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) reflectances and the normalized difference (ND) vegetation index are calculated from the AVHRR sensor. The microwave polarization difference (PD) is also calculated as the difference between the vertically and horizontally polarized brightness temperatures at 37 GHz. ND, PD, VIS, and NIR indices were plotted against rainfall and water balance estimates of evaporation. It is concluded that direct satellite monitoring of annual evaporation across the Australian continent using PD or VIS satellite indices of vegetation biomass appears possible for areas with evaporation less than 600 mm/y and that use of the ND relationship at continental scale may underpredict monthly evaporation of forests relative to agriculture.

Comparative analysis of the surface exposed proteome of two canine osteosarcoma cell lines and normal canine osteoblasts.

PubMed

Milovancev, Milan; Hilgart-Martiszus, Ian; McNamara, Michael J; Goodall, Cheri P; Seguin, Bernard; Bracha, Shay; Wickramasekara, Samanthi I

2013-06-13

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common primary bone tumor of dogs and carries a poor prognosis despite aggressive treatment. An improved understanding of the biology of OSA is critically needed to allow for development of novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools. The surface-exposed proteome (SEP) of a cancerous cell includes a multifarious array of proteins critical to cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, adhesion, and inter-cellular communication. The specific aim of this study was to define a SEP profile of two validated canine OSA cell lines and a normal canine osteoblast cell line utilizing a biotinylation/streptavidin system to selectively label, purify, and identify surface-exposed proteins by mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. Additionally, we sought to validate a subset of our MS-based observations via quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot and semi-quantitative immunocytochemistry. Our hypothesis was that MS would detect differences in the SEP composition between the OSA and the normal osteoblast cells. Shotgun MS identified 133 putative surface proteins when output from all samples were combined, with good consistency between biological replicates. Eleven of the MS-detected proteins underwent analysis of gene expression by PCR, all of which were actively transcribed, but varied in expression level. Western blot of whole cell lysates from all three cell lines was effective for Thrombospondin-1, CYR61 and CD44, and indicated that all three proteins were present in each cell line. Semi-quantitative immunofluorescence indicated that CD44 was expressed at much higher levels on the surface of the OSA than the normal osteoblast cell lines. The results of the present study identified numerous differences, and similarities, in the SEP of canine OSA cell lines and normal canine osteoblasts. The PCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry results, for the subset of proteins evaluated, were generally supportive of the mass spectrometry data. These methods may be applied to other cell lines, or other biological materials, to highlight unique and previously unrecognized differences between samples. While this study yielded data that may prove useful for OSA researchers and clinicians, further refinements of the described techniques are expected to yield greater accuracy and produce a more thorough SEP analysis.

Uninstructed BIAT faking when ego depleted or in normal state: differential effect on brain and behavior.

PubMed

Wolff, Wanja; Schindler, Sebastian; Englert, Christoph; Brand, Ralf; Kissler, Johanna

2016-05-03

Deception can distort psychological tests on socially sensitive topics. Understanding the cerebral processes that are involved in such faking can be useful in detection and prevention of deception. Previous research shows that faking a brief implicit association test (BIAT) evokes a characteristic ERP response. It is not yet known whether temporarily available self-control resources moderate this response. We randomly assigned 22 participants (15 females, 24.23 ± 2.91 years old) to a counterbalanced repeated-measurements design. Participants first completed a Brief-IAT (BIAT) on doping attitudes as a baseline measure and were then instructed to fake a negative doping attitude both when self-control resources were depleted and non-depleted. Cerebral activity during BIAT performance was assessed using high-density EEG. Compared to the baseline BIAT, event-related potentials showed a first interaction at the parietal P1, while significant post hoc differences were found only at the later occurring late positive potential. Here, significantly decreased amplitudes were recorded for 'normal' faking, but not in the depletion condition. In source space, enhanced activity was found for 'normal' faking in the bilateral temporoparietal junction. Behaviorally, participants were successful in faking the BIAT successfully in both conditions. Results indicate that temporarily available self-control resources do not affect overt faking success on a BIAT. However, differences were found on an electrophysiological level. This indicates that while on a phenotypical level self-control resources play a negligible role in deliberate test faking the underlying cerebral processes are markedly different.

Electrophysiological indices of visual food cue-reactivity. Differences in obese, overweight and normal weight women.

PubMed

Hume, David John; Howells, Fleur Margaret; Rauch, H G Laurie; Kroff, Jacolene; Lambert, Estelle Victoria

2015-02-01

Heightened food cue-reactivity in overweight and obese individuals has been related to aberrant functioning of neural circuitry implicated in motivational behaviours and reward-seeking. Here we explore the neurophysiology of visual food cue-reactivity in overweight and obese women, as compared with normal weight women, by assessing differences in cortical arousal and attentional processing elicited by food and neutral image inserts in a Stroop task with record of EEG spectral band power and ERP responses. Results show excess right frontal (F8) and left central (C3) relative beta band activity in overweight women during food task performance (indicative of pronounced early visual cue-reactivity) and blunted prefrontal (Fp1 and Fp2) theta band activity in obese women during office task performance (suggestive of executive dysfunction). Moreover, as compared to normal weight women, food images elicited greater right parietal (P4) ERP P200 amplitude in overweight women (denoting pronounced early attentional processing) and shorter right parietal (P4) ERP P300 latency in obese women (signifying enhanced and efficient maintained attentional processing). Differential measures of cortical arousal and attentional processing showed significant correlations with self-reported eating behaviour and body shape dissatisfaction, as well as with objectively assessed percent fat mass. The findings of the present study suggest that heightened food cue-reactivity can be neurophysiologically measured, that different neural circuits are implicated in the pathogenesis of overweight and obesity, and that EEG techniques may serve useful in the identification of endophenotypic markers associated with an increased risk of externally mediated food consumption. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Plasminogen activator: analysis of enzyme induction by ultraviolet irradiation mapping

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

Miskin, R.; Reich, E.; Dixon, K.

1981-10-01

Ultraviolet irradiation mapping techniques have previously been used to study the organization of eucaryotic gene classes and transcription units. We used the same method to probe some regulatory phenomena observed in the induction of plasminogen activator (PA) biosynthesis: PA synthesis in chicken embryo fibroblasts is induced by tumor-promoting phorbol esters and by retinoic acid; furthermore, PA induction by phorbol esters is synergistic with transformation, being 10- to 20-fold greater in virus-transformed cells than in normal cells. We found that the ultraviolet irradiation inactivation cross sections for PA induction by phorbol esters and by retinoate differed significantly, suggesting that these agentsmore » induce PA biosynthesis by different mechanisms. On the other hand, the ultraviolet irradiation sensitivity of phorbol ester induction in normal chicken embryo fibroblasts was the same as in transformed cells, indicating that the synergism of transformation and phorbol esters is probably not due to different pathways of PA induction.« less

Marine forearc extension in the Hikurangi Margin: New insights from high-resolution 3D seismic data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Böttner, Christoph; Gross, Felix; Geersen, Jacob; Mountjoy, Joshu; Crutchley, Gareth; Krastel, Sebastian

2017-04-01

In subduction zones upper-plate normal faults have long been considered a tectonic feature primarily associated with erosive margins. However, increasing data coverage has proven that similar features also occur in accretionary margins, such as Cascadia, Makran, Nankai or Central Chile, where kinematics are dominated by compression. Considering their wide distribution there is, without doubt, a significant lack of qualitative and quantitative knowledge regarding the role and importance of normal faults and zones of extension for the seismotectonic evolution of accretionary margins. We use a high-resolution 3D P-Cable seismic volume from the Hikurangi Margin acquired in 2014 to analyze the spatial distribution and mechanisms of upper-plate normal faulting. The study area is located at the upper continental slope in the area of the Tuaheni landslide complex. In detail we aim to (1) map the spatial distribution of normal faults and characterize their vertical throws, strike directions, and dip angles; (2) investigate their possible influence on fluid migration in an area, where gas hydrates are present; (3) discuss the mechanisms that may cause extension of the upper-slope in the study area. Beneath the Tuaheni Landslide Complex we mapped about 200 normal faults. All faults have low displacements (<15 m) and dip at high (> 65°) angles. About 71% of the faults dip landward. We found two main strike directions, with the majority of faults striking 350-10°, parallel to the deformation front. A second group of faults strikes 40-60°. The faults crosscut the BSR, which indicates the base of the gas hydrate zone. In combination with seismically imaged bright-spots and pull-up structures, this indicates that the normal faults effectively transport fluids vertically across the base of the gas hydrate zone. Localized uplift, as indicated by the presence of the Tuaheni Ridge, might support normal faulting in the study area. In addition, different subduction rates across the margin may also favor extension between the segments. Future work will help to further untangle the mechanisms that cause extension of the upper continental slope.

Personality dimensions in bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and obesity.

PubMed

Peterson, Carol B; Thuras, Paul; Ackard, Diann M; Mitchell, James E; Berg, Kelly; Sandager, Nora; Wonderlich, Stephen A; Pederson, Melissa W; Crow, Scott J

2010-01-01

The purpose of this investigation was to examine differences in personality dimensions among individuals with bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, non-binge eating obesity, and a normal-weight comparison group as well as to determine the extent to which these differences were independent of self-reported depressive symptoms. Personality dimensions were assessed using the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire in 36 patients with bulimia nervosa, 54 patients with binge eating disorder, 30 obese individuals who did not binge eat, and 77 normal-weight comparison participants. Participants with bulimia nervosa reported higher scores on measures of stress reaction and negative emotionality compared to the other 3 groups and lower well-being scores compared to the normal-weight comparison and the obese samples. Patients with binge eating disorder scored lower on well-being and higher on harm avoidance than the normal-weight comparison group. In addition, the bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder groups scored lower than the normal-weight group on positive emotionality. When personality dimensions were reanalyzed using depression as a covariate, only stress reaction remained higher in the bulimia nervosa group compared to the other 3 groups and harm avoidance remained higher in the binge eating disorder than the normal-weight comparison group. The higher levels of stress reaction in the bulimia nervosa sample and harm avoidance in the binge eating disorder sample after controlling for depression indicate that these personality dimensions are potentially important in the etiology, maintenance, and treatment of these eating disorders. Although the extent to which observed group differences in well-being, positive emotionality, and negative emotionality reflect personality traits, mood disorders, or both, is unclear, these features clearly warrant further examination in understanding and treating bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.

Association of High Pulse Pressure With Proteinuria in Subjects With Diabetes, Prediabetes, or Normal Glucose Tolerance in a Large Japanese General Population Sample

PubMed Central

Yano, Yuichiro; Sato, Yuji; Fujimoto, Shouichi; Konta, Tsuneo; Iseki, Kunitoshi; Moriyama, Toshiki; Yamagata, Kunihiro; Tsuruya, Kazuhiko; Yoshida, Hideaki; Asahi, Koichi; Kurahashi, Issei; Ohashi, Yasuo; Watanabe, Tsuyoshi

2012-01-01

OBJECTIVE To examine whether there is a difference in the association between high pulse pressure and proteinuria, independent of other blood pressure (BP) indices, such as systolic or diastolic BP, among subjects with diabetes, prediabetes, or normal glucose tolerance. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Using a nationwide health checkup database of 228,778 Japanese aged ≥20 years (mean 63.2 years; 39.3% men; none had pre-existing cardiovascular disease), we examined the association between high pulse pressure, defined as the highest quintile of pulse pressure (≥63 mmHg, n = 40,511), and proteinuria (≥1+ on dipstick, n = 12,090) separately in subjects with diabetes (n = 27,913), prediabetes (n = 100,214), and normal glucose tolerance (n = 100,651). RESULTS The prevalence of proteinuria was different among subjects with diabetes, prediabetes, and normal glucose tolerance (11.3 vs. 5.0 vs. 3.9%, respectively; P < 0.001). In subjects with diabetes, but not those with prediabetes or normal glucose tolerance, high pulse pressure was associated with proteinuria independently of significant covariates, including systolic BP (odds ratio 1.15 [95% CI 1.04–1.28]) or diastolic or mean BP (all P < 0.01). In patients with diabetes, a +1 SD increase of pulse pressure (+13 mmHg) was associated with proteinuria, even after adjustment for systolic BP (1.07 [1.00–1.13]) or diastolic or mean BP (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Among the Japanese general population, there was a significant difference in the association between high pulse pressure and proteinuria among subjects with diabetes, prediabetes, and normal glucose tolerance. Only in diabetes was high pulse pressure associated with proteinuria independent of systolic, diastolic, or mean BP levels. PMID:22474041

Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Differences between Normal-Weight, Overweight, Obese, and Morbidly Obese Children.

PubMed

Scott, Brian; Johnson, Romaine F; Mitchell Md, Ron B

2016-05-01

The severity of obstructive sleep apnea in children determines perioperative management and is an indication for postoperative polysomnography. The relationship between increasing weight and sleep apnea severity in children remains unclear. To compare demographic, clinical, and polysomnography parameters in normal-weight, overweight, obese, and morbidly obese children, as well as identify demographic factors that predict sleep apnea severity. Case series with chart review. Academic children's hospital. A retrospective chart review of 290 children aged 2 to 18 years who underwent polysomnography at an academic children's hospital was performed. Demographics, clinical findings, and polysomnographic parameters were recorded. Children were categorized as normal weight, overweight, obese, or morbidly obese. Differences were assessed using linear and logistical regression models. Significance was set at P < .05. Morbidly obese were older than normal-weight children (mean, 8.0 ± 0.5 years vs 5.8 ± 0.3 years; P < .001) and less likely to have a normal polysomnogram (16% vs 48%; P = .02). There were no differences in sex, ethnicity, birth status (term or preterm), or tonsil size between normal-weight, overweight, obese, and morbidly obese children. Sleep efficiency and percentage of time in rapid eye movement were decreased in morbidly obese compared with other children (P < .05). The apnea-hypopnea index was positively correlated with increasing body mass index z score only as a function of increasing age (P < .001). Obstructive sleep apnea severity is correlated with a combination of increasing age and weight but not with either variable independently. This study suggests that obese and morbidly obese older children are most likely to have severe obstructive sleep apnea. © American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation 2016.

High-affinity binding of laurate to naturally occurring mutants of human serum albumin and proalbumin.

PubMed

Kragh-Hansen, U; Pedersen, A O; Galliano, M; Minchiotti, L; Brennan, S O; Tárnoky, A L; Franco, M H; Salzano, F M

1996-12-15

Binding of laurate (n-dodecanoate) to genetic variants of albumin or its proprotein and to normal albumin isolated from the same heterozygous carriers was studied by a kinetic dialysis technique at physiological pH. The first stoichiometric association constant for binding to proalbumin Lille (Arg-2-->His) and albumin (Alb) Roma (Glu321-->Lys) was increased to 126% and 136% respectively compared with that for binding to normal albumin, whereas the constant for Alb Maku (Lys541-->Glu) was decreased to 80%. In contrast, normal laurate-binding properties were found for as many as nine other albumin variants with single amino acid substitutions. Because the net charges of all these mutants were different from that of normal albumin, the results suggest that the examples of modified laurate binding are not caused by long-range electrostatic effects. Rather, the three positions mentioned are located close to different binding sites for the fatty acid anion. The most pronounced effect was observed for the glycosylated Alb Casebrook, the binding constant of which was decreased to 20%. Binding to the glycosylated Alb Redhill was also decreased, but to a smaller extent (68%). These decreases in binding are caused by partial or total blocking of the high-affinity site by the oligosaccharides, by the negative charges of the oligosaccharides, and/or by conformational changes induced by these bulky moieties. Laurate binding to two chain-termination mutants (Alb Catania and Alb Venezia) was normal, indicating that the C-terminus of albumin is not important for binding. By using different preparations of normal albumin as controls in the binding experiments, it was also possible to compare the effect of various methods for isolation and defatting on laurate binding.

Euramerican tonsteins: overview, magmatic origin, and depositional-tectonic implications

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lyons, P.C.; Spears, D.A.; Outerbridge, W.F.; Congdon, R.D.; Evans, H.T.

1994-01-01

Carboniferous tonsteins (kaolinized volcanic-ash beds) of wide geographic distribution are known in both Europe and North America. Relict volcanic minerals common in these Euramerican tonsteins are volcanic quartz (including beta-quartz paramorphs), zircon and ilmenite; less common are magnetite, fayalite, rutile, monazite, xenotime, apatite and sanidine. Data for two relatively thick (3-13 cm) and widespread (>400 km) European tonsteins (Erda and Sub-Worsley Four-foot) indicate an increase in detrital quartz near the top of the beds which indicates mixing with normal clastic sediments, including the introduction of heavy detrital minerals (e.g., tourmaline and garnet). These thick tonsteins show multiple horizontal bedding, normal graded bedding, disturbed bedding, and centimeter-scale scour surfaces. The Fire Clay tonstein in North America represents from one to five separate volcanic air-fall ash deposits as determined by normal graded bedding and mineralogical analysis. These features indicate several episodes of volcanic-ash deposition and very localized subsequent erosion and bioturbation. Electron microprobe data from glass inclusions in volcanic quartz in Euramerican tonsteins indicate a rhyolitic origin for these tonsteins and reveal chemical "fingerprints" valuable for intra- and inter-basinal correlations. However, the tectonic framework for European and North American tonsteins was quite different. In Europe, volcanic-ash beds were associated with Variscan collisional tectonics, whereas in North America, volcanic ash was associated with Ouachita tectonic activity, explosive volcanism from the Yucatan block, collision between the South American and North American plates, and the formation of Pangea. ?? 1994.

Effect of bacterial endotoxin LPS on expression of INF-gamma and IL-5 in T-lymphocytes from asthmatics.

PubMed

Koch, Andrea; Knobloch, Jürgen; Dammhayn, Cathrin; Raidl, Maria; Ruppert, Andrea; Hag, Haitham; Rottlaender, Dennis; Müller, Katja; Erdmann, Erland

2007-11-01

Epidemiological evidence, in vitro studies and animal models suggest that exposure to the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can influence the development and severity of asthma. Although it is known that signaling through Toll-like receptors (TLR) is required for adaptive T helper cell type 1 and 2 responses, it is unclear whether the LPS ligand TLR 4 is expressed on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-lymphocytes and if so, whether LPS could modulate the T(H)1 or T(H)2 response in this context. The present authors have, therefore, examined the expression of TLR 4 on peripheral blood CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-lymphocytes using RT-PCR method and FACS analyses. Furthermore, the authors have studied the IL-12-induced expression of the T(H)1-associated cytokine INF-gamma and the IL-4-induced expression of the T(H)2-specific cytokine IL-5 in the presence of LPS using ELISA and compared nine atopic asthmatic subjects and eleven nonatopic normal volunteers. There was an increased anti-CD3/anti-CD28-induced IL-5 expression in T cells of asthmatics compared with normals (p<0.01). In the presence of IL-4 (10 ng/ml), there was an additional increase in IL-5 expression and this additional increase was greater in T cells of normals compared with asthmatics (p<0.05). There was an expression of INF-gamma in anti-CD3/anti-CD28-induced T-lymphocytes without differences between both groups (NS). In the presence of IL-12 (10 ng/ml), there was an increase in INF-gamma release without differences between normals and asthmatics (NS). In the presence of different concentrations of LPS (10 ng/ml, 1 mug/ml), there was a decrease in IL-4-induced IL-5 expression without differences in both groups, indicating an intact T(H)2 response to bacterial endotoxin LPS in asthma. Interestingly, LPS increased the IL-12-induced INF-gamma release in a concentration-dependent manner in T-lymphocytes of normals but this could not be found in T cells of asthmatics, indicating an impaired T(H)1 response to bacterial endotoxin LPS in asthma. In addition, there was a TLR 4 expression on CD4(+) T-lymphocytes of normals and to a lesser extent in asthmatics but this TLR 4 expression could not be found on CD8(+) T cells of both groups. In conclusion, there may be an impaired concentration-dependent LPS-induced T(H)1 rather than a T(H)2 response in allergic adult asthmatics compared with normal volunteers. One reason for this could be a reduced TLR 4 expression on CD4(+) T-lymphocytes of asthmatic subjects.

Sex differences in normal age trajectories of functional brain networks.

PubMed

Scheinost, Dustin; Finn, Emily S; Tokoglu, Fuyuze; Shen, Xilin; Papademetris, Xenophon; Hampson, Michelle; Constable, R Todd

2015-04-01

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance image (rs-fMRI) is increasingly used to study functional brain networks. Nevertheless, variability in these networks due to factors such as sex and aging is not fully understood. This study explored sex differences in normal age trajectories of resting-state networks (RSNs) using a novel voxel-wise measure of functional connectivity, the intrinsic connectivity distribution (ICD). Males and females showed differential patterns of changing connectivity in large-scale RSNs during normal aging from early adulthood to late middle-age. In some networks, such as the default-mode network, males and females both showed decreases in connectivity with age, albeit at different rates. In other networks, such as the fronto-parietal network, males and females showed divergent connectivity trajectories with age. Main effects of sex and age were found in many of the same regions showing sex-related differences in aging. Finally, these sex differences in aging trajectories were robust to choice of preprocessing strategy, such as global signal regression. Our findings resolve some discrepancies in the literature, especially with respect to the trajectory of connectivity in the default mode, which can be explained by our observed interactions between sex and aging. Overall, results indicate that RSNs show different aging trajectories for males and females. Characterizing effects of sex and age on RSNs are critical first steps in understanding the functional organization of the human brain. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Photoacoustic Imaging for Differential Diagnosis of Benign Polyps versus Malignant Polyps of the Gallbladder: A Preliminary Study

PubMed Central

Chae, Hee-Dong; Jang, Jin-Young; Chang, Jin Ho; Kang, Jeeun; Kang, Mee Joo; Han, Joon Koo

2017-01-01

Objective To investigate the feasibility of ex vivo multispectral photoacoustic (PA) imaging in differentiating cholesterol versus neoplastic polyps, and benign versus malignant polyps, of the gallbladder. Materials and Methods A total of 38 surgically confirmed gallbladder polyps (24 cholesterol polyps, 4 adenomas, and 10 adenocarcinomas) from 38 patients were prospectively included in this study. The surgical specimens were set on a gel pad immersed in a saline-filled container. The PA intensities of polyps were then measured, using two separate wavelength intervals (421–647 nm and 692–917 nm). Mann-Whitney U test was performed for the comparison of normalized PA intensities between the cholesterol and neoplastic polyps, and between the benign and malignant polyps. Kruskal-Wallis test was conducted for the comparison of normalized PA intensities among the cholesterol polyps, adenomas, and adenocarcinomas. Results A significant difference was observed in the normalized PA intensities between the cholesterol and neoplastic polyps at 459 nm (median, 1.00 vs. 0.73; p = 0.032). Comparing the benign and malignant polyps, there were significant differences in the normalized PA intensities at 765 nm (median, 0.67 vs. 0.78; p = 0.013), 787 nm (median, 0.65 vs. 0.77; p = 0.034), and 853 nm (median, 0.59 vs. 0.85; p = 0.028). The comparison of the normalized PA intensities among cholesterol polyps, adenomas, and adenocarcinomas demonstrated marginally significant differences at 765 nm (median, 0.67 vs. 0.66 vs. 0.78, respectively; p = 0.049). Conclusion These preliminary results indicate that benign versus malignant gallbladder polyps might exhibit different spectral patterns on multispectral PA imaging. PMID:28860899

Toxicity following methoxyflurane anaesthesia. IV. The role of obesity and the effect of low dose anaesthesia on fluoride metabolism and renal function.

PubMed

Samuelson, P N; Merin, R G; Taves, D R; Freeman, R B; Calimlim, J F; Kumazawa, T

1976-09-01

Seven obese and five normal weight patients were studied before, during and after one hour of methoxyflurane-nitrous oxide anaesthesia during peripheral surgical operations and compared with eight patients of normal weight anaesthetized with nitrous oxide-meperidine and d-tubocurare. Estimates were made of renal function, including serum and urinary electrolytes, osmolarity, uric acid, urea and creatinine. Renal clearances for the latter three substances were also calculated. Serum and urinary inorganic and organic fluoride concentrations were measured, as were renal clearances. This low dose methoxyflurane anaesthesia resulted only in a decrease in uric acid clearance among all the measures, when compared to the meperidine-nitrous oxide controls. The clearance of uric acid remained depressed for longer in the obese patients, but otherwise they did not differ from the normal weight patients. It is possible but not proven that depressed uric acid clearance may be related to the organic fluoride metabolite and an early indicator of methoxyflurane renal toxicity. The previously documented biotransformation of methoxyflurane was seen in this study. A double peak in serum inorganic fluoride was shown in all patients but one. Rather large differences in peak levels of serum inorganic fluoride occurred. The only significant difference between the obese and normal weight patients as far as fluoride metabolism was concerned was a greater variability in the serum inorganic fluoride levels in the obese patients. It would appear that the obese patient metabolizes methoxyflurane in a quantitatively if not qualitatively different fashion than the normal weight patient, perhaps because of fatty infiltration of the liver. Caution is advised in the use of methoxyflurane for more than 90 minutes of low concentration administration in view of the unpredictability of the biotransformation.

Star scanner. [with a reticle with a pair of slits having differing separation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gutshall, R. L.; Mcconaughey, R. T.; Volpe, F. A. (Inventor)

1974-01-01

A star scanner on a spin stabilized spacecraft is described which includes a reticle with a pair of slits having different separations as a function of the spacecraft vertical plane, to form a V slit. The time between a star image crossing one of the slits relative to a reference telemetry time provides an indication of azimuth angle. The time between the image crossing the two slits provides an indication of elevation angle of the star. If a star cluster is detected such that two stars pass the slits in less time than normally required for a single star to cross the two slits, an indication of the cluster occurrence is derived. Means are provided to prevent effective detection of large celestial bodies, such as the sun or moon.

How to normalize metatranscriptomic count data for differential expression analysis.

PubMed

Klingenberg, Heiner; Meinicke, Peter

2017-01-01

Differential expression analysis on the basis of RNA-Seq count data has become a standard tool in transcriptomics. Several studies have shown that prior normalization of the data is crucial for a reliable detection of transcriptional differences. Until now it has not been clear whether and how the transcriptomic approach can be used for differential expression analysis in metatranscriptomics. We propose a model for differential expression in metatranscriptomics that explicitly accounts for variations in the taxonomic composition of transcripts across different samples. As a main consequence the correct normalization of metatranscriptomic count data under this model requires the taxonomic separation of the data into organism-specific bins. Then the taxon-specific scaling of organism profiles yields a valid normalization and allows us to recombine the scaled profiles into a metatranscriptomic count matrix. This matrix can then be analyzed with statistical tools for transcriptomic count data. For taxon-specific scaling and recombination of scaled counts we provide a simple R script. When applying transcriptomic tools for differential expression analysis directly to metatranscriptomic data with an organism-independent (global) scaling of counts the resulting differences may be difficult to interpret. The differences may correspond to changing functional profiles of the contributing organisms but may also result from a variation of taxonomic abundances. Taxon-specific scaling eliminates this variation and therefore the resulting differences actually reflect a different behavior of organisms under changing conditions. In simulation studies we show that the divergence between results from global and taxon-specific scaling can be drastic. In particular, the variation of organism abundances can imply a considerable increase of significant differences with global scaling. Also, on real metatranscriptomic data, the predictions from taxon-specific and global scaling can differ widely. Our studies indicate that in real data applications performed with global scaling it might be impossible to distinguish between differential expression in terms of transcriptomic changes and differential composition in terms of changing taxonomic proportions. As in transcriptomics, a proper normalization of count data is also essential for differential expression analysis in metatranscriptomics. Our model implies a taxon-specific scaling of counts for normalization of the data. The application of taxon-specific scaling consequently removes taxonomic composition variations from functional profiles and therefore provides a clear interpretation of the observed functional differences.

Analysis of implantable defibrillator longevity under clinical circumstances: implications for device selection.

PubMed

Knops, Paul; Theuns, Dominic A M J; Res, Jan C J; Jordaens, Luc

2009-10-01

Information about implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) longevity is mostly calculated from measurements under ideal laboratory conditions. However, little information about longevity under clinical circumstances is available. This survey gives an overview on ICD service times and generator replacements in a cohort of consecutive ICD patients. Indications for replacement were classified as a normal end-of-service (EOS), premature EOS, system malfunction, infection and device advisory, or recall actions. From the premature and normal EOS group, longevity from single-chamber (SC), dual-chamber (DC), and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D), rate-responsive (RR) settings, high output (HO) stimulation, and indication for ICD therapy was compared. Differences between brands were compared as well. In a total of 854 patients, 203 ICD replacements (165 patients) were recorded. Premature and normal EOS replacements consisted of 32 SC, 98 DC and 24 CRT-D systems. Longevity was significantly longer in SC systems compared to DC and CRT-D systems (54 +/- 19 vs. 40 +/- 17 and 42 +/- 15 months; P = 0.008). Longevity between non-RR (n = 143) and RR (n = 11) settings was not significantly different (43 +/- 18 vs. 45 +/- 13 months) as it also was not for HO versus non-HO stimulation (43 +/- 19 vs. 46 +/- 17 months). Longevity of ICDs was not significantly different between primary and secondary prevention (42 +/- 19 vs. 44 +/- 18 months). The average longevity on account of a device-based EOS message was 43 +/- 18 months. Average longevity for Biotronik (BIO, n = 72) was 33 +/- 10 months, for ELA Medical (ELA, n = 12) 44 +/- 17 months, for Guidant (GDT, n = 36) 49 +/- 12 months, for Medtronic (MDT, n = 29) 62 +/- 22 months, and for St. Jude Medical (SJM, n = 5) 31 +/- 9 months (P < 0.001). SC ICD generators had a longer service time compared to DC and CRT-D systems. No influence of indication for ICD therapy and HO stimulation on generator longevity was observed in this study. MDT ICDs had the longest service time.

Biological indicators of exposure to total and respirable aluminium dust fractions in a primary aluminium smelter.

PubMed Central

Röllin, H B; Theodorou, P; Cantrell, A C

1996-01-01

OBJECTIVES: The study attempts to define biological indicators of aluminium uptake and excretion in workers exposed to airborne aluminium compounds in a primary aluminium smelter. Also, this study defines the total and respirable aluminium dust fractions in two different potrooms, and correlates their concentrations with biological indicators in this group of workers. METHODS: Air was sampled at defined work sites. Non-destructive and conventional techniques were used to find total and respirable aluminium content of the dust. Blood and urine was collected from 84 volunteers employed at various work stations throughout the smelter and from two different cohorts of controls matched for sex, age, and socioeconomic status. Aluminium in serum samples and urine specimens was measured by flameless atomic absorption with a PE 4100 ZL spectrometer. RESULTS: The correlation of aluminium concentrations in serum and urine samples with the degree of exposure was assessed for three arbitrary exposure categories; low (0.036 mg Al/m3), medium (0.35 mg Al/m3) and high (1.47 mg Al/m3) as found in different areas of the smelter. At medium and high exposure, the ratio of respirable to total aluminium in the dust samples varied significantly. At high exposure, serum aluminium, although significantly raised, was still within the normal range of an unexposed population. The workers with low exposure excreted aluminium in urine at levels significantly higher than the controls, but still within the normal range of the population. However, potroom workers with medium and high exposure had significantly higher urinary aluminium than the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that only urinary aluminium constitutes a practical index of occupational exposure at or above 0.35 mg Al/m3, and that the respirable fraction of the dust may play a major role in the biological response to exposure to aluminium in a smelter environment. PMID:8758038

Transcriptional analysis of the conidiation pattern shift of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum in response to different nutrients.

PubMed

Wang, Zhenglong; Jin, Kai; Xia, Yuxian

2016-08-09

Most fungi, including entomopathogenic fungi, have two different conidiation patterns, normal and microcycle conidiation, under different culture conditions, eg, in media containing different nutrients. However, the mechanisms underlying the conidiation pattern shift are poorly understood. In this study, Metarhizium acridum undergoing microcycle conidiation on sucrose yeast extract agar (SYA) medium shifted to normal conidiation when the medium was supplemented with sucrose, nitrate, or phosphate. By linking changes in nutrients with the conidiation pattern shift and transcriptional changes, we obtained conidiation pattern shift libraries by Solexa/Illumina deep-sequencing technology. A comparative analysis demonstrated that the expression of 137 genes was up-regulated during the shift to normal conidiation, while the expression of 436 genes was up-regulated at the microcycle conidiation stage. A comparison of subtractive libraries revealed that 83, 216, and 168 genes were related to sucrose-induced, nitrate-induced, and phosphate-induced conidiation pattern shifts, respectively. The expression of 217 genes whose expression was specific to microcycle conidiation was further analyzed by the gene expression profiling via multigene concatemers method using mRNA isolated from M. acridum grown on SYA and the four normal conidiation media. The expression of 142 genes was confirmed to be up-regulated on standard SYA medium. Of these 142 genes, 101 encode hypothetical proteins or proteins of unknown function, and only 41 genes encode proteins with putative functions. Of these 41 genes, 18 are related to cell growth, 10 are related to cell proliferation, three are related to the cell cycle, three are related to cell differentiation, two are related to cell wall synthesis, two are related to cell division, and seven have other functions. These results indicate that the conidiation pattern shift in M. acridum mainly results from changes in cell growth and proliferation. The results indicate that M. acridum shifts conidiation pattern from microcycle conidiation to normal conidiation when there is increased sucrose, nitrate, or phosphate in the medium during microcycle conidiation. The regulation of conidiation patterning is a complex process involving the cell cycle and metabolism of M. acridum. This study provides essential information about the molecular mechanism of the induction of the conidiation pattern shift by single nutrients.

Calcium channel blockers and transmitter release at the normal human neuromuscular junction.

PubMed

Protti, D A; Reisin, R; Mackinley, T A; Uchitel, O D

1996-05-01

Transmitter release evoked by nerve stimulation is highly dependent on Ca2+ entry through voltage-activated plasma membrane channels. Calcium influx may be modified in some neuromuscular diseases like Lambert-Eaton syndrome and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We studied the pharmacologic sensitivity of the transmitter release process to different calcium channel blockers in normal human muscles and found that funnel web toxin and omega-Agatoxin-IVA, both P-type calcium channel blockers, blocked nerve-elicited muscle action potentials and inhibited evoked synaptic transmission. The transmitter release was not affected either by nitrendipine, an L-type channel blocker, or omega-Conotoxin-GVIA, an N-type channel blocker. The pharmacologic profile of neuromuscular transmission observed in normal human muscles indicates that P-like channels mediate transmitter release at the motor nerve terminals.

Artificial neural network for normal, hypertensive, and preeclamptic pregnancy classification using maternal heart rate variability indexes.

PubMed

Tejera, Eduardo; Jose Areias, Maria; Rodrigues, Ana; Ramõa, Ana; Manuel Nieto-Villar, Jose; Rebelo, Irene

2011-09-01

A model construction for classification of women with normal, hypertensive and preeclamptic pregnancy in different gestational ages using maternal heart rate variability (HRV) indexes. In the present work, we applied the artificial neural network for the classification problem, using the signal composed by the time intervals between consecutive RR peaks (RR) (n = 568) obtained from ECG records. Beside the HRV indexes, we also considered other factors like maternal history and blood pressure measurements. The obtained result reveals sensitivity for preeclampsia around 80% that increases for hypertensive and normal pregnancy groups. On the other hand, specificity is around 85-90%. These results indicate that the combination of HRV indexes with artificial neural networks (ANN) could be helpful for pregnancy study and characterization.

Autofluorescence of normal and neoplastic human brain tissue: an aid for intraoperative delineation of tumor resection margins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bottiroli, Giovanni F.; Croce, Anna C.; Locatelli, Donata; Nano, Rosanna; Giombelli, Ermanno; Messina, Alberto; Benericetti, Eugenio

1998-01-01

Light-induced autofluorescence measurements were made on normal and tumor brain tissues to assess their spectroscopic properties and to verify the potential of this parameter for an intraoperative delineation of tumor resection margins. Spectrofluorometric analysis was performed both at the microscope on tissue sections from surgical resection, and on patients affected by glioblastoma, during surgical operation. Significant differences in autofluorescence emission properties were found between normal and tumor tissues in both ex vivo and in vivo measurements, indicating that the lesion can be distinguished from the informal surrounding tissues by the signal amplitude and the spectral shape. The non-invasiveness of the technique opens interesting prospects for improving the efficacy of neurosurgical operation, by allowing an intraoperative delimitation of tumor resection margins.

Mean Normal Portal Vein Diameter Using Sonography among Clients Coming to Radiology Department of Jimma University Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia.

PubMed

Geleto, Gemechu; Getnet, Wondim; Tewelde, Tsegaye

2016-05-01

Mean portal vein diameter is considered as the best indicator for portal hypertension. However, the cutoff point differs from study to study (above 10-15 mm) despite the existence of normal mean portal vein diameter between 10-15 mm in different settings.This implies the existence of limited evidence on normal portal vein diameter for all populations in all countries prior to setting the cutoff points. Therefore, the aim of this study was sonographic assessment of normal mean portal vein diameter among patients referred to The Department of Radiology in Jimma University Hospital. A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2014 at Jimma University Hospital on a total of 195 clients. Data about portal vein diameter for eligible clients were collected by radiologists using Sonography. Data were edited manually, entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Data were collected from a total of 195 participants. Among these, 121(62.1%) were males and the median age of the participants was 35 years. The study revealed a normal mean portal vein diameter of 10.6 mm ±1.8 SD with a respirophasic variation of 25.6%. Likewise, the normal mean portal vein diameter seemed to have varied significantly by age and sex. The study revealed a normal mean portal vein diameter ranging below 13 mm. Hence, decisions made in clinical settings should base on these findings. Besides, there is a need for large scale study to determine portal vein diameter variation by age and sex, controlling other confounders.

The Effect of Four Commonly Used Root Conditioner Agents in Different Time Periods Applied on Periodontally Diseased and Healthy Teeth

PubMed Central

P, Torkzaban; S, Seyedzadeh Sabounchi

2016-01-01

Statement of Problem: Root surface contamination or infection can potentially change the consequences of regenerative periodontal therapies and therefore the modification and disinfection of the contaminated root surfaces are necessary. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the surface characteristics of the extracted human teeth after exposure to four root conditioners in different time periods. Materials and Methods: The study samples were prepared from 40 freshly extracted teeth including 20 affected teeth with periodontal diseases and 20 healthy teeth. After performing root planning, 240 dentinal block samples were prepared and each affected and healthy sample was randomly allocated to receive one of the following root conditioners; Ethylenediaminetetraaceti acid (EDTA), citric acid, doxycycline, and tetracycline or rinsed with normal saline as the control agent. The prepared specimens were evaluated using scanning electron microscope and the inter-group differences and changes in study indices; dentin (%), tubular spaces (%), and diameter of dentinal tubules (μm²) were compared using one-way ANOVA test. Results: In the control group receiving normal saline, the changes in the indicators of dentin, tubular spaces, and diameter of dentinal tubules remained insignificant in all time periods. EDTA, citric acid, and tetracycline had chelating effects on the study indices; however, doxycycline led to gradual decrease of the tubular space and diameter as well as increase in dentin percentage. Conclusions: In different time intervals and when considering healthy or affected tooth surfaces, the effect of conditioning agents could be different. Amongst the four agents used, EDTA and tetracycline consistently increased the diameter of tubules and percentage of patent tubules in both healthy and diseased teeth. PMID:28959749

Noninvasive acceleration measurements to characterize knee arthritis and chondromalacia.

PubMed

Reddy, N P; Rothschild, B M; Mandal, M; Gupta, V; Suryanarayanan, S

1995-01-01

Devising techniques and instrumentation for early detection of knee arthritis and chondromalacia presents a challenge in the domain of biomedical engineering. The purpose of the present investigation was to characterize normal knees and knees affected by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and chondromalacia using a set of noninvasive acceleration measurements. Ultraminiature accelerometers were placed on the skin over the patella in four groups of subjects, and acceleration measurements were obtained during leg rotation. Acceleration measurements were significantly different in the four groups of subjects in the time and frequency domains. Power spectral analysis revealed that the average power was significantly different for these groups over a 100-500 Hz range. Noninvasive acceleration measurements can characterize the normal, arthritis, and chondromalacia knees. However, a study on a larger group of subjects is indicated.

Expression of hypoxia-inducible carbonic anhydrases in brain tumors

PubMed Central

Proescholdt, Martin A.; Mayer, Christina; Kubitza, Marion; Schubert, Thomas; Liao, Shu-Yuan; Stanbridge, Eric J.; Ivanov, Sergey; Oldfield, Edward H.; Brawanski, Alexander; Merrill, Marsha J.

2005-01-01

Malignant brain tumors exhibit distinct metabolic characteristics. Despite high levels of lactate, the intracellular pH of brain tumors is more alkaline than normal brain. Additionally, with increasing malignancy, brain tumors display intratumoral hypoxia. Carbonic anhydrase (CA) IX and XII are transmembrane isoenzymes that are induced by tissue hypoxia. They participate in regulation of pH homeostasis by catalyzing the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide. The aim of our study was to investigate whether brain tumors of different histology and grade of malignancy express elevated levels of CA IX and XII as compared to normal brain. We analyzed 120 tissue specimens from brain tumors (primary and metastatic) and normal brain for CA IX and XII expression by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and in situ hybridization. Whereas normal brain tissue showed minimal levels of CA IX and XII expression, expression in tumors was found to be upregulated with increased level of malignancy. Hemangioblastomas, from patients with von Hippel–Lindau disease, also displayed high levels of CA IX and XII expression. Comparison of CA IX and XII staining with HIF-1α staining revealed a similar microanatomical distribution, indicating hypoxia as a major, but not the only, induction factor. The extent of CA IX and XII staining correlated with cell proliferation, as indicated by Ki67 labeling. The results demonstrate that CA IX and XII are upregulated in intrinsic and metastatic brain tumors as compared to normal brain tissue. This may contribute to the management of tumor-specific acid load and provide a therapeutic target. PMID:16212811

Osmolality urine - series (image)

MedlinePlus

Greater-than-normal measurements may indicate: Addison's disease (rare) Congestive heart failure Shock Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion Lower-than-normal measurements may indicate: Aldosteronism (very rare) Diabetes insipidus (rare) ...

Evidence that steroid 5alpha-reductase isozyme genes are differentially methylated in human lymphocytes.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Dorantes, M; Lizano-Soberón, M; Camacho-Arroyo, I; Calzada-León, R; Morimoto, S; Téllez-Ascencio, N; Cerbón, M A

2002-03-01

The synthesis of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is catalyzed by steroid 5alpha-reductase isozymes 1 and 2, and this function determines the development of the male phenotype during embriogenesis and the growth of androgen sensitive tissues during puberty. The aim of this study was to determine the cytosine methylation status of 5alpha-reductase isozymes types 1 and 2 genes in normal and in 5alpha-reductase deficient men. Genomic DNA was obtained from lymphocytes of both normal subjects and patients with primary 5alpha-reductase deficiency due to point mutations in 5alpha-reductase 2 gene. Southern blot analysis of 5alpha-reductase types 1 and 2 genes from DNA samples digested with HpaII presented a different cytosine methylation pattern compared to that observed with its isoschizomer MspI, indicating that both genes are methylated in CCGG sequences. The analysis of 5alpha-reductase 1 gene from DNA samples digested with Sau3AI and its isoschizomer MboI which recognize methylation in GATC sequences showed an identical methylation pattern. In contrast, 5alpha-reductase 2 gene digested with Sau3AI presented a different methylation pattern to that of the samples digested with MboI, indicating that steroid 5alpha-reductase 2 gene possess methylated cytosines in GATC sequences. Analysis of exon 4 of 5alpha-reductase 2 gene after metabisulfite PCR showed that normal and deficient subjects present a different methylation pattern, being more methylated in patients with 5alpha-reductase 2 mutated gene. The overall results suggest that 5alpha-reductase genes 1 and 2 are differentially methylated in lymphocytes from normal and 5alpha-reductase deficient patients. Moreover, the extensive cytosine methylation pattern observed in exon 4 of 5alpha-reductase 2 gene in deficient patients, points out to an increased rate of mutations in this gene.

Occurrence and distribution of contaminants in bottom sediment and water of the Barron River Canal, Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miller, Ronald L.; McPherson, Benjamin F.

2001-01-01

Trace elements and organic contaminants in bottom-sediment samples collected from 10 sites on the Barron River Canal and from one site on the Turner River in October 1998 had patterns of distribution that indicated different sources. At some sites on the Barron River Canal, lead, copper, and zinc, normalized to aluminum, exceeded limits normally considered as background and may be enriched by human activities. Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and p-cresol, normalized against organic carbon, had patterns of distribution that indicated local sources of input from a road or vehicular traffic or from an old creosote wood treatment facility. Phthalate esters and the traces elements arsenic, cadmium, and zinc were more widely distributed with the highest normalized concentrations occurring at the Turner River background site, probably due to the high percentage of fine sediment (74% less than 63 micrometers) and high organic carbon concentration (42%) at that site and the binding effect of organic carbon on trace elements and trace organic compounds. Low concentrations of pesticides or pesticide degradation products were detected in bottom sediment (DDD and DDE, each less than 3.5 µg/kg) and water (9 pesticides, each less than 0.06 µ/L), primarily in the northern reach of the Barron River Canal where agriculture is a likely source. Although a few contaminants approached criteria that would indicate adverse effects on aquatic life, none exceeded the criteria, but the potential synergistic effects of mixtures of contaminants found at most sites are not included in the criteria.

Sad and happy emotion discrimination in music by children with cochlear implants.

PubMed

Hopyan, Talar; Manno, Francis A M; Papsin, Blake C; Gordon, Karen A

2016-01-01

Children using cochlear implants (CIs) develop speech perception but have difficulty perceiving complex acoustic signals. Mode and tempo are the two components used to recognize emotion in music. Based on CI limitations, we hypothesized children using CIs would have impaired perception of mode cues relative to their normal hearing peers and would rely more heavily on tempo cues to distinguish happy from sad music. Study participants were children with 13 right CIs and 3 left CIs (M = 12.7, SD = 2.6 years) and 16 normal hearing peers. Participants judged 96 brief piano excerpts from the classical genre as happy or sad in a forced-choice task. Music was randomly presented with alterations of transposed mode, tempo, or both. When music was presented in original form, children using CIs discriminated between happy and sad music with accuracy well above chance levels (87.5%) but significantly below those with normal hearing (98%). The CI group primarily used tempo cues, whereas normal hearing children relied more on mode cues. Transposing both mode and tempo cues in the same musical excerpt obliterated cues to emotion for both groups. Children using CIs showed significantly slower response times across all conditions. Children using CIs use tempo cues to discriminate happy versus sad music reflecting a very different hearing strategy than their normal hearing peers. Slower reaction times by children using CIs indicate that they found the task more difficult and support the possibility that they require different strategies to process emotion in music than normal.

Influence of aging and chronic heart failure on temporal dispersion of myocardial repolarization

PubMed Central

Piccirillo, Gianfranco; Moscucci, Federica; Pascucci, Matteo; Pappadà, Maria Antonella; D’Alessandro, Gaetana; Rossi, Pietro; Quaglione, Raffaele; Di Barba, Daniele; Barillà, Francesco; Magrì, Damiano

2013-01-01

Background and purpose: QT and Tpeak-Tend (Te) intervals are associated with sudden cardiac death in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). We studied age-dependent influence on short-term temporal dispersion of these two variables in patients with postischemic CHF. Method: We grouped 75 CHF and 53 healthy control subjects into three age subsets: ≤50 years, >50 years and ≤65 years, and >65 years. We then calculated the following indices: QT and Te variability index (QTVI and TeVI), the ratio between the short-term variability (STV) of QT or Te, and the STV of resting rate (RR) (QT/RR STV and Te/RR STV). Results: In all different age subgroups, patients with CHF showed a higher level of QTVI than age-matched control subjects (≤50 years: P < 0.0001; >50 years and ≤65 years: P < 0.05; >65 years: P < 0.05). Patients with CHF < 50 years old also had all repolarization variability indices higher than normal age-matched controls (TeVI, P < 0.05; QT/RR STV, P < 0.05; Te/RR STV, P < 0.05), whereas we did not find any difference between the two older classes of subjects. Both QTVI (r2: 0.178, P < 0.05) and TeVI (r2: 0.433, P < 0.001) were positively related to age in normal subjects, even if the first correlation was weaker than the second one. Conclusion: Our data showed that QTVI could be used in all ages to evaluate repolarization temporal liability, whereas the other indices are deeply influenced by age. Probably, the age-dependent increase in QTVI was more influenced by a reduction of RR variability reported in older normal subjects. PMID:23662051

Influence of aging and chronic heart failure on temporal dispersion of myocardial repolarization.

PubMed

Piccirillo, Gianfranco; Moscucci, Federica; Pascucci, Matteo; Pappadà, Maria Antonella; D'Alessandro, Gaetana; Rossi, Pietro; Quaglione, Raffaele; Di Barba, Daniele; Barillà, Francesco; Magrì, Damiano

2013-01-01

QT and T(peak)-T(end) (Te) intervals are associated with sudden cardiac death in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). We studied age-dependent influence on short-term temporal dispersion of these two variables in patients with postischemic CHF. We grouped 75 CHF and 53 healthy control subjects into three age subsets: ≤ 50 years, >50 years and ≤ 65 years, and >65 years. We then calculated the following indices: QT and Te variability index (QTVI and TeVI), the ratio between the short-term variability (STV) of QT or Te, and the STV of resting rate (RR) (QT/RR STV and Te/RR STV). In all different age subgroups, patients with CHF showed a higher level of QTVI than age-matched control subjects (≤ 50 years: P < 0.0001; >50 years and ≤ 65 years: P < 0.05; >65 years: P < 0.05). Patients with CHF < 50 years old also had all repolarization variability indices higher than normal age-matched controls (TeVI, P < 0.05; QT/RR STV, P < 0.05; Te/RR STV, P < 0.05), whereas we did not find any difference between the two older classes of subjects. Both QTVI (r²: 0.178, P < 0.05) and TeVI (r²: 0.433, P < 0.001) were positively related to age in normal subjects, even if the first correlation was weaker than the second one. Our data showed that QTVI could be used in all ages to evaluate repolarization temporal liability, whereas the other indices are deeply influenced by age. Probably, the age-dependent increase in QTVI was more influenced by a reduction of RR variability reported in older normal subjects.

Microdose follicular flare: a viable alternative for normal responding patients undergoing in vitro fertilization?

PubMed Central

Levens, Eric D.; Whitcomb, Brian W.; Kort, Jonathan D.; Materia-Hoover, Donna; Larsen, Frederick W.

2009-01-01

Objective To compare cycle outcomes among normal responding patients ≤30 years receiving microdose follicular flare (MDF) and long-luteal agonist (LL). Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Military-based ART center. Patients First, autologous ART cycles among 499 women ≤30 years old from 01/1999 to 12/2005. Interventions Following OCP administration prior to cycle start, patients were non-randomly assigned to either LL or MDF for LH surge suppression. LL received 1 mg/d leuprolide acetate (LA) on cycle day 21, which was reduced to 0.25 mg/day 10–14 days later. MDF received LA (40 μg BID) beginning 3 days after discontinuing OCPs. Both groups received a combination of hMG and rFSH. Main Outcome Measures Primary outcomes were implantation, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates; in cycle variables included peak E2, oocytes retrieved, oocyte maturity, and fertilization rate. Results Multivariable models controlling for confounding by treatment indication found no significant differences between groups in implantation (MDF:36%; LL:38%), clinical pregnancy (MDF:53%; LL:56%), and live birth rates (MDF:47%; LL:50%). No differences were observed in peak E2, oocytes retrieved, oocyte maturity, fertilization rate, or embryos transferred. Conclusions MDF use among normal responding ART patients produced no differences in cycle outcome when compared to LL. Resultantly, MDF may be a viable alternative for normal responding patients. PMID:18249365

Excitability of the Primary Motor Cortex Increases More Strongly with Slow- than with Normal-Speed Presentation of Actions

PubMed Central

Moriuchi, Takefumi; Iso, Naoki; Sagari, Akira; Ogahara, Kakuya; Kitajima, Eiji; Tanaka, Koji; Tabira, Takayuki; Higashi, Toshio

2014-01-01

Introduction The aim of the present study was to investigate how the speed of observed action affects the excitability of the primary motor cortex (M1), as assessed by the size of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Methods Eighteen healthy subjects watched a video clip of a person catching a ball, played at three different speeds (normal-, half-, and quarter-speed). MEPs were induced by TMS when the model's hand had opened to the widest extent just before catching the ball (“open”) and when the model had just caught the ball (“catch”). These two events were locked to specific frames of the video clip (“phases”), rather than occurring at specific absolute times, so that they could easily be compared across different speeds. MEPs were recorded from the thenar (TH) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscles of the right hand. Results The MEP amplitudes were higher when the subjects watched the video clip at low speed than when they watched the clip at normal speed. A repeated-measures ANOVA, with the factor VIDEO-SPEED, showed significant main effects. Bonferroni's post hoc test showed that the following MEP amplitude differences were significant: TH, normal vs. quarter; ADM, normal vs. half; and ADM, normal vs. quarter. Paired t-tests showed that the significant MEP amplitude differences between TMS phases under each speed condition were TH, “catch” higher than “open” at quarter speed; ADM, “catch” higher than “open” at half speed. Conclusions These results indicate that the excitability of M1 was higher when the observed action was played at low speed. Our findings suggest that the action observation system became more active when the subjects observed the video clip at low speed, because the subjects could then recognize the elements of action and intention in others. PMID:25479161

All-trans-retinoic acid and 13-cis-retinoic acid: pharmacokinetics and biological activity in different cell culture models of human keratinocytes.

PubMed

Schroeder, M; Zouboulis, C C

2007-02-01

Despite its known biological effect on epithelial cells, 13- CIS-retinoic acid shows low binding affinity to either cellular retinoic acid-binding proteins or nuclear retinoid receptors compared to its isomer all- TRANS-retinoic acid. We have postulated a prodrug-drug relation with 13- CIS-retinoic acid which isomerizes to all- TRANS-retinoic acid. On the other hand, the biological effects of these two compounds can differ in the widely used cell culture models of HaCaT and normal primary keratinocytes. In this study, we seeded HaCaT and normal keratinocytes at high densities leading to early confluence in order to imitate high keratinocyte proliferation, such as in acne and psoriasis, while to model decreased keratinocyte proliferation, as in aged and steroid-damaged skin, cells were seeded at a low density. High performance liquid chromatography was administered to examine retinoid uptake and metabolism in monolayer HaCaT and normal keratinocyte cultures and the 4-methylumbelliferyl heptanoate assay to estimate cell growth at different cell densities. Major qualitative and quantitative differences were detected in the two cell types regarding intracellular 13- CIS-retinoic acid isomerization to all- TRANS-retinoic acid. On the other hand, the two retinoic acid isomers showed similar effects on cell growth of both cell types tested with increasing proliferation at low cell densities, but being rather inactive at high ones in normal keratinocytes and exhibiting an antiproliferative effect in HaCaT keratinocytes. The missing effect of retinoids on cell proliferation in high seeding densities of normal keratinocytes may indicate that the normalizing activity of retinoids on hyperkeratotic diseases, such as acne or psoriasis, is likely to be carried out by modulation of cell differentiation than cell growth. On the other hand, induced keratinocyte proliferation in low seeding densities may provide an explanation for the acanthosis induced by topical retinoids in aged and steroid-damaged skin.

Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis Based on Normalized Two-Stage Vegetation Indices for Mapping Damage from Rice Diseases Using PlanetScope Datasets.

PubMed

Shi, Yue; Huang, Wenjiang; Ye, Huichun; Ruan, Chao; Xing, Naichen; Geng, Yun; Dong, Yingying; Peng, Dailiang

2018-06-11

In recent decades, rice disease co-epidemics have caused tremendous damage to crop production in both China and Southeast Asia. A variety of remote sensing based approaches have been developed and applied to map diseases distribution using coarse- to moderate-resolution imagery. However, the detection and discrimination of various disease species infecting rice were seldom assessed using high spatial resolution data. The aims of this study were (1) to develop a set of normalized two-stage vegetation indices (VIs) for characterizing the progressive development of different diseases with rice; (2) to explore the performance of combined normalized two-stage VIs in partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA); and (3) to map and evaluate the damage caused by rice diseases at fine spatial scales, for the first time using bi-temporal, high spatial resolution imagery from PlanetScope datasets at a 3 m spatial resolution. Our findings suggest that the primary biophysical parameters caused by different disease (e.g., changes in leaf area, pigment contents, or canopy morphology) can be captured using combined normalized two-stage VIs. PLS-DA was able to classify rice diseases at a sub-field scale, with an overall accuracy of 75.62% and a Kappa value of 0.47. The approach was successfully applied during a typical co-epidemic outbreak of rice dwarf (Rice dwarf virus, RDV), rice blast ( Magnaporthe oryzae ), and glume blight ( Phyllosticta glumarum ) in Guangxi Province, China. Furthermore, our approach highlighted the feasibility of the method in capturing heterogeneous disease patterns at fine spatial scales over the large spatial extents.

Differences in microRNA expression during tumor development in the transition and peripheral zones of the prostate

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The prostate is divided into three glandular zones, the peripheral zone (PZ), the transition zone (TZ), and the central zone. Most prostate tumors arise in the peripheral zone (70-75%) and in the transition zone (20-25%) while only 10% arise in the central zone. The aim of this study was to investigate if differences in miRNA expression could be a possible explanation for the difference in propensity of tumors in the zones of the prostate. Methods Patients with prostate cancer were included in the study if they had a tumor with Gleason grade 3 in the PZ, the TZ, or both (n=16). Normal prostate tissue was collected from men undergoing cystoprostatectomy (n=20). The expression of 667 unique miRNAs was investigated using TaqMan low density arrays for miRNAs. Student’s t-test was used in order to identify differentially expressed miRNAs, followed by hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) to study the separation of the tissues. The ADtree algorithm was used to identify markers for classification of tissues and a cross-validation procedure was used to test the generality of the identified miRNA-based classifiers. Results The t-tests revealed that the major differences in miRNA expression are found between normal and malignant tissues. Hierarchical clustering and PCA based on differentially expressed miRNAs between normal and malignant tissues showed perfect separation between samples, while the corresponding analyses based on differentially expressed miRNAs between the two zones showed several misplaced samples. A classification and cross-validation procedure confirmed these results and several potential miRNA markers were identified. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that the major differences in the transcription program are those arising during tumor development, rather than during normal tissue development. In addition, tumors arising in the TZ have more unique differentially expressed miRNAs compared to the PZ. The results also indicate that separate miRNA expression signatures for diagnosis might be needed for tumors arising in the different zones. MicroRNA signatures that are specific for PZ and TZ tumors could also lead to more accurate prognoses, since tumors arising in the PZ tend to be more aggressive than tumors arising in the TZ. PMID:23890084

Sex differences in plasma homovanillic acid levels in schizophrenia and normal controls: relation to neuroleptic resistance.

PubMed

Sumiyoshi, T; Hasegawa, M; Jayathilake, K; Meltzer, H Y

1997-03-01

Plasma homovanillic acid (pHVA) levels were compared in a large number of neuroleptic-resistant and -responsive schizophrenic patients (male/female = 161/46) and normal controls (67/27), and correlated with various measures of psychopathology. Psychopathology was evaluated with the brief psychiatric rating scale, the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Change version (SADS-C) and SADS-C Global Assessment Scale, the Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms, the Scale for Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), and the Quality of Life Scale. No significant differences in pHVA levels between neuroleptic-resistant (n = 104) or -responsive (n = 103) schizophrenic patients, and normal controls, were found; however, there was a main effect for sex, due to higher pHVA levels in women than men. There were no diagnosis x gender or age effects on pHVA levels. No significant correlations were observed between psychopathology ratings and baseline pHVA levels, except with the Hallucinations subscale of SAPS in neuroleptic-responsive patients. Neither duration of neuroleptic washout nor plasma prolactin levels correlated with pHVA levels. Further studies on the origin and significance of the gender difference in pHVA are indicated.

Fingerprints: A simple method for Screening Hemophilic Patients.

PubMed

Jamalian, M; Mesri, M; Vishteh, H R K; Solhi, H; Salehpour, R

2014-08-01

The present study aims to compare hemophilic patients' fingerprint types with the normal people to help diagnose the disease, particularly new occurrences of the disease. This case-control study was conducted in 2012. Sixty two patients with hemophilia type A and 62 normal healthy people were selected. The type of fingerprint was determined by a forensic specialist who was kept unaware of the participants' group. Using advanced Henry method, the main types of fingerprints were classified as arch, loop, whorl, as well as other types. In the control group, loop type (65%) and in the case group the whorl type (34%) were the most frequent fingerprint type (p < 0.001) and there was a significant difference of fingerprint in each finger between two groups. In addition, the average number of whorl type in the patients with mild disease was significantly higher and the average number of arch and other types of fingerprints was significantly lower than patients with moderate or severe disease. The findings of the present study indicated that not only are the fingerprints of normal and hemophilic people different, but also a difference was observed between hemophilic patients with the mild factor level and patients with moderate or severe one.

Placental gene expression of the placental growth factor (PlGF) in intrauterine growth restriction.

PubMed

Joó, József Gábor; Rigó, János; Börzsönyi, Balázs; Demendi, Csaba; Kornya, László

2017-06-01

We analyzed changes in gene expression of placental growth factor (PIGF) in human placental samples obtained postpartum from pregnancies with IUGR. During a twelve-month study period representing the calendar year of 2012 placental samples from 101 pregnancies with IUGR and from 140 normal pregnancies were obtained for analysis of a potential difference in PIGF gene expression. There was no significant difference in gene activity of the PIGF gene between the IUGR versus normal pregnancy groups (Ln2 α : 0.92; p < 0.06). Within the IUGR group, no fetal gender-dependent differences were seen in placental PIGF gene expression (Ln2 α : 0.72; p = 0.05). Placental PIGF gene activity was significantly lower in fetuses with more severe IUGR versus less severe cases (Ln2 α : -1.49; p < 0.03). We found no difference in gene expression of PIGF in placental samples obtained from IUGR pregnancies versus normal pregnancy suggesting the absence of a direct role of PIGF gene activity in the development of defective angiogenesis in IUGR during the later stages of gestation. However, in more severe cases of intrauterine growth restriction PIGF expression does show a significant decrease indicating its potential role in the profound defect in angiogenesis in these cases.

Stress perturbation associated with the Amazonas and other ancient continental rifts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zoback, M.L.; Richardson, R.M.

1996-01-01

The state of stress in the vicinity of old continental rifts is examined to investigate the possibility that crustal structure associated with ancient rifts (specifically a dense rift pillow in the lower crust) may modify substantially the regional stress field. Both shallow (2.0-2.6 km depth) breakout data and deep (20-45 km depth) crustal earthquake focal mechanisms indicate a N to NNE maximum horizontal compression in the vicinity of the Paleozoic Amazonas rift in central Brazil. This compressive stress direction is nearly perpendicular to the rift structure and represents a ???75?? rotation relative to a regional E-W compressive stress direction in the South American plate. Elastic two-dimensional finite element models of the density structure associated with the Amazonas rift (as inferred from independent gravity modeling) indicate that elastic support of this dense feature would generate horizontal rift-normal compressional stresses between 60 and 120 MPa, with values of 80-100 MPa probably most representative of the overall structure. The observed ???75?? stress rotation constrains the ratio of the regional horizontal stress difference to the rift-normal compressive stress to be between 0.25 and 1.0, suggesting that this rift-normal stress may be from 1 to 4 times larger than the regional horizontal stress difference. A general expression for the modification of the normalized local horizontal shear stress (relative to the regional horizontal shear stress) shows that the same ratio of the rift-normal compression relative to the regional horizontal stress difference, which controls the amount of stress rotation, also determines whether the superposed stress increases or decreases the local maximum horizontal shear stress. The potential for fault reactivation of ancient continental rifts in general is analyzed considering both the local stress rotation and modification of horizontal shear stress for both thrust and strike-slip stress regimes. In the Amazonas rift case, because the observed stress rotation only weakly constrains the ratio of the regional horizontal stress difference to the rift-normal compression to be between 0.25 and 1.0, our analysis is inconclusive because the resultant normalized horizontal shear stress may be reduced (for ratios >0.5) or enhanced (for ratios <0.5). Additional information is needed on all three stress magnitudes to predict how a change in horizontal shear stress directly influences the likelihood of faulting in the thrust-faulting stress regime in the vicinity of the Amazonas rift. A rift-normal stress associated with the seismically active New Madrid ancient rift may be sufficient to rotate the horizontal stress field consistent with strike-slip faults parallel to the axis of the rift, although this results in a 20-40% reduction in the local horizontal shear stress within the seismic zone. Sparse stress data in the vicinity of the seismically quiescent Midcontinent rift of the central United States suggest a stress state similar to that of New Madrid, with the local horizontal shear stress potentially reduced by as much as 60%. Thus the markedly different levels of seismic activity associated with these two subparallel ancient rifts is probably due to other factors than stress perturbations due to dense rift pillows. The modeling and analysis here demonstrate that rift-normal compressive stresses are a significant source of stress acting on the lithosphere and that in some cases may be a contributing factor to the association of intraplate seismicity with old zones of continental extension.

Long-term Outcomes of Patients With Normal or Minor Motor Function Abnormalities Detected by High-resolution Esophageal Manometry.

PubMed

Ravi, Karthik; Friesen, Laurel; Issaka, Rachel; Kahrilas, Peter J; Pandolfino, John E

2015-08-01

High-resolution manometry (HRM) expands recognition of minor esophageal motor abnormalities, but the clinical significance of these is unclear. We aimed to determine the outcomes of minor esophageal motor abnormalities. We reviewed HRM tracings from patients who underwent esophageal manometry at Northwestern Memorial Hospital from July 2004 through October 2005 by using the Chicago classification (version 2.0). We identified 301 patients with normal findings or minor manometric abnormalities (weak peristalsis, hypertensive peristalsis, frequent failed peristalsis, or rapid contractions with normal latency). Ninety-eight patients participated in a phone survey in which they were asked questions from the impact dysphagia questionnaire (mean follow-up period, 6 years 5 months). Of 301 patients assessed, 166 had normal findings from HRM, 82 had weak peristalsis, 34 had hypertensive peristalsis, 17 had frequent failed peristalsis, and 2 had rapid contractions with normal latency. The primary indications for HRM of dysphagia (44%) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (63%) were unrelated to manometric findings. There were no endoscopic or videofluoroscopic differences between patients with minor manometric abnormalities. Of 98 patients with follow-up, findings from HRM were normal in 63, weak peristalsis was observed in 23, hypertensive peristalsis was observed in 10, and frequent failed peristalsis was observed in 2. No patients underwent surgical myotomy, pneumatic dilation, or botulinum toxin injection. Use of proton pump inhibitors and rates of fundoplication were similar, regardless of manometric findings. Sixteen patients (16%) had significant dysphagia at follow-up; hypertensive peristalsis was the most likely to be symptomatic. Patients with normal and minor esophageal motor abnormalities report minimal symptoms and have few medical interventions related to esophageal dysfunction during long-term follow-up. Therefore, identification of normal and minor motor function is likely a good prognostic indicator. Copyright © 2015 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Statistical distribution of mechanical properties for three graphite-epoxy material systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reese, C.; Sorem, J., Jr.

1981-01-01

Graphite-epoxy composites are playing an increasing role as viable alternative materials in structural applications necessitating thorough investigation into the predictability and reproducibility of their material strength properties. This investigation was concerned with tension, compression, and short beam shear coupon testing of large samples from three different material suppliers to determine their statistical strength behavior. Statistical results indicate that a two Parameter Weibull distribution model provides better overall characterization of material behavior for the graphite-epoxy systems tested than does the standard Normal distribution model that is employed for most design work. While either a Weibull or Normal distribution model provides adequate predictions for average strength values, the Weibull model provides better characterization in the lower tail region where the predictions are of maximum design interest. The two sets of the same material were found to have essentially the same material properties, and indicate that repeatability can be achieved.

Further delineation of Nevo syndrome.

PubMed Central

al-Gazali, L I; Bakalinova, D; Varady, E; Scorer, J; Nork, M

1997-01-01

Nevo syndrome is an autosomal recessive syndrome characterised by prenatal overgrowth, joint laxity, kyphosis, wrist drop, spindle shaped fingers, and volar oedema. Four children from two families have been reported previously. We report two further children from two unrelated Arab families from two different tribes. Both presented at birth with hypotonia, joint laxity, kyphosis, wrist drop, spindle shaped fingers, and volar oedema. Both have delayed motor development at the ages of 2 years 10 months and 3 months respectively. Cognitive development is normal in one, and the other case appears to be developing normally at 3 months of age. One has, in addition, a wide spinal canal on MRI of the spine indicating some degree of dural ectasia. This report brings the total number of children reported with this syndrome to six from four families; three of these families are Arab. This indicates that the gene for this syndrome is probably commoner in Arabs than in other populations. Images PMID:9152832

Microgravity as a novel environmental signal affecting Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium virulence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nickerson, C. A.; Ott, C. M.; Mister, S. J.; Morrow, B. J.; Burns-Keliher, L.; Pierson, D. L.

2000-01-01

The effects of spaceflight on the infectious disease process have only been studied at the level of the host immune response and indicate a blunting of the immune mechanism in humans and animals. Accordingly, it is necessary to assess potential changes in microbial virulence associated with spaceflight which may impact the probability of in-flight infectious disease. In this study, we investigated the effect of altered gravitational vectors on Salmonella virulence in mice. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium grown under modeled microgravity (MMG) were more virulent and were recovered in higher numbers from the murine spleen and liver following oral infection compared to organisms grown under normal gravity. Furthermore, MMG-grown salmonellae were more resistant to acid stress and macrophage killing and exhibited significant differences in protein synthesis than did normal-gravity-grown cells. Our results indicate that the environment created by simulated microgravity represents a novel environmental regulatory factor of Salmonella virulence.

Functional connectivity change as shared signal dynamics

PubMed Central

Cole, Michael W.; Yang, Genevieve J.; Murray, John D.; Repovš, Grega; Anticevic, Alan

2015-01-01

Background An increasing number of neuroscientific studies gain insights by focusing on differences in functional connectivity – between groups, individuals, temporal windows, or task conditions. We found using simulations that additional insights into such differences can be gained by forgoing variance normalization, a procedure used by most functional connectivity measures. Simulations indicated that these functional connectivity measures are sensitive to increases in independent fluctuations (unshared signal) in time series, consistently reducing functional connectivity estimates (e.g., correlations) even though such changes are unrelated to corresponding fluctuations (shared signal) between those time series. This is inconsistent with the common notion of functional connectivity as the amount of inter-region interaction. New Method Simulations revealed that a version of correlation without variance normalization – covariance – was able to isolate differences in shared signal, increasing interpretability of observed functional connectivity change. Simulations also revealed cases problematic for non-normalized methods, leading to a “covariance conjunction” method combining the benefits of both normalized and non-normalized approaches. Results We found that covariance and covariance conjunction methods can detect functional connectivity changes across a variety of tasks and rest in both clinical and non-clinical functional MRI datasets. Comparison with Existing Method(s) We verified using a variety of tasks and rest in both clinical and non-clinical functional MRI datasets that it matters in practice whether correlation, covariance, or covariance conjunction methods are used. Conclusions These results demonstrate the practical and theoretical utility of isolating changes in shared signal, improving the ability to interpret observed functional connectivity change. PMID:26642966

Is the sagittal postural alignment different in normal and dysphonic adult speakers?

PubMed

Franco, Débora; Martins, Fernando; Andrea, Mário; Fragoso, Isabel; Carrão, Luís; Teles, Júlia

2014-07-01

Clinical research in the field of voice disorders, in particular functional dysphonia, has suggested abnormal laryngeal posture due to muscle adaptive changes, although specific evidence regarding body posture has been lacking. The aim of our study was to verify if there were significant differences in sagittal spine alignment between normal (41 subjects) and dysphonic speakers (33 subjects). Cross-sectional study. Seventy-four adults, 35 males and 39 females, were submitted to sagittal plane photographs so that spine alignment could be analyzed through the Digimizer-MedCalc Software Ltd program. Perceptual and acoustic evaluation and nasoendoscopy were used for dysphonic judgments: normal and dysphonic speakers. For thoracic length curvature (TL) and for the kyphosis index (KI), a significant effect of dysphonia was observed with mean TL and KI significantly higher for the dysphonic speakers than for the normal speakers. Concerning the TL variable, a significant effect of sex was found, in which the mean of the TL was higher for males than females. The interaction between dysphonia and sex did not have a significant effect on TL and KI variables. For the lumbar length curvature variable, a significant main effect of sex was demonstrated; there was no significant main effect of dysphonia or significant sex×dysphonia interaction. Findings indicated significant differences in some sagittal spine posture measures between normal and dysphonic speakers. Postural measures can add useful information to voice assessment protocols and should be taken into account when considering particular treatment strategies. Copyright © 2014 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

A large-scale measurement of dielectric properties of normal and malignant colorectal tissues obtained from cancer surgeries at Larmor frequencies.

PubMed

Li, Zhou; Deng, Guanhua; Li, Zhe; Xin, Sherman Xuegang; Duan, Song; Lan, Maoying; Zhang, Sa; Gao, Yixin; He, Jun; Zhang, Songtao; Tang, Hongming; Wang, Weiwei; Han, Shuai; Yang, Qing X; Zhuang, Ling; Hu, Jiani; Liu, Feng

2016-11-01

Knowledge of dielectric properties of malignant human tissues is necessary for the recently developed magnetic resonance (MR) technique called MR electrical property tomography. This technique may be used in early tumor detection based on the obvious differentiation of the dielectric properties between normal and malignant tissues. However, the dielectric properties of malignant human tissues in the scale of the Larmor frequencies are not completely available in the literature. In this study, the authors focused only on the dielectric properties of colorectal tumor tissue. The dielectric properties of 504 colorectal malignant samples excised from 85 patients in the scale of the Larmor frequencies were measured using the precision open-ended coaxial probe method. The obtained complex-permittivity data were fitted to the single-pole Cole-Cole model. The median permittivity and conductivity for the malignant tissue sample were 79.3 and 0.881 S/m at 128 MHz, which were 14.6% and 17.0% higher, respectively, than those of normal tissue samples. Significant differences between normal and malignant tissues were found for the dielectric properties (p < 0.05). Experimental results indicated that the dielectric properties were significantly different between normal and malignant tissues for colorectal tissue. This large-scale clinical measurement provides more subtle base data to validate the technique of MR electrical property tomography.

Normalized burn ratios link fire severity with patterns of avian occurrence

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rose, Eli T.; Simons, Theodore R.; Klein, Rob; McKerrow, Alexa

2016-01-01

ContextRemotely sensed differenced normalized burn ratios (DNBR) provide an index of fire severity across the footprint of a fire. We asked whether this index was useful for explaining patterns of bird occurrence within fire adapted xeric pine-oak forests of the southern Appalachian Mountains.ObjectivesWe evaluated the use of DNBR indices for linking ecosystem process with patterns of bird occurrence. We compared field-based and remotely sensed fire severity indices and used each to develop occupancy models for six bird species to identify patterns of bird occurrence following fire.MethodsWe identified and sampled 228 points within fires that recently burned within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We performed avian point counts and field-assessed fire severity at each bird census point. We also used Landsat™ imagery acquired before and after each fire to quantify fire severity using DNBR. We used non-parametric methods to quantify agreement between fire severity indices, and evaluated single season occupancy models incorporating fire severity summarized at different spatial scales.ResultsAgreement between field-derived and remotely sensed measures of fire severity was influenced by vegetation type. Although occurrence models using field-derived indices of fire severity outperformed those using DNBR, summarizing DNBR at multiple spatial scales provided additional insights into patterns of occurrence associated with different sized patches of high severity fire.ConclusionsDNBR is useful for linking the effects of fire severity to patterns of bird occurrence, and informing how high severity fire shapes patterns of bird species occurrence on the landscape.

Mapping tree density in forests of the southwestern USA using Landsat 8 data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Humagain, Kamal; Portillo-Quintero, Carlos; Cox, Robert D.; Cain, James W.

2017-01-01

The increase of tree density in forests of the American Southwest promotes extreme fire events, understory biodiversity losses, and degraded habitat conditions for many wildlife species. To ameliorate these changes, managers and scientists have begun planning treatments aimed at reducing fuels and increasing understory biodiversity. However, spatial variability in tree density across the landscape is not well-characterized, and if better known, could greatly influence planning efforts. We used reflectance values from individual Landsat 8 bands (bands 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) and calculated vegetation indices (difference vegetation index, simple ratios, and normalized vegetation indices) to estimate tree density in an area planned for treatment in the Jemez Mountains, New Mexico, characterized by multiple vegetation types and a complex topography. Because different vegetation types have different spectral signatures, we derived models with multiple predictor variables for each vegetation type, rather than using a single model for the entire project area, and compared the model-derived values to values collected from on-the-ground transects. Among conifer-dominated areas (73% of the project area), the best models (as determined by corrected Akaike Information Criteria (AICc)) included Landsat bands 2, 3, 4, and 7 along with simple ratios, normalized vegetation indices, and the difference vegetation index (R2 values for ponderosa: 0.47, piñon-juniper: 0.52, and spruce-fir: 0.66). On the other hand, in aspen-dominated areas (9% of the project area), the best model included individual bands 4 and 2, simple ratio, and normalized vegetation index (R2 value: 0.97). Most areas dominated by ponderosa, pinyon-juniper, or spruce-fir had more than 100 trees per hectare. About 54% of the study area has medium to high density of trees (100–1000 trees/hectare), and a small fraction (4.5%) of the area has very high density (>1000 trees/hectare). Our results provide a better understanding of tree density for identifying areas in need of treatment and planning for more effective treatment. Our analysis also provides an integrated method of estimating tree density across complex landscapes that could be useful for further restoration planning.

Pitch Discrimination without Awareness in Congenital Amusia: Evidence from Event-Related Potentials

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moreau, Patricia; Jolicoeur, Pierre; Peretz, Isabelle

2013-01-01

Congenital amusia is a lifelong disorder characterized by a difficulty in perceiving and producing music despite normal intelligence and hearing. Behavioral data have indicated that it originates from a deficit in fine-grained pitch discrimination, and is expressed by the absence of a P3b event-related brain response for pitch differences smaller…

The Measurement of the Oral and Nasal Sound Pressure Levels of Speech

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clarke, Wayne M.

1975-01-01

A nasal separator was used to measure the oral and nasal components in the speech of a normal adult Australian population. Results indicated no difference in oral and nasal sound pressure levels for read versus spontaneous speech samples; however, females tended to have a higher nasal component than did males. (Author/TL)

Soil organic matter as sole indicator of soil degradation

Treesearch

S.E. Obalum; G.U. Chibuike; S. Peth; Ying Ouyang

2017-01-01

Soil organic matter (SOM) is known to play vital roles in the maintenance and improvement of many soil properties and processes. These roles, which largely influence soil functions, are a pool of specific contributions of different components of SOM. The soil functions, in turn, normally define the level of soil degradation, viewed as quantifiable temporal changes in a...

Developmental Changes in the Processing of Hierarchical Shapes Continue into Adolescence.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mondloch, Catherine J.; Geldart, Sybil; Maurer, Daphne; de Schonen, Scania

2003-01-01

Three experiments obtained same-different judgments from children and adults to trace normal development of local and global processing of hierarchical visual forms. Findings indicated that reaction time was faster on global trials than local trials; bias was stronger in children and diminished to adult levels between ages 10 and 14. Reaction time…

Stomatal conductance, canopy temperature, and leaf area index estimation using remote sensing and OBIA techniques

Treesearch

S. Panda; D.M. Amatya; G. Hoogenboom

2014-01-01

Remotely sensed images including LANDSAT, SPOT, NAIP orthoimagery, and LiDAR and relevant processing tools can be used to predict plant stomatal conductance (gs), leaf area index (LAI), and canopy temperature, vegetation density, albedo, and soil moisture using vegetation indices like normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) or soil adjusted...

Soybean varieties discrimination using non-imaging hyperspectral sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

da Silva Junior, Carlos Antonio; Nanni, Marcos Rafael; Shakir, Muhammad; Teodoro, Paulo Eduardo; de Oliveira-Júnior, José Francisco; Cezar, Everson; de Gois, Givanildo; Lima, Mendelson; Wojciechowski, Julio Cesar; Shiratsuchi, Luciano Shozo

2018-03-01

Infrared region of electromagnetic spectrum has remarkable applications in crop studies. Infrared along with Red band has been used to develop certain vegetation indices. These indices like NDVI, EVI provide important information on any crop physiological stages. The main objective of this research was to discriminate 4 different soybean varieties (BMX Potência, NA5909, FT Campo Mourão and Don Mario) using non-imaging hyperspectral sensor. The study was conducted in four agricultural areas in the municipality of Deodápolis (MS), Brazil. For spectral analysis, 2400 field samples were taken from soybean leaves by means of FieldSpec 3 JR spectroradiometer in the range from 350 to 2500 nm. The data were evaluated through multivariate analysis with the whole set of spectral curves isolated by blue, green, red and near infrared wavelengths along with the addition of vegetation indices like (Enhanced Vegetation Index - EVI, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index - NDVI, Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index - GNDVI, Soil-adjusted Vegetation Index - SAVI, Transformed Vegetation Index - TVI and Optimized Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index - OSAVI). A number of the analysis performed where, discriminant (60 and 80% of the data), simulated discriminant (40 and 20% of data), principal component (PC) and cluster analysis (CA). Discriminant and simulated discriminant analyze presented satisfactory results, with average global hit rates of 99.28 and 98.77%, respectively. The results obtained by PC and CA revealed considerable associations between the evaluated variables and the varieties, which indicated that each variety has a variable that discriminates it more effectively in relation to the others. There was great variation in the sample size (number of leaves) for estimating the mean of variables. However, it was possible to observe that 200 leaves allow to obtain a maximum error of 2% in relation to the mean.

Foliar anthocyanin content - Sensitivity of vegetation indices using green reflectance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vina, A.; Gitelson, A. A.

2009-12-01

The amount and composition of photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic foliar pigments varies primarily as a function of species, developmental and phenological stages, and environmental stresses. Information on the absolute and relative amounts of these pigments thus provides insights onto the physiological conditions of plants and their responses to stress, and has the potential to be used for evaluating plant species composition and diversity across broad geographic regions. Anthocyanins in particular, are non-photosynthetic pigments associated with the resistance of plants to environmental stresses (e.g., drought, low soil nutrients, high radiation, herbivores, and pathogens). As they absorb radiation primarily in the green region of the electromagnetic spectrum (around 540-560 nm), broad-band vegetation indices that use this region in their formulation will respond to their presence. We evaluated the sensitivity of three vegetation indices using reflectance in the green spectral region (the green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, gNDVI, the green Chlorophyll Index, CIg, and the Visible Atmospherically Resistant Vegetation Index, VARI) to foliar anthocyanins in five different species. For comparison purposes the widely used Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI was also evaluated. Among the four indices tested, the VARI, which uses only spectral bands in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, was found to be inversely and linearly related to the relative amount of foliar anthocyanins. While this result was obtained at leaf level, it opens new possibilities for analyzing anthocyanin content across multiple scales, by means of currently operational aircraft- and spacecraft-mounted broad-band sensor systems. Further studies that evaluate the sensitivity of the VARI to the relative content of anthocyanins across space (e.g., at canopy and regional scales) and time, and its relationship with plant biodiversity and vegetation stresses, are needed.

Selection of internal reference genes for normalization of quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis in the canine brain and other organs.

PubMed

Park, Sang-Je; Huh, Jae-Won; Kim, Young-Hyun; Lee, Sang-Rae; Kim, Sang-Hyun; Kim, Sun-Uk; Kim, Heui-Soo; Kim, Min Kyu; Chang, Kyu-Tae

2013-05-01

Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is a specific and sensitive technique for quantifying gene expression. To analyze qRT-PCR data accurately, suitable reference genes that show consistent expression patterns across different tissues and experimental conditions should be selected. The objective of this study was to obtain the most stable reference genes in dogs, using samples from 13 different brain tissues and 10 other organs. 16 well-known candidate reference genes were analyzed by the geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper programs. Brain tissues were derived from several different anatomical regions, including the forebrain, cerebrum, diencephalon, hindbrain, and metencephalon, and grouped accordingly. Combination of the three different analyses clearly indicated that the ideal reference genes are ribosomal protien S5 (RPS5) in whole brain, RPL8 and RPS5 in whole body tissues, RPS5 and RPS19 in the forebrain and cerebrum, RPL32 and RPS19 in the diencephalon, GAPDH and RPS19 in the hindbrain, and MRPS7 and RPL13A in the metencephalon. These genes were identified as ideal for the normalization of qRT-PCR results in the respective tissues. These findings indicate more suitable and stable reference genes for future studies of canine gene expression.

Alcohol- and light-induced electro-oculographic responses in age-related macular degeneration & central serous chorioretinopathy. alcohol- and light-induced EOG responses in ARMD & CSC.

PubMed

Wu, Kathy H C; Marmor, Michael F

2005-01-01

The non-photic electro-oculographic (EOG) response induced by alcohol has been proposed as an indicator of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) integrity, and reported to be abnormal in age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). To evaluate this proposal, we have measured the alcohol-EOG as well as the ISCEV-standard EOG in patients with ARMD (n=11 patients, 4 eyes with drusen, 8 eyes with 'dry' and 7 eyes with 'wet' lesions) and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC, n=11 patients, 7 eyes with active and 6 eyes with inactive lesions), compared with 29 normal controls. We recorded the alcohol-induced EOG response after a single oral administration of ethanol at 160 mg/kg, followed by an ISCEV-standard EOG. Blood alcohol levels were monitored with a breath analyzer. We found that neither the alcohol-EOG nor the light-induced EOG response showed any difference between either ARMD or CSC patients and normal controls. Nor was there difference among eyes of different ARMD or CSC subgroups. In addition, blood alcohol concentrations near the time of the alcohol-EOG peak showed no obvious relationship with peak/baseline ratios. These data suggest that neither the alcohol- nor the light-induced EOG is a sensitive indicator of these diseases.

Association between heart rhythm and cortical sound processing.

PubMed

Marcomini, Renata S; Frizzo, Ana Claúdia F; de Góes, Viviane B; Regaçone, Simone F; Garner, David M; Raimundo, Rodrigo D; Oliveira, Fernando R; Valenti, Vitor E

2018-04-26

Sound signal processing signifies an important factor for human conscious communication and it may be assessed through cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEP). Heart rate variability (HRV) provides information about heart rate autonomic regulation. We investigated the association between resting HRV and CAEP. We evaluated resting HRV in the time and frequency domain and the CAEP components. The subjects remained at rest for 10 minutes for HRV recording, then they performed the CAEP examinations through frequency and duration protocols in both ears. Linear regression indicated that the amplitude of the N2 wave of the CAEP in the left ear (not right ear) was significantly influenced by standard deviation of normal-to-normal RR-intervals (17.7%) and percentage of adjacent RR-intervals with a difference of duration greater than 50 milliseconds (25.3%) time domain HRV indices in the frequency protocol. In the duration protocol and in the left ear the latency of the P2 wave was significantly influenced by low (LF) (20.8%) and high frequency (HF) bands in normalized units (21%) and LF/HF ratio (22.4%) indices of HRV spectral analysis. The latency of the N2 wave was significantly influenced by LF (25.8%), HF (25.9%) and LF/HF (28.8%). In conclusion, we promote the supposition that resting heart rhythm is associated with thalamo-cortical, cortical-cortical and auditory cortex pathways involved with auditory processing in the right hemisphere.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons-Associated MicroRNAs and Heart Rate Variability in Coke Oven Workers.

PubMed

Huang, Suli; Deng, Qifei; Feng, Jing; Zhang, Xiaomin; Dai, Xiayun; Li, Lu; Yang, Binyao; Wu, Tangchun; Cheng, Jinquan

2016-01-01

We aimed to evaluate the association between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-related microRNAs (miRNAs) and heart rate variability indices in coke oven workers. We recruited 365 male coke oven workers and measured urinary PAH metabolites by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Five heart rate variability indices were measured using three-channel Holter monitor. Six miRNAs were detected by TaqMan miRNA assays (Life Technologies, Foster City, CA). miR-24-3p, miR-27a-3p, miR-142-5p, and miR-320b were negatively associated with the root mean of square of successive differences between adjacent normal NN intervals (RMSSD) (P(trend) = 0.006, 0.047, 0.019, 0.011, respectively). miR-142-5p and miR-320b were also negatively associated with standard deviation of all normal to normal NN intervals (SDNN) (P(trend) = 0.01 and 0.035). miR-24-3p, miR-27a-3p, and miR-320b were significantly interacted with multiple PAH metabolites and influenced heart rate variability indices, whereas miR-24-3p also significantly interacted with smoking to influence low frequency (P(interaction) < 0.05 for all). Plasma miRNAs might act as potential biomarkers for the adverse effect of PAH exposure on the cardiovascular system.

Safety assessment characteristics of pedestrian legform impactors in vehicle-front impact tests.

PubMed

Matsui, Yasuhiro

2014-12-01

This study investigated the characteristics of safety assessment results of front-area vehicle impact tests carried out using the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) legform impactor and a flexible legform impactor (FLEX legform impactor). Different types of vehicles (sedan, sport utility vehicle, high-roof K-car, and light cargo van) were examined. The impact locations in the study were the center of the bumper and an extremely stiff structure of the bumper (i.e., in front of the side member) of each tested vehicle. The measured injury criteria were normalized by injury assessment reference values of each legform impactor. The test results for center and side-member impacts indicated that there were no significant differences in ligament injury assessments derived from the normalized knee ligament injury measures between the TRL legform impactor and the FLEX legform impactor. Evaluations made using the TRL legform impactor and the FLEX legform impactor are thus similar in the vehicle safety investigation for knee ligament injury. Vehicle-center impact test results revealed that the tibia fracture assessments derived from the normalized tibia fracture measures did not significantly differ between the TRL legform impactor and the FLEX legform impactor. However, for an impact against an extremely stiff structure, there was a difference in the tibia fracture assessment between the FLEX legform impactor and the TRL legform impactor owing to their different sensor types. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Eating attitudes, body image satisfaction and self-esteem of South African Black and White male adolescents and their perception of female body silhouettes.

PubMed

Gitau, Tabither M; Micklesfield, Lisa K; Pettifor, John M; Norris, Shane A

2014-01-01

This cross-sectional study of urban high schools in Johannesburg, South Africa, sought to examine eating attitudes, body image and self-esteem among male adolescents (n = 391). Anthropometric measurements, Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), Rosenberg self-esteem, body image satisfaction and perception of females were collected at age 13, 15 and 17 years. Descriptive analysis was done to describe the sample, and non-parametric Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test was used to test for significant differences between data that were not normally distributed (EAT-26). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analyses were conducted to test for associations between self-esteem scores and eating attitudes, body mass indices and body image satisfaction scores. To assess the differences between groups that were normally distributed chi-square tests were carried out. Ethnic differences significantly affected adolescent boys' body mass index (BMI), eating attitudes and self-esteem; White boys had higher self-esteem, BMI and normal eating attitudes than the Black boys did. BMI was positively associated with self-esteem (p = 0.01, r = 0.134) and negatively with dieting behaviour in White boys (p = 0.004, r = -0.257), and with lower EAT-26 bulimic and oral control scores in Black boys. In conclusion, the findings highlight ethnic differences and a need to better understand cultural differences that influence adolescent attitudes and behaviour.

First-In-Class Small Molecule ONC201 Induces DR5 and Cell Death in Tumor but Not Normal Cells to Provide a Wide Therapeutic Index as an Anti-Cancer Agent.

PubMed

Allen, Joshua E; Crowder, Roslyn N; Crowder, Roslyn; El-Deiry, Wafik S

2015-01-01

We previously identified ONC201 (TIC10) as a first-in-class orally active small molecule with robust antitumor activity that is currently in clinical trials in advanced cancers. Here, we further investigate the safety characteristics of ONC201 in preclinical models that reveal an excellent safety profile at doses that exceed efficacious doses by 10-fold. In vitro studies indicated a strikingly different dose-response relationship when comparing tumor and normal cells where maximal effects are much stronger in tumor cells than in normal cells. In further support of a wide therapeutic index, investigation of tumor and normal cell responses under identical conditions demonstrated large apoptotic effects in tumor cells and modest anti-proliferative effects in normal cells that were non-apoptotic and reversible. Probing the underlying mechanism of apoptosis indicated that ONC201 does not induce DR5 in normal cells under conditions that induce DR5 in tumor cells; DR5 is a pro-apoptotic TRAIL receptor previously linked to the anti-tumor mechanism of ONC201. GLP toxicology studies in Sprague-Dawley rats and beagle dogs at therapeutic and exaggerated doses revealed no dose-limiting toxicities. Observations in both species at the highest doses were mild and reversible at doses above 10-fold the expected therapeutic dose. The no observed adverse event level (NOAEL) was ≥42 mg/kg in dogs and ≥125 mg/kg in rats, which both correspond to a human dose of approximately 1.25 g assuming standard allometric scaling. These results provided the rationale for the 125 mg starting dose in dose escalation clinical trials that began in 2015 in patients with advanced cancer.

First-In-Class Small Molecule ONC201 Induces DR5 and Cell Death in Tumor but Not Normal Cells to Provide a Wide Therapeutic Index as an Anti-Cancer Agent

PubMed Central

Allen, Joshua E.; Crowder, Roslyn; El-Deiry, Wafik S.

2015-01-01

We previously identified ONC201 (TIC10) as a first-in-class orally active small molecule with robust antitumor activity that is currently in clinical trials in advanced cancers. Here, we further investigate the safety characteristics of ONC201 in preclinical models that reveal an excellent safety profile at doses that exceed efficacious doses by 10-fold. In vitro studies indicated a strikingly different dose-response relationship when comparing tumor and normal cells where maximal effects are much stronger in tumor cells than in normal cells. In further support of a wide therapeutic index, investigation of tumor and normal cell responses under identical conditions demonstrated large apoptotic effects in tumor cells and modest anti-proliferative effects in normal cells that were non-apoptotic and reversible. Probing the underlying mechanism of apoptosis indicated that ONC201 does not induce DR5 in normal cells under conditions that induce DR5 in tumor cells; DR5 is a pro-apoptotic TRAIL receptor previously linked to the anti-tumor mechanism of ONC201. GLP toxicology studies in Sprague-Dawley rats and beagle dogs at therapeutic and exaggerated doses revealed no dose-limiting toxicities. Observations in both species at the highest doses were mild and reversible at doses above 10-fold the expected therapeutic dose. The no observed adverse event level (NOAEL) was ≥42 mg/kg in dogs and ≥125 mg/kg in rats, which both correspond to a human dose of approximately 1.25 g assuming standard allometric scaling. These results provided the rationale for the 125 mg starting dose in dose escalation clinical trials that began in 2015 in patients with advanced cancer. PMID:26580220

Whether Visual Information Loss of Expression by Community Pharmacist Masks to Effect a Change in Feeling of Trust among Help-seeker?

PubMed

Kishimoto, Keiko; Hasaka, Akiko; Yamaura, Katsunori; Fukushima, Noriko

2016-01-01

Pharmacy is required to shift toward human service such as hearing the complaints of health. But the study about help-seeking behavior to pharmacist is not really investigated. We hypothesized that a decrease in expression visibility, due to pharmacists' typical masks, may negatively impact help-seeker' trust in pharmacist. The sample included 100 drugstore customers aged ≥18 years. Participants were stratified by gender and randomly assigned to two groups: evaluation of clear-masked and normal-masked pharmacists. After viewing a video with either male or female pharmacists wearing either clear or normal masks, participants completed a questionnaire. The primary outcome was trust in pharmacist measured by the Trust Scale and the secondary outcome was impression of the pharmacist measured by nineteen pairs of adjectives. There were no differences by gender on trust scores. Results revealed that both male and female pharmacists who wore clear masks were rated as more trustworthy than normal-masked pharmacists (p<0.001, d=0.903, and p=0.001, d=0.716, respectively). Sixteen of nineteen adjectives reported for pharmacists wearing normal masks indicated greater negative intention than those with clear masks (d=0.431-1.469). In most cases, among pharmacists wearing clear masks, results showed positive correlations between trust and each impression adjective (r=0.279-0.710). Our findings indicate that pharmacists wearing normal masks, which partially hide facial expressions, may decrease customer's trust in pharmacist. Further, normal masks were associated with negative impression. To avoid the inhibition of help-seek behavior, we recommend that pharmacists wear a clear mask and increase non-verbal communication.

Pharmacokinetics and ovarian suppression during use of a contraceptive vaginal ring in normal-weight and obese women.

PubMed

Westhoff, Carolyn L; Torgal, Anupama H; Mayeda, Elizabeth Rose; Petrie, Kelsey; Thomas, Tiffany; Dragoman, Monica; Cremers, Serge

2012-07-01

Many observational studies indicate higher oral contraceptive failure among obese women, but most clinical trials and physiologic studies do not support these differences. Limited data indicate higher failure rates among obese contraceptive patch users. Data regarding contraceptive vaginal ring performance in obese women are needed. Twenty normal weight (body mass index [BMI] 19.0-24.9; median, 21.65) and 20 obese (BMI 30.0-39.9; median, 33.7) women enrolled in a prospective study of ethinyl estradiol (EE(2)) and etonorgestrel pharmacokinetics and of ovarian follicle development, endometrial thickness, and bleeding patterns, all measured biweekly during the second cycle of contraceptive vaginal ring use. Thirty-seven women completed follow-up. Mean day 0-21 EE(2) concentrations were lower among obese vs normal weight women (15.0 vs 22.0 pg/mL, respectively, P = .004), whereas etonorgestrel concentrations were similar (1138 vs 1256 pg/mL, respectively, P = .39). Follicular development was minimal in both groups, with only 5 women achieving a maximum follicle diameter >13 mm at any time during 3 weeks follow-up (3 normal weight and 2 obese women); these women had serum progesterone levels <1.0. Obese women reported more bleeding or spotting than normal weight women (3.6 vs 1.4 days, respectively, P = .01). Although obese women had lower EE(2) levels during contraceptive vaginal ring use, they had excellent suppression of ovarian follicle development, similar to normal weight women. This predicts that contraceptive vaginal ring effectiveness will be similar in women with a BMI up to 39.9. The lower serum EE(2) levels in the obese women may explain the greater reported bleeding or spotting days. Copyright © 2012 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Pharmacokinetics and ovarian suppression during use of a contraceptive vaginal ring in normal-weight and obese women

PubMed Central

WESTHOFF, Carolyn L.; TORGAL, Anupama H.; MAYEDA, Elizabeth Rose; PETRIE, Kelsey; THOMAS, Tiffany; DRAGOMAN, Monica; CREMERS, Serge

2012-01-01

BACKGROUND Many observational studies indicate higher oral contraceptive failure among obese women, but most clinical trials and physiological studies do not support these differences. Limited data indicate higher failure rates among obese contraceptive patch users. Data regarding contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR) performance in obese women are needed. METHODS 20 normal weight (BMI 19.0–24.9, median 21.65) and 20 obese (BMI 30.0–39.9, median 33.7) women enrolled in a prospective study of ethinyl estradiol (EE) and etonorgestrel (ENG) pharmacokinetics and of ovarian follicle development, endometrial thickness, and bleeding patterns, all measured biweekly during the second cycle of CVR use. RESULTS Thirty-seven women completed follow-up. Mean day 0–21 EE concentrations were lower among obese versus normal weight women (15.0 versus 22.0 pg/mL, respectively. p = 0.004), while ENG concentrations were similar (1138 versus 1256 pg/mL, respectively. p = 0.39). Follicular development was minimal in both groups, with only five women achieving a maximum follicle diameter > 13mm at any time during 3 weeks follow-up (3 normal weight and 2 obese women); these women had serum progesterone levels < 1.0. Obese women reported more bleeding or spotting than normal weight women (3.6 versus 1.4 days, respectively. p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS While obese women had lower EE levels during CVR use, they had excellent suppression of ovarian follicle development, similar to normal weight women. This predicts that CVR effectiveness will be similar in women with a BMI up to 39.9. The lower serum EE levels in the obese women may explain the greater reported bleeding or spotting days. PMID:22727346

Temporal Information Processing and its Relation to Executive Functions in Elderly Individuals.

PubMed

Nowak, Kamila; Dacewicz, Anna; Broczek, Katarzyna; Kupisz-Urbanska, Malgorzata; Galkowski, Tadeusz; Szelag, Elzbieta

2016-01-01

Normal aging triggers deterioration in cognitive functions. Evidence has shown that these age-related changes concern also executive functions (EF) as well as temporal information processing (TIP) in a millisecond range. A considerable amount of literature data has indicated that each of these two functions sets a frame for our mental activity and may be considered in terms of embodied cognition due to advanced age. The present study addresses the question whether in elderly subjects the efficiency of TIP is related to individual differences in EF. The study involved 53 normal healthy participants aged from 65 to 78. In these subjects TIP was assessed by sequencing abilities measured with temporal-order threshold (TOT). It is defined as the minimum time gap separating two auditory stimuli presented in rapid succession which is necessary for a subject to report correctly their temporal order, thus the relation 'before-after.' The EF were assessed with regard to the efficiency of the executive planning measured with the Tower of London-Drexel University (TOL DX ) which has become a well-known EF task. Using Spearman's rank correlations we observed two main results. Firstly, the indices of the TOL DX indicated a coherent construct reflecting the effectiveness of executive planning in the elderly. Initiation time seemed dissociated from these coherent indices, which suggested a specific strategy of mental planning in the elderly based on on-line planning rather than on preplanning. Secondly, TOT was significantly correlated with the indices of TOL DX . Although some of these correlations were modified by subject's age, the correlation between TOT and the main index of TOL DX ( 'Total Move Score' ) was rather age resistant. These results suggest that normal aging may be characterized by an overlapping of deteriorated TIP and deteriorated EF.

Temporal Information Processing and its Relation to Executive Functions in Elderly Individuals

PubMed Central

Nowak, Kamila; Dacewicz, Anna; Broczek, Katarzyna; Kupisz-Urbanska, Malgorzata; Galkowski, Tadeusz; Szelag, Elzbieta

2016-01-01

Normal aging triggers deterioration in cognitive functions. Evidence has shown that these age-related changes concern also executive functions (EF) as well as temporal information processing (TIP) in a millisecond range. A considerable amount of literature data has indicated that each of these two functions sets a frame for our mental activity and may be considered in terms of embodied cognition due to advanced age. The present study addresses the question whether in elderly subjects the efficiency of TIP is related to individual differences in EF. The study involved 53 normal healthy participants aged from 65 to 78. In these subjects TIP was assessed by sequencing abilities measured with temporal-order threshold (TOT). It is defined as the minimum time gap separating two auditory stimuli presented in rapid succession which is necessary for a subject to report correctly their temporal order, thus the relation ‘before-after.’ The EF were assessed with regard to the efficiency of the executive planning measured with the Tower of London-Drexel University (TOLDX) which has become a well-known EF task. Using Spearman’s rank correlations we observed two main results. Firstly, the indices of the TOLDX indicated a coherent construct reflecting the effectiveness of executive planning in the elderly. Initiation time seemed dissociated from these coherent indices, which suggested a specific strategy of mental planning in the elderly based on on-line planning rather than on preplanning. Secondly, TOT was significantly correlated with the indices of TOLDX. Although some of these correlations were modified by subject’s age, the correlation between TOT and the main index of TOLDX (‘Total Move Score’) was rather age resistant. These results suggest that normal aging may be characterized by an overlapping of deteriorated TIP and deteriorated EF. PMID:27807426

Grain coarsening in two-dimensional phase-field models with an orientation field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korbuly, Bálint; Pusztai, Tamás; Henry, Hervé; Plapp, Mathis; Apel, Markus; Gránásy, László

2017-05-01

In the literature, contradictory results have been published regarding the form of the limiting (long-time) grain size distribution (LGSD) that characterizes the late stage grain coarsening in two-dimensional and quasi-two-dimensional polycrystalline systems. While experiments and the phase-field crystal (PFC) model (a simple dynamical density functional theory) indicate a log-normal distribution, other works including theoretical studies based on conventional phase-field simulations that rely on coarse grained fields, like the multi-phase-field (MPF) and orientation field (OF) models, yield significantly different distributions. In a recent work, we have shown that the coarse grained phase-field models (whether MPF or OF) yield very similar limiting size distributions that seem to differ from the theoretical predictions. Herein, we revisit this problem, and demonstrate in the case of OF models [R. Kobayashi, J. A. Warren, and W. C. Carter, Physica D 140, 141 (2000), 10.1016/S0167-2789(00)00023-3; H. Henry, J. Mellenthin, and M. Plapp, Phys. Rev. B 86, 054117 (2012), 10.1103/PhysRevB.86.054117] that an insufficient resolution of the small angle grain boundaries leads to a log-normal distribution close to those seen in the experiments and the molecular scale PFC simulations. Our paper indicates, furthermore, that the LGSD is critically sensitive to the details of the evaluation process, and raises the possibility that the differences among the LGSD results from different sources may originate from differences in the detection of small angle grain boundaries.

Comparison of protocols and RNA carriers for plasma miRNA isolation. Unraveling RNA carrier influence on miRNA isolation

PubMed Central

Martos, Laura; Fernández-Pardo, Álvaro; Oto, Julia; Medina, Pilar; España, Francisco; Navarro, Silvia

2017-01-01

microRNAs are promising biomarkers in biological fluids in several diseases. Different plasma RNA isolation protocols and carriers are available, but their efficiencies have been scarcely compared. Plasma microRNAs were isolated using a phenol and column-based procedure and a column-based procedure, in the presence or absence of two RNA carriers (yeast RNA and MS2 RNA). We evaluated the presence of PCR inhibitors and the relative abundance of certain microRNAs by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, we analyzed the association between different isolation protocols, the relative abundance of the miRNAs in the sample, the GC content and the free energy of microRNAs. In all microRNAs analyzed, the addition of yeast RNA as a carrier in the different isolation protocols used gave lower raw Cq values, indicating higher microRNA recovery. Moreover, this increase in microRNAs recovery was dependent on their own relative abundance in the sample, their GC content and the free-energy of their own most stable secondary structure. Furthermore, the normalization of microRNA levels by an endogenous microRNA is more reliable than the normalization by plasma volume, as it reduced the difference in microRNA fold abundance between the different isolation protocols evaluated. Our thorough study indicates that a standardization of pre- and analytical conditions is necessary to obtain reproducible inter-laboratory results in plasma microRNA studies. PMID:29077772

The use of total lake-surface area as an indicator of climatic change: Examples from the Lahontan basin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Benson, L.V.; Paillet, Frederick L.

1989-01-01

Variation in the size of lakes in the Lahontan basin is topographically constrained. River diversion also has played a major role in regulating lake size in Lahontan subbasins. The proper gage of lake response to change in the hydrologic balance is neither lake depth (level) nor lake volume but instead lake-surface area. Normalization of surface area is necessary when comparing surface areas of lakes in basins having different topographies. To a first approximation, normalization can be accomplished by dividing the paleosurface area of a lake by its mean-historical, reconstructed surface area. ?? 1989.

Standardization of magnetocardiography in nonhuman primates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seki, Yusuke; Muneyuki, Kenta; Kandori, Akihiko; Tsukada, Keiji; Terao, Keiji; Ageyama, Naohide

2008-03-01

To establish the electrophysiological mappings of nonhuman primates by using magnetocardiogram (MCG) data and obtain the normal values of MCG parameters, we used 64-channel superconducting quantum interference devices to measure 8 × 8 MCG data for 95 cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis, 51 female and 44 male). The PQ interval, QRS duration, QT interval and QTc were respectively 79 ± 14 ms, 42 ± 7 ms, 222 ± 23 ms and 363 ± 25 (mean ± SD), and these parameters did not differ significantly between female and male monkeys. These results indicate the normal values of the MCG parameters of the cynomolgus monkey and should facilitate animal experiments in magnetocardiography.

Ultraviolet-induced sister chromatid exchanges in V-79 cells with normal and BrdUrd-substituted DNA and the influence of intercalating substances and cysteine

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

Speit, G.; Mehnert, K.; Wolf, M.

1982-06-01

The influence of intercalating substances (proflavine, ethidium bromide) and of an SH compound (L-cysteine) on uv-induced sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) was investigated in V-79 cells with normal and BrdUrd-substituted DNA. The results are discussed in relation to the primary damages leading to SCE induction produced by uv irradiation. The data indicate that neither the pyrimidine dimers nor DNA single-strand breaks are the primary cause of SCE induction, and that the damages leading to SCEs by uv irradiation differ from those which cause chromosome aberrations.

Spectroscopic analysis of normal and neoplastic (WI-FTC) thyroid tissue.

PubMed

Depciuch, Joanna; Stanek-Widera, Agata; Lange, Dariusz; Biskup-Frużyńska, Magdalena; Stanek-Tarkowska, Jadwiga; Czarny, Wojciech; Cebulski, Jozef

2018-06-07

Thyroid cancer holds the first place of the malignant tumors of the endocrine system. One of the less common thyroid cancers is follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), which is very difficult to diagnose because it gives the same image as adenoma, which is benign. Certainty of the diagnosis is gained only when FTC gives metastases. Therefore, it was decided to compare normal and neoplastic (FTC) thyroid tissues with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The obtained FTIR spectra and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) allowed us to conclude that there are differences in the FTIR spectrum between normal tissues and those affected by cancer. In addition, the results indicate that there is a decrease in the number of functional groups that build cellular and tissue structures in tumoral tissues. The shifts of wave numbers corresponding to the protein and lipid function group vibrations, as well as the calculated second derivative of the FTIR spectra showed the structural changes in neoplastic tissues. Moreover, the deconvolution of the amide I massif indicates that in cancerous tissues the prevailing secondary structure is β-sheet structure, while in normal tissues it is α-helix. The obtained results allow us to conclude that infrared spectroscopy, in addition to providing information on the composition of tested samples, can be an excellent diagnostic tool contributing to understanding the FTC substrate. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Differential toxicity of arsenic on renal oxidative damage and urinary metabolic profiles in normal and diabetic mice.

PubMed

Yin, Jinbao; Liu, Su; Yu, Jing; Wu, Bing

2017-07-01

Diabetes is a common metabolic disease, which might influence susceptibility of the kidney to arsenic toxicity. However, relative report is limited. In this study, we compared the influence of inorganic arsenic (iAs) on renal oxidative damage and urinary metabolic profiles of normal and diabetic mice. Results showed that iAs exposure increased renal lipid peroxidation in diabetic mice and oxidative DNA damage in normal mice, meaning different effects of iAs exposure on normal and diabetic individuals. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolome analyses found that diabetes significantly changed urinary metabolic profiles of mice. Oxidative stress-related metabolites, such as arginine, glutamine, methionine, and β-hydroxybutyrate, were found to be changed in diabetic mice. The iAs exposure altered amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and energy metabolism in normal and diabetic mice, but had higher influence on metabolic profiles of diabetic mice than normal mice, especially for oxidative stress-related metabolites and metabolisms. Above results indicate that diabetes increased susceptibility to iAs exposure. This study provides basic information on differential toxicity of iAs on renal toxicity and urinary metabolic profiles in normal and diabetic mice and suggests that diabetic individuals should be considered as susceptible population in toxicity assessment of arsenic.

Genomic Changes in Normal Breast Tissue in Women at Normal Risk or at High Risk for Breast Cancer

PubMed Central

Danforth, David N.

2016-01-01

Sporadic breast cancer develops through the accumulation of molecular abnormalities in normal breast tissue, resulting from exposure to estrogens and other carcinogens beginning at adolescence and continuing throughout life. These molecular changes may take a variety of forms, including numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities, epigenetic changes, and gene expression alterations. To characterize these abnormalities, a review of the literature has been conducted to define the molecular changes in each of the above major genomic categories in normal breast tissue considered to be either at normal risk or at high risk for sporadic breast cancer. This review indicates that normal risk breast tissues (such as reduction mammoplasty) contain evidence of early breast carcinogenesis including loss of heterozygosity, DNA methylation of tumor suppressor and other genes, and telomere shortening. In normal tissues at high risk for breast cancer (such as normal breast tissue adjacent to breast cancer or the contralateral breast), these changes persist, and are increased and accompanied by aneuploidy, increased genomic instability, a wide range of gene expression differences, development of large cancerized fields, and increased proliferation. These changes are consistent with early and long-standing exposure to carcinogens, especially estrogens. A model for the breast carcinogenic pathway in normal risk and high-risk breast tissues is proposed. These findings should clarify our understanding of breast carcinogenesis in normal breast tissue and promote development of improved methods for risk assessment and breast cancer prevention in women. PMID:27559297

A Retrospective Analysis of Post-Stroke Berg Balance Scale Scores: How Should Normal and At-Risk Scores Be Interpreted?

PubMed Central

Inness, Elizabeth; McIlroy, William E.; Mansfield, Avril

2017-01-01

Purpose: The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a performance-based measure of standing balance commonly used by clinicians working with individuals post-stroke. Performance on the BBS can be influenced by compensatory strategies, but measures derived from two force plates can isolate compensatory strategies and thus better indicate balance impairment. This study examined BBS scores that reflect “normal” and disordered balance with respect to dual force-plate measures of standing balance in individuals post-stroke. Methods: BBS and force-plate measures were extracted from 75 patient charts. Individuals were classified by BBS score with respect to (1) age-matched normative values and (2) values that suggested increased risk of falls. Multiple analysis of variance was used to examine the effect of group assignment on force-plate measures of standing balance. Results: Individuals with BBS scores within and below normative values did not differ in force-plate measures. Individuals with BBS scores below the falls risk cutoff loaded their affected leg less than individuals with BBS scores above the cutoff. There were no other differences in force-plate measures between these two groups. Conclusions: BBS scores indicating either normal or disordered balance function are not necessarily associated with normal or disordered quiet standing-balance control measured by two force plates. This finding suggests that the BBS may reflect a capacity for compensation rather than any underlying impairments. PMID:28539694

Input clustering in the normal and learned circuits of adult barn owls.

PubMed

McBride, Thomas J; DeBello, William M

2015-05-01

Experience-dependent formation of synaptic input clusters can occur in juvenile brains. Whether this also occurs in adults is largely unknown. We previously reconstructed the normal and learned circuits of prism-adapted barn owls and found that changes in clustering of axo-dendritic contacts (putative synapses) predicted functional circuit strength. Here we asked whether comparable changes occurred in normal and prism-removed adults. Across all anatomical zones, no systematic differences in the primary metrics for within-branch or between-branch clustering were observed: 95-99% of contacts resided within clusters (<10-20 μm from nearest neighbor) regardless of circuit strength. Bouton volumes, a proxy measure of synaptic strength, were on average larger in the functionally strong zones, indicating that changes in synaptic efficacy contributed to the differences in circuit strength. Bootstrap analysis showed that the distribution of inter-contact distances strongly deviated from random not in the functionally strong zones but in those that had been strong during the sensitive period (60-250 d), indicating that clusters formed early in life were preserved regardless of current value. While cluster formation in juveniles appeared to require the production of new synapses, cluster formation in adults did not. In total, these results support a model in which high cluster dynamics in juveniles sculpt a potential connectivity map that is refined in adulthood. We propose that preservation of clusters in functionally weak adult circuits provides a storage mechanism for disused but potentially useful pathways. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Amyloid imaging and CSF biomarkers in predicting cognitive impairment up to 7.5 years later

PubMed Central

Fagan, Anne M.; Grant, Elizabeth A.; Hassenstab, Jason; Moulder, Krista L.; Maue Dreyfus, Denise; Sutphen, Courtney L.; Benzinger, Tammie L.S.; Mintun, Mark A.; Holtzman, David M.; Morris, John C.

2013-01-01

Objectives: We compared the ability of molecular biomarkers for Alzheimer disease (AD), including amyloid imaging and CSF biomarkers (Aβ42, tau, ptau181, tau/Aβ42, ptau181/Aβ42), to predict time to incident cognitive impairment among cognitively normal adults aged 45 to 88 years and followed for up to 7.5 years. Methods: Longitudinal data from Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center participants (N = 201) followed for a mean of 3.70 years (SD = 1.46 years) were used. Participants with amyloid imaging and CSF collection within 1 year of a clinical assessment indicating normal cognition were eligible. Cox proportional hazards models tested whether the individual biomarkers were related to time to incident cognitive impairment. “Expanded” models were developed using the biomarkers and participant demographic variables. The predictive values of the models were compared. Results: Abnormal levels of all biomarkers were associated with faster time to cognitive impairment, and some participants with abnormal biomarker levels remained cognitively normal for up to 6.6 years. No differences in predictive value were found between the individual biomarkers (p > 0.074), nor did we find differences between the expanded biomarker models (p > 0.312). Each expanded model better predicted incident cognitive impairment than the model containing the biomarker alone (p < 0.005). Conclusions: Our results indicate that all AD biomarkers studied here predicted incident cognitive impairment, and support the hypothesis that biomarkers signal underlying AD pathology at least several years before the appearance of dementia symptoms. PMID:23576620

[Estimation of optimum normalized difference spectral index for nitrogen accumulation in wheat leaf based on reduced precise sampling method].

PubMed

Yao, Xia; Liu, Xiao-jun; Wang, Wei; Tian, Yong-chao; Cao, Wei-xing; Zhu, Yan

2010-12-01

Four independent field experiments with 6 wheat varieties and 5 nitrogen application levels were conducted, and time-course measurements were taken on the canopy hyperspectral reflectance and leaf N accumulation per unit soil area (LNA, g N x m(-2)). By adopting reduced precise sampling method, all possible normalized difference spectral indices [NDSI(i,j)] within the spectral range of 350-2500 nm were constructed, and the relationships of LNA to the NDSI(i,j) were quantified, aimed to explore the new sensitive spectral bands and key index from precise analysis of ground-based hyperspectral information, and to develop prediction models for wheat LNA. The results showed that the sensitive spectral bands for LNA were located in visible light and near infrared regions, especially at 860 nm and 720 nm for wheat LNA. The monitoring model based on the NDSI(860,720) was formulated as LNA = 26.34 x [NDSI(860,720)](1.887), with R2 = 0.900 and SE = 1.327. The fitness test of the derived equations with independent datasets showed that for wheat LNA, the model gave the estimation accuracy of 0.823 and the RMSE of 0.991 g N x m(-2), indicating a good fitness between the measured and estimated LNA. The present normalized hyperspectral parameter of NDSI(860,720) and its derived regression model could be reliably used for the estimation of winter wheat LNA.

Differential functional magnetic resonance imaging response to food pictures in successful weight-loss maintainers relative to normal-weight and obese controls1234

PubMed Central

Haley, Andreana P; Sweet, Lawrence H; Phelan, Suzanne; Raynor, Hollie A; Del Parigi, Angelo; Cohen, Ron; Wing, Rena R

2009-01-01

Background: Prior research indicates that successful weight-loss maintainers (SWLs) work harder than people of normal weight to maintain their weight loss, including greater dietary restriction of fat and higher physical activity levels. However, little work to date has examined how SWLs differ biologically from normal-weight (NW) and obese controls. Objective: The objective was to compare the brain responses of SWLs to food pictures with those of NW and obese controls. Design: Blood oxygen level–dependent responses to high- and low-energy food pictures were measured in 18 NW controls, 16 obese controls, and 17 SWLs. Results: Group differences were identified in 4 regions, which indicated significant change in activation in response to the food pictures. SWLs showed greater activation in the left superior frontal region and right middle temporal region than did NW and obese controls—a pattern of results confirmed in exploratory voxel-wise analyses. Obese controls also showed greater activation in a bilateral precentral region. Conclusions: These results suggest that SWLs show greater activation in frontal regions and primary and secondary visual cortices—a pattern consistent with greater inhibitory control in response to food cues and greater visual attention to the food cues. A greater engagement of inhibitory control regions in response to food cues as well as a greater monitoring of foods may promote control of food intake and successful weight-loss maintenance. PMID:19675107

Determination of Zn/Cu ratio and oligoelements in serum samples by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for cancer diagnosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marcó P., L. M.; Jiménez, E.; Hernández C., E. A.; Rojas, A.; Greaves, E. D.

2001-11-01

The method of quantification using the Compton peak as an internal standard, developed in a previous work, was applied to the routine determination of Fe, Cu, Zn and Se in serum samples from normal individuals and cancer patients by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Samples were classified according to age and sex of the donor, in order to determine reference values for normal individuals. Results indicate that the Zn/Cu ratio and the Cu concentration could prove to be useful tools for cancer diagnosis. Significant differences in these parameters between the normal and cancer group were found for all age ranges. The multielemental character of the technique, coupled with the small amounts of sample required and the short analysis time make it a valuable tool in clinical analysis.

Useful visual field in patients with schizophrenia: a choice reaction time study.

PubMed

Matsuda, Yukihisa; Matsui, Mie; Tonoya, Yasuhiro; Ebihara, Naokuni; Kurachi, Masayoshi

2011-04-01

This study examined the size of the useful visual field in patients (9 men, 6 women) with schizophrenia. A choice reaction task was conducted, and performances at 2.5, 5, 7, 10, and 25 degrees in both visual fields were measured. Three key findings were shown. First, patients had slower choice reaction times (choice RTs) than normal controls. Second, patients had slower choice RTs in the right visual field than in the left visual field. Third, patients and normal controls showed the same U-shaped choice RT pattern. The first and second findings were consistent with those of other studies. The third finding was a clear indication of the patients' performance in peripheral vision, and a comparison with normal controls suggested that there was no difference in the size of the useful visual field, at least within

Discourse changes in early Alzheimer disease, mild cognitive impairment, and normal aging.

PubMed

Chapman, Sandra Bond; Zientz, Jennifer; Weiner, Myron; Rosenberg, Roger; Frawley, William; Burns, Mary Hope

2002-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity of discourse gist measures to the early cognitive-linguistic changes in Alzheimer disease (AD) and in the preclinical stages. Differences in discourse abilities were examined in 25 cognitively normal adults, 24 adults with mild probable AD, and 20 adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) at gist and detail levels of discourse processing. The authors found that gist and detail levels of discourse processing were significantly impaired in persons with AD and MCI as compared with normal control subjects. Gist-level discourse processing abilities showed minimal overlap between cognitively normal control subjects and those with mild AD. Moreover, the majority of the persons with MCI performed in the range of AD on gist measures. These findings indicate that discourse gist measures hold promise as a diagnostic complement to enhance early detection of AD. Further studies are needed to determine how early the discourse gist deficits arise in AD.

How log-normal is your country? An analysis of the statistical distribution of the exported volumes of products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Annunziata, Mario Alberto; Petri, Alberto; Pontuale, Giorgio; Zaccaria, Andrea

2016-10-01

We have considered the statistical distributions of the volumes of 1131 products exported by 148 countries. We have found that the form of these distributions is not unique but heavily depends on the level of development of the nation, as expressed by macroeconomic indicators like GDP, GDP per capita, total export and a recently introduced measure for countries' economic complexity called fitness. We have identified three major classes: a) an incomplete log-normal shape, truncated on the left side, for the less developed countries, b) a complete log-normal, with a wider range of volumes, for nations characterized by intermediate economy, and c) a strongly asymmetric shape for countries with a high degree of development. Finally, the log-normality hypothesis has been checked for the distributions of all the 148 countries through different tests, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Cramér-Von Mises, confirming that it cannot be rejected only for the countries of intermediate economy.

Discrimination of phoneme length differences in word and sentence contexts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawai, Norimune; Carrell, Thomas

2005-09-01

The ability of listeners to discriminate phoneme duration differences within word and sentence contexts was measured. This investigation was part of a series of studies examining the audibility and perceptual importance of speech modifications produced by stuttering intervention techniques. Just noticeable differences (jnd's) of phoneme lengths were measured via the parameter estimation by sequential testing (PEST) task, an adaptive tracking procedure. The target phonemes were digitally manipulated to vary from normal (130 m) to prolonged (210 m) duration in 2-m increments. In the first condition the phonemes were embedded in words. In the second condition the phonemes were embedded within words, which were further embedded in sentences. A four-interval forced-choice (4IAX) task was employed on each trial, and the PEST procedure determined the duration at which each listener correctly detected a difference between the normal duration and the test duration 71% of the time. The results revealed that listeners were able to reliably discriminate approximately 15-m differences in word context and 10-m differences in sentence context. An independent t-test showed a difference in discriminability between word and sentence contexts to be significant. These results indicate that duration differences were better perceived within a sentence context.

Lymphocyte thymidine kinase and treatment response in acute lymphocytic leukemia.

PubMed

Russo, S A; Harris, M B; Greengard, O

1987-01-01

The activity of thymidine kinase (TK) and the proportion of its isozymes (TK1/TK2) were studied in peripheral lymphoid cells of 37 children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). The high TK in 25 untreated subjects (31.5 +/- 8.9) decreased during chemotherapy-induced remission to uniformly low (5.3 +/- 0.4) normal values, and rose again during relapse to a mean of (24.8 +/- 8.1). The proportion of isozyme 1 followed the same pattern but TK was a more sensitive indicator of disease state. The lymphocyte fractions' TK (per mg protein) correlated with the number (per ml blood) of WBCs, blasts and lymphocytes. Although the higher TK of blasts than of apparently normal lymphocytes was confirmed in cases permitting clean physical separation, the lymphocyte fraction of several untreated subjects with minimal blast counts also exhibited elevated TK. Moreover, this elevation was also seen in relapsed cases even if their blood (unlike bone marrow) was devoid of blasts. The results indicate that quantification of TK can reveal a subpopulation of maldifferentiated lymphocytes which are microscopically normal and that it may provide an objective parameter of prognostic differences between ALL subjects with similar hematological characteristics.

Obesity, Cardiovascular Fitness, and Inhibition Function: An Electrophysiological Study

PubMed Central

Song, Tai-Fen; Chi, Lin; Chu, Chien-Heng; Chen, Feng-Tzu; Zhou, Chenglin; Chang, Yu-Kai

2016-01-01

The purpose of the present study was to examine how obesity and cardiovascular fitness are associated with the inhibition aspect of executive function from behavioral and electrophysiological perspectives. One hundred college students, aged 18–25 years, were categorized into four groups of equal size on the basis of body mass index and cardiovascular fitness: a normal-weight and high-fitness (NH) group, an obese-weight and high-fitness (OH) group, a normal-weight and low-fitness (NL) group, and an obese-weight and low-fitness (OL) group. Behavioral measures of response time and number of errors, as well as event-related potential measures of P3 and N1, were assessed during the Stroop Task. The results revealed that, in general, the NH group exhibited shorter response times and larger P3 amplitudes relative to the NL and OL groups, wherein the OL group exhibited the longest response time in the incongruent condition. No group differences in N1 indices were also revealed. These findings suggest that the status of being both normal weight and having high cardiovascular fitness is associated with better behavioral and later stages of electrophysiological indices of cognitive function. PMID:27512383

Self-reported overeating and attributions for food intake.

PubMed

Vartanian, Lenny R; Reily, Natalie M; Spanos, Samantha; Herman, C Peter; Polivy, Janet

2017-04-01

We examined whether people's attributions for their eating behaviour differ according to whether they believe they have eaten more, less or about the same as they normally would. Participants were served a small or large portion of pasta for lunch. Afterwards, they were asked to compare how much they ate in the study to how much they normally eat for lunch, resulting in three intake-evaluation categories: 'ate less', 'ate about the same' or 'ate more'. How much participants ate; the extent to which they attributed their food intake to an internal cue (i.e. hunger) and an external cue (i.e. the amount of food served). Participants served a large portion ate more than those served a small portion, but the magnitude of the portion-size effect did not vary across intake-evaluation categories. Furthermore, although participants in all groups indicated that their hunger influenced how much they ate, only those in the 'ate more' group indicated that the amount of food available influenced how much they ate. People appear to be willing to explain their food intake in terms of an external cue only when they believe that they have eaten more than they normally would.

U.S. Geological Survey Georgia Water Science Center and Albany Water, Gas, and Light Commission Cooperative Water Program-Summary of Activities, July 2005 through June 2006

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gordon, Debbie W.

2006-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been working with the Albany Water, Gas, and Light Commission to monitor ground-water quality and availability since 1977. This report presents the findings for July 2005 through June 2006 and summarizes the ground-water and surface-water conditions for 2005. Water levels in 14 wells were continuously monitored in Dougherty County, Georgia. Water levels in 12 of those wells were above normal, one was normal, and one was below normal. Ground-water samples collected from the Upper Floridan aquifer indicate that nitrate levels have increased in 13 wells and decreased in two wells from a year earlier. A sample also was collected from the Flint River. A trilinear diagram showing the percent composition of selected major cations and anions indicates that the ground-water quality of the Upper Floridan aquifer at the Albany wellfield is distinctly different from the water quality of the Flint River. To improve the understanding of the ground-water flow system and nitrate movement in the Upper Floridan aquifer, the USGS is developing a ground-water flow model in the southwest Albany area, Georgia.

An imbalance fault detection method based on data normalization and EMD for marine current turbines.

PubMed

Zhang, Milu; Wang, Tianzhen; Tang, Tianhao; Benbouzid, Mohamed; Diallo, Demba

2017-05-01

This paper proposes an imbalance fault detection method based on data normalization and Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) for variable speed direct-drive Marine Current Turbine (MCT) system. The method is based on the MCT stator current under the condition of wave and turbulence. The goal of this method is to extract blade imbalance fault feature, which is concealed by the supply frequency and the environment noise. First, a Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test (GLRT) detector is developed and the monitoring variable is selected by analyzing the relationship between the variables. Then, the selected monitoring variable is converted into a time series through data normalization, which makes the imbalance fault characteristic frequency into a constant. At the end, the monitoring variable is filtered out by EMD method to eliminate the effect of turbulence. The experiments show that the proposed method is robust against turbulence through comparing the different fault severities and the different turbulence intensities. Comparison with other methods, the experimental results indicate the feasibility and efficacy of the proposed method. Copyright © 2017 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Growth hormone receptor deficiency (Laron syndrome): clinical and genetic characteristics.

PubMed

Guevara-Aguirre, J; Rosenbloom, A L; Vaccarello, M A; Fielder, P J; de la Vega, A; Diamond, F B; Rosenfeld, R G

1991-01-01

Approximately 60 cases of GHRD (Laron syndrome) were reported before 1990 and half of these were from Israel. We have described 47 additional patients from an inbred population of South Ecuador and have emphasized certain clinical features including: markedly advanced osseous maturation for height age; normal body proportions in childhood but child-like proportions in adults; much greater deviation of stature than head size, giving an appearance of large cranium and small facies; underweight in childhood despite the appearance of obesity and true obesity in adulthood; blue scleras; and limited elbow extension. The Ecuadorean patients differed markedly and most importantly from the other large concentration, in Israel, by being of normal or superior intelligence, suggesting a unique linkage in the Ecuadorean population. The Ecuadorean population also differed in that those patients coming from Loja province had a markedly skewed sex ratio (19 females: 2 males), while those from El Oro province had a normal sex distribution (14 females: 12 males). The phenotypic similarity between the El Oro and Loja patients indicates that this abnormal sex distribution is not a direct result of the GHRD.

A comparative study on long-term evoked auditory and visual potential responses between Schizophrenic patients and normal subjects

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background The electrical signals measuring method is recommended to examine the relationship between neuronal activities and measure with the event related potentials (ERPs) during an auditory and a visual oddball paradigm between schizophrenic patients and normal subjects. The aim of this study is to discriminate the activation changes of different stimulations evoked by auditory and visual ERPs between schizophrenic patients and normal subjects. Methods Forty-three schizophrenic patients were selected as experimental group patients, and 40 healthy subjects with no medical history of any kind of psychiatric diseases, neurological diseases, or drug abuse, were recruited as a control group. Auditory and visual ERPs were studied with an oddball paradigm. All the data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software version 10.0. Results In the comparative study of auditory and visual ERPs between the schizophrenic and healthy patients, P300 amplitude at Fz, Cz, and Pz and N100, N200, and P200 latencies at Fz, Cz, and Pz were shown significantly different. The cognitive processing reflected by the auditory and the visual P300 latency to rare target stimuli was probably an indicator of the cognitive function in schizophrenic patients. Conclusions This study shows the methodology of application of auditory and visual oddball paradigm identifies task-relevant sources of activity and allows separation of regions that have different response properties. Our study indicates that there may be slowness of automatic cognitive processing and controlled cognitive processing of visual ERPs compared to auditory ERPs in schizophrenic patients. The activation changes of visual evoked potentials are more regionally specific than auditory evoked potentials. PMID:21542917

Do vegetarians have a normal bone mass?

PubMed

New, Susan A

2004-09-01

Public health strategies targeting the prevention of poor bone health on a population-wide basis are urgently required, with particular emphasis being placed on modifiable factors such as nutrition. The aim of this review was to assess the impact of a vegetarian diet on indices of skeletal integrity to address specifically whether vegetarians have a normal bone mass. Analysis of existing literature, through a combination of observational, clinical and intervention studies were assessed in relation to bone health for the following: lacto-ovo-vegetarian and vegan diets versus omnivorous, predominantly meat diets, consumption of animal versus vegetable protein, and fruit and vegetable consumption. Mechanisms of action for a dietary "component" effect were examined and other potential dietary differences between vegetarians and non-vegetarians were also explored. Key findings included: (i) no differences in bone health indices between lacto-ovo-vegetarians and omnivores; (ii) conflicting data for protein effects on bone with high protein consumption (particularly without supporting calcium/alkali intakes) and low protein intake (particularly with respect to vegan diets) being detrimental to the skeleton; (iii) growing support for a beneficial effect of fruit and vegetable intake on bone, with mechanisms of action currently remaining unclarified. The impact of a "vegetarian" diet on bone health is a hugely complex area since: 1) components of the diet (such as calcium, protein, alkali, vitamin K, phytoestrogens) may be varied; 2) key lifestyle factors which are important to bone (such as physical activity) may be different; 3) the tools available for assessing consumption of food are relatively weak. However, from data available and given the limitations stipulated above, "vegetarians" do certainly appear to have "normal" bone mass. What remains our challenge is to determine what components of a vegetarian diet are of particular benefit to bone, at what levels and under which mechanisms.

Implication of relationship between natural impacts and land use/land cover (LULC) changes of urban area in Mongolia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gantumur, Byambakhuu; Wu, Falin; Zhao, Yan; Vandansambuu, Battsengel; Dalaibaatar, Enkhjargal; Itiritiphan, Fareda; Shaimurat, Dauryenbyek

2017-10-01

Urban growth can profoundly alter the urban landscape structure, ecosystem processes, and local climates. Timely and accurate information on the status and trends of urban ecosystems is critical to develop strategies for sustainable development and to improve the urban residential environment and living quality. Ulaanbaatar city was urbanized very rapidly caused by herders and farmers, many of them migrating from rural places, have played a big role in this urban expansion (sprawl). Today, 1.3 million residents for about 40% of total population are living in the Ulaanbaatar region. Those human activities influenced stronger to green environments. Therefore, the aim of this study is determined to change detection of land use/land cover (LULC) and estimating their areas for the trend of future by remote sensing and statistical methods. The implications of analysis were provided by change detection methods of LULC, remote sensing spectral indices including normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference water index (NDWI) and normalized difference built-up index (NDBI). In addition, it can relate to urban heat island (UHI) provided by Land surface temperature (LST) with local climate issues. Statistical methods for image processing used to define relations between those spectral indices and change detection images and regression analysis for time series trend in future. Remote sensing data are used by Landsat (TM/ETM+/OLI) satellite images over the period between 1990 and 2016 by 5 years. The advantages of this study are very useful remote sensing approaches with statistical analysis and important to detecting changes of LULC. The experimental results show that the LULC changes can image on the present and after few years and determined relations between impacts of environmental conditions.

SU-E-T-573: Normal Tissue Dose Effect of Prescription Isodose Level Selection in Lung Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

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

Zhang, Q; Lei, Y; Zheng, D

Purpose: To evaluate dose fall-off in normal tissue for lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) cases planned with different prescription isodose levels (IDLs), by calculating the dose dropping speed (DDS) in normal tissue on plans computed with both Pencil Beam (PB) and Monte-Carlo (MC) algorithms. Methods: The DDS was calculated on 32 plans for 8 lung SBRT patients. For each patient, 4 dynamic conformal arc plans were individually optimized for prescription isodose levels (IDL) ranging from 60% to 90% of the maximum dose with 10% increments to conformally cover the PTV. Eighty non-overlapping rind structures each of 1mm thickness weremore » created layer by layer from each PTV surface. The average dose in each rind was calculated and fitted with a double exponential function (DEF) of the distance from the PTV surface, which models the steep- and moderate-slope portions of the average dose curve in normal tissue. The parameter characterizing the steep portion of the average dose curve in the DEF quantifies the DDS in the immediate normal tissue receiving high dose. Provided that the prescription dose covers the whole PTV, a greater DDS indicates better normal tissue sparing. The DDS were compared among plans with different prescription IDLs, for plans computed with both PB and MC algorithms. Results: For all patients, the DDS was found to be the lowest for 90% prescription IDL and reached a highest plateau region for 60% or 70% prescription. The trend was the same for both PB and MC plans. Conclusion: Among the range of prescription IDLs accepted by lung SBRT RTOG protocols, prescriptions to 60% and 70% IDLs were found to provide best normal tissue sparing.« less

Mitral annulus motion as determined by M-mode echocardiography in normal dogs and dogs with cardiac disease.

PubMed

Schober, K E; Fuentes, V L

2001-01-01

M-mode echocardiography was used to assess apical mitral annulus motion (MAM) in 103 normal dogs and 101 dogs with cardiac disease, to obtain information on systolic left ventricular long axis function. In normal dogs, a close relationship was found between MAM and body weight (r = 0.80, P < 0.001). There was a weak correlation between MAM and heart rate (r = -0.25, P < 0.05), but no correlation between MAM and age or left ventricular shortening fraction (P > 0.05). Mean MAM (95% confidence intervals) were established for normal dogs of differing body weight, and were 0.70 cm (0.65 to 0.75) in dogs < 15 kg, 1.08 cm (1.03 to 1.13) in dogs weighing 15 to 40 kg, and 1.51 cm (1.21 to 1.81) in dogs > 40 kg. "Cut-off" values to define decreased MAM for normal dogs of differing body weight were 0.45 cm (dogs < 15 kg), 0.80 cm (dogs 15-40 kg), and 1.20 cm (dogs > 40 kg). In dogs with cardiac disease, median MAM was normal in mitral valve endocardiosis or aortic stenosis, but significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in dilated cardiomyopathy. All dogs with mitral valve endocardiosis (n = 54) or aortic stenosis (n = 26) had MAM above the above-mentioned "cut-off" values, suggesting normal or increased left ventricular longitudinal systolic shortening, whereas 81% (17/21) of dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy had MAM below the "cut-off" value, indicating decreased long axis systolic function. It is concluded that MAM may be used to evaluate systolic left ventricular long axis performance in dogs and may add useful information on global left ventricular contraction dynamics.

Morphometric computer-assisted image analysis of epithelial cells in different grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Ananjan, Chatterjee; Jyothi, Mahadesh; Laxmidevi, B L; Gopinathan, Pillai Arun; Nazir, Salroo Humaira; Pradeep, L

2018-01-01

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts 94% of all malignant lesions in the oral cavity. In the assessment of OSCC, nowadays the WHO grading system has been followed widely but due to its subjectivity, investigators applied the sophisticated technique of computer-assisted image analysis in the grading of carcinoma in larynx, lungs, esophagus, and cervix to make it more objective. Access, analyze, and compare the cellular area (CA); cytoplasmic area (Cyt A); nuclear area (NA); nuclear perimeter (NP); nuclear form factor (NF); and nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio (N/C) of the cells in different grades of OSCC. Fifty OSCC cases were obtained and stained with hematoxylin and eosin which were graded according to the WHO classification. The sections were subjected to morphometric analysis to analyze all the morphometric parameters in different grades of OSCC and subjected to one-way ANOVA statistical analysis. CA and Cyt A decreased from normal mucosa with dedifferentiation of OSCC. The NA and NP increased in carcinoma group when compared to normal mucosa but decreased with dedifferentiation of OSCC (P < 0.05). NF had no significance with normal mucosa and different grades of OSCC (P > 0.05), while N/C ratio increased from normal mucosa through increasing grades of OSCC, reaching the highest value in poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (P < 0.05). Both cellular and nuclear variables provide a more accurate indication of tumor aggressiveness than any single parameter. Morphometric analysis can be a reliable tool to determine objectively the degree of malignancy at the invasive tumor front.

A comparative study of the characterization of miR-155 in knockout mice

PubMed Central

Zhang, Dong; Cui, Yongchun; Li, Bin; Luo, Xiaokang; Li, Bo; Tang, Yue

2017-01-01

miR-155 is one of the most important miRNAs and plays a very important role in numerous biological processes. However, few studies have characterized this miRNA in mice under normal physiological conditions. We aimed to characterize miR-155 in vivo by using a comparative analysis. In our study, we compared miR-155 knockout (KO) mice with C57BL/6 wild type (WT) mice in order to characterize miR-155 in mice under normal physiological conditions using many evaluation methods, including a reproductive performance analysis, growth curve, ultrasonic estimation, haematological examination, and histopathological analysis. These analyses showed no significant differences between groups in the main evaluation indices. The growth and development were nearly normal for all mice and did not differ between the control and model groups. Using a comparative analysis and a summary of related studies published in recent years, we found that miR-155 was not essential for normal physiological processes in 8-week-old mice. miR-155 deficiency did not affect the development and growth of naturally ageing mice during the 42 days after birth. Thus, studying the complex biological functions of miR-155 requires the further use of KO mouse models. PMID:28278287

Hereditary deficiency of the sixth component of complement in man. II. Studies of hemostasis.

PubMed Central

Heusinkveld, R S; Leddy, J P; Klemperer, M R; Breckenridge, R T

1974-01-01

Prompted by previous observations of defective blood clotting in rabbits deficient in the sixth component of complement (C6), an evaluation was made of the hemostatic functions of the homozygous proband of a newly recognized human kindred with hereditary C6 deficiency. This human subject, who had no clinical evidence of a bleeding disorder, exhibited a total lack of C6 by functional and immunoprecipitin assays of serum or plasma. Standard tests of hemostatic function were normal; however, when the whole blood clotting time was measured at 25 degrees C in plastic tubes, it was at the upper range of our normal values. In confirmation of this observation, prothrombin consumption, when performed at 37 degrees C in plastic tubes, was at the lower range of normal. Inulin and endotoxin, in concentrations shown to cause activation of human complement, had little or no effect on clotting times or prothrombin consumption of normal or C6-deficient human blood. These observations indicate that absence of C6 does not have a significant effect on hemostatic function in man. In the light of other investigations, the observed differences in clotting function between C6-deficient human blood and C6-deficient rabbit blood could be due to species differences governing the susceptibility of platelets to complement activation. PMID:11344569

Assessing Mild Cognitive Impairment among Older African Americans

PubMed Central

Gamaldo, Alyssa A.; Allaire, Jason C.; Sims, Regina C.; Whitfield, Keith E.

2009-01-01

OBJECTIVES To examine the frequency of MCI in African American older adults. The study also plans to explore the specific cognitive domains of impairment as well as whether there are differences in demographics, health, and cognitive performance between MCI and normal participants. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Independent-living sample of urban dwelling elders in Baltimore, Maryland. PARTICIPANTS The sample consisted of 554 subjects ranging in age from 50 to 95 (mean = 68.79 ± 9.60). MEASUREMENTS Socio-demographics and health were assessed. Several cognitive measures were administered to assess inductive reasoning, declarative memory, perceptual speed, working memory, executive functioning, language, global cognitive functioning. RESULTS Approximately 22% of participants were considered MCI (i.e. 18% non-amnestic vs. 4% amnestic). A majority of the non-amnestic MCI participants had impairment in one cognitive domain, particularly language and executive function. Individuals classified as non-amnestic MCI were significantly older and had more years of education than normal individuals. The MCI groups were not significantly different than cognitively normal individuals on health factors. Individuals classified as MCI performed significantly worse on global cognitive measures as well as across specific cognitive domains than cognitively normal individuals. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that impairment in a non-memory domain may be an early indicator of cognitive impairment, particularly among African Americans. PMID:20069588

Clinical utility of third-trimester uterine artery Doppler in the prediction of brain hemodynamic deterioration and adverse perinatal outcome in small-for-gestational-age fetuses.

PubMed

Cruz-Martinez, R; Savchev, S; Cruz-Lemini, M; Mendez, A; Gratacos, E; Figueras, F

2015-03-01

To assess the clinical value of third-trimester uterine artery (UtA) Doppler ultrasound in the prediction of hemodynamic deterioration and adverse perinatal outcome in term small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses. UtA Doppler parameters, cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (PI) were evaluated weekly, starting from the time of SGA diagnosis until 24 h before induction of labor, in a cohort of 327 SGA fetuses with normal umbilical artery PI (< 95th centile), delivered at > 37 weeks' gestation. Differences in the sequence of CPR and MCA-PI changes < 5th centile, between the group with normal UtA Doppler indices at diagnosis and those with abnormal UtA indices, were analyzed by survival analysis. In addition, the use of UtA Doppler value, alone or in combination with a brain Doppler scan before delivery, to predict the risk of Cesarean section, Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status (NRFS), neonatal acidosis and neonatal hospitalization was evaluated by logistic regression analysis, adjusted for gestational age at birth and birth-weight percentile. Abnormal UtA Doppler at diagnosis of SGA was associated with a higher risk of developing abnormal brain Doppler indices before induction of labor than in those with a normal UtA at diagnosis (62.7% vs 34.6%, respectively; P < 0.01). Compared to those with normal UtA Doppler indices, those with abnormal UtA Doppler findings were associated with a higher risk of intrapartum Cesarean section (52.2% vs 37.3%, respectively; P = 0.03), Cesarean section for NRFS (35.8% vs 23.1%, respectively; P = 0.03), neonatal acidosis (10.4% vs 7.7%, respectively; P = 0.47) and neonatal hospitalization (23.9% vs 16.5%, respectively; P = 0.16). Logistic regression analysis indicated that UtA Doppler findings were not significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcome independent of brain Doppler findings. UtA Doppler indices predict adverse perinatal outcome, but do not help to improve the predictive value of brain Doppler indices. However, at the time of SGA diagnosis they identify the subgroup of fetuses at highest risk of progression to abnormal brain Doppler findings. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Normal limits of pediatric Frank lead electrocardiograms. Differences in data obtained in 4th or 5th intercostal spaces.

PubMed

Robert, A; Derwael-Barchy, C; Fesler, R; Brasseur, L A; Brohet, C R

1984-01-01

Frank lead electrocardiograms (VCGs) were recorded from 970 young subjects in order to establish normal limits for pediatric VCGs. In 245 children and 231 adolescents, the thoracic electrodes were located at the levels of the 4th and of the 5th intercostal space with subjects in supine position. Pairwise comparisons of 211 linear and angular parameters were made, using the 4th interspace as the reference. In children, there were 155 parameters with statistically significant differences and 56 parameters without significant differences between levels 4 and 5. In adolescents, corresponding figures were 158 parameters with significant differences and 53 without. Results for selected measurements showed an increase of the amplitude of Q and R waves in leads X and Y, a decrease of Q and R waves in lead Z and an increase of maximal spatial and planar QRS vectors, with the QRS loop being more anteriorly oriented by shifting the electrodes from level 4 to level 5. The mean differences in amplitude and orientation were generally small and of little practical value. However, the percentile distribution of the differences indicated that substantial changes in either direction can occur in some subjects. Thus, quantitative analysis of the pediatric Frank VCGs can be critically affected by modification of electrode placement. It is suggested that normal limits should be determined for each recording level and that criteria for analysis should be applied only to VCGs recorded at the same specified level.

On the Normal Force Mechanotransduction of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vahabikashi, Amir; Wang, Qiuyun; Wilson, James; Wu, Qianhong; Vucbmss Team

2016-11-01

In this paper, we report a cellular biomechanics study to examine the normal force mechanotransduction of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) with their implications on hypertension. Endothelial cells sense mechanical forces and adjust their structure and function accordingly. The mechanotransduction of normal forces plays a vital role in hypertension due to the higher pressure buildup inside blood vessels. Herein, HUVECs were cultured to full confluency and then exposed to different mechanical loadings using a novel microfluidic flow chamber. One various pressure levels while keeps the shear stress constant inside the flow chamber. Three groups of cells were examined, the control group (neither shear nor normal stresses), the normal pressure group (10 dyne/cm2 of shear stress and 95 mmHg of pressure), and the hypertensive group (10 dyne/cm2 of shear stress and 142 mmHg of pressure). Cellular response characterized by RT-PCR method indicates that, COX-2 expressed under normal pressure but not high pressure; Mn-SOD expressed under both normal and high pressure while this response was stronger for normal pressure; FOS and e-NOS did not respond under any condition. The differential behavior of COX-2 and Mn-SOD in response to changes in pressure, is instrumental for better understanding the pathogenesis of hypertensive cardiovascular diseases. This research was supported by the National Science Foundation under Award #1511096.

Evaluation of algorithm methods for fluorescence spectra of cancerous and normal human tissues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pu, Yang; Wang, Wubao; Alfano, Robert R.

2016-03-01

The paper focus on the various algorithms on to unravel the fluorescence spectra by unmixing methods to identify cancerous and normal human tissues from the measured fluorescence spectroscopy. The biochemical or morphologic changes that cause fluorescence spectra variations would appear earlier than the histological approach; therefore, fluorescence spectroscopy holds a great promise as clinical tool for diagnosing early stage of carcinomas and other deceases for in vivo use. The method can further identify tissue biomarkers by decomposing the spectral contributions of different fluorescent molecules of interest. In this work, we investigate the performance of blind source un-mixing methods (backward model) and spectral fitting approaches (forward model) in decomposing the contributions of key fluorescent molecules from the tissue mixture background when certain selected excitation wavelength is applied. Pairs of adenocarcinoma as well as normal tissues confirmed by pathologist were excited by selective wavelength of 340 nm. The emission spectra of resected fresh tissue were used to evaluate the relative changes of collagen, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), and Flavin by various spectral un-mixing methods. Two categories of algorithms: forward methods and Blind Source Separation [such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Independent Component Analysis (ICA), and Nonnegative Matrix Factorization (NMF)] will be introduced and evaluated. The purpose of the spectral analysis is to discard the redundant information which conceals the difference between these two types of tissues, but keep their diagnostically significance. The facts predicted by different methods were compared to the gold standard of histopathology. The results indicate that these key fluorophores within tissue, e.g. tryptophan, collagen, and NADH, and flavin, show differences of relative contents of fluorophores among different types of human cancer and normal tissues. The sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) are finally employed as the criteria to evaluate the efficacy of these methods in cancer detection. The underlying physical and biological basis for these optical approaches will be discussed with examples. This ex vivo preliminary trial demonstrates that these different criteria from different methods can distinguish carcinoma from normal tissues with good sensitivity and specificity while among them, we found that ICA appears to be the superior method in predication accuracy.

Dysfunction of protein kinase FA/GSK-3 alpha in lymphocytes of patients with schizophrenic disorder.

PubMed

Yang, S D; Yu, J S; Lee, T T; Yang, C C; Ni, M H; Yang, Y Y

1995-09-01

As compared to normal people, the lymphocytes of patients with schizophrenia were found to have an impairment of ATP.Mg-dependent protein phosphatase activation. More importantly, the impaired protein phosphatase activation in the lymphocytes of schizophrenic patients could be consistently and completely restored to normal by exogenous pure protein kinase FA/glycogen synthase kinase-3 alpha (kinase FA/GSK-3 alpha) (the activating factor of ATP.Mg-dependent protein phosphatase), indicating that the molecular mechanism for the impaired protein phosphatase activation in schizophrenic patients may be due to a functional loss of kinase FA/GSK-3 alpha. Immunoblotting and kinase activity analysis in an anti-kinase FA/GSK-3 alpha immunoprecipitate further demonstrate that both cellular activities and protein levels of kinase FA/GSK-3 alpha in the lymphocytes of schizophrenic patients were greatly impared as compared to normal controls. Statistical analysis revealed that the lymphocytes isolated from 37 normal people contain kinase FA/GSK-3 alpha activity in the high levels of 14.8 +/- 2.4 units/mg of cell protein, whereas the lymphocytes of 48 patients with schizophrenic disorder contain kinase FA/GSK-3 alpha activity in the low levels of 2.8 +/- 1.6 units/mg, indicating that the different levels of kinase FA/GSK-3 alpha activity between schizophrenic patients and normal people are statistically significant. Taken together, the results provide initial evidence that patients with schizophrenic disorder may have a common impairment in the protein levels and cellular activities of kinase FA/GSK-3 alpha, a multisubstrate protein kinase and a multisubstrate protein phosphatase activator in their lymphocytes.

Flow-mediated dilation and peripheral arterial tonometry are disturbed in preeclampsia and reflect different aspects of endothelial function.

PubMed

Mannaerts, Dominique; Faes, Ellen; Goovaerts, Inge; Stoop, Tibor; Cornette, Jerome; Gyselaers, Wilfried; Spaanderman, Marc; Van Craenenbroeck, Emeline M; Jacquemyn, Yves

2017-11-01

Endothelial function and arterial stiffness are known to be altered in preeclamptic pregnancies. Previous studies have shown conflicting results regarding the best technique for assessing vascular function in pregnancy. In this study, we made a comprehensive evaluation of in vivo vascular function [including flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT), and arterial stiffness] in preeclamptic patients and compared them with normal pregnancies. In addition, we assessed the relation between vascular function and systemic inflammation. Fourteen patients with preeclampsia (PE) and 14 healthy pregnant controls were included. Endothelial function was determined by FMD and PAT and arterial stiffness by carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity and augmentation index. Systemic inflammation was assessed using mean platelet volume (MPV) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). The reactive hyperemia index, assessed using PAT, is decreased at the third trimester compared with the first trimester in a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy ( P = 0.001). Arterial stiffness is significantly higher in PE versus normal pregnancy ( P < 0.001). Endothelial function, obtained by FMD, is deteriorated in PE versus normal pregnancy ( P = 0.015), whereas endothelial function assessment by PAT is improved in PE versus normal pregnancy ( P = 0.001). Systemic inflammation (MPV and NLR) increases during normal pregnancy. FMD and PAT are disturbed in PE. Endothelial function, assessed by FMD and PAT, shows distinct results. This may indicate that measurements with FMD and PAT reflect different aspects of endothelial function and that PAT should not be used as a substitute for FMD as a measure of endothelial function in pregnancy. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Cortical thickness in neuropsychologically near-normal schizophrenia.

PubMed

Cobia, Derin J; Csernansky, John G; Wang, Lei

2011-12-01

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric illness with widespread impairments of cognitive functioning; however, a certain percentage of subjects are known to perform in the normal range on neuropsychological measures. While the cognitive profiles of these individuals have been examined, there has been relatively little attention to the neuroanatomical characteristics of this important subgroup. The aims of this study were to statistically identify schizophrenia subjects with relatively normal cognition, examine their neuroanatomical characteristics relative to their more impaired counterparts using cortical thickness mapping, and to investigate relationships between these characteristics and demographic variables to better understand the nature of cognitive heterogeneity in schizophrenia. Clinical, neuropsychological, and MRI data were collected from schizophrenia (n = 79) and healthy subjects (n = 65). A series of clustering algorithms on neuropsychological scores was examined, and a 2-cluster solution that separated subjects into neuropsychologically near-normal (NPNN) and neuropsychologically impaired (NPI) groups was determined most appropriate. Surface-based cortical thickness mapping was utilized to examine differences in thinning among schizophrenia subtypes compared with the healthy participants. A widespread cortical thinning pattern characteristic of schizophrenia emerged in the NPI group, while NPNN subjects demonstrated very limited thinning relative to healthy comparison subjects. Analysis of illness duration indicated minimal effects on subtype classification and cortical thickness results. Findings suggest a strong link between cognitive impairment and cortical thinning in schizophrenia, where subjects with near-normal cognitive abilities also demonstrate near-normal cortical thickness patterns. While generally supportive of distinct etiological processes for cognitive subtypes, results provide direction for further examination of additional neuroanatomical differences. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Using RNA-seq data to select reference genes for normalizing gene expression in apple roots.

PubMed

Zhou, Zhe; Cong, Peihua; Tian, Yi; Zhu, Yanmin

2017-01-01

Gene expression in apple roots in response to various stress conditions is a less-explored research subject. Reliable reference genes for normalizing quantitative gene expression data have not been carefully investigated. In this study, the suitability of a set of 15 apple genes were evaluated for their potential use as reliable reference genes. These genes were selected based on their low variance of gene expression in apple root tissues from a recent RNA-seq data set, and a few previously reported apple reference genes for other tissue types. Four methods, Delta Ct, geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper, were used to evaluate their stability in apple root tissues of various genotypes and under different experimental conditions. A small panel of stably expressed genes, MDP0000095375, MDP0000147424, MDP0000233640, MDP0000326399 and MDP0000173025 were recommended for normalizing quantitative gene expression data in apple roots under various abiotic or biotic stresses. When the most stable and least stable reference genes were used for data normalization, significant differences were observed on the expression patterns of two target genes, MdLecRLK5 (MDP0000228426, a gene encoding a lectin receptor like kinase) and MdMAPK3 (MDP0000187103, a gene encoding a mitogen-activated protein kinase). Our data also indicated that for those carefully validated reference genes, a single reference gene is sufficient for reliable normalization of the quantitative gene expression. Depending on the experimental conditions, the most suitable reference genes can be specific to the sample of interest for more reliable RT-qPCR data normalization.

Using RNA-seq data to select reference genes for normalizing gene expression in apple roots

PubMed Central

Zhou, Zhe; Cong, Peihua; Tian, Yi

2017-01-01

Gene expression in apple roots in response to various stress conditions is a less-explored research subject. Reliable reference genes for normalizing quantitative gene expression data have not been carefully investigated. In this study, the suitability of a set of 15 apple genes were evaluated for their potential use as reliable reference genes. These genes were selected based on their low variance of gene expression in apple root tissues from a recent RNA-seq data set, and a few previously reported apple reference genes for other tissue types. Four methods, Delta Ct, geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper, were used to evaluate their stability in apple root tissues of various genotypes and under different experimental conditions. A small panel of stably expressed genes, MDP0000095375, MDP0000147424, MDP0000233640, MDP0000326399 and MDP0000173025 were recommended for normalizing quantitative gene expression data in apple roots under various abiotic or biotic stresses. When the most stable and least stable reference genes were used for data normalization, significant differences were observed on the expression patterns of two target genes, MdLecRLK5 (MDP0000228426, a gene encoding a lectin receptor like kinase) and MdMAPK3 (MDP0000187103, a gene encoding a mitogen-activated protein kinase). Our data also indicated that for those carefully validated reference genes, a single reference gene is sufficient for reliable normalization of the quantitative gene expression. Depending on the experimental conditions, the most suitable reference genes can be specific to the sample of interest for more reliable RT-qPCR data normalization. PMID:28934340

Effects of Music Therapy on the Cardiovascular and Autonomic Nervous System in Stress-Induced University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Lee, Kyoung Soon; Jeong, Hyeon Cheol; Yim, Jong Eun; Jeon, Mi Yang

2016-01-01

Stress is caused when a particular relationship between the individual and the environment emerges. Specifically, stress occurs when an individual's abilities are challenged or when one's well-being is threatened by excessive environmental demands. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of music therapy on stress in university students. Randomized controlled trial. Sixty-four students were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 33) or the control group (n = 31). Music therapy. Initial measurement included cardiovascular indicators (blood pressure and pulse), autonomic nervous activity (standard deviation of the normal-to-normal intervals [SDNN], normalized low frequency, normalized high frequency, low/high frequency), and subjective stress. After the first measurement, participants in both groups were exposed to a series of stressful tasks, and then a second measurement was conducted. The experimental group then listened to music for 20 minutes and the control group rested for 20 minutes. A third and final measurement was then taken. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the first or second measurement. However, after music therapy, the experimental group and the control group showed significant differences in all variables, including systolic blood pressure (p = .026), diastolic blood pressure (p = .037), pulse (p < .001), SDNN (p = .003), normalized low frequency (p < .001), normalized high frequency (p = .010), and subjective stress (p = .026). Classical music tends to relax the body and may stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. These results suggest music therapy as an intervention for stress reduction.

Long Term Functional Outcome of Tibial Tuberosity Advancement vs. Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy and Extracapsular Repair in a Heterogeneous Population of Dogs.

PubMed

Krotscheck, Ursula; Nelson, Samantha A; Todhunter, Rory J; Stone, Marisa; Zhang, Zhiwu

2016-02-01

To determine a long term function of tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) for treatment of ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs, and to compare this to the long term function of previously reported tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), extracapsular reconstruction (ECR), and a population of normal dogs. Prospective clinical trial. Dogs with unilateral ruptured CCL treated with TTA (n = 14), TPLO (n = 15), and ECR (n = 23), and normal adult dogs (control, n = 80). Force plate gait analysis was performed at 1 time point for the normal control group and preoperatively, and at 2 and 8 weeks and 6 and 12 months postoperatively for the treatment groups. Using serial force plates, symmetry indices (SI) were calculated between the operated and unoperated pelvic limbs for peak vertical force (PVF), contact time (CT), and vertical impulse (VI). Ground reaction forces (GRF) of the treatment and control group were compared using a general linear model. Walk SI for dogs with TTA were not significantly different from the control group at 12 months postoperatively. At the trot, neither TTA nor ECR achieved normal GRF. SI of the TPLO group were not different from the normal control group by 6-12 months postoperatively. At the walk, TTA achieves normal function by 12 months; however, at the trot TTA is indistinguishable from ECR. TPLO resulted in operated limb function that was similar to the control population by 6-12 months postoperatively at the walk and the trot. © Copyright 2016 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Raman spectroscopy for diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clary, Candace Elise

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and most fatal malignant brain tumor, is highly infiltrative and incurable. Although improved prognosis has been demonstrated by surgically resecting the bulk tumor, a lack of clear borders at the tumor margins complicates the selection decision during surgery. This dissertation investigates the potential of Raman spectroscopy for distinguishing between normal and malignant brain tissue and sets the groundwork for a surgical diagnostic guide for resection of gross malignant gliomas. These studies revealed that Raman spectroscopy was capable of discriminating between normal scid mouse brain tissue and human xenograft tumors induced in those mice. The spectra of normal and malignant tissue were normalized by dividing by the respective magnitudes of the peaks near 1440 cm -1. Spectral differences include the shape of the broad peaks near 1440 cm-1 and 1660 cm-1 and the relative magnitudes of the peaks at 1264 cm-1, 1287 cm-1, 1297 cm-1, 1556 cm -1, 1586 cm-1, 1614 cm-1, and 1683 cm-1. From these studies emerged questions regarding how to objectively normalize and compare spectra for future automation. Some differences in the Raman spectra were shown to be inherent in the disease states of the cells themselves via differences in the Raman spectra of normal human astrocytes in culture and cultured cells derived from GBM tumors. The spectra of astrocytes and glioma cells were normalized by dividing by the respective magnitudes of the peaks near 1450 cm-1. The differences between the Raman spectra of normal and transformed cells include the ratio of the 1450 cm-1/1650 cm-1 peaks and the relative magnitudes of the peaks at 1181 cm-1, 1191 cm-1, 1225 cm-1, 1263 cm -1, 1300 cm-1, 1336 cm-1, 1477 cm-1, 1494 cm-1, and 1695 cm -1. Previous Raman spectroscopic studies of biological cells have shown that the magnitude of the Raman signal decreases over time, indicating sample damage. Cells exposed to laser excitation at similar power densities were evaluated in terms of mitochondrial oxidative/reductive activity as well as protein, RNA, and DNA syntheses. Although cell death was not significant, the cells' abilities to synthesize DNA, RNA, and protein were profoundly affected by the laser irradiation.

Comparing the drawings of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with normal children.

PubMed

Haghighi, Mahnaz; Khaterizadeh, Maedeh; Chalbianloo, Gholamreza; Toobaei, Sholeh; Ghanizadeh, Ahmad

2014-10-01

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioral problem during childhood and in school-aged children. Various projection drawings have been designed for assessing children's personality and psychological disorders including the tests of draw a person (DAP) and draw a family (DAF). We aimed to compare the differences between typically developing children and children with ADHD using these tests. In this case-control study, all the 9-10 year-old boy students studying at the third and fourth grades were enrolled from schools in the 2nd educational district of Shiraz, south of Iran. Eighty students were then selected and enrolled into the ADHD group and the control group. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition- text Revised (DSM-IV-TR), and the Child Symptoms Inventory were used to diagnose the children with ADHD. We evaluated and analyzed impulsiveness, non-impulsiveness, emotional problems and incompatibility indices in the DAP and DAF tests in each group. A significant difference was found in the indices of incompatibility and emotional problems, impulsiveness, non-impulsiveness and DAF between typically developing children and those with ADHD. The mean (±SD) total scores of the above mentioned indices in the ADHD group were 19.79(±2.94), 12.31(±1.84), 5.26(±2.29) and 5.89(±2.13), respectively (P<0.001). The corresponding figures for these indices in the normal group were 12.11(±4.74), 5.63(±2), 10.36± (2.33) and 2.88(±2.13), respectively (P<0.001). Significant differences were obtained between the control group and children with ADHD using these two drawing tests. The rate of impulsivity and emotional problems indices in drawings of children with ADHD was markedly more common than those of the typically developing children. This suggests the need for further assessment to screen ADHD.

The Effects of Age and Hearing Loss on Tasks of Perception and Production of Intonation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Most, Tova; Frank, Yael

1994-01-01

Hearing-impaired and normal hearing children in 2 age groups (5-6 years and 9-12 years) were observed for possible differences in their perception and production of intonation. Results indicated that imitation of intonation carried on nonsense syllables was not affected by age. Hearing-impaired subjects scored much lower than controls in imitating…

The Effect of Rate of Presentation on Digit Serial Recall in Reading Retarded Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gan, Jennifer; Tymchuk, Alexander J.

This study examined the effect of presentation rate on accuracy of digit serial recall and on serial position curves of digit strings of different lengths with 18 boys classified as reading retarded and a comparison group of children (ages for both groups averaged 11 years) who read at grade level. The results indicated that normal children…

Brain structure characteristics in intellectually superior schizophrenia.

PubMed

Vaskinn, Anja; Hartberg, Cecilie B; Sundet, Kjetil; Westlye, Lars T; Andreassen, Ole A; Melle, Ingrid; Agartz, Ingrid

2015-04-30

The current study aims to fill a gap in the knowledge base by investigating the structural brain characteristics of individuals with schizophrenia and superior intellectual abilities. Subcortical volumes, cortical thickness and cortical surface area were examined in intellectually normal and intellectually superior participants with schizophrenia and their IQ-matched healthy controls, as well as in intellectually low schizophrenia participants. We replicated significant diagnostic group effects on hippocampal and ventricular size after correction for multiple comparisons. There were no statistically significant effects of intellectual level or of the interaction between diagnostic group and intellectual level. Effect sizes indicated that differences between schizophrenia and healthy control participants were of similar magnitude at both intellectual levels for all three types of morphological data. A secondary analysis within the schizophrenia group, including participants with low intellectual abilities, yielded numerical, but no statistically significant differences on any structural brain measure. The present findings indicate that the brain structure abnormalities in schizophrenia are present at all intellectual levels, and individuals with schizophrenia and superior intellectual abilities have brain structure abnormalities of the same magnitude as individuals with schizophrenia and normal intellectual abilities. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Alterations in Protein Expression in Tree Shrew Sclera during Development of Lens-Induced Myopia and Recovery

PubMed Central

Norton, Thomas T.

2012-01-01

Purpose. During the development of, and recovery from, negative lens-induced myopia there is regulated remodeling of the scleral extracellular matrix (ECM) that controls the extensibility of the sclera. Difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE) was used to identify and categorize proteins whose levels are altered in this process. Methods. Two groups of five tree shrews started monocular lens wear 24 days after eye opening (days of visual experience [VE]). The lens-induced myopia (LIM) group wore a −5 D lens for 4 days. The recovery (REC) group wore a −5 D lens for 11 days and then recovered for 4 days. Two normal groups (28 and 39 days of VE; n = 5 each) were also examined, age-matched to each of the treatment groups. Refractive and A-scan measures confirmed the effect of the treatments. Scleral proteins were isolated and resolved by DIGE. Proteins that differed in abundance were identified by mass spectrometry. Ingenuity pathway analysis was used to investigate potential biological pathway interactions. Results. During normal development (28–39 days of VE), eight proteins decreased and one protein increased in relative abundance. LIM-treated eyes were myopic and longer than control eyes; LIM-control eyes were slightly myopic compared with 28N eyes, indicating a yoking effect. In both the LIM-treated and the LIM-control eyes, there was a general downregulation from normal of proteins involved in transcription, cell adhesion, and protein synthesis. Additional proteins involved in cell adhesion, actin cytoskeleton, transcriptional regulation, and ECM structural proteins differed in the LIM-treated eyes versus normal but did not differ in the control eyes versus normal. REC-treated eyes were recovering from the induced myopia. REC-control eye refractions were not significantly different from the 39N eyes, and few proteins differed from age-matched normal eyes. The balance of protein expression in the REC-treated eyes, compared with normal eyes and REC-control eyes, shifted toward upregulation or a return to normal levels of proteins involved in cell adhesion, cell division, cytoskeleton, and ECM structural proteins, including upregulation of several cytoskeleton-related proteins not affected during myopia development. Conclusions. The DIGE procedure revealed new proteins whose abundance is altered during myopia development and recovery. Many of these are involved in cell-matrix adhesions, cytoskeleton, and transcriptional regulation and extend our understanding of the remodeling that controls the extensibility of the sclera. Reductions in these proteins during minus lens wear may produce the increased scleral viscoelasticity that results in faster axial elongation. Recovery is not a mirror image of lens-induced myopia—many protein levels, decreased during LIM, returned to normal, or slightly above normal, and additional cytoskeleton proteins were upregulated. However, no single protein or pathway appeared to be responsible for the scleral changes during myopia development or recovery. PMID:22039233

Chemochromic Indicators for the Detection of Hypergolic Fuels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Santiago-Maldonado, E.; Captian, J.; Devor, R.

2010-01-01

The toxicity and hazard level associated with the use of hypergolic fuels necessitates the development of technology capable of detecting the presence of such fuels in a variety of different environments and conditions. The most commonly used sensors for the detection of hypergolic fuels are electrochemical in nature, which have serious limitations when used as area monitoring devices. Recent collaborative work between Kennedy Space Center and ASRC Aerospace has led to the development of indicators which exhibit a color change upon exposure to hydrazine under different conditions. The indicators under investigation on this developmental effort are para-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (PDAB), various formulations of universal pH indicators, and potassium tetrachloroaurate (KAuCl4). These chemochromic indicators have been tested for the detection of hydrazine under various conditions: pure liquid fuel, aqueous fuel solution, saline aqueous fuel solutions, vapor fuel, and 3-month shelf life study, which included UV protection, thermal extremes, and normal storage conditions. The hypergolic fuel indicator test was conducted with the indicator impregnated into a wipe material to test the applicability of the indicator to be used to capture (absorb) and indicate the presence of hypergolic fuels. Each of the indicators performed well, with the universal pH indicator being the best candidate because of the visible response color change and the indicator stability after the shelf life study.

Monitoring phenology of photosynthesis in temperate evergreen and mixed deciduous forests using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) at leaf and canopy scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, C. Y.; Arain, M. A.; Ensminger, I.

2016-12-01

Evergreen conifers in boreal and temperate regions undergo strong seasonal changes in photoperiod and temperatures, which determines their phenology of high photosynthetic activity in the growing season and downregulation during the winter. Monitoring the timing of the transition between summer activity and winter downregulation in evergreens is difficult since this is a largely invisible process, unlike in deciduous trees that have a visible budding and a sequence of leaf unfolding in the spring and leaf abscission in the fall. The light-use efficiency (LUE) model estimates gross primary productivity (GPP) and may be parameterized using remotely sensed vegetation indices. Using spectral reflectance data, we derived the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), a measure of leaf "greenness", and the photochemical reflectance index (PRI), a proxy for chlorophyll:carotenoid ratios which is related to photosynthetic activity. To better understand the relationship between these vegetation indices and photosynthetic activity and to contrast this relationship between plant functional types, the phenology of NDVI, PRI and photosynthesis was monitored in an evergreen forest and a mixed deciduous forest at the leaf and canopy scale. Our data indicates that the LUE model can be parameterized by NDVI and PRI to track forest phenology. Differences in the sensitivity of PRI and NDVI will be discussed. These findings have implications to address the phenology of evergreen conifers by using PRI to complement NDVI in the LUE model, potentially improving model productivity estimates in northern hemisphere forests, that are dominated by conifers.

Pericentric Inversion of Human Chromosome 9 Epidemiology Study in Czech Males and Females.

PubMed

Šípek, A; Panczak, A; Mihalová, R; Hrčková, L; Suttrová, E; Sobotka, V; Lonský, P; Kaspříková, N; Gregor, V

2015-01-01

Pericentric inversion of human chromosome 9 [inv(9)] is a relatively common cytogenetic finding. It is largely considered a clinically insignificant variant of the normal human karyotype. However, numerous studies have suggested its possible association with certain pathologies, e.g., infertility, habitual abortions or schizophrenia. We analysed the incidence of inv(9) and the spectrum of clinical indications for karyotyping among inv(9) carriers in three medical genetics departments in Prague. In their cytogenetic databases, among 26,597 total records we identified 421 (1.6 %) cases of inv(9) without any concurrent cytogenetic pathology. This study represents the world's largest epidemiological study on inv(9) to date. The incidence of inv(9) calculated in this way from diagnostic laboratory data does not differ from the incidence of inv(9) in three specific populationbased samples of healthy individuals (N = 4,166) karyotyped for preventive (amniocentesis for advanced maternal age, gamete donation) or legal reasons (children awaiting adoption). The most frequent clinical indication in inv(9) carriers was "idiopathic reproductive failure" - 37.1 %. The spectra and percentages of indications in individuals with inv(9) were further statistically evaluated for one of the departments (N = 170) by comparing individuals with inv(9) to a control group of 661 individuals with normal karyotypes without this inversion. The proportion of clinical referrals for "idiopathic reproductive failure" among inv(9) cases remains higher than in controls, but the difference is not statistically significant for both genders combined. Analysis in separated genders showed that the incidence of "idiopathic reproductive failure" could differ among inv(9) female and male carriers.

[Responses of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to precipitation changes on the grassland of Tibetan Plateau from 2000 to 2015.

PubMed

Wang, Zhi Peng; Zhang, Xian Zhou; He, Yong Tao; Li, Meng; Shi, Pei Li; Zu, Jia Xing; Niu, Ben

2018-01-01

Precipitation change is an important factor in the inter-annual variation of grassland growth on the Tibetan Plateau. The total amount, distribution pattern and concentration time are three basic characteristics of precipitation change. The temporal and spatial characteristics of precipitation change were analyzed based on climate data of 145 meteorological stations on the Tibetan Plateau and nearby areas from 2000 to 2015. The total precipitation amount was characterized by annual precipitation, distribution pattern of precipitation during the year was characterized by improved precipitation concentration index (PCI), and precipitation centroid (PC) was defined to indicate the change in precipitation concentrated time. To better illustrate the response of grassland to precipitation change, vegetation growth status was characterized by the maximum value of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI max ). Results indicated that the annual precipitation and PCI had an apparent gradient across the whole plateau and the latest PC occurred in the southern plateau. NDVI max of alpine shrub grassland was significantly correlated with the change of PCI,increased with even distribution of precipitation during growth period, and limited by the total annual precipitation. Alpine meadow did not show significantly correlations with these three indices. The inter-annual variability of NDVI max of steppe was controlled by both PCI and PC. NDVI max of alpine desert grassland was mainly controlled by annual precipitation. In addition to annual total amount of precipitation, the distribution characteristics of precipitation should be further considered when the influence of precipitation change on different types of vegetation on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau was studied.

Interleukin 1 increases thymidine labeling index of normal tissues of mic but not the tumor

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

Zaghloul, M.S.; Dorie, M.J.; Kallman, R.F.

1994-07-01

This study was conducted to investigate the action of human recombinant interleukin 1 as a radioprotector for different mouse normal cells other than bone marrow cells. Semi-continuous injections of tritiated thymidine were administered every 6 h, over 24 h to determine thymidine labeling index. Mice were injected with recombinant human interleukin 1 24 h prior to tritiated thymidine and were compared to control animals that did not receive interleukin 1. Mice were killed 1 h after the last thymidine injection. The 24 h thymidine labeling index for normal tissues and RIF-1 tumor was determined. Labeling indices were also determined 1-14more » days after a series of fractionated irradiations with or without pretreatment with a single dose of interleukin 1 administered 24 h prior to the first radiation. The thymidine labeling index of normal tissues was higher following the injection of recombinant human interleukin 1 24 h before radiolabeling. This was found in all normal tissues tested. The thymidine labeling index of RIF-1 fibrosarcoma was not affected by interleukin 1 injection. A single interleukin 1 injection 24 h before the first radiation fraction also increased the thymidine labeling indices of normal tissues after localized fractionated irradiation. The thymidine labeling index of RIF-1 tumor was not increased by interleukin 1 administration except after relatively high radiation doses (20 Gy in five fractions). The ability of interleukin 1 to enhance the thymidine labeling index declined after the first day following the completion of fractionated irradiation. Recombinant human interleukin 1 increased the 24 h thymidine labeling index in normal tissues in mice, but not in RIF-1 tumor. Fractionated irradiation could maintain the effect of a single dose of interleukin 1, administered 24 h prior to the first fraction, up to 24 h after the end of radiation. 25 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.« less

A new selective developmental deficit: Impaired object recognition with normal face recognition.

PubMed

Germine, Laura; Cashdollar, Nathan; Düzel, Emrah; Duchaine, Bradley

2011-05-01

Studies of developmental deficits in face recognition, or developmental prosopagnosia, have shown that individuals who have not suffered brain damage can show face recognition impairments coupled with normal object recognition (Duchaine and Nakayama, 2005; Duchaine et al., 2006; Nunn et al., 2001). However, no developmental cases with the opposite dissociation - normal face recognition with impaired object recognition - have been reported. The existence of a case of non-face developmental visual agnosia would indicate that the development of normal face recognition mechanisms does not rely on the development of normal object recognition mechanisms. To see whether a developmental variant of non-face visual object agnosia exists, we conducted a series of web-based object and face recognition tests to screen for individuals showing object recognition memory impairments but not face recognition impairments. Through this screening process, we identified AW, an otherwise normal 19-year-old female, who was then tested in the lab on face and object recognition tests. AW's performance was impaired in within-class visual recognition memory across six different visual categories (guns, horses, scenes, tools, doors, and cars). In contrast, she scored normally on seven tests of face recognition, tests of memory for two other object categories (houses and glasses), and tests of recall memory for visual shapes. Testing confirmed that her impairment was not related to a general deficit in lower-level perception, object perception, basic-level recognition, or memory. AW's results provide the first neuropsychological evidence that recognition memory for non-face visual object categories can be selectively impaired in individuals without brain damage or other memory impairment. These results indicate that the development of recognition memory for faces does not depend on intact object recognition memory and provide further evidence for category-specific dissociations in visual recognition. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Srl. All rights reserved.

Exploratory normalized difference water indices for semi-automated extraction of Antarctic lake features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jawak, Shridhar D.; Luis, Alvarinho J.

2016-05-01

This work presents various normalized difference water indices (NDWI) to delineate lakes from Schirmacher Oasis, East Antarctica, by using a very high resolution WorldView-2 (WV-2) satellite imagery. Schirmacher oasis region hosts a number of fresh as well as saline water lakes, such as epishelf lakes, ice-free or landlocked lakes, which are completely frozen or semi-frozen and in a ice-free state. Hence, detecting all these types of lakes distinctly on satellite imagery was the major challenge, as the spectral characteristics of various types of lakes were identical to the other land cover targets. Multiband spectral index pixel-based approach is most experimented and recently growing technique because of its unbeatable advantages such as its simplicity and comparatively lesser amount of processing-time. In present study, semiautomatic extraction of lakes in cryospheric region was carried out by designing specific spectral indices. The study utilized number of existing spectral indices to extract lakes but none could deliver satisfactory results and hence we modified NDWI. The potentials of newly added bands in WV-2 satellite imagery was explored by developing spectral indices comprising of Yellow (585 - 625 nm) band, in combination with Blue (450 - 510 nm), Coastal (400 - 450 nm) and Green (510 - 580 nm) bands. For extraction of frozen lakes, use of Yellow (585 - 625 nm) and near-infrared 2 (NIR2) band pair, and Yellow and Green band pair worked well, whereas for ice-free lakes extraction, a combination of Blue and Coastal band yielded appreciable results, when compared with manually digitized data. The results suggest that the modified NDWI approach rendered bias error varying from 1 to 34 m2.

Whole-Saliva Fluoride Levels and Saturation Indices in 65+ Elderly during Use of Four Different Toothpaste Regimens.

PubMed

Ekstrand, Kim Rud; Ekstrand, Mia Linding; Lykkeaa, Joan; Bardow, Allan; Twetman, Svante

2015-01-01

Elderly individuals suffering from subnormal saliva secretion combined with inadequate oral hygiene may develop rampant caries and caries in parts of the dentition not normally affected by caries if preventive measures are not undertaken. Such measures include elevating fluoride levels at the saliva/biofilm/tooth interface. To analyse whole-saliva fluoride levels and mineral saturation indices during different fluoride toothpaste regimens in home-living elderly. Whole saliva was collected from 27 subjects (7 males and 20 females, mean age 73.5±6.1 years) at ten time points covering the whole day during five 2-week periods. During the first period, participants used their normal toothpaste without instructions (baseline). This was followed by TP1: 1,450-ppm NaF toothpaste; TP2: 1,450-ppm monofluorophosphate (MFP) toothpaste with addition of calcium; TP3: 5,000-ppm NaF toothpaste, and TP4: the same toothpaste with additional 'smearing' of toothpaste on the teeth, twice daily. During TP1-TP4, the participants were instructed to brush 3 times per day using 1.5 g of toothpaste without rinsing. Salivary fluoride levels increased with toothpaste fluoride content (p<0.001), although major interindividual and intraindividual variations were observed. The highest fluoride values appeared in the morning and at night (p<0.001). Saturation indices for calcium fluoride were affected by the fluoride content in pastes (p<0.05). Concerning hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite, indices were highest with the MFP toothpaste and extra calcium (NS to p<0.05). Use of a high-fluoride toothpaste resulted in significantly increased fluoride levels in whole saliva and mineral saturation indices were indeed influenced by choice of toothpaste. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Lung microvascular transport properties measured by multiple indicator dilution methods in patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome. A comparison between patients reversing respiratory failure and those failing to reverse

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

Harris, T.R.; Bernard, G.R.; Brigham, K.L.

1990-02-01

We conducted indicator dilution studies on the lungs of patients in the early phases of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to test the hypothesis that capillary permeability was increased in patients with respiratory failure. Indicator dilution studies were performed using 51Cr-erythrocytes, 125I-albumin, 14C-urea, and 3H-water as tracers. The injectate was infused as a bolus into a central venous line. Peripheral arterial blood was collected and counted for radioactivity. Mathematical analysis of the indicator curves yielded cardiac output, measures of the product of capillary permeability and surface area for urea (PS and D1/2S), the intravascular lung volume (Vv), and the extravascularmore » lung water volume (Ve). Permeability was separated from surface area by normalizing PS and D1/2S to Vv. Patients could be divided into 16 in whom blood gas determinations and radiologic criteria for ARDS were reversed and 23 in whom they were not. We examined indicator dilution and other measures of lung function in the two groups to determine whether significant differences in microvascular function existed. PS and PS/Vv were significantly higher in the nonreversal patients. Ve was above normal, but not different between groups. Linear regression analysis showed significant correlations for all of the following in the nonreversal group: Ve and all measures of permeability, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and the inverse of permeability-surface area measures and AaDO2 and PVR. Only measures of Ve and PS correlated in the reversal group. These results support the hypothesis that capillary permeability is increased in patients with early ARDS and continuing respiratory failure.« less

Survey of findings in patients having persistent heartburn on proton pump inhibitor therapy.

PubMed

Mandaliya, R; DiMarino, A J; Cohen, S

2016-01-01

In patients with refractory heartburn while on proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, changing drugs or increasing treatment to a twice a day (b.i.d.) dose has become a common practice. This study aims to study patients with persistent heartburn while on PPI therapy and to determine if persistent symptom indicates the need for more aggressive or different therapy. A retrospective review of impedance-pH tracings on PPI therapy (q.d. or b.i.d.) for patients with persistent heartburn was performed. DeMeester score, impedance, and symptom sensitive index (SSI) were used as indices. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-squared test with Yates correction and paired t-test. One hundred consecutive patients, (female 50%, male 50%, mean age 54 [range 16-83] years) were studied on q.d. (n = 45) or b.i.d. PPI (n = 55). Only 20% of the patients had abnormal DeMeester score; 41% had an abnormal impedance score and 56% had abnormal SSI; 29% had all indices normal. There was no difference between patients taking q.d. versus b.i.d. PPI for abnormal DeMeester score (22 vs. 18%), impedance (38 vs. 44%) and SSI (53 vs. 58%); P = 0.80, 0.69, and 0.77, respectively. In 56 patients with positive SSI, symptoms were due to acid reflux in 8 (14%) patients, nonacid reflux in 31 (55%) patients, and combined acid and nonacid reflux in 17 (30%) patients. Patients with persistent heartburn on PPI therapy show a variety of disorders: (i) acid reflux (20%); (ii) nonacid reflux (26%); (iii) positive SSI (56%); (iv) all normal indices (29%). These studies indicate that persistent heartburn on PPI therapy is a complex problem that may not respond to simply increasing acid inhibition. © 2014 International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus.

Using spectrotemporal indices to improve the fruit-tree crop classification accuracy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peña, M. A.; Liao, R.; Brenning, A.

2017-06-01

This study assesses the potential of spectrotemporal indices derived from satellite image time series (SITS) to improve the classification accuracy of fruit-tree crops. Six major fruit-tree crop types in the Aconcagua Valley, Chile, were classified by applying various linear discriminant analysis (LDA) techniques on a Landsat-8 time series of nine images corresponding to the 2014-15 growing season. As features we not only used the complete spectral resolution of the SITS, but also all possible normalized difference indices (NDIs) that can be constructed from any two bands of the time series, a novel approach to derive features from SITS. Due to the high dimensionality of this "enhanced" feature set we used the lasso and ridge penalized variants of LDA (PLDA). Although classification accuracies yielded by the standard LDA applied on the full-band SITS were good (misclassification error rate, MER = 0.13), they were further improved by 23% (MER = 0.10) with ridge PLDA using the enhanced feature set. The most important bands to discriminate the crops of interest were mainly concentrated on the first two image dates of the time series, corresponding to the crops' greenup stage. Despite the high predictor weights provided by the red and near infrared bands, typically used to construct greenness spectral indices, other spectral regions were also found important for the discrimination, such as the shortwave infrared band at 2.11-2.19 μm, sensitive to foliar water changes. These findings support the usefulness of spectrotemporal indices in the context of SITS-based crop type classifications, which until now have been mainly constructed by the arithmetic combination of two bands of the same image date in order to derive greenness temporal profiles like those from the normalized difference vegetation index.

Water quality, hydrology, and the effects of changes in phosphorus loading to Pike Lake, Washington County, Wisconsin, with special emphasis on inlet-to-outlet short-circuiting

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rose, William J.; Robertson, Dale M.; Mergener, Elizabeth A.

2004-01-01

Simulations using water-quality models within the Wisconsin Lake Model Suite (WiLMS) indicated Pike Lake's response to 13 different phosphorus-loading scenarios. These scenarios included a base 'normal' year (2000) for which lake water quality and loading were known, six different percentage increases or decreases in phosphorus loading from controllable sources, and six different loading scenarios corresponding to specific management actions. Model simulations indicate that a 50-percent reduction in controllable loading sources would be needed to achieve a mesotrophic classification with respect to phosphorus, chlorophyll a, and Secchi depth (an index of water clarity). Model simulations indicated that short-circuiting of phosphorus from the inlet to the outlet was the main reason the water quality of the lake is good relative to the amount of loading from the Rubicon River and that changes in the percentage of inlet-to-outlet short-circuiting have a significant influence on the water quality of the lake.

Calculation of grain boundary normals directly from 3D microstructure images

DOE PAGES

Lieberman, E. J.; Rollett, A. D.; Lebensohn, R. A.; ...

2015-03-11

The determination of grain boundary normals is an integral part of the characterization of grain boundaries in polycrystalline materials. These normal vectors are difficult to quantify due to the discretized nature of available microstructure characterization techniques. The most common method to determine grain boundary normals is by generating a surface mesh from an image of the microstructure, but this process can be slow, and is subject to smoothing issues. A new technique is proposed, utilizing first order Cartesian moments of binary indicator functions, to determine grain boundary normals directly from a voxelized microstructure image. In order to validate the accuracymore » of this technique, the surface normals obtained by the proposed method are compared to those generated by a surface meshing algorithm. Specifically, the local divergence between the surface normals obtained by different variants of the proposed technique and those generated from a surface mesh of a synthetic microstructure constructed using a marching cubes algorithm followed by Laplacian smoothing is quantified. Next, surface normals obtained with the proposed method from a measured 3D microstructure image of a Ni polycrystal are used to generate grain boundary character distributions (GBCD) for Σ3 and Σ9 boundaries, and compared to the GBCD generated using a surface mesh obtained from the same image. Finally, the results show that the proposed technique is an efficient and accurate method to determine voxelized fields of grain boundary normals.« less

The stochastic distribution of available coefficient of friction for human locomotion of five different floor surfaces.

PubMed

Chang, Wen-Ruey; Matz, Simon; Chang, Chien-Chi

2014-05-01

The maximum coefficient of friction that can be supported at the shoe and floor interface without a slip is usually called the available coefficient of friction (ACOF) for human locomotion. The probability of a slip could be estimated using a statistical model by comparing the ACOF with the required coefficient of friction (RCOF), assuming that both coefficients have stochastic distributions. An investigation of the stochastic distributions of the ACOF of five different floor surfaces under dry, water and glycerol conditions is presented in this paper. One hundred friction measurements were performed on each floor surface under each surface condition. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness-of-fit test was used to determine if the distribution of the ACOF was a good fit with the normal, log-normal and Weibull distributions. The results indicated that the ACOF distributions had a slightly better match with the normal and log-normal distributions than with the Weibull in only three out of 15 cases with a statistical significance. The results are far more complex than what had heretofore been published and different scenarios could emerge. Since the ACOF is compared with the RCOF for the estimate of slip probability, the distribution of the ACOF in seven cases could be considered a constant for this purpose when the ACOF is much lower or higher than the RCOF. A few cases could be represented by a normal distribution for practical reasons based on their skewness and kurtosis values without a statistical significance. No representation could be found in three cases out of 15. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society. All rights reserved.

[Oral health status of women with normal and high-risk pregnancies].

PubMed

Chaloupka, P; Korečko, V; Turek, J; Merglová, V

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the oral health status of women with normal pregnancies and those with high-risk pregnancies. A total of 142 women in the third trimester of pregnancy were randomly selected for this study. The pregnant women were divided into two groups: a normal pregnancy group (group F, n = 61) and a high-risk pregnancy group (group R, n = 81). The following variables were recorded for each woman: age, general health status, DMF index, CPITN index, PBI index, amounts of Streptococcus mutans in the saliva and dental treatment needs. The data obtained were analysed statistically. The Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test and chi square test were used, and p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The two-sided t-test was used to compare the two cohorts. Women with high-risk pregnancies showed increased values in all measured indices and tests, but there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the DMF index, CPITN index and amounts of Streptococcus mutans present in the saliva. Statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups for the PBI index and dental treatment needs. In group F, the maximum PBI index value was 2.9 in group F and 3.8 in group R. Significant differences were found also in mean PBI values. Out of the entire study cohort, 94 women (66.2%) required dental treatment, including 52% (n = 32) of the women with normal pregnancies and 77% (n = 62) of the women with high-risk pregnancies. This study found that women with complications during pregnancy had severe gingivitis and needed more frequent dental treatment than women with normal pregnancies.

Response of cardiac autonomic modulation after a single exposure to musical auditory stimulation

PubMed Central

Ferreira, Lucas L.; Vanderlei, Luiz Carlos M.; Guida, Heraldo L.; de Abreu, Luiz Carlos; Garner, David M.; Vanderlei, Franciele M.; Ferreira, Celso; Valenti, Vitor E.

2015-01-01

The acute effects after exposure to different styles of music on cardiac autonomic modulation assessed through heart rate variability (HRV) analysis have not yet been well elucidated. We aimed to investigate the recovery response of cardiac autonomic modulation in women after exposure to musical auditory stimulation of different styles. The study was conducted on 30 healthy women aged between 18 years and 30 years. We did not include subjects having previous experience with musical instruments and those who had an affinity for music styles. The volunteers remained at rest for 10 min and were exposed to classical baroque (64-84 dB) and heavy metal (75-84 dB) music for 10 min, and their HRV was evaluated for 30 min after music cessation. We analyzed the following HRV indices: Standard deviation of normal-to-normal (SDNN) intervals, root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), percentage of normal-to-normal 50 (pNN50), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and LF/HF ratio. SDNN, LF in absolute units (ms2) and normalized (nu), and LF/HF ratio increased while HF index (nu) decreased after exposure to classical baroque music. Regarding the heavy metal music style, it was observed that there were increases in SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50, and LF (ms2) after the musical stimulation. In conclusion, the recovery response of cardiac autonomic modulation after exposure to auditory stimulation with music featured an increased global activity of both systems for the two musical styles, with a cardiac sympathetic modulation for classical baroque music and a cardiac vagal tone for the heavy metal style. PMID:25774614

Observation of rat's colon polyps in real time by mini-endoscopy and raman spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andriana, Bibin Bintang; Mahardika, Anggara; Taketani, Akihiro; Sato, Hidetoshi

2018-02-01

Colorectal adenoma (CA) is a disease caused by various factors (such as genetic factors or environmental exposures). The appearance of colon polyp (CP) within colorectal might indicate the hint of CA development. Ball-lens hollow fiber Raman probe (BHRP) may has a high capability for detection of CA in living experimental animal and have already tested to rat's CP in this study, which was designed to collaborate between BHRP with mini-endoscopy to observe the biochemical alteration within normal colon tissue and rat's colon polyps in real time. BHRP and mini-endoscopy can distinguish the differences in their finger print spectra and make pictures the control and CP in the real time. At the first step, the real situation of normal colon and Rat's CP were washed by saline and observed with mini-endoscopy. BHRP was introduced to Dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced Rat's CP to detect some of biochemical alteration. The main purpose of this study was to introduce mini-endoscopy to guide the BHRP for diagnosing of CP in real time and to compare it with spectra of normal colon (control group) in living rat. As the result, BHRP can provide the differences in band of control and CP group, which can inform that the biochemical of normal and CP has changed. As a major parameter to distinct normal and CP tissue were phosphatidylinositol, phosphodiester group, lipid, and collagen. Mini endoscopy and BHRP is very sensitive devices for diagnosing of CP in real time.

Measurement of overweight and obesity an urban slum setting in sub-Saharan Africa: a comparison of four anthropometric indices.

PubMed

Haregu, Tilahun Nigatu; Oti, Samuel; Egondi, Thaddaeus; Kyobutungi, Catherine

2016-01-01

As a result of both genetic and environmental factors, the body composition and topography of African populations are presumed to be different from western populations. Accordingly, globally accepted anthropometric markers may perform differently in African populations. In the era of rapid emergence of cardio-vascular diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, evidence about the performance of these markers in African settings is essential. The aim of this study was to investigate the inter-relationships among the four main anthropometric indices in measuring overweight and obesity in an urban poor African setting. Data from a cardiovascular disease risk factor assessment study in urban slums of Nairobi were analyzed. In the major study, data were collected from 5190 study participants. We considered four anthropometric markers of overweight and obesity: Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, Waist to Hip Ratio, and Waist to Height Ratio. Pairwise correlations and kappa statistics were used to assess the relationship and agreement among these markers, respectively. Discordances between the indices were also analyzed. The weighted prevalence of above normal body composition was 21.6 % by body mass index, 28.9 % by waist circumference, 45.5 % by waist to hip ratio, and 38.9 % by waist to height ratio. The overall inter-index correlation was +0.44. Waist to hip ratio generally had lower correlation with the other anthropometric indices. High level of discordance exists between body mass index and waist to hip ratio. Combining the four indices shows that 791 (16.1 %) respondents had above normal body composition in all four indices. Waist circumference better predicted hypertension and hyperglycemia while waist to height ratio better predicted hypercholesterolemia. There exists a moderate level of correlation and a remarkable level of discordance among the four anthropometric indices with regard to the ascertainment of abnormal body composition in an urban slum setting in Africa. Waist circumference is a better predictor of cardio-metabolic risk.

Comparative analysis of the surface exposed proteome of two canine osteosarcoma cell lines and normal canine osteoblasts

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common primary bone tumor of dogs and carries a poor prognosis despite aggressive treatment. An improved understanding of the biology of OSA is critically needed to allow for development of novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools. The surface-exposed proteome (SEP) of a cancerous cell includes a multifarious array of proteins critical to cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, adhesion, and inter-cellular communication. The specific aim of this study was to define a SEP profile of two validated canine OSA cell lines and a normal canine osteoblast cell line utilizing a biotinylation/streptavidin system to selectively label, purify, and identify surface-exposed proteins by mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. Additionally, we sought to validate a subset of our MS-based observations via quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot and semi-quantitative immunocytochemistry. Our hypothesis was that MS would detect differences in the SEP composition between the OSA and the normal osteoblast cells. Results Shotgun MS identified 133 putative surface proteins when output from all samples were combined, with good consistency between biological replicates. Eleven of the MS-detected proteins underwent analysis of gene expression by PCR, all of which were actively transcribed, but varied in expression level. Western blot of whole cell lysates from all three cell lines was effective for Thrombospondin-1, CYR61 and CD44, and indicated that all three proteins were present in each cell line. Semi-quantitative immunofluorescence indicated that CD44 was expressed at much higher levels on the surface of the OSA than the normal osteoblast cell lines. Conclusions The results of the present study identified numerous differences, and similarities, in the SEP of canine OSA cell lines and normal canine osteoblasts. The PCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry results, for the subset of proteins evaluated, were generally supportive of the mass spectrometry data. These methods may be applied to other cell lines, or other biological materials, to highlight unique and previously unrecognized differences between samples. While this study yielded data that may prove useful for OSA researchers and clinicians, further refinements of the described techniques are expected to yield greater accuracy and produce a more thorough SEP analysis. PMID:23758893

Hyperventilation accelerates the rise of arterial blood concentrations of desflurane in gynecologic patients.

PubMed

Lu, Chih-Cherng; Lin, Tso-Chou; Hsu, Che-Hao; Yu, Mu-Hsien; Chen, Ta-Liang; Chen, Ruei-Ming; Ku, Chih-Hung; Ho, Shung-Tai

2012-09-01

Under a constant inspired concentration, the uptake of a volatile anesthetic into the arterial blood should mainly be governed by alveolar ventilation, according to the assumption that the patient's cardiac output remains stable during anesthesia. We investigated whether ventilation volume affects the rate of desflurane uptake by examining arterial blood concentrations. Thirty female patients were randomly allocated into the following three groups: hyperventilation, normal ventilation and hypoventilation. Hemodynamic variables were measured using a Finometer, inspiratory and end-tidal concentrations of desflurane were measured by infrared analysis, and the desflurane concentration in the arterial blood (Ades) was analyzed by gas chromatography. During the first 10 minutes after the administration of desflurane, the Ades was highest in the hyperventilation group, and this value was significantly different from those obtained for the normal and hypoventilation groups. In addition, hyperventilation significantly increased the slope of Ades-over-time during the first 5 minutes compared with patients experiencing normal ventilation and hypoventilation, but there were no differences in these slopes during the periods from 5-10, 10-20 and 20-40 minutes after the administration of desflurane. This finding indicates that there were no differences in desflurane uptake between the three groups after the first 5 minutes within desflurane administration. Hyperventilation accelerated the rate of the rise in Ades following desflurane administration, which was time-dependent with respect to different alveolar ventilations levels.

Hyperventilation accelerates the rise of arterial blood concentrations of desflurane in gynecologic patients

PubMed Central

Lu, Chih-Cherng; Lin, Tso-Chou; Hsu, Che-Hao; Yu, Mu-Hsien; Chen, Ta-Liang; Chen, Ruei-Ming; Ku, Chih-Hung; Ho, Shung-Tai

2012-01-01

OBJECTIVES: Under a constant inspired concentration, the uptake of a volatile anesthetic into the arterial blood should mainly be governed by alveolar ventilation, according to the assumption that the patient's cardiac output remains stable during anesthesia. We investigated whether ventilation volume affects the rate of desflurane uptake by examining arterial blood concentrations. METHOD: Thirty female patients were randomly allocated into the following three groups: hyperventilation, normal ventilation and hypoventilation. Hemodynamic variables were measured using a Finometer, inspiratory and end-tidal concentrations of desflurane were measured by infrared analysis, and the desflurane concentration in the arterial blood (Ades) was analyzed by gas chromatography. RESULTS: During the first 10 minutes after the administration of desflurane, the Ades was highest in the hyperventilation group, and this value was significantly different from those obtained for the normal and hypoventilation groups. In addition, hyperventilation significantly increased the slope of Ades-over-time during the first 5 minutes compared with patients experiencing normal ventilation and hypoventilation, but there were no differences in these slopes during the periods from 5-10, 10-20 and 20-40 minutes after the administration of desflurane. This finding indicates that there were no differences in desflurane uptake between the three groups after the first 5 minutes within desflurane administration. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperventilation accelerated the rate of the rise in Ades following desflurane administration, which was time-dependent with respect to different alveolar ventilations levels. PMID:23018299

Can Link Analysis Be Applied to Identify Behavioral Patterns in Train Recorder Data?

PubMed

Strathie, Ailsa; Walker, Guy H

2016-03-01

A proof-of-concept analysis was conducted to establish whether link analysis could be applied to data from on-train recorders to detect patterns of behavior that could act as leading indicators of potential safety issues. On-train data recorders capture data about driving behavior on thousands of routine journeys every day and offer a source of untapped data that could be used to offer insights into human behavior. Data from 17 journeys undertaken by six drivers on the same route over a 16-hr period were analyzed using link analysis, and four key metrics were examined: number of links, network density, diameter, and sociometric status. The results established that link analysis can be usefully applied to data captured from on-vehicle recorders. The four metrics revealed key differences in normal driver behavior. These differences have promising construct validity as leading indicators. Link analysis is one method that could be usefully applied to exploit data routinely gathered by on-vehicle data recorders. It facilitates a proactive approach to safety based on leading indicators, offers a clearer understanding of what constitutes normal driving behavior, and identifies trends at the interface of people and systems, which is currently a key area of strategic risk. These research findings have direct applications in the field of transport data monitoring. They offer a means of automatically detecting patterns in driver behavior that could act as leading indicators of problems during operation and that could be used in the proactive monitoring of driver competence, risk management, and even infrastructure design. © 2015, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

Effect of sinusoidal modulated currents and acute hypoxia on corticosterone content and activity of certain dehydrogenases in tissues of different rat organs during hypokinesia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Melik-Aslanova, L. L.; Frenkel, I. D.

1980-01-01

The state of hypokinesia in rats was reproduced by keeping them for 30 days in special box cages that restricted their mobility in all directions. Results show the resistance to acute hypoxic hypoxia is increased. This is linked to the considerable rise in the reduced level of corticosterone in different organs and the succinate dehydrogenase activity in the liver and brain. The letter indicated the primary oxidation of succinate, which has great importance in the adaptation of the oxidative metabolism to acute oxygen insufficiency. The use of sinusoidal modulated currents in the period of hypokinesia promotes normalization of the indices for resistance of the rats to acute hypoxia.

Gender differences in laterality patterns for speaking and singing.

PubMed

Hough, M S; Daniel, H J; Snow, M A; O'Brien, K F; Hume, W G

1994-09-01

This study examined behaviors reflecting cerebral organization of speaking and singing in normal college students. The investigation focused on whether differences existed in the laterality patterns of two singing tasks and one speaking task in males and females. Performance was measured on a verbal/manual time-sharing paradigm, coupling finger tapping with three vocal tasks (speaking, singing a rote song, singing up and down a diatonic five note scale). Females exhibited less variation than males in mean tapping rates and laterality scores across all three vocal tasks, thus indicating that gender most likely influences lateralization of vocal tasks. Bilateral integration was indicated for both males and females during singing up/down the aforementioned scale. These findings suggest differential involvement of both hemispheres in processing musical functions.

A Five-Year Analysis of MODIS NDVI and NDWI for Rangeland Drought Assessment: Preliminary Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Y.; Brown, J. F.; Verdin, J. P.; Wardlow, B.

2006-12-01

Drought is one of the most costly natural disasters in the United States. Traditionally, drought monitoring has been based on weather station observations, which lack the continuous spatial coverage needed to adequately characterize and monitor detailed spatial patterns of drought conditions. Satellite remote sensing observations can provide a synoptic view of the land and provide a spatial context for measuring drought. A common satellite-based index, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) has a 30-year history of use for vegetation condition monitoring. NDVI is calculated from the visible red and near infrared channels and measures the changes in chlorophyll absorption and reflection in the spongy mesophyll of the vegetation canopy that are reflected in these respective bands. The normalized difference water index (NDWI) is another index, derived from the near-infrared and short wave infrared channels, and reflects changes in both the water content and spongy mesophyll in the vegetation canopy. As a result, the NDWI is influenced by both desiccation and wilting in the vegetation canopy and may be a more sensitive indicator than the NDVI for large- area drought monitoring. The objective of this study was to process and evaluate a 5-year history of 500-meter NDVI and NDWI data derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument and to investigate methods for measuring and monitoring drought in rangeland over the southern plains of the United States. This initial study included: (1) the development of a climatological database for MODIS NDVI and NDWI, (2) a study of the relationship between the NDVI, NDWI, and drought condition over rangeland, (3) the development of a method to provide threshold NDVI/NDWI values under drought conditions based on the 5-year NDVI/NDWI/drought condition analysis, and (4) the investigation of additional vegetation drought information provided by the NDWI versus the NDVI in a 5-year comparison of the two indices. The MODIS data were obtained from the Land Processes Distributed Active Archive System. Results show strong relationships among NDVI, NDWI, and drought analyzed over grasslands in the Flint Hills region of Kansas and Oklahoma. During the summer months, the average NDVI and NDWI values were consistently lower (NDVI<0.5 and NDWI<0.3) for the tallgrass prairie under drought conditions than under normal climate conditions (NDVI>0.6 and NDWI>0.4). The distinctions between drought conditions and normal climate conditions are based on the historic U.S. Drought Monitor maps and the historic Palmer index data. To take advantage of information contained in both indices, we calculated the difference between NDVI and NDWI (NDVI-NDWI). The difference between NDVI and NDWI slightly increases during the summer drought condition. Based on these analyses, the NDWI appears to be more sensitive than NDVI to drought conditions. The results of statistical analysis of the relationships among these indices will be presented in the poster.

Monitoring the effects of land use/landcover changes on urban heat island

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gee, Ong K.; Sarker, Md Latifur Rahman

2013-10-01

Urban heat island effects are well known nowadays and observed in cities throughout the World. The main reason behind the effects of urban heat island (UHI) is the transformation of land use/ land cover, and this transformation is associated with UHI through different actions: i) removal of vegetated areas, ii) land reclamation from sea/river, iii) construction of new building as well as other concrete structures, and iv) industrial and domestic activity. In rapidly developing cities, urban heat island effects increases very hastily with the transformation of vegetated/ other types of areas into urban surface because of the increasing population as well as for economical activities. In this research the effect of land use/ land cover on urban heat island was investigated in two growing cities in Asia i.e. Singapore and Johor Bahru, (Malaysia) using 10 years data (from 1997 to 2010) from Landsat TM/ETM+. Multispectral visible band along with indices such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Build Index (NDBI), and Normalized Difference Bareness Index (NDBaI) were used for the classification of major land use/land cover types using Maximum Likelihood Classifiers. On the other hand, land surface temperature (LST) was estimated from thermal image using Land Surface Temperature algorithm. Emissivity correction was applied to the LST map using the emissivity values from the major land use/ land cover types, and validation of the UHI map was carried out using in situ data. Results of this research indicate that there is a strong relationship between the land use/land cover changes and UHI. Over this 10 years period, significant percentage of non-urban surface was decreased but urban heat surface was increased because of the rapid urbanization. With the increase of UHI effect it is expected that local urban climate has been modified and some heat related health problem has been exposed, so appropriate measure should be taken in order to reduce UHI effects as soon as possible.

SU-G-206-03: CTDI Per KV at Phantom Center and Periphery: Comparison Between Major CT Manufacturers

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

Al-Senan, R; Demirkaya, O

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to: 1) compare scanners output by measuring normalized CTDIw (mGy/100mAs) in different CT makes and models and at different kV’s, and 2) quantify the relationship between kV and CTDI and compare this relationship between the different manufacturers. Methods: Study included forty scanners of major CT manufacturers and of various models. Exposure was measured at center and 12 o’clock holes of head and body CTDI phantoms, at all available kV’s, and with the largest or second largest available collimation in each scanner. Average measured CTDI’s from each CT manufacturer were also plotted against kVmore » and the fitting equation: CTDIw (normalized) = a.kVb was calculated. The power (b) value may be considered as an indicator of spectral filtration, which affects the degree of beam hardening. Also, HVLs were measured at several scanners. Results: Results showed GE scanners, on average, had higher normalized CTDIw than those of Siemens and Philips, in both phantom sizes and at all kV’s. ANOVA statistic indicated the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Comparison between Philips and Siemens, however, was not statistically significant. Curve fitting showed b values ranged from 2.4 to 2.9 (for Head periphery and center, respectively); and was about 2.8 for Body phantom periphery, and 3.2 at the center of Body phantom. Fitting equations (kV vs. CTDI) will be presented and discussed. GE’s CTDIw vs. HVL showed very strong correlation (r > 0.99). Conclusion: Partial characterization of scanners output was performed which may be helpful in dose estimation to internal organs. The relatively higher output from GE scanners may be attributed to lower filtration. Work is still in progress to obtain CTDI values from other scanners as well as to measure their HVLs.« less

Comparing Facial Emotional Recognition in Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder and Patients with Schizotypal Personality Disorder with a Normal Group

PubMed Central

Farsham, Aida; Abbaslou, Tahereh; Bidaki, Reza; Bozorg, Bonnie

2017-01-01

Objective: No research has been conducted on facial emotional recognition on patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and schizotypal personality disorder (SPD). The present study aimed at comparing facial emotion recognition in these patients with the general population. The neurocognitive processing of emotions can show the pathologic style of these 2 disorders. Method: Twenty BPD patients, 16 SPD patients, and 20 healthy individuals were selected by available sampling method. Structural Clinical Interview for Axis II, Millon Personality Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory and Facial Emotional Recognition Test was were conducted for all participants. Discussion: The results of one way ANOVA and Scheffe’s post hoc test analysis revealed significant differences in neuropsychology assessment of facial emotional recognition between BPD and SPD patients with normal group (p = 0/001). A significant difference was found in emotion recognition of fear between the 2 groups of BPD and normal population (p = 0/008). A significant difference was observed between SPD patients and control group in emotion recognition of wonder (p = 0/04(. The obtained results indicated a deficit in negative emotion recognition, especially disgust emotion, thus, it can be concluded that these patients have the same neurocognitive profile in the emotion domain. PMID:28659980

Do extra compulsory physical education lessons mean more physically active children--findings from the childhood health, activity, and motor performance school study Denmark (The CHAMPS-study DK).

PubMed

Møller, Niels Christian; Tarp, Jakob; Kamelarczyk, Eva Friis; Brønd, Jan Christian; Klakk, Heidi; Wedderkopp, Niels

2014-09-24

Primarily, this study aims to examine whether children attending sports schools are more active than their counterpart attending normal schools. Secondary, the study aims to examine if physical activity (PA) levels in specific domains differ across school types. Finally, potential modifications by status of overweight/obesity and poor cardio-respiratory fitness are examined. Participants were from the first part of the CHAMPS-study DK, which included approximately 1200 children attending the 0th - 6th grade. At the sports schools, the mandatory physical education (PE) program was increased from 2 to 6 weekly lessons over a 3-year period. Children attending normal schools were offered the standard 2 PE lessons. PA was assessed at two different occasions with the GT3X ActiGraph accelerometer, once during winter in 2009/10 and once during summer/fall in 2010. Leisure time organized sports participation was quantified by SMS track. Based on baseline values in 2008, we generated a high-BMI and a low-cardio-respiratory fitness for age and sex group variable. There were no significant differences in PA levels during total time, PE, or recess between children attending sports schools and normal schools, respectively. However, children, especially boys, attending sports schools were more active during school time than children attending normal schools (girls: β=51, p=0.065; boys: β=113, p<0.001). However, in the leisure time during weekdays children who attended sports schools were less active (girls: β=-41, p=0.004; boys: β=-72, p<0.001) and less involved in leisure time organized sports participation (girls: β=-0.4, p=0.016; boys: β=-0.2, p=0.236) than children who attended normal schools. Examination of modification by baseline status of overweight/obesity and low cardio-respiratory fitness indicated that during PE low fit girls in particular were more active at sports schools. No differences were revealed in overall PA levels between children attending sports schools and normal schools. Sports schools children were more active than normal schools children during school time, but less active during leisure time. In girls, less organized sports participation at least partly explained the observed differences in PA levels during leisure time across school types. Baseline status of cardio-respiratory fitness modified school type differences in PA levels during PE in girls.

Methodological Choices in Muscle Synergy Analysis Impact Differentiation of Physiological Characteristics Following Stroke

PubMed Central

Banks, Caitlin L.; Pai, Mihir M.; McGuirk, Theresa E.; Fregly, Benjamin J.; Patten, Carolynn

2017-01-01

Muscle synergy analysis (MSA) is a mathematical technique that reduces the dimensionality of electromyographic (EMG) data. Used increasingly in biomechanics research, MSA requires methodological choices at each stage of the analysis. Differences in methodological steps affect the overall outcome, making it difficult to compare results across studies. We applied MSA to EMG data collected from individuals post-stroke identified as either responders (RES) or non-responders (nRES) on the basis of a critical post-treatment increase in walking speed. Importantly, no clinical or functional indicators identified differences between the cohort of RES and nRES at baseline. For this exploratory study, we selected the five highest RES and five lowest nRES available from a larger sample. Our goal was to assess how the methodological choices made before, during, and after MSA affect the ability to differentiate two groups with intrinsic physiologic differences based on MSA results. We investigated 30 variations in MSA methodology to determine which choices allowed differentiation of RES from nRES at baseline. Trial-to-trial variability in time-independent synergy vectors (SVs) and time-varying neural commands (NCs) were measured as a function of: (1) number of synergies computed; (2) EMG normalization method before MSA; (3) whether SVs were held constant across trials or allowed to vary during MSA; and (4) synergy analysis output normalization method after MSA. MSA methodology had a strong effect on our ability to differentiate RES from nRES at baseline. Across all 10 individuals and MSA variations, two synergies were needed to reach an average of 90% variance accounted for (VAF). Based on effect sizes, differences in SV and NC variability between groups were greatest using two synergies with SVs that varied from trial-to-trial. Differences in SV variability were clearest using unit magnitude per trial EMG normalization, while NC variability was less sensitive to EMG normalization method. No outcomes were greatly impacted by output normalization method. MSA variability for some, but not all, methods successfully differentiated intrinsic physiological differences inaccessible to traditional clinical or biomechanical assessments. Our results were sensitive to methodological choices, highlighting the need for disclosure of all aspects of MSA methodology in future studies. PMID:28912707

Methodological Choices in Muscle Synergy Analysis Impact Differentiation of Physiological Characteristics Following Stroke.

PubMed

Banks, Caitlin L; Pai, Mihir M; McGuirk, Theresa E; Fregly, Benjamin J; Patten, Carolynn

2017-01-01

Muscle synergy analysis (MSA) is a mathematical technique that reduces the dimensionality of electromyographic (EMG) data. Used increasingly in biomechanics research, MSA requires methodological choices at each stage of the analysis. Differences in methodological steps affect the overall outcome, making it difficult to compare results across studies. We applied MSA to EMG data collected from individuals post-stroke identified as either responders (RES) or non-responders (nRES) on the basis of a critical post-treatment increase in walking speed. Importantly, no clinical or functional indicators identified differences between the cohort of RES and nRES at baseline. For this exploratory study, we selected the five highest RES and five lowest nRES available from a larger sample. Our goal was to assess how the methodological choices made before, during, and after MSA affect the ability to differentiate two groups with intrinsic physiologic differences based on MSA results. We investigated 30 variations in MSA methodology to determine which choices allowed differentiation of RES from nRES at baseline. Trial-to-trial variability in time-independent synergy vectors (SVs) and time-varying neural commands (NCs) were measured as a function of: (1) number of synergies computed; (2) EMG normalization method before MSA; (3) whether SVs were held constant across trials or allowed to vary during MSA; and (4) synergy analysis output normalization method after MSA. MSA methodology had a strong effect on our ability to differentiate RES from nRES at baseline. Across all 10 individuals and MSA variations, two synergies were needed to reach an average of 90% variance accounted for (VAF). Based on effect sizes, differences in SV and NC variability between groups were greatest using two synergies with SVs that varied from trial-to-trial. Differences in SV variability were clearest using unit magnitude per trial EMG normalization, while NC variability was less sensitive to EMG normalization method. No outcomes were greatly impacted by output normalization method. MSA variability for some, but not all, methods successfully differentiated intrinsic physiological differences inaccessible to traditional clinical or biomechanical assessments. Our results were sensitive to methodological choices, highlighting the need for disclosure of all aspects of MSA methodology in future studies.

A Method for Application of Classification Tree Models to Map Aquatic Vegetation Using Remotely Sensed Images from Different Sensors and Dates

PubMed Central

Jiang, Hao; Zhao, Dehua; Cai, Ying; An, Shuqing

2012-01-01

In previous attempts to identify aquatic vegetation from remotely-sensed images using classification trees (CT), the images used to apply CT models to different times or locations necessarily originated from the same satellite sensor as that from which the original images used in model development came, greatly limiting the application of CT. We have developed an effective normalization method to improve the robustness of CT models when applied to images originating from different sensors and dates. A total of 965 ground-truth samples of aquatic vegetation types were obtained in 2009 and 2010 in Taihu Lake, China. Using relevant spectral indices (SI) as classifiers, we manually developed a stable CT model structure and then applied a standard CT algorithm to obtain quantitative (optimal) thresholds from 2009 ground-truth data and images from Landsat7-ETM+, HJ-1B-CCD, Landsat5-TM and ALOS-AVNIR-2 sensors. Optimal CT thresholds produced average classification accuracies of 78.1%, 84.7% and 74.0% for emergent vegetation, floating-leaf vegetation and submerged vegetation, respectively. However, the optimal CT thresholds for different sensor images differed from each other, with an average relative variation (RV) of 6.40%. We developed and evaluated three new approaches to normalizing the images. The best-performing method (Method of 0.1% index scaling) normalized the SI images using tailored percentages of extreme pixel values. Using the images normalized by Method of 0.1% index scaling, CT models for a particular sensor in which thresholds were replaced by those from the models developed for images originating from other sensors provided average classification accuracies of 76.0%, 82.8% and 68.9% for emergent vegetation, floating-leaf vegetation and submerged vegetation, respectively. Applying the CT models developed for normalized 2009 images to 2010 images resulted in high classification (78.0%–93.3%) and overall (92.0%–93.1%) accuracies. Our results suggest that Method of 0.1% index scaling provides a feasible way to apply CT models directly to images from sensors or time periods that differ from those of the images used to develop the original models.

[Conservative treatment of idiopathic scoliosis with physical therapy and orthoses].

PubMed

Weiss, H-R

2003-02-01

Opinions differ in the international literature about the efficacy of conservative approaches to scoliosis treatment. Because this divergence of opinion corresponds to a great discrepancy in the standards applied to conservative treatment methods, it is not astonishing that the results of conservative treatment as described in the literature also differ. Scoliosis normally does not have such dramatic effects that immediate surgery would be indicated.Moreover, it is clear from the published literature that it is the functional and physiological impairments of scoliosis patients--including pain, torso deformity, psychological disturbance, and pulmonary dysfunction--which require therapeutic intervention. In Germany the triad of outpatient physiotherapy, intensive inpatient rehabilitation, and bracing has proven effective in conservative scoliosis treatment.Indication, content, and results of the individual treatment procedures are described and discussed. The positive outcomes of this practice validate a policy of offering conservative scoliosis treatment as an alternative to patients, including those for whom surgery is indicated.

Valyl-tRNA synthetase modification-dependent restriction of bacteriophage T4.

PubMed Central

Olson, N J; Marchin, G L

1984-01-01

A strain of Escherichia coli, CP 790302, severely restricts the growth of wild-type bacteriophage T4. In broth culture, most infections of single cells are abortive, although a few infected cells exhibit reduced burst sizes. In contrast, bacteriophage T4 mutants impaired in the ability to modify valyl-tRNA synthetase develop normally on this strain. Biochemical evidence indicates that the phage-modified valyl-tRNA synthetase in CP 790302 is different from that previously described. Although the enzyme is able to support normal protein synthesis, a disproportionate amount of phage structural protein (serum blocking power) fails to mature into particles of the appropriate density. The results with host strain CP 790302 are consistent with either a gratuitous inhibition of phage assembly by faulty modification or abrogation of an unknown role that valyl-tRNA synthetase might normally play in viral assembly. PMID:6374167

Cortical fMRI activation to opponents' body kinematics in sport-related anticipation: expert-novice differences with normal and point-light video.

PubMed

Wright, M J; Bishop, D T; Jackson, R C; Abernethy, B

2011-08-18

Badminton players of varying skill levels viewed normal and point-light video clips of opponents striking the shuttle towards the viewer; their task was to predict in which quadrant of the court the shuttle would land. In a whole-brain fMRI analysis we identified bilateral cortical networks sensitive to the anticipation task relative to control stimuli. This network is more extensive and localised than previously reported. Voxel clusters responding more strongly in experts than novices were associated with all task-sensitive areas, whereas voxels responding more strongly in novices were found outside these areas. Task-sensitive areas for normal and point-light video were very similar, whereas early visual areas responded differentially, indicating the primacy of kinematic information for sport-related anticipation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Noninvasive prediction of shunt operation outcome in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus

PubMed Central

Aoki, Yasunori; Kazui, Hiroaki; Tanaka, Toshihisa; Ishii, Ryouhei; Wada, Tamiki; Ikeda, Shunichiro; Hata, Masahiro; Canuet, Leonides; Katsimichas, Themistoklis; Musha, Toshimitsu; Matsuzaki, Haruyasu; Imajo, Kaoru; Kanemoto, Hideki; Yoshida, Tetsuhiko; Nomura, Keiko; Yoshiyama, Kenji; Iwase, Masao; Takeda, Masatoshi

2015-01-01

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a syndrome characterized by gait disturbance, cognitive deterioration and urinary incontinence in elderly individuals. These symptoms can be improved by shunt operation in some but not all patients. Therefore, discovering predictive factors for the surgical outcome is of great clinical importance. We used normalized power variance (NPV) of electroencephalography (EEG) waves, a sensitive measure of the instability of cortical electrical activity, and found significantly higher NPV in beta frequency band at the right fronto-temporo-occipital electrodes (Fp2, T4 and O2) in shunt responders compared to non-responders. By utilizing these differences, we were able to correctly identify responders and non-responders to shunt operation with a positive predictive value of 80% and a negative predictive value of 88%. Our findings indicate that NPV can be useful in noninvasively predicting the clinical outcome of shunt operation in patients with iNPH. PMID:25585705

Hypothalamic CART is a new anorectic peptide regulated by leptin.

PubMed

Kristensen, P; Judge, M E; Thim, L; Ribel, U; Christjansen, K N; Wulff, B S; Clausen, J T; Jensen, P B; Madsen, O D; Vrang, N; Larsen, P J; Hastrup, S

1998-05-07

The mammalian hypothalamus strongly influences ingestive behaviour through several different signalling molecules and receptor systems. Here we show that CART (cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript), a brain-located peptide, is a satiety factor and is closely associated with the actions of two important regulators of food intake, leptin and neuropeptide Y. Food-deprived animals show a pronounced decrease in expression of CART messenger RNA in the arcuate nucleus. In animal models of obesity with disrupted leptin signalling, CART mRNA is almost absent from the arcuate nucleus. Peripheral administration of leptin to obese mice stimulates CART mRNA expression. When injected intracerebroventricularly into rats, recombinant CART peptide inhibits both normal and starvation-induced feeding, and completely blocks the feeding response induced by neuropeptide Y. An antiserum against CART increases feeding in normal rats, indicating that CART may be an endogenous inhibitor of food intake in normal animals.

[H reflex in patients with spastic quadriplegia].

PubMed

Miyama, Sahoko; Arimoto, Kiyoshi; Kimiya, Satoshi

2009-01-01

Hoffmann reflex (H reflex) is an electrically elicited spinal monosynaptic reflex. H reflex was examined in 18 patients with spastic quadriplegia who had perinatal or postnatal problems. H reflex was elicitable in 11 patients for the abductor pollicis brevis (61.1%), 10 for the abductor digiti minimi (55.6%) and 16 for the abductor hallucis (88.9%). Because the abductor pollicis brevis and the abductor digiti minimi do not exhibit H reflex in normal subjects, it was suggested that the excitability of alpha motor neurons innervating these muscles was increased. H reflex was not detected for the extensor digitorum brevis in any patients, indicating the difference in the excitability among alpha motor neurons. In some patients, H reflex did not disappear under supramaximal stimuli. We conclude that the mechanism of evolution of H reflex in patients with spastic quadriplegia is different from that in normal subjects.

Functional and rheological properties of proteins in frozen turkey breast meat with different ultimate pH.

PubMed

Chan, J T Y; Omana, D A; Betti, M

2011-05-01

Functional and rheological properties of proteins from frozen turkey breast meat with different ultimate pH at 24 h postmortem (pH(24)) have been studied. Sixteen breast fillets from Hybrid Tom turkeys were initially selected based on lightness (L*) values for each color group (pale, normal, and dark), with a total of 48 breast fillets. Further selection of 8 breast samples was made within each class of meat according to the pH(24). The average L* and pH values of the samples were within the following range: pale (L* >52; pH ≤5.7), normal (46 < L* < 52; 5.9 < pH <6.1), and dark (L* <46; pH ≥6.3), referred to as low, normal, and high pH meat, respectively. Ultimate pH did not cause major changes in the emulsifying and foaming properties of the extracted sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins. An SDS-PAGE profile of proteins from low and normal pH meat was similar, which revealed that the extent of protein denaturation was the same. Low pH meat had the lowest water-holding capacity compared with normal and high pH meat as shown by the increase in cooking loss, which can be explained by factors other than protein denaturation. Gel strength analysis and folding test revealed that gel-forming ability was better for high pH meat compared with low and normal pH meat.Dynamic viscoelastic behavior showed that myosin denaturation temperature was independent of pH(24). Normal and high pH meat had similar hardness, springiness, and chewiness values as revealed by texture profile analysis. The results from this study indicate that high pH meat had similar or better functional properties than normal pH meat. Therefore, high pH meat is suitable for further processed products, whereas low pH meat may need additional treatment or ingredient formulations to improve its functionality.

Fluorescence multispectral imaging-based diagnostic system for atherosclerosis.

PubMed

Ho, Cassandra Su Lyn; Horiuchi, Toshikatsu; Taniguchi, Hiroaki; Umetsu, Araya; Hagisawa, Kohsuke; Iwaya, Keiichi; Nakai, Kanji; Azmi, Amalina; Zulaziz, Natasha; Azhim, Azran; Shinomiya, Nariyoshi; Morimoto, Yuji

2016-08-20

Composition of atherosclerotic arterial walls is rich in lipids such as cholesterol, unlike normal arterial walls. In this study, we aimed to utilize this difference to diagnose atherosclerosis via multispectral fluorescence imaging, which allows for identification of fluorescence originating from the substance in the arterial wall. The inner surface of extracted arteries (rabbit abdominal aorta, human coronary artery) was illuminated by 405 nm excitation light and multispectral fluorescence images were obtained. Pathological examination of human coronary artery samples were carried out and thickness of arteries were calculated by measuring combined media and intima thickness. The fluorescence spectra in atherosclerotic sites were different from those in normal sites. Multiple regions of interest (ROI) were selected within each sample and a ratio between two fluorescence intensity differences (where each intensity difference is calculated between an identifier wavelength and a base wavelength) from each ROI was determined, allowing for discrimination of atherosclerotic sites. Fluorescence intensity and thickness of artery were found to be significantly correlated. These results indicate that multispectral fluorescence imaging provides qualitative and quantitative evaluations of atherosclerosis and is therefore a viable method of diagnosing the disease.

Hyperventilation accelerates rise in arterial blood concentrations of sevoflurane in gynecologic patients.

PubMed

Lu, Chih-Cherng; Lin, Tso-Chou; Hsu, Che-Hao; Yu, Mu-Hsien; Ku, Chih-Hung; Chen, Ta-Liang; Chen, Ruei-Ming; Ho, Shung-Tai

2013-02-01

We investigated whether ventilation volumes affected arterial blood sevoflurane concentration (A (sev)) and its uptake into the body during general anesthesia. Thirty female patients undergoing elective gynecologic surgery were randomly allocated into three groups: hyperventilation, normal ventilation, and hypoventilation. Inspiratory (CI(sev)) and end-tidal ((sev)) sevoflurane concentrations were routinely measured by infrared analysis, and A (sev) were analyzed by gas chromatography for 40 min after intubation. Cardiac index and total peripheral vascular resistance were measured with a Finometer. During the first 10 min after sevoflurane administration, A (sev) in the hyperventilation group was the highest and differed significantly from those in the normal ventilation group, followed by those in the hypoventilation group. In addition, hyperventilation significantly increased the slope of A (sev) over time in the first 5 min, but there were no differences in slopes in the 5-10, 10-20, and 20-40 min periods, which indicates no difference in sevoflurane bodily uptake among the three groups after 5 min. Hyperventilation accelerated the rate of A (sev) increase immediately after sevoflurane administration, which was time dependent with respect to different alveolar ventilation levels.

Searching for the optimal drought index and timescale combination to detect drought: a case study from the lower Jinsha River basin, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fluixá-Sanmartín, Javier; Pan, Deng; Fischer, Luzia; Orlowsky, Boris; García-Hernández, Javier; Jordan, Frédéric; Haemmig, Christoph; Zhang, Fangwei; Xu, Jijun

2018-02-01

Drought indices based on precipitation are commonly used to identify and characterize droughts. Due to the general complexity of droughts, the comparison of index-identified events with droughts at different levels of the complete system, including soil humidity or river discharges, relies typically on model simulations of the latter, entailing potentially significant uncertainties. The present study explores the potential of using precipitation-based indices to reproduce observed droughts in the lower part of the Jinsha River basin (JRB), proposing an innovative approach for a catchment-wide drought detection and characterization. Two indicators, namely the Overall Drought Extension (ODE) and the Overall Drought Indicator (ODI), have been defined. These indicators aim at identifying and characterizing drought events on the basin scale, using results from four meteorological drought indices (standardized precipitation index, SPI; rainfall anomaly index, RAI; percent of normal precipitation, PN; deciles, DEC) calculated at different locations of the basin and for different timescales. Collected historical information on drought events is used to contrast results obtained with the indicators. This method has been successfully applied to the lower Jinsha River basin in China, a region prone to frequent and severe droughts. Historical drought events that occurred from 1960 to 2014 have been compiled and cataloged from different sources, in a challenging process. The analysis of the indicators shows a good agreement with the recorded historical drought events on the basin scale. It has been found that the timescale that best reproduces observed events across all the indices is the 6-month timescale.

The Raman spectrum character of skin tumor induced by UVB

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Shulian; Hu, Liangjun; Wang, Yunxia; Li, Yongzeng

2016-03-01

In our study, the skin canceration processes induced by UVB were analyzed from the perspective of tissue spectrum. A home-made Raman spectral system with a millimeter order excitation laser spot size combined with a multivariate statistical analysis for monitoring the skin changed irradiated by UVB was studied and the discrimination were evaluated. Raman scattering signals of the SCC and normal skin were acquired. Spectral differences in Raman spectra were revealed. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) based on principal component analysis (PCA) were employed to generate diagnostic algorithms for the classification of skin SCC and normal. The results indicated that Raman spectroscopy combined with PCA-LDA demonstrated good potential for improving the diagnosis of skin cancers.

Two-sample tests and one-way MANOVA for multivariate biomarker data with nondetects.

PubMed

Thulin, M

2016-09-10

Testing whether the mean vector of a multivariate set of biomarkers differs between several populations is an increasingly common problem in medical research. Biomarker data is often left censored because some measurements fall below the laboratory's detection limit. We investigate how such censoring affects multivariate two-sample and one-way multivariate analysis of variance tests. Type I error rates, power and robustness to increasing censoring are studied, under both normality and non-normality. Parametric tests are found to perform better than non-parametric alternatives, indicating that the current recommendations for analysis of censored multivariate data may have to be revised. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Remote sensing of crop parameters with a polarized, frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalshoven, James E., Jr.; Tierney, Michael R., Jr.; Daughtry, Craig S. T.; McMurtrey, James E., III

1995-05-01

Polarized laser remote-sensing measurements that correlate the yield, the normalized difference vegetation index, and the leaf area index with the depolarized backscattered radiation from corn plots grown with eight different nitrogen fertilization dosages are presented. A polarized Nd:YAG laser emitting at 1064 and 532 nm is used. Depolarization increased significantly with increasing fertilization at the infrared wavelength, and there was a decrease in the depolarization at the green wavelength. The depolarization spectral difference index, defined as the absolute difference in the depolarization at the two wavelengths, is introduced as a parameter that is an indicator of the condition of the internal leaf structure.

Estimating Latent Variable Interactions With Non-Normal Observed Data: A Comparison of Four Approaches

PubMed Central

Cham, Heining; West, Stephen G.; Ma, Yue; Aiken, Leona S.

2012-01-01

A Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to investigate the robustness of four latent variable interaction modeling approaches (Constrained Product Indicator [CPI], Generalized Appended Product Indicator [GAPI], Unconstrained Product Indicator [UPI], and Latent Moderated Structural Equations [LMS]) under high degrees of non-normality of the observed exogenous variables. Results showed that the CPI and LMS approaches yielded biased estimates of the interaction effect when the exogenous variables were highly non-normal. When the violation of non-normality was not severe (normal; symmetric with excess kurtosis < 1), the LMS approach yielded the most efficient estimates of the latent interaction effect with the highest statistical power. In highly non-normal conditions, the GAPI and UPI approaches with ML estimation yielded unbiased latent interaction effect estimates, with acceptable actual Type-I error rates for both the Wald and likelihood ratio tests of interaction effect at N ≥ 500. An empirical example illustrated the use of the four approaches in testing a latent variable interaction between academic self-efficacy and positive family role models in the prediction of academic performance. PMID:23457417

Shades of white: diffusion properties of T1- and FLAIR-defined white matter signal abnormalities differ in stages from cognitively normal to dementia.

PubMed

Riphagen, Joost M; Gronenschild, Ed H B M; Salat, David H; Freeze, Whitney M; Ivanov, Dimo; Clerx, Lies; Verhey, Frans R J; Aalten, Pauline; Jacobs, Heidi I L

2018-08-01

The underlying pathology of white matter signal abnormalities (WMSAs) is heterogeneous and may vary dependent on the magnetic resonance imaging contrast used to define them. We investigated differences in white matter diffusivity as an indicator for white matter integrity underlying WMSA based on T1-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging contrast. In addition, we investigated which white matter region of interest (ROI) could predict clinical diagnosis best using diffusion metrics. One hundred three older individuals with varying cognitive impairment levels were included and underwent neuroimaging. Diffusion metrics were extracted from WMSA areas based on T1 and FLAIR contrast and from their overlapping areas, the border surrounding the WMSA and the normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). Regional diffusivity differences were calculated with linear mixed effects models. Multinomial logistic regression determined which ROI diffusion values classified individuals best into clinically defined diagnostic groups. T1-based WMSA showed lower white matter integrity compared to FLAIR WMSA-defined regions. Diffusion values of NAWM predicted diagnostic group best compared to other ROI's. To conclude, T1- or FLAIR-defined WMSA provides distinct information on the underlying white matter integrity associated with cognitive decline. Importantly, not the "diseased" but the NAWM is a potentially sensitive indicator for cognitive brain health status. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Identifying and quantifying heterogeneity in high content analysis: application of heterogeneity indices to drug discovery.

PubMed

Gough, Albert H; Chen, Ning; Shun, Tong Ying; Lezon, Timothy R; Boltz, Robert C; Reese, Celeste E; Wagner, Jacob; Vernetti, Lawrence A; Grandis, Jennifer R; Lee, Adrian V; Stern, Andrew M; Schurdak, Mark E; Taylor, D Lansing

2014-01-01

One of the greatest challenges in biomedical research, drug discovery and diagnostics is understanding how seemingly identical cells can respond differently to perturbagens including drugs for disease treatment. Although heterogeneity has become an accepted characteristic of a population of cells, in drug discovery it is not routinely evaluated or reported. The standard practice for cell-based, high content assays has been to assume a normal distribution and to report a well-to-well average value with a standard deviation. To address this important issue we sought to define a method that could be readily implemented to identify, quantify and characterize heterogeneity in cellular and small organism assays to guide decisions during drug discovery and experimental cell/tissue profiling. Our study revealed that heterogeneity can be effectively identified and quantified with three indices that indicate diversity, non-normality and percent outliers. The indices were evaluated using the induction and inhibition of STAT3 activation in five cell lines where the systems response including sample preparation and instrument performance were well characterized and controlled. These heterogeneity indices provide a standardized method that can easily be integrated into small and large scale screening or profiling projects to guide interpretation of the biology, as well as the development of therapeutics and diagnostics. Understanding the heterogeneity in the response to perturbagens will become a critical factor in designing strategies for the development of therapeutics including targeted polypharmacology.

Analysis of relationships between land surface temperature and land use changes in the Yellow River Delta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ning, Jicai; Gao, Zhiqiang; Meng, Ran; Xu, Fuxiang; Gao, Meng

2018-06-01

This study analyzed land use and land cover changes and their impact on land surface temperature using Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper and Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager and Thermal Infrared Sensor imagery of the Yellow River Delta. Six Landsat images comprising two time series were used to calculate the land surface temperature and correlated vegetation indices. The Yellow River Delta area has expanded substantially because of the deposited sediment carried from upstream reaches of the river. Between 1986 and 2015, approximately 35% of the land use area of the Yellow River Delta has been transformed into salterns and aquaculture ponds. Overall, land use conversion has occurred primarily from poorly utilized land into highly utilized land. To analyze the variation of land surface temperature, a mono-window algorithm was applied to retrieve the regional land surface temperature. The results showed bilinear correlation between land surface temperature and the vegetation indices (i.e., Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Adjusted-Normalized Vegetation Index, Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index, and Modified Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index). Generally, values of the vegetation indices greater than the inflection point mean the land surface temperature and the vegetation indices are correlated negatively, and vice versa. Land surface temperature in coastal areas is affected considerably by local seawater temperature and weather conditions.

(How) Can We Use Satellite Data to Estimate Effects of Extreme Drought on Photosynthesis?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vicca, S.; Balzarolo, M.; Filella, I.; Granier, A.; Herbst, M.; Knohl, A.; Longdoz, B.; Mund, M.; Nagy, Z.; Pintér, K.; Rambal, S.; Verbesselt, J.; Verger, A.; Zeileis, A.; Zhang, C.; Penuelas, J.

2017-12-01

Severe droughts can strongly impact photosynthesis (GPP), but the tool best suited for large-scale and long-term monitoring, satellite imagery, has yet to prove its ability to detect drought effects on GPP. Especially changes in vegetation functioning when vegetation state remains unaltered (no browning or defoliation) pose a challenge to satellite-derived indicators. We evaluated the performance of different satellite indicators to detect effect of a strong drought (that started during the European heatwave of 2003) on GPP in a beech forest in France (Hesse). While vegetation state remained largely unaffected by the drought, Eddy Covariance data revealed a substantial decrease in GPP and GPP recovered only after about three years. This three-year reduction in GPP was, however not detected by severaly commonly used reflectance indices (like NDVI and FAPAR) or by MODIS GPP product. Only he Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) detected the drought effect, but the PRI only after normalization for absorbed light. These results were compared to a two other forests where a severe drought event had affected GPP and these data confirmed that especially the PRI normalized for absorbed light provides useful information about vegetation functioning that is not captured by other remote sensing indicators under test.

William's syndrome: gene expression is related to parental origin and regional coordinate control

PubMed Central

Collette, Jeremy C; Chen, Xiao-Ning; Mills, Debra L; Galaburda, Albert M; Reiss, Allan L; Bellugi, Ursula; Korenberg, Julie R

2013-01-01

William's syndrome (WS) features a spectrum of neurocognitive and behavioral abnormalities due to a rare 1.5MB deletion that includes about 24–28 genes on chromosome band 7q11.23. Study of the expression of these genes from the single normal copy provides an opportunity to elucidate the genetic and epigenetic controls on these genes as well as their roles in both WS and normal brain development and function. We used quantitative RT-PCR to determine the transcriptional level of 14 WS gene markers in a cohort of 77 persons with WS and 48 normal controls. Results reported here: (1) show that the expression of the genes deleted in WS is decreased in some but not all cases, (2) demonstrate that the parental origin of the deletion contributes to the level of expression of GTF2I independently of age and gender and (3) indicate that the correlation of expression between GTF2I and some other genes in the WS region differs in WS subjects and normal controls, which in turn points toward a regulatory role for this gene. Interspecies comparisons suggest GTF2I may play a key role in normal brain development. PMID:19282872

Assessment of Microcirculatory Hemoglobin Levels in Normal and Diabetic Subjects using Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy in the Visible Region — a Pilot Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sujatha, N.; Anand, B. S. Suresh; Nivetha, K. Bala; Narayanamurthy, V. B.; Seshadri, V.; Poddar, R.

2015-07-01

Light-based diagnostic techniques provide a minimally invasive way for selective biomarker estimation when tissues transform from a normal to a malignant state. Spectroscopic techniques based on diffuse reflectance characterize the changes in tissue hemoglobin/oxygenation levels during the tissue transformation process. Recent clinical investigations have shown that changes in tissue oxygenation and microcirculation are observed in diabetic subjects in the initial and progressive stages. In this pilot study, we discuss the potential of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) in the visible (Vis) range to differentiate the skin microcirculatory hemoglobin levels between normal and advanced diabetic subjects with and without neuropathy. Average concentration of hemoglobin as well as hemoglobin oxygen saturation within the probed tissue volume is estimated for a total of four different sites in the foot sole. The results indicate a statistically significant decrease in average total hemoglobin and increase in hemoglobin oxygen saturation levels for diabetic foot compared with a normal foot. The present study demonstrates the ability of reflectance spectroscopy in the Vis range to determine and differentiate the changes in tissue hemoglobin and hemoglobin oxygen saturation levels in normal and diabetic subjects.

Clarifying Normalization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carpenter, Donald A.

2008-01-01

Confusion exists among database textbooks as to the goal of normalization as well as to which normal form a designer should aspire. This article discusses such discrepancies with the intention of simplifying normalization for both teacher and student. This author's industry and classroom experiences indicate such simplification yields quicker…

Use of the Progressive Figures Test in evaluating brain-damaged children, children with academic problems, and normal controls.

PubMed

Reitan, Ralph M; Wolfson, Deborah

2004-03-01

This study explores the use of the Progressive Figures Test as an instrument for broad initial screening of children in the 6- through 8-year age range with respect to the possible need for more definitive neuropsychological evaluation. Considering earlier results obtained in comparison of brain-damaged and control children [Clinical Neuropsychology: Current Applications, Hemisphere Publishing Corp., Washington, DC, 1974, p. 53; Proceedings of the Conference on Minimal Brain Dysfunction, New York Academy of Sciences, New York, 1973, p. 65], the Progressive Figures Test seemed potentially useful as a first step in determining whether a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation is indicated. In this investigation, three groups were studied: (1) children with definitive evidence of brain damage or disease who, when compared with normal controls, help to establish the limits of neuropsychological functioning, (2) a group of children who had normal neurological examinations but also had academic problems of significant concern to both parents and teachers, and (3) a normal control group. Statistically significant differences were present in comparing each pair of groups, with the brain-damaged children performing most poorly and the controls performing best. Score distributions for the three groups make it possible to identify a score-range that represented a borderline or "gray" area and to suggest a cutting score that identified children whose academic problems might have a neurological basis and for whom additional neuropsychological evaluation appeared to be indicated.

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

Acuity-independent effects of visual deprivation on human visual cortex

PubMed Central

Hou, Chuan; Pettet, Mark W.; Norcia, Anthony M.

2014-01-01

Visual development depends on sensory input during an early developmental critical period. Deviation of the pointing direction of the two eyes (strabismus) or chronic optical blur (anisometropia) separately and together can disrupt the formation of normal binocular interactions and the development of spatial processing, leading to a loss of stereopsis and visual acuity known as amblyopia. To shed new light on how these two different forms of visual deprivation affect the development of visual cortex, we used event-related potentials (ERPs) to study the temporal evolution of visual responses in patients who had experienced either strabismus or anisometropia early in life. To make a specific statement about the locus of deprivation effects, we took advantage of a stimulation paradigm in which we could measure deprivation effects that arise either before or after a configuration-specific response to illusory contours (ICs). Extraction of ICs is known to first occur in extrastriate visual areas. Our ERP measurements indicate that deprivation via strabismus affects both the early part of the evoked response that occurs before ICs are formed as well as the later IC-selective response. Importantly, these effects are found in the normal-acuity nonamblyopic eyes of strabismic amblyopes and in both eyes of strabismic patients without amblyopia. The nonamblyopic eyes of anisometropic amblyopes, by contrast, are normal. Our results indicate that beyond the well-known effects of strabismus on the development of normal binocularity, it also affects the early stages of monocular feature processing in an acuity-independent fashion. PMID:25024230

Analysis of Network Clustering Algorithms and Cluster Quality Metrics at Scale

PubMed Central

Kobourov, Stephen; Gallant, Mike; Börner, Katy

2016-01-01

Overview Notions of community quality underlie the clustering of networks. While studies surrounding network clustering are increasingly common, a precise understanding of the realtionship between different cluster quality metrics is unknown. In this paper, we examine the relationship between stand-alone cluster quality metrics and information recovery metrics through a rigorous analysis of four widely-used network clustering algorithms—Louvain, Infomap, label propagation, and smart local moving. We consider the stand-alone quality metrics of modularity, conductance, and coverage, and we consider the information recovery metrics of adjusted Rand score, normalized mutual information, and a variant of normalized mutual information used in previous work. Our study includes both synthetic graphs and empirical data sets of sizes varying from 1,000 to 1,000,000 nodes. Cluster Quality Metrics We find significant differences among the results of the different cluster quality metrics. For example, clustering algorithms can return a value of 0.4 out of 1 on modularity but score 0 out of 1 on information recovery. We find conductance, though imperfect, to be the stand-alone quality metric that best indicates performance on the information recovery metrics. Additionally, our study shows that the variant of normalized mutual information used in previous work cannot be assumed to differ only slightly from traditional normalized mutual information. Network Clustering Algorithms Smart local moving is the overall best performing algorithm in our study, but discrepancies between cluster evaluation metrics prevent us from declaring it an absolutely superior algorithm. Interestingly, Louvain performed better than Infomap in nearly all the tests in our study, contradicting the results of previous work in which Infomap was superior to Louvain. We find that although label propagation performs poorly when clusters are less clearly defined, it scales efficiently and accurately to large graphs with well-defined clusters. PMID:27391786

Analysis of Network Clustering Algorithms and Cluster Quality Metrics at Scale.

PubMed

Emmons, Scott; Kobourov, Stephen; Gallant, Mike; Börner, Katy

2016-01-01

Notions of community quality underlie the clustering of networks. While studies surrounding network clustering are increasingly common, a precise understanding of the realtionship between different cluster quality metrics is unknown. In this paper, we examine the relationship between stand-alone cluster quality metrics and information recovery metrics through a rigorous analysis of four widely-used network clustering algorithms-Louvain, Infomap, label propagation, and smart local moving. We consider the stand-alone quality metrics of modularity, conductance, and coverage, and we consider the information recovery metrics of adjusted Rand score, normalized mutual information, and a variant of normalized mutual information used in previous work. Our study includes both synthetic graphs and empirical data sets of sizes varying from 1,000 to 1,000,000 nodes. We find significant differences among the results of the different cluster quality metrics. For example, clustering algorithms can return a value of 0.4 out of 1 on modularity but score 0 out of 1 on information recovery. We find conductance, though imperfect, to be the stand-alone quality metric that best indicates performance on the information recovery metrics. Additionally, our study shows that the variant of normalized mutual information used in previous work cannot be assumed to differ only slightly from traditional normalized mutual information. Smart local moving is the overall best performing algorithm in our study, but discrepancies between cluster evaluation metrics prevent us from declaring it an absolutely superior algorithm. Interestingly, Louvain performed better than Infomap in nearly all the tests in our study, contradicting the results of previous work in which Infomap was superior to Louvain. We find that although label propagation performs poorly when clusters are less clearly defined, it scales efficiently and accurately to large graphs with well-defined clusters.

Exploring valid reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR analysis in Sesamia inferens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

PubMed

Sun, Meng; Lu, Ming-Xing; Tang, Xiao-Tian; Du, Yu-Zhou

2015-01-01

The pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens, which is endemic in China and other parts of Asia, is a major pest of rice and causes significant yield loss in this host plant. Very few studies have addressed gene expression in S. inferens. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) is currently the most accurate and sensitive method for gene expression analysis. In qRT-PCR, data are normalized using reference genes, which help control for internal differences and reduce error between samples. In this study, seven candidate reference genes, 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), elongation factor 1 (EF1), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), ribosomal protein S13 (RPS13), ribosomal protein S20 (RPS20), tubulin (TUB), and β-actin (ACTB) were evaluated for their suitability in normalizing gene expression under different experimental conditions. The results indicated that three genes (RPS13, RPS20, and EF1) were optimal for normalizing gene expression in different insect tissues (head, epidermis, fat body, foregut, midgut, hindgut, Malpighian tubules, haemocytes, and salivary glands). 18S rRNA, EF1, and GAPDH were best for normalizing expression with respect to developmental stages and sex (egg masses; first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth instar larvae; male and female pupae; and one-day-old male and female adults). 18S rRNA, RPS20, and TUB were optimal for fifth instars exposed to different temperatures (-8, -6, -4, -2, 0, and 27°C). To validate this recommendation, the expression profile of a target gene heat shock protein 83 gene (hsp83) was investigated, and results showed the selection was necessary and effective. In conclusion, this study describes reference gene sets that can be used to accurately measure gene expression in S. inferens.

Comparative analysis of data quality and applications in vegetation of HJ-1A CCD images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Hongwei; Tian, Qingjiu; Huang, Yan; Wang, Yan

2014-05-01

To study the data quality and to find the differences in vegetation monitoring applications, the same region at Chuzhou Lai 'an, the data of HJ-1A CCD1 on the April 1st, 2012 and the data of HJ-1A CCD2 on the March 31, 2012 have being comparative analysis by the method of objective quality (image)assessment which selecting over five spectral image evaluation parameters: radiation precision (mean, variance, inclination, steepness), information entropy, signal-to-noise ratio, sharpness, contrast, and normalized differential vegetation index. The results show that there is little differences between the HJ-1A CCD1 and CCD2 by objective evaluation of data quality except radiation precision conform to their design theory, so the conclusion is that the difference of them without considering on the usual unless continuation;and Combination of field observation data Lai'an spectral data and GPS data (each point),selecting the normalized difference vegetation index as CCD1, CCD2 in vegetation monitoring application on the evaluation of the differences, and the specific process is based on GPS data is divided into nine small plots of spectral data ,and image data of nine one-to-one correspondence plots, and their normalized difference vegetation index values were calculated ,and measured spectra data resampling HJ-1A CCD1, CCD2 spectral response function calculated NDVI, and the results show that there is little differences between the HJ-1A CCD1 and CCD2 by objective evaluation of data quality, and, the differences of wheat `s reflection and normalized vegetation index is mainly due to calibration coefficients of CCD1 and CCD2, the differences of the solar elevation angle when obtaining the image and atmospheric conditions, so it has to consider the performance indicators as well as access conditions of CCD1 and CCD2, and to be take the normalization techniques for processing for the comparison analysis in the use of HJ-1A CCD Data to surface dynamic changes; Finally, in order to study the response of the spectral response function proposed spectral response function of impact factor, and in view of the spectral response function measured spectral data resampling only HJ-1A CCD spectral response function, calculated according to the formula of the equivalent reflectivity quantitative spectral response function, and spectral normalization of proposed theoretical Technical Support. The Objective evaluation of its application of HJ-1A CCD1, and CCD2 data quality differences research has important implications for broader application to further promote China-made remote sensing satellite data, future research also needs calibration coefficient, the solar elevation angle atmospheric conditions and its image scanning angle be taken into account, and to make the corresponding normalized its impact quantitative research has important significance for the timing changes in the application of the ecological environment in China.

Susceptibility weighted imaging of stroke brain in response to normobaric oxygen (NBO) therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Iris Y.; Igarashi, Takahiro; Guo, Yingkun; Sun, Phillip Z.

2015-03-01

The neuroprotective effect of oxygen leads to recent interest in normobaric oxygen (NBO) therapy after acute ischemic stroke. However, the mechanism remains unclear and inconsistent outcomes were reported in human studies. Because NBO aims to improve brain tissue oxygenation by enhancing oxygen delivery to ischemic tissue, monitoring the oxygenation level changes in response to NBO becomes necessary to elucidate the mechanism and to assess the efficacy. Susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) which provides a new MRI contrast by combining the magnitude and phase images is fit for purpose. SWI is sensitive to deoxyhemoglobin level changes and thus can be used to evaluate the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen. In this study, SWI was used for in vivo monitoring of oxygenation changes in a rat model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) before, during and after 30 min of NBO treatment. Regions of interest in ischemic core, penumbra and contralateral normal area were generated based on diffusionweighted imaging and perfusion imaging. Significant differences in SWI indicating different oxygenation levels were generally found: contralateral normal > penumbra > ischemic core. Ischemic core showed insignificant increase in oxygenation during NBO and returned to pre-treatment level after termination of NBO. Meanwhile, the oxygenation levels slightly increased in contralateral normal and penumbra regions during NBO and significantly decreased to a level lower than pre-treatment after termination of NBO, indicating secondary metabolic disruption upon the termination of transient metabolic support from oxygen. Further investigation of NBO effect combined with reperfusion is necessary while SWI can be used to detect hemorrhagic transformation after reperfusion.

MR elastographic methods for the evaluation of plantar fat pads: preliminary comparison of the shear modulus for shearing deformation and compressive deformation in normal subjects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weaver, John B.; Miller, Timothy B.; Perrinez, Philip R.; Doyley, Marvin M.; Wang, Huifang; Cheung, Yvonne Y.; Wrobel, James S.; Comi, Richard J.; Kennedy, Francis E.; Paulsen, Keith D.

2006-03-01

MR elastography (MRE) images the intrinsic mechanical properties of soft tissues; e.g., the shear modulus, μ. The μ of the plantar soft tissues is important in understanding the mechanisms whereby the forces induced during normal motion produce ulcers that lead to amputation in diabetic feet. We compared the compliance of the heel fat pad to compressive forces and to shearing forces. The design of prosthetics to protect the foot depends on the proper understanding of the mechanisms inducing damage. In the heel fat pads of six normal subjects, between 25 and 65 years of age, the μ for deformation perpendicular to the direction of weight bearing is similar but not identical to that determined for deformation along the weight bearing axis. The average difference between μ along the weight bearing axis and μ perpendicular to the weight bearing axis, is well correlated with age (Correlation Coefficient = 0.789). The p-value for the data being random was 0.0347 indicating that the observed difference is not likely to be random. The p-value for control points is 0.8989, indicating a random process. The results are suggestive that the high compressive forces imposed during walking damage the heel fat pads over time resulting in softening to compression preferentially over shearing. It is important to validate the observed effect with larger numbers of subjects, and better controls including measures of activity, and to understand if diseases like diabetes increase the observed damage.

Effects of fasting, temperature, and photoperiod on preproghrelin mRNA expression in Chinese perch.

PubMed

Song, Yi; Zhao, Cheng; Liang, Xu-Fang; He, Shan; Tian, Changxu; Cheng, Xiaoyan; Yuan, Xiaochen; Lv, Liyuan; Guo, Wenjie; Xue, Min; Tao, Ya-Xiong

2017-06-01

Preproghrelin, a gut/brain peptide, plays an important role in the regulation of food intake and energy homeostasis in teleost and mammals. In the present study, we obtained the full-length preproghrelin cDNA in Chinese perch. The preproghrelin messenger RNA (mRNA) tissue expression showed that level was much higher in stomach and pituitary than in other tissues. The fasting study showed, after gastric emptying (3-6 h), short-term fasting (6-12 h) increased preproghrelin expression in the stomach. While in the pituitary, fasting reduced preproghrelin expression at 1, 3, 12, and 48 h, presenting state fluctuation of self-adjustment. The temperature study showed that the mRNA expression of preproghrelin was the highest in the brain at 26 °C and highest in the stomach at 32 °C, respectively, with different optimum temperature in these two tissues, reflecting spatiotemporal differences of regulation by central nervous system and peripheral organs. The photoperiod study showed that normal light (11 h of lightness and 13 h of darkness) led to highest preproghrelin expression, both in the brain and in the stomach, than continuous light or continuous dark, proving food intake is adapted to natural photoperiod or normal light in this study. These results all indicated that tissue-specific preproghrelin expression of Chinese perch could be significantly affected by environmental factors. Short-term fasting of 6 h after gastric emptying, 26 °C, and normal light led to higher preproghrelin expression, which indicated potential appetite increase in Chinese perch.

Effects of consumption of caloric vs noncaloric sweet drinks on indices of hunger and food consumption in normal adults.

PubMed

Canty, D J; Chan, M M

1991-05-01

This study examined the effects of aspartame, saccharin, and sucrose on hunger and food intake. Twenty normal adults consumed a standard breakfast followed 3 h later by 200 mL of either water or a sweetened drink. One hour later, subjects' ad libitum consumption of a standardized lunch was measured. Subjects recorded self-assessments of hunger-related indices every half hour on visual analogue scales (VAS). ANOVA with repeated measures showed a significant effect of drink type on VAS scores 15 and 45 min after drinks were consumed but not for other times or for lunch consumption. Hunger-related ratings after drink consumption were generally highest for water, lower for noncaloric sweeteners (NCSs), and lowest for sugar. Pairwise comparisons of means showed that only the ratings for sugar and water were significantly different. The results show that, under the conditions of this study, NCSs do not increase hunger or food intake.

A microcontroller system for investigating the catch effect: functional electrical stimulation of the common peroneal nerve.

PubMed

Hart, D J; Taylor, P N; Chappell, P H; Wood, D E

2006-06-01

Correction of drop foot in hemiplegic gait is achieved by electrical stimulation of the common peroneal nerve with a series of pulses at a fixed frequency. However, during normal gait, the electromyographic signals from the tibialis anterior muscle indicate that muscle force is not constant but varies during the swing phase. The application of double pulses for the correction of drop foot may enhance the gait by generating greater torque at the ankle and thereby increase the efficiency of the stimulation with reduced fatigue. A flexible controller has been designed around the Odstock Drop Foot Stimulator to deliver different profiles of pulses implementing doublets and optimum series. A peripheral interface controller (PIC) microcontroller with some external circuits has been designed and tested to accommodate six profiles. Preliminary results of the measurements from a normal subject seated in a multi-moment chair (an isometric torque measurement device) indicate that profiles containing doublets and optimum spaced pulses look favourable for clinical use.