Cut points on 0-10 numeric rating scales for symptoms included in the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale in cancer patients: a systematic review.

PubMed

Oldenmenger, Wendy H; de Raaf, Pleun J; de Klerk, Cora; van der Rijt, Carin C D

2013-06-01

To improve the management of cancer-related symptoms, systematic screening is necessary, often performed by using 0-10 numeric rating scales. Cut points are used to determine if scores represent clinically relevant burden. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the evidence on cut points for the symptoms of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale. Relevant literature was searched in PubMed, CINAHL®, Embase, and PsycINFO®. We defined a cut point as the lower bound of the scores representing moderate or severe burden. Eighteen articles were eligible for this review. Cut points were determined using the interference with daily life, another symptom-related method, or a verbal scale. For pain, cut point 5 and, to a lesser extent, cut point 7 were found as the optimal cut points for moderate pain and severe pain, respectively. For moderate tiredness, the best cut point seemed to be cut point 4. For severe tiredness, both cut points 7 and 8 were suggested frequently. A lack of evidence exists for nausea, depression, anxiety, drowsiness, appetite, well-being, and shortness of breath. Few studies suggested a cut point below 4. For many symptoms, there is no clear evidence as to what the optimal cut points are. In daily clinical practice, a symptom score ≥4 is recommended as a trigger for a more comprehensive symptom assessment. Until there is more evidence on the optimal cut points, we should hold back using a certain cut point in quality indicators and be cautious about strongly recommending a certain cut point in guidelines. Copyright © 2013 U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Diamond turning of glass

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

Blackley, W.S.; Scattergood, R.O.

A new research initiative will be undertaken to investigate the critical cutting depth concepts for single point diamond turning of brittle, amorphous materials. Inorganic glasses and a brittle, thermoset polymer (organic glass) are the principal candidate materials. Interrupted cutting tests similar to those done in earlier research are Ge and Si crystals will be made to obtain critical depth values as a function of machining parameters. The results will provide systematic data with which to assess machining performance on glasses and amorphous materials

Diamond turning of thermoplastic polymers

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

Smith, E.; Scattergood, R.O.

Single point diamond turning studies were made using a series of thermoplastic polymers with different glass transition temperatures. Variations in surface morphology and surface roughness were observed as a function of cutting speed. Lower glass transition temperatures facilitate smoother surface cuts and better surface finish. This can be attributed to the frictional heating that occurs during machining. Because of the very low glass transition temperatures in polymeric compared to inorganic glasses, the precision machining response can be very speed sensitive.

Remission of rheumatoid arthritis: should we care about definitions?

PubMed

Aletaha, D; Smolen, J S

2006-01-01

A state of remission can be achieved in more and more rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The combination of several RA disease activity measures seems to be important to provide an overall view of disease activity. Remission can be defined by two different approaches: one using a categorical model, requiring criteria for multiple variables to be fulfilled, each with its own threshold value (remission "criteria"); the other using a dimensional model, providing single measures of activity, which allow definition of remission by a single cut point (remission cut points for composite indices). The face validity of remission as defined by composite indices surpasses the one for the "criteria". Likewise, the ones that are not weighted seem to surpass the weighted ones, as can be seen by the significant proportion of patients that continues to have considerable swollen joint counts despite being in Disease Activity Score (DAS)-28 remission. All composite indices seem to perform similarly well as tests for remission using expert judgments as the gold standard.

Noncontact on-machine measurement system based on capacitive displacement sensors for single-point diamond turning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xingchang; Zhang, Zhiyu; Hu, Haifei; Li, Yingjie; Xiong, Ling; Zhang, Xuejun; Yan, Jiwang

2018-04-01

On-machine measurements can improve the form accuracy of optical surfaces in single-point diamond turning applications; however, commercially available linear variable differential transformer sensors are inaccurate and can potentially scratch the surface. We present an on-machine measurement system based on capacitive displacement sensors for high-precision optical surfaces. In the proposed system, a position-trigger method of measurement was developed to ensure strict correspondence between the measurement points and the measurement data with no intervening time-delay. In addition, a double-sensor measurement was proposed to reduce the electric signal noise during spindle rotation. Using the proposed system, the repeatability of 80-nm peak-to-valley (PV) and 8-nm root-mean-square (RMS) was achieved through analyzing four successive measurement results. The accuracy of 109-nm PV and 14-nm RMS was obtained by comparing with the interferometer measurement result. An aluminum spherical mirror with a diameter of 300 mm was fabricated, and the resulting measured form error after one compensation cut was decreased to 254 nm in PV and 52 nm in RMS. These results confirm that the measurements of the surface form errors were successfully used to modify the cutting tool path during the compensation cut, thereby ensuring that the diamond turning process was more deterministic. In addition, the results show that the noise level was significantly reduced with the reference sensor even under a high rotational speed.

Biomechanical symmetry in elite rugby union players during dynamic tasks: an investigation using discrete and continuous data analysis techniques.

PubMed

Marshall, Brendan; Franklyn-Miller, Andrew; Moran, Kieran; King, Enda; Richter, Chris; Gore, Shane; Strike, Siobhán; Falvey, Éanna

2015-01-01

While measures of asymmetry may provide a means of identifying individuals predisposed to injury, normative asymmetry values for challenging sport specific movements in elite athletes are currently lacking in the literature. In addition, previous studies have typically investigated symmetry using discrete point analyses alone. This study examined biomechanical symmetry in elite rugby union players using both discrete point and continuous data analysis techniques. Twenty elite injury free international rugby union players (mean ± SD: age 20.4 ± 1.0 years; height 1.86 ± 0.08 m; mass 98.4 ± 9.9 kg) underwent biomechanical assessment. A single leg drop landing, a single leg hurdle hop, and a running cut were analysed. Peak joint angles and moments were examined in the discrete point analysis while analysis of characterising phases (ACP) techniques were used to examine the continuous data. Dominant side was compared to non-dominant side using dependent t-tests for normally distributed data or Wilcoxon signed-rank test for non-normally distributed data. The significance level was set at α = 0.05. The majority of variables were found to be symmetrical with a total of 57/60 variables displaying symmetry in the discrete point analysis and 55/60 in the ACP. The five variables that were found to be asymmetrical were hip abductor moment in the drop landing (p = 0.02), pelvis lift/drop in the drop landing (p = 0.04) and hurdle hop (p = 0.02), ankle internal rotation moment in the cut (p = 0.04) and ankle dorsiflexion angle also in the cut (p = 0.01). The ACP identified two additional asymmetries not identified in the discrete point analysis. Elite injury free rugby union players tended to exhibit bi-lateral symmetry across a range of biomechanical variables in a drop landing, hurdle hop and cut. This study provides useful normative values for inter-limb symmetry in these movement tests. When examining symmetry it is recommended to incorporate continuous data analysis techniques rather than a discrete point analysis alone; a discrete point analysis was unable to detect two of the five asymmetries identified.

Note to Budget Cutters: The Arts Are Good Business--Multiple Studies Point to Arts Education as an Important Economic Engine

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olson, Catherine Applefeld

2009-01-01

They say desperate times call for desperate measures. But in this time of economic uncertainty, the desperate cutting of budgets for arts funding and, by extension, all types of arts education, including music, is not prudent. That is the consensus of several national and local studies, which converge on a single point--that the arts actually can…

Aspects of ultra-high-precision diamond machining of RSA 443 optical aluminium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mkoko, Z.; Abou-El-Hossein, K.

2015-08-01

Optical aluminium alloys such as 6061-T6 are traditionally used in ultra-high precision manufacturing for making optical mirrors for aerospace and other applications. However, the optics industry has recently witnessed the development of more advanced optical aluminium grades that are capable of addressing some of the issues encountered when turning with single-point natural monocrystalline diamond cutters. The advent of rapidly solidified aluminium (RSA) grades has generally opened up new possibilities for ultra-high precision manufacturing of optical components. In this study, experiments were conducted with single-point diamond cutters on rapidly solidified aluminium RSA 443 material. The objective of this study is to observe the effects of depth of cut and feed rate at a fixed rotational speed on the tool wear rate and resulting surface roughness of diamond turned specimens. This is done to gain further understanding of the rate of wear on the diamond cutters versus the surface texture generated on the RSA 443 material. The diamond machining experiments yielded machined surfaces which are less reflective but with consistent surface roughness values. Cutting tools were observed for wear through scanning microscopy; relatively low wear pattern was evident on the diamond tool edge. The highest tool wear were obtained at higher depth of cut and increased feed rate.

Sedentary Behaviour Profiling of Office Workers: A Sensitivity Analysis of Sedentary Cut-Points

PubMed Central

Boerema, Simone T.; Essink, Gerard B.; Tönis, Thijs M.; van Velsen, Lex; Hermens, Hermie J.

2015-01-01

Measuring sedentary behaviour and physical activity with wearable sensors provides detailed information on activity patterns and can serve health interventions. At the basis of activity analysis stands the ability to distinguish sedentary from active time. As there is no consensus regarding the optimal cut-point for classifying sedentary behaviour, we studied the consequences of using different cut-points for this type of analysis. We conducted a battery of sitting and walking activities with 14 office workers, wearing the Promove 3D activity sensor to determine the optimal cut-point (in counts per minute (m·s−2)) for classifying sedentary behaviour. Then, 27 office workers wore the sensor for five days. We evaluated the sensitivity of five sedentary pattern measures for various sedentary cut-points and found an optimal cut-point for sedentary behaviour of 1660 × 10−3 m·s−2. Total sedentary time was not sensitive to cut-point changes within ±10% of this optimal cut-point; other sedentary pattern measures were not sensitive to changes within the ±20% interval. The results from studies analyzing sedentary patterns, using different cut-points, can be compared within these boundaries. Furthermore, commercial, hip-worn activity trackers can implement feedback and interventions on sedentary behaviour patterns, using these cut-points. PMID:26712758

Utility of the T-SPOT®.TB test's borderline category to increase test resolution for results around the cut-off point.

PubMed

Rego, Karen; Pereira, Kristen; MacDougall, James; Cruikshank, William

2018-01-01

Accurate identification of individuals with TB infection, is required to achieve the WHO's End TB Strategy goals. While there is general acceptance that the T-SPOT.TB test borderline category provides an opportunity to increase test resolution of results around the test cut-off point, this has not been investigated. 645,947 tests were analyzed to determine frequency of borderline results, effect of age and time between tests and associations between subjects' clinical risk factors and retest results. 645,947 tests produced 93.5% negatives, 4% positives, 0.6% invalids, and 1.8% borderlines. Within the borderline results, 5044 were repeated, with 59.2%, 20.0% and 20.2% resolving to negative, positive and borderline, respectively. Age of subject did not affect retest results; however, time between tests indicated that retest resolution occurred with greatest frequency after 90 days. TB risk factors were provided for 2640 subjects and 17% of low risk subjects with a high initial borderline resolved to negative while 27.6% of subjects with high risk and an initial low borderline resolved to positive, suggesting that these subjects could have been inappropriately classified if using a single cut-off point test with no borderline category. This study demonstrates the utility of the T-SPOT.TB test's borderline category to increase test resolution around the test cut-off point. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Theory of high-order harmonic generation for gapless graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zurrón, Óscar; Picón, Antonio; Plaja, Luis

2018-05-01

We study the high-harmonic spectrum emitted by a single-layer graphene, irradiated by an ultrashort intense infrared laser pulse. We show the emergence of the typical non-perturbative spectral features, harmonic plateau and cut-off, for mid-infrared driving fields, at fluences below the damage threshold. In contrast to previous works, using THz drivings, we demonstrate that the harmonic cut-off frequency saturates with the intensity. Our results are derived from the numerical integration of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation using a nearest neighbor tight-binding description of graphene. We also develop a saddle-point analysis that reveals a mechanism for harmonic emission in graphene different from that reported in atoms, molecules and finite gap solids. In graphene, the first step is initiated by the non-diabatic crossing of the valence band electron trajectories through the Dirac points, instead of tunneling ionization/excitation. We include a complete identification of the trajectories contributing to any particular high harmonic and reproduce the harmonic cut-off scaling with the driving intensity.

Replacing Remediation with Readiness. An NCPR Working Paper

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Conley, David T.

2010-01-01

This paper critically examines traditional means of assessing college students' need for remediation and suggests as a replacement an expanded definition of college readiness, where readiness is more complex than rudimentary content knowledge and more multifaceted than a single cut point. The paper presents and explains four dimensions of…

Ductile cutting of silicon microstructures with surface inclination measurement and compensation by using a force sensor integrated single point diamond tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yuan-Liu; Cai, Yindi; Shimizu, Yuki; Ito, So; Gao, Wei; Ju, Bing-Feng

2016-02-01

This paper presents a measurement and compensation method of surface inclination for ductile cutting of silicon microstructures by using a diamond tool with a force sensor based on a four-axis ultra-precision lathe. The X- and Y-directional inclinations of a single crystal silicon workpiece with respect to the X- and Y-motion axes of the lathe slides were measured respectively by employing the diamond tool as a touch-trigger probe, in which the tool-workpiece contact is sensitively detected by monitoring the force sensor output. Based on the measurement results, fabrication of silicon microstructures can be thus carried out directly along the tilted silicon workpiece by compensating the cutting motion axis to be parallel to the silicon surface without time-consuming pre-adjustment of the surface inclination or turning of a flat surface. A diamond tool with a negative rake angle was used in the experiment for superior ductile cutting performance. The measurement precision by using the diamond tool as a touch-trigger probe was investigated. Experiments of surface inclination measurement and ultra-precision ductile cutting of a micro-pillar array and a micro-pyramid array with inclination compensation were carried out respectively to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method.

Ductile-regime turning of germanium and silicon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blake, Peter N.; Scattergood, Ronald O.

1989-01-01

Single-point diamond turning of silicon and germanium was investigated in order to clarify the role of cutting depth in coaxing a ductile chip formation in normally brittle substances. Experiments based on the rapid withdrawal of the tool from the workpiece have shown that microfracture damage is a function of the effective depth of cut (as opposed to the nominal cutting depth). In essence, damage created by the leading edge of the tool is removed several revolutions later by lower sections of the tool edge, where the effective cutting depth is less. It appears that a truly ductile cutting response can be achieved only when the effective cutting depth, or critical chip thickness, is less than about 20 nm. Factors such as tool rake angle are significant in that they will affect the actual value of the critical chip thickness for transition from brittle to ductile response. It is concluded that the critical chip thickness is an excellent parameter for measuring the effects of machining conditions on the ductility of the cut and for designing tool-workpiece geometry in both turning and grinding.

The effectiveness of cut-proof glove liners: cut and puncture resistance, dexterity, and sensibility.

PubMed

Salkin, J A; Stuchin, S A; Kummer, F J; Reininger, R

1995-11-01

Five types of commercial glove liners (within double latex gloves) were compared to single and double latex gloves for cut and puncture resistance and for relative manual dexterity and degree of sensibility. An apparatus was constructed to test glove-pseudofinger constructs in either a cutting or puncture mode. Cutting forces, cutting speed, and type of blade (serrated or scalpel blade) were varied and the time to cut-through measured by an electrical conductivity circuit. Penetration forces were similarly determined with a scalpel blade and a suture needle using a spring scale loading apparatus. Dexterity was measured with an object placement task among a group of orthopedic surgeons. Sensibility was assessed with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, two-point discrimination, and vibrametry using standard techniques and rating scales. A subjective evaluation was performed at the end of testing. Time to cut-through for the liners ranged from 2 to 30 seconds for a rapid oscillating scalpel and 4 to 40 seconds for a rapid oscillating serrated knife under minimal loads. When a 1 kg load was added, times to cut-through ranged from 0.4 to 1.0 second. In most cases, the liners were superior to double latex. On average, 100% more force was required to penetrate the liners with a scalpel and 50% more force was required to penetrate the liners with a suture needle compared to double latex. Object placement task times were not significantly liners compared to double latex gloves. Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, two-point discrimination, and vibrametry showed no difference in sensibility among the various liners and double latex gloves. Subjects felt that the liners were minimally to moderately impairing. An acclimation period may be required for their effective use.

Single point diamond crushing of glass

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

Bryan, J.B.; Carter, D.L.; Clouser, R.W.

1984-05-23

Single point diamond crushing of glass was originally developed by Dr. R.E. Reason of Taylor and Hobson in England 34 years ago as a means of shaping glass aspheres prior to polishing. It has recently been tried at LLNL. A surface finish of 50 microinches peak-to-valley with occasional deeper pits has been achieved on Zerodur and BK-7 glass. A depth of cut of 0.008 inch or more can be taken at a surface speed of 900 feet per minute. Tool wear is on the order of 10 microinches after removal of one cubic inch of Zerodur. The tool's cost ismore » $5.45 each.« less

Evaluation of low-cost, objective instruments for assessing physical activity in 10-11-year-old children.

PubMed

Hart, Teresa L; Brusseau, Timothy; Kulinna, Pamela Hodges; McClain, James J; Tudor-Locke, Catrine

2011-12-01

This study compared step counts detected by four, low-cost, objective, physical-activity-assessment instruments and evaluated their ability to detect moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) compared to the ActiGraph accelerometer (AG). Thirty-six 10-11-year-old children wore the NL-1000, Yamax Digiwalker SW 200, Omron HJ-151, and Walk4Life MVP concurrently with the AG during school hours on a single day. AG MVPA was derived from activity count data using previously validated cut points. Two of the evaluated instruments provided similar group mean MVPA and step counts compared to AG (dependent on cut point). Low-cost instruments may be useful for measurement of both MVPA and steps in children's physical activity interventions and program evaluation.

Influence of coolant on ductile mode processing of binderless nanocrystalline tungsten carbide through ultraprecision diamond turning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doetz, Marius; Dambon, Olaf; Klocke, Fritz; Fähnle, Oliver

2015-08-01

Molds made of tungsten carbide are typically used for the replicative mass production of glass lenses by precision glass molding. Consequently an ultra-precision grinding process with a subsequent fresh-feed polishing operation is conventionally applied. These processes are time consuming and have a relatively low reproducibility. An alternative manufacturing technology, with a high predictability and efficiency, which additionally allows a higher geometrical flexibility, is the single point diamond turning technique (SPDT). However, the extreme hardness and the chemical properties of tungsten carbide lead to significant tool wear and therefore the impossibility of machining the work pieces in an economical way. One approach to enlarge the tool life is to affect the contact zone between tool and work piece by the use of special cutting fluids. This publication emphasizes on the most recent investigations and results in direct machining of nano-grained tungsten carbide with mono crystal diamonds under the influence of various kinds of cutting fluids. Therefore basic ruling experiments on binderless nano grained tungsten carbide were performed, where the tool performed a linear movement with a steadily increasing depth of cut. As the ductile cutting mechanism is a prerequisite for the optical manufacturing of tungsten carbide these experiments serve the purpose for establish the influence of different cutting fluid characteristics on the cutting performance of mono crystal diamonds. Eventually it is shown that by adjusting the coolant fluid it is possible to significantly shift the transition point from ductile to brittle removal to larger depths of cut eventually enabling a SPDT of binderless tungsten carbide molds.

DEVELOPMENT OF A SAMPLING PROCEDURE FOR LARGE NITROGEN- AND SULFUR-BEARING AEROSOLS

EPA Science Inventory

A single-stage impactor was modified to utilize a removable TFE impaction surface mounted on the end of an annular denuder. hen used with a polycarbonate filter coated with silicone oil, its cut point was 2.5 um and bounce was <1% for 8-um particles. ignificant bounce occurred wi...

9 CFR 313.16 - Mechanical; gunshot.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... unconsciousness in the animal by a single shot before it is shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animal shall be shot in such a manner that they will be rendered unconscious with a minimum of excitement and... firearms are employed, it is necessary to use one of the following type projectiles: Hollow pointed bullets...

9 CFR 313.16 - Mechanical; gunshot.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... unconsciousness in the animal by a single shot before it is shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animal shall be shot in such a manner that they will be rendered unconscious with a minimum of excitement and... firearms are employed, it is necessary to use one of the following type projectiles: Hollow pointed bullets...

9 CFR 313.16 - Mechanical; gunshot.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... unconsciousness in the animal by a single shot before it is shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animal shall be shot in such a manner that they will be rendered unconscious with a minimum of excitement and... firearms are employed, it is necessary to use one of the following type projectiles: Hollow pointed bullets...

9 CFR 313.16 - Mechanical; gunshot.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... unconsciousness in the animal by a single shot before it is shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animal shall be shot in such a manner that they will be rendered unconscious with a minimum of excitement and... firearms are employed, it is necessary to use one of the following type projectiles: Hollow pointed bullets...

9 CFR 313.16 - Mechanical; gunshot.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... unconsciousness in the animal by a single shot before it is shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animal shall be shot in such a manner that they will be rendered unconscious with a minimum of excitement and... firearms are employed, it is necessary to use one of the following type projectiles: Hollow pointed bullets...

[Optimal cut-point of salivary cotinine concentration to discriminate smoking status in the adult population in Barcelona].

PubMed

Martínez-Sánchez, Jose M; Fu, Marcela; Ariza, Carles; López, María J; Saltó, Esteve; Pascual, José A; Schiaffino, Anna; Borràs, Josep M; Peris, Mercè; Agudo, Antonio; Nebot, Manel; Fernández, Esteve

2009-01-01

To assess the optimal cut-point for salivary cotinine concentration to identify smoking status in the adult population of Barcelona. We performed a cross-sectional study of a representative sample (n=1,117) of the adult population (>16 years) in Barcelona (2004-2005). This study gathered information on active and passive smoking by means of a questionnaire and a saliva sample for cotinine determination. We analyzed sensitivity and specificity according to sex, age, smoking status (daily and occasional), and exposure to second-hand smoke at home. ROC curves and the area under the curve were calculated. The prevalence of smokers (daily and occasional) was 27.8% (95% CI: 25.2-30.4%). The optimal cut-point to discriminate smoking status was 9.2 ng/ml (sensitivity=88.7% and specificity=89.0%). The area under the ROC curve was 0.952. The optimal cut-point was 12.2 ng/ml in men and 7.6 ng/ml in women. The optimal cut-point was higher at ages with a greater prevalence of smoking. Daily smokers had a higher cut-point than occasional smokers. The optimal cut-point to discriminate smoking status in the adult population is 9.2 ng/ml, with sensitivities and specificities around 90%. The cut-point was higher in men and in younger people. The cut-point increases with higher prevalence of daily smokers.

Study on Crystallographic Orientation Effect on Surface Generation of Aluminum in Nano-cutting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Feifei; Fang, Fengzhou; Zhu, Yuanqing; Zhang, Xiaodong

2017-04-01

The material characteristics such as size effect are one of the most important factors that could not be neglected in cutting the material at nanoscale. The effects of anisotropic nature of single crystal materials in nano-cutting are investigated employing the molecular dynamics simulation. Results show that the size effect of the plastic deformation is based on different plastic carriers, such as the twin, stacking faults, and dislocations. The minimum uncut chip thickness is dependent on cutting direction, where even a negative value is obtained when the cutting direction is {110}<001>. It also determines the material deformation and removal mechanism (e.g., shearing, extruding, and rubbing mechanism) with a decrease in uncut chip thickness. When material is deformed by shearing, the primary shearing zone expands from the stagnation point or the tip of stagnation zone. When a material is deformed by extruding and rubbing, the primary deformation zone almost parallels to the cutting direction and expands from the bottom of the cutting edge merging with the tertiary deformation zone. The generated surface quality relates to the crystallographic orientation and the minimum uncut chip thickness. The cutting directions of {110}<001>, {110}<1-10>, and {111}<1-10>, whose minimum uncut chip thickness is relatively small, have better surface qualities compared to the other cutting direction.

Study on Crystallographic Orientation Effect on Surface Generation of Aluminum in Nano-cutting.

PubMed

Xu, Feifei; Fang, Fengzhou; Zhu, Yuanqing; Zhang, Xiaodong

2017-12-01

The material characteristics such as size effect are one of the most important factors that could not be neglected in cutting the material at nanoscale. The effects of anisotropic nature of single crystal materials in nano-cutting are investigated employing the molecular dynamics simulation. Results show that the size effect of the plastic deformation is based on different plastic carriers, such as the twin, stacking faults, and dislocations. The minimum uncut chip thickness is dependent on cutting direction, where even a negative value is obtained when the cutting direction is {110}<001>. It also determines the material deformation and removal mechanism (e.g., shearing, extruding, and rubbing mechanism) with a decrease in uncut chip thickness. When material is deformed by shearing, the primary shearing zone expands from the stagnation point or the tip of stagnation zone. When a material is deformed by extruding and rubbing, the primary deformation zone almost parallels to the cutting direction and expands from the bottom of the cutting edge merging with the tertiary deformation zone. The generated surface quality relates to the crystallographic orientation and the minimum uncut chip thickness. The cutting directions of {110}<001>, {110}<1-10>, and {111}<1-10>, whose minimum uncut chip thickness is relatively small, have better surface qualities compared to the other cutting direction.

Dust mite, cockroach, cat, and dog allergen concentrations in homes of asthmatic children in the northeastern United States: impact of socioeconomic factors and population density.

PubMed Central

Leaderer, Brian P; Belanger, Kathleen; Triche, Elizabeth; Holford, Theodore; Gold, Diane R; Kim, Young; Jankun, Thomas; Ren, Ping; McSharry Je, Jean-ellen; Platts-Mills, Thomas A E; Chapman, Martin D; Bracken, Michael B

2002-01-01

Home exposures to aeroallergens are an important environmental factor in allergic sensitization and in the development and exacerbation of asthma. We assessed variations in home concentrations of dust mite, cockroach, cat, and dog allergens in dust collected in the main living areas of asthmatics' homes by family income, mother's education, dwelling type, population density, household population density, and ethnicity in Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts. Dust samples were collected at the time of home interview in 999 homes as part of an ongoing longitudinal birth cohort study of 1,002 infants and their asthmatic siblings. The analysis employed lower and upper cut points for group 1 dust mite (> or = 2.0 microg/g and > or = 10 microg/g), cockroach (> or = 1.0 U/g and > or = 4.0 U/g), cat (> or = 1.0 microg/g and > or = 8.0 ug/g), and dog (> or = 2.0 microg/g and > or = 10.0 microg/g) allergens. Subject residences were geocoded to assess population density from the U.S. Census, and multiple logistic regression was used to control for confounding. The portion of homes at the lower cut point for dust mite, cockroach, cat, and dog allergens were 46.9%, 24.9%, 42.2%, and 35.6%, respectively; the upper cut point for each of the allergens was reached in 22.4%, 13.4%, 21.0%, and 22.9% of the homes, respectively. In all, 86.0% of the homes had at least one allergen at the lower cut point, and 58.0% had at least one allergen at the upper cut point. Forty-nine percent of the homes had two or more allergens at the lower cut point, and 19.7% had two or more allergens at the upper cut point. Higher education of the mother, higher household income, living in a single-family home in a less densely populated area with fewer people per room, and being a white household were associated with elevated dust mite, cat, and dog allergens and low cockroach allergen. In contrast, low income, living in a multifamily home in a high population density area with a higher occupancy rate per room, and being a Hispanic or black household were associated with elevated cockroach allergens and low concentrations of dust mite, cat, and dog allergens. Although the presence of an individual allergen is more likely associated with one or more socioeconomic or ethnic factors, most homes typically have multiple allergen burdens in excess of concentrations thought to be associated with sensitization and exacerbation of asthma. Mite and cockroach allergens have distinct and opposite associations with socioeconomic factors and population density. PMID:11940461

A Districtwide Commitment to Arts Integration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mackin, Eileen; Mackin, Robert; Obremski, John; McKie, Katherine

2017-01-01

Like many school systems in economically stressed parts of the country, the Everett, Mass., school district had cut back on arts instruction over the years, to the point where most students were getting only a single art class per week. But since 2013, and thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Everett has designed and…

Cross-validation of pedometer-determined cut-points for healthy weight in British children from White and South Asian backgrounds.

PubMed

Duncan, Michael J; Eyre, Emma L J; Bryant, Elizabeth; Birch, Samantha L

2014-01-01

Evidence-based pedometer cut-points for health have not been sufficiently examined in the context of ethnicity. To (1) evaluate previously described steps/day cut-points in a sample of White and South Asian British primary school children and (2) use ROC analysis to generate alternative, ethnic specific, steps/day cut-offs for children. Height, body mass and pedometer determined physical activity were assessed in 763 British children (357 boys and 406 girls) from White (n = 593) and South Asian (n = 170) ethnic groups, aged 8-11 years. The Vincent and Pangrazi cut-points significantly predicted BMI in white (p = 0.006, Adjusted R(2 )= 0.08) and South Asian children (p = 0.039, Adjusted R(2 )= 0.078). The Tudor-Locke et al. cut-points significantly predicted BMI in White children (p = 0.0001, Adjusted R(2 )= 0.079) but not South Asian children (p < 0.05). ROC analysis indicated significant alternative cut-points in White and South Asian boys and girls (all p = 0.04 or better, Adjusted R(2 )= 0.091 for White and 0.09 for South Asian children). Subsequent cut-points associated with healthy weight, when translated to steps/day were 13,625 for White boys, 13,135 for White girls, 10,897 for South Asian boys and 10,161 for South Asian girls. Previously published steps/day cut-points for healthy weight may not account for known ethnic variation in physical activity between White and South Asian children in the UK. Alternative, ethnic-specific, cut-points may be better placed to distinguish British children based on pedometer-determined physical activity.

Calibration and comparison of accelerometer cut points in preschool children.

PubMed

van Cauwenberghe, Eveline; Labarque, Valery; Trost, Stewart G; de Bourdeaudhuij, Ilse; Cardon, Greet

2011-06-01

The present study aimed to develop accelerometer cut points to classify physical activities (PA) by intensity in preschoolers and to investigate discrepancies in PA levels when applying various accelerometer cut points. To calibrate the accelerometer, 18 preschoolers (5.8 ± 0.4 years) performed eleven structured activities and one free play session while wearing a GT1M ActiGraph accelerometer using 15 s epochs. The structured activities were chosen based on the direct observation system Children's Activity Rating Scale (CARS) while the criterion measure of PA intensity during free play was provided using a second-by-second observation protocol (modified CARS). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to determine the accelerometer cut points. To examine the classification differences, accelerometer data of four consecutive days from 114 preschoolers (5.5 ± 0.3 years) were classified by intensity according to previously published and the newly developed accelerometer cut points. Differences in predicted PA levels were evaluated using repeated measures ANOVA and Chi Square test. Cut points were identified at 373 counts/15 s for light (sensitivity: 86%; specificity: 91%; Area under ROC curve: 0.95), 585 counts/15 s for moderate (87%; 82%; 0.91) and 881 counts/15 s for vigorous PA (88%; 91%; 0.94). Further, applying various accelerometer cut points to the same data resulted in statistically and biologically significant differences in PA. Accelerometer cut points were developed with good discriminatory power for differentiating between PA levels in preschoolers and the choice of accelerometer cut points can result in large discrepancies.

Tapered stems one-third proximally coated have higher complication rates than cylindrical two-third coated stems in patients with high hip dislocation undergoing total hip arthroplasty with step-cut shortening osteotomy.

PubMed

Ozden, V Emre; Dikmen, G; Beksac, B; Tozun, I Remzi

2017-06-01

The results of cementless stems in total hip arthroplasty (THA) done because of congenital dislocation with step-cut osteotomy is not well known, particularly the influence of the design and the role of extent of porous coating. Therefore we performed a retrospective study to evaluate the mid to long-term results THA performed with a single type acetabular component and different geometry and fixation type stems with ceramic bearings in the setting of step-cut subtrochanteric osteotomy in high hip dislocated (HHD) patients. We asked if the stem type affect the outcomes in terms of (1) intra and postoperative complication rates (2) radiographic outcomes (3) prosthesis survival in step-cut subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy. The type of the stem, whether cylindrical or tapered does not affect the outcome if the femoral canal fit and fill is obtained and the step-cut femoral shortening osteotomy is primarily fixed. Forty-five hips in 35 patients with a mean follow up of 10 years (range, 7-14 years) were evaluated. The single type cementless cup was placed at the level of the true acetabulum, a step-cut shortening femoral osteotomy was performed and reconstruction was performed with two different types of tapered stem in twenty-two hips (Synergy™ and Image™ proximally coated, Smith and Nephew, Menphis, TN, USA) and one type of cylindrical stem (Echelon™ with 2/3 coated, Smith and Nephew, Menphis, TN, USA) in twenty-three hips. Harris hip scores (HHS) and a University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scores were calculated for all patients and successive X-rays were evaluated regarding component loosening and osteolysis, along with complications related to bearing, step-cut osteotomy and stem types. Forty-one hips (91%) had good and excellent clinical outcome according to HHS. The mean UCLA activity scores improved from 3.2±0.6 points (range, 2-4) preoperatively to 6.3 points±0.5 (range, 5-7) at the latest follow-up. The mean femoral shortening was 36±10mm (range, 20-65mm). Four (9%) dislocations were observed. There were five (11%) intra-operative femoral fractures and three (7%) cases of non-union, which were observed in tapered stems. Cylindrical stems had superior neutral alignment primarily. With any stem revision as the end point, cylindrical stems had a higher survival rate (100%) than all tapered stems (82%; 95% confident interval [CI] 77-97%) at ten years. With any revision as the end point, the 10-year survival rate for acetabular component (Reflection-Ceramic Interfit) and for femoral components were 98% (95% CI, 85-99%) and 91% (95% CI, 78-97%), respectively. There were more implant related complications in HHD patients undergoing THA when tapered stems with 1/3 proximal coating were used to reconstruct a step cut osteotomized femur, compared to cylindrical stems 2/3 coated. IV, retrospective study. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

An application of eddy current damping effect on single point diamond turning of titanium alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yip, W. S.; To, S.

2017-11-01

Titanium alloys Ti6Al4V (TC4) have been popularly applied in many industries. They have superior material properties including an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. However, they are regarded as difficult to cut materials; serious tool wear, a high level of cutting vibration and low surface integrity are always involved in machining processes especially in ultra-precision machining (UPM). In this paper, a novel hybrid machining technology using an eddy current damping effect is firstly introduced in UPM to suppress machining vibration and improve the machining performance of titanium alloys. A magnetic field was superimposed on samples during single point diamond turning (SPDT) by exposing the samples in between two permanent magnets. When the titanium alloys were rotated within a magnetic field in the SPDT, an eddy current was generated through a stationary magnetic field inside the titanium alloys. An eddy current generated its own magnetic field with the opposite direction of the external magnetic field leading a repulsive force, compensating for the machining vibration induced by the turning process. The experimental results showed a remarkable improvement in cutting force variation, a significant reduction in adhesive tool wear and an extreme long chip formation in comparison to normal SPDT of titanium alloys, suggesting the enhancement of the machinability of titanium alloys using an eddy current damping effect. An eddy current damping effect was firstly introduced in the area of UPM to deliver the results of outstanding machining performance.

Comparison of accelerometer cut points for predicting activity intensity in youth.

PubMed

Trost, Stewart G; Loprinzi, Paul D; Moore, Rebecca; Pfeiffer, Karin A

2011-07-01

The absence of comparative validity studies has prevented researchers from reaching consensus regarding the application of intensity-related accelerometer cut points for children and adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate the classification accuracy of five sets of independently developed ActiGraph cut points using energy expenditure, measured by indirect calorimetry, as a criterion reference standard. A total of 206 participants between the ages of 5 and 15 yr completed 12 standardized activity trials. Trials consisted of sedentary activities (lying down, writing, computer game), lifestyle activities (sweeping, laundry, throw and catch, aerobics, basketball), and ambulatory activities (comfortable walk, brisk walk, brisk treadmill walk, running). During each trial, participants wore an ActiGraph GT1M, and V˙O2 was measured breath-by-breath using the Oxycon Mobile portable metabolic system. Physical activity intensity was estimated using five independently developed cut points: Freedson/Trost (FT), Puyau (PU), Treuth (TR), Mattocks (MT), and Evenson (EV). Classification accuracy was evaluated via weighted κ statistics and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC). Across all four intensity levels, the EV (κ=0.68) and FT (κ=0.66) cut points exhibited significantly better agreement than TR (κ=0.62), MT (κ=0.54), and PU (κ=0.36). The EV and FT cut points exhibited significantly better classification accuracy for moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (ROC-AUC=0.90) than TR, PU, or MT cut points (ROC-AUC=0.77-0.85). Only the EV cut points provided acceptable classification accuracy for all four levels of physical activity intensity and performed well among children of all ages. The widely applied sedentary cut point of 100 counts per minute exhibited excellent classification accuracy (ROC-AUC=0.90). On the basis of these findings, we recommend that researchers use the EV ActiGraph cut points to estimate time spent in sedentary, light-, moderate-, and vigorous-intensity activity in children and adolescents.

Interethnic differences in the accuracy of anthropometric indicators of obesity in screening for high risk of coronary heart disease

PubMed Central

Herrera, VM; Casas, JP; Miranda, JJ; Perel, P; Pichardo, R; González, A; Sanchez, JR; Ferreccio, C; Aguilera, X; Silva, E; Oróstegui, M; Gómez, LF; Chirinos, JA; Medina-Lezama, J; Pérez, CM; Suárez, E; Ortiz, AP; Rosero, L; Schapochnik, N; Ortiz, Z; Ferrante, D; Diaz, M; Bautista, LE

2009-01-01

Background Cut points for defining obesity have been derived from mortality data among Whites from Europe and the United States and their accuracy to screen for high risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in other ethnic groups has been questioned. Objective To compare the accuracy and to define ethnic and gender-specific optimal cut points for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) when they are used in screening for high risk of CHD in the Latin-American and the US populations. Methods We estimated the accuracy and optimal cut points for BMI, WC and WHR to screen for CHD risk in Latin Americans (n=18 976), non-Hispanic Whites (Whites; n=8956), non-Hispanic Blacks (Blacks; n=5205) and Hispanics (n=5803). High risk of CHD was defined as a 10-year risk ≥20% (Framingham equation). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) and the misclassification-cost term were used to assess accuracy and to identify optimal cut points. Results WHR had the highest AUC in all ethnic groups (from 0.75 to 0.82) and BMI had the lowest (from 0.50 to 0.59). Optimal cut point for BMI was similar across ethnic/gender groups (27 kg/m2). In women, cut points for WC (94 cm) and WHR (0.91) were consistent by ethnicity. In men, cut points for WC and WHR varied significantly with ethnicity: from 91 cm in Latin Americans to 102 cm in Whites, and from 0.94 in Latin Americans to 0.99 in Hispanics, respectively. Conclusion WHR is the most accurate anthropometric indicator to screen for high risk of CHD, whereas BMI is almost uninformative. The same BMI cut point should be used in all men and women. Unique cut points for WC and WHR should be used in all women, but ethnic-specific cut points seem warranted among men. PMID:19238159

Material Behavior At The Extreme Cutting Edge In Bandsawing

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

Sarwar, Mohammed; Haider, Julfikar; Persson, Martin

2011-01-17

In recent years, bandsawing has been widely accepted as a favourite option for metal cutting off operations where the accuracy of cut, good surface finish, low kerf loss, long tool life and high material removal rate are required. Material removal by multipoint cutting tools such as bandsaw is a complex mechanism owing to the geometry of the bandsaw tooth (e.g., limited gullet size, tooth setting etc.) and the layer of material removed or undeformed chip thickness or depth of cut (5 {mu}m-50 {mu}m) being smaller than or equal to the cutting edge radius (5 {mu}m-15 {mu}m). This situation can leadmore » to inefficient material removal in bandsawing. Most of the research work are concentrated on the mechanics of material removal by single point cutting tool such as lathe tool. However, such efforts are very limited in multipoint cutting tools such as in bandsaw. This paper presents the fundamental understanding of the material behaviour at the extreme cutting edge of bandsaw tooth, which would help in designing and manufacturing of blades with higher cutting performance and life. ''High Speed Photography'' has been carried out to analyse the material removal process at the extreme cutting edge of bandsaw tooth. Geometric model of chip formation mechanisms based on the evidences found during ''High Speed Photography'' and ''Quick Stop'' process is presented. Wear modes and mechanism in bimetal and carbide tipped bandsaw teeth are also presented.« less

Validation of Accelerometer Cut-Points in Children With Cerebral Palsy Aged 4 to 5 Years.

PubMed

Keawutan, Piyapa; Bell, Kristie L; Oftedal, Stina; Davies, Peter S W; Boyd, Roslyn N

2016-01-01

To derive and validate triaxial accelerometer cut-points in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and compare these with previously established cut-points in children with typical development. Eighty-four children with CP aged 4 to 5 years wore the ActiGraph during a play-based gross motor function measure assessment that was video-taped for direct observation. Receiver operating characteristic and Bland-Altman plots were used for analyses. The ActiGraph had good classification accuracy in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III and V and fair classification accuracy in GMFCS levels I, II, and IV. These results support the use of the previously established cut-points for sedentary time of 820 counts per minute in children with CP aged 4 to 5 years across all functional abilities. The cut-point provides an objective measure of sedentary and active time in children with CP. The cut-point is applicable to group data but not for individual children.

Maxwell Strata and Cut Locus in the Sub-Riemannian Problem on the Engel Group

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ardentov, Andrei A.; Sachkov, Yuri L.

2017-12-01

We consider the nilpotent left-invariant sub-Riemannian structure on the Engel group. This structure gives a fundamental local approximation of a generic rank 2 sub-Riemannian structure on a 4-manifold near a generic point (in particular, of the kinematic models of a car with a trailer). On the other hand, this is the simplest sub-Riemannian structure of step three. We describe the global structure of the cut locus (the set of points where geodesics lose their global optimality), the Maxwell set (the set of points that admit more than one minimizer), and the intersection of the cut locus with the caustic (the set of conjugate points along all geodesics). The group of symmetries of the cut locus is described: it is generated by a one-parameter group of dilations R+ and a discrete group of reflections Z2 × Z2 × Z2. The cut locus admits a stratification with 6 three-dimensional strata, 12 two-dimensional strata, and 2 one-dimensional strata. Three-dimensional strata of the cut locus are Maxwell strata of multiplicity 2 (for each point there are 2 minimizers). Two-dimensional strata of the cut locus consist of conjugate points. Finally, one-dimensional strata are Maxwell strata of infinite multiplicity, they consist of conjugate points as well. Projections of sub-Riemannian geodesics to the 2-dimensional plane of the distribution are Euler elasticae. For each point of the cut locus, we describe the Euler elasticae corresponding to minimizers coming to this point. Finally, we describe the structure of the optimal synthesis, i. e., the set of minimizers for each terminal point in the Engel group.

Determining BMI cut points based on excess percent body fat in US children and adolescents

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Current cut points for overweight were derived statistically from BMI distribution. The study aimed at determining age-, gender-, and ethnic-specific BMI cut points based on excess body fat in US children and adolescents aged 8-17 years, who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examinat...

Graph cuts with invariant object-interaction priors: application to intervertebral disc segmentation.

PubMed

Ben Ayed, Ismail; Punithakumar, Kumaradevan; Garvin, Gregory; Romano, Walter; Li, Shuo

2011-01-01

This study investigates novel object-interaction priors for graph cut image segmentation with application to intervertebral disc delineation in magnetic resonance (MR) lumbar spine images. The algorithm optimizes an original cost function which constrains the solution with learned prior knowledge about the geometric interactions between different objects in the image. Based on a global measure of similarity between distributions, the proposed priors are intrinsically invariant with respect to translation and rotation. We further introduce a scale variable from which we derive an original fixed-point equation (FPE), thereby achieving scale-invariance with only few fast computations. The proposed priors relax the need of costly pose estimation (or registration) procedures and large training sets (we used a single subject for training), and can tolerate shape deformations, unlike template-based priors. Our formulation leads to an NP-hard problem which does not afford a form directly amenable to graph cut optimization. We proceeded to a relaxation of the problem via an auxiliary function, thereby obtaining a nearly real-time solution with few graph cuts. Quantitative evaluations over 60 intervertebral discs acquired from 10 subjects demonstrated that the proposed algorithm yields a high correlation with independent manual segmentations by an expert. We further demonstrate experimentally the invariance of the proposed geometric attributes. This supports the fact that a single subject is sufficient for training our algorithm, and confirms the relevance of the proposed priors to disc segmentation.

Measuring moderate-intensity walking in older adults using the ActiGraph accelerometer.

PubMed

Barnett, Anthony; van den Hoek, Daniel; Barnett, David; Cerin, Ester

2016-12-08

Accelerometry is the method of choice for objectively assessing physical activity in older adults. Many studies have used an accelerometer count cut point corresponding to 3 metabolic equivalents (METs) derived in young adults during treadmill walking and running with a resting metabolic rate (RMR) assumed at 3.5 mL · kg -1  · min -1 (corresponding to 1 MET). RMR is lower in older adults; therefore, their 3 MET level occurs at a lower absolute energy expenditure making the cut point derived from young adults inappropriate for this population. The few studies determining older adult specific moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) cut points had methodological limitations, such as not measuring RMR and using treadmill walking. This study determined a MVPA hip-worn accelerometer cut point for older adults using measured RMR and overground walking. Following determination of RMR, 45 older adults (mean age 70.2 ± 7 years, range 60-87.6 years) undertook an outdoor, overground walking protocol with accelerometer count and energy expenditure determined at five walking speeds. Mean RMR was 2.8 ± 0.6 mL · kg -1  · min -1 . The MVPA cut points (95% CI) determined using linear mixed models were: vertical axis 1013 (734, 1292) counts · min -1 ; vector magnitude 1924 (1657, 2192) counts · min -1 ; and walking speed 2.5 (2.2, 2.8) km · hr -1 . High levels of inter-individual variability in cut points were found. These MVPA accelerometer and speed cut points for walking, the most popular physical activity in older adults, were lower than those for younger adults. Using cut points determined in younger adults for older adult population studies is likely to underestimate time spent engaged in MVPA. In addition, prescription of walking speed based on the adult cut point is likely to result in older adults working at a higher intensity than intended.

Understanding Single-Thread Meandering Rivers with High Sinuosity on Mars through Chemical Precipitation Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Y.; Kim, W.

2015-12-01

Meandering rivers are extremely ubiquitous on Earth, yet it is only recently that single-thread experimental channels with low sinuosity have been created. In these recent experiments, as well as in natural rivers, vegetation plays a crucial role in maintaining a meandering pattern by adding cohesion to the bank and inhibiting erosion. The ancient, highly sinuous channels found on Mars are enigmatic because presumably vegetation did not exist on ancient Mars. Under the hypothesis that Martian meandering rivers formed by chemical precipitation on levees and flood plain deposits, we conducted carbonate flume experiments to investigate the formation and evolution of a single-thread meander pattern without vegetation. The flow recirculating in the flume is designed to accelerate chemical reactions - dissolution of limestone using CO2 gas to produce artificial spring water and precipitation of carbonates to increase cohesion- with precise control of water discharge, sediment discharge, and temperature. Preliminary experiments successfully created a single-thread meandering pattern through chemical processes. Carbonate deposits focused along the channel sides improved the bank stability and made them resistant to erosion, which led to a stream confined in a narrow path. The experimental channels showed lateral migration of the bend through cut bank and point bar deposits; intermittent floods created overbank flow and encouraged cut bank erosion, which enhanced lateral migration of the channel, while increase in sediment supply improved lateral point bar deposition, which balanced erosion and deposition rates. This mechanism may be applied to terrestrial single-thread and/or meandering rivers with little to no vegetation or before its introduction to Earth and also provide the link between meandering river records on Mars to changes in Martian surface conditions.

Classification of walking ability of household walkers versus community walkers based on K-BBS, gait velocity and upright motor control.

PubMed

Joa, K L; Kwon, S Y; Choi, J W; Hong, S E; Kim, C H; Jung, H Y

2015-10-01

Few guidelines are available to assist clinicians with assessment of whether a patient is a household or community walker. To assess the Korean Berg balance scale (K-BBS) and gait velocity cut-off points of a household walker versus a community walker and evaluate which combinations of the three scales (K-BBS, upright motor control test (UMCT), and gait velocity) best assessed walking ability. Cross-sectional study. Outpatient. A total of 124 stroke patients with walking difficulty. Participants were classified into one of six walking classifications (three household walkers and three community walkers) and K-BBS, UMCT, and gait velocity were evaluated. The optimal cut-off scores for walking classification were determined based on received operator characteristic (ROC) analyses. The cut-off value of K-BBS for dividing the household walker versus the community walker was 42 points. The cut-off value of gait velocity was 48 m/s for the community walker. The area under the ROC curve of the combined K-BBS and gait velocity values was larger than that of each individual scale and those of the other combined scales. The results suggest that K-BBS, gait velocity, and UMCT are useful instruments for classifying household ambulation and community ambulation. The authors recommend K-BBS as single scale and K-BBS and gait velocity as combined scales for evaluating community ambulation in stroke patients In this report, we have some clinical implication. We recommend 3 outcome measures to assess walking ability about home or community; K-BBS (>42 points), gait speed (>48 m/min), UMCT (strong grade in either knee flexion of extension). Suggesting cut-off points of Korean Berg balance scale, gait velocity, and level of upright motor control test for community ambulation could be used as outcome measures to evaluate patient's actual performance level. It is also important to combine several scales for determining walking classification. We suggest to evaluate walking ability by combining K-BBS and UMCT to best predict community ambulation.

Effect of the structure and mechanical properties of the near-surface layer of lithium niobate single crystals on the manufacture of integrated optic circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sosunov, A. V.; Ponomarev, R. S.; Yur'ev, V. A.; Volyntsev, A. B.

2017-01-01

This paper shows that the near-surface layer of a lithium niobate single layer 15 μm in depth is essentially different from the rest of the volume of the material from the standpoint of composition, structure, and mechanical properties. The pointed out differences are due to the effect of cutting, polishing, and smoothing of the lithium niobate plates, which increase the density of point defects and dislocations. The increasing density of the structural defects leads to uncontrollable changes in the conditions of the formations of waveguides and the drifting of characteristics of integrated optical circuits. The results obtained are very important for the manufacture of lithium niobate based integrated optical circuits.

Establishing school day pedometer step count cut-points using ROC curves in low-income children.

PubMed

Burns, Ryan D; Brusseau, Timothy A; Fu, You; Hannon, James C

2016-05-01

Previous research has not established pedometer step count cut-points that discriminate children that meet school day physical activity recommendations using a tri-axial ActiGraph accelerometer criterion. The purpose of this study was to determine step count cut-points that associate with 30min of school day moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in school-aged children. Participants included 1053 school-aged children (mean age=8.4±1.8years) recruited from three low-income schools from the state of Utah in the U.S. Physical activity was assessed using Yamax DigiWalker CW600 pedometers and ActiGraph wGT3X-BT triaxial accelerometers that were concurrently worn during school hours. Data were collected at each school during the 2014-2015 school year. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine pedometer step count cut-points that associated with at least 30min of MVPA during school hours. Cut-points were determined using the maximum Youden's J statistic (J max). For the total sample, the area-under-the-curve (AUC) was 0.77 (p<0.001) with a pedometer cut-point of 5505 steps (J max=0.46, Sensitivity=63%, Specificity=84%; Accuracy=76%). Step counts showed greater diagnostic ability in girls (AUC=0.81, p<0.001; Cut-point=5306 steps; Accuracy=78.8%) compared to boys (AUC=0.72, p<0.01; Cut-point=5786 steps; Accuracy=71.4%). Pedometer step counts showed good diagnostic ability in girls and fair diagnostic ability in boys for discriminating children that met at least 30min of MVPA during school hours. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio cut-off points for categorisation of obesity among Omani Arabs.

PubMed

Al-Lawati, Jawad A; Jousilahti, Pekka

2008-01-01

There are no data on optimal cut-off points to classify obesity among Omani Arabs. The existing cut-off points were obtained from studies of European populations. To determine gender-specific optimal cut-off points for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) associated with elevated prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among Omani Arabs. A community-based cross-sectional study. The survey was conducted in the city of Nizwa in Oman in 2001. The study contained a probabilistic random sample of 1421 adults aged > or =20 years. Prevalent CVD risk was defined as the presence of at least two of the following three risk factors: hyperglycaemia, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to determine optimal cut-off points for BMI, WC and WHR in relation to the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity. Over 87% of Omanis had at least one CVD risk factor (38% had hyperglycaemia, 19% hypertension and 34.5% had high total cholesterol). All three indices including BMI (AUC = 0.766), WC (AUC = 0.772) and WHR (AUC = 0.767) predicted prevalent CVD risk factors equally well. The optimal cut-off points for men and women respectively were 23.2 and 26.8 kg m-2 for BMI, 80.0 and 84.5 cm for WC, and 0.91 and 0.91 for WHR. To identify Omani subjects of Arab ethnicity at high risk of CVD, cut-off points lower than currently recommended for BMI, WC and WHR are needed for men while higher cut-off points are suggested for women.

Using expired air carbon monoxide to determine smoking status during pregnancy: preliminary identification of an appropriately sensitive and specific cut-point.

PubMed

Bailey, Beth A

2013-10-01

Measurement of carbon monoxide in expired air samples (ECO) is a non-invasive, cost-effective biochemical marker for smoking. Cut points of 6ppm-10ppm have been established, though appropriate cut-points for pregnant woman have been debated due to metabolic changes. This study assessed whether an ECO cut-point identifying at least 90% of pregnant smokers, and misidentifying fewer than 10% of non-smokers, could be established. Pregnant women (N=167) completed a validated self-report smoking assessment, a urine drug screen for cotinine (UDS), and provided an expired air sample twice during pregnancy. Half of women reported non-smoking status early (51%) and late (53%) in pregnancy, confirmed by UDS. Using a traditional 8ppm+cut-point for the early pregnancy reading, only 1% of non-smokers were incorrectly identified as smokers, but only 56% of all smokers, and 67% who smoked 5+ cigarettes in the previous 24h, were identified. However, at 4ppm+, only 8% of non-smokers were misclassified as smokers, and 90% of all smokers and 96% who smoked 5+ cigarettes in the previous 24h were identified. False positives were explained by heavy second hand smoke exposure and marijuana use. Results were similar for late pregnancy ECO, with ROC analysis revealing an area under the curve of .95 for early pregnancy, and .94 for late pregnancy readings. A lower 4ppm ECO cut-point may be necessary to identify pregnant smokers using expired air samples, and this cut-point appears valid throughout pregnancy. Work is ongoing to validate findings in larger samples, but it appears if an appropriate cut-point is used, ECO is a valid method for determining smoking status in pregnancy. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multivariate meta-analysis of prognostic factor studies with multiple cut-points and/or methods of measurement.

PubMed

Riley, Richard D; Elia, Eleni G; Malin, Gemma; Hemming, Karla; Price, Malcolm P

2015-07-30

A prognostic factor is any measure that is associated with the risk of future health outcomes in those with existing disease. Often, the prognostic ability of a factor is evaluated in multiple studies. However, meta-analysis is difficult because primary studies often use different methods of measurement and/or different cut-points to dichotomise continuous factors into 'high' and 'low' groups; selective reporting is also common. We illustrate how multivariate random effects meta-analysis models can accommodate multiple prognostic effect estimates from the same study, relating to multiple cut-points and/or methods of measurement. The models account for within-study and between-study correlations, which utilises more information and reduces the impact of unreported cut-points and/or measurement methods in some studies. The applicability of the approach is improved with individual participant data and by assuming a functional relationship between prognostic effect and cut-point to reduce the number of unknown parameters. The models provide important inferential results for each cut-point and method of measurement, including the summary prognostic effect, the between-study variance and a 95% prediction interval for the prognostic effect in new populations. Two applications are presented. The first reveals that, in a multivariate meta-analysis using published results, the Apgar score is prognostic of neonatal mortality but effect sizes are smaller at most cut-points than previously thought. In the second, a multivariate meta-analysis of two methods of measurement provides weak evidence that microvessel density is prognostic of mortality in lung cancer, even when individual participant data are available so that a continuous prognostic trend is examined (rather than cut-points). © 2015 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Performance of single-use and multiuse diamond rotary cutting instruments with turbine and electric handpieces.

PubMed

Rotella, Mario; Ercoli, Carlo; Funkenbusch, Paul D; Russell, Scott; Feng, Changyong

2014-01-01

As single-use rotary cutting instruments and electric handpieces become more available, the performance of these instruments with electric as compared to turbine handpieces requires evaluation. In addition, if rotary cutting instruments marketed as single-use instruments are used for multiple patients, the effects on their performance of cleaning, sterilization, and repeated use are of interest to the clinician. The purpose of the study was to evaluate how the cleaning, autoclaving, and repeated use of single-use and multiuse rotary cutting instruments, with either a turbine or electric handpiece, affected their performance. The effects on cutting performance of 2 handpieces (turbine and electric), 2 cleaning and sterilization conditions (cleaned and autoclaved versus noncleaned and nonautoclaved), and 6 different diamond rotary cutting instruments (4 single-use and 2 multiuse) during simulated tooth preparations were evaluated by using a 24-treatment condition full-factorial experimental design. A computer-controlled dedicated testing apparatus was used to simulate the cutting procedures, and machinable glass ceramic blocks were used as the cutting substrate for tangential cuts. In addition, for each treatment condition, 8 consecutive cuts, for a total of 192 cuts, were measured to assess the durability of the rotary cutting instruments. A linear mixed model was used to study the effect of instrument type, handpiece, cleaning, and sterilization, as well as the status and number of cuts on the outcome variables. The Tukey honestly significant difference test was used for the post hoc pairwise comparisons (α=.05). Performance, as measured by the rate of advancement, decreased with the repeated use of rotary cutting instruments (P<.001), while cleaning and sterilization procedures improved the average performance of the 8 cuts (P=.002). The electric handpiece showed a greater load than the turbine (P<.001) and a lower rate/load metric, but no differences in the rate of advancement. Significant differences were also detected among the different rotary cutting instruments tested with the Two Striper, which showed the highest cumulative performance of all groups. The repeated use of both single-use and multiuse rotary cutting instruments decreased cutting performance. The use of a cleaning and sterilization procedure between cuts improved the average cutting performance. During a tangential cutting process, although the ease of advancement (rate/load) was greater for the turbine, the electric handpiece did not produce a statistically different cutting rate. Copyright © 2014 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Operationalizing hippocampal volume as an enrichment biomarker for amnestic MCI trials: effect of algorithm, test-retest variability and cut-point on trial cost, duration and sample size

PubMed Central

Yu, P.; Sun, J.; Wolz, R.; Stephenson, D.; Brewer, J.; Fox, N.C.; Cole, P.E.; Jack, C.R.; Hill, D.L.G.; Schwarz, A.J.

2014-01-01

Objective To evaluate the effect of computational algorithm, measurement variability and cut-point on hippocampal volume (HCV)-based patient selection for clinical trials in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods We used normal control and amnestic MCI subjects from ADNI-1 as normative reference and screening cohorts. We evaluated the enrichment performance of four widely-used hippocampal segmentation algorithms (FreeSurfer, HMAPS, LEAP and NeuroQuant) in terms of two-year changes in MMSE, ADAS-Cog and CDR-SB. We modeled the effect of algorithm, test-retest variability and cut-point on sample size, screen fail rates and trial cost and duration. Results HCV-based patient selection yielded not only reduced sample sizes (by ~40–60%) but also lower trial costs (by ~30–40%) across a wide range of cut-points. Overall, the dependence on the cut-point value was similar for the three clinical instruments considered. Conclusion These results provide a guide to the choice of HCV cut-point for aMCI clinical trials, allowing an informed trade-off between statistical and practical considerations. PMID:24211008

Use of capillary blood glucose for screening for gestational diabetes mellitus in resource-constrained settings.

PubMed

Bhavadharini, Balaji; Mahalakshmi, Manni Mohanraj; Maheswari, Kumar; Kalaiyarasi, Gunasekaran; Anjana, Ranjit Mohan; Deepa, Mohan; Ranjani, Harish; Priya, Miranda; Uma, Ram; Usha, Sriram; Pastakia, Sonak D; Malanda, Belma; Belton, Anne; Unnikrishnan, Ranjit; Kayal, Arivudainambi; Mohan, Viswanathan

2016-02-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate usefulness of capillary blood glucose (CBG) for diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in resource-constrained settings where venous plasma glucose (VPG) estimations may be impossible. Consecutive pregnant women (n = 1031) attending antenatal clinics in southern India underwent 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Fasting, 1- and 2-h VPG (AU2700 Beckman, Fullerton, CA) and CBG (One Touch Ultra-II, LifeScan) were simultaneously measured. Sensitivity and specificity were estimated for different CBG cut points using the International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria for the diagnosis of GDM as gold standard. Bland-Altman plots were drawn to look at the agreement between CBG and VPG. Correlation and regression equation analysis were also derived for CBG values. Pearson's correlation between VPG and CBG for fasting was r = 0.433 [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.596, p < 0.001], for 1H, it was r = 0.653 (ICC = 0.776, p < 0.001), and for 2H, r = 0.784 (ICC = 0.834, p < 0.001). Comparing a single CBG 2-h cut point of 140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/l) with the IADPSG criteria, the sensitivity and specificity were 62.3 and 80.7 %, respectively. If CBG cut points of 120 mg/dl (6.6 mmol/l) or 110 mg/dl (6.1 mmol/l) were used, the sensitivity improves to 78.3 and 92.5 %, respectively. In settings where VPG estimations are not possible, CBG can be used as an initial screening test for GDM, using lower 2H CBG cut points to maximize the sensitivity. Those who screen positive can be referred to higher centers for definitive testing, using VPG.

Work ability index and perceived work ability as predictors of disability pension: a prospective study among Finnish municipal employees.

PubMed

Jääskeläinen, Anne; Kausto, Johanna; Seitsamo, Jorma; Ojajärvi, Anneli; Nygård, Clas-Håkan; Arjas, Elja; Leino-Arjas, Päivi

2016-06-01

We analyzed the work ability index (WAI) and its first item (work ability score, WAS) - and subsequent four-year changes thereof - as predictors of disability pension (DP). We linked survey responses of 5251 Finnish municipal employees, aged 44-58 years, to pension and death register data until 2009. Job content (physical, mental, or mixed) was based on observation. Baseline (1981) WAI was divided into poor (<27), moderate (28-36), and good/excellent (>37) and WAS into poor (0-5), moderate (6-7), and good/excellent (8-10). Four-year changes in these scores were classified as strong decline (

A risk-adjusted definition of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

PubMed

Morgan, T M; Meng, M V; Cooperberg, M R; Cowan, J E; Weinberg, V; Carroll, P R; Lin, D W

2014-06-01

To determine whether a variable definition of biochemical recurrence (BCR) based on clincopathologic features facilitates early identification of patients likely to suffer from disease progression. The definition of BCR after radical prostatectomy (RP) bears important implications for patient counseling and management; however, there remains a significant debate regarding the appropriate definition. The study cohort consisted of 3619 men who underwent RP for localized prostate cancer from 1989 to 2007, with data abstracted from the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor (CaPSURE) registry. Patients were stratified into three risk groups according to Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment post-Surgical (CAPRA-S) score. Three single threshold PSA cut-points for BCR were evaluated (PSA > or =0.05, > or =0.2 and > or =0.4 ng ml(-1)) as well as a variable cut-point defined by risk group. After reaching the cut-points, patients were followed for further PSA progression. The proportion of patients with BCR differed by cut-point and risk group, ranging from 7 to 37% (low risk), 22 to 58% (intermediate risk) and 60 to 86% (high risk). The positive-predictive value (PPV) for predicting further PSA progression was 49% for the PSA > or =0.05 ng ml(-1), 62% for the PSA > or =0.2 ng ml(-1), 65% for the PSA > or =0.4 ng ml(-1) and 68% for the risk-adjusted definition. Five-year progression-free survival was 39% for the risk-adjusted definition compared with 45-52% for the other definitions of BCR. These data suggest that a variable definition of BCR determined by clinicopathologic risk may improve the identification of early recurrence after RP without increasing the overdiagnosis of BCR. By using a risk-adjusted BCR definition, clinicians can better predict future PSA progression and more appropriately counsel patients regarding salvage therapies.

A calibration protocol for population-specific accelerometer cut-points in children.

PubMed

Mackintosh, Kelly A; Fairclough, Stuart J; Stratton, Gareth; Ridgers, Nicola D

2012-01-01

To test a field-based protocol using intermittent activities representative of children's physical activity behaviours, to generate behaviourally valid, population-specific accelerometer cut-points for sedentary behaviour, moderate, and vigorous physical activity. Twenty-eight children (46% boys) aged 10-11 years wore a hip-mounted uniaxial GT1M ActiGraph and engaged in 6 activities representative of children's play. A validated direct observation protocol was used as the criterion measure of physical activity. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analyses were conducted with four semi-structured activities to determine the accelerometer cut-points. To examine classification differences, cut-points were cross-validated with free-play and DVD viewing activities. Cut-points of ≤ 372, >2160 and >4806 counts • min(-1) representing sedentary, moderate and vigorous intensity thresholds, respectively, provided the optimal balance between the related needs for sensitivity (accurately detecting activity) and specificity (limiting misclassification of the activity). Cross-validation data demonstrated that these values yielded the best overall kappa scores (0.97; 0.71; 0.62), and a high classification agreement (98.6%; 89.0%; 87.2%), respectively. Specificity values of 96-97% showed that the developed cut-points accurately detected physical activity, and sensitivity values (89-99%) indicated that minutes of activity were seldom incorrectly classified as inactivity. The development of an inexpensive and replicable field-based protocol to generate behaviourally valid and population-specific accelerometer cut-points may improve the classification of physical activity levels in children, which could enhance subsequent intervention and observational studies.

Atomistic aspects of ductile responses of cubic silicon carbide during nanometric cutting

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Cubic silicon carbide (SiC) is an extremely hard and brittle material having unique blend of material properties which makes it suitable candidate for microelectromechanical systems and nanoelectromechanical systems applications. Although, SiC can be machined in ductile regime at nanoscale through single-point diamond turning process, the root cause of the ductile response of SiC has not been understood yet which impedes significant exploitation of this ceramic material. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulation has been carried out to investigate the atomistic aspects of ductile response of SiC during nanometric cutting process. Simulation results show that cubic SiC undergoes sp3-sp2 order-disorder transition resulting in the formation of SiC-graphene-like substance with a growth rate dependent on the cutting conditions. The disorder transition of SiC causes the ductile response during its nanometric cutting operations. It was further found out that the continuous abrasive action between the diamond tool and SiC causes simultaneous sp3-sp2 order-disorder transition of diamond tool which results in graphitization of diamond and consequent tool wear. PMID:22078069

Atomistic aspects of ductile responses of cubic silicon carbide during nanometric cutting.

PubMed

Goel, Saurav; Luo, Xichun; Reuben, Robert L; Rashid, Waleed Bin

2011-11-11

Cubic silicon carbide (SiC) is an extremely hard and brittle material having unique blend of material properties which makes it suitable candidate for microelectromechanical systems and nanoelectromechanical systems applications. Although, SiC can be machined in ductile regime at nanoscale through single-point diamond turning process, the root cause of the ductile response of SiC has not been understood yet which impedes significant exploitation of this ceramic material. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulation has been carried out to investigate the atomistic aspects of ductile response of SiC during nanometric cutting process. Simulation results show that cubic SiC undergoes sp3-sp2 order-disorder transition resulting in the formation of SiC-graphene-like substance with a growth rate dependent on the cutting conditions. The disorder transition of SiC causes the ductile response during its nanometric cutting operations. It was further found out that the continuous abrasive action between the diamond tool and SiC causes simultaneous sp3-sp2 order-disorder transition of diamond tool which results in graphitization of diamond and consequent tool wear.

The study on the nanomachining property and cutting model of single-crystal sapphire by atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Huang, Jen-Ching; Weng, Yung-Jin

2014-01-01

This study focused on the nanomachining property and cutting model of single-crystal sapphire during nanomachining. The coated diamond probe is used to as a tool, and the atomic force microscopy (AFM) is as an experimental platform for nanomachining. To understand the effect of normal force on single-crystal sapphire machining, this study tested nano-line machining and nano-rectangular pattern machining at different normal force. In nano-line machining test, the experimental results showed that the normal force increased, the groove depth from nano-line machining also increased. And the trend is logarithmic type. In nano-rectangular pattern machining test, it is found when the normal force increases, the groove depth also increased, but rather the accumulation of small chips. This paper combined the blew by air blower, the cleaning by ultrasonic cleaning machine and using contact mode probe to scan the surface topology after nanomaching, and proposed the "criterion of nanomachining cutting model," in order to determine the cutting model of single-crystal sapphire in the nanomachining is ductile regime cutting model or brittle regime cutting model. After analysis, the single-crystal sapphire substrate is processed in small normal force during nano-linear machining; its cutting modes are ductile regime cutting model. In the nano-rectangular pattern machining, due to the impact of machined zones overlap, the cutting mode is converted into a brittle regime cutting model. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Dew point measurement technique utilizing fiber cut reflection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kostritskii, S. M.; Dikevich, A. A.; Korkishko, Yu. N.; Fedorov, V. A.

2009-05-01

The fiber optical dew point hygrometer based on change of reflection coefficient for fiber cut has been developed and examined. We proposed and verified the model of condensation detector functioning principle. Experimental frost point measurements on air with different frost points have been performed.

Cutting tool form compensation system and method

DOEpatents

Barkman, W.E.; Babelay, E.F. Jr.; Klages, E.J.

1993-10-19

A compensation system for a computer-controlled machining apparatus having a controller and including a cutting tool and a workpiece holder which are movable relative to one another along a preprogrammed path during a machining operation utilizes a camera and a vision computer for gathering information at a preselected stage of a machining operation relating to the actual shape and size of the cutting edge of the cutting tool and for altering the preprogrammed path in accordance with detected variations between the actual size and shape of the cutting edge and an assumed size and shape of the cutting edge. The camera obtains an image of the cutting tool against a background so that the cutting tool and background possess contrasting light intensities, and the vision computer utilizes the contrasting light intensities of the image to locate points therein which correspond to points along the actual cutting edge. Following a series of computations involving the determining of a tool center from the points identified along the tool edge, the results of the computations are fed to the controller where the preprogrammed path is altered as aforedescribed. 9 figures.

Cutting tool form compensaton system and method

DOEpatents

Barkman, William E.; Babelay, Jr., Edwin F.; Klages, Edward J.

1993-01-01

A compensation system for a computer-controlled machining apparatus having a controller and including a cutting tool and a workpiece holder which are movable relative to one another along a preprogrammed path during a machining operation utilizes a camera and a vision computer for gathering information at a preselected stage of a machining operation relating to the actual shape and size of the cutting edge of the cutting tool and for altering the preprogrammed path in accordance with detected variations between the actual size and shape of the cutting edge and an assumed size and shape of the cutting edge. The camera obtains an image of the cutting tool against a background so that the cutting tool and background possess contrasting light intensities, and the vision computer utilizes the contrasting light intensities of the image to locate points therein which correspond to points along the actual cutting edge. Following a series of computations involving the determining of a tool center from the points identified along the tool edge, the results of the computations are fed to the controller where the preprogrammed path is altered as aforedescribed.

Calculation of the ELISA's cut-off based on the change-point analysis method for detection of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Bolivian dogs in the absence of controls.

PubMed

Lardeux, Frédéric; Torrico, Gino; Aliaga, Claudia

2016-07-04

In ELISAs, sera of individuals infected by Trypanosoma cruzi show absorbance values above a cut-off value. The cut-off is generally computed by means of formulas that need absorbance readings of negative (and sometimes positive) controls, which are included in the titer plates amongst the unknown samples. When no controls are available, other techniques should be employed such as change-point analysis. The method was applied to Bolivian dog sera processed by ELISA to diagnose T. cruzi infection. In each titer plate, the change-point analysis estimated a step point which correctly discriminated among known positive and known negative sera, unlike some of the six usual cut-off formulas tested. To analyse the ELISAs results, the change-point method was as good as the usual cut-off formula of the form "mean + 3 standard deviation of negative controls". Change-point analysis is therefore an efficient alternative method to analyse ELISA absorbance values when no controls are available.

Preset pivotal tool holder

DOEpatents

Asmanes, Charles

1979-01-01

A tool fixture is provided for precise pre-alignment of a radiused edge cutting tool in a tool holder relative to a fixed reference pivot point established on said holder about which the tool holder may be selectively pivoted relative to the fixture base member to change the contact point of the tool cutting edge with a workpiece while maintaining the precise same tool cutting radius relative to the reference pivot point.

Using appropriate body mass index cut points for overweight and obesity among Asian Americans

PubMed Central

Jih, Jane; Mukherjea, Arnab; Vittinghoff, Eric; Nguyen, Tung T.; Tsoh, Janice Y.; Fukuoka, Yoshimi; Bender, Melinda S.; Tseng, Winston; Kanaya, Alka M.

2014-01-01

Objective Asian Americans have low prevalence of overweight/obesity based on standard BMI cut points yet have higher rates of diabetes. We examined the prevalence of overweight/obesity, using lower BMI cut points recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for Asians, and diabetes in Asian American subgroups in California. Method Secondary analysis of the 2009 adult California Health Interview Survey (n = 45,946) of non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), African Americans, Hispanics and Asians (Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, South Asian and Japanese). WHO Asian BMI cut points (overweight = 23–27.5 kg/m2; obese ≥ 27.5 kg/m2) were used for Asian subgroups. Standard BMI cut points (overweight = 25–29.9 kg/m2; obese ≥ 30 kg/m2) were applied for other groups. Results Among Asian subgroups, overweight/obesity was highest among Filipinos (78.6%), which was higher than NHWs (p < 0.001) but similar to African Americans and Hispanics. Compared to NHW, diabetes prevalence was higher for Vietnamese, Koreans, Filipinos and South Asians with BMI = 23–24.9 kg/m2 and Koreans, Filipinos and Japanese with BMI = 27.5–29.9 kg/m2, the ranges WHO recommends as overweight or obese for Asians but not for other groups. Conclusions Filipinos should be a priority population for overweight/obesity screening. Filipinos, Vietnamese, Korean, South Asians and Japanese have higher diabetes prevalence at lower BMI cut points. WHO Asian BMI cut points may have clinical utility to identify at-risk Asian Americans. PMID:24736092

Symptoms of distress and posttraumatic stress among South African former political detainees.

PubMed

Kagee, Ashraf

2005-05-01

Considerable debate has centred on the question of traumatisation among individuals who have survived human rights violations in societies that have undergone political conflict. In order to gain an estimate of the extent of long-term traumatisation among political activists who experienced torture and abuse in detention during the apartheid era in South Africa, a sample of 148 survivors of such experiences were recruited in a cross-sectional study and asked to complete the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL), the Impact of Event Scale (IES), and the Trauma Symptoms section of the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ). The proportions of the sample that scored above the clinical cut-points on these measures were calculated. On the HSCL, 14.19% of the sample scored above the cut-point for clinical significance of 44; on the IES, 17.57% scored above the clinical cut-point of 44; and on the HTQ, 37.83% scored above the cut-point of 75. Moreover, the sample's mean scores were significantly higher than the cut-point for clinically significant distress on the HSCL (p < 0.001); significantly lower than the cut-point for severe traumatisation on the IES (p < 0.001); and non-significantly lower than the cut-point for clinically significant traumatisation on the HTQ (p = 0.074). These results are considered in terms of current theoretical debates on the relevance and applicability of posttraumatic stress disorder as a circumscribed nosological entity in developing countries that are in the process of coming to terms with a history of political conflict.

Using appropriate body mass index cut points for overweight and obesity among Asian Americans.

PubMed

Jih, Jane; Mukherjea, Arnab; Vittinghoff, Eric; Nguyen, Tung T; Tsoh, Janice Y; Fukuoka, Yoshimi; Bender, Melinda S; Tseng, Winston; Kanaya, Alka M

2014-08-01

Asian Americans have low prevalence of overweight/obesity based on standard BMI cut points yet have higher rates of diabetes. We examined the prevalence of overweight/obesity, using lower BMI cut points recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for Asians, and diabetes in Asian American subgroups in California. Secondary analysis of the 2009 adult California Health Interview Survey (n=45,946) of non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), African Americans, Hispanics and Asians (Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, South Asian and Japanese). WHO Asian BMI cut points (overweight=23-27.5kg/m(2); obese≥27.5kg/m(2)) were used for Asian subgroups. Standard BMI cut points (overweight=25-29.9kg/m(2); obese≥30kg/m(2)) were applied for other groups. Among Asian subgroups, overweight/obesity was highest among Filipinos (78.6%), which was higher than NHWs (p<0.001) but similar to African Americans and Hispanics. Compared to NHW, diabetes prevalence was higher for Vietnamese, Koreans, Filipinos and South Asians with BMI=23-24.9kg/m(2) and Koreans, Filipinos and Japanese with BMI=27.5-29.9kg/m(2), the ranges WHO recommends as overweight or obese for Asians but not for other groups. Filipinos should be a priority population for overweight/obesity screening. Filipinos, Vietnamese, Korean, South Asians and Japanese have higher diabetes prevalence at lower BMI cut points. WHO Asian BMI cut points may have clinical utility to identify at-risk Asian Americans. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Current Waist Circumference Cut Point Used for the Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome in Sub-Saharan African Women Is Not Appropriate

PubMed Central

Crowther, Nigel J.; Norris, Shane A.

2012-01-01

The waist circumference cut point for diagnosing the metabolic syndrome in sub-Saharan African subjects is based on that obtained from studies in European populations. The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of obesity and related metabolic disorders in an urban population of African females, a group at high risk for such diseases, and to determine the appropriate waist cut point for diagnosing the metabolic syndrome. Anthropometry and fasting lipid, glucose and insulin levels were measured in a cohort of 1251 African females participating in the Birth to Twenty cohort study in Soweto, Johannesburg. The waist circumference cut points for diagnosing metabolic syndrome (as defined using the new harmonised guidelines), insulin resistance, dysglycaemia, hypertension and dyslipidaemia were obtained using receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. The prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome were 50.1%, 14.3% and 42.1%, respectively. The appropriate waist cut point for diagnosing metabolic syndrome was found to be 91.5 cm and was similar to the cuts points obtained for detecting increased risk of insulin resistance (89.0 cm), dysglycaemia (88.4 cm), hypertension (90.1 cm), hypo-high density lipoproteinaemia (87.6 cm) and hyper-low density lipoproteinaemia (90.5 cm). The present data demonstrates that urban, African females have a high prevalence of obesity and related disorders and the waist cut point currently recommended for the diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome (80.0 cm) in this population should be increased to 91.5 cm. This latter finding demonstrates a clear ethnic difference in the relationship between abdominal adiposity and metabolic disease risk. The similar waist cut points identified for the detection of the individual components of the metabolic syndrome and related cardiovascular risk factors demonstrates that the risk for different metabolic diseases increases at the same level of abdominal adiposity suggesting a common aetiological pathway. PMID:23145009

Effects of Varying Epoch Lengths, Wear Time Algorithms, and Activity Cut-Points on Estimates of Child Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity from Accelerometer Data.

PubMed

Banda, Jorge A; Haydel, K Farish; Davila, Tania; Desai, Manisha; Bryson, Susan; Haskell, William L; Matheson, Donna; Robinson, Thomas N

2016-01-01

To examine the effects of accelerometer epoch lengths, wear time (WT) algorithms, and activity cut-points on estimates of WT, sedentary behavior (SB), and physical activity (PA). 268 7-11 year-olds with BMI ≥ 85th percentile for age and sex wore accelerometers on their right hips for 4-7 days. Data were processed and analyzed at epoch lengths of 1-, 5-, 10-, 15-, 30-, and 60-seconds. For each epoch length, WT minutes/day was determined using three common WT algorithms, and minutes/day and percent time spent in SB, light (LPA), moderate (MPA), and vigorous (VPA) PA were determined using five common activity cut-points. ANOVA tested differences in WT, SB, LPA, MPA, VPA, and MVPA when using the different epoch lengths, WT algorithms, and activity cut-points. WT minutes/day varied significantly by epoch length when using the NHANES WT algorithm (p < .0001), but did not vary significantly by epoch length when using the ≥ 20 minute consecutive zero or Choi WT algorithms. Minutes/day and percent time spent in SB, LPA, MPA, VPA, and MVPA varied significantly by epoch length for all sets of activity cut-points tested with all three WT algorithms (all p < .0001). Across all epoch lengths, minutes/day and percent time spent in SB, LPA, MPA, VPA, and MVPA also varied significantly across all sets of activity cut-points with all three WT algorithms (all p < .0001). The common practice of converting WT algorithms and activity cut-point definitions to match different epoch lengths may introduce significant errors. Estimates of SB and PA from studies that process and analyze data using different epoch lengths, WT algorithms, and/or activity cut-points are not comparable, potentially leading to very different results, interpretations, and conclusions, misleading research and public policy.

Laser cutting with chemical reaction assist

DOEpatents

Gettemy, Donald J.

1992-01-01

A method for cutting with a laser beam where an oxygen-hydrocarbon reaction is used to provide auxiliary energy to a metal workpiece to supplement the energy supplied by the laser. Oxygen is supplied to the laser focus point on the workpiece by a nozzle through which the laser beam also passes. A liquid hydrocarbon is supplied by coating the workpiece along the cutting path with the hydrocarbon prior to laser irradiation or by spraying a stream of hydrocarbon through a nozzle aimed at a point on the cutting path which is just ahead of the focus point during irradiation.

Laser cutting with chemical reaction assist

DOEpatents

Gettemy, D.J.

1992-11-17

A method is described for cutting with a laser beam where an oxygen-hydrocarbon reaction is used to provide auxiliary energy to a metal workpiece to supplement the energy supplied by the laser. Oxygen is supplied to the laser focus point on the workpiece by a nozzle through which the laser beam also passes. A liquid hydrocarbon is supplied by coating the workpiece along the cutting path with the hydrocarbon prior to laser irradiation or by spraying a stream of hydrocarbon through a nozzle aimed at a point on the cutting path which is just ahead of the focus point during irradiation. 1 figure.

Subprimal purchasing and merchandising decisions for pork: relationship to retail value.

PubMed

Lorenzen, C L; Walter, J P; Dockerty, T R; Griffin, D B; Johnson, H K; Savell, J W

1996-01-01

To assess retail value and profitability, cutting test data were obtained in a simulated retail cutting room for boxed pork subprimals, bone-in loins (n = 180), boneless loins (n = 94), Boston butts (n = 148), fresh hams (n = 28), and boneless hams (n = 23). Processing times (seconds) and retail weights (kilograms) were used to determine relative value. Cutting style affected (P < .05) value differential (US$/subprimal) for bone-in and boneless loins. When cutting styles within subprimals were pooled, value differential was affected (P < .05) by purchasing specification for bone-in loins, boneless loins, Boston butts, and inside fresh hams. Processing bone-in loins to a boneless end point produced a greater (P < .05) value differential and percentage of gross margin than a bone-in retail end point. Bone-in loins fabricated to a boneless retail end point produced a greater (P < .05) value differential and percentage of gross margin than boneless loins fabricated to the same end point. The increase in retail value can be attributed to the increased number and weight of retail cuts produced from bone-in loins. The thick, boneless loin cutting style produced a greater (P < .05) value differential and percentage of gross margin as a result of a lower (P < .05) cost of fabrication and increased value of retail cuts than the thin, boneless cutting style. In general, boneless pork cutting methods were more profitable than bone-in cutting methods regardless of subprimal.

33 CFR 165.704 - Safety Zone; Tampa Bay, Florida.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... safety zone starts at Tampa Bay Cut “F” Channel from Lighted Buoys “3F” and “4F” and proceeds north ending at Gadsden Point Cut Lighted Buoys “3” and “4”. The safety zone starts again at Gadsden Point Cut Lighted Buoys “7” and “8” and proceeds north through Hillsborough Cut “C”, Port Sutton Entrance Channel...

Cutting performance orthogonal test of single plane puncture biopsy needle based on puncture force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yingqiang; Zhang, Qinhe; Liu, Guowei

2017-04-01

Needle biopsy is a method to extract the cells from the patient's body with a needle for tissue pathological examination. Many factors affect the cutting process of soft tissue, including the geometry of the biopsy needle, the mechanical properties of the soft tissue, the parameters of the puncture process and the interaction between them. This paper conducted orthogonal experiment of main cutting parameters based on single plane puncture biopsy needle, and obtained the cutting force curve of single plane puncture biopsy needle by studying the influence of the inclination angle, diameter and velocity of the single plane puncture biopsy needle on the puncture force of the biopsy needle. Stage analysis of the cutting process of biopsy needle puncture was made to determine the main influencing factors of puncture force during the cutting process, which provides a certain theoretical support for the design of new type of puncture biopsy needle and the operation of puncture biopsy.

Posturography and locomotor tests of dynamic balance after long-duration spaceflight.

PubMed

Cohen, Helen S; Kimball, Kay T; Mulavara, Ajitkumar P; Bloomberg, Jacob J; Paloski, William H

2012-01-01

The currently approved objective clinical measure of standing balance in astronauts after space flight is the Sensory Organization Test battery of computerized dynamic posturography. No tests of walking balance are currently approved for standard clinical testing of astronauts. This study determined the sensitivity and specificity of standing and walking balance tests for astronauts before and after long-duration space flight. Astronauts were tested on an obstacle avoidance test known as the Functional Mobility Test (FMT) and on the Sensory Organization Test using sway-referenced support surface motion with eyes closed (SOT 5) before and six months after (n=15) space flight on the International Space Station. They were tested two to seven days after landing. Scores on SOT tests decreased and scores on FMT increased significantly from pre- to post-flight. In other words, post-flight scores were worse than pre-flight scores. SOT and FMT scores were not significantly related. ROC analyses indicated supra-clinical cut-points for SOT 5 and for FMT. The standard clinical cut-point for SOT 5 had low sensitivity to post-flight astronauts. Higher cut-points increased sensitivity to post-flight astronauts but decreased specificity to pre-flight astronauts. Using an FMT cut-point that was moderately highly sensitive and highly specific plus SOT 5 at the standard clinical cut-point was no more sensitive than SOT 5, alone. FMT plus SOT 5 at higher cut-points was more specific and more sensitive. The total correctly classified was highest for FMT, alone, and for FMT plus SOT 5 at the highest cut-point. These findings indicate that standard clinical comparisons are not useful for identifying problems. Testing both standing and walking balance will be more likely to identify balance deficits.

Body mass index cut-points to identify cardiometabolic risk in black South Africans.

PubMed

Kruger, H Salome; Schutte, Aletta E; Walsh, Corinna M; Kruger, Annamarie; Rennie, Kirsten L

2017-02-01

To determine optimal body mass index (BMI) cut-points for the identification of cardiometabolic risk in black South African adults. We performed a cross-sectional study of a weighted sample of healthy black South Africans aged 25-65 years (721 men, 1386 women) from the North West and Free State Provinces. Demographic, lifestyle and anthropometric measures were taken, and blood pressure, fasting serum triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and blood glucose were measured. We defined elevated cardiometabolic risk as having three or more risk factors according to international metabolic syndrome criteria. Receiver operating characteristic curves were applied to identify an optimal BMI cut-point for men and women. BMI had good diagnostic performance to identify clustering of three or more risk factors, as well as individual risk factors: low HDL-cholesterol, elevated fasting glucose and triglycerides, with areas under the curve >.6, but not for high blood pressure. Optimal BMI cut-points averaged 22 kg/m 2 for men and 28 kg/m 2 for women, respectively, with better sensitivity in men (44.0-71.9 %), and in women (60.6-69.8 %), compared to a BMI of 30 kg/m 2 (17-19.1, 53-61.4 %, respectively). Men and women with a BMI >22 and >28 kg/m 2 , respectively, had significantly increased probability of elevated cardiometabolic risk after adjustment for age, alcohol use and smoking. In black South African men, a BMI cut-point of 22 kg/m 2 identifies those at cardiometabolic risk, whereas a BMI of 30 kg/m 2 underestimates risk. In women, a cut-point of 28 kg/m 2 , approaching the WHO obesity cut-point, identifies those at risk.

Automatic micropropagation of plants--the vision-system: graph rewriting as pattern recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwanke, Joerg; Megnet, Roland; Jensch, Peter F.

1993-03-01

The automation of plant-micropropagation is necessary to produce high amounts of biomass. Plants have to be dissected on particular cutting-points. A vision-system is needed for the recognition of the cutting-points on the plants. With this background, this contribution is directed to the underlying formalism to determine cutting-points on abstract-plant models. We show the usefulness of pattern recognition by graph-rewriting along with some examples in this context.

Acquisition and retention of laparoscopic skills is different comparing conventional laparoscopic and single-incision laparoscopic surgery: a single-centre, prospective randomized study.

PubMed

Ellis, Scott Michael; Varley, Martin; Howell, Stuart; Trochsler, Markus; Maddern, Guy; Hewett, Peter; Runge, Tina; Mees, Soeren Torge

2016-08-01

Training in laparoscopic surgery is important not only to acquire and improve skills but also avoid the loss of acquired abilities. The aim of this single-centre, prospective randomized study was to assess skill acquisition of different laparoscopic techniques and identify the point in time when acquired skills deteriorate and training is needed to maintain these skills. Sixty surgical novices underwent laparoscopic surgery (LS) and single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) baseline training (BT) performing two validated tasks (peg transfer, precision cutting). The novices were randomized into three groups and skills retention testing (RT) followed after 8 (group A), 10 (group B) or 12 (group C) weeks accordingly. Task performance was measured in time with time penalties for insufficient task completion. 92 % of the participants completed the BT and managed to complete the task in the required time frame of proficiency. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that SILS (P < 0.0001) and precision cutting (P < 0.0001) were significantly more difficult. Males performed significantly better than females (P < 0.005). For LS, a deterioration of skills (comparison of BT vs RT) was not identified; however, for SILS a significant deterioration of skills (adjustment of BT and RT values) was demonstrated for all groups (A-C) (P < 0.05). Our data reveal that complex laparoscopic tasks (cutting) and techniques (SILS) are more difficult to learn and acquired skills more difficult to maintain. Acquired LS skills were maintained for the whole observation period of 12 weeks but SILS skills had begun to deteriorate at 8 weeks. These data show that maintenance of LS and SILS skills is divergent and training curricula need to take these specifics into account.

Prevalence of energy intake misreporting in Malay children varies based on application of different cut points.

PubMed

Yang, Wai Yew; Burrows, Tracy; Collins, Clare E; MacDonald-Wicks, Lesley; Williams, Lauren T; Chee, Winnie Siew Swee

2014-12-01

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of energy misreporting amongst a sample of Malay children aged 9-11 years (n = 14) using a range of commonly used cut points. Participants were interviewed using repeated 24 h dietary recalls over three occasions. The Goldberg equations (1991 and 2000), Torun cut points and the Black and Cole method were applied to the data. Up to 11 of 14 children were classified as misreporters, with more under-reporters (between seven and eight children) than over-reporters (four or less children). There were significant differences in the proportion of children classified as energy misreporters when applying basal metabolic rate calculated using FAO/UNU/WHO (1985) and Malaysian-specific equations (p < 0.05). The results show that energy misreporting is common amongst Malay children, varying according to cut point chosen. Objective evaluation of total energy expenditure would help identify which cut point is appropriate for use in Malay paediatric populations. © The Author [2014]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Rapid fabrication of miniature lens arrays by four-axis single point diamond machining

PubMed Central

McCall, Brian; Tkaczyk, Tomasz S.

2013-01-01

A novel method for fabricating lens arrays and other non-rotationally symmetric free-form optics is presented. This is a diamond machining technique using 4 controlled axes of motion – X, Y, Z, and C. As in 3-axis diamond micro-milling, a diamond ball endmill is mounted to the work spindle of a 4-axis ultra-precision computer numerical control (CNC) machine. Unlike 3-axis micro-milling, the C-axis is used to hold the cutting edge of the tool in contact with the lens surface for the entire cut. This allows the feed rates to be doubled compared to the current state of the art of micro-milling while producing an optically smooth surface with very low surface form error and exceptionally low radius error. PMID:23481813

Effects of Two Football Stud Types on Knee and Ankle Kinetics of Single-Leg Land-Cut and 180° Cut Movements on Infilled Synthetic Turf.

PubMed

Bennett, Hunter J; Brock, Elizabeth; Brosnan, James T; Sorochan, John C; Zhang, Songning

2015-10-01

Higher ACL injury rates have been recorded in cleats with higher torsional resistance in American football, which warrants better understanding of shoe/stud-dependent joint kinetics. The purpose of this study was to determine differences in knee and ankle kinetics during single-leg land cuts and 180° cuts on synthetic infilled turf while wearing 3 types of shoes. Fourteen recreational football players performed single-leg land cuts and 180° cuts in nonstudded running shoes (RS) and in football shoes with natural (NTS) and synthetic turf studs (STS). Knee and ankle kinetic variables were analyzed with a 3 × 2 (shoe × movement) repeated-measures ANOVA (P < .05). A significant shoe-by-movement interaction was found in loading response peak knee adduction moments, with NTS producing smaller moments compared with both STS and RS only in 180° cuts. Reduced peak negative plantar flexor powers were also found in NTS compared with STS. The single-leg land cut produced greater loading response and push-off peak knee extensor moments, as well as peak negative and positive extensor and plantar flexor powers, but smaller loading peak knee adduction moments and push-off peak ankle eversion moments than 180° cuts. Overall, the STS and 180° cuts resulted in greater frontal plane knee loading and should be monitored for possible increased ACL injury risks.

Generalized interactions using virtual tools within the spring framework: cutting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Montgomery, Kevin; Bruyns, Cynthia D.

2002-01-01

We present schemes for real-time generalized mesh cutting. Starting with the a basic example, we describe the details of implementing cutting on single and multiple surface objects as well as hybrid and volumetric meshes using virtual tools with single and multiple cutting surfaces. These methods have been implemented in a robust surgical simulation environment allowing us to model procedures ranging from animal dissection to cleft lip correction.

Characteristics and Machining Performance of TiN and TiAlN Coatings on a Milling Cutter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarwar, Mohammed; Haider, Julfikar

2011-01-01

Titanium Nitride (TiN) coating deposited by Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) or Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) techniques on cutting tools (single point or multipoint) has contributed towards the improvement of tool life, productivity and product quality [1]. Addition of Al in TiN coating (e.g., TiAlN or AlTiN) has further improved the coating properties required for machining applications [2, 3]. This work presents a comparative investigation on TiN and TiAlN coatings deposited on to a Powder Metallurgy High Speed Steel (PM HSS) milling cutter used for machining bimetal (M42+D6A) steel strips. PVD (Arc evaporation) technique was used to deposit the coatings after carefully preparing the cutting edges of the milling cutter. Microstructure, chemical composition, hardness and adhesion of the coatings have been characterised using different techniques. The incorporation of Al into TiN coating results in an improvement in hardness, wear resistance and cutting performance. Examination of the worn flank in the coated cutting edges revealed that abrasive and adhesive wear are the predominant failure mechanisms. Tool designers, coating suppliers and manufacturing engineers could benefit from the information provided.

Effectiveness of the CANRISK tool in the identification of dysglycemia in First Nations and Métis in Canada

PubMed Central

Gina, Agarwal; Ying, Jiang; Susan, Rogers Van Katwyk; Chantal, Lemieux; Heather, Orpana; Yang, Mao; Brandan, Hanley; Karen, Davis; Laurel, Leuschen; Howard, Morrison

2018-01-01

Abstract Introduction: First Nations/Métis populations develop diabetes earlier and at higher rates than other Canadians. The Canadian diabetes risk questionnaire (CANRISK) was developed as a diabetes screening tool for Canadians aged 40 years or over. The primary aim of this paper is to assess the effectiveness of the existing CANRISK tool and risk scores in detecting dysglycemia in First Nations/Métis participants, including among those under the age of 40. A secondary aim was to determine whether alternative waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) cut-off points improved the predictive ability of logistic regression models using CANRISK variables to predict dysglycemia. Methods: Information from a self-administered CANRISK questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and results of a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were collected from First Nations and Métis participants (n = 1479). Sensitivity and specificity of CANRISK scores using published risk score cut-off points were calculated. Logistic regression was conducted with alternative ethnicity-specific BMI and WC cut-off points to predict dysglycemia using CANRISK variables. Results: Compared with OGTT results, using a CANRISK score cut-off point of 33, the sensitivity and specificity of CANRISK was 68% and 63% among individuals aged 40 or over; it was 27% and 87%, respectively among those under 40. Using a lower cut-off point of 21, the sensitivity for individuals under 40 improved to 77% with a specificity of 44%. Though specificity at this threshold was low, the higher level of sensitivity reflects the importance of the identification of high risk individuals in this population. Despite altered cut-off points of BMI and WC, logistic regression models demonstrated similar predictive ability. Conclusion: CANRISK functioned well as a preliminary step for diabetes screening in a broad age range of First Nations and Métis in Canada, with an adjusted CANRISK cutoff point for individuals under 40, and with no incremental improvement from using alternative BMI/WC cut-off points. PMID:29443485

Cut-Off Points for Mild, Moderate, and Severe Pain on the Numeric Rating Scale for Pain in Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Variability and Influence of Sex and Catastrophizing.

PubMed

Boonstra, Anne M; Stewart, Roy E; Köke, Albère J A; Oosterwijk, René F A; Swaan, Jeannette L; Schreurs, Karlein M G; Schiphorst Preuper, Henrica R

2016-01-01

Objectives: The 0-10 Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) is often used in pain management. The aims of our study were to determine the cut-off points for mild, moderate, and severe pain in terms of pain-related interference with functioning in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain, to measure the variability of the optimal cut-off points, and to determine the influence of patients' catastrophizing and their sex on these cut-off points. Methods: 2854 patients were included. Pain was assessed by the NRS, functioning by the Pain Disability Index (PDI) and catastrophizing by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Cut-off point schemes were tested using ANOVAs with and without using the PSC scores or sex as co-variates and with the interaction between CP scheme and PCS score and sex, respectively. The variability of the optimal cut-off point schemes was quantified using bootstrapping procedure. Results and conclusion: The study showed that NRS scores ≤ 5 correspond to mild, scores of 6-7 to moderate and scores ≥8 to severe pain in terms of pain-related interference with functioning. Bootstrapping analysis identified this optimal NRS cut-off point scheme in 90% of the bootstrapping samples. The interpretation of the NRS is independent of sex, but seems to depend on catastrophizing. In patients with high catastrophizing tendency, the optimal cut-off point scheme equals that for the total study sample, but in patients with a low catastrophizing tendency, NRS scores ≤ 3 correspond to mild, scores of 4-6 to moderate and scores ≥7 to severe pain in terms of interference with functioning. In these optimal cut-off schemes, NRS scores of 4 and 5 correspond to moderate interference with functioning for patients with low catastrophizing tendency and to mild interference for patients with high catastrophizing tendency. Theoretically one would therefore expect that among the patients with NRS scores 4 and 5 there would be a higher average PDI score for those with low catastrophizing than for those with high catastrophizing. However, we found the opposite. The fact that we did not find the same optimal CP scheme in the subgroups with lower and higher catastrophizing tendency may be due to chance variability.

Cut-Off Points for Mild, Moderate, and Severe Pain on the Numeric Rating Scale for Pain in Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Variability and Influence of Sex and Catastrophizing

PubMed Central

Boonstra, Anne M.; Stewart, Roy E.; Köke, Albère J. A.; Oosterwijk, René F. A.; Swaan, Jeannette L.; Schreurs, Karlein M. G.; Schiphorst Preuper, Henrica R.

2016-01-01

Objectives: The 0–10 Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) is often used in pain management. The aims of our study were to determine the cut-off points for mild, moderate, and severe pain in terms of pain-related interference with functioning in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain, to measure the variability of the optimal cut-off points, and to determine the influence of patients’ catastrophizing and their sex on these cut-off points. Methods: 2854 patients were included. Pain was assessed by the NRS, functioning by the Pain Disability Index (PDI) and catastrophizing by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Cut-off point schemes were tested using ANOVAs with and without using the PSC scores or sex as co-variates and with the interaction between CP scheme and PCS score and sex, respectively. The variability of the optimal cut-off point schemes was quantified using bootstrapping procedure. Results and conclusion: The study showed that NRS scores ≤ 5 correspond to mild, scores of 6–7 to moderate and scores ≥8 to severe pain in terms of pain-related interference with functioning. Bootstrapping analysis identified this optimal NRS cut-off point scheme in 90% of the bootstrapping samples. The interpretation of the NRS is independent of sex, but seems to depend on catastrophizing. In patients with high catastrophizing tendency, the optimal cut-off point scheme equals that for the total study sample, but in patients with a low catastrophizing tendency, NRS scores ≤ 3 correspond to mild, scores of 4–6 to moderate and scores ≥7 to severe pain in terms of interference with functioning. In these optimal cut-off schemes, NRS scores of 4 and 5 correspond to moderate interference with functioning for patients with low catastrophizing tendency and to mild interference for patients with high catastrophizing tendency. Theoretically one would therefore expect that among the patients with NRS scores 4 and 5 there would be a higher average PDI score for those with low catastrophizing than for those with high catastrophizing. However, we found the opposite. The fact that we did not find the same optimal CP scheme in the subgroups with lower and higher catastrophizing tendency may be due to chance variability. PMID:27746750

50 CFR Figures 18a, 18b and 18c to... - Large Frame TED Escape Opening; Minimum Dimensions Using All-Bar Cuts (Triangular Cuts); Large...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Dimensions Using All-Bar Cuts (Triangular Cuts); Large Frame TED Escape Opening; Minimum Dimensions Using All-Bar Cuts and Leading Edge Cut; Large Frame TED Escape Opening; Minimum Dimensions Using All-Points...—Large Frame TED Escape Opening; Minimum Dimensions Using All-Bar Cuts (Triangular Cuts); Large Frame TED...

50 CFR Figures 18a, 18b and 18c to... - Large Frame TED Escape Opening; Minimum Dimensions Using All-Bar Cuts (Triangular Cuts); Large...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Dimensions Using All-Bar Cuts (Triangular Cuts); Large Frame TED Escape Opening; Minimum Dimensions Using All-Bar Cuts and Leading Edge Cut; Large Frame TED Escape Opening; Minimum Dimensions Using All-Points...—Large Frame TED Escape Opening; Minimum Dimensions Using All-Bar Cuts (Triangular Cuts); Large Frame TED...

50 CFR Figures 18a, 18b and 18c to... - Large Frame TED Escape Opening; Minimum Dimensions Using All-Bar Cuts (Triangular Cuts); Large...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... Dimensions Using All-Bar Cuts (Triangular Cuts); Large Frame TED Escape Opening; Minimum Dimensions Using All-Bar Cuts and Leading Edge Cut; Large Frame TED Escape Opening; Minimum Dimensions Using All-Points...—Large Frame TED Escape Opening; Minimum Dimensions Using All-Bar Cuts (Triangular Cuts); Large Frame TED...

Online machining error estimation method of numerical control gear grinding machine tool based on data analysis of internal sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Fei; Zhang, Chi; Yang, Guilin; Chen, Chinyin

2016-12-01

This paper presents an online estimation method of cutting error by analyzing of internal sensor readings. The internal sensors of numerical control (NC) machine tool are selected to avoid installation problem. The estimation mathematic model of cutting error was proposed to compute the relative position of cutting point and tool center point (TCP) from internal sensor readings based on cutting theory of gear. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model, it was simulated and experimented in gear generating grinding process. The cutting error of gear was estimated and the factors which induce cutting error were analyzed. The simulation and experiments verify that the proposed approach is an efficient way to estimate the cutting error of work-piece during machining process.

Performance of a cut-to-length harvester in a single-tree and group selection cut

Treesearch

Neil K. Huyler; Chris LeDoux

1999-01-01

Presents production and cost data for a mechanized and cut-to-length (CTL) harvester used in a single-tree and group-selection cut on the Groton State Forest in central Vermont. For trees whose average volume (size) was 7 to 18 ft3, production ranged from 464 to 734 ft3 per productive machine hour (PMH). The cycle time for processing trees into bunches to forward to a...

Statistical approaches for the determination of cut points in anti-drug antibody bioassays.

PubMed

Schaarschmidt, Frank; Hofmann, Matthias; Jaki, Thomas; Grün, Bettina; Hothorn, Ludwig A

2015-03-01

Cut points in immunogenicity assays are used to classify future specimens into anti-drug antibody (ADA) positive or negative. To determine a cut point during pre-study validation, drug-naive specimens are often analyzed on multiple microtiter plates taking sources of future variability into account, such as runs, days, analysts, gender, drug-spiked and the biological variability of un-spiked specimens themselves. Five phenomena may complicate the statistical cut point estimation: i) drug-naive specimens may contain already ADA-positives or lead to signals that erroneously appear to be ADA-positive, ii) mean differences between plates may remain after normalization of observations by negative control means, iii) experimental designs may contain several factors in a crossed or hierarchical structure, iv) low sample sizes in such complex designs lead to low power for pre-tests on distribution, outliers and variance structure, and v) the choice between normal and log-normal distribution has a serious impact on the cut point. We discuss statistical approaches to account for these complex data: i) mixture models, which can be used to analyze sets of specimens containing an unknown, possibly larger proportion of ADA-positive specimens, ii) random effects models, followed by the estimation of prediction intervals, which provide cut points while accounting for several factors, and iii) diagnostic plots, which allow the post hoc assessment of model assumptions. All methods discussed are available in the corresponding R add-on package mixADA. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A field test of cut-off importance sampling for bole volume

Treesearch

Jeffrey H. Gove; Harry T. Valentine; Michael J. Holmes

2000-01-01

Cut-off importance sampling has recently been introduced as a technique for estimating bole volume to some point below the tree tip, termed the cut-off point. A field test of this technique was conducted on a small population of eastern white pine trees using dendrometry as the standard for volume estimation. Results showed that the differences in volume estimates...

33 CFR 165.704 - Safety Zone; Tampa Bay, Florida.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., Florida. (a) A floating safety zone is established consisting of an area 1000 yards fore and aft of a... ending at Gadsden Point Cut Lighted Buoys “3” and “4”. The safety zone starts again at Gadsden Point Cut... the marked channel at Tampa Bay Cut “K” buoy “11K” enroute to Rattlesnake, Tampa, FL, the floating...

Anatomic features of the neck as predictive markers of difficult direct laryngoscopy in men and women: A prospective study

PubMed Central

Chara, Liaskou; Eleftherios, Vouzounerakis; Maria, Moirasgenti; Anastasia, Trikoupi; Chryssoula, Staikou

2014-01-01

Background and Aims: Difficult airway assessment is based on various anatomic parameters of upper airway, much of it being concentrated on oral cavity and the pharyngeal structures. The diagnostic value of tests based on neck anatomy in predicting difficult laryngoscopy was assessed in this prospective, open cohort study. Methods: We studied 341 adult patients scheduled to receive general anaesthesia. Thyromental distance (TMD), sternomental distance (STMD), ratio of height to thyromental distance (RHTMD) and neck circumference (NC) were measured pre-operatively. The laryngoscopic view was classified according to the Cormack–Lehane Grade (1-4). Difficult laryngoscopy was defined as Cormack–Lehane Grade 3 or 4. The optimal cut-off points for each variable were identified by using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for each test. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression, including all variables, was used to create a predictive model. Comparisons between genders were also performed. Results: Laryngoscopy was difficult in 12.6% of the patients. The cut-off values were: TMD ≤7 cm, STMD ≤15 cm, RHTMD >18.4 and NC >37.5 cm. The RHTMD had the highest sensitivity (88.4%) and NPV (95.2%), while TMD had the highest specificity (83.9%). The area under curve (AUC) for the TMD, STMD, RHTMD and NC was 0.63, 0.64, 0.62 and 0.54, respectively. The predictive model exhibited a higher and statistically significant diagnostic accuracy (AUC: 0.68, P < 0.001). Gender-specific cut-off points improved the predictive accuracy of NC in women (AUC: 0.65). Conclusions: The TMD, STMD, RHTMD and NC were found to be poor single predictors of difficult laryngoscopy, while a model including all four variables had a significant predictive accuracy. Among the studied tests, gender-specific cut-off points should be used for NC. PMID:24963183

Anatomic features of the neck as predictive markers of difficult direct laryngoscopy in men and women: A prospective study.

PubMed

Liaskou, Chara; Chara, Liaskou; Vouzounerakis, Eleftherios; Eleftherios, Vouzounerakis; Moirasgenti, Maria; Maria, Moirasgenti; Trikoupi, Anastasia; Anastasia, Trikoupi; Staikou, Chryssoula; Chryssoula, Staikou

2014-03-01

Difficult airway assessment is based on various anatomic parameters of upper airway, much of it being concentrated on oral cavity and the pharyngeal structures. The diagnostic value of tests based on neck anatomy in predicting difficult laryngoscopy was assessed in this prospective, open cohort study. We studied 341 adult patients scheduled to receive general anaesthesia. Thyromental distance (TMD), sternomental distance (STMD), ratio of height to thyromental distance (RHTMD) and neck circumference (NC) were measured pre-operatively. The laryngoscopic view was classified according to the Cormack-Lehane Grade (1-4). Difficult laryngoscopy was defined as Cormack-Lehane Grade 3 or 4. The optimal cut-off points for each variable were identified by using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for each test. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression, including all variables, was used to create a predictive model. Comparisons between genders were also performed. Laryngoscopy was difficult in 12.6% of the patients. The cut-off values were: TMD ≤7 cm, STMD ≤15 cm, RHTMD >18.4 and NC >37.5 cm. The RHTMD had the highest sensitivity (88.4%) and NPV (95.2%), while TMD had the highest specificity (83.9%). The area under curve (AUC) for the TMD, STMD, RHTMD and NC was 0.63, 0.64, 0.62 and 0.54, respectively. The predictive model exhibited a higher and statistically significant diagnostic accuracy (AUC: 0.68, P < 0.001). Gender-specific cut-off points improved the predictive accuracy of NC in women (AUC: 0.65). The TMD, STMD, RHTMD and NC were found to be poor single predictors of difficult laryngoscopy, while a model including all four variables had a significant predictive accuracy. Among the studied tests, gender-specific cut-off points should be used for NC.

Effects of Different Cutting Patterns and Experimental Conditions on the Performance of a Conical Drag Tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Copur, Hanifi; Bilgin, Nuh; Balci, Cemal; Tumac, Deniz; Avunduk, Emre

2017-06-01

This study aims at determining the effects of single-, double-, and triple-spiral cutting patterns; the effects of tool cutting speeds on the experimental scale; and the effects of the method of yield estimation on cutting performance by performing a set of full-scale linear cutting tests with a conical cutting tool. The average and maximum normal, cutting and side forces; specific energy; yield; and coarseness index are measured and compared in each cutting pattern at a 25-mm line spacing, at varying depths of cut per revolution, and using two cutting speeds on five different rock samples. The results indicate that the optimum specific energy decreases by approximately 25% with an increasing number of spirals from the single- to the double-spiral cutting pattern for the hard rocks, whereas generally little effect was observed for the soft- and medium-strength rocks. The double-spiral cutting pattern appeared to be more effective than the single- or triple-spiral cutting pattern and had an advantage of lower side forces. The tool cutting speed had no apparent effect on the cutting performance. The estimation of the specific energy by the yield based on the theoretical swept area was not significantly different from that estimated by the yield based on the muck weighing, especially for the double- and triple-spiral cutting patterns and with the optimum ratio of line spacing to depth of cut per revolution. This study also demonstrated that the cutterhead and mechanical miner designs, semi-theoretical deterministic computer simulations and empirical performance predictions and optimization models should be based on realistic experimental simulations. Studies should be continued to obtain more reliable results by creating a larger database of laboratory tests and field performance records for mechanical miners using drag tools.

Financial aspects of partial cutting practices in central Appalachian hardwoods

Treesearch

Gary W. Miller; Gary W. Miller

1993-01-01

Uneven-aged silvicultural practices can be used to regenerate and manage many eastern hardwood stands. Single-tree selection methods are feasible in stands where a desirable shade-tolerant commercial species can be regenerated following periodic harvests. A variety of partial cutting practices, including single-tree selection and diameter-limit cutting have been used...

Dental cutting behaviour of mica-based and apatite-based machinable glass-ceramics.

PubMed

Taira, M; Wakasa, K; Yamaki, M; Matsui, A

1990-09-01

Some recently developed industrial ceramics have excellent machinability properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dental cutting behaviour of two machinable glass-ceramics, mica-containing Macor-M and apatite- and diopside-containing Bioram-M, and to compare them with the cutting behaviour of a composite resin typodont tooth enamel and bovine enamel. Weight-load cutting tests were conducted, using a diamond point driven by an air-turbine handpiece, While the transverse load applied on the point was varied, the handpiece speed during cutting and the volume of removal upon cutting were measured. In general, an increase in the applied load caused a decrease in cutting speed and an increase in cutting volume. However, the intensity of this trend was found to differ between four workpieces. Cutting Macor-M resulted in the second-most reduced cutting speed and the maximum cutting volume. Cutting Bioram-M gave the least reduced cutting speed and the minimum cutting volume. It was suggested that two machinable glass-ceramics could be employed as typodont teeth. This study may also contribute to the development of new restorative dental ceramic materials, prepared by machining.

Advantages offered by high average power picosecond lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moorhouse, C.

2011-03-01

As electronic devices shrink in size to reduce material costs, device size and weight, thinner material thicknesses are also utilized. Feature sizes are also decreasing, which is pushing manufacturers towards single step laser direct write process as an attractive alternative to conventional, multiple step photolithography processes by eliminating process steps and the cost of chemicals. The fragile nature of these thin materials makes them difficult to machine either mechanically or with conventional nanosecond pulsewidth, Diode Pumped Solids State (DPSS) lasers. Picosecond laser pulses can cut materials with reduced damage regions and selectively remove thin films due to the reduced thermal effects of the shorter pulsewidth. Also, the high repetition rate allows high speed processing for industrial applications. Selective removal of thin films for OLED patterning, silicon solar cells and flat panel displays is discussed, as well as laser cutting of transparent materials with low melting point such as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). For many of these thin film applications, where low pulse energy and high repetition rate are required, throughput can be increased by the use of a novel technique to using multiple beams from a single laser source is outlined.

Sensitivity and specificity of the body mass index for the diagnosis of overweight/obesity in elderly.

PubMed

Vasconcelos, Francisco de Assis Guedes de; Cordeiro, Braian Alves; Rech, Cassiano Ricardo; Petroski, Edio Luiz

2010-08-01

The aim of this article was to verify the sensitivity and specificity of the body mass index (BMI) cut-off points proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nutrition Screening Initiative (NSI) for the diagnosis of obesity in the elderly. A cross-sectional study was made with 180 healthy elderly subjects from Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Body fat percentage (%BF) was determined using DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry). The BMI cut-off point of the NSI offers better sensitivity and specificity for men (73.7% and 72.5% respectively). For women, the lower the cut-off point the better the sensitivity, with a BMI of 25kg/m² (sensitivity of 76.3% and specificity of 100%) being the most accurate for diagnosing obesity in elderly women. The WHO cut-off point offered very low sensitivity (28.9%). The results of this investigation lead to the conclusion that the cut-off points proposed by the WHO and the ones adopted by the NSI and by Lipschitz are not good indicators of obesity for the elderly of either sex, since they offer low sensitivity.

Arbovirus models to provide practical management tools for mosquito control and disease prevention in the Northern Territory, Australia.

PubMed

Jacups, Susan P; Whelan, Peter I; Harley, David

2011-03-01

Ross River virus (RRV) causes the most common human arbovirus disease in Australia. Although the disease is nonfatal, the associated arthritis and postinfection fatigue can be debilitating for many months, impacting on workforce participation. We sought to create an early-warning system to notify of approaching RRV disease outbreak conditions for major townships in the Northern Territory. By applying a logistic regression model to meteorologic factors, including rainfall, a postestimation analysis of sensitivity and specificity can create rainfall cut-points. These rainfall cut-points indicate the rainfall level above which previous epidemic conditions have occurred. Furthermore, rainfall cut-points indirectly adjust for vertebrate host data from the agile wallaby (Macropus agilis) as the life cycle of the agile wallaby is intricately meshed with the wet season. Once generated, cut-points can thus be used prospectively to allow timely implementation of larval survey and control measures and public health warnings to preemptively reduce RRV disease incidence. Cut-points are location specific and have the capacity to replace previously used models, which require data management and input, and rarely provide timely notification for vector control requirements and public health warnings. These methods can be adapted for use elsewhere.

A Novel Mobile Testing Equipment for Rock Cuttability Assessment: Vertical Rock Cutting Rig (VRCR)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasar, Serdar; Yilmaz, Ali Osman

2017-04-01

In this study, a new mobile rock cutting testing apparatus was designed and produced for rock cuttability assessment called vertical rock cutting rig (VRCR) which was designed specially to fit into hydraulic press testing equipment which are available in almost every rock mechanics laboratory. Rock cutting trials were initiated just after the production of VRCR along with calibration of the measuring load cell with an external load cell to validate the recorded force data. Then, controlled rock cutting tests with both relieved and unrelieved cutting modes were implemented on five different volcanic rock samples with a standard simple-shaped wedge tool. Additionally, core cutting test which is an important approach for roadheader performance prediction was simulated with VRCR. Mini disc cutters and point attack tools were used for execution of experimental trials. Results clearly showed that rock cutting tests were successfully realized and measuring system is delicate to rock strength, cutting depth and other variables. Core cutting test was successfully simulated, and it was also shown that rock cutting tests with mini disc cutters and point attack tools are also successful with VRCR.

Crystal growth by Bridgman and Czochralski method of the ferromagnetic quantum critical material YbNi4P2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kliemt, K.; Krellner, C.

2016-09-01

The tetragonal YbNi4P2 is one of the rare examples of compounds that allow the investigation of a ferromagnetic quantum critical point. We report in detail on two different methods which have been used to grow YbNi4P2 single crystals from a self-flux. The first, a modified Bridgman method, using a closed crucible system yields needle-shaped single crystals oriented along the [001]-direction. The second method, the Czochralski growth from a levitating melt, yields large single crystals which can be cut in any desired orientation. With this crucible-free method, samples without flux inclusions and a resistivity ratio at 1.8 K of RR1.8K = 17 have been grown.

The Glittre-ADL Test Cut-Off Point to Discriminate Abnormal Functional Capacity in Patients with COPD.

PubMed

Gulart, Aline Almeida; Munari, Anelise Bauer; Klein, Suelen Roberta; Santos da Silveira, Lucas; Mayer, Anamaria Fleig

2018-02-01

The study objective was to determine a cut-off point for the Glittre activities of daily living (ADL)test (TGlittre) to discriminate patients with normal and abnormal functional capacity. Fifty-nine patients with moderate to very severe COPD (45 males; 65 ± 8.84 years; BMI: 26 ± 4.78 kg/m 2 ; FEV 1 : 35.3 ± 13.4% pred) were evaluated for spirometry, TGlittre, 6-minute walk test (6 MWT), physical ADL, modified Medical Research Council scale (mMRC), BODE index, Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and COPD Assessment Test (CAT). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the cut-off point for TGlittre in order to discriminate patients with 6 MWT < 82% pred. The ROC curve indicated a cut-off point of 3.5 minutes for the TGlittre (sensitivity = 92%, specificity = 83%, and area under the ROC curve = 0.95 [95% CI: 0.89-0.99]). Patients with abnormal functional capacity had higher mMRC (median difference 1 point), CAT (mean difference: 4.5 points), SGRQ (mean difference: 12.1 points), and BODE (1.37 points) scores, longer time of physical activity <1.5 metabolic equivalent of task (mean difference: 47.9 minutes) and in sitting position (mean difference: 59.4 minutes) and smaller number of steps (mean difference: 1,549 minutes); p < 0.05 for all. In conclusion, the cut-off point of 3.5 minutes in the TGlittre is sensitive and specific to distinguish COPD patients with abnormal and normal functional capacity.

Development of a computer method for predicting lumber cutting yields.

Treesearch

Daniel E. Dunmire; George H. Englerth

1967-01-01

A system of locating defects in a board by intersecting coordinate points was developed and a computer program devised that used these points to locate all possible clear areas in the board. The computer determined the yields by placing any given size or sizes of cuttings in these clear areas, and furthermore stated the type, location, and number of saw cuts. The...

Age-related differences in recommended anthropometric cut-off point validity to identify cardiovascular risk factors in ostensibly healthy women

PubMed Central

Björkelund, Cecilia; Guo, Xinxin; Skoog, Ingmar; Bosaeus, Ingvar; Lissner, Lauren

2014-01-01

Aim: To investigate validity of widely recommended anthropometric and total fat percentage cut-off points in screening for cardiovascular risk factors in women of different ages. Methods: A population-based sample of 1002 Swedish women aged 38, 50, 75 (younger, middle-aged and elderly, respectively) underwent anthropometry, health examinations and blood tests. Total fat was estimated (bioimpedance) in 670 women. Sensitivity, specificity of body mass index (BMI; ≥25 and ≥30), waist circumference (WC; ≥80 cm and ≥88 cm) and total fat percentage (TF; ≥35%) cut-off points for cardiovascular risk factors (dyslipidaemias, hypertension and hyperglycaemia) were calculated for each age. Cut-off points yielding high sensitivity together with modest specificity were considered valid. Women reporting hospital admission for cardiovascular disease were excluded. Results: The sensitivity of WC ≥80 cm for one or more risk factors was ~60% in younger and middle-aged women, and 80% in elderly women. The specificity of WC ≥80 cm for one or more risk factors was 69%, 57% and 40% at the three ages (p < .05 for age trends). WC ≥80 cm yielded ~80% sensitivity for two or more risk factors across all ages. However, specificity decreased with increasing age (p < .0001), being 33% in elderly. WC ≥88 cm provided better specificity in elderly women. BMI and TF % cut-off points were not better than WC. Conclusions: Validity of recommended anthropometric cut-off points in screening asymptomatic women varies with age. In younger and middle-age, WC ≥80 cm yielded high sensitivity and modest specificity for two or more risk factors, however, sensitivity for one or more risk factor was less than optimal. WC ≥88 cm showed better validity than WC ≥80 cm in elderly. Our results support age-specific screening cut-off points for women. PMID:25294689

Age-related differences in recommended anthropometric cut-off point validity to identify cardiovascular risk factors in ostensibly healthy women.

PubMed

Subramoney, Sreevidya; Björkelund, Cecilia; Guo, Xinxin; Skoog, Ingmar; Bosaeus, Ingvar; Lissner, Lauren

2014-12-01

To investigate validity of widely recommended anthropometric and total fat percentage cut-off points in screening for cardiovascular risk factors in women of different ages. A population-based sample of 1002 Swedish women aged 38, 50, 75 (younger, middle-aged and elderly, respectively) underwent anthropometry, health examinations and blood tests. Total fat was estimated (bioimpedance) in 670 women. Sensitivity, specificity of body mass index (BMI; ≥25 and ≥30), waist circumference (WC; ≥80 cm and ≥88 cm) and total fat percentage (TF; ≥35%) cut-off points for cardiovascular risk factors (dyslipidaemias, hypertension and hyperglycaemia) were calculated for each age. Cut-off points yielding high sensitivity together with modest specificity were considered valid. Women reporting hospital admission for cardiovascular disease were excluded. The sensitivity of WC ≥80 cm for one or more risk factors was ~60% in younger and middle-aged women, and 80% in elderly women. The specificity of WC ≥80 cm for one or more risk factors was 69%, 57% and 40% at the three ages (p < .05 for age trends). WC ≥80 cm yielded ~80% sensitivity for two or more risk factors across all ages. However, specificity decreased with increasing age (p < .0001), being 33% in elderly. WC ≥88 cm provided better specificity in elderly women. BMI and TF % cut-off points were not better than WC. Validity of recommended anthropometric cut-off points in screening asymptomatic women varies with age. In younger and middle-age, WC ≥80 cm yielded high sensitivity and modest specificity for two or more risk factors, however, sensitivity for one or more risk factor was less than optimal. WC ≥88 cm showed better validity than WC ≥80 cm in elderly. Our results support age-specific screening cut-off points for women. © 2014 the Nordic Societies of Public Health.

Diagnostic performance of HbA1c for diabetes in Arab vs. European populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Bertran, E A; Berlie, H D; Taylor, A; Divine, G; Jaber, L A

2017-02-01

To examine differences in the performance of HbA 1c for diagnosing diabetes in Arabs compared with Europeans. The PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library databases were searched for records published between 1998 and 2015. Estimates of sensitivity, specificity and log diagnostic odds ratios for an HbA 1c cut-point of 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) were compared between Arabs and Europeans, using a bivariate linear mixed-model approach. For studies reporting multiple cut-points, population-specific summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves were constructed. In addition, sensitivity, specificity and Youden Index were estimated for strata defined by HbA 1c cut-point and population type. Database searches yielded 1912 unique records; 618 full-text articles were reviewed. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria; hand-searching yielded three additional eligible studies. Three Arab (N = 2880) and 16 European populations (N = 49 127) were included in the analysis. Summary sensitivity and specificity for a HbA 1c cut-point of 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) in both populations were 42% (33-51%), and 97% (95-98%). There was no difference in area under SROC curves between Arab and European populations (0.844 vs. 0.847; P = 0.867), suggesting no difference in HbA 1c diagnostic accuracy between populations. Multiple cut-point summary estimates stratified by population suggest that Arabs have lower sensitivity and higher specificity at a HbA 1c cut-point of 44 mmol/mol (6.2%) compared with European populations. Estimates also suggest similar test performance at cut-points of 44 mmol/mol (6.2%) and 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) for Arabs. Given the low sensitivity of HbA 1c in the high-risk Arab American population, we recommend a combination of glucose-based and HbA 1c testing to ensure an accurate and timely diagnosis of diabetes. © 2016 Diabetes UK.

Cut-off Points for Muscle Mass - Not Grip Strength or Gait Speed - Determine Variations in Sarcopenia Prevalence.

PubMed

Masanés, F; Rojano I Luque, X; Salvà, A; Serra-Rexach, J A; Artaza, I; Formiga, F; Cuesta, F; López Soto, A; Ruiz, D; Cruz-Jentoft, A J

2017-01-01

The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) has proposed different methods and cut-off points for the three parameters that define sarcopenia: muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance. Although this facilitates clinical practice, it limits comparability between studies and leads to wide differences in published prevalence rates. The aim of this study was to assess how changes in cut-off points for muscle mass, gait speed and grip strength affected sarcopenia prevalence according to EWGSOP criteria. Cross-sectional analysis of elderly individuals recruited from outpatient clinics (n=298) and nursing homes (n=276). We measured muscle mass, grip strength and gait speed and assessed how changes in cut-off points changed sarcopenia prevalence in both populations. An increase from 5.45 kg/m2 to 6.68 kg/m2 in the muscle mass index for female outpatients and nursing-home residents increased sarcopenia prevalence from 4% to 23% and from 9% to 47%, respectively; for men, for an increase from 7.25 kg/m2 to 8.87 kg/m2, the corresponding increases were from 1% to 22% and from 6% to 41%, respectively. Changes in gait speed and grip strength had a limited impact on sarcopenia prevalence. The cut-off points used for muscle mass affect the reported prevalence rates for sarcopenia and, in turn, affect comparability between studies. The main factors influencing the magnitude of the change are muscle mass index distribution in the population and the absolute value of the cut-off points: the same difference between two references (e.g., 7.5 kg/m2 to 7.75 kg/m2 or 7.75 kg/m2 to 8 kg/m2) may produce different changes in prevalence. Changes in cut-off points for gait speed and grip strength had a limited impact on sarcopenia prevalence and on study comparability.

Investigating Clinically and Scientifically Useful Cut Points on the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory

PubMed Central

Miner, Michael H.; Raymond, Nancy; Coleman, Eli; Romine, Rebecca Swinburne

2017-01-01

Introduction One of the major obstacles to conducting epidemiological research and determining the incidence and prevalence of compulsive sexual behavior has been the lack of relevant, empirically derived cut points on the various instruments that have been used to measure the concept. Aim To further develop the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI) through exploring predictive validity and developing an empirically determined and clinically useful cut point for defining CSB. Methods A sample of 242 men who have sex with men was recruited from various sites in a moderate-size Midwestern city. Participants were assigned to a CSB group or a control group using an interview for the diagnosis that was patterned after the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. The 22-item CSBI was administered as part of a larger battery of self-report inventories. Main Outcome Measures ROC analyses were used to compute AUC measures to ascertain predictive validity of the total scale, the control subscale and the violence subscale. Cut-points were determined through consensus of experts balancing sensitivity and specificity as determined by ROC curves. Results Analyses indicated that the 22-item CSBI was a good predictor of group membership, as was the 13-item control subscale. The Violence subscale added little to the predictive accuracy of the instrument and thus, it likely measures something other than CSB. Two relevant cut points were found, one that minimized false negatives and another, more conservative cut-point that minimized false positives. Conclusion The CSBI as currently configured measures two different constructions and only the Control subscale is helpful in diagnosing CSB. We have, therefore, decided to eliminate the Violence subscale and move forward with a 13-item scale that we have named the CSBI-13. Two cut points were developed from this revised scale, one which is useful as a clinical screening and the other, more conservative measure useful for etiological and epidemiological research. PMID:28499521

Application of modified profile analysis to function testing of the motion/no-motion issue in an aircraft ground-handling simulation. [statistical analysis procedure for man machine systems flight simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parrish, R. V.; Mckissick, B. T.; Steinmetz, G. G.

1979-01-01

A recent modification of the methodology of profile analysis, which allows the testing for differences between two functions as a whole with a single test, rather than point by point with multiple tests is discussed. The modification is applied to the examination of the issue of motion/no motion conditions as shown by the lateral deviation curve as a function of engine cut speed of a piloted 737-100 simulator. The results of this application are presented along with those of more conventional statistical test procedures on the same simulator data.

Estimation of Saliva Cotinine Cut-Off Points for Active and Passive Smoking during Pregnancy—Polish Mother and Child Cohort (REPRO_PL)

PubMed Central

Polanska, Kinga; Krol, Anna; Kaluzny, Pawel; Ligocka, Danuta; Mikolajewska, Karolina; Shaheen, Seif; Walton, Robert; Hanke, Wojciech

2016-01-01

A reliable assessment of smoking status has significant public health implications and is essential for research purposes. The aim of this study was to determine optimal saliva cotinine cut-off values for smoking during pregnancy. The analyses were based on data from 1771 women from the Polish Mother and Child Cohort. Saliva cotinine concentrations were assessed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI + MS/MS). The saliva cotinine cut-off value for active smoking was established at 10 ng/mL (sensitivity 96%, specificity 95%) and for passive smoking at 1.5 ng/mL (sensitivity 63%, specificity 71%). About 5% of the self-reported non-smoking women were classified as smokers based on the cotinine cut-off value. Significantly more younger, single, and less educated self-reported non-smokers had a cotinine concentration higher than 10 ng/mL compared to those who were older, married, and who had a university degree. Close to 30% of the non-smokers who indicated that smoking was not allowed in their home could be classified as exposed to passive smoking based on the cut-off value. The study suggests that self-reported smoking status is a valid measure of active smoking, whereas in the case of passive smoking, a combination of questionnaire data and biomarker verification may be required. PMID:27941658

Categorization of low cardiorespiratory fitness using obesity indices in non-smoking Singaporean women.

PubMed

Pua, Yong-Hao; Lim, Cheng-Kuan; Ang, Adele

2006-11-01

To revisit cut-off values of BMI, waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-stature ratio (WSR) based on their association with cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). The derived cut-off points were compared with current values (BMI, 25.0 kg/m(2); WC, 80 cm) as recommended by the World Health Organization. Anthropometric indices were measured in a cross sectional study of 358 Singaporean female employees of a large tertiary hospital (63% Singaporean Chinese, 28% Malays, and 9% Indians). CRF was determined by the 1-mile walk test. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to determine cut-off points. The cut-off points for BMI, WC, and WSR were 23.6 kg/m(2), 75.3 cm, and 0.48, respectively. The areas under the curve of BMI, WC, and WSR were 0.68, 0.74, and 0.74, respectively. For a given BMI, women with low CRF had higher WSR compared with women with high CRF. These findings provide convergent evidence that the cut-off points for Singaporean women were lower than the World Health Organization's criteria but were in good agreement with those reported for Asians.

Identifying cut points for biomarker defined subset effects in clinical trials with survival endpoints.

PubMed

He, Pei

2014-07-01

The advancements in biotechnology and genetics lead to an increasing research interest in personalized medicine, where a patient's genetic profile or biological traits contribute to choosing the most effective treatment for the patient. The process starts with finding a specific biomarker among all possible candidates that can best predict the treatment effect. After a biomarker is chosen, identifying a cut point of the biomarker value that splits the patients into treatment effective and non-effective subgroups becomes an important scientific problem. Numerous methods have been proposed to validate the predictive marker and select the appropriate cut points either prospectively or retrospectively using clinical trial data. In trials with survival outcomes, the current practice applies an interaction testing procedure and chooses the cut point that minimizes the p-values for the tests. Such method assumes independence between the baseline hazard and biomarker value. In reality, however, this assumption is often violated, as the chosen biomarker might also be prognostic in addition to its predictive nature for treatment effect. In this paper we propose a block-wise estimation and a sequential testing approach to identify the cut point in biomarkers that can group the patients into subsets based on their distinct treatment outcomes without assuming independence between the biomarker and baseline hazard. Numerical results based on simulated survival data show that the proposed method could pinpoint accurately the cut points in biomarker values that separate the patient subpopulations into subgroups with distinctive treatment outcomes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ethnicity-specific obesity cut-points in the development of Type 2 diabetes – a prospective study including three ethnic groups in the United Kingdom

PubMed Central

Tillin, T; Sattar, N; Godsland, I F; Hughes, A D; Chaturvedi, N; Forouhi, N G

2015-01-01

Aims Conventional definitions of obesity, e.g. body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 or waist circumference cut-points of 102 cm (men) and 88 cm (women), may underestimate metabolic risk in non-Europeans. We prospectively identified equivalent ethnicity-specific obesity cut-points for the estimation of diabetes risk in British South Asians, African-Caribbeans and Europeans. Methods We studied a population-based cohort from London, UK (1356 Europeans, 842 South Asians, 335 African-Caribbeans) who were aged 40–69 years at baseline (1988–1991), when they underwent anthropometry, fasting and post-load (75 g oral glucose tolerance test) blood tests. Incident Type 2 diabetes was identified from primary care records, participant recall and/or follow-up biochemistry. Ethnicity-specific obesity cut-points in association with diabetes incidence were estimated using negative binomial regression. Results Diabetes incidence rates (per 1000 person years) at a median follow-up of 19 years were 20.8 (95% CI: 18.4, 23.6) and 12.0 (8.3, 17.2) in South Asian men and women, 16.5 (12.7, 21.4) and 17.5 (13.0, 23.7) in African-Caribbean men and women, and 7.4 (6.3, 8.7), and 7.2 (5.3, 9.8) in European men and women. For incidence rates equivalent to those at a BMI of 30 kg/m2 in European men and women, age- and sex-adjusted cut-points were: South Asians, 25.2 (23.4, 26.6) kg/m2; and African-Caribbeans, 27.2 (25.2, 28.6) kg/m2. For South Asian and African-Caribbean men, respectively, waist circumference cut-points of 90.4 (85.0, 94.5) and 90.6 (85.0, 94.5) cm were equivalent to a value of 102 cm in European men. Waist circumference cut-points of 84.0 (74.0, 90.0) cm in South Asian women and 81.2 (71.4, 87.4) cm in African-Caribbean women were equivalent to a value of 88 cm in European women. Conclusions In prospective analyses, British South Asians and African-Caribbeans had equivalent diabetes incidence rates at substantially lower obesity levels than the conventional European cut-points. PMID:25186015

Investigating Clinically and Scientifically Useful Cut Points on the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory.

PubMed

Miner, Michael H; Raymond, Nancy; Coleman, Eli; Swinburne Romine, Rebecca

2017-05-01

One of the major obstacles to conducting epidemiologic research and determining the incidence and prevalence of compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) has been the lack of relevant empirically derived cut points on the various instruments that have been used to measure the concept. To further develop the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI) through exploring predictive validity and developing an empirically determined and clinically useful cut point for defining CSB. A sample of 242 men who have sex with men was recruited from various sites in a moderate-size Midwestern city. Participants were assigned to a CSB group or a control group using an interview for the diagnosis that was patterned after the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. The 22-item CSBI was administered as part of a larger battery of self-report inventories. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to compute area-under-the-curve measurements to ascertain the predictive validity of the total scale, the control subscale, and the violence subscale. Cut points were determined through consensus of experts balancing sensitivity and specificity as determined by receiver operating characteristic curves. Analyses indicated that the 22-item CSBI was a good predictor of group membership, as was the 13-item control subscale. The violence subscale added little to the predictive accuracy of the instrument; thus, it likely measures something other than CSB. Two relevant cut points were found, one that minimized false negatives and another, more conservative cut point that minimized false positives. The CSBI as currently configured measures two different constructions and only the control subscale is helpful in diagnosing CSB. Therefore, we decided to eliminate the violence subscale and move forward with a 13-item scale that we have named the CSBI-13. Two cut points were developed from this revised scale, one that is useful as a clinical screening tool and the other, more conservative measurement that is useful for etiologic and epidemiologic research. Miner MH, Raymond N, Coleman E, Swinburne Romine R. Investigating Clinically and Scientifically Useful Cut Points on the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory. J Sex Med 2017;14:715-720. Copyright © 2017 International Society for Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Feature Relevance Assessment of Multispectral Airborne LIDAR Data for Tree Species Classification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amiri, N.; Heurich, M.; Krzystek, P.; Skidmore, A. K.

2018-04-01

The presented experiment investigates the potential of Multispectral Laser Scanning (MLS) point clouds for single tree species classification. The basic idea is to simulate a MLS sensor by combining two different Lidar sensors providing three different wavelngthes. The available data were acquired in the summer 2016 at the same date in a leaf-on condition with an average point density of 37 points/m2. For the purpose of classification, we segmented the combined 3D point clouds consisiting of three different spectral channels into 3D clusters using Normalized Cut segmentation approach. Then, we extracted four group of features from the 3D point cloud space. Once a varity of features has been extracted, we applied forward stepwise feature selection in order to reduce the number of irrelevant or redundant features. For the classification, we used multinomial logestic regression with L1 regularization. Our study is conducted using 586 ground measured single trees from 20 sample plots in the Bavarian Forest National Park, in Germany. Due to lack of reference data for some rare species, we focused on four classes of species. The results show an improvement between 4-10 pp for the tree species classification by using MLS data in comparison to a single wavelength based approach. A cross validated (15-fold) accuracy of 0.75 can be achieved when all feature sets from three different spectral channels are used. Our results cleary indicates that the use of MLS point clouds has great potential to improve detailed forest species mapping.

Spanish version of the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale-2 for early detection of Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment.

PubMed

Boycheva, Elina; Contador, Israel; Fernández-Calvo, Bernardino; Ramos-Campos, Francisco; Puertas-Martín, Verónica; Villarejo-Galende, Alberto; Bermejo-Pareja, Félix

2018-06-01

We aimed to analyse the clinical utility of the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (MDRS-2) for early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in a sample of Spanish older adults. A total of 125 participants (age = 75.12 ± 6.83, years of education =7.08 ± 3.57) were classified in three diagnostic groups: 45 patients with mild AD, 37 with amnestic MCI-single and multiple domain and 43 cognitively healthy controls (HCs). Reliability, criterion validity and diagnostic accuracy of the MDRS-2 (total and subscales) were analysed. The MDRS-2 scores, adjusted by socio-demographic characteristics, were calculated through hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The global scale had adequate reliability (α = 0.736) and good criterion validity (r = 0.760, p < .001) with the Mini-Mental State Examination. The optimal cut-off point between AD patients and HCs was 124 (sensitivity [Se] = 97% and specificity [Sp] = 95%), whereas 131 (Se = 89%, Sp = 81%) was the optimal cut-off point between MCI and HCs. An optimal cut-off point of 123 had good Se (0.97), but poor Sp (0.56) to differentiate AD and MCI groups. The Memory and Initiation/Perseveration subscales had the highest discriminative capacity between the groups. The MDRS-2 is a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of cognitive impairment in Spanish older adults. In particular, optimal capacity emerged for the detection of early AD and MCI. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Usefulness of a simple self-administered joint condition assessment sheet to predict the need for orthopaedic intervention in the management of haemophilic arthropathy.

PubMed

Masaoka, T; Amano, K; Takedani, H; Suzuki, T; Otaki, M; Seita, I; Tateiwa, T; Shishido, T; Yamamoto, K; Fukutake, K

2017-03-01

Detecting signs of joint deterioration is important for early effective orthopaedic intervention in managing haemophilic arthropathy. We developed a simple, patient self-administered sheet to evaluate the joint condition, and assessed the predictive ability of this assessment sheet for the need for an orthopaedic intervention. This was a single-centre, cross-sectional study. The association between the score of each of the four items of the assessment sheet (bleeding, swelling, pain and physical impairment) and the results of radiological findings and physical examinations based on Haemophilia Joint Health Score 2.1 was assessed. An optimal scoring system was explored by the area under the curve (AUC). The cut-off value for the need for surgery or physiotherapy was determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve procedure. Forty-two patients were included. The 'physical impairment' item showed the highest correlation coefficient with the results of radiographic and physical examinations (range: 0.57-0.76). The AUC of finally adjusted scoring indicates good ability to discriminate between patients with and without a need for orthopaedic intervention. The positive predictive value was the highest at a cut-off value of 4 points for knees (63.0%) and ankles (70.0%), at 5 points for elbows (66.7%) and the highest predictive accuracy at the cut-off value of 4 points for all the joints. The linear trend of the need for an orthopaedic intervention was observed with an increasing score. The joint condition assessment sheet can help clinicians assess the need for orthopaedic intervention for haemophilic arthropathy in Japanese patients with haemophilia. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

High frequency of discordance between antimüllerian hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in serum from estradiol-confirmed days 2 to 4 of the menstrual cycle from 5,354 women in U.S. fertility centers.

PubMed

Leader, Benjamin; Hegde, Aparna; Baca, Quentin; Stone, Kimberly; Lannon, Benjamin; Seifer, David B; Broekmans, Frank; Baker, Valerie L

2012-10-01

To determine the frequency of clinical discordance between antimüllerian hormone (AMH, ng/mL) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH, IU/L) by use of cut points defined by response to controlled ovarian stimulation in the same serum samples drawn on estradiol-confirmed, menstrual cycle days 2 to 4. Retrospective analysis. Fertility centers in 30 U.S. states and a single reference laboratory with uniform testing protocols. 5,354 women, 20 to 45 years of age. None. Frequency of discordance between serum AMH and FSH values. Of the 5,354 women tested, 1 in 5 had discordant AMH and FSH values defined as AMH <0.8 (concerning) with FSH <10 (reassuring) or AMH ≥ 0.8 (reassuring) with FSH ≥ 10 (concerning). Of the women with reassuring FSH values (n = 4,469), the concerning AMH values were found in 1 in 5 women in a highly age-dependent fashion, ranging from 1 in 11 women under 35 years of age to 1 in 3 women above 40 years of age. On the other hand, of the women with reassuring AMH values (n = 3,742), 1 in 18 had concerning FSH values, a frequency that did not vary in a statistically significant fashion by age. Clinical discordance in serum AMH and FSH values was frequent and age dependent using common clinical cut points, a large patient population, one reference laboratory, and uniform testing methodology. This conclusion is generalizable to women undergoing fertility evaluation, although AMH testing has not been standardized among laboratories, and the cut points presented are specific to the laboratory in this study. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Complications after LP related to needle type: pencil-point versus Quincke.

PubMed

Aamodt, A; Vedeler, C

2001-06-01

We studied the incidence of complications after diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP) related to needle type. A 5 months' observational study of routine diagnostic LP in 83 patients was conducted. Significantly more headache was observed after LP using thicker cutting needles (20G Quincke) compared with thinner cutting or non-cutting needles (22G Quincke or pencil-point). No significant difference in complications after LP was found between the 22G Quincke and pencil-point needles. The size of the needle and not the needle shape seems to be the main determinant for post-dural puncture headache (PDPH).

Association Between Aerobic Fitness And High Blood Pressure in Adolescents in Brazil: Evidence for Criterion-Referenced Cut-Points.

PubMed

Silva, Diego Augusto; Tremblay, Mark; Pelegrini, Andreia; Dos Santos Silva, Roberto Jeronimo; Cabral de Oliveira, Antonio Cesar; Petroski, Edio Luiz

2016-05-01

Criterion-referenced cut-points for health-related fitness measures are lacking. This study aimed to determine the associations between aerobic fitness and high blood pressure levels (HBP) to determine the cut-points that best predict HBP among adolescents. This cross-sectional school-based study with sample of 875 adolescents aged 14-19 years was conducted in southern Brazil. Aerobic fitness was assessed using the modified Canadian Aerobic Fitness Test (mCAFT). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured by the oscillometric method with a digital sphygmomanometer. Analyses controlled for sociodemographic variables, physical activity, body mass and biological maturation. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated that mCAFT measures could discriminate HBP in both sexes (female: AUC = 0.70; male: AUC = 0.63). The cut-points with the best discriminatory power for HBP were 32 mL·kg-1·min-1 for females and 40 mL·kg-1·min-1 for males. Females (OR = 8.4; 95% CI: 2.1, 33.7) and males (OR: 2.5; CI 95%: 1.2, 5.2) with low aerobic fitness levels were more likely to have HBP. mCAFT measures are inversely associated with BP and cut-points from ROC analyses have good discriminatory power for HBP.

Olfactory Impairment in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Using Threshold, Discrimination, and Identification Scores

PubMed Central

Kohli, Preeti; Storck, Kristina A.; Schlosser, Rodney J.

2016-01-01

Differences in testing modalities and cut-points used to define olfactory dysfunction contribute to the wide variability in estimating the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The aim of this study is to report the prevalence of olfactory impairment using each component of the Sniffin’ Sticks test (threshold, discrimination, identification, and total score) with age-adjusted and ideal cut-points from normative populations. Patients meeting diagnostic criteria for CRS were enrolled from rhinology clinics at a tertiary academic center. Olfaction was assessed using the Sniffin’ Sticks test. The study population consisted of 110 patients. The prevalence of normosmia, hyposmia, and anosmia using total Sniffin’ Sticks score was 41.8%, 20.0%, and 38.2% using age-appropriate cut-points and 20.9%, 40.9%, and 38.2% using ideal cut-points. Olfactory impairment estimates for each dimension mirrored these findings, with threshold yielding the highest values. Threshold, discrimination, and identification were also found to be significantly correlated to each other (P < 0.001). In addition, computed tomography scores, asthma, allergy, and diabetes were found to be associated with olfactory dysfunction. In conclusion, the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction is dependent upon olfactory dimension and if age-adjusted cut-points are used. The method of olfactory testing should be chosen based upon specific clinical and research goals. PMID:27469973

Fiber-matrix integrity, micromorphology and flexural strength of glass fiber posts: Evaluation of the impact of rotary instruments.

PubMed

Pereira, Gabriel Kalil Rocha; Lançanova, Mateus; Wandscher, Vinicius Felipe; Kaizer, Osvaldo Bazzan; Limberger, Inácio; Özcan, Mutlu; Valandro, Luiz Felipe

2015-08-01

Several rotary instruments have been daily employed on clinic to promote cut aiming to adjust the length of fiber posts to the radicular conduct, but there is no information on the literature about the effects of the different rotary instruments and its impact on the micromorphology of surface and mechanical properties of the glass fiber post. This study aimed the impact of rotary instruments upon fiber-matrix integrity, micromorphology and flexural-strength of glass-fiber posts (GFP). GFP (N=110) were divided into 5 groups: Ctrl: as-received posts, DBc: coarse diamond-bur, DBff: extra-fine diamond-bur, CB: carbide-bur, DD: diamond-disc. Cutting procedures were performed under abundant irrigation. Posts exposed to rotary instruments were then subjected to 2-point inclined loading test (compression 45°) (n=10/group) and 3-point flexural-strength test (n=10/group). Fiber-matrix integrity and micromorphology at the cut surface were analyzed using a SEM (n=2/group). Cutting procedures did not significantly affect the 2-point (51.7±4.3-56.7±5.1 MPa) (p=0.0233) and 3-point flexural-strength (671.5±35.3-709.1±33.1 MPa) (p=0.0968) of the posts (One-way ANOVA and Tukey׳s test). Fiber detachment was observed only at the end point of the cut at the margins of the post. Cut surfaces of the CB group were smoother than those of the other groups. After 3-point flexural strength test, fiber-matrix separation was evident at the tensile side of the post. Rotary instruments tested with simultaneous water-cooling did not affect the resistance of the tested fiber posts but caused disintegration of the fibers from the matrix at the end of the cut, located at the margins. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Deriving an optimal threshold of waist circumference for detecting cardiometabolic risk in sub-Saharan Africa.

PubMed

Ekoru, K; Murphy, G A V; Young, E H; Delisle, H; Jerome, C S; Assah, F; Longo-Mbenza, B; Nzambi, J P D; On'Kin, J B K; Buntix, F; Muyer, M C; Christensen, D L; Wesseh, C S; Sabir, A; Okafor, C; Gezawa, I D; Puepet, F; Enang, O; Raimi, T; Ohwovoriole, E; Oladapo, O O; Bovet, P; Mollentze, W; Unwin, N; Gray, W K; Walker, R; Agoudavi, K; Siziya, S; Chifamba, J; Njelekela, M; Fourie, C M; Kruger, S; Schutte, A E; Walsh, C; Gareta, D; Kamali, A; Seeley, J; Norris, S A; Crowther, N J; Pillay, D; Kaleebu, P; Motala, A A; Sandhu, M S

2017-10-03

Waist circumference (WC) thresholds derived from western populations continue to be used in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) despite increasing evidence of ethnic variation in the association between adiposity and cardiometabolic disease and availability of data from African populations. We aimed to derive a SSA-specific optimal WC cut-point for identifying individuals at increased cardiometabolic risk. We used individual level cross-sectional data on 24 181 participants aged ⩾15 years from 17 studies conducted between 1990 and 2014 in eight countries in SSA. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to derive optimal WC cut-points for detecting the presence of at least two components of metabolic syndrome (MS), excluding WC. The optimal WC cut-point was 81.2 cm (95% CI 78.5-83.8 cm) and 81.0 cm (95% CI 79.2-82.8 cm) for men and women, respectively, with comparable accuracy in men and women. Sensitivity was higher in women (64%, 95% CI 63-65) than in men (53%, 95% CI 51-55), and increased with the prevalence of obesity. Having WC above the derived cut-point was associated with a twofold probability of having at least two components of MS (age-adjusted odds ratio 2.6, 95% CI 2.4-2.9, for men and 2.2, 95% CI 2.0-2.3, for women). The optimal WC cut-point for identifying men at increased cardiometabolic risk is lower (⩾81.2 cm) than current guidelines (⩾94.0 cm) recommend, and similar to that in women in SSA. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these cut-points based on cardiometabolic outcomes.International Journal of Obesity advance online publication, 31 October 2017; doi:10.1038/ijo.2017.240.

Measurement of asthma control according to global initiative for asthma guidelines: a comparison with the asthma control questionnaire

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Introduction Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) is a validated tool to measure asthma control. Cut-off points that best discriminate “well-controlled” or “not well-controlled” asthma have been suggested from the analysis of a large randomized clinical trial but they may not be adequate for daily clinical practice. Aims To establish cut-off points of the ACQ that best discriminate the level of control according to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2006 guidelines in patients with asthma managed at Allergology and Pulmonology Departments as well as Primary Care Centers in Spain. Patients and methods An epidemiological descriptive study, with prospective data collection. Asthma control following GINA-2006 classification and 7-item ACQ was assessed. The study population was split in two parts: 2/3 for finding the cut-off points (development population) and 1/3 for validating the results (validation population). Results A total of 1,363 stable asthmatic patients were included (mean age 38 ± 14 years, 60.3% women; 69.1% non-smokers). Patient classification according to GINA-defined asthma control was: controlled 13.6%, partially controlled 34.2%, and uncontrolled 52.3%. The ACQ cut-off points that better agreed with GINA-defined asthma control categories were calculated using receiver operating curves (ROC). The analysis showed that ACQ < 0.5 was the optimal cut-off point for “controlled asthma” (sensitivity 74.1%, specificity 77.5%) and 1.00 for “uncontrolled asthma” (sensitivity 73%, specificity 88.2%). Kappa index between GINA categories and ACQ was 0.62 (p < 0.001). Conclusion The ACQ cut-off points associated with GINA-defined asthma control in a real-life setting were <0.5 for controlled asthma and ≥1 for uncontrolled asthma. PMID:22726416

Reassessing the NTCTCS Staging Systems for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer, Including Age at Diagnosis

PubMed Central

McLeod, Donald S.A.; Jonklaas, Jacqueline; Brierley, James D.; Ain, Kenneth B.; Cooper, David S.; Fein, Henry G.; Haugen, Bryan R.; Ladenson, Paul W.; Magner, James; Ross, Douglas S.; Skarulis, Monica C.; Steward, David L.; Xing, Mingzhao; Litofsky, Danielle R.; Maxon, Harry R.

2015-01-01

Background: Thyroid cancer is unique for having age as a staging variable. Recently, the commonly used age cut-point of 45 years has been questioned. Objective: This study assessed alternate staging systems on the outcome of overall survival, and compared these with current National Thyroid Cancer Treatment Cooperative Study (NTCTCS) staging systems for papillary and follicular thyroid cancer. Methods: A total of 4721 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer were assessed. Five potential alternate staging systems were generated at age cut-points in five-year increments from 35 to 70 years, and tested for model discrimination (Harrell's C-statistic) and calibration (R2). The best five models for papillary and follicular cancer were further tested with bootstrap resampling and significance testing for discrimination. Results: The best five alternate papillary cancer systems had age cut-points of 45–50 years, with the highest scoring model using 50 years. No significant difference in C-statistic was found between the best alternate and current NTCTCS systems (p = 0.200). The best five alternate follicular cancer systems had age cut-points of 50–55 years, with the highest scoring model using 50 years. All five best alternate staging systems performed better compared with the current system (p = 0.003–0.035). There was no significant difference in discrimination between the best alternate system (cut-point age 50 years) and the best system of cut-point age 45 years (p = 0.197). Conclusions: No alternate papillary cancer systems assessed were significantly better than the current system. New alternate staging systems for follicular cancer appear to be better than the current NTCTCS system, although they require external validation. PMID:26203804

[Validation of cut points of skeletal muscle mass index for identifying sarcopenia in Chilean older people].

PubMed

Lera, Lydia; Ángel, Bárbara; Sánchez, Hugo; Picrin, Yaisy; Hormazabal, María José; Quiero, Andrea; Albala, Cecilia

2014-09-28

To estimate and validate cut-off points of skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) in Chilean population, for using in an algorithm for a diagnosis of sarcopenia developed by European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP). Secondary analysis of Cross-sectional data in 440 Chilean older subjects to estimate cut-off points of SMI determined by DEXA and predicted by an anthropometric equation. Afterward a cross-sectional validation in a sample of 164 older people was performed. Anthropometric measures, self-reported health status, physical performance tests and DEXA were carried out. Decreased muscle strength was defined as handgrip strength <15 kg in women and <27 kg in male. Cut-off points of SMI were defined as values under 20th percentile for DEXA measures and estimated through ROC curves for the anthropometric model. Biological validity of the algorithm was tested by contrasting the diagnosis with physical performance tests and functionality. Cut-off points of SMI obtained by DEXA were 7.19 kg/m² in men and 5.77 kg/m² in women and 7.45 kg/ m² and 5.88 kg/m², respectively for the predicted by the model. Sensibility and specificity of estimations vs DEXA measures were 80% and 92% in men and 77% and 89% in women. We obtained cut-off points of SMI for DEXA and for a prediction equation for older adults Chilean, with good sensibility and specificity for the measurement by DEXA. It will allow to apply the EWGSOP algorithm to the early diagnosis of sarcopenia and to develop programs for prevention, delay or reversion this syndrome. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Are the QRS duration and ST depression cut-points from the Seattle criteria too conservative?

PubMed

Dunn, Tim; Abdelfattah, Ramy; Aggarwal, Sonya; Pickham, David; Hadley, David; Froelicher, Victor

2015-01-01

Screening athletes with ECGs is aimed at identifying "at-risk" individuals who may have a cardiac condition predisposing them to sudden cardiac death. The Seattle criteria highlight QRS duration greater than 140 ms and ST segment depression in two or more leads greater than 50 μV as two abnormal ECG patterns associated with sudden cardiac death. High school, college, and professional athletes underwent 12 lead ECGs as part of routine pre-participation physicals. Prevalence of prolonged QRS duration was measured using cut-points of 120, 125, 130, and 140 ms. ST segment depression was measured in all leads except leads III, aVR, and V1 with cut-points of 25 μV and 50 μV. Between June 2010 and November 2013, 1595 participants including 297 (167 male, mean age 16.2) high school athletes, 1016 (541 male, mean age 18.8) college athletes, and 282 (mean age 26.6) male professional athletes underwent screening with an ECG. Only 3 athletes (0.2%) had a QRS duration greater than 125 ms. ST segment depression in two or more leads greater than 50 μV was uncommon (0.8%), while the prevalence of ST segment depression in two or more leads increased to 4.5% with a cut-point of 25 μV. Changing the QRS duration cut-point to 125 ms would increase the sensitivity of the screening ECG, without a significant increase in false-positives. However, changing the ST segment depression cut-point to 25 μV would lead to a significant increase in false-positives and would therefore not be justified. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Categorical analysis of the impact of aerobic and resistance exercise training, alone and in combination, on cardiorespiratory fitness levels in patients with type 2 diabetes: results from the HART-D study.

PubMed

Johannsen, Neil M; Swift, Damon L; Lavie, Carl J; Earnest, Conrad P; Blair, Steven N; Church, Timothy S

2013-10-01

Low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Age-predicted, sex-stratified, and maximal MET cut points have been developed to determine the risk of CVD events and mortality in low CRF categories. We examined the proportion of Health Benefits of Aerobic and Resistance Training in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes (HART-D) participants above these cut points before and after 9 months of aerobic training (AT), resistance training (RT), or a combination of both (ATRT). Participants from the HART-D study (n=196) who were randomly assigned to exercise training (AT, RT, or ATRT) or to a nonexercise control group between April 2007 and August 2009 were used in this ancillary study. Cut points were previously established for age-predicted METs (>100% and >85%, mean and increased CVD risk, respectively), age- and sex-stratified METs (Aerobic Center Longitudinal Study), and clinically discernible METs (men>8.0, women>6.5). Baseline prevalence of participants above these cut points was similar for all intervention groups (P>0.50) and ranged from 11.9% (>100% age predicted) to 55.1% (>85% age predicted). Baseline prevalence and age-, sex-, and race/ethnic group-adjusted percentage of participants above each cut point increased significantly after AT and ATRT (P<0.05 for all). Structured exercise training, especially the AT component, was associated with a greater number of participants moving above established cut points indicative of low CRF. These results have public health and clinical implications for the growing number of patients with type 2 diabetes at high risk for CVD.

Measurement of asthma control according to Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines: a comparison with the Asthma Control Questionnaire.

PubMed

Olaguibel, José María; Quirce, Santiago; Juliá, Berta; Fernández, Cristina; Fortuna, Ana María; Molina, Jesús; Plaza, Vicente

2012-06-22

Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) is a validated tool to measure asthma control. Cut-off points that best discriminate "well-controlled" or "not well-controlled" asthma have been suggested from the analysis of a large randomized clinical trial but they may not be adequate for daily clinical practice. To establish cut-off points of the ACQ that best discriminate the level of control according to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2006 guidelines in patients with asthma managed at Allergology and Pulmonology Departments as well as Primary Care Centers in Spain. An epidemiological descriptive study, with prospective data collection. Asthma control following GINA-2006 classification and 7-item ACQ was assessed. The study population was split in two parts: 2/3 for finding the cut-off points (development population) and 1/3 for validating the results (validation population). A total of 1,363 stable asthmatic patients were included (mean age 38 ± 14 years, 60.3% women; 69.1% non-smokers). Patient classification according to GINA-defined asthma control was: controlled 13.6%, partially controlled 34.2%, and uncontrolled 52.3%. The ACQ cut-off points that better agreed with GINA-defined asthma control categories were calculated using receiver operating curves (ROC). The analysis showed that ACQ < 0.5 was the optimal cut-off point for "controlled asthma" (sensitivity 74.1%, specificity 77.5%) and 1.00 for "uncontrolled asthma" (sensitivity 73%, specificity 88.2%). Kappa index between GINA categories and ACQ was 0.62 (p < 0.001). The ACQ cut-off points associated with GINA-defined asthma control in a real-life setting were <0.5 for controlled asthma and ≥1 for uncontrolled asthma.

Validation of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test in university students: AUDIT and AUDIT-C.

PubMed

García Carretero, Miguel Ángel; Novalbos Ruiz, José Pedro; Martínez Delgado, José Manuel; O'Ferrall González, Cristina

2016-03-02

The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT and AUDIT-C) in order to detect problems related to the consumption of alcohol in the university population. The sample consisted of 1309 students.A Weekly Alcohol Consumption Diary was used as a gold standard; Cronbach's Alpha, the Kappa index, Spearman's correlation coefficient and exploratory factor analysis were applied for diagnostic reliability and validity, with ROC curves used to establish the different cut-off points. Binge Drinking (BD) episodes were found in 3.9% of men and 4.0% of women with otherwise low-risk drinking patterns. AUDIT identified 20.1% as high-risk drinkers and 6.4% as drinkers with physical-psychological problems and probable alcohol dependence.Cronbach's alpha of 0.75 demonstrates good internal consistency. The best cut-off points for high-risk drinking students were 8 for males and 6 for females. As for problem drinkers and probable ADS, 13 was the best cut-off point for both sexes. In relation to AUDIT-C, 5 and 4 were the best cut-off points for males and females with high-risk patterns, respectively. The criterion validity of AUDIT and AUDIT-C to detect binge drinking episodes was found to have a moderate K value. The results obtained show that AUDIT has good psychometric properties to detect early alcohol abuse disorders in university students; however, it is recommended that the cut-off point be reduced to 8 in men. AUDIT-C improves its predictive value by raising the cut-off point by one unit. Items 2 and 3 should be reviewed to increase its predictive value for BD.

Calibration of GENEActiv accelerometer wrist cut-points for the assessment of physical activity intensity of preschool aged children.

PubMed

Roscoe, Clare M P; James, Rob S; Duncan, Michael J

2017-08-01

This study sought to validate cut-points for use of wrist-worn GENEActiv accelerometer data, to analyse preschool children's (4 to 5 year olds) physical activity (PA) levels via calibration with oxygen consumption values (VO 2 ). This was a laboratory-based calibration study. Twenty-one preschool children, aged 4.7 ± 0.5 years old, completed six activities (ranging from lying supine to running) whilst wearing the GENEActiv accelerometers at two locations (left and right wrist), these being the participants' non-dominant and dominant wrist, and a Cortex face mask for gas analysis. VO 2 data was used for the assessment of criterion validity. Location specific activity intensity cut-points were established via receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. The GENEActiv accelerometers, irrespective of their location, accurately discriminated between all PA intensities (sedentary, light, and moderate and above), with the dominant wrist monitor providing a slightly more precise discrimination at light PA and the non-dominant at the sedentary behaviour and moderate and above intensity levels (area under the curve (AUC) for non-dominant = 0.749-0.993, compared to AUC dominant = 0.760-0.988). This study establishes wrist-worn physical activity cut-points for the GENEActiv accelerometer in preschoolers. What is Known: • GENEActiv accelerometers have been validated as a PA measurement tool in adolescents and adults. • No study to date has validated the GENEActiv accelerometers in preschoolers. What is New: • Cut-points were determined for the wrist-worn GENEActiv accelerometer in preschoolers. • These cut-points can be used in future research to help classify and increase preschoolers' compliance rates with PA.

3D sensing for machine guidance in meat cutting applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daley, Wayne; Britton, Doug; Usher, Colin; Diao, Mamadou; Ruffin, Kevin

2005-11-01

Most cutting and deboning operations in meat processing require accurate cuts be made to obtain maximum yield and ensure food safety. This is a significant concern for purveyors of deboned product. This task is made more difficult by the variability that is present in most natural products. The specific application of interest in this paper is the production of deboned poultry breast. This is typically obtained from a cut of the broiler called a 'front half' that includes the breast and the wings. The deboning operation typically consists of a cut that starts at the shoulder joint and then continues along the scapula. Attentive humans with training do a very good job of making this cut. The breast meat is then removed by pulling on the wings. Inaccurate cuts lead to poor yield (amount of boneless meat obtained relative to the weight of the whole carcass) and increase the probability that bone fragments might end up in the product. As equipment designers seek to automate the deboning operation, the cutting task has been a significant obstacle to developing automation that maximizes yield without generating unacceptable levels of bone fragments. The current solution is to sort the bone-in product into different weight ranges and then to adjust the deboning machines to the average of these weight ranges. We propose an approach for obtaining key cut points by extrapolation from external reference points based on the anatomy of the bird. We show that this approach can be implemented using a stereo imaging system, and the accuracy in locating the cut points of interest is significantly improved. This should result in more accurate cuts and with this concomitantly improved yield while reducing the incidence of bones. We also believe the approach could be extended to the processing of other species.

Is the present cut-point to define type 2 diabetes appropriate in Latin-Americans?

PubMed Central

López-Jaramillo, Patricio; Velandia-Carrillo, Carlos; Gómez-Arbeláez, Diego; Aldana-Campos, Martin

2014-01-01

The diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) is based either on increased plasma glucose or Glycated hemoglobin levels. Since these measures are the only means for diagnosis of DM2, they must be well adapted to each population according to their metabolic characteristics, given that these may vary in each population. The World Health Organization (WHO) determined the cut-points of plasma glucose levels for the diagnosis of DM2 by associating hyperglycemia with the risk of a specific microvascular complication-retinopathy. Cardiovascular diseases are however the principal causes of mortality in patients with DM2 and we reported that in the Colombo-Ecuadorian population impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance are both risk markers for myocardial infarction. We propose that the current cut-points accepted by the WHO need to be revaluated in populations such as Latin America and that there should be lower cut points for glycaemia in this population, to reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular complications associated with DM2. PMID:25512777

Establishing a standard definition for child overweight and obesity worldwide: international survey

PubMed Central

Cole, Tim J; Bellizzi, Mary C; Flegal, Katherine M; Dietz, William H

2000-01-01

Objective To develop an internationally acceptable definition of child overweight and obesity, specifying the measurement, the reference population, and the age and sex specific cut off points. Design International survey of six large nationally representative cross sectional growth studies. Setting Brazil, Great Britain, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Singapore, and the United States. Subjects 97 876 males and 94 851 females from birth to 25 years of age. Main outcome measure Body mass index (weight/height2). Results For each of the surveys, centile curves were drawn that at age 18 years passed through the widely used cut off points of 25 and 30 kg/m2 for adult overweight and obesity. The resulting curves were averaged to provide age and sex specific cut off points from 2-18 years. Conclusions The proposed cut off points, which are less arbitrary and more internationally based than current alternatives, should help to provide internationally comparable prevalence rates of overweight and obesity in children. PMID:10797032

Method and apparatus for automatically tracking a workpiece surface. [Patents

DOEpatents

Not Available

1981-02-03

Laser cutting concepts and apparatus have been developed for cutting the shroud of the core fuel subassemblies. However, much care must be taken in the accuracy of the cutting since the fuel rods within the shroud often become warped and are forced into direct contact with the shroud in random regions. Thus, in order to cut the nuclear fuel rod shroud accurately so as not to puncture the cladding of the fuel rods, and to insure optimal cutting efficiency and performance, the focal point of beam need be maintained accurately at the workpiece surface. It becomes necessary to detect deviations in the level of the workpiece surface accurately in connection with the cutting process. Therefore, a method and apparatus for tracking the surface of a workpiece being cut by a laser beam coming from a focus head assembly is disclosed which includes two collimated laser beams directed onto the work-piece surface at spaced points by beam directing optics in generally parallel planes of incidence. A shift in spacing between the two points is detected by means of a video camera system and processed by a computer to yield a workpiece surface displacement signal which is input to a motor which raises or lowers the beam focus head accordingly.

Oxygen diffusion in alpha-Al2O3. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cawley, J. D.; Halloran, J. W.; Cooper, A. R.

1984-01-01

Oxygen self diffusion coefficients were determined in single crystal alpha-Al2O3 using the gas exchange technique. The samples were semi-infinite slabs cut from five different boules with varying background impurities. The diffusion direction was parallel to the c-axis. The tracer profiles were determined by two techniques, single spectrum proton activation and secondary ion mass spectrometry. The SIMS proved to be a more useful tool. The determined diffusion coefficients, which were insensitive to impurity levels and oxygen partial pressure, could be described by D = .00151 exp (-572kJ/RT) sq m/s. The insensitivities are discussed in terms of point defect clustering. Two independent models are consistent with the findings, the first considers the clusters as immobile point defect traps which buffer changes in the defect chemistry. The second considers clusters to be mobile and oxygen diffusion to be intrinsic behavior, the mechanism for oxygen transport involving neutral clusters of Schottky quintuplets.

On the analysis of the double Hopf bifurcation in machining processes via centre manifold reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molnar, T. G.; Dombovari, Z.; Insperger, T.; Stepan, G.

2017-11-01

The single-degree-of-freedom model of orthogonal cutting is investigated to study machine tool vibrations in the vicinity of a double Hopf bifurcation point. Centre manifold reduction and normal form calculations are performed to investigate the long-term dynamics of the cutting process. The normal form of the four-dimensional centre subsystem is derived analytically, and the possible topologies in the infinite-dimensional phase space of the system are revealed. It is shown that bistable parameter regions exist where unstable periodic and, in certain cases, unstable quasi-periodic motions coexist with the equilibrium. Taking into account the non-smoothness caused by loss of contact between the tool and the workpiece, the boundary of the bistable region is also derived analytically. The results are verified by numerical continuation. The possibility of (transient) chaotic motions in the global non-smooth dynamics is shown.

Fibers comprised of epitaxially grown single-wall carbon nanotubes, and a method for added catalyst and continuous growth at the tip

DOEpatents

Kittrell, W. Carter; Wang, Yuhuang; Kim, Myung Jong; Hauge, Robert H.; Smalley, Richard E.; Marek leg, Irene Morin

2010-06-01

The present invention is directed to fibers of epitaxially grown single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and methods of making same. Such methods generally comprise the steps of: (a) providing a spun SWNT fiber; (b) cutting the fiber substantially perpendicular to the fiber axis to yield a cut fiber; (c) etching the cut fiber at its end with a plasma to yield an etched cut fiber; (d) depositing metal catalyst on the etched cut fiber end to form a continuous SWNT fiber precursor; and (e) introducing feedstock gases under SWNT growth conditions to grow the continuous SWNT fiber precursor into a continuous SWNT fiber.

A cross-sectional study of the individual, social, and built environmental correlates of pedometer-based physical activity among elementary school children.

PubMed

McCormack, Gavin R; Giles-Corti, Billie; Timperio, Anna; Wood, Georgina; Villanueva, Karen

2011-04-12

Children who participate in regular physical activity obtain health benefits. Preliminary pedometer-based cut-points representing sufficient levels of physical activity among youth have been established; however limited evidence regarding correlates of achieving these cut-points exists. The purpose of this study was to identify correlates of pedometer-based cut-points among elementary school-aged children. A cross-section of children in grades 5-7 (10-12 years of age) were randomly selected from the most (n = 13) and least (n = 12) 'walkable' public elementary schools (Perth, Western Australia), stratified by socioeconomic status. Children (n = 1480; response rate = 56.6%) and parents (n = 1332; response rate = 88.8%) completed a survey, and steps were collected from children using pedometers. Pedometer data were categorized to reflect the sex-specific pedometer-based cut-points of ≥15000 steps/day for boys and ≥12000 steps/day for girls. Associations between socio-demographic characteristics, sedentary and active leisure-time behavior, independent mobility, active transportation and built environmental variables - collected from the child and parent surveys - and meeting pedometer-based cut-points were estimated (odds ratios: OR) using generalized estimating equations. Overall 927 children participated in all components of the study and provided complete data. On average, children took 11407 ± 3136 steps/day (boys: 12270 ± 3350 vs. girls: 10681 ± 2745 steps/day; p < 0.001) and 25.9% (boys: 19.1 vs. girls: 31.6%; p < 0.001) achieved the pedometer-based cut-points.After adjusting for all other variables and school clustering, meeting the pedometer-based cut-points was negatively associated (p < 0.05) with being male (OR = 0.42), parent self-reported number of different destinations in the neighborhood (OR 0.93), and a friend's (OR 0.62) or relative's (OR 0.44, boys only) house being at least a 10-minute walk from home. Achieving the pedometer-based cut-points was positively associated with participating in screen-time < 2 hours/day (OR 1.88), not being driven to school (OR 1.48), attending a school located in a high SES neighborhood (OR 1.33), the average number of steps among children within the respondent's grade (for each 500 step/day increase: OR 1.29), and living further than a 10-minute walk from a relative's house (OR 1.69, girls only). Comprehensive multi-level interventions that reduce screen-time, encourage active travel to/from school and foster a physically active classroom culture might encourage more physical activity among children.

A cross-sectional study of the individual, social, and built environmental correlates of pedometer-based physical activity among elementary school children

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Children who participate in regular physical activity obtain health benefits. Preliminary pedometer-based cut-points representing sufficient levels of physical activity among youth have been established; however limited evidence regarding correlates of achieving these cut-points exists. The purpose of this study was to identify correlates of pedometer-based cut-points among elementary school-aged children. Method A cross-section of children in grades 5-7 (10-12 years of age) were randomly selected from the most (n = 13) and least (n = 12) 'walkable' public elementary schools (Perth, Western Australia), stratified by socioeconomic status. Children (n = 1480; response rate = 56.6%) and parents (n = 1332; response rate = 88.8%) completed a survey, and steps were collected from children using pedometers. Pedometer data were categorized to reflect the sex-specific pedometer-based cut-points of ≥15000 steps/day for boys and ≥12000 steps/day for girls. Associations between socio-demographic characteristics, sedentary and active leisure-time behavior, independent mobility, active transportation and built environmental variables - collected from the child and parent surveys - and meeting pedometer-based cut-points were estimated (odds ratios: OR) using generalized estimating equations. Results Overall 927 children participated in all components of the study and provided complete data. On average, children took 11407 ± 3136 steps/day (boys: 12270 ± 3350 vs. girls: 10681 ± 2745 steps/day; p < 0.001) and 25.9% (boys: 19.1 vs. girls: 31.6%; p < 0.001) achieved the pedometer-based cut-points. After adjusting for all other variables and school clustering, meeting the pedometer-based cut-points was negatively associated (p < 0.05) with being male (OR = 0.42), parent self-reported number of different destinations in the neighborhood (OR 0.93), and a friend's (OR 0.62) or relative's (OR 0.44, boys only) house being at least a 10-minute walk from home. Achieving the pedometer-based cut-points was positively associated with participating in screen-time < 2 hours/day (OR 1.88), not being driven to school (OR 1.48), attending a school located in a high SES neighborhood (OR 1.33), the average number of steps among children within the respondent's grade (for each 500 step/day increase: OR 1.29), and living further than a 10-minute walk from a relative's house (OR 1.69, girls only). Conclusions Comprehensive multi-level interventions that reduce screen-time, encourage active travel to/from school and foster a physically active classroom culture might encourage more physical activity among children. PMID:21486475

Response of feline intradental nerve fibers to tooth cutting by Er:YAG laser.

PubMed

Chaiyavej, S; Yamamoto, H; Takeda, A; Suda, H

2000-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the response of intradental A- and C-fibers during tooth cutting by Er:YAG laser. Bipolar electrical stimulation was applied to the cat's canine to identify functional single nerve fibers of the inferior alveolar nerve. The tip of the canine tooth was cut in 0.5-mm steps until the pulp was exposed. Teeth were alternately cut by using Er:YAG laser (50 mJ, 5 pps) and micromotor under water cooling. The nerve response recorded from the single nerve fibers during laser cutting was compared with that during micromotor cutting. All 26 A-fibers responded to laser cutting with high frequency of nerve firings. The nerve firing rate was significantly higher during laser cutting compared with that during micromotor cutting of superficial dentin (Chi(2) test, P < 0.05) but was not significantly different at deep dentin (P > or = 0. 05). Nine of 11 C-fibers responded to laser cutting when the deep dentin was cut. Among those nine nerve fibers, three also showed a low frequency response to laser cutting of the superficial dentin. During the tooth cutting, Er:YAG laser was more effective in activating intradental A-fibers compared with micromotor and also caused the activation of intradental C-fibers. Copyright 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A Novel Haptic Interactive Approach to Simulation of Surgery Cutting Based on Mesh and Meshless Models

PubMed Central

Liu, Peter X.; Lai, Pinhua; Xu, Shaoping; Zou, Yanni

2018-01-01

In the present work, the majority of implemented virtual surgery simulation systems have been based on either a mesh or meshless strategy with regard to soft tissue modelling. To take full advantage of the mesh and meshless models, a novel coupled soft tissue cutting model is proposed. Specifically, the reconstructed virtual soft tissue consists of two essential components. One is associated with surface mesh that is convenient for surface rendering and the other with internal meshless point elements that is used to calculate the force feedback during cutting. To combine two components in a seamless way, virtual points are introduced. During the simulation of cutting, the Bezier curve is used to characterize smooth and vivid incision on the surface mesh. At the same time, the deformation of internal soft tissue caused by cutting operation can be treated as displacements of the internal point elements. Furthermore, we discussed and proved the stability and convergence of the proposed approach theoretically. The real biomechanical tests verified the validity of the introduced model. And the simulation experiments show that the proposed approach offers high computational efficiency and good visual effect, enabling cutting of soft tissue with high stability. PMID:29850006

Lumped Parameter experiments for Single Mode Fiber Laser Cutting of Thin Stainless Steel Plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Shengying; Jia, Ye; Han, Bing; Wang, Jun; Liu, Zongkai; Ni, Xiaowu; Shen, Zhonghua; Lu, Jian

2017-06-01

The present work reports the parameters on laser cutting stainless steel including workpiece thickness, cutting speed, defocus length and assisting gas pressure. The cutting kerf width, dross attachment and cut edge squareness deviation are examined to provide information on cutting quality. The results show that with the increasing thickness, the cutting speed decrease rate is about 27%. The optimal ranges of cutting speed, defocus length and gas pressure are obtained with maximum quality. The first section in your paper

The New AASM Criteria for Scoring Hypopneas: Impact on the Apnea Hypopnea Index

PubMed Central

Ruehland, Warren R.; Rochford, Peter D.; O'Donoghue, Fergal J.; Pierce, Robert J.; Singh, Parmjit; Thornton, Andrew T.

2009-01-01

Study Objectives: To compare apnea-hypopnea indices (AHIs) derived using 3 standard hypopnea definitions published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM); and to examine the impact of hypopnea definition differences on the measured prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Design: Retrospective review of previously scored in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG). Setting: Two tertiary-hospital clinical sleep laboratories. Patients or Participants: 328 consecutive patients investigated for OSA during a 3-month period. Interventions: N/A Measurements and Results: AHIs were originally calculated using previous AASM hypopnea scoring criteria (AHIChicago), requiring either > 50% airflow reduction or a lesser airflow reduction with associated > 3% oxygen desaturation or arousal. AHIs using the “recommended” (AHIRec) and the “alternative” (AHIAlt) hypopnea definitions of the AASM Manual for Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events were then derived in separate passes of the previously scored data. In this process, hypopneas that did not satisfy the stricter hypopnea definition criteria were removed. For AHIRec, hypopneas were required to have ≥ 30% airflow reduction and ≥ 4% desaturation; and for AHIAlt, hypopneas were required to have ≥ 50% airflow reduction and ≥ 3% desaturation or arousal. The median AHIRec was approximately 30% of the median AHIChicago, whereas the median AHIAlt was approximately 60% of the AHIChicago, with large, AHI-dependent, patient-specific differences observed. Equivalent cut-points for AHIRec and AHIAlt compared to AHIChicago cut-points of 5, 15, and 30/h were established with receiver operator curves (ROC). These cut-points were also approximately 30% of AHIChicago using AHIRec and 60% of AHIChicago using AHIAlt. Failure to adjust cut-points for the new criteria would result in approximately 40% of patients previously classified as positive for OSA using AHIChicago being negative using AHIRec and 25% being negative using AHIAlt. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that using different published standard hypopnea definitions leads to marked differences in AHI. These results provide insight to clinicians and researchers in interpreting results obtained using different published standard hypopnea definitions, and they suggest that consideration should be given to revising the current scoring recommendations to include a single standardized hypopnea definition. Citation: Ruehland WR; Rochford PD; O'Donoghue FJ; Pierce RJ; Singh P; Thornton AT. The new AASM criteria for scoring hypopneas: Impact on the apnea hypopnea index. SLEEP 2009;32(2):150–157. PMID:19238801

49 CFR 234.237 - Reverse switch cut-out circuit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Reverse switch cut-out circuit. 234.237 Section....237 Reverse switch cut-out circuit. A switch, when equipped with a switch circuit controller connected... warning system can only be cut out when the switch point is within one-half inch of full reverse position. ...

49 CFR 234.237 - Reverse switch cut-out circuit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Reverse switch cut-out circuit. 234.237 Section....237 Reverse switch cut-out circuit. A switch, when equipped with a switch circuit controller connected... warning system can only be cut out when the switch point is within one-half inch of full reverse position. ...

49 CFR 234.237 - Reverse switch cut-out circuit.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Reverse switch cut-out circuit. 234.237 Section....237 Reverse switch cut-out circuit. A switch, when equipped with a switch circuit controller connected... warning system can only be cut out when the switch point is within one-half inch of full reverse position. ...

Lathe leveler

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

Lovelady, III, Michael W.J.

A lathe leveler for centering a cutting tool in relation to a cylindrical work piece includes a first leveling arm having a first contact point disposed adjacent a distal end of the first leveling arm, a second leveling arm having a second contact point disposed adjacent a distal end of the second leveling arm, a leveling gage, and a leveling plate having a cutting tool receiving surface positioned parallel to a horizontal axis of the leveling gage and on a same plane as a midpoint of the first contact point and the second contact point. The leveling arms and levelingmore » plate are dimensioned and configured such that the cutting tool receiving surface is centered in relation to the work piece when the first and second contact points are in contact with one of the inner surface and outer surface of the cylindrical work piece and the leveling gage is centered.« less

Ki67 levels as predictive and prognostic parameters in pretherapeutic breast cancer core biopsies: a translational investigation in the neoadjuvant GeparTrio trial.

PubMed

Denkert, C; Loibl, S; Müller, B M; Eidtmann, H; Schmitt, W D; Eiermann, W; Gerber, B; Tesch, H; Hilfrich, J; Huober, J; Fehm, T; Barinoff, J; Jackisch, C; Prinzler, J; Rüdiger, T; Erbstösser, E; Blohmer, J U; Budczies, J; Mehta, K M; von Minckwitz, G

2013-11-01

The proliferation marker Ki67 has been suggested as a promising cancer biomarker. As Ki67 needs an exact quantification, this marker is a prototype of a new generation of tissue-based biomarkers. In this study, we have systematically evaluated different cut points for Ki67 using three different clinical end points in a large neoadjuvant study cohort. We have evaluated pretherapeutic Ki67 levels by immunohistochemistry in 1166 breast cancer core biopsies from the neoadjuvant GeparTrio trial. We used the standardized cutoff-finder algorithm for three end points [response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (pCR), disease-free (DFS) and overall-survival (OS)]. The analyses were stratified for hormone receptor (HR) and HER2 status by molecular subtype radar diagrams (MSRDs). A wide range of Ki67 cut points between 3%-94% (for pCR), 6%-46% (for DFS) and 4%-58% (for OS) were significant. The three groups of Ki67 ≤ 15% versus 15.1%-35% versus >35% had pCR-rates of 4.2%, 12.8%, and 29.0% (P < 0.0005), this effect was also present in six of eight molecular subtypes. In MSRD, Ki67 was significantly linked to prognosis in uni- and multivariate analysis in the complete cohort and in HR-positive, but not triple-negative tumors. Ki67 is a significant predictive and prognostic marker over a wide range of cut points suggesting that data-derived cut point optimization might not be possible. Ki67 could be used as a continuous marker; in addition, the scientific community could define standardized cut points for Ki67. Our analysis explains the variability observed for Ki67 cut points in previous studies; however, this should not be seen as weakness, but as strength of this marker. MSRDs are an easy new approach for visualization of biomarker effects on outcome across molecular subtypes in breast cancer. The experience with Ki67 could provide important information regarding the development and implementation of other quantitative biomarkers.

Comparison of cutting and pencil-point spinal needle in spinal anesthesia regarding postdural puncture headache

PubMed Central

Xu, Hong; Liu, Yang; Song, WenYe; Kan, ShunLi; Liu, FeiFei; Zhang, Di; Ning, GuangZhi; Feng, ShiQing

2017-01-01

Abstract Background: Postdural puncture headache (PDPH), mainly resulting from the loss of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), is a well-known iatrogenic complication of spinal anesthesia and diagnostic lumbar puncture. Spinal needles have been modified to minimize complications. Modifiable risk factors of PDPH mainly included needle size and needle shape. However, whether the incidence of PDPH is significantly different between cutting-point and pencil-point needles was controversial. Then we did a meta-analysis to assess the incidence of PDPH of cutting spinal needle and pencil-point spinal needle. Methods: We included all randomly designed trials, assessing the clinical outcomes in patients given elective spinal anesthesia or diagnostic lumbar puncture with either cutting or pencil-point spinal needle as eligible studies. All selected studies and the risk of bias of them were assessed by 2 investigators. Clinical outcomes including success rates, frequency of PDPH, reported severe PDPH, and the use of epidural blood patch (EBP) were recorded as primary results. Results were evaluated using risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for dichotomous variables. Rev Man software (version 5.3) was used to analyze all appropriate data. Results: Twenty-five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in our study. The analysis result revealed that pencil-point spinal needle would result in lower rate of PDPH (RR 2.50; 95% CI [1.96, 3.19]; P < 0.00001) and severe PDPH (RR 3.27; 95% CI [2.15, 4.96]; P < 0.00001). Furthermore, EBP was less used in pencil-point spine needle group (RR 3.69; 95% CI [1.96, 6.95]; P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Current evidences suggest that pencil-point spinal needle was significantly superior compared with cutting spinal needle regarding the frequency of PDPH, PDPH severity, and the use of EBP. In view of this, we recommend the use of pencil-point spinal needle in spinal anesthesia and lumbar puncture. PMID:28383416

Redefining Cut-Points for High Symptom Burden of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease Classification in 18,577 Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

PubMed

Smid, Dionne E; Franssen, Frits M E; Gonik, Maria; Miravitlles, Marc; Casanova, Ciro; Cosio, Borja G; de Lucas-Ramos, Pilar; Marin, Jose M; Martinez, Cristina; Mir, Isabel; Soriano, Joan B; de Torres, Juan P; Agusti, Alvar; Atalay, Nart B; Billington, Julia; Boutou, Afroditi K; Brighenti-Zogg, Stefanie; Chaplin, Emma; Coster, Samantha; Dodd, James W; Dürr, Selina; Fernandez-Villar, Alberto; Groenen, Miriam T J; Guimarães, Miguel; Hejduk, Karel; Higgins, Victoria; Hopkinson, Nicholas S; Horita, Nobuyuki; Houben-Wilke, Sarah; Janssen, Daisy J A; Jehn, Melissa; Joerres, Rudolf; Karch, Annika; Kelly, Julia L; Kim, Yu-Il; Kimura, Hiroshi; Koblizek, Vladimir; Kocks, Janwillem H; Kon, Samantha S C; Kwon, Namhee; Ladeira, Inês; Lee, Sang-Do; Leuppi, Joerg D; Locantore, Nicholas; Lopez-Campos, José L; D-C Man, William; Maricic, Lana; Mendoza, Laura; Miedinger, David; Mihaltan, Florin; Minami, Seigo; van der Molen, Thys; Murrells, Trevor J; Nakken, Nienke; Nishijima, Yu; Norman, Ian J; Novotna, Barbora; O'Donnell, Denis E; Ogata, Yoshitaka; Pereira, Eanes D; Piercy, James; Price, David; Pothirat, Chaicharn; Raghavan, Natya; Ringbaek, Thomas; Sajkov, Dimitar; Sigari, Naseh; Singh, Sally; Small, Mark; da Silva, Guilherme F; Tanner, Rebecca J; Tsiligianni, Ioanna G; Tulek, Baykal; Tzanakis, Nikolaos; Vanfleteren, Lowie E G W; Watz, Henrik; Webb, Katherine A; Wouters, Emiel F M; Xie, Guogang G; Yoshikawa, Masanori; Spruit, Martijn A

2017-12-01

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be classified into groups A/C or B/D based on symptom intensity. Different threshold values for symptom questionnaires can result in misclassification and, in turn, different treatment recommendations. The primary aim was to find the best fitting cut-points for Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) symptom measures, with an modified Medical Research Council dyspnea grade of 2 or higher as point of reference. After a computerized search, data from 41 cohorts and whose authors agreed to provide data were pooled. COPD studies were eligible for analyses if they included, at least age, sex, postbronchodilator spirometry, modified Medical Research Council, and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) total scores. Receiver operating characteristic curves and the Youden index were used to determine the best calibration threshold for CAT, COPD Clinical Questionnaire, and St. Georges Respiratory Questionnaire total scores. Following, GOLD A/B/C/D frequencies were calculated based on current cut-points and the newly derived cut-points. A total of 18,577 patients with COPD [72.0% male; mean age: 66.3 years (standard deviation 9.6)] were analyzed. Most patients had a moderate or severe degree of airflow limitation (GOLD spirometric grade 1, 10.9%; grade 2, 46.6%; grade 3, 32.4%; and grade 4, 10.3%). The best calibration threshold for CAT total score was 18 points, for COPD Clinical Questionnaire total score 1.9 points, and for St. Georges Respiratory Questionnaire total score 46.0 points. The application of these new cut-points would reclassify about one-third of the patients with COPD and, thus, would impact on individual disease management. Further validation in prospective studies of these new values are needed. Copyright © 2017 AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis of the learning curve for pre-cut corneal specimens in preparation for lamellar transplantation: a prospective, single-centre, consecutive case series prepared at the Lions New South Wales Eye Bank.

PubMed

Martin, Aifric Isabel; Devasahayam, Rajnesh; Hodge, Christopher; Cooper, Simon; Sutton, Gerard L

2017-09-01

This study is the first paper to establish a learning curve by a single technician. Preparation of pre-cut corneal endothelial grafts commenced at Lions New South Wales Eye Bank in December 2014. The primary objective of this study was to review the safety and reliability of the preparation method during the first year of production. This is a hospital-based, prospective case series. There were 234 consecutive donor corneal lenticules. Donor lenticules were prepared by a single operator using a linear cutting microkeratome. Immediately prior to cutting, central corneal thickness values were recorded. Measurements of the corneal bed were taken immediately following lenticule preparation. Outcomes were separated by blade sizes, and intended thickness was compared to actual thickness for each setting. Early specimens were compared to later ones to assess for a learning curve within the technique. The main parameter measured is the mean difference from intended lamellar cut thickness. The mean final cut thickness was 122.36 ± 20.35 μm, and the mean difference from intended cut was 30.17 ± 37.45 μm. No significant difference was found between results achieved with early specimens versus those achieved with later specimens (P = 0.425). Thin, reproducible endothelial grafts can routinely be produced by trained technicians at their respective eye banks without significant concerns for an extended learning curve. This service can reduce perioperative surgical complexity, required surgical paraphernalia and theatre times. The consistent preparation of single-pass, ultrathin pre-cut corneas may have additional advantages for surgeons seeking to introduce lamellar techniques. © 2017 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

Raised BMI cut-off for overweight in Greenland Inuit--a review.

PubMed

Andersen, Stig; Fleischer Rex, Karsten; Noahsen, Paneeraq; Sørensen, Hans Christian Florian; Mulvad, Gert; Laurberg, Peter

2013-01-01

Obesity is associated with increased morbidity and premature death. Obesity rates have increased worldwide and the WHO recommends monitoring. A steep rise in body mass index (BMI), a measure of adiposity, was detected in Greenland from 1963 to 1998. Interestingly, the BMI starting point was in the overweight range. This is not conceivable in a disease-free, physically active, pre-western hunter population. This led us to reconsider the cut-off point for overweight among Inuit in Greenland. We found 3 different approaches to defining the cut-off point of high BMI in Inuit. First, the contribution to the height by the torso compared to the legs is relatively high. This causes relatively more kilograms per centimetre of height that increases the BMI by approximately 10% compared to Caucasian whites. Second, defining the cut-off by the upper 90-percentile of BMI from height and weight in healthy young Inuit surveyed in 1963 estimated the cut-off point to be around 10% higher compared to Caucasians. Third, if similar LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides are assumed for a certain BMI in Caucasians, the corresponding BMI in Inuit in both Greenland and Canada is around 10% higher. However, genetic admixture of Greenland Inuit and Caucasian Danes will influence this difference and hamper a clear distinction with time. Defining overweight according to the WHO cut-off of a BMI above 25 kg/m(2) in Greenland Inuit may overestimate the number of individuals with elevated BMI.

Raised BMI cut-off for overweight in Greenland Inuit – a review

PubMed Central

Andersen, Stig; Fleischer Rex, Karsten; Noahsen, Paneeraq; Sørensen, Hans Christian Florian; Mulvad, Gert; Laurberg, Peter

2013-01-01

Background Obesity is associated with increased morbidity and premature death. Obesity rates have increased worldwide and the WHO recommends monitoring. A steep rise in body mass index (BMI), a measure of adiposity, was detected in Greenland from 1963 to 1998. Interestingly, the BMI starting point was in the overweight range. This is not conceivable in a disease-free, physically active, pre-western hunter population. Objective This led us to reconsider the cut-off point for overweight among Inuit in Greenland. Design and findings We found 3 different approaches to defining the cut-off point of high BMI in Inuit. First, the contribution to the height by the torso compared to the legs is relatively high. This causes relatively more kilograms per centimetre of height that increases the BMI by approximately 10% compared to Caucasian whites. Second, defining the cut-off by the upper 90-percentile of BMI from height and weight in healthy young Inuit surveyed in 1963 estimated the cut-off point to be around 10% higher compared to Caucasians. Third, if similar LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides are assumed for a certain BMI in Caucasians, the corresponding BMI in Inuit in both Greenland and Canada is around 10% higher. However, genetic admixture of Greenland Inuit and Caucasian Danes will influence this difference and hamper a clear distinction with time. Conclusion Defining overweight according to the WHO cut-off of a BMI above 25 kg/m2 in Greenland Inuit may overestimate the number of individuals with elevated BMI. PMID:23986904

Starting Trees from Cuttings.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kramer, David C.

1983-01-01

Describes a procedure for starting tree cuttings from woody plants, explaining "lag time," recommending materials, and giving step-by-step instructions for rooting and planting. Points out species which are likely candidates for cuttings and provides tips for teachers for developing a unit. (JM)

Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS): Optimal cut points for remission and response in a German sample.

PubMed

von Glischinski, M; Willutzki, U; Stangier, U; Hiller, W; Hoyer, J; Leibing, E; Leichsenring, F; Hirschfeld, G

2018-02-11

The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) is the most frequently used instrument to assess social anxiety disorder (SAD) in clinical research and practice. Both a self-reported (LSAS-SR) and a clinician-administered (LSAS-CA) version are available. The aim of the present study was to define optimal cut-off (OC) scores for remission and response to treatment for the LSAS in a German sample. Data of N = 311 patients with SAD were used who had completed psychotherapeutic treatment within a multicentre randomized controlled trial. Diagnosis of SAD and reduction in symptom severity according to the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, served as gold standard. OCs yielding the best balance between sensitivity and specificity were determined using receiver operating characteristics. The variability of the resulting OCs was estimated by nonparametric bootstrapping. Using diagnosis of SAD (present vs. absent) as a criterion, results for remission indicated cut-off values of 35 for the LSAS-SR and 30 for the LSAS-CA, with acceptable sensitivity (LSAS-SR: .83, LSAS-CA: .88) and specificity (LSAS-SR: .82, LSAS-CA: .87). For detection of response to treatment, assessed by a 1-point reduction in the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, rating, a reduction of 28% for the LSAS-SR and 29% for the LSAS-CA yielded the best balance between sensitivity (LSAS-SR: .75, LSAS-CA: .83) and specificity (LSAS-SR: .76, LSAS-CA: .80). To our knowledge, we are the first to define cut points for the LSAS in a German sample. Overall, the cut points for remission and response corroborate previously reported cut points, now building on a broader data basis. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Single point biochemical measurement algorithm for early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.

PubMed

Butler, Stephen A; Abban, Thomas K A; Borrelli, Paola T A; Luttoo, Jameel M; Kemp, Bryn; Iles, Ray K

2013-09-01

Tubal rupture as a result of an ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of first trimester maternal mortality. Currently, the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy depends on transvaginal ultrasound and serial serum measurements of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), which requires follow up. The objective of this study was to examine whether single point measurements at presentation could distinguish between women with ectopic pregnancy, viable pregnancy, and spontaneous miscarriage. Serum total hCG (hCGt), hyperglycosylated hCG (hCGh), free beta subunit of hCG (hCGβ), progesterone (P), and CA-125 were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay over a 3 month period in 441 women presenting at the emergency room with abdominal pain and a positive pregnancy test. Patient outcomes were followed and confirmed by histology. 65 samples were excluded due to poor sample storage, or lost to follow up. The pregnancy outcomes were 175 viable pregnancies, 175 spontaneous miscarriages, and 26 ectopic pregnancies. A serum hCGt <3736 mIU/mL cut off was 100% sensitive, with 76% specificity, for distinguishing ectopic pregnancy from viable pregnancy; but did not differentiate spontaneous miscarriage. Serum CA125 <41.98 U/mL produced 100% sensitivity and 43% specificity in distinguishing ectopic pregnancy from spontaneous miscarriage. Sequential application of hCGt and CA-125 cut off followed by ultrasound could detect 100% of ectopic pregnancies with 87% specificity for all intrauterine pregnancies. The combination of serum hCGt <3736 mIU/mL, followed by CA125 <41.98 U/mL is a promising algorithm for detecting all ectopic pregnancy at initial presentation. © 2013.

Basins of attraction of the bistable region of time-delayed cutting dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Yao; Xu, Jian; Wiercigroch, Marian

2017-09-01

This paper investigates the effects of bistability in a nonsmooth time-delayed dynamical system, which is often manifested in science and engineering. Previous studies on cutting dynamics have demonstrated persistent coexistence of chatter and chatter-free responses in a bistable region located in the linearly stable zone. As there is no widely accepted definition of basins of attraction for time-delayed systems, bistable regions are coined as unsafe zones (UZs). Hence, we have attempted to define the basins of attraction and stability basins for a typical delayed system to get insight into the bistability in systems with time delays. Special attention was paid to the influences of delayed initial conditions, starting points, and states at time zero on the long-term dynamics of time-delayed systems. By using this concept, it has been confirmed that the chatter is prone to occur when the waviness frequency in the workpiece surface coincides with the effective natural frequency of the cutting process. Further investigations unveil a thin "boundary layer" inside the UZ in the immediate vicinity of the stability boundary, in which we observe an extremely fast growth of the chatter basin stability. The results reveal that the system is more stable when the initial cutting depth is smaller. The physics of the tool deflection at the instant of the tool-workpiece engagement is used to evaluate the cutting safety, and the safe level could be zero when the geometry of tool engagement is unfavorable. Finally, the basins of attraction are used to quench the chatter by a single strike, where the resultant "islands" offer an opportunity to suppress the chatter even when the cutting is very close to the stability boundary.

"Heart-cut" bidimensional achiral-chiral liquid chromatography applied to the evaluation of stereoselective metabolism, in vivo biological activity and brain response to chiral drug candidates targeting the central nervous system.

PubMed

Battisti, Umberto M; Citti, Cinzia; Larini, Martina; Ciccarella, Giuseppe; Stasiak, Natalia; Troisi, Luigino; Braghiroli, Daniela; Parenti, Carlo; Zoli, Michele; Cannazza, Giuseppe

2016-04-22

A "heart-cut" two-dimensional achiral-chiral liquid chromatography triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry method (LC-LC-MS/MS) was developed and coupled to in vivo cerebral microdialysis to evaluate the brain response to the chiral compound (±)-7-chloro-5-(3-furanyl)-3-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-1,1-dioxide ((±)-1), a potent positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of AMPA receptor. The method was successfully employed to evaluate also its stereoselective metabolism and in vitro biological activity. In particular, the LC achiral method developed, employs a pentafluorinated silica based column (Discovery HS-F5) to separate dopamine, acetylcholine, serotonin, (±)-1 and its two hepatic metabolites. In the "heart-cut" two-dimension achiral-chiral configuration, (±)-1 and (±)-1-d4 eluted from the achiral column (1st dimension), were transferred to a polysaccharide-based chiral column (2nd dimension, Chiralcel OD-RH) by using an automatic six-port valve. Single enantiomers of (±)-1 were separated and detected using electrospray positive ionization mode and quantified in selected reaction monitoring mode. The method was validated and showed good performance in terms of linearity, accuracy and precision. The new method employed showed several possible applications in the evaluation of: (a) brain response to neuroactive compounds by measuring variations in the brain extracellular levels of selected neurotransmitters and other biomarkers; (b) blood brain barrier penetration of drug candidates by measuring the free concentration of the drug in selected brain areas; (c) the presence of drug metabolites in the brain extracellular fluid that could prove very useful during drug discovery; (d) a possible stereoselective metabolization or blood brain barrier stereoselective crossing of chiral drugs. Finally, compared to the methods reported in the literature, this technique avoids the necessity of euthanizing an animal at each time point to measure drug concentration in whole brain tissue and provides continuous monitoring of extracellular concentrations of single chiral drug enantiomers along with its metabolites in specific brain regions at each selected time point for a desired period by using a single animal. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Diagnostic value of sputum adenosine deaminase (ADA) level in pulmonary tuberculosis.

PubMed

Binesh, Fariba; Jalali, Hadi; Zare, Mohammad Reza; Behravan, Farhad; Tafti, Arefeh Dehghani; Behnaz, Fatemah; Tabatabaee, Mohammad; Shahcheraghi, Seyed Hossein

2016-06-01

Tuberculosis is still a considerable health problem in many countries. Rapid diagnosis of this disease is important, and adenosine deaminase (ADA) has been used as a diagnostic test. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of ADA in the sputum of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. The current study included 40 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (culture positive, smear ±) and 42 patients with non tuberculosis pulmonary diseases (culture negative). ADA was measured on all of the samples. The median value of ADA in non-tuberculosis patients was 2.94 (4.2) U/L and 4.01 (6.54) U/L in tuberculosis patients, but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.100). The cut-off point of 3.1 U/L had a sensitivity of 61% and a specificity of 53%, the cut-off point of 2.81 U/L had a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 50% and the cut-off point of 2.78 U/L had a sensitivity of 65% and a specificity of 48%. The positive predictive values for cut-off points of 3.1, 2.81 and 2.78 U/L were 55.7%, 57.44% and 69.23%, respectively. The negative predictive values for the abovementioned cut-off points were 56.75%, 57.14% and 55.88%, respectively. Our results showed that sputum ADA test is neither specific nor sensitive. Because of its low sensitivity and specificity, determination of sputum ADA for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis is not recommended.

Circulating intact and cleaved forms of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor: biological variation, reference intervals and clinical useful cut-points.

PubMed

Thurison, Tine; Christensen, Ib J; Lund, Ida K; Nielsen, Hans J; Høyer-Hansen, Gunilla

2015-01-15

High levels of circulating forms of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) are significantly associated to poor prognosis in cancer patients. Our aim was to determine biological variations and reference intervals of the uPAR forms in blood, and in addition, to test the clinical relevance of using these as cut-points in colorectal cancer (CRC) prognosis. uPAR forms were measured in citrated and EDTA plasma samples using time-resolved fluorescence immunoassays. Diurnal, intra- and inter-individual variations were assessed in plasma samples from cohorts of healthy individuals. Reference intervals were determined in plasma from healthy individuals randomly selected from a Danish multi-center cross-sectional study. A cohort of CRC patients was selected from the same cross-sectional study. The reference intervals showed a slight increase with age and women had ~20% higher levels. The intra- and inter-individual variations were ~10% and ~20-30%, respectively and the measured levels of the uPAR forms were within the determined 95% reference intervals. No diurnal variation was found. Applying the normal upper limit of the reference intervals as cut-point for dichotomizing CRC patients revealed significantly decreased overall survival of patients with levels above this cut-point of any uPAR form. The reference intervals for the different uPAR forms are valid and the upper normal limits are clinically relevant cut-points for CRC prognosis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stand development and yields of Appalachian hardwood stands managed with single-tree selection for at least 30 years

Treesearch

Neil I Lamson; H. Clay Smith; H. Clay Smith

1991-01-01

Appalachian hardwood stands in West Virginia were managed for 30 or more years using single-tree selection regeneration practices. Stand yield data suggest that current stand growth will provide economical harvest cuts for several future cutting cycles. This case study indicates that the single-tree selection practice has potential for landowners who want to maintain...

Diagnostic accuracy of HbA1c in diabetes between Eastern and Western.

PubMed

Yan, Shuang; Liu, Siying; Zhao, Yashuang; Zhang, Wencui; Sun, Xiaohui; Li, Jianing; Jiang, Fuli; Ju, Jiaming; Lang, Ning; Zhang, Yingqi; Zhou, Weiyu; Li, Qiang

2013-07-01

In 2010, the American Diabetes Association recommended the use of HbA1c as a diagnostic criterion for diabetes. However, HbA1c is not an accepted diagnostic tool for diabetes in Eastern Asia, because genetic differences compromise the standardization of the diagnostic cut-off point. This study evaluated differences in the use of HbA1c for diagnosing diabetes in Eastern and Western populations and investigated whether HbA1c cut-off point of ≥ 6.5% is diagnostic of diabetes in patients from Eastern Asia. Literature was obtained from MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of each HbA1c cut-off point were extracted and compared between Western and Eastern populations. Differences in the cut-off point for diagnosing diabetes in each region were compared by examining differences in the area under summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves. Twelve publications from Eastern countries (n = 59,735) and 13 from Western countries (n = 22,954) were included in the analysis. Areas under SROC curves in the Eastern and Western groups were 0.9331 and 0.9120, respectively (P = 0.98). The cut-off point of the highest Youden index was 6.0%. At the HbA1c cut-off point of 6.5%, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 58.7% and 98.4% for Eastern countries and 65.5% and 98.1% for Western countries, respectively. HbA1c exhibits the same diagnostic value for diabetes in Eastern and Western populations. In both populations, HbA1c levels > 6.0% identify the population at high risk of diabetes, and HbA1c > 6.5% is diagnostic of clinically established diabetes. © 2013 Stichting European Society for Clinical Investigation Journal Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Using ROC Curves to Choose Minimally Important Change Thresholds when Sensitivity and Specificity Are Valued Equally: The Forgotten Lesson of Pythagoras. Theoretical Considerations and an Example Application of Change in Health Status

PubMed Central

Froud, Robert; Abel, Gary

2014-01-01

Background Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves are being used to identify Minimally Important Change (MIC) thresholds on scales that measure a change in health status. In quasi-continuous patient reported outcome measures, such as those that measure changes in chronic diseases with variable clinical trajectories, sensitivity and specificity are often valued equally. Notwithstanding methodologists agreeing that these should be valued equally, different approaches have been taken to estimating MIC thresholds using ROC curves. Aims and objectives We aimed to compare the different approaches used with a new approach, exploring the extent to which the methods choose different thresholds, and considering the effect of differences on conclusions in responder analyses. Methods Using graphical methods, hypothetical data, and data from a large randomised controlled trial of manual therapy for low back pain, we compared two existing approaches with a new approach that is based on the addition of the sums of squares of 1-sensitivity and 1-specificity. Results There can be divergence in the thresholds chosen by different estimators. The cut-point selected by different estimators is dependent on the relationship between the cut-points in ROC space and the different contours described by the estimators. In particular, asymmetry and the number of possible cut-points affects threshold selection. Conclusion Choice of MIC estimator is important. Different methods for choosing cut-points can lead to materially different MIC thresholds and thus affect results of responder analyses and trial conclusions. An estimator based on the smallest sum of squares of 1-sensitivity and 1-specificity is preferable when sensitivity and specificity are valued equally. Unlike other methods currently in use, the cut-point chosen by the sum of squares method always and efficiently chooses the cut-point closest to the top-left corner of ROC space, regardless of the shape of the ROC curve. PMID:25474472

Transcutaneous oxygen pressure measurement in diabetic foot ulcers: mean values and cut-point for wound healing.

PubMed

Yang, Chuan; Weng, Huan; Chen, Lihong; Yang, Haiyun; Luo, Guangming; Mai, Lifang; Jin, Guoshu; Yan, Li

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate mean values and cut-point of transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) measurement in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Prospective, descriptive study. Sixty-one patients with diabetes mellitus and foot ulcers comprised the sample. The research setting was Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of SunYat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. Participants underwent transcutaneous oxygen (TcPO2) measurement at the dorsum of foot. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to clinical outcomes: (1) ulcers healed with intact skin group, (2) ulcer improved, and (3) ulcer failed to improve. TcPO2 was assessed and cut-points for predicting diabetic foot ulcer healing were calculated. Thirty-six patients healed with intact skin, 8 experienced improvement, and 17 showed no improvement. Mean TcPO2 levels were significantly higher (P< .001) in healed ulcers with intact skin (32 ± 10 mmHg) when compared to the improvement group (30 ± 7 mmHg) and the nonhealing group (15 ± 12 mmHg). All patients with TcPO2≤ 10 mmHg failed to heal or experienced deterioration in their foot ulcers. In contrast, all patients with TcPO2≥ 40 mmHg achieved wound closure. Measurement of TcPO2 in the supine position revealed a cut-point value of 25 mmHg as the best threshold for predicting diabetic foot ulcer healing; the area under the curve using this cut-point was 0.838 (95% confidence interval = 0.700-0.976). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for TxPO2 were 88.6%, 82.4%, 90.7%, and 72.2%, respectively. TcPO2≥ 40 mmHg was associated with diabetic foot ulcer healing, but a TcPO2≤ 10 mmHg was associated with failure of wound healing. We found that a cut-point of 25 mmHg was most predictive of diabetic foot ulcer healing.

Clinically Relevant Cut-off Points for the Diagnosis of Sarcopenia in Older Korean People.

PubMed

Choe, Yu-Ri; Joh, Ju-Youn; Kim, Yeon-Pyo

2017-11-09

The optimal criteria applied to older Korean people have not been defined. We aimed to define clinically relevant cut-off points for older Korean people and to compare the predictive validity with other definitions of sarcopenia. Nine hundred and sixteen older Koreans (≥65 years) were included in this cross-sectional observational study. We used conditional inference tree analysis to determine cut-off points for height-adjusted grip strength (GS) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), for use in the diagnosis of sarcopenia. We then compared the Korean sarcopenia criteria with the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health and Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria, using frailty, assessed with the Korean Frailty Index, as an outcome variable. For men, a residual GS (GSre) of ≤ 0.25 was defined as weak, and a residual ASM (ASMre) of ≤ 1.29 was defined as low. Corresponding cut-off points for women were a GSre of ≤ 0.17 and an ASMre of ≤ 0.69. GSre and ASMre values were adjusted for height. In logistic regression analysis with new cut-off points, the adjusted odds ratios for pre-frail or frail status in the sarcopenia group were 3.23 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33-7.83) for the men and 1.74 (95% CI 0.91-3.35) for the women. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the unadjusted area under the curve for Korean sarcopenia criteria in men and women were 0.653 and 0.608, respectively (p < .001). Our proposed cut-off points for low GS and low ASM should be useful in the diagnosis of sarcopenia in older Korean people. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Anisotropy of Single-Crystal Silicon in Nanometric Cutting.

PubMed

Wang, Zhiguo; Chen, Jiaxuan; Wang, Guilian; Bai, Qingshun; Liang, Yingchun

2017-12-01

The anisotropy exhibited by single-crystal silicon in nanometric cutting is very significant. In order to profoundly understand the effect of crystal anisotropy on cutting behaviors, a large-scale molecular dynamics model was conducted to simulate the nanometric cutting of single-crystal silicon in the (100)[0-10], (100)[0-1-1], (110)[-110], (110)[00-1], (111)[-101], and (111)[-12-1] crystal directions in this study. The simulation results show the variations of different degrees in chip, subsurface damage, cutting force, and friction coefficient with changes in crystal plane and crystal direction. Shear deformation is the formation mechanism of subsurface damage, and the direction and complexity it forms are the primary causes that result in the anisotropy of subsurface damage. Structurally, chips could be classified into completely amorphous ones and incompletely amorphous ones containing a few crystallites. The formation mechanism of the former is high-pressure phase transformation, while the latter is obtained under the combined action of high-pressure phase transformation and cleavage. Based on an analysis of the material removal mode, it can be found that compared with the other crystal direction on the same crystal plane, the (100)[0-10], (110)[-110], and (111)[-101] directions are more suitable for ductile cutting.

Designed experiment evaluation of key variables affecting the cutting performance of rotary instruments.

PubMed

Funkenbusch, Paul D; Rotella, Mario; Ercoli, Carlo

2015-04-01

Laboratory studies of tooth preparation are often performed under a limited range of conditions involving single values for all variables other than the 1 being tested. In contrast, in clinical settings not all variables can be tightly controlled. For example, a new dental rotary cutting instrument may be tested in the laboratory by making a specific cut with a fixed force, but in clinical practice, the instrument must make different cuts with individual dentists applying a range of different forces. Therefore, the broad applicability of laboratory results to diverse clinical conditions is uncertain and the comparison of effects across studies is difficult. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 9 process variables on dental cutting in a single experiment, allowing each variable to be robustly tested over a range of values for the other 8 and permitting a direct comparison of the relative importance of each on the cutting process. The effects of 9 key process variables on the efficiency of a simulated dental cutting operation were measured. A fractional factorial experiment was conducted by using a computer-controlled, dedicated testing apparatus to simulate dental cutting procedures and Macor blocks as the cutting substrate. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to judge the statistical significance (α=.05). Five variables consistently produced large, statistically significant effects (target applied load, cut length, starting rpm, diamond grit size, and cut type), while 4 variables produced relatively small, statistically insignificant effects (number of cooling ports, rotary cutting instrument diameter, disposability, and water flow rate). The control exerted by the dentist, simulated in this study by targeting a specific level of applied force, was the single most important factor affecting cutting efficiency. Cutting efficiency was also significantly affected by factors simulating patient/clinical circumstances as well as hardware choices. These results highlight the importance of local clinical conditions (procedure, dentist) in understanding dental cutting procedures and in designing adequate experimental methodologies for future studies. Copyright © 2015 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

9 CFR 381.444 - Identification of major cuts of poultry products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Identification of major cuts of poultry products. 381.444 Section 381.444 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE... § 381.444 Identification of major cuts of poultry products. The major cuts of single-ingredient, raw...

Reproduction of upland hardwood forests in the central states

Treesearch

Ivan L. Sander; F. Bryan Clark

1971-01-01

This handbook summarizes data from studies of central hardwood reproduction after harvest cuttings ranging from single-tree selection cutting to complete clearcutting. Regardless of how the stands were cut, natural reproduction was always adequate to produce acceptable new stands; but the heavier cuttings favored intolerant species and faster growth of all species....

FEM simulation of single beard hair cutting with foil-blade-shaving system.

PubMed

Fang, Gang; Köppl, Alois

2015-06-01

The performance of dry-shavers depends on the interaction of the shaving components, hair and skin. Finite element models on the ABAQUS/Explicit platform are established to simulate the process of beard hair cutting. The skin is modelled as three-layer structure with a single cylindrical hair inserted into the skin. The material properties of skin are considered as Neo-Hookean hyper-elastic (epidermis) and Prony visco-elastic (dermis and hypodermis) with finite deformations. The hair is modelled as elastic-plastic material with shear damage. The cutting system is composed of a blade and a foil of shaver. The simulation results of cutting processes are analyzed, including the skin compression, hair bending, hair cutting and hair severance. Calculations of cutting loads, skin stress, and hair damage show the impact of clearance, skin bulge height, blade dimension and shape on cutting results. The details show the build-up of finite element models for hair cutting, and highlight the challenges arising during model construction and numerical simulation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A methodology for double patterning compliant split and design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiaux, Vincent; Verhaegen, Staf; Iwamoto, Fumio; Maenhoudt, Mireille; Matsuda, Takashi; Postnikov, Sergei; Vandenberghe, Geert

2008-11-01

Double Patterning allows to further extend the use of water immersion lithography at its maximum numerical aperture NA=1.35. Splitting of design layers to recombine through Double Patterning (DP) enables an effective resolution enhancement. Single polygons may need to be split up (cut) depending on the pattern density and its 2D content. The split polygons recombine at the so-called 'stitching points'. These stitching points may affect the yield due to the sensitivity to process variations. We describe a methodology to ensure a robust double patterning by identifying proper split- and design- guidelines. Using simulations and experimental data, we discuss in particular metal1 first interconnect layers of random LOGIC and DRAM applications at 45nm half-pitch (hp) and 32nm hp where DP may become the only timely patterning solution.

Optimized knock-in of point mutations in zebrafish using CRISPR/Cas9.

PubMed

Prykhozhij, Sergey V; Fuller, Charlotte; Steele, Shelby L; Veinotte, Chansey J; Razaghi, Babak; Robitaille, Johane M; McMaster, Christopher R; Shlien, Adam; Malkin, David; Berman, Jason N

2018-06-14

We have optimized point mutation knock-ins into zebrafish genomic sites using clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 reagents and single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides. The efficiency of knock-ins was assessed by a novel application of allele-specific polymerase chain reaction and confirmed by high-throughput sequencing. Anti-sense asymmetric oligo design was found to be the most successful optimization strategy. However, cut site proximity to the mutation and phosphorothioate oligo modifications also greatly improved knock-in efficiency. A previously unrecognized risk of off-target trans knock-ins was identified that we obviated through the development of a workflow for correct knock-in detection. Together these strategies greatly facilitate the study of human genetic diseases in zebrafish, with additional applicability to enhance CRISPR-based approaches in other animal model systems.

Cutting efficiency of air-turbine burs on cast titanium and dental casting alloys.

PubMed

Watanabe, I; Ohkubo, C; Ford, J P; Atsuta, M; Okabe, T

2000-11-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the cutting efficiency of air-turbine burs on cast free-machining titanium alloy (DT2F) and to compare the results with those for cast commercially pure (CP) Ti, Ti-6Al-4V alloy, and dental casting alloys. The cast metal (DT2F, CP Ti, Ti-6Al-4V, Type IV gold alloy and Co-Cr alloy) specimens were cut with air-turbine burs (carbide burs and diamond points) at air pressures of 138 or 207 kPa and a cutting force of 0.784 N. The cutting efficiency of each bur was evaluated as volume loss calculated from the weight loss cut for 5 s and the density of each metal. The bulk microhardness was measured to correlate the machinability and the hardness of each metal. The amounts of DT2F cut with the carbide burs were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than for the other titanium specimens at either 138 or 207 kPa. The diamond points exhibited similar machining efficiency among all metals except for Type IV gold alloy. The increase in the volume loss of Co-Cr alloy (Vitallium) cut with the diamond points showed a negative value (-29%) with an increase in air pressure from 138 to 207 kPa. There was a negative correlation between the amounts of metal removed (volume loss) and the hardness (r2 = 0.689) when the carbide burs were used. The results of this study indicated that a free-machining titanium alloy (DT2F) exhibited better machinability compared to CP Ti and Ti-6Al-4V alloy when using carbide fissure burs. When machining cast CP Ti and its alloys, carbide fissure burs possessed a greater machining efficiency than the diamond points and are recommended for titanium dental prostheses.

Identification of the critical depth-of-cut through a 2D image of the cutting region resulting from taper cutting of brittle materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Wen; Zhu, Zhiwei; Zhu, Wu-Le; Lu, Leyao; To, Suet; Xiao, Gaobo

2018-05-01

An automatic identification method for obtaining the critical depth-of-cut (DoC) of brittle materials with nanometric accuracy and sub-nanometric uncertainty is proposed in this paper. With this method, a two-dimensional (2D) microscopic image of the taper cutting region is captured and further processed by image analysis to extract the margin of generated micro-cracks in the imaging plane. Meanwhile, an analytical model is formulated to describe the theoretical curve of the projected cutting points on the imaging plane with respect to a specified DoC during the whole cutting process. By adopting differential evolution algorithm-based minimization, the critical DoC can be identified by minimizing the deviation between the extracted margin and the theoretical curve. The proposed method is demonstrated through both numerical simulation and experimental analysis. Compared with conventional 2D- and 3D-microscopic-image-based methods, determination of the critical DoC in this study uses the envelope profile rather than the onset point of the generated cracks, providing a more objective approach with smaller uncertainty.

Evaluation of the Predictive Index for Osteoporosis as a Clinical Tool to Identify the Risk of Osteoporosis in Korean Men by Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data.

PubMed

Moon, Ji Hyun; Kim, Lee Oh; Kim, Hyeon Ju; Kong, Mi Hee

2016-11-01

We previously proposed the Predictive Index for Osteoporosis as a new index to identify men who require bone mineral density measurement. However, the previous study had limitations such as a single-center design and small sample size. Here, we evaluated the usefulness of the Predictive Index for Osteoporosis using the nationally representative data of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants underwent bone mineral density measurements via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and the Predictive Index for Osteoporosis and Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians were assessed. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to obtain optimal cut-off points for the Predictive Index for Osteoporosis and Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians, and the predictability of osteoporosis for the 2 indices was compared. Both indices were useful clinical tools for identifying osteoporosis risk in Korean men. The optimal cut-off value for the Predictive Index for Osteoporosis was 1.07 (sensitivity, 67.6%; specificity, 72.7%; area under the curve, 0.743). When using a cut-off point of 0.5 for the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians, the sensitivity and specificity were 71.9% and 64.0%, respectively, and the area under the curve was 0.737. The Predictive Index for Osteoporosis was as useful as the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians as a screening index to identify candidates for dual energy X-ray absorptiometry among men aged 50-69 years.

The Big-Bubble Full Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Technique in Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty.

PubMed

Buzzonetti, Luca; Petrocelli, Gianni; Valente, Paola; Iarossi, Giancarlo; Ardia, Roberta; Petroni, Sergio; Parrilla, Rosa

2015-12-01

To describe the big-bubble full femtosecond laser-assisted (BBFF) technique, which could be helpful in standardizing the big-bubble technique in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). Ten eyes of 10 consecutive patients affected by keratoconus underwent the BBFF technique using the 150-kHz IntraLase femtosecond laser (Intra-Lase FS Laser; Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Santa Ana, CA). A 9-mm diameter metal mask with a single fissure 0.7 mm wide oriented at the 12-o'clock position was positioned into the cone, over the laser glass. The laser performed a ring lamellar cut (internal diameter = 3 mm; external diameter = 8 mm) 100 µm above the thinnest point, with the photodisruption effectively occurring only in the corneal stroma corresponding to the fissure to create a deep stromal channel; subsequently, an anterior side cut created an arcuate incision, from the corneal surface to the deep stromal channel on the mask's opening site. The mask was removed and the laser performed a full lamellar cut 200 µm above the thinnest point to create a lamella. After the removal of the lamella, the air needle was inserted into the stromal channel and air was injected to achieve a big bubble. The big bubble was achieved in 9 eyes (all type 1 bubbles) and all procedures were completed as DALK. Preliminary results suggest that the BBFF technique could help in standardizing the big-bubble technique in DALK, reducing the "learning curve" for surgeons who approach this technique and the risks of intraoperative complications. Copyright 2015, SLACK Incorporated.

Features of precision slot cutting with a large number of calibers using the radiation of a single-mode fiber laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vitshas, A. A.; Zelentsov, A. G.; Lopota, V. A.; Menakhin, V. P.; Panchenko, V. P.; Soroka, A. M.

2014-02-01

The results of the experimental and theoretical investigations aimed at determining the characteristics and features of precision slot cutting with a large number of calibers in sheets of low-carbon steel using the radiation of a single-mode fiber laser with pulse power up to 1 kW are presented. The description of the experimental installation, performance conditions of investigations, and variable parameters are described. Precision cutting of low-carbon steel up to 10 mm with the number of calibers ranging from 30 to 70 at a slot width of ≈60 μm is performed for the first time. Such cutting occurs only in the pulsed-periodic mode using single-mode radiation with a pulse duration of 2-3 ms, a pulse ratio of 2-4, and oxygen, whose influence differs in principle both in various cut regions over the sheet thickness and from cutting with a CO2 laser. The cutting velocity (100-50 mm/min) of sheet steel up to thicknesses of 10 mm with deep channeling, roughness parameters, hardness of the cut surface, which insignificantly (by ≈20%) exceeds the hardness of untreated steel, the phase structure of steel, and the scales of their varying inside metal are measured. The efficiency (≈3%) of precision cutting and the efficiency of transportation of radiation (25%) in large-caliber slot orifices in the "waveguide" mode are determined by the experimental data. The useful specific energy contribution of the laser radiation is w l = N l/( hbv) ≈ 2 × 1012 J/m2 for all studied thicknesses of sheet samples accurate to 20%. A qualitative model of the laser-oxygen precision cutting with deep channeling, which explains the cyclic and interrupting character of cutting and necessity of using oxygen as the cutting gas, is proposed.

Combinations of Epoch Durations and Cut-Points to Estimate Sedentary Time and Physical Activity among Adolescents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fröberg, Andreas; Berg, Christina; Larsson, Christel; Boldemann, Cecilia; Raustorp, Anders

2017-01-01

The purpose of the current study was to investigate how combinations of different epoch durations and cut-points affect the estimations of sedentary time and physical activity in adolescents. Accelerometer data from 101 adolescents were derived and 30 combinations were used to estimate sedentary time, light, moderate, vigorous, and combined…

The CDC and IOTF cut points show inconsistent prevalence of underweight and overweight in chinese, indonesian, and vietnamese children

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

No nationally representative data from middle and low-income countries have been analyzed to compare prevalence of underweight and overweight defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) BMI cut points. We evaluated the consistency i...

[Validation of the nutritional index in Mexican pre-teens with the sensitivity and specificity method].

PubMed

Saucedo-Molina, T J; Gómez-Peresmitré, G

1998-01-01

To determine the diagnostic validity of the nutritional index (NI) in a sample of Mexican preadolescents. A total of 256 preadolescents, between 10 and 12 years old, male and female, students from Mexico City, were used to establish the diagnostic validity of NI using the sensitivity and specificity method. The findings show that the conventional NI cut-off points showed good sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of low weight, normality and obesity but not for overweight. When the cut-off points of NI were normalized, the sensitivity, specificity and prediction potency values were more suitable in all categories. When working with preadolescents, it is better to use the new cut-off points of NI, to obtain more reliable diagnosis.

Breast Cancer Detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has come up with a technique to decrease exposure to harmful x-rays in mammographies or breast radiography. Usually, physicians make more than one exposure to arrive at an x-ray film of acceptable density. Now the same solar cells used to convert sunlight into electricity on space satellites can make a single exposure sufficient. When solar cell sensor is positioned directly beneath x-ray film, it can determine exactly when film has received sufficient radiation and has been exposed to optimum density. At that point associated electronic equipment sends signal to cut off x-ray source. Reduction of mammography to single exposures not only reduced x-ray hazard significantly, but doubled the number of patient examinations handled by one machine. The NASA laboratory used this control system at the Huntington Memorial Hospital with overwhelming success.

A preliminary report on the genetic variation in pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) as assessed by random amplified polymorphic DNA.

PubMed

Adhikari, S; Biswas, A; Bandyopadhyay, T K; Ghosh, P D

2014-06-01

Pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) is an economically important cucurbit and is extensively propagated through vegetative means, viz vine and root cuttings. As the accessions are poorly characterized it is important at the beginning of a breeding programme to discriminate among available genotypes to establish the level of genetic diversity. The genetic diversity of 10 pointed gourd races, referred to as accessions was evaluated. DNA profiling was generated using 10 sequence independent RAPD markers. A total of 58 scorable loci were observed out of which 18 (31.03%) loci were considered polymorphic. Genetic diversity parameters [average and effective number of alleles, Shannon's index, percent polymorphism, Nei's gene diversity, polymorphic information content (PIC)] for RAPD along with UPGMA clustering based on Jaccard's coefficient were estimated. The UPGMA dendogram constructed based on RAPD analysis in 10 pointed gourd accessions were found to be grouped in a single cluster and may represent members of one heterotic group. RAPD analysis showed promise as an effective tool in estimating genetic polymorphism in different accessions of pointed gourd.

Microcutting characteristics on the single crystal diamond tool with edge radius using molecular dynamics

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

Kim, Jeong-Du; Moon, Chan-Hong

1995-12-31

Ultraprecision metal cutting (UPMC) technology which makes possible submicrometer form accuracy and manometer roughness is developed to reach the 1nm nominal (undeformed) thickness of cut. At this thickness level, a few of atom`s layers should be considered. In this paper using the Molecuar Dynamics simulation, the phenomena of microcutting with a subnanometer chip thickness, the cutting mechanism for tool edge configuration to consider the sharp edge and round edge tool, the cut material and cutting speed are evaluated. Cutting mechanism of subnanometer depth of cut is evaluated.

Effects of time and sampling location on concentrations of β-hydroxybutyric acid in dairy cows.

PubMed

Mahrt, A; Burfeind, O; Heuwieser, W

2014-01-01

Two trials were conducted to examine factors potentially influencing the measurement of blood β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) in dairy cows. The objective of the first trial was to study effects of sampling time on BHBA concentration in continuously fed dairy cows. Furthermore, we determined test characteristics of a single BHBA measurement at a random time of the day to diagnose subclinical ketosis considering commonly used cut-points (1.2 and 1.4 mmol/L). Finally, we set out to evaluate if test characteristics could be enhanced by repeating measurements after different time intervals. During 4 herd visits, a total of 128 cows (8 to 28 d in milk) fed 10 times daily were screened at 0900 h and preselected by BHBA concentration. Blood samples were drawn from the tail vessels and BHBA concentrations were measured using an electronic BHBA meter (Precision Xceed, Abbott Diabetes Care Ltd., Witney, UK). Cows with BHBA concentrations ≥0.8 mmol/L at this time were enrolled in the trial (n=92). Subsequent BHBA measurements took place every 3h for a total of 8 measurements during 24 h. The effect of sampling time on BHBA concentrations was tested in a repeated-measures ANOVA repeating sampling time. Sampling time did not affect BHBA concentrations in continuously fed dairy cows. Defining the average daily BHBA concentration calculated from the 8 measurements as the gold standard, a single measurement at a random time of the day to diagnose subclinical ketosis had a sensitivity of 0.90 or 0.89 at the 2 BHBA cut-points (1.2 and 1.4 mmol/L). Specificity was 0.88 or 0.90 using the same cut-points. Repeating measurements after different time intervals improved test characteristics only slightly. In the second experiment, we compared BHBA concentrations of samples drawn from 3 different blood sampling locations (tail vessels, jugular vein, and mammary vein) of 116 lactating dairy cows. Concentrations of BHBA differed in samples from the 3 sampling locations. Mean BHBA concentration was 0.3 mmol/L lower when measured in the mammary vein compared with the jugular vein and 0.4 mmol/L lower in the mammary vein compared with the tail vessels. We conclude that to measure BHBA, blood samples of continuously fed dairy cows can be drawn at any time of the day. A single measurement provides very good test characteristics for on-farm conditions. Blood samples for BHBA measurement should be drawn from the jugular vein or tail vessels; the mammary vein should not be used for this purpose. Copyright © 2014 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Making the cut: Depression screening in urban general hospital clinics for culturally diverse Latino populations.

PubMed

Gutnick, Damara; Siegel, Carole; Laska, Eugene; Wanderling, Joseph; Wagner, Ellen Cogen; Haugland, Gary; Conlon, Mary K

We examined whether the cut-point 10 for the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9) depression screen used in primary care populations is equally valid for Mexicans (M), Ecuadorians (E), Puerto Ricans (PR) and non-Hispanic whites (W) from inner-city hospital-based primary care clinics; and whether stressful life events elevate scores and the probability of major depressive disorder (MDD). Over 18-months, a sample of persons from hospital clinics with a positive initial PHQ2 and a subsequent PHQ9 were administered a stressful life event questionnaire and a Structured Clinical Interview to establish an MDD diagnosis, with oversampling of those between 8 and 12: (n=261: 75 E, 71 M, 51 PR, 64 W). For analysis, the sample was weighted using chart review (n=368) to represent a typical clinic population. Receiver Operating Characteristics analysis selected cut-points maximizing sensitivity (Sn) plus specificity (Sp). The optimal cut-point for all groups was 13 with the corresponding Sn and Sp estimates for E=(Sn 73%, Sp 71%), M=(76%, 81%), PR=(81%, 63%) and W=(80%, 74%). Stressful life events impacted screen scores and MDD diagnosis. Elevating the PHQ9 cut-point for inner-city Latinos as well as whites is suggested to avoid high false positive rates leading to improper treatment with clinical and economic consequences. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Traumatic brain injury: It is all about definition.

PubMed

Savitsky, B; Givon, A; Rozenfeld, M; Radomislensky, I; Peleg, K

2016-01-01

TBI may be defined by different methods. Some may be most useful for immediate clinical purposes, however less optimal for epidemiologic research. Other methods, such as the Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS), may prove more beneficial for this task, if the cut-off-points for their categories are defined correctly. To reveal the optimal cut-off-points for AIS in definition of severity of TBI in order to ensure uniformity between future studies of TBI. Mortality of patients with TBI AIS 3, 4 was 1.9% and 2.9% respectively, comparing with 31.1% among TBI AIS 5+. Predictive discrimination ability of the model with cut-off-points of 5+ for TBI AIS (in comparison with other cut-off-points) was better. Patients with missing Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in the ED had an in-hospital mortality rate of 11.5%. In this group, 25% had critical TBI according to AIS. Normal GCS didn't indicate an absence of head injury, as, among patients with GCS 15 in the ED, 26% had serious/critical TBI injury. Moreover, 7% of patients with multiple injury and GCS 3-8 had another reason than head injury for unconsciousness. This study recommends the adoption of an AIS cut-off ≥ 5 as a valid definition of severe TBI in epidemiological studies, while AIS 3-4 may be defined as 'moderate' TBI and AIS 1-2 as 'mild'.

Molecular dynamic simulation for nanometric cutting of single-crystal face-centered cubic metals.

PubMed

Huang, Yanhua; Zong, Wenjun

2014-01-01

In this work, molecular dynamics simulations are performed to investigate the influence of material properties on the nanometric cutting of single crystal copper and aluminum with a diamond cutting tool. The atomic interactions in the two metallic materials are modeled by two sets of embedded atom method (EAM) potential parameters. Simulation results show that although the plastic deformation of the two materials is achieved by dislocation activities, the deformation behavior and related physical phenomena, such as the machining forces, machined surface quality, and chip morphology, are significantly different for different materials. Furthermore, the influence of material properties on the nanometric cutting has a strong dependence on the operating temperature.

Fractional Flow Reserve: Does a Cut-off Value add Value?

PubMed Central

Mohdnazri, Shah R; Keeble, Thomas R

2016-01-01

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) has been shown to improve outcomes when used to guide percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). There have been two proposed cut-off points for FFR. The first was derived by comparing FFR against a series of non-invasive tests, with a value of ≤0.75 shown to predict a positive ischaemia test. It was then shown in the DEFER study that a vessel FFR value of ≥0.75 was associated with safe deferral of PCI. During the validation phase, a ‘grey zone’ for FFR values of between 0.76 and 0.80 was demonstrated, where a positive non-invasive test may still occur, but sensitivity and specificity were sub-optimal. Clinical judgement was therefore advised for values in this range. The FAME studies then moved the FFR cut-off point to ≤0.80, with a view to predicting outcomes. The ≤0.80 cut-off point has been adopted into clinical practice guidelines, whereas the lower value of ≤0.75 is no longer widely used. Here, the authors discuss the data underpinning these cut-off values and the practical implications for their use when using FFR guidance in PCI. PMID:29588700

On determining the most appropriate test cut-off value: the case of tests with continuous results

PubMed Central

Habibzadeh, Parham; Yadollahie, Mahboobeh

2016-01-01

There are several criteria for determination of the most appropriate cut-off value in a diagnostic test with continuous results. Mostly based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, there are various methods to determine the test cut-off value. The most common criteria are the point on ROC curve where the sensitivity and specificity of the test are equal; the point on the curve with minimum distance from the left-upper corner of the unit square; and the point where the Youden’s index is maximum. There are also methods mainly based on Bayesian decision analysis. Herein, we show that a proposed method that maximizes the weighted number needed to misdiagnose, an index of diagnostic test effectiveness we previously proposed, is the most appropriate technique compared to the aforementioned ones. For determination of the cut-off value, we need to know the pretest probability of the disease of interest as well as the costs incurred by misdiagnosis. This means that even for a certain diagnostic test, the cut-off value is not universal and should be determined for each region and for each disease condition. PMID:27812299

Critical analysis of forensic cut-offs and legal thresholds: A coherent approach to inference and decision.

PubMed

Biedermann, A; Taroni, F; Bozza, S; Augsburger, M; Aitken, C G G

2018-07-01

In this paper we critically discuss the definition and use of cut-off values by forensic scientists, for example in forensic toxicology, and point out when and why such values - and ensuing categorical conclusions - are inappropriate concepts for helping recipients of expert information with their questions of interest. Broadly speaking, a cut-off is a particular value of results of analyses of a target substance (e.g., a toxic substance or one of its metabolites in biological sample from a person of interest), defined in a way such as to enable scientists to suggest conclusions regarding the condition of the person of interest. The extent to which cut-offs can be reliably defined and used is not unanimously agreed within the forensic science community, though many practitioners - especially in operational laboratories - rely on cut-offs for reasons such as ease of use and simplicity. In our analysis, we challenge this practice by arguing that choices made for convenience should not be to the detriment of balance and coherence. To illustrate our discussion, we will choose the example of alcohol markers in hair, used widely by forensic toxicologists to reach conclusions regarding the drinking behaviour of individuals. Using real data from one of the co-authors' own work and recommendations of cut-offs published by relevant professional organisations, we will point out in what sense cut-offs are incompatible with current evaluative guidelines (e.g., [31]) and show how to proceed logically without cut-offs by using a standard measure for evidential value. Our conclusions run counter to much current practice, but are inevitable given the inherent definitional and conceptual shortcomings of scientific cut-offs. We will also point out the difference between scientific cut-offs and legal thresholds and argue that the latter - but not the former - are justifiable and can be dealt with in logical evaluative procedures. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimal cut-off points for waist circumference in the definition of metabolic syndrome in Brazilian adults: baseline analyses of the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

PubMed

Cardinal, Thiane Ristow; Vigo, Alvaro; Duncan, Bruce Bartholow; Matos, Sheila Maria Alvim; da Fonseca, Maria de Jesus Mendes; Barreto, Sandhi Maria; Schmidt, Maria Inês

2018-01-01

Waist circumference (WC) has been incorporated in the definition of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) but the exact WC cut-off points across populations are not clear. The Joint Interim Statement (JIS) suggested possible cut-offs to different populations and ethnic groups. However, the adequacy of these cut-offs to Brazilian adults has been scarcely investigated. The objective of the study is to evaluate possible WC thresholds to be used in the definition of MetS using data from the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil), a multicenter cohort study of civil servants (35-74 years old) of six Brazilian cities. We analyzed baseline data from 14,893 participants (6772 men and 8121 women). A MetS was defined according to the JIS criteria, but excluding WC and thus requiring 2 of the 4 remaining elements. We used restricted cubic spline regression to graph the relationship between WC and MetS. We identified optimal cut-off points which maximized joint sensitivity and specificity (Youden's index) from Receiver Operator Characteristic Curves. We also estimated the C-statistics using logistic regression. We found no apparent threshold for WC in restricted cubic spline plots. Optimal cut-off for men was 92 cm (2 cm lower than that recommended by JIS for Caucasian/Europids or Sub-Saharan African men), but 2 cm higher than that recommended for ethnic Central and South American. For women, optimal cut-off was 86, 6 cm higher than that recommended for Caucasian/Europids and ethnic Central and South American. Optimal cut-offs did not very across age groups and most common race/color categories (except for Asian men, 87 cm). Sex-specific cut-offs for WC recommended by JIS differ from optimal cut-offs we found for adult men and women of Brazil´s most common ethnic groups.

Validity, cut-points, and minimally important differences for two hot flash-related daily interference scales.

PubMed

Carpenter, Janet S; Bakoyannis, Giorgos; Otte, Julie L; Chen, Chen X; Rand, Kevin L; Woods, Nancy; Newton, Katherine; Joffe, Hadine; Manson, JoAnn E; Freeman, Ellen W; Guthrie, Katherine A

2017-08-01

To conduct psychometric analyses to condense the Hot Flash-Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS) into a shorter form termed the Hot Flash Interference (HFI) scale; evaluate cut-points for both scales; and establish minimally important differences (MIDs) for both scales. We analyzed baseline and postrandomization patient-reported data pooled across three randomized trials aimed at reducing vasomotor symptoms (VMS) in 899 midlife women. Trials were conducted across five MsFLASH clinical sites between July 2009 and October 2012. We eliminated HFRDIS items based on experts' content validity ratings and confirmatory factor analysis, and evaluated cut-points and established MIDs by mapping HFRDIS and HFI to other measures. The three-item HFI (interference with sleep, mood, and concentration) demonstrated strong internal consistency (alphas of 0.830 and 0.856), showed good fit to the unidimensional "hot flash interference factor," and strong convergent validity with HFRDIS scores, diary VMS, and menopausal quality of life. For both scales, cut-points of mild (0-3.9), moderate (4-6.9), and severe (7-10) interference were associated with increasing diary VMS ratings, sleep, and anxiety. The average MID was 1.66 for the HFRDIS and 2.34 for the HFI. The HFI is a brief assessment of VMS interference and will be useful in busy clinics to standardize VMS assessment or in research studies where response burden may be an issue. The scale cut-points and MIDs should prove useful in targeting those most in need of treatment, monitoring treatment response, and interpreting existing and future research findings.

Practicing uneven age management: does it pay? Some economic considerations

Treesearch

Gary W. Miller

1991-01-01

Unevenage silvicultural practices can be used to regenerate and manage many eastern hardwood stands. Single-tree cutting methods are feasible in stands where a desirable shade tolerant commercial species can be regenerated following periodic harvests. A variety of partial harvest practices, including single-tree selection and diameterlimit cutting have been used for 30...

Single-use instruments, cutting blocks, and trials increase efficiency in the operating room during total knee arthroplasty: a prospective comparison of navigated and non-navigated cases.

PubMed

Mont, Michael A; McElroy, Mark J; Johnson, Aaron J; Pivec, Robert

2013-08-01

The purpose of this prospective controlled trial was to determine if efficiency increases could be achieved in non-navigated and navigated total knee arthroplasties by replacing traditional saws, cutting blocks, and trials with specialized saws and single-use cutting blocks and trials. Various timing metrics during total knee arthroplasty, including operating room preparation times and specific intra-operative times, were measured in 400 procedures performed by eight different surgeons at 6 institutions. Efficiency increases were the result of statistically significant reductions in combined instrument setup and cleanup times as well as in adjusted surgical episode times in navigated total knee arthroplasties. Single-use instruments show promising benefits, but adequate patient follow-up is needed to confirm safety and efficacy before they can be widely adopted. Nevertheless, the authors believe that the use of single-use instruments, cutting guides, and trial implants for total knee arthroplasty will play an increasing role in improving operating room efficiency. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Microfluidic guillotine for single-cell wound repair studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blauch, Lucas R.; Gai, Ya; Khor, Jian Wei; Sood, Pranidhi; Marshall, Wallace F.; Tang, Sindy K. Y.

2017-07-01

Wound repair is a key feature distinguishing living from nonliving matter. Single cells are increasingly recognized to be capable of healing wounds. The lack of reproducible, high-throughput wounding methods has hindered single-cell wound repair studies. This work describes a microfluidic guillotine for bisecting single Stentor coeruleus cells in a continuous-flow manner. Stentor is used as a model due to its robust repair capacity and the ability to perform gene knockdown in a high-throughput manner. Local cutting dynamics reveals two regimes under which cells are bisected, one at low viscous stress where cells are cut with small membrane ruptures and high viability and one at high viscous stress where cells are cut with extended membrane ruptures and decreased viability. A cutting throughput up to 64 cells per minute—more than 200 times faster than current methods—is achieved. The method allows the generation of more than 100 cells in a synchronized stage of their repair process. This capacity, combined with high-throughput gene knockdown in Stentor, enables time-course mechanistic studies impossible with current wounding methods.

Vibration characteristics of dental high-speed turbines and speed-increasing handpieces.

PubMed

Poole, Ruth L; Lea, Simon C; Dyson, John E; Shortall, Adrian C C; Walmsley, A Damien

2008-07-01

Vibrations of dental handpieces may contribute to symptoms of hand-arm vibration syndrome in dental personnel and iatrogenic enamel cracking in teeth. However, methods for measuring dental handpiece vibrations have previously been limited and information about vibration characteristics is sparse. This preliminary study aimed to use a novel approach to assess the vibrations of unloaded high-speed handpieces in vitro. Maximum vibration displacement amplitudes of five air turbines and two speed-increasing handpieces were recorded whilst they were operated with and without a rotary cutting instrument (RCI) using a scanning laser vibrometer (SLV). RCI rotation speeds, calculated from frequency peaks, were consistent with expected values. ANOVA statistical analysis indicated significant differences in vibrations between handpiece models (p<0.01), although post hoc tests revealed that differences between most individual models were not significant (p>0.11). Operating handpieces with a RCI resulted in greater vibrations than with no RCI (p<0.01). Points on the head of the handpiece showed greater vibration displacement amplitudes than points along the body (p<0.01). Although no single measurement exceeded 4 microm for the handpieces in the current test setup (implying that these vibrations may be unlikely to cause adverse effects), this study has formed the basis for future work which will include handpiece vibration measurements whilst cutting under clinically representative loads.

Evaluating area-based socioeconomic status indicators for monitoring disparities within health care systems: results from a primary care network.

PubMed

Berkowitz, Seth A; Traore, Carine Y; Singer, Daniel E; Atlas, Steven J

2015-04-01

To determine which area-based socioeconomic status (SES) indicator is best suited to monitor health care disparities from a delivery system perspective. 142,659 adults seen in a primary care network from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2011. Cross-sectional, comparing associations between area-based SES indicators and patient outcomes. Address data were geocoded to construct area-based SES indicators at block group (BG), census tract (CT), and ZIP code (ZIP) levels. Data on health outcomes were abstracted from electronic records. Relative indices of inequality (RIIs) were calculated to quantify disparities detected by area-based SES indicators and compared to RIIs from self-reported educational attainment. ZIP indicators had less missing data than BG or CT indicators (p < .0001). Area-based SES indicators were strongly associated with self-report educational attainment (p < .0001). ZIP, BG, and CT indicators all detected expected SES gradients in health outcomes similarly. Single-item, cut point defined indicators performed as well as multidimensional indices and quantile indicators. Area-based SES indicators detected health outcome differences well and may be useful for monitoring disparities within health care systems. Our preferred indicator was ZIP-level median household income or percent poverty, using cut points. © Health Research and Educational Trust.

Deposition and properties of Fe(Se,Te) thin films on vicinal CaF2 substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bryja, Hagen; Hühne, Ruben; Iida, Kazumasa; Molatta, Sebastian; Sala, Alberto; Putti, Marina; Schultz, Ludwig; Nielsch, Kornelius; Hänisch, Jens

2017-11-01

We report on the growth of epitaxial Fe1+δ Se0.5Te0.5 thin films on 0°, 5°, 10°, 15° and 20° vicinal cut CaF2 single crystals by pulsed laser deposition. In situ electron and ex situ x-ray diffraction studies reveal a tilted growth of the Fe1+δ Se0.5Te0.5 films, whereby under optimized deposition conditions the c-axis alignment coincides with the substrate [001] tilted axis up to a vicinal angle of 10°. Atomic force microscopy shows a flat island growth for all films. From resistivity measurements in longitudinal and transversal directions, the ab- and c-axis components of resistivity are derived and the mass anisotropy parameter is determined. Analysis of the critical current density indicates that no effective c-axis correlated defects are generated by vicinal growth, and pinning by normal point core defects dominates. However, for H∣∣ab the effective pinning centers change from surface defects to point core defects near the superconducting transition due to the vicinal cut. Furthermore, we show in angular-dependent critical current density data a shift of the ab-planes maxima position with the magnetic field strength.

Variability in depression prevalence in early rheumatoid arthritis: a comparison of the CES-D and HAD-D Scales

PubMed Central

Covic, Tanya; Pallant, Julie F; Tennant, Alan; Cox, Sally; Emery, Paul; Conaghan, Philip G

2009-01-01

Background Depression is common in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), however reported prevalence varies considerably. Two frequently used instruments to identify depression are the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The objectives of this study were to test if the CES-D and HADS-D (a) satisfy current modern psychometric standards for unidimensional measurement in an early RA sample; (b) measure the same construct (i.e. depression); and (c) identify similar levels of depression. Methods Data from the two scales completed by patients with early RA were fitted to the Rasch measurement model to show that (a) each scale satisfies the criteria of fit to the model, including strict unidimensionality; (b) that the scales can be co-calibrated onto a single underlying continuum of depression and to (c) examine the location of the cut points on the underlying continuum as indication of the prevalence of depression. Results Ninety-two patients with early RA (62% female; mean age = 56.3, SD = 13.7) gave 141 sets of paired CES-D and HAD-D data. Fit of the data from the CES-D was found to be poor, and the scale had to be reduced to 13 items to satisfy Rasch measurement criteria whereas the HADS-D met model expectations from the outset. The 20 items combined (CES-D13 and HADS-D) satisfied Rasch model expectations. The CES-D gave a much higher prevalence of depression than the HADS-D. Conclusion The CES-D in its present form is unsuitable for use in patients with early RA, and needs to be reduced to a 13-item scale. The HADS-D is valid for early RA and the two scales measure the same underlying construct but their cut points lead to different estimates of the level of depression. Revised cut points on the CES-D13 provide comparative prevalence rates. PMID:19200388

Pretinning Nickel-Plated Wire Shields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Igawa, J. A.

1985-01-01

Nickel-plated copper shielding for wires pretinned for subsequent soldering with help of activated rosin flux. Shield cut at point 0.25 to 0.375 in. (6 to 10 mm) from cut end of outer jacket. Loosened end of shield straightened and pulled toward cut end. Insulation of inner wires kept intact during pretinning.

Intelligent transportation systems field operational test cross-cutting study : commercial vehicle administrative processes

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-10-01

This analysis brief explores differences and similarities among the national crash experience of combination-unit trucks (CUTs), single-unit trucks (SUTs), and "all vehicles" (principally cars and light truck/vans). These CUT vs. SUT vs. all vehicle ...

Detecting depression among adolescents in Santiago, Chile: sex differences.

PubMed

Araya, Ricardo; Montero-Marin, Jesus; Barroilhet, Sergio; Fritsch, Rosemarie; Gaete, Jorge; Montgomery, Alan

2013-04-23

Depression among adolescents is common but most cases go undetected. Brief questionnaires offer an opportunity to identify probable cases but properly validated cut-off points are often unavailable, especially in non-western countries. Sex differences in the prevalence of depression become marked in adolescence and this needs to be accounted when establishing cut-off points. This study involved adolescents attending secondary state schools in Santiago, Chile. We compared the self-reported Beck Depression Inventory-II with a psychiatric interview to ascertain diagnosis. General psychometric features were estimated before establishing the criterion validity of the BDI-II. The BDI-II showed good psychometric properties with good internal consistency, a clear unidimensional factorial structure, and good capacity to discriminate between cases and non-cases of depression. Optimal cut-off points to establish caseness for depression were much higher for girls than boys. Sex discrepancies were primarily explained by differences in scores among those with depression rather than among those without depression. It is essential to validate scales with the populations intended to be used with. Sex differences are often ignored when applying cut-off points, leading to substantial misclassification. Early detection of depression is essential if we think that early intervention is a clinically important goal.

The cutting effect of male flower on the size of the fruit cob, the size of the fruit and seeds in Porang (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harijati, Nunung; Navisya, Hikma Isnailul; Diao, Ying

2017-11-01

The formation of fruits and seeds depends on pollination and fertilization. For the fruit itself, its formation and final size are closely correlated with the gibberellin content. It is known that pollen is one source of gibberellins. Porang is a member of the genus Amorphophallus, which has a compound fruit arranged on a cob and monoecious. Each fruit may contain a single seed or multiple seeds. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of male flower removal on the size of the fruit cob, the number of fruit per ear, the seed number per ear, the fruit size and the proportion of fruit that contains single or multiple seeds. Removing male flowers is done by cutting the cluster of male flowers when the flower is very young and still wrapped with a sheath. The resulting data were analyzed using an unpaired t-test. Analysis of the results shows that the diameter and length of the cob of a cut-male flower are lower than the normal flower. The number of fruit or seed numbers per ear of the cut-male flower is lower than the normal flower. However, the length and diameter of the fruit of the cut-male flower is higher than the normal flower. The normal flower has higher numbers of individual fruit with single seeds than cut-male flowers, and cut-male flowers have higher incidences of fruit containing more than one seed (multiple seeds). The maximum seed number of individual fruit of normal flowers and cut-male flowers is 4 and 7 seeds respectively. In categories of fruit containing multiple seeds, the individual fruit containing 2 seeds has the highest proportion of cut-male flowers.

Quasiconvexity at the Boundary and the Nucleation of Austenite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ball, J. M.; Koumatos, K.

2016-01-01

Motivated by experimental observations of H. Seiner et al., we study the nucleation of austenite in a single crystal of a CuAlNi shape-memory alloy stabilized as a single variant of martensite. In the experiments the nucleation process was induced by localized heating and it was observed that, regardless of where the localized heating was applied, the nucleation points were always located at one of the corners of the sample—a rectangular parallelepiped in the austenite. Using a simplified nonlinear elasticity model, we propose an explanation for the location of the nucleation points by showing that the martensite is a local minimizer of the energy with respect to localized variations in the interior, on faces and edges of the sample, but not at some corners, where a localized microstructure, involving austenite and a simple laminate of martensite, can lower the energy. The result for the interior, faces and edges is established by showing that the free-energy function satisfies a set of quasiconvexity conditions at the stabilized variant in the interior, faces and edges, respectively, provided the specimen is suitably cut.

New organic binary solids with phenolic coformers for NLO applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Draguta, Sergiu; Fonari, Marina S.; Leonova, Evgenia; Timofeeva, Tatiana V.

2015-10-01

Five binary adducts between N,N-dimethyl-4-[(E)-2-(pyridin-4-yl)ethenyl]aniline) 1, N,N-diethyl-4-[(E)-2-(pyridin-4-yl)ethenyl]aniline) 2, N,N-dimethyl-4-[(E)-pyridin-3-yldiazenyl]aniline 3, and coformers that include 4-nitrophenol I, 4-nitrobenzoic acid II, benzene-1,3-diol III, and 2,4-dinitrophenol IV were synthesized to follow the factors influencing the formation of polar crystals. New solids were characterized by melting points and absorption spectra, while their structures were proven by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Adducts differ by the components' ratio and position of the acidic hydrogen atom, thus giving examples of four new cocrystals and one salt. The single crystal X-ray analysis revealed the acentric packing for two compounds, 1 (I) and 3(3) (III) that crystallize in the Pca21 and P1 space groups. The melting point data and the cut-off wavelength from absorption spectra show that these materials are stable till relatively high temperatures and transparent in a wide range of spectrum.

A simple 5-point scoring system, NaURSE (Na+, urea, respiratory rate and shock index in the elderly), predicts in-hospital mortality in oldest old.

PubMed

Wilson, Alexander H; Kidd, Andrew C; Skinner, Jane; Musonda, Patrick; Pai, Yogish; Lunt, Claire J; Butchart, Catherine; Soiza, Roy L; Potter, John F; Myint, Phyo Kyaw

2014-05-01

the mortality is high in acutely ill oldest old patients. Understanding the prognostic factors which influence mortality will help clinicians make appropriate management decisions. we analysed prospective mortality audit data (November 2008 to January 2009) to identify variables associated with in-patient mortality in oldest old. We selected those with P < 0.10 from univariate analysis and determined at which cut-point they served as the strongest predictor of mortality. Using these cut-off points, we constructed multivariate logistic regression models. A 5-point score was derived from cut-off points which were significantly associated with mortality tested in a smaller independent re-audit sample conducted in October 2011. a total of 405 patients (mean 93.5 ± 2.7 years) were included in the study. The mean length of stay was 18.5 ± 42.4 days and 13.8% died as in-patients. Variables (cut-off values) found to be significantly associated with in-patient mortality were admission sodium (>145 mmol/l), urea (≥14 mmol/l), respiratory rate (>20/min) and shock index (>1.0): creating a 5-point score (NaURSE: NaURS in the Elderly). The crude mortality rates were 9.5, 19.9, 34.4, 66.7, and 100% for scores 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Using the cut-off point of ≥2, the NaURSE score has a specificity of 87% (83.1-90.3) and sensitivity of 39% (28.5-50.0), with an AUC value of 0.69 (0.63-0.76). An external independent validation study (n = 121) showed similar results. the NaURSE score may be particularly useful in identifying oldest old who are likely to die in that admission to guide appropriate care.

Tensile stress induced depolarization in [001]-poled transverse mode Pb(Zn{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3})O{sub 3} -(6-7)%PbTiO{sub 3} single crystals

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

Shukla, Rahul; Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119260; Lim, Leong-Chew

2011-04-01

This paper investigates the effects of electrically induced and direct tensile stress on the deformation and dielectric properties of Pb(Zn{sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3})O{sub 3}-(6-7)%PbTiO{sub 3} single crystals of [110]{sup L}x[001]{sup T} cut by using a unimorph sample and a four-point-bend (FPB) sample, respectively. The results show a dip in tip displacement for the unimorph sample at sufficiently high electric field parallel to the poling field direction and a sudden rise in capacitance for the FPB sample at sufficiently high tensile stress in the [110] crystal direction, respectively. These phenomena are attributed to the tensile stress induced rhombohedral-to-orthorhombic phase transition and associatedmore » depolarization events in the crystal. For the said crystal cut, the obtained tensile depoling stress is in the range of 15-20 MPa. The present work furthermore shows that the occurrence of tensile stress-induced depolarization is possible even when the direction of the applied electric field is parallel to the poling field direction, as in the unimorph sample examined.« less

Waist circumference cut-off points for identification of abdominal obesity among the tunisian adult population.

PubMed

Bouguerra, R; Alberti, H; Smida, H; Salem, L B; Rayana, C B; El Atti, J; Achour, A; Gaigi, S; Slama, C B; Zouari, B; Alberti, K G M M

2007-11-01

Waist circumference (WC) is a convenient measure of abdominal adipose tissue. It itself is a cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes-risk factor and is strongly linked to other CVD risk factors. There are, however, ethnic differences in the relationship of WC to the other risk factors. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal cut-off points of WC and body mass index (BMI) at which cardiovascular risk factors can be identified with maximum sensitivity and specificity in a representative sample of the Tunisian adult population and to investigate any correlation between WC and BMI. We used a sample of the Tunisian National Nutrition Survey, a cross-sectional population-based survey, conducted in 1996 on a large nationally representative sample, which included 3435 adults (1244 men and 2191 women) of 20 years or older. WC, BMI, blood pressure and fasting blood measurements (plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides) were recorded. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify optimal cut-off values of WC and BMI to identify with maximum sensitivity and specificity the detection of high blood pressure, hyperglycaemia, high blood cholesterol and hypertriglyceridaemia. ROC curve analysis suggested WC cut-off points of 85 cm in men and 85 cm in women for the optimum detection of high blood pressure, diabetes and dyslipidaemia. The optimum BMI cut-off points for predicting cardiovascular risk factors were 24 kg/m(2) in men and 27 kg/m(2) in women. The cut-off points recommended for the Caucasian population differ from those appropriate for the Tunisian population. The data show a continuous increase in odds ratios of each cardiovascular risk factor, with increasing level of WC and BMI. WC exceeding 85 cm in men and 79 cm in women correctly identified subjects with a BMI of >/=25 kg/m(2), sensitivity of >90% and specificity of >83%. Based on the ROC analysis, we suggest a WC of 85 cm for both men and women as appropriate cut-off points to identify central obesity for the purposes of CVD and diabetes-risk detection among Tunisians. WCs of 85 cm in men and 79 cm in women were the most sensitive and specific to identify most subjects with a BMI >/=25 kg/m(2).

Implementation of Steiner point of fuzzy set.

PubMed

Liang, Jiuzhen; Wang, Dejiang

2014-01-01

This paper deals with the implementation of Steiner point of fuzzy set. Some definitions and properties of Steiner point are investigated and extended to fuzzy set. This paper focuses on establishing efficient methods to compute Steiner point of fuzzy set. Two strategies of computing Steiner point of fuzzy set are proposed. One is called linear combination of Steiner points computed by a series of crisp α-cut sets of the fuzzy set. The other is an approximate method, which is trying to find the optimal α-cut set approaching the fuzzy set. Stability analysis of Steiner point of fuzzy set is also studied. Some experiments on image processing are given, in which the two methods are applied for implementing Steiner point of fuzzy image, and both strategies show their own advantages in computing Steiner point of fuzzy set.

Realization of face-shear piezoelectric coefficient d36 in PZT ceramics via ferroelastic domain engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miao, Hongchen; Li, Faxin

2015-09-01

The piezoelectric face-shear ( d36 ) mode may be the most useful shear mode in piezoelectrics, while currently this mode can only exist in single crystals of specific point groups and cut directions. Theoretically, the d36 coefficient vanishes in piezoelectric ceramics because of its transversally isotropic symmetry. In this work, we modified the symmetry of poled PZT ceramics from transversally isotropic to orthogonal through ferroelastic domain switching by applying a high lateral stress along the "2" direction and holding the stress for several hours. After removing the compression, the piezoelectric coefficient d31 is found much larger than d32 . Then, by cutting the compressed sample along the Z x t ±45 ° direction, we realized d36 coefficients up to 206 pC/N , which is measured by using a modified d33 meter. The obtained large d36 coefficients in PZT ceramics could be very promising for face-shear mode resonators and shear horizontal wave generation in nondestructive testing.

[The Alvarado score validation in diagnosing acute appendicitis in children at Braga Hospital].

PubMed

Gonçalves, Jean Pierre; Cerqueira, Arnaldo; Martins, Sofia

2011-12-01

Acute appendicitis (AA) is the leading cause of emergency abdominal surgery in children. The diagnosis is essentially clinical, but some methodologies, such as Alvarado score (AS), have been developed in order to avoid non-therapeutic laparotomy (15-30%). AS ≥ 5 or 6 is compatible with AA and is an indication for the patient to remain on observations, if AS ≥ 7 a laparotomy procedure may be indicated. To validate the AS for the AA diagnosis of children admitted at Braga Hospital. A validation study of diagnostic method (AS) using the histological examination as a gold standard. The study population consisted of 192 children (4-17 years) with abdominal pain that underwent appendectomy in the last 20 months (December 2008 to July 2010). It was determined the values of sensitivity (S), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), likelihood ratio (LR) and the ROC curve for three different cut-off points (SA =5, 6 and 7). We found that as the cut-off point of AS decreases progressively the sensitivity and specificity increases and reduces the VPN and VPP. Assuming a cut-off value of 5, only 18 children would be false negatives, instead of the 67 children if the cut-off point was 7 points. The analysis of ROC curves demonstrated a greater area under the curve for a cut-off equal to or greater than 5 (AUC = 70%). We recommend using a cut-off value of 5 points, since only 18 children with AA were initially classified as appendicitis unlikely, this value would increase to 67 patients for the SA value of ≥ 7. The AS is a valuable tool in screening children with abdominal pain for the diagnosis of AA. Nonetheless the diagnosis and final decision must be based on clinical and systematic reassessment of patients.

Cerebral hyperperfusion following carotid endarterectomy: diagnostic utility of intraoperative transcranial Doppler ultrasonography compared with single-photon emission computed tomography study.

PubMed

Ogasawara, Kuniaki; Inoue, Takashi; Kobayashi, Masakazu; Endo, Hidehoko; Yoshida, Kenji; Fukuda, Takeshi; Terasaki, Kazunori; Ogawa, Akira

2005-02-01

Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome is a rare but serious complication of carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The aim of the present study was to determine whether intraoperative blood flow velocity (BFV) monitoring in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) by using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) could be used as a reliable technique to detect cerebral hyperperfusion following CEA by comparing findings with those of brain single photon emission CT (SPECT). Intraoperative BFV monitoring was attempted in 67 patients undergoing CEA for treatment of ipsilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis (> or =70%). Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was also assessed using SPECT, which was performed before and immediately after CEA. Intraoperative BFV monitoring was achieved in 60 patients. Of the 60 patients, post-CEA hyperperfusion (CBF increase > or =100%, compared with preoperative values) was observed in six patients. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of the BFV increases immediately after declamping of the ICA for detecting post-CEA hyperperfusion was 100%, 94% and 67%, respectively, with a cut-off point 2.0-fold that of preclamping BFV. The sensitivity and specificity of the BFV increases at the end of the procedure for detecting post-CEA hyperperfusion were 100% for both parameters, with cut-off points of 2.0- to 2.2-fold BFV of preclamping value. Hyperperfusion syndrome developed in two patients with post-CEA hyperperfusion, but intracerebral hemorrhage did not occur. In one of these two patients, BFV monitoring was not possible because of failure to obtain an adequate bone window. Intraoperative MCA BFV monitoring by using TCD is a less reliable method to detect cerebral hyperperfusion following CEA than postoperative MCA BFV monitoring, provided adequate monitoring can be achieved.

Long-term structural change in uneven-aged northern hardwoods

Treesearch

William B. Leak

1996-01-01

The diameter distributions of 10 previously unmanaged northern hardwood stands on the Bartlett Experimental Forest in New Hampshire were analyzed to determine changes over a 35 yr period since a single cutting by the diameter-limit or single-tree selection methods. The diameter distribution of an uncut old-growth stand (the Bowl) provided a comparison. The cuttings...

Statistical Considerations for Establishing CBTE Cut-Off Scores.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trzasko, Joseph A.

This report gives the basic definition and purpose of competency-based teacher education (CBTE) cut-off scores. It describes the basic characteristics of CBTE as a yes-no dichotomous decision regarding the presence of a specific ability or knowledge, which necesitates the establishment of a cut-off point to designate competency vs. incompetency on…

Quantification of microscopic surface features of single point diamond turned optics with subsequent chemical polishing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cardenas, Nelson; Kyrish, Matthew; Taylor, Daniel; Fraelich, Margaret; Lechuga, Oscar; Claytor, Richard; Claytor, Nelson

2015-03-01

Electro-Chemical Polishing is routinely used in the anodizing industry to achieve specular surface finishes of various metals products prior to anodizing. Electro-Chemical polishing functions by leveling the microscopic peaks and valleys of the substrate, thereby increasing specularity and reducing light scattering. The rate of attack is dependent of the physical characteristics (height, depth, and width) of the microscopic structures that constitute the surface finish. To prepare the sample, mechanical polishing such as buffing or grinding is typically required before etching. This type of mechanical polishing produces random microscopic structures at varying depths and widths, thus the electropolishing parameters are determined in an ad hoc basis. Alternatively, single point diamond turning offers excellent repeatability and highly specific control of substrate polishing parameters. While polishing, the diamond tool leaves behind an associated tool mark, which is related to the diamond tool geometry and machining parameters. Machine parameters such as tool cutting depth, speed and step over can be changed in situ, thus providing control of the spatial frequency of the microscopic structures characteristic of the surface topography of the substrate. By combining single point diamond turning with subsequent electro-chemical etching, ultra smooth polishing of both rotationally symmetric and free form mirrors and molds is possible. Additionally, machining parameters can be set to optimize post polishing for increased surface quality and reduced processing times. In this work, we present a study of substrate surface finish based on diamond turning tool mark spatial frequency with subsequent electro-chemical polishing.

Ultra-wideband horn antenna with abrupt radiator

DOEpatents

McEwan, Thomas E.

1998-01-01

An ultra-wideband horn antenna transmits and receives impulse waveforms for short-range radars and impulse time-of flight systems. The antenna reduces or eliminates various sources of close-in radar clutter, including pulse dispersion and ringing, sidelobe clutter, and feedline coupling into the antenna. Dispersion is minimized with an abrupt launch point radiator element; sidelobe and feedline coupling are minimized by recessing the radiator into a metallic horn. Low frequency cut-off associated with a horn is extended by configuring the radiator drive impedance to approach a short circuit at low frequencies. A tapered feed plate connects at one end to a feedline, and at the other end to a launcher plate which is mounted to an inside wall of the horn. The launcher plate and feed plate join at an abrupt edge which forms the single launch point of the antenna.

Technical note: Evaluation of digital refractometers to estimate serum immunoglobulin G concentration and passive transfer in Jersey calves.

PubMed

McCracken, M M; Morrill, K M; Fordyce, A L; Tyler, H D

2017-10-01

Previous data have demonstrated that refractometers can be used to estimate serum IgG, and that a cut-point of 7.8% Brix should be used to identify failure of passive transfer (FPT) in 1-d-old Holstein calves. The objective of the present study was to validate the use of refractometry to estimate serum IgG concentrations and evaluate FPT in Jersey calves. Blood samples (n = 97) were obtained from 1- to 3-d-old Jersey calves and centrifuged at 3,300 × g for 20 min at 25°C. Serum was analyzed for % Brix, total protein (TP), and refractive index (nD) using a Sper Scientific Digital Refractometer (model #300036, Sper Scientific, Scottsdale, AZ) within 12 h of sampling. Samples were then frozen and later analyzed in the laboratory for IgG by radial immunodiffusion. The mean serum IgG concentration for all calves was 23.7 mg/mL (SD = 12.5), with a range of 2.3 to 65.5 mg/mL. Mean serum % Brix was 8.9 (SD = 1.1; range 6.5 to 12.0). Serum % Brix was moderately correlated with IgG concentration (r = 0.77). Total protein and IgG were moderately correlated (r = 0.790). Regression was used to determine cut-points for approximately 10, 12, and 14 mg of IgG/mL and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of refractometry to identify FPT (serum IgG <10 mg/mL at 24 h of life). Brix cut-points analyzed were 7.1, 7.3, and 7.6%; TP cut-points were 4.6, 5.0, and 5.5 g/dL; and nD cut-points were 1.34332, 1.34271, and 1.3448, respectively, for 10, 12, and 14 mg of IgG/mL. The 7.3% Brix and 4.6 g/dL TP cut-points resulted in the greatest percentage of samples being correctly classified. These data suggest that digital refractometry is an acceptable and rapid method to estimate immunoglobulin G in Jersey calf serum. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Potential of Established Fitness Cut-off Points for Monitoring Women with Fibromyalgia: The al-Ándalus Project.

PubMed

Castro-Piñero, José; Aparicio, Virginia A; Estévez-López, Fernando; Álvarez-Gallardo, Inmaculada C; Borges-Cosic, Milkana; Soriano-Maldonado, Alberto; Delgado-Fernández, Manuel; Segura-Jiménez, Víctor

2017-05-01

The aim of the present study was to determinate whether fitness cut-off points discriminate the severity of major fibromyalgia symptoms and health-related quality of life. Additionally, we investigated which American Colleague of Rheumatology (ACR) fibromyalgia criteria (1990 vs. modified 2010) better discriminate fibromyalgia symptomatology. A total of 488 women with fibromyalgia and 200 non-fibromyalgia (control) women participated. All participants underwent both the 1990 and the modified 2010 ACR preliminary criteria (hereinafter 1990c and m-2010c, respectively). We used fitness cut-off points (Senior Fitness Tests Battery plus handgrip strength test) to discriminate between presence and absence of fibromyalgia. Additionally, we employed several instruments to assess fibromyalgia symptoms. Fitness cut-off points discriminated between high and low levels of the main symptoms the disease in all age groups (P from <0.001 to 0.01). Overall, the arm-curl and the 30-s chair stand tests presented the highest effect sizes in all symptoms, reinforcing the inclusion of fitness testing as a complementary tool for fibromyalgia diagnosis and monitoring. Moreover, the effect size of the differences in symptoms between women with fibromyalgia and controls were overall larger using the m-2010c compared with the 1990c, except for the tender points count, reflecting better the polysymptomatic distress condition of fibromyalgia. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Cut-off optimization for 13C-urea breath test in a community-based trial by mathematic, histology and serology approach.

PubMed

Li, Zhe-Xuan; Huang, Lei-Lei; Liu, Cong; Formichella, Luca; Zhang, Yang; Wang, Yu-Mei; Zhang, Lian; Ma, Jun-Ling; Liu, Wei-Dong; Ulm, Kurt; Wang, Jian-Xi; Zhang, Lei; Bajbouj, Monther; Li, Ming; Vieth, Michael; Quante, Michael; Zhou, Tong; Wang, Le-Hua; Suchanek, Stepan; Soutschek, Erwin; Schmid, Roland; Classen, Meinhard; You, Wei-Cheng; Gerhard, Markus; Pan, Kai-Feng

2017-05-18

The performance of diagnostic tests in intervention trials of Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) eradication is crucial, since even minor inaccuracies can have major impact. To determine the cut-off point for 13 C-urea breath test ( 13 C-UBT) and to assess if it can be further optimized by serologic testing, mathematic modeling, histopathology and serologic validation were applied. A finite mixture model (FMM) was developed in 21,857 subjects, and an independent validation by modified Giemsa staining was conducted in 300 selected subjects. H.pylori status was determined using recomLine H.pylori assay in 2,113 subjects with a borderline 13 C-UBT results. The delta over baseline-value (DOB) of 3.8 was an optimal cut-off point by a FMM in modelling dataset, which was further validated as the most appropriate cut-off point by Giemsa staining (sensitivity = 94.53%, specificity = 92.93%). In the borderline population, 1,468 subjects were determined as H.pylori positive by recomLine (69.5%). A significant correlation between the number of positive H.pylori serum responses and DOB value was found (r s  = 0.217, P < 0.001). A mathematical approach such as FMM might be an alternative measure in optimizing the cut-off point for 13 C-UBT in community-based studies, and a second method to determine H.pylori status for subjects with borderline value of 13 C-UBT was necessary and recommended.

16 CFR 23.16 - Misuse of the words “brilliant” and “full cut.”

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

...,” “brilliant cut,” or “full cut” to describe, identify, or refer to any diamond except a round diamond that has... below. Note to § 23.16: Such terms should not be applied to single or rose-cut diamonds. They may be...) cut diamonds meeting the above-stated facet requirements when, in immediate conjunction with the term...

16 CFR 23.16 - Misuse of the words “brilliant” and “full cut.”

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

...,” “brilliant cut,” or “full cut” to describe, identify, or refer to any diamond except a round diamond that has... below. Note to § 23.16: Such terms should not be applied to single or rose-cut diamonds. They may be...) cut diamonds meeting the above-stated facet requirements when, in immediate conjunction with the term...

16 CFR 23.16 - Misuse of the words “brilliant” and “full cut.”

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

...,” “brilliant cut,” or “full cut” to describe, identify, or refer to any diamond except a round diamond that has... below. Note to § 23.16: Such terms should not be applied to single or rose-cut diamonds. They may be...) cut diamonds meeting the above-stated facet requirements when, in immediate conjunction with the term...

Interpretation of diagnostic data: 4. How to do it with a more complex table.

PubMed

1983-10-15

A more complex table is especially useful when a diagnostic test produces a wide range of results and your patient's levels are near one of the extremes. The following guidelines will be useful: Identify the several cut-off points that could be used. Fill in a complex table along the lines of Table I, showing the numbers of patients at each level who have and do not have the target disorder. Generate a simple table for each cut-off point, as in Table II, and determine the sensitivity (TP rate) and specificity (TN rate) at each of them. Select the cut-off point that makes the most sense for your patient's test result and proceed as in parts 2 and 3 of our series. Alternatively, construct an ROC curve by plotting the TP and FP rates that attend each cut-off point. If you keep your tables and ROC curves close at hand, you will gradually accumulate a set of very useful guides. However, if you looked very hard at what was happening, you will probably have noticed that they are not very useful for patients whose test results fall in the middle zones, or for those with just one positive result of two tests; the post-test likelihood of disease in these patients lurches back and forth past 50%, depending on where the cut-off point is. We will show you how to tackle this problem in part 5 of our series. It involves some maths, but you will find that its very powerful clinical application can be achieved with a simple nomogram or with some simple calculations.

Biological variability of transferrin saturation and unsaturated iron binding capacity

PubMed Central

Adams, PC; Reboussin, DM; Press, RD; Barton, JC; Acton, RT; Moses, GC; Leiendecker-Foster, C; McLaren, GD; Dawkins, FW; Gordeuk, VR; Lovato, L; Eckfeldt, JH

2007-01-01

Background Transferrin saturation is widely considered the preferred screening test for hemochromatosis. Unsaturated iron binding capacity has similar performance at lower cost. However, the within-person biological variability of both these tests may limit their ability at commonly used cut points to detect HFE C282Y homozygous patients. Methods The Hemochromatosis and Iron Overload Screening (HEIRS) Study screened 101,168 primary care participants for iron overload using tansferrin saturation, unsaturated iron binding capacity, ferritin and HFE C282Y and H63D genotyping. Transferrin saturation and unsaturated iron binding capacity were performed at initial screening and again when selected participants and controls returned for a clinical examination several months later. A missed case was defined as a C282Y homozygote who had transferrin saturation below cut point (45 % women, 50 % men) or unsaturated iron binding capacity above cut point (150 μmol/L women, 125 μmol/L men) at either the initial screening or clinical examination, or both, regardless of serum ferritin. Results There were 209 C282Y previously undiagnosed homozygotes with transferrin saturation and unsaturated iron binding capacity testing done at initial screening and clinical examination. Sixty-eight C282Y homozygotes (33%) would have been missed at these transferrin saturation cut points (19 men, 49 women, median SF 170 μg/L, first and third quartiles 50 and 474 μg/L), and 58 homozygotes (28 %) would have been missed at the unsaturated iron binding capacity cut points (20 men, 38 women, median SF 168 μg/L, quartiles 38 and 454 μg/L). There was no advantage to using fasting samples. Conclusions The within-person biological variability of transferrin saturation and unsaturated iron binding capacity limit their usefulness as an initial screening test for expressing C282Y homozygotes. PMID:17976429

Human papilloma virus prevalence in a multiethnic screening population.

PubMed

Chen, Kang Mei; Stephen, Josena K; Ghanem, Tamer; Stachler, Robert; Gardner, Glendon; Jones, Lamont; Schweitzer, Vanessa P; Hall, Francis; Divine, George; Worsham, Maria J

2013-03-01

The goal was to determine the prevalence of high-risk HPV16 using saliva in a screening population in Detroit, Michigan. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was applied to detect HPV16 in saliva DNA from 349 screening subjects without head and neck cancer (HNC), 156 with HNC, and 19 controls. Cut points for human papilloma virus (HPV) positivity were >0 and >0.001 copy/cell. Proportions were compared between groups using exact χ(2) or Fisher exact tests (P < .05). At a cut point >0, each group had an overall HPV prevalence of more than 5%, with a higher prevalence of 30.8% in the HNC patient group. At a cut point >0.001, the prevalence was lower: 0% in the control, 1.2% in the screening, and 16.7% in the HNC group. In the latter, for both cut points, HPV prevalence was different across sites (<0.001) and significantly higher in the oropharynx than larynx or site as other after Hochberg's adjustment. At >0, women in the screening group had a higher prevalence of HPV than did men (P = .010), and at >0.001, the prevalence was higher for men in the HNC group than for women (P = .035). In the screening group, at >0, only African Americans had a higher prevalence than Caucasian Americans (P = .025). In the screening group, a 6.9% and 1.2% screening rate was noted at cut points >0 and >0.001, respectively. The results provide data to inform public health considerations of the feasibility of saliva as a screening tool in at-risk populations with the long-term goal of prophylactic vaccination against oral HPV.

Sensitivity and specificity of the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in the detection of anxiety disorders in older people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Cheung, Gary; Patrick, Colin; Sullivan, Glenda; Cooray, Manisha; Chang, Catherina L

2012-01-01

Anxiety and depression are prevalent in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study evaluates the sensitivity and specificity of two self-administered anxiety rating scales in older people with COPD. The Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) are established useful screening tools but they have not been previously validated in this population. Older people with COPD completed the GAI and the HADS along with a structured diagnostic psychiatric interview, the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). The outcomes of both rating scales were compared against the diagnosis of anxiety disorders based on the MINI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify the optimal diagnostic cut points for each scale. Fourteen (25.5%) of the 55 participants, were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Mean GAI and HADS-anxiety subscale scores were significantly higher in subjects with an anxiety disorder than those without the diagnosis (p = 0.002 and 0.005 respectively). Both scales demonstrated moderate diagnostic value (area under the ROC curve was 0.83 for GAI and 0.79 for HADS). Optimal cut points were ≥3 (GAI) and ≥4 (HADS-anxiety subscale). At these cut-points, the GAI had a sensitivity of 85.7%, specificity of 78.0% and the HADS had a sensitivity of 78.6%, specificity 70.7%. Our results support the use of the GAI and HADS as screening instruments for anxiety disorders in older people with COPD. The optimal cut points in this population were lower than previously recommended for both rating scales. The results of this study should be replicated before these cut points can be recommended for general use in older people with COPD.

Validation of accelerometer cut points in toddlers with and without cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Oftedal, Stina; Bell, Kristie L; Davies, Peter S W; Ware, Robert S; Boyd, Roslyn N

2014-09-01

The purpose of this study was to validate uni- and triaxial ActiGraph cut points for sedentary time in toddlers with cerebral palsy (CP) and typically developing children (TDC). Children (n = 103, 61 boys, mean age = 2 yr, SD = 6 months, range = 1 yr 6 months-3 yr) were divided into calibration (n = 65) and validation (n = 38) samples with separate analyses for TDC (n = 28) and ambulant (Gross Motor Function Classification System I-III, n = 51) and nonambulant (Gross Motor Function Classification System IV-V, n = 25) children with CP. An ActiGraph was worn during a videotaped assessment. Behavior was coded as sedentary or nonsedentary. Receiver operating characteristic-area under the curve analysis determined the classification accuracy of accelerometer data. Predictive validity was determined using the Bland-Altman analysis. Classification accuracy for uniaxial data was fair for the ambulatory CP and TDC group but poor for the nonambulatory CP group. Triaxial data showed good classification accuracy for all groups. The uniaxial ambulatory CP and TDC cut points significantly overestimated sedentary time (bias = -10.5%, 95% limits of agreement [LoA] = -30.2% to 9.1%; bias = -17.3%, 95% LoA = -44.3% to 8.3%). The triaxial ambulatory and nonambulatory CP and TDC cut points provided accurate group-level measures of sedentary time (bias = -1.5%, 95% LoA = -20% to 16.8%; bias = 2.1%, 95% LoA = -17.3% to 21.5%; bias = -5.1%, 95% LoA = -27.5% to 16.1%). Triaxial accelerometers provide useful group-level measures of sedentary time in children with CP across the spectrum of functional abilities and TDC. Uniaxial cut points are not recommended.

Serial Transmission of Plant Viruses by Cutting During Grafting

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Reciprocal grafts of two tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivars were made by hand using commercial grafting techniques. The razor blade used to cut rootstock or scion was first contaminated by making a single cut on tomato plants infected with either tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) or tomato m...

Fifteen-year results from six cutting methods in second-growth northern hardwoods.

Treesearch

Gayne G. Erdmann; Robert R. Oberg

1973-01-01

Presents and compares stand growth and yield information from three single-tree selection cuts, a crop-tree release treatment, an 8-inch diameter limit cut, and an uncut control. Discusses the influence of stand density on basal area growth, cubic volume growth, and board-foot volume growth.

Initiation of Insensitive High Explosives Using Multiple Wave Interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Francois, Elizabeth; Burritt, Rosmary; Biss, Matt; Bowden, Patrick

2017-06-01

Insensitive High Explosives (IHEs) increase safety in many types of weapons. However, the safety comes at the cost of performance. Initiation of IHE requires large boosters and powerful detonators as well. Multipoint initiation is being utilized to exploit explosive wave interactions to create overdriven states, greatly facilitating the initiation of IHEs. This presentation will build from recent explosive experiments where the minimum spot size for single-point initiation in PBX 9502 was determined. Below this threshold, PBX 9502 could not be initiated. This was then expanded to three initiation points, which were smaller this threshold. Measurements of the velocity and pressure of the wave interactions were measured using Photon Doppler Velocimetry (PDV). Initiation was observed, and the resulting pressures at the double and triple points were found to be above the CJ state for PBX 9502. Based on these results, further tests were conducted to isolate and measure the longevity and pressure of this phenomenon using cut-back tests. All results will be presented and discussed.

Television monitor field shifter and an opto-electronic method for obtaining a stereo image of optimal depth resolution and reduced depth distortion on a single screen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Diner, Daniel B. (Inventor)

1989-01-01

A method and apparatus is developed for obtaining a stereo image with reduced depth distortion and optimum depth resolution. Static and dynamic depth distortion and depth resolution tradeoff is provided. Cameras obtaining the images for a stereo view are converged at a convergence point behind the object to be presented in the image, and the collection-surface-to-object distance, the camera separation distance, and the focal lengths of zoom lenses for the cameras are all increased. Doubling the distances cuts the static depth distortion in half while maintaining image size and depth resolution. Dynamic depth distortion is minimized by panning a stereo view-collecting camera system about a circle which passes through the convergence point and the camera's first nodal points. Horizontal field shifting of the television fields on a television monitor brings both the monitor and the stereo views within the viewer's limit of binocular fusion.

Analytic properties for the honeycomb lattice Green function at the origin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joyce, G. S.

2018-05-01

The analytic properties of the honeycomb lattice Green function are investigated, where is a complex variable which lies in a plane. This double integral defines a single-valued analytic function provided that a cut is made along the real axis from w  =  ‑3 to . In order to analyse the behaviour of along the edges of the cut it is convenient to define the limit function where . It is shown that and can be evaluated exactly for all in terms of various hypergeometric functions, where the argument function is always real-valued and rational. The second-order linear Fuchsian differential equation satisfied by is also used to derive series expansions for and which are valid in the neighbourhood of the regular singular points and . Integral representations are established for and , where with . In particular, it is proved that where J 0(z) and Y 0(z) denote Bessel functions of the first and second kind, respectively. The results derived in the paper are utilized to evaluate the associated logarithmic integral where w lies in the cut plane. A new set of orthogonal polynomials which are connected with the honeycomb lattice Green function are also briefly discussed. Finally, a link between and the theory of Pearson random walks in a plane is established.

Physical activity and sarcopenic obesity: definition, assessment, prevalence and mechanism.

PubMed

Lee, Duck-Chul; Shook, Robin P; Drenowatz, Clemens; Blair, Steven N

2016-09-01

Sarcopenic obesity is the coexistance of sarcopenia and obesity. Modern sarcopenia definition includes low muscle mass, weak muscle strength (handgrip strength) and poor physical function (slow walking), although the clinical definition of each varies worldwide. The cut-points for low muscle mass for men and women using appendicular lean mass divided by height (kg/m 2 ) are ≤7.0 and ≤5.4 in Asians, and ≤7.23 and ≤5.67 in Caucasians, respectively. The cut-points for weak handgrip strength (kg) for men and women are <26 and <18 in Asians, and <30 and <20 in Caucasians, respectively. The cut-point for slow walking is ≤0.8 m/s in men and women. Current data suggest the potential benefits of physical activity and fitness on sarcopenic obesity in older adults.

Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis in Egyptian Cattle and the Standardization of the Interferon-gamma Assay as an Ancillary Test.

PubMed

Abdellrazeq, G S; Elnaggar, M M; Osman, H S; Davis, W C; Singh, M

2016-10-01

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) caused primarily by Mycobacterium bovis continues to cause significant losses in the cattle industry and is a major public health problem. Despite its worldwide application, the IFN-γ assay has not been applied in Egypt. The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate cut-off value of IFN-γ assay to complement the skin test screening in Egypt. The relative sensitivity (Ser ) of PPD and antigen cocktail-based IFN-γ assays (IFN-γ-BA and IFN-γ-EC) was analysed retrospectively, relative to bTB confirmatory tests (culture and PCR), using single cervical tuberculin (SCT) test reactors during 2011-2013. The absolute specificity (Sp) was studied using blood samples collected from cattle from one bTB-free herd. Analysis of the bTB database-generated sheets indicates the infection rate had decreased from 2009 to 2012 and then increased in 2013. The disease is concentrated in the Egyptian Nile Delta and Valley relative to elsewhere in the country. The cut-offs for IFN-γ-EC assay could be optimized to provide higher sensitivity, comparable to cut-offs for IFN-γ-BA assay. Data analysis suggests (PPDbOD  > 0.1, PPDbOD  - NILOD  > 0.05 and PPDbOD  > PPDaOD ) and (ECOD  - NILOD  ≥ 0.1) cut-off strategies to get optimal IFN-γ-BA and IFN-γ-EC assays results respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the prevalence of bTB in cattle in Egypt and pointing out the appropriate cut-off criteria to optimize IFN-γ assay as a routine ancillary test for diagnosis of bTB in Egypt. © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Influence of third molars in Le Fort 1 osteotomy

PubMed Central

Balaji, S. M.

2011-01-01

Background: The influence of maxillary third molar (M3) on the outcomes of Le Fort 1 osteotomy is not deeply investigated. Aim: To investigate the influence of M3 on Le Fort 1 osteotomies. Setting: Tertiary Referral Center, operated by a single surgeon, prospective study. Period: January 2005 to December 2010. Patients: Consecutive Le Fort 1 osteotomy patients with both M3. Predictor Variable: Gender, position, M3 root morphology, and degree of impaction. Outcome Variable: Time taken after all osteotomy cuts to point of time when maxilla is placed in predetermined plane. Result: A total of 658 M3 in line of cut were studied. Of all M3, 312 were impacted, 28.9% were partially impacted and 23.7% were erupted. Of all the M3, 2.9% had their cuspal tips above the horizontal cut, 13.8% along the line of cut, and in 20.7% below the line but not erupted. Buccoverted tooth took shortest time (7.74 minutes), while palatoversion required more time (8.44 minutes) (P = 0.000). When the cuspal tip of M3 was located above the horizontal line of cut, the mean time required to achieve the planned position was 7 minutes, while the completely erupted teeth took a mean of 8.24 minutes (P = 0.000). Conclusion: When the M3 is placed higher, it takes lesser time to prepare basal bone to receive the maxilla at its predetermined level. Angulation of M3 influences the outcome. Deeply placed M3 reduces the manipulation of the greater pterygoid palatine vessels in the area thereby minimizing the bleeding in the surgical field. PMID:23482647

WWBT? What Would Ben Think about Killer Apps, Cutting Edges, and Tipping Points in the History of Weather and Climate?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fleming, J. R.

2006-12-01

This paper examines the history of weather and climate since 1706 along three intertwined analytical axes: technology (killer apps), science (cutting edges), and social issues (tipping points). For example, Franklin's best-known killer app, the lightning rod, gains added significance when seen in light of his cutting edge contributions to the science of electricity, his lifelong promotion of useful knowledge, and the societal tipping point his work triggered in our relationship to the sky. Subsequently, other major tipping points and conceptual shifts followed the introduction of telegraphy, radio, television, digital computers, and rocketry into meteorology. Following an analysis of the career and contributions of Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), the paper examines later historical moments and watersheds, not merely in retrospect, but from the perspective of leading participants at the time. It focuses on technologies of significant promise, especially those involving electro- magnetism, up to and including the dawn of the twenty-first century, and asks playfully, "What would Ben think?"

Simulating cut-to-length harvesting operations in Appalachian hardwoods

Treesearch

Jingxin Wang; Chris B. LeDoux; Yaoxiang Li

2005-01-01

Cut-to-length (CTL) harvesting systems involving small and large harvesters and a forwarder were simulated using a modular computer simulation model. The two harvesters simulated were a modified John Deere 988 tracked excavator with a single grip sawhead and a Timbco T425 based excavator with a single grip sawhead. The forwarder used in the simulations was a Valmet 524...

Computer-assisted oblique single-cut rotation osteotomy to reduce a multidirectional tibia deformity: case report.

PubMed

Dobbe, J G G; du Pré, K J; Blankevoort, L; Streekstra, G J; Kloen, P

2017-08-01

The correction of multiplanar deformity is challenging. We describe preoperative 3-D planning and treatment of a complex tibia malunion using an oblique single-cut rotation osteotomy to correct deformity parameters in the sagittal, coronal and transverse plane. At 5 years postoperatively, the patient ambulates without pain with a well-aligned leg.

Feasibility of Tactical Air Delivery Resupply Using Gliders

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-01

using modern design and manufacturing techniques including AutoCAD, 3D printing , laser cutting and CorelDraw, and conducting field testing and...Sparrow,” using modern design and manufacturing techniques including AutoCAD, 3D printing , laser cutting and CorelDraw, and conducting field testing and...the desired point(s) of impact due to the atmospheric three-dimensional ( 3D ) wind and density field encountered by the descending load under canopy

The Relationship of Actigraph Accelerometer Cut-Points for Estimating Physical Activity with Selected Health Outcomes: Results from NHANES 2003-06

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Loprinzi, Paul D.; Lee, Hyo; Cardinal, Bradley J.; Crespo, Carlos J.; Andersen, Ross E.; Smit, Ellen

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of child and adult cut-points on physical activity (PA) intensity, the prevalence of meeting PA guidelines, and association with selected health outcomes. Participants (6,578 adults greater than or equal to 18 years, and 3,174 children and adolescents less than or equal to 17 years) from the…

Classification of Physical Activity Cut-Points and the Estimation of Energy Expenditure during Walking Using the GT3X+ Accelerometer in Overweight and Obese Adults

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Howe, Christopher C. F.; Moir, Hannah J.; Easton, Chris

2017-01-01

This study establishes tri-axial activity count (AC) cut-points for the GT3X+ accelerometer to classify physical activity intensity in overweight and obese adults. Further, we examined the accuracy of established and novel energy expenditure (EE) prediction equations based on AC and other metrics. "Part 1": Twenty overweight or obese…

Operationalizing hippocampal volume as an enrichment biomarker for amnestic mild cognitive impairment trials: effect of algorithm, test-retest variability, and cut point on trial cost, duration, and sample size.

PubMed

Yu, Peng; Sun, Jia; Wolz, Robin; Stephenson, Diane; Brewer, James; Fox, Nick C; Cole, Patricia E; Jack, Clifford R; Hill, Derek L G; Schwarz, Adam J

2014-04-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of computational algorithm, measurement variability, and cut point on hippocampal volume (HCV)-based patient selection for clinical trials in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We used normal control and amnestic MCI subjects from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative 1 (ADNI-1) as normative reference and screening cohorts. We evaluated the enrichment performance of 4 widely used hippocampal segmentation algorithms (FreeSurfer, Hippocampus Multi-Atlas Propagation and Segmentation (HMAPS), Learning Embeddings Atlas Propagation (LEAP), and NeuroQuant) in terms of 2-year changes in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog), and Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB). We modeled the implications for sample size, screen fail rates, and trial cost and duration. HCV based patient selection yielded reduced sample sizes (by ∼40%-60%) and lower trial costs (by ∼30%-40%) across a wide range of cut points. These results provide a guide to the choice of HCV cut point for amnestic MCI clinical trials, allowing an informed tradeoff between statistical and practical considerations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Optically controllable nanobreaking of metallic nanowires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Lina; Lu, Jinsheng; Yang, Hangbo; Luo, Si; Wang, Wei; Lv, Jun; Qiu, Min; Li, Qiang

2017-02-01

Nanobreaking of nanowires has shown its necessity for manufacturing integrated nanodevices as nanojoining does. In this letter, we develop a method for breaking gold pentagonal nanowires by taking advantage of the photothermal effect with a 532 nm continuous-wave (CW) laser. The critical power required for nanobreaking is much lower for perpendicular polarization than that for parallel polarization. By controlling the polarization and the power of the irradiation light for nanobreaking, the nanowires can be cut into segments with gap widths ranging from dozens of nanometers to several micrometers. This CW light-induced single point nanobreaking of metallic nanowires provides a highly useful and promising method in constructing nanosystems.

[Sural nerve removal using a nerve stripper].

PubMed

Assmus, H

1983-03-01

In 19 patients the sural nerve was removed for nerve grafting by a specially designed nerve stripper. This technique provides a safe and time-saving removal of the nerve in length up to 34 cm (depending on the length of the stripper used). From a single short incision at the level of the lateral malleolus the nerve is stripped proximally tearing some small branches of the distal nerve. The relatively blunt tip avoids inadvertent transection of the nerve at a lower level or dissection of the nerve at a point where branching occurs. Finally the nerve is cut by the divided cylinder at the tip of the stripper.

Compression debarking of wood chips.

Treesearch

Rodger A. Arola; John R. Erickson

1973-01-01

Presents results from 2 years testing of a single-pass compression process for debarking wood chips of several species. The most significant variable was season of cut. Depending on species, approximately 70% of the bark was removed from wood cut in the growing season while approximately 45% was removed from wood cut in the dormant season.

Consumer evaluation of palatability characteristics of a beef value-added cut compared to common retail cuts.

PubMed

Lepper-Blilie, A N; Berg, E P; Germolus, A J; Buchanan, D S; Berg, P T

2014-01-01

The objectives of this study were to educate consumers about value-added beef cuts and evaluate their palatability responses of a value cut and three traditional cuts. Three hundred and twenty-two individuals participated in the beef value cut education seminar series presented by trained beef industry educators. Seminar participants evaluated tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall like of four samples, bottom round, top sirloin, ribeye, and a value cut (Delmonico or Denver), on a 9-point scale. The ribeye and the value cut were found to be similar in all four attributes and differed from the top sirloin and bottom round. Correlations and regression analysis found that flavor was the largest influencing factor for overall like for the ribeye, value cut, and top sirloin. The value cut is comparable to the ribeye and can be a less expensive replacement. © 2013.

Investigating the CO 2 laser cutting parameters of MDF wood composite material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eltawahni, H. A.; Olabi, A. G.; Benyounis, K. Y.

2011-04-01

Laser cutting of medium density fibreboard (MDF) is a complicated process and the selection of the process parameters combinations is essential to get the highest quality cut section. This paper presents a means for selecting the process parameters for laser cutting of MDF based on the design of experiments (DOE) approach. A CO 2 laser was used to cut three thicknesses, 4, 6 and 9 mm, of MDF panels. The process factors investigated are: laser power, cutting speed, air pressure and focal point position. In this work, cutting quality was evaluated by measuring the upper kerf width, the lower kerf width, the ratio between the upper kerf width to the lower kerf width, the cut section roughness and the operating cost. The effect of each factor on the quality measures was determined. The optimal cutting combinations were presented in favours of high quality process output and in favours of low cutting cost.

Vineyard Colonization by Hyalesthes obsoletus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) Induced by Stinging Nettle Cut Along Surrounding Ditches.

PubMed

Mori, N; Pozzebon, A; Duso, C; Reggiani, N; Pavan, F

2016-02-01

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) is the most important host plant for both phytoplasma associated with Bois noir disease of the grapevine and its vector Hyalesthes obsoletus Signoret (Hemiptera: Cixiidae). Vector abundance in vineyards is favored by stinging nettle growing in surrounding areas. Nettle control by herbicides or cutting can reduce vector population in vineyards. However, chemical weeding can cause environmental problems. Many authors suggest that stinging nettle control applied during H. obsoletus flight could force adults to migrate into vineyards. We evaluate if cutting of nettle growing along ditches during adult flight favors vineyard colonization by H. obsoletus. Three different weed management regimes ("no cuts," "one cut" just before the beginning of adult flight, and "frequent cuts" over the whole vegetative season) were applied to the herbaceous vegetation in ditches bordering two vineyards. The flight dynamics of H. obsoletus were recorded by placing yellow sticky traps on the vegetation along the ditches and at different positions in the vineyards. Frequent stinging nettle cuts (compared with a single cut) in surrounding areas favored the dispersion of vectors inside the vineyards. Stinging nettle control should be based on an integration of a single herbicide application before H. obsoletus emergence followed by frequent cuts to minimize negative side effects of chemical weeding. In organic viticulture, a frequent-cuts strategy should avoid cuts during H. obsoletus flight period, at least in the first year of adoption. © The Authors 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Pre-Finishing of SiC for Optical Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rozzi, Jay; Clavier, Odile; Gagne, John

2011-01-01

13 Manufacturing & Prototyping A method is based on two unique processing steps that are both based on deterministic machining processes using a single-point diamond turning (SPDT) machine. In the first step, a high-MRR (material removal rate) process is used to machine the part within several microns of the final geometry. In the second step, a low-MRR process is used to machine the part to near optical quality using a novel ductile regime machining (DRM) process. DRM is a deterministic machining process associated with conditions under high hydrostatic pressures and very small depths of cut. Under such conditions, using high negative-rake angle cutting tools, the high-pressure region near the tool corresponds to a plastic zone, where even a brittle material will behave in a ductile manner. In the high-MRR processing step, the objective is to remove material with a sufficiently high rate such that the process is economical, without inducing large-scale subsurface damage. A laser-assisted machining approach was evaluated whereby a CO2 laser was focused in advance of the cutting tool. While CVD (chemical vapor deposition) SiC was successfully machined with this approach, the cutting forces were substantially higher than cuts at room temperature under the same machining conditions. During the experiments, the expansion of the part and the tool due to the heating was carefully accounted for. The higher cutting forces are most likely due to a small reduction in the shear strength of the material compared with a larger increase in friction forces due to the thermal softening effect. The key advantage is that the hybrid machine approach has the potential to achieve optical quality without the need for a separate optical finishing step. Also, this method is scalable, so one can easily progress from machining 50-mm-diameter samples to the 250-mm-diameter mirror that NASA desires.

Cutting head for ultrasonic lithotripsy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anguluo, E. D.; Goodfriend, R. (Inventor)

1985-01-01

A cutting head for attachment to the end of the wire probe of an ultrasonic kidney stone disintegration instrument is described. The cutting head has a plurality of circumferentially arranged teeth formed at one end thereof to provide a cup shaped receptacle for kidney stones encountered during the disintegration procedure. An integral reduced diameter collar diminishes stress points in the wire and reduce breakage thereof.

Cutting Head for Ultrasonic Lithotripsy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Angulo, Earl D. (Inventor); Goodfriend, Roger (Inventor)

1989-01-01

A cutting head for attachment to the end of the wire probe of an ultrasonic kidney stone disintegration instrument. The cutting head has a plurality of circumferentially arranged teeth formed at one end thereof to provide a cup-shaped receptacle for kidney stones encountered during the disintegration procedure. An integral reduced diameter collar diminishes stress points in the wire and reduces breakage thereof.

Laser cutting system

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

Dougherty, Thomas J

A workpiece cutting apparatus includes a laser source, a first suction system, and a first finger configured to guide a workpiece as it moves past the laser source. The first finger includes a first end provided adjacent a point where a laser from the laser source cuts the workpiece, and the first end of the first finger includes an aperture in fluid communication with the first suction system.

A description of disordered eating behaviors in Latino males

PubMed Central

Reyes-Rodríguez, Mae Lynn; Sala, Margarita; Von Holle, Ann; Unikel, Claudia; Bulik, Cynthia M.; Cámara-Fuentes, Luis; Suárez-Torres, Alba

2011-01-01

Objective To explore disordered eating and eating disorders (ED) in Latino males. Participants 722 male college students from a larger prevalence study conducted in the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) system. Method Participants were selected from a list of sections of required courses for first-year students on each campus. Self report instruments were used to explore ED symptoms (EAT-26 & BULIT-26) and depression (BDI). Results Overall, 2.26% scored above the cut-off point on the BULIT-R and 5.08% score above the cut-off point on the EAT-26. Of the males, 4.43% reported sufficient frequency and severity to approximate DSM-IV criteria for BN. Depression symptomatology was found in those who scored above the cut-off point on both instruments of ED. Conclusion College health practitioners should be aware of disordered eating in Latino males and include them in efforts to detect disordered eating behaviors in college students. PMID:21308586

A cautionary note about the cross-national and clinical validity of cut-off points for the Maslach Burnout Inventory.

PubMed

Schaufeli, W B; Van Dierendonck, D

1995-06-01

In the present study, burnout scores of three samples, as measured with the Maslach Burnout Inventory, were compared: (1) the normative American sample from the test-manual (N = 10,067), (2) the normative Dutch sample (N = 3,892), and (3) a Dutch outpatient sample (N = 142). Generally, the highest burnout scores were found for the outpatient sample, followed by the American and Dutch normative samples, respectively. Slightly different patterns were noted for each of the three components. Probably sampling bias, i.e., the healthy worker effect, or cultural value patterns, i.e., femininity versus masculinity, might be responsible for the results. It is concluded that extreme caution is required when cut-off points are used to classify individuals by burnout scores; only nation-specific and clinically derived cut-off points should be employed.

[Validation of the Eating Attitudes Test as a screening instrument for eating disorders in general population].

PubMed

Peláez-Fernández, María Angeles; Ruiz-Lázaro, Pedro Manuel; Labrador, Francisco Javier; Raich, Rosa María

2014-02-20

To validate the best cut-off point of the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40), Spanish version, for the screening of eating disorders (ED) in the general population. This was a transversal cross-sectional study. The EAT-40 Spanish version was administered to a representative sample of 1.543 students, age range 12 to 21 years, in the Region of Madrid. Six hundred and two participants (probable cases and a random sample of controls) were interviewed. The best diagnostic prediction was obtained with a cut-off point of 21, with sensitivity: 88.2%; specificity: 62.1%; positive predictive value: 17.7%; negative predictive value: 62.1%. Use of a cut-off point of 21 is recommended in epidemiological studies of eating disorders in the Spanish general population. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

Reliability and validity of the Dutch pediatric Voice Handicap Index.

PubMed

Veder, Laura; Pullens, Bas; Timmerman, Marieke; Hoeve, Hans; Joosten, Koen; Hakkesteegt, Marieke

2017-05-01

The pediatric voice handicap index (pVHI) has been developed to provide a better insight into the parents' perception of their child's voice related quality of life. The purpose of the present study was to validate the Dutch pVHI by evaluating its internal consistency and reliability. Furthermore, we determined the optimal cut-off point for a normal pVHI score. All items of the English pVHI were translated into Dutch. Parents of children in our dysphonic and control group were asked to fill out the questionnaire. For the test re-test analysis we used a different study group who filled out the pVHI twice as part of a large follow up study. Internal consistency was analyzed through Cronbach's α coefficient. The test-retest reliability was assessed by determining Pearson's correlation coefficient. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the scores of the questionnaire of the control group with the dysphonic group. By calculating receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, sensitivity and specificity we were able to set a cut-off point. We obtained data from 122 asymptomatic children and from 79 dysphonic children. The scores of the questionnaire significantly differed between both groups. The internal consistency showed an overall Cronbach α coefficient of 0.96 and an excellent test-retest reliability of the total pVHI questionnaire with a Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.90. A cut-off point for the total pVHI questionnaire was set at 7 points with a specificity of 85% and sensitivity of 100%. A cut-off point for the VAS score was set at 13 with a specificity of 93% and sensitivity of 97%. The Dutch pVHI is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of children with voice problems. By setting a cut-off point for the score of the total pVHI questionnaire of 7 points and the VAS score of 13, the pVHI might be used as a screening tool to assess dysphonic complaints and the pVHI might be a useful and complementary tool to identify children with dysphonia. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of tool geometry and cutting parameters on delamination and thrust forces in drilling CFRP/Al-Li

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Bouami, Souhail; Habak, Malek; Franz, Gérald; Velasco, Raphaël; Vantomme, Pascal

2016-10-01

Composite materials are increasingly used for structural parts in the aeronautic industries. Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) are often used in combination with metallic materials, mostly aluminium alloys. This raises new problems in aircraft assembly. Delamination is one of these problems. In this study, CFRP/Al-Li stacks is used as experimental material for investigation effect of interaction of cutting parameters (cutting speed and feed rate) and tool geometry on delamination and thrust forces in drilling operation. A plan of experiments, based on Taguchi design method, was employed to investigate the influence of tool geometry and in particular the point angle and cutting parameters on delamination and axial effort. The experimental results demonstrate that the feed rate is the major parameter and the importance of tool point angle in delamination and thrust forces in the stacks were shown.

Evaluating Area-Based Socioeconomic Status Indicators for Monitoring Disparities within Health Care Systems: Results from a Primary Care Network

PubMed Central

Berkowitz, Seth A; Traore, Carine Y; Singer, Daniel E; Atlas, Steven J

2015-01-01

Objective To determine which area-based socioeconomic status (SES) indicator is best suited to monitor health care disparities from a delivery system perspective. Data Sources/Study Setting 142,659 adults seen in a primary care network from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2011. Study Design Cross-sectional, comparing associations between area-based SES indicators and patient outcomes. Data Collection Address data were geocoded to construct area-based SES indicators at block group (BG), census tract (CT), and ZIP code (ZIP) levels. Data on health outcomes were abstracted from electronic records. Relative indices of inequality (RIIs) were calculated to quantify disparities detected by area-based SES indicators and compared to RIIs from self-reported educational attainment. Principal Findings ZIP indicators had less missing data than BG or CT indicators (p < .0001). Area-based SES indicators were strongly associated with self-report educational attainment (p < .0001). ZIP, BG, and CT indicators all detected expected SES gradients in health outcomes similarly. Single-item, cut point defined indicators performed as well as multidimensional indices and quantile indicators. Conclusions Area-based SES indicators detected health outcome differences well and may be useful for monitoring disparities within health care systems. Our preferred indicator was ZIP-level median household income or percent poverty, using cut points. PMID:25219917

Ultra-wideband horn antenna with abrupt radiator

DOEpatents

McEwan, T.E.

1998-05-19

An ultra-wideband horn antenna transmits and receives impulse waveforms for short-range radars and impulse time-of flight systems. The antenna reduces or eliminates various sources of close-in radar clutter, including pulse dispersion and ringing, sidelobe clutter, and feedline coupling into the antenna. Dispersion is minimized with an abrupt launch point radiator element; sidelobe and feedline coupling are minimized by recessing the radiator into a metallic horn. Low frequency cut-off associated with a horn is extended by configuring the radiator drive impedance to approach a short circuit at low frequencies. A tapered feed plate connects at one end to a feedline, and at the other end to a launcher plate which is mounted to an inside wall of the horn. The launcher plate and feed plate join at an abrupt edge which forms the single launch point of the antenna. 8 figs.

SAW properties in quartz-like α-GeO2 single crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taziev, R. M.

2018-05-01

The paper investigates numerically the properties of surface acoustic waves (SAW) in a new α-GeO2 single crystal of trigonal crystal symmetry (32). It is shown that the SAW has a maximum value of electromechanical coupling coefficient ≈0.14% on Z+120°, X –cut of a crystal with a zero power flow deflection angle. For the case of Z+140°X+25°-cut, the SAW electromechanical coupling coefficient equals 0.17 %, but the power flow deflection angle is not zero. Calculations are made of the frequency dependence of the conductance of SAW interdigital transducers (IDT), which electrode number equals 100 and wavelength is 20 microns on Z+120°,X –cut crystal. The excitations of bulk acoustic waves are absent in this cut case. Leaky acoustic wave, generated by IDT on Z+120°,X –cut of crystal, has a small electromechanical coupling coefficient, which is 4 times less than that for SAW.

Multimodal far-field acoustic radiation pattern: An approximate equation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rice, E. J.

1977-01-01

The far-field sound radiation theory for a circular duct was studied for both single mode and multimodal inputs. The investigation was intended to develop a method to determine the acoustic power produced by turbofans as a function of mode cut-off ratio. With reasonable simplifying assumptions the single mode radiation pattern was shown to be reducible to a function of mode cut-off ratio only. With modal cut-off ratio as the dominant variable, multimodal radiation patterns can be reduced to a simple explicit expression. This approximate expression provides excellent agreement with an exact calculation of the sound radiation pattern using equal acoustic power per mode.

7 CFR 28.908 - Samples.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

.... (1) Each cut sample shall be drawn from the bale after it is tied out following the ginning process.... (2) Where it is necessary to draw two sets of samples, a single cut should be made in each side of the bale, and the portion of cotton removed from each cut should be broken in half across the layers...

Selecting a silvicultural system

Treesearch

Richard M. Godman

1992-01-01

Sometimes a name creates a problem. The name of a silvicultural system usually refers to the way a stand is cut to get regeneration-"single tree selection"-for example. Trouble is, the name suggests that the regeneration cut will be the first treatment applied to the stand. Not so. We are now mostly making "intermediate" cuts in our Lake States...

Cognitive and physical functions related to the level of supervision and dependence in the toileting of stroke patients.

PubMed

Sato, Atsushi; Okuda, Yutaka; Fujita, Takaaki; Kimura, Norihiko; Hoshina, Noriyuki; Kato, Sayaka; Tanaka, Shigenari

2016-01-01

This study aimed to clarify which cognitive and physical factors are associated with the need for toileting assistance in stroke patients and to calculate cut-off values for discriminating between independent supervision and dependent toileting ability. This cross-sectional study included 163 first-stroke patients in nine convalescent rehabilitation wards. Based on their FIM Ⓡ instrument score for toileting, the patients were divided into an independent-supervision group and a dependent group. Multiple logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic analysis were performed to identify factors related to toileting performance. The Minimental State Examination (MMSE); the Stroke Impairment Assessment Set (SIAS) score for the affected lower limb, speech, and visuospatial functions; and the Functional Assessment for Control of Trunk (FACT) were analyzed as independent variables. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the FIM Ⓡ instrument score for toileting was associated with the SIAS score for the affected lower limb function, MMSE, and FACT. On receiver operating characteristic analysis, the SIAS score for the affected lower limb function cut-off value was 8/7 points, the MMSE cut-off value was 25/24 points, and the FACT cut-off value was 14/13 points. Affected lower limb function, cognitive function, and trunk function were related with the need for toileting assistance. These cut-off values may be useful for judging whether toileting assistance is needed in stroke patients.

A novel gamma-fitting statistical method for anti-drug antibody assays to establish assay cut points for data with non-normal distribution.

PubMed

Schlain, Brian; Amaravadi, Lakshmi; Donley, Jean; Wickramasekera, Ananda; Bennett, Donald; Subramanyam, Meena

2010-01-31

In recent years there has been growing recognition of the impact of anti-drug or anti-therapeutic antibodies (ADAs, ATAs) on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior of the drug, which ultimately affects drug exposure and activity. These anti-drug antibodies can also impact safety of the therapeutic by inducing a range of reactions from hypersensitivity to neutralization of the activity of an endogenous protein. Assessments of immunogenicity, therefore, are critically dependent on the bioanalytical method used to test samples, in which a positive versus negative reactivity is determined by a statistically derived cut point based on the distribution of drug naïve samples. For non-normally distributed data, a novel gamma-fitting method for obtaining assay cut points is presented. Non-normal immunogenicity data distributions, which tend to be unimodal and positively skewed, can often be modeled by 3-parameter gamma fits. Under a gamma regime, gamma based cut points were found to be more accurate (closer to their targeted false positive rates) compared to normal or log-normal methods and more precise (smaller standard errors of cut point estimators) compared with the nonparametric percentile method. Under a gamma regime, normal theory based methods for estimating cut points targeting a 5% false positive rate were found in computer simulation experiments to have, on average, false positive rates ranging from 6.2 to 8.3% (or positive biases between +1.2 and +3.3%) with bias decreasing with the magnitude of the gamma shape parameter. The log-normal fits tended, on average, to underestimate false positive rates with negative biases as large a -2.3% with absolute bias decreasing with the shape parameter. These results were consistent with the well known fact that gamma distributions become less skewed and closer to a normal distribution as their shape parameters increase. Inflated false positive rates, especially in a screening assay, shifts the emphasis to confirm test results in a subsequent test (confirmatory assay). On the other hand, deflated false positive rates in the case of screening immunogenicity assays will not meet the minimum 5% false positive target as proposed in the immunogenicity assay guidance white papers. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Min-Cut Based Segmentation of Airborne LIDAR Point Clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ural, S.; Shan, J.

2012-07-01

Introducing an organization to the unstructured point cloud before extracting information from airborne lidar data is common in many applications. Aggregating the points with similar features into segments in 3-D which comply with the nature of actual objects is affected by the neighborhood, scale, features and noise among other aspects. In this study, we present a min-cut based method for segmenting the point cloud. We first assess the neighborhood of each point in 3-D by investigating the local geometric and statistical properties of the candidates. Neighborhood selection is essential since point features are calculated within their local neighborhood. Following neighborhood determination, we calculate point features and determine the clusters in the feature space. We adapt a graph representation from image processing which is especially used in pixel labeling problems and establish it for the unstructured 3-D point clouds. The edges of the graph that are connecting the points with each other and nodes representing feature clusters hold the smoothness costs in the spatial domain and data costs in the feature domain. Smoothness costs ensure spatial coherence, while data costs control the consistency with the representative feature clusters. This graph representation formalizes the segmentation task as an energy minimization problem. It allows the implementation of an approximate solution by min-cuts for a global minimum of this NP hard minimization problem in low order polynomial time. We test our method with airborne lidar point cloud acquired with maximum planned post spacing of 1.4 m and a vertical accuracy 10.5 cm as RMSE. We present the effects of neighborhood and feature determination in the segmentation results and assess the accuracy and efficiency of the implemented min-cut algorithm as well as its sensitivity to the parameters of the smoothness and data cost functions. We find that smoothness cost that only considers simple distance parameter does not strongly conform to the natural structure of the points. Including shape information within the energy function by assigning costs based on the local properties may help to achieve a better representation for segmentation.

Optimal Waist-to-Height Ratio Values for Cardiometabolic Risk Screening in an Ethnically Diverse Sample of South African Urban and Rural School Boys and Girls

PubMed Central

Matsha, Tandi E.; Kengne, Andre-Pascal; Yako, Yandiswa Y.; Hon, Gloudina M.; Hassan, Mogamat S.; Erasmus, Rajiv T.

2013-01-01

Background The proposed waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) cut-off of 0.5 is less optimal for cardiometabolic risk screening in children in many settings. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal WHtR for children from South Africa, and investigate variations by gender, ethnicity and residence in the achieved value. Methods Metabolic syndrome (MetS) components were measured in 1272 randomly selected learners, aged 10–16 years, comprising of 446 black Africans, 696 mixed-ancestry and 130 Caucasians. The Youden’s index and the closest-top-left (CTL) point approaches were used to derive WHtR cut-offs for diagnosing any two MetS components, excluding the waist circumference. Results The two approaches yielded similar cut-off in girls, 0.465 (sensitivity 50.0, specificity 69.5), but two different values in boys, 0.455 (42.9, 88.4) and 0.425 (60.3, 67.7) based on the Youden’s index and the CTL point, respectively. Furthermore, WHtR cut-off values derived differed substantially amongst the regions and ethnic groups investigated, whereby the highest cut-off was observed in semi-rural and white children, respectively, Youden’s index0.505 (31.6, 87.1) and CTL point 0.475 (44.4, 75.9). Conclusion The WHtR cut-off of 0.5 is less accurate for screening cardiovascular risk in South African children. The optimal value in this setting is likely gender and ethnicity-specific and sensitive to urbanization. PMID:23967160

THE DISTRIBUTION OF COOK’S D STATISTIC

PubMed Central

Muller, Keith E.; Mok, Mario Chen

2013-01-01

Cook (1977) proposed a diagnostic to quantify the impact of deleting an observation on the estimated regression coefficients of a General Linear Univariate Model (GLUM). Simulations of models with Gaussian response and predictors demonstrate that his suggestion of comparing the diagnostic to the median of the F for overall regression captures an erratically varying proportion of the values. We describe the exact distribution of Cook’s statistic for a GLUM with Gaussian predictors and response. We also present computational forms, simple approximations, and asymptotic results. A simulation supports the accuracy of the results. The methods allow accurate evaluation of a single value or the maximum value from a regression analysis. The approximations work well for a single value, but less well for the maximum. In contrast, the cut-point suggested by Cook provides widely varying tail probabilities. As with all diagnostics, the data analyst must use scientific judgment in deciding how to treat highlighted observations. PMID:24363487

Automated Delineation of Lung Tumors from CT Images Using a Single Click Ensemble Segmentation Approach

PubMed Central

Gu, Yuhua; Kumar, Virendra; Hall, Lawrence O; Goldgof, Dmitry B; Li, Ching-Yen; Korn, René; Bendtsen, Claus; Velazquez, Emmanuel Rios; Dekker, Andre; Aerts, Hugo; Lambin, Philippe; Li, Xiuli; Tian, Jie; Gatenby, Robert A; Gillies, Robert J

2012-01-01

A single click ensemble segmentation (SCES) approach based on an existing “Click&Grow” algorithm is presented. The SCES approach requires only one operator selected seed point as compared with multiple operator inputs, which are typically needed. This facilitates processing large numbers of cases. Evaluation on a set of 129 CT lung tumor images using a similarity index (SI) was done. The average SI is above 93% using 20 different start seeds, showing stability. The average SI for 2 different readers was 79.53%. We then compared the SCES algorithm with the two readers, the level set algorithm and the skeleton graph cut algorithm obtaining an average SI of 78.29%, 77.72%, 63.77% and 63.76% respectively. We can conclude that the newly developed automatic lung lesion segmentation algorithm is stable, accurate and automated. PMID:23459617

Cutting Force Predication Based on Integration of Symmetric Fuzzy Number and Finite Element Method

PubMed Central

Wang, Zhanli; Hu, Yanjuan; Wang, Yao; Dong, Chao; Pang, Zaixiang

2014-01-01

In the process of turning, pointing at the uncertain phenomenon of cutting which is caused by the disturbance of random factors, for determining the uncertain scope of cutting force, the integrated symmetric fuzzy number and the finite element method (FEM) are used in the prediction of cutting force. The method used symmetric fuzzy number to establish fuzzy function between cutting force and three factors and obtained the uncertain interval of cutting force by linear programming. At the same time, the change curve of cutting force with time was directly simulated by using thermal-mechanical coupling FEM; also the nonuniform stress field and temperature distribution of workpiece, tool, and chip under the action of thermal-mechanical coupling were simulated. The experimental result shows that the method is effective for the uncertain prediction of cutting force. PMID:24790556

The application of single-tree selection compared to diameter-limit cutting in an upland oak-hickory forest on the Cumberland Plateau in Jackson County, Alabama

Treesearch

Callie Jo Schweitzer; Greg Janzen

2012-01-01

Cumberland Plateau region upland oak forests have undergone a myriad of disturbances (including periods of few and minor disturbances). Traditional timber harvesting practices such as diameter-limit cutting have negatively altered species composition and skewed stand structure, especially on medium-quality sites. We assessed the ability of single-tree selection to...

Ultrafast-laser dicing of thin silicon wafers: strategies to improve front- and backside breaking strength

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Domke, Matthias; Egle, Bernadette; Stroj, Sandra; Bodea, Marius; Schwarz, Elisabeth; Fasching, Gernot

2017-12-01

Thin 50-µm silicon wafers are used to improve heat dissipation of chips with high power densities. However, mechanical dicing methods cause chipping at the edges of the separated dies that reduce the mechanical stability. Thermal load changes may then lead to sudden chip failure. Recent investigations showed that the mechanical stability of the cut chips could be increased using ultrashort-pulsed lasers, but only at the laser entrance (front) side and not at the exit (back) side. The goal of this study was to find strategies to improve both front- and backside breaking strength of chips that were cut out of an 8″ wafer with power metallization using an ultrafast laser. In a first experiment, chips were cut by scanning the laser beam in single lines across the wafer using varying fluencies and scan speeds. Three-point bending tests of the cut chips were performed to measure front and backside breaking strengths. The results showed that the breaking strength of both sides increased with decreasing accumulated fluence per scan. Maximum breaking strengths of about 1100 MPa were achieved at the front side, but only below 600 MPa were measured for the backside. A second experiment was carried out to optimize the backside breaking strength. Here, parallel line scans to increase the distance between separated dies and step cuts to minimize the effect of decreasing fluence during scribing were performed. Bending tests revealed that breaking strengths of about 1100 MPa could be achieved also on the backside using the step cut. A reason for the superior performance could be found by calculating the fluence absorbed by the sidewalls. The calculations suggested that an optimal fluence level to minimize thermal side effects and periodic surface structures was achieved due to the step cut. Remarkably, the best breaking strengths values achieved in this study were even higher than the values obtained on state of the art ns-laser and mechanical dicing machines. This is the first study to the knowledge of the authors, which demonstrates that ultrafast-laser dicing improves the mechanical stability of thin silicon chips.

Ultrashort pulse laser dicing of thin Si wafers: the influence of laser-induced periodic surface structures on the backside breaking strength

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Domke, Matthias; Egle, Bernadette; Piredda, Giovanni; Stroj, Sandra; Fasching, Gernot; Bodea, Marius; Schwarz, Elisabeth

2016-11-01

High power electronic chips are usually fabricated on about 50 µm thin Si wafers to improve heat dissipation. At these chip thicknesses mechanical dicing becomes challenging. Chippings may occur at the cutting edges, which reduce the mechanical stability of the die. Thermal load changes could then lead to sudden chip failure. Ultrashort pulsed lasers are a promising tool to improve the cutting quality, because thermal side effects can be reduced to a minimum. However, laser-induced periodic surface structures occur at the sidewalls and at the trench bottom during scribing. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of these periodic structures on the backside breaking strength of the die. An ultrafast laser with a pulse duration of 380 fs and a wavelength of 1040 nm was used to cut a wafer into single chips. The pulse energy and the number of scans was varied. The cuts in the wafer were investigated using transmitted light microscopy, the sidewalls of the cut chips were investigated using scanning electron and confocal microscopy, and the breaking strength was evaluated using the 3-point bending test. The results indicated that periodic holes with a distance of about 20-30 µm were formed at the bottom of the trench, if the number of scans was set too low to completely cut the wafer; the wafer was only perforated. Mechanical breaking of the bridges caused 5 µm deep kerfs in the sidewall. These kerfs reduced the breaking strength at the backside of the chip to about 300 MPa. As the number of scans was increased, the bridges were ablated and the wafer was cut completely. Periodic structures were observed on the sidewall; the roughness was below 1 µm. The surface roughness remained on a constant level even when the number of scans was doubled. However, the periodic structures on the sidewall seemed to vanish and the probability to remove local flaws increases with the number of scans. As a consequence, the breaking strength was increased to about 700 MPa.

Insulin sensitivity indices: a proposal of cut-off points for simple identification of insulin-resistant subjects.

PubMed

Radikova, Z; Koska, J; Huckova, M; Ksinantova, L; Imrich, R; Vigas, M; Trnovec, T; Langer, P; Sebokova, E; Klimes, I

2006-05-01

Demanding measurement of insulin sensitivity using clamp methods does not simplify the identification of insulin resistant subjects in the general population. Other approaches such as fasting- or oral glucose tolerance test-derived insulin sensitivity indices were proposed and validated with the euglycemic clamp. Nevertheless, a lack of reference values for these indices prevents their wider use in epidemiological studies and clinical practice. The aim of our study was therefore to define the cut-off points of insulin resistance indices as well as the ranges of the most frequently obtained values for selected indices. A standard 75 g oral glucose tolerance test was carried out in 1156 subjects from a Caucasian rural population with no previous evidence of diabetes or other dysglycemias. Insulin resistance/sensitivity indices (HOMA-IR, HOMA-IR2, ISI Cederholm, and ISI Matsuda) were calculated. The 75th percentile value as the cut-off point to define IR corresponded with a HOMA-IR of 2.29, a HOMA-IR2 of 1.21, a 25th percentile for ISI Cederholm, and ISI Matsuda of 57 and 5.0, respectively. For the first time, the cut-off points for selected indices and their most frequently obtained values were established for groups of subjects as defined by glucose homeostasis and BMI. Thus, insulin-resistant subjects can be identified using this simple approach.

Effect of Cut Quality on Hybrid Laser Arc Welding of Thick Section Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farrokhi, F.; Nielsen, S. E.; Schmidt, R. H.; Pedersen, S. S.; Kristiansen, M.

From an industrial point of view, in a laser cutting-welding production chain, it is of great importance to know the influence of the attainable laser cut quality on the subsequent hybrid laser arc welding process. Many studies have been carried out in the literature to obtain lower surface roughness values on the laser cut edge. However, in practice, the cost and reliability of the cutting process is crucial and it does not always comply with obtaining the highest surface quality. In this study, a number of experiments on 25 mm steel plates were carried out to evaluate the influence of cut surface quality on the final quality of the subsequent hybrid laser welded joints. The different cut surfaces were obtained by different industrial cutting methods including laser cutting, abrasive water cutting, plasma cutting, and milling. It was found that the mentioned cutting methods could be used as preparation processes for the subsequent hybrid laser arc welding. However, cut quality could determine the choice of process parameters of the following hybrid laser arc welding.

Estimates of success in patients with sciatica due to lumbar disc herniation depend upon outcome measure.

PubMed

Haugen, Anne Julsrud; Grøvle, Lars; Brox, Jens Ivar; Natvig, Bård; Keller, Anne; Soldal, Dag; Grotle, Margreth

2011-10-01

The objectives were to estimate the cut-off points for success on different sciatica outcome measures and to determine the success rate after an episode of sciatica by using these cut-offs. A 12-month multicenter observational study was conducted on 466 patients with sciatica and lumbar disc herniation. The cut-off values were estimated by ROC curve analyses using Completely recovered or Much better on a 7-point global change scale as external criterion for success. The cut-off values (references in brackets) at 12 months were leg pain VAS 17.5 (0-100), back pain VAS 22.5 (0-100), Sciatica Bothersomeness Index 6.5 (0-24), Maine-Seattle Back Questionnaire 4.5 (0-12), and the SF-36 subscales bodily pain 51.5, and physical functioning 81.7 (0-100, higher values indicate better health). In conclusion, the success rates at 12 months varied from 49 to 58% depending on the measure used. The proposed cut-offs may facilitate the comparison of success rates across studies.

A Cutting Pattern Recognition Method for Shearers Based on Improved Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition and a Probabilistic Neural Network

PubMed Central

Xu, Jing; Wang, Zhongbin; Tan, Chao; Si, Lei; Liu, Xinhua

2015-01-01

In order to guarantee the stable operation of shearers and promote construction of an automatic coal mining working face, an online cutting pattern recognition method with high accuracy and speed based on Improved Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (IEEMD) and Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN) is proposed. An industrial microphone is installed on the shearer and the cutting sound is collected as the recognition criterion to overcome the disadvantages of giant size, contact measurement and low identification rate of traditional detectors. To avoid end-point effects and get rid of undesirable intrinsic mode function (IMF) components in the initial signal, IEEMD is conducted on the sound. The end-point continuation based on the practical storage data is performed first to overcome the end-point effect. Next the average correlation coefficient, which is calculated by the correlation of the first IMF with others, is introduced to select essential IMFs. Then the energy and standard deviation of the reminder IMFs are extracted as features and PNN is applied to classify the cutting patterns. Finally, a simulation example, with an accuracy of 92.67%, and an industrial application prove the efficiency and correctness of the proposed method. PMID:26528985

A PFC3D-based numerical simulation of cutting load for lunar rock simulant and experimental validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Peng; Jiang, Shengyuan; Tang, Dewei; Xu, Bo

2017-05-01

For sake of striking a balance between the need of drilling efficiency and the constrains of power budget on the moon, the penetrations per revolution of drill bit are generally limited in the range around 0.1 mm, and besides the geometric angle of the cutting blade need to be well designed. This paper introduces a simulation approach based on PFC3D (particle flow code 3 dimensions) for analyzing the cutting load feature on lunar rock simulant, which is derived from different geometric-angle blades with a small cutting depth. The mean values of the cutting force of five blades in the survey region (four on the boundary points and one on the center point) are selected as the macroscopic responses of model. The method of experimental design which includes Plackett-Burman (PB) design and central composite design (CCD) method is adopted in the matching procedure of microparameters in PFC model. Using the optimization method of enumeration, the optimum set of microparameters is acquired. Then, the experimental validation is implemented by using other twenty-five blades with different geometric angles, and the results from both simulations and laboratory tests give fair agreements. Additionally, the rock breaking process cut by different blades are quantified from simulation analysis. This research provides the theoretical support for the refinement of the rock cutting load prediction and the geometric design of cutting blade on the drill bit.

Design and Test Research on Cutting Blade of Corn Harvester Based on Bionic Principle.

PubMed

Tian, Kunpeng; Li, Xianwang; Zhang, Bin; Chen, Qiaomin; Shen, Cheng; Huang, Jicheng

2017-01-01

Existing corn harvester cutting blades have problems associated with large cutting resistance, high energy consumption, and poor cut quality. Using bionics principles, a bionic blade was designed by extracting the cutting tooth profile curve of the B. horsfieldi palate. Using a double-blade cutting device testing system, a single stalk cutting performance contrast test for corn stalks obtained at harvest time was carried out. Results show that bionic blades have superior performance, demonstrated by strong cutting ability and good cut quality. Using statistical analysis of two groups of cutting test data, the average cutting force and cutting energy of bionic blades and ordinary blades were obtained as 480.24 N and 551.31 N and 3.91 J and 4.38 J, respectively. Average maximum cutting force and cutting energy consumption for the bionic blade were reduced by 12.89% and 10.73%, respectively. Variance analysis showed that both blade types had a significant effect on maximum cutting energy and cutting energy required to cut a corn stalk. This demonstrates that bionic blades have better cutting force and energy consumption reduction performance than ordinary blades.

[Significance of 2-hour blood glucose after standardized steamed bread meal in diabetic screening].

PubMed

Liu, Yongquan; Tian, Hui; Fang, Fusheng; Xiao, Haiying; Lu, Yanhui; Shao, Yinghong; Li, Chunlin

2014-05-13

To explore the significance of 2-hour blood glucose after standardized steamed bread meal (SB-2 hBG) in diabetic screening. A retrospective study was conducted for diabetic screening data of annual check-up at PLA General Hospital from May 1996 to June 2002. And 100 g standardized steamed bread meal test was performed for non-diabetic subjects. Those subjects with SB-2 h BG ≥ 7.2 mmol/L underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) within 2 weeks to determine whether the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM) could be established (WHO, 1985, 1999, Diagnostic Criteria for Diabetes). By extracting the data for 7 consecutive years, we analyzed the significance and the cut-off point of SB-2 hBG in the diagnosis of DM and investigated the changes of blood glucose curves in different glucose tolerance status after different glucose loading tests. A total of 3 343 subjects with complete information were recruited. There were 3 101 males and 242 females with an age range of 40-94 years. According to the results of OGTT, 429 (12.8%) subjects were diagnosed as DM, 1 405 (42.1%) were diagnosed as impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and 1 509(45.1%) had normal glucose tolerance (NGT).With a deterioration of glucose tolerance status, the difference between SB-2 hBG and OGTT-2 hBG increased gradually in 3 group (P < 0.01), namely the NGT group 1.7 (0.8-2.8) mmol/L, IGR group -0.4 (-1.2-0.6) mmol/L, DM group -2.7(-3.8-1.1) mmol/L. The cut-off points of FBG for the diagnosis of IGR and DM were 5.3 (sensitivity of 46.2%, specificity of 68.5%) and 5.6 (sensitivity of 57.4%, specificity of 76.4%) mmol/L respectively. The cut-off points of SB-2 h BG were 8.2 mmol/L for the diagnosis of IGR (sensitivity of 63.8%, specificity of 59.9%) and 9.2 mmol/L for the diagnosis of DM (sensitivity of 66.4%, specificity of 76.4%).If the cut-off point of SB-2 h BG was set at 7.2 mmol/L, the diagnostic specificity became quite low.However, at 11.1 mmol/L, the sensitivity was 31.5% and the specificity 95.7% for the diagnosis of DM. The coincidences of cut-off points of FBG and SB-2 hBG for the diagnosis of IGR and DM were equal (P > 0.05).When the cut-off point of SB-2 h BG was set at 7.8 mmol/L, the sensitivity was 77.4% and the specificity 41.8% for the diagnosis of IGR. And it was much better than FBG at 5.6 mmol/L (P < 0.01). With a deterioration of glucose tolerance, the difference between SB-2 hBG and OGTT-2 hBG increases gradually. Compared to the diagnostic criteria of OGTT, the optimal cut-off points for the diagnosis of IGR and DM were 5.3 vs 5.6 mmol/L for FBG and 8.2 vs 9.2 mmol/L for SB-2 hBG respectively.For diabetic screening in middle-aged and elders, the cut-off points of FBG at 5.3 mmol/L and SB-2 hBG at 7.8 mmol/L are indicators for further OGTT.

6. SEAWARD VIEW OF BOAT LANDING CUT INTO ROCK, ALSO ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

6. SEAWARD VIEW OF BOAT LANDING CUT INTO ROCK, ALSO SHOWING CEMENT POURED ATOP TUNNEL. - Mile Rock Tunnel, Under Forty-eighth Avenue from Cabrillo Street to San Francisco Bay at Point Lobos, San Francisco, San Francisco County, CA

Comparison of two cut-to-length harvesting systems operating in eastern hardwoods

Treesearch

Chris B. LeDoux; Niel K. Huyler

2001-01-01

We compared production rates, operating costs, and break-even points (BEP) for small and large cut-to-length (CTL) harvesting systems operating at several machine utilization rates (MUR) in mixed hardwood and softwood stands in Vermont.

Cavity trees, snags, and selection cutting: a northern hardwood case study

Treesearch

Laura S. Kenefic; Ralph D. Nyland

2007-01-01

Although traditional application of the selection system includes a focus on high-value trees that may reduce cavities and snags, few studies have quantified those habitat features in managed uneven-aged stands. We examined the effects of single-tree selection cutting on cavity trees and snags in a northern hardwood stand immediately prior to the second cutting....

Logging costs and cutting methods in young-growth ponderosa pine in California

Treesearch

Philip M. McDonald; William A. Atkinson; Dale O. Hall

1969-01-01

Mixed-conifer stands at the Challenge Experimental Forest, Calif., were cut to four specifications: seed-tree, group selection, single tree selection, and clearcut. Logging costs and production rates were compared and evaluated. Cutting method had little effect on felling or skidding production; felling ranged from 1,802 to 2,019 bd ft per hour, and skidding from 3,138...

The role of serum transferrin receptor in the diagnosis of iron deficiency.

PubMed

Remacha, A F; Sarda, M P; Parellada, M; Ubeda, J; Manteiga, R

1998-11-01

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is often associated with inflammatory disorders. The most conventional parameters of iron metabolism are therefore affected, making the evaluation of iron status difficult. Serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) levels are raised in iron deficiency but are not influenced by inflammatory changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of sTfR in differentiating IDA with inflammatory features. A diagnostic study of sTfR measured by immunoassay was carried out in IDA and anemia of chronic disorders (ACD). The cut-off points of sTfR and the ratio of sTfR/serum ferritin, which were obtained after comparing IDA and ACD, were applied to a group of 64 patients with mixed iron patterns (MIX) (16 with ACD and 48 with IDA). The best cut-off point of sTfR between IDA and ACD was 4.7 mg/L. Applying this cut-off to the MIX group, an efficiency of 87% was obtained (sensitivity 92% and specificity 81%). This level of sTfR correctly classified 53 out of 64 cases of the MIX group (83%). Using the ratio of sTfRx 100/serum ferritin, the best cut-off point was 8 (efficiency 100%), which correctly classified 62 out of 64 cases of the MIX group (97%). This study demonstrates that sTfR in conjunction with other iron parameters is very useful in iron deficiency evaluation, especially in hospital practice. Iron treatment should be considered in patients with mixed patterns of iron status, in which the diagnosis of IDA versus ACD is difficult, when the levels of sTfR exceed the cut-off point.

Validity of the Enzyme-linked Immunoelectrotransfer Blot (EITB) for naturally acquired porcine cysticercosis

PubMed Central

Jayashi, César M.; Gonzalez, Armando E.; Neyra, Ricardo Castillo; Rodríguez, Silvia; García, Hector H.; Lightowlers, Marshall W.

2017-01-01

The Enzyme-linked Immunoelectrotransfer Blot (EITB) has been used widely as a screening test for Taenia solium cysticercosis in swine. However, the relation between seropositivity and infection in pig populations from endemic areas has not been well defined. The aim of this study is to relate EITB seropositivity with infection and infection burden, analyse the trade-off between sensitivity and specificity with various cut-off points for the EITB assay, and finally describe the serology changes in a cohort of rural pigs raised under natural conditions. A group of 107 pigs that were used as controls during a vaccination field trial in Peru was our study population. The prevalence of porcine cysticercosis determined by necropsy examination was 16.82% (18/107) in these animals. Using EITB reactivity to ≥ 1 band as a cut-off point for the assay, the sensitivity was 88.89% (65.29-98.62, 95% CI) and the specificity was 48.31% (37.59-59.16, 95% CI). Comparing other cut-off points, involving up to as many as 7 reactive bands, a reactivity of ≥ 3 bands provided the best trade-offs in sensitivity and specificity. Using this cut-off point for the assay, the sensitivity was 77.77% (52.36 - 93.59, 95% CI) and the specificity was 76.40% (66.22 - 84.76, 95% CI). A significant association was found between cyst counts over 100 cysts and reactivity to ≥ 3 bands in the EITB assay (Fisher’s exact test, p<0.05). The results of this study suggest that the use of the EITB assay to study porcine cysticercosis may require setting different cut-offs under field and experimental conditions, and depending upon the objective of the screening process. PMID:24183647

The diagnostic value of the numeric pain rating scale in older postoperative patients.

PubMed

van Dijk, Jacqueline F M; Kappen, Teus H; van Wijck, Albert J M; Kalkman, Cor J; Schuurmans, Marieke J

2012-11-01

To measure the diagnostic value of the Numeric Rating Scale by comparing it to a Verbal Rating Scale in older patients. Pain management in older patients is an important challenge because of their greater susceptibility to adverse effects of analgesics. Nurses play an important role in applying guidelines for postoperative pain treatment. However, effective pain management is dependent upon valid and reliable pain assessment. Cross-sectional study. In total, 2674 older patients scored their postoperative pain on an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS) and an adjective scale (VRS) including no pain, little pain, painful but bearable, considerable pain and terrible pain. The diagnostic value of different NRS cut-off values for administering analgesics is determined by an ROC curve. Sensitivity of NRS > 3 for 'unbearable' pain in older patients was 72% with a specificity of 97·2%. With a cut-off point NRS > 4, sensitivity increased to 83%, while specificity was 96·7%. With a cut-off point NRS > 5, sensitivity was 94%, while specificity was 85%. A high proportion (75%) of older old patients (≥ 75 years) with 'painful but bearable' considers NRS 4, 5 and 6 to this VRS category. Using an NRS cut-off point > 3 or > 4, a large group of older patients with 'bearable' pain would incorrectly classified as 'unbearable'. When we make the assumption that bearable pain means no wish for additional analgesics, this misclassification might result in overtreatment with analgesics, while 3% would be undertreated. With NRS cut-off point > 5, 6% have a risk of overtreatment and 15% of undertreatment. Nurses should not rely solely on the NRS score in determining pain treatment; they need to communicate with older patients about their pain, the need for analgesics and eventual misconceptions about analgesics. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Optimal Cut-Off Points of Fasting Plasma Glucose for Two-Step Strategy in Estimating Prevalence and Screening Undiagnosed Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes in Harbin, China

PubMed Central

Sun, Bo; Lan, Li; Cui, Wenxiu; Xu, Guohua; Sui, Conglan; Wang, Yibaina; Zhao, Yashuang; Wang, Jian; Li, Hongyuan

2015-01-01

To identify optimal cut-off points of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) for two-step strategy in screening abnormal glucose metabolism and estimating prevalence in general Chinese population. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 7913 people aged 20 to 74 years in Harbin. Diabetes and pre-diabetes were determined by fasting and 2 hour post-load glucose from the oral glucose tolerance test in all participants. Screening potential of FPG, cost per case identified by two-step strategy, and optimal FPG cut-off points were described. The prevalence of diabetes was 12.7%, of which 65.2% was undiagnosed. Twelve percent or 9.0% of participants were diagnosed with pre-diabetes using 2003 ADA criteria or 1999 WHO criteria, respectively. The optimal FPG cut-off points for two-step strategy were 5.6 mmol/l for previously undiagnosed diabetes (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of FPG 0.93; sensitivity 82.0%; cost per case identified by two-step strategy ¥261), 5.3 mmol/l for both diabetes and pre-diabetes or pre-diabetes alone using 2003 ADA criteria (0.89 or 0.85; 72.4% or 62.9%; ¥110 or ¥258), 5.0 mmol/l for pre-diabetes using 1999 WHO criteria (0.78; 66.8%; ¥399), and 4.9 mmol/l for IGT alone (0.74; 62.2%; ¥502). Using the two-step strategy, the underestimates of prevalence reduced to nearly 38% for pre-diabetes or 18.7% for undiagnosed diabetes, respectively. Approximately a quarter of the general population in Harbin was in hyperglycemic condition. Using optimal FPG cut-off points for two-step strategy in Chinese population may be more effective and less costly for reducing the missed diagnosis of hyperglycemic condition. PMID:25785585

Benchmark Dose for Urinary Cadmium based on a Marker of Renal Dysfunction: A Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Woo, Hae Dong; Chiu, Weihsueh A.; Jo, Seongil; Kim, Jeongseon

2015-01-01

Background Low doses of cadmium can cause adverse health effects. Benchmark dose (BMD) and the one-sided 95% lower confidence limit of BMD (BMDL) to derive points of departure for urinary cadmium exposure have been estimated in several previous studies, but the methods to derive BMD and the estimated BMDs differ. Objectives We aimed to find the associated factors that affect BMD calculation in the general population, and to estimate the summary BMD for urinary cadmium using reported BMDs. Methods A meta-regression was performed and the pooled BMD/BMDL was estimated using studies reporting a BMD and BMDL, weighted by sample size, that were calculated from individual data based on markers of renal dysfunction. Results BMDs were highly heterogeneous across studies. Meta-regression analysis showed that a significant predictor of BMD was the cut-off point which denotes an abnormal level. Using the 95th percentile as a cut off, BMD5/BMDL5 estimates for 5% benchmark responses (BMR) of β2-microglobulinuria (β2-MG) estimated was 6.18/4.88 μg/g creatinine in conventional quantal analysis and 3.56/3.13 μg/g creatinine in the hybrid approach, and BMD5/BMDL5 estimates for 5% BMR of N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) was 10.31/7.61 μg/g creatinine in quantal analysis and 3.21/2.24 g/g creatinine in the hybrid approach. However, the meta-regression showed that BMD and BMDL were significantly associated with the cut-off point, but BMD calculation method did not significantly affect the results. The urinary cadmium BMDL5 of β2-MG was 1.9 μg/g creatinine in the lowest cut-off point group. Conclusion The BMD was significantly associated with the cut-off point defining the abnormal level of renal dysfunction markers. PMID:25970611

An optimal cut-off point for the calving interval may be used as an indicator of bovine abortions.

PubMed

Bronner, Anne; Morignat, Eric; Gay, Emilie; Calavas, Didier

2015-10-01

The bovine abortion surveillance system in France aims to detect as early as possible any resurgence of bovine brucellosis, a disease of which the country has been declared free since 2005. It relies on the mandatory notification and testing of each aborting cow, but under-reporting is high. This research uses a new and simple approach which considers the calving interval (CI) as a "diagnostic test" to determine optimal cut-off point c and estimate diagnostic performance of the CI to identify aborting cows, and herds with multiple abortions (i.e. three or more aborting cows per calving season). The period between two artificial inseminations (AI) was considered as a "gold standard". During the 2006-2010 calving seasons, the mean optimal CI cut-off point for identifying aborting cows was 691 days for dairy cows and 703 days for beef cows. Depending on the calving season, production type and scale at which c was computed (individual or herd), the average sensitivity of the CI varied from 42.6% to 64.4%; its average specificity from 96.7% to 99.7%; its average positive predictive value from 27.6% to 65.4%; and its average negative predictive value from 98.7% to 99.8%. When applied to the French bovine population as a whole, this indicator identified 2-3% of cows suspected to have aborted, and 10-15% of herds suspected of multiple abortions. The optimal cut-off point and CI performance were consistent over calving seasons. By applying an optimal CI cut-off point to the cattle demographics database, it becomes possible to identify herds with multiple abortions, carry out retrospective investigations to find the cause of these abortions and monitor a posteriori compliance of farmers with their obligation to report abortions for brucellosis surveillance needs. Therefore, the CI could be used as an indicator of abortions to help improve the current mandatory notification surveillance system. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determining the cut-off point of osteoporosis based on the osteoporosis self-assessment tool, body mass index and weight in Taiwanese young adult women.

PubMed

Chang, Shu Fang; Yang, Rong Sen

2014-09-01

To examine the cut-off point of the osteoporosis self-assessment tool, age, weight and body mass index for osteoporosis among young adult Taiwanese women, using a large-scale health examination database containing bone mineral density tests. The cut-off points of osteoporosis risk factors identified earlier focus on menopausal or senior Caucasian and Asian women. However, young adult Asian women have seldom been identified. A retrospective historical cohort study. Using the 2009-2011 health examination database of a large-scale medical centre in northern Taiwan, this study investigated young adult Asian women (i.e. range in age from 30-49 years) in Taiwan who had received dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry test. This study also explored the cut-off point, sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of receiver operating characteristics of osteoporosis among young adult females in Taiwan. This study collected 2454 young adult Asian women in Taiwan. Cochran-Armitage analysis results indicated that the prevalence of osteoporosis increased with decreasing weight, body mass index and osteoporosis self-assessment method quartiles. According to the results of receiver operating characteristics, weight, body mass index and osteoporosis self-assessment tool approaches can generally be used as indicators to predict osteoporosis among young adult Asian women. Results of this study demonstrate that Taiwanese women contracting osteoporosis tend to be young and underweight, as well as having a low body mass index and osteoporosis self-assessment scores. Those results further suggest that the assessment indicators for cut-off points are appropriately suitable for young adult women in Taiwan. Early detection is the only available means of preventing osteoporosis. Professional nurses should apply convenient and accurate assessment procedures to help young adult women to adopt preventive strategies against osteoporosis early, thus eliminating the probability of osteoporotic fracture. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

To what extent does the anxiety scale of the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ) detect specific types of anxiety disorder in primary care? A psychometric study

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Anxiety scales may help primary care physicians to detect specific anxiety disorders among the many emotionally distressed patients presenting in primary care. The anxiety scale of the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ) consists of an admixture of symptoms of specific anxiety disorders. The research questions were: (1) Is the anxiety scale unidimensional or multidimensional? (2) To what extent does the anxiety scale detect specific DSM-IV anxiety disorders? (3) Which cut-off points are suitable to rule out or to rule in (which) anxiety disorders? Methods We analyzed 5 primary care datasets with standardized psychiatric diagnoses and 4DSQ scores. Unidimensionality was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We examined mean scores and anxiety score distributions per disorder. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine optimal cut-off points. Results Total n was 969. CFA supported unidimensionality. The anxiety scale performed slightly better in detecting patients with panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and specific phobia. ROC-analysis suggested that ≥4 was the optimal cut-off point to rule out and ≥10 the cut-off point to rule in anxiety disorders. Conclusions The 4DSQ anxiety scale measures a common trait of pathological anxiety that is characteristic of anxiety disorders, in particular panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, OCD and PTSD. The anxiety score detects the latter anxiety disorders to a slightly greater extent than GAD and specific phobia, without being able to distinguish between the different anxiety disorder types. The cut-off points ≥4 and ≥10 can be used to separate distressed patients in three groups with a relatively low, moderate and high probability of having one or more anxiety disorders. PMID:24761829

Precision tool holder with flexure-adjustable, three degrees of freedom for a four-axis lathe

DOEpatents

Bono, Matthew J [Pleasanton, CA; Hibbard, Robin L [Livermore, CA

2008-03-04

A precision tool holder for precisely positioning a single point cutting tool on 4-axis lathe, such that the center of the radius of the tool nose is aligned with the B-axis of the machine tool, so as to facilitate the machining of precision meso-scale components with complex three-dimensional shapes with sub-.mu.m accuracy on a four-axis lathe. The device is designed to fit on a commercial diamond turning machine and can adjust the cutting tool position in three orthogonal directions with sub-micrometer resolution. In particular, the tool holder adjusts the tool position using three flexure-based mechanisms, with two flexure mechanisms adjusting the lateral position of the tool to align the tool with the B-axis, and a third flexure mechanism adjusting the height of the tool. Preferably, the flexures are driven by manual micrometer adjusters. In this manner, this tool holder simplifies the process of setting a tool with sub-.mu.m accuracy, to substantially reduce the time required to set the tool.

Multi-cut solutions in Chern-Simons matrix models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morita, Takeshi; Sugiyama, Kento

2018-04-01

We elaborate the Chern-Simons (CS) matrix models at large N. The saddle point equations of these matrix models have a curious structure which cannot be seen in the ordinary one matrix models. Thanks to this structure, an infinite number of multi-cut solutions exist in the CS matrix models. Particularly we exactly derive the two-cut solutions at finite 't Hooft coupling in the pure CS matrix model. In the ABJM matrix model, we argue that some of multi-cut solutions might be interpreted as a condensation of the D2-brane instantons.

Cutting assembly

DOEpatents

Racki, Daniel J.; Swenson, Clark E.; Bencloski, William A.; Wineman, Arthur L.

1984-01-01

A cutting apparatus includes a support table mounted for movement toward and away from a workpiece and carrying a mirror which directs a cutting laser beam onto the workpiece. A carrier is rotatably and pivotally mounted on the support table between the mirror and workpiece and supports a conduit discharging gas toward the point of impingement of the laser beam on the workpiece. Means are provided for rotating the carrier relative to the support table to place the gas discharging conduit in the proper positions for cuts made in different directions on the workpiece.

High energy resolution, high angular acceptance crystal monochromator

DOEpatents

Alp, E.E.; Mooney, T.M.; Toellner, T.

1996-06-04

A 4-bounce dispersive crystal monochromator reduces the bandpass of synchrotron radiation to a 10-50 meV range without sacrificing angular acceptance. The monochromator includes the combination of an asymmetrical channel-cut single crystal of lower order reflection and a symmetrical channel-cut single crystal of higher order reflection in a nested geometric configuration. In the disclosed embodiment, a highly asymmetrically cut ({alpha}=20) outer silicon crystal (4 2 2) with low order reflection is combined with a symmetrically cut inner silicon crystal (10 6 4) with high order reflection to condition a hard x-ray component (5--30 keV) of synchrotron radiation down to the {micro}eV-neV level. Each of the crystals is coupled to the combination of a positioning inchworm and angle encoder via a respective rotation stage for accurate relative positioning of the crystals and precise energy tuning of the monochromator. 7 figs.

High energy resolution, high angular acceptance crystal monochromator

DOEpatents

Alp, Ercan E.; Mooney, Timothy M.; Toellner, Thomas

1996-06-04

A 4-bounce dispersive crystal monochromator reduces the bandpass of synchrotron radiation to a 10-50 meV range without sacrificing angular acceptance. The monochromator includes the combination of an asymmetrical channel-cut single crystal of lower order reflection and a symmetrical channel-cut single crystal of higher order reflection in a nested geometric configuration. In the disclosed embodiment, a highly asymmetrically cut (.alpha.=20) outer silicon crystal (4 2 2) with low order reflection is combined with a symmetrically cut inner silicon crystal (10 6 4) with high order reflection to condition a hard x-ray component (5-30 keV) of synchrotron radiation down to the .mu.eV-neV level. Each of the crystals is coupled to the combination of a positioning inchworm and angle encoder via a respective rotation stage for accurate relative positioning of the crystals and precise energy tuning of the monochromator.

Design of a surgical robot with dynamic vision field control for Single Port Endoscopic Surgery.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Yo; Sekiguchi, Yuta; Tomono, Yu; Watanabe, Hiroki; Toyoda, Kazutaka; Konishi, Kozo; Tomikawa, Morimasa; Ieiri, Satoshi; Tanoue, Kazuo; Hashizume, Makoto; Fujie, Masaktsu G

2010-01-01

Recently, a robotic system was developed to assist Single Port Endoscopic Surgery (SPS). However, the existing system required a manual change of vision field, hindering the surgical task and increasing the degrees of freedom (DOFs) of the manipulator. We proposed a surgical robot for SPS with dynamic vision field control, the endoscope view being manipulated by a master controller. The prototype robot consisted of a positioning and sheath manipulator (6 DOF) for vision field control, and dual tool tissue manipulators (gripping: 5DOF, cautery: 3DOF). Feasibility of the robot was demonstrated in vitro. The "cut and vision field control" (using tool manipulators) is suitable for precise cutting tasks in risky areas while a "cut by vision field control" (using a vision field control manipulator) is effective for rapid macro cutting of tissues. A resection task was accomplished using a combination of both methods.

Non-Poissonian photon statistics from macroscopic photon cutting materials.

PubMed

de Jong, Mathijs; Meijerink, Andries; Rabouw, Freddy T

2017-05-24

In optical materials energy is usually extracted only from the lowest excited state, resulting in fundamental energy-efficiency limits such as the Shockley-Queisser limit for single-junction solar cells. Photon-cutting materials provide a way around such limits by absorbing high-energy photons and 'cutting' them into multiple low-energy excitations that can subsequently be extracted. The occurrence of photon cutting or quantum cutting has been demonstrated in a variety of materials, including semiconductor quantum dots, lanthanides and organic dyes. Here we show that photon cutting results in bunched photon emission on the timescale of the excited-state lifetime, even when observing a macroscopic number of optical centres. Our theoretical derivation matches well with experimental data on NaLaF 4 :Pr 3+ , a material that can cut deep-ultraviolet photons into two visible photons. This signature of photon cutting can be used to identify and characterize new photon-cutting materials unambiguously.

Evaluation of an automated milk leukocyte differential test and the California Mastitis Test for detecting intramammary infection in early- and late-lactation quarters and cows.

PubMed

Godden, S M; Royster, E; Timmerman, J; Rapnicki, P; Green, H

2017-08-01

Study objectives were to (1) describe the diagnostic test characteristics of an automated milk leukocyte differential (MLD) test and the California Mastitis Test (CMT) to identify intramammary infection (IMI) in early- (EL) and late-lactation (LL) quarters and cows when using 3 different approaches to define IMI from milk culture, and (2) describe the repeatability of MLD test results at both the quarter and cow level. Eighty-six EL and 90 LL Holstein cows were sampled from 3 Midwest herds. Quarter milk samples were collected for a cow-side CMT test, milk culture, and MLD testing. Quarter IMI status was defined by 3 methods: culture of a single milk sample, culture of duplicate samples with parallel interpretation, and culture of duplicate samples with serial interpretation. The MLD testing was completed in duplicate within 8 h of sample collection; MLD results (positive/negative) were reported at each possible threshold setting (1-18 for EL; 1-12 for LL) and CMT results (positive/negative) were reported at each possible cut-points (trace, ≥1, ≥2, or 3). We created 2 × 2 tables to compare MLD and CMT results to milk culture, at both the quarter and cow level, when using each of 3 different definitions of IMI as the referent test. Paired MLD test results were compared with evaluate repeatability. The MLD test showed excellent repeatability. The choice of definition of IMI from milk culture had minor effects on estimates of MLD and CMT test characteristics. For EL samples, when interpreting MLD and CMT results at the quarter level, and regardless of the referent test used, both tests had low sensitivity (MLD = 11.7-39.1%; CMT = 0-52.2%) but good to very good specificity (MLD = 82.1-95.2%; CMT = 68.1-100%), depending on the cut-point used. Sensitivity improved slightly if diagnosis was interpreted at the cow level (MLD = 25.6-56.4%; CMT = 0-72.2%), though specificity generally declined (MLD = 61.8-100%; CMT = 25.0-100%) depending on the cut-point used. For LL samples, when interpreted at the quarter level, both tests had variable sensitivity (MLD = 46.6-84.8%; CMT = 9.6-72.7%) and variable specificity (MLD = 59.2-79.8%; CMT = 52.5-97.3%), depending on the cut-point used. Test sensitivity improved if interpreted at the cow level (MLD = 59.6-86.4%; CMT = 19.1-86.4%), though specificity declined (MLD = 32.4-56.8%; CMT = 14.3-92.3%). Producers considering adopting either test for LL or EL screening programs will need to carefully consider the goals and priorities of the program (e.g., whether to prioritize test sensitivity or specificity) when deciding on the level of interpretation (quarter or cow) and when selecting the optimal cut-point for interpreting test results. Additional validation studies and large randomized field studies will be needed to evaluate the effect of adopting either test in selective dry cow therapy or fresh cow screening programs on udder health, antibiotic use, and economics. The Authors. Published by the Federation of Animal Science Societies and Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American Dairy Science Association®. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/).

Shaping of Rack Cutter Original Profile for Fine-module Ratchet Teeth Cutting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharkov, O. V.; Koryagin, S. I.; Velikanov, N. L.

2018-05-01

The design models and the process of shaping the cutting edges of the rack cutter for cutting fine-module ratchet teeth are considered in the article. The use of fine-module ratchet teeth can reduce the noise and impact loads during operation of the freewheel mechanisms. Mathematical dependencies for calculating the coordinates determining the geometric position of the points of the front and back edges of the cutting profile of the rack cutter, the workpiece angle of rotation during cutting the ratchet teeth were obtained. When applying the developed method, the initial data are: the radii of the workpiece circumferences passing through the dedendum of the external and internal cut teeth; gradient angles of the front and back edges of the rail.

A Flexure-Based Tool Holder for Sub-(micro)m Positioning of a Single Point Cutting Tool on a Four-axis Lathe

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

Bono, M J; Hibbard, R L

2005-12-05

A tool holder was designed to facilitate the machining of precision meso-scale components with complex three-dimensional shapes with sub-{micro}m accuracy on a four-axis lathe. A four-axis lathe incorporates a rotary table that allows the cutting tool to swivel with respect to the workpiece to enable the machining of complex workpiece forms, and accurately machining complex meso-scale parts often requires that the cutting tool be aligned precisely along the axis of rotation of the rotary table. The tool holder designed in this study has greatly simplified the process of setting the tool in the correct location with sub-{micro}m precision. The toolmore » holder adjusts the tool position using flexures that were designed using finite element analyses. Two flexures adjust the lateral position of the tool to align the center of the nose of the tool with the axis of rotation of the B-axis, and another flexure adjusts the height of the tool. The flexures are driven by manual micrometer adjusters, each of which provides a minimum increment of motion of 20 nm. This tool holder has simplified the process of setting a tool with sub-{micro}m accuracy, and it has significantly reduced the time required to set a tool.« less

Lower limb muscle strength is associated with poor balance in middle-aged women: linear and nonlinear analyses.

PubMed

Wu, F; Callisaya, M; Laslett, L L; Wills, K; Zhou, Y; Jones, G; Winzenberg, T

2016-07-01

This was the first study investigating both linear associations between lower limb muscle strength and balance in middle-aged women and the potential for thresholds for the associations. There was strong evidence that even in middle-aged women, poorer LMS was associated with reduced balance. However, no evidence was found for thresholds. Decline in balance begins in middle age, yet, the role of muscle strength in balance is rarely examined in this age group. We aimed to determine the association between lower limb muscle strength (LMS) and balance in middle-aged women and investigate whether cut-points of LMS exist that might identify women at risk of poorer balance. Cross-sectional analysis of 345 women aged 36-57 years was done. Associations between LMS and balance tests (timed up and go (TUG), step test (ST), functional reach test (FRT), and lateral reach test (LRT)) were assessed using linear regression. Nonlinear associations were explored using locally weighted regression smoothing (LOWESS) and potential cut-points identified using nonlinear least-squares estimation. Segmented regression was used to estimate associations above and below the identified cut-points. Weaker LMS was associated with poorer performance on the TUG (β -0.008 (95 % CI: -0.010, -0.005) second/kg), ST (β 0.031 (0.011, 0.051) step/kg), FRT (β 0.071 (0.047, 0.096) cm/kg), and LRT (β 0.028 (0.011, 0.044) cm/kg), independent of confounders. Potential nonlinear associations were evident from LOWESS results; significant cut-points of LMS were identified for all balance tests (29-50 kg). However, excepting ST, cut-points did not persist after excluding potentially influential data points. In middle-aged women, poorer LMS is associated with reduced balance. Therefore, improving muscle strength in middle-age may be a useful strategy to improve balance and reduce falls risk in later life. Middle-aged women with low muscle strength may be an effective target group for future randomized controlled trials. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) NCT00273260.

Self-mutilation of the nose in a schizophrenic patient with Cotard syndrome.

PubMed

Ghaffari-Nejad, Alireza; Kerdegari, Mohammad; Reihani-Kermani, Hamed

2007-10-01

Cotard syndrome is a rare condition, which its main symptom is nihilistic delusion. Self-mutilation of the nose is also a rare condition, which has not been seen in schizophrenic patients with Cotard syndrome. A single case is presented here. A 32-year-old woman who was diagnosed as having schizophrenia and believed that she was dead, cut the tip of her nose. She had no guilt feeling and described her act as a cosmetic surgery. We try to explain how various symptoms that seem to be very far from each other could exist side by side. Misinterpretation of her face is suggested to be the starting point in her complex symptoms.

Elastic K-means using posterior probability.

PubMed

Zheng, Aihua; Jiang, Bo; Li, Yan; Zhang, Xuehan; Ding, Chris

2017-01-01

The widely used K-means clustering is a hard clustering algorithm. Here we propose a Elastic K-means clustering model (EKM) using posterior probability with soft capability where each data point can belong to multiple clusters fractionally and show the benefit of proposed Elastic K-means. Furthermore, in many applications, besides vector attributes information, pairwise relations (graph information) are also available. Thus we integrate EKM with Normalized Cut graph clustering into a single clustering formulation. Finally, we provide several useful matrix inequalities which are useful for matrix formulations of learning models. Based on these results, we prove the correctness and the convergence of EKM algorithms. Experimental results on six benchmark datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed EKM and its integrated model.

Calculus, Paper, Scissors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flores, Luis; Flores, Alfinio

2006-01-01

The idea of cutting out a curve while looking at the direction of cut of the scissors is used to explore concepts related to curves, tangents and derivatives, especially tangent line, concavity and points of inflection, curvature, and a curve as envelope of tangent lines. (Contains 6 figures.)

Demonstration of paper cutting using single emitter laser diode and infrared-absorbing ink.

PubMed

Pagès, Hubert; Piombini, Hervé; Enguehard, Franck; Acher, Olivier

2005-04-04

We show that conventional paper can be cut using a 1W laser diode, provided the cutting lines are first traced using a proper ink. The ink should absorb the laser light, and penetrate deep into the paper. An "invisible ink" that is transparent in the visible range and absorbing in the infrared has been successfully tested. The paper is tidily cut. The laser power required to cut the paper is proportional to the displacement speed of the paper. Cutting speeds exceeding 3 cm.s-1.W-1 have been demonstrated. At higher speeds, the paper is not cut through, but easy-tearable lines and easy-folding lines are obtained. The whole inking and laser cutting process may be integrated into next generations of personal inkjet printers and expand document creation abilities.

Multivariate evaluation of the cutting performance of rotary instruments with electric and air-turbine handpieces.

PubMed

Funkenbusch, Paul D; Rotella, Mario; Chochlidakis, Konstantinos; Ercoli, Carlo

2016-10-01

Laboratory studies of tooth preparation often involve single values for all variables other than the one being tested. In contrast, in clinical settings, not all variables can be adequately controlled. For example, a new dental rotary cutting instrument may be tested in the laboratory by making a specific cut with a fixed force, but, in clinical practice, the instrument must make different cuts with individual dentists applying different forces. Therefore, the broad applicability of laboratory results to diverse clinical conditions is uncertain and the comparison of effects across studies difficult. The purpose of this in vitro study was to examine the effects of 9 process variables on the dental cutting of rotary cutting instruments used with an electric handpiece and compare them with those of a previous study that used an air-turbine handpiece. The effects of 9 key process variables on the efficiency of a simulated dental cutting operation were measured. A fractional factorial experiment was conducted by using an electric handpiece in a computer-controlled, dedicated testing apparatus to simulate dental cutting procedures with Macor blocks as the cutting substrate. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the statistical significance (α=.05). Four variables (targeted applied load, cut length, diamond grit size, and cut type) consistently produced large, statistically significant effects, whereas 5 variables (rotation per minute, number of cooling ports, rotary cutting instrument diameter, disposability, and water flow rate) produced relatively small, statistically insignificant effects. These results are generally similar to those previously found for an air-turbine handpiece. Regardless of whether an electric or air-turbine handpiece was used, the control exerted by the dentist, simulated in this study by targeting a specific level of applied force, was the single most important factor affecting cutting efficiency. Cutting efficiency was also significantly affected by factors simulating patient/clinical circumstances and hardware choices. These results highlight the greater importance of local clinical conditions (procedure, dentist) in understanding dental cutting as opposed to other hardware-related factors. Copyright © 2016 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The impact of histology and delivered dose on local control of spinal metastases treated with stereotactic radiosurgery.

PubMed

Yamada, Yoshiya; Katsoulakis, Evangelia; Laufer, Ilya; Lovelock, Michael; Barzilai, Ori; McLaughlin, Lily A; Zhang, Zhigang; Schmitt, Adam M; Higginson, Daniel S; Lis, Eric; Zelefsky, Michael J; Mechalakos, James; Bilsky, Mark H

2017-01-01

OBJECTIVE An analysis of factors contributing to durable radiographic control of spinal metastases was undertaken, drawing from a large single-institution database in an attempt to elucidate indications and dose requirements for successful treatment. METHODS All patients treated at a single institution with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) of the spine as first-line therapy were assessed for local progression of the treated site, defined as radiographic enlargement of the treated tumor and/or biopsy-proven evidence of active tumor cells. All patients were followed with CT, PET, or MR imaging every 3-6 months until death. Treatment decisions were made by a multidisciplinary team of radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, and neuroradiologists. Target volumes were defined according to the international consensus guidelines and were reviewed in a multidisciplinary conference. Image-guided techniques and intensity modulation were used for every case. The tumor's histological type, gross tumor volume (GTV), dose that covers 95% of the GTV (GTV D95), percentage of GTV covered by 95% of the prescribed dose (GTV V95), planning target volume (PTV), dose that covers 95% of the PTV (PTV D95), and percentage of PTV covered by 95% of the prescribed dose (PTV V95) were analyzed for significance in relation to local control, based on time to local progression. RESULTS A total of 811 lesions were treated in 657 patients between 2003 and 2015 at a single institution. The mean follow-up and overall survival for the entire cohort was 26.9 months (range 2-141 months). A total of 28 lesions progressed and the mean time to failure was 26 months (range 9.7-57 months). The median prescribed dose was 2400 cGy (range 1600-2600 cGy). Both GTV D95 and PTV D95 were highly significantly associated with local failure in univariate analysis, but GTV and PTV and histological type did not reach statistical significance. The median GTV D95 for the cohort equal to or above the GTV D95 1830 cGy cut point (high dose) was 2356 cGy, and it was 1709 cGy for the cohort of patients who received less than 1830 cGy (low dose). In terms of PTV D95, the median dose for those equal to or above the cut point of 1740 cGy (high dose) was 2233 cGy, versus 1644 cGy for those lesions below the PTV D95 cut point of 1740 cGy (low dose). CONCLUSIONS High-dose single-session SRS provides durable long-term control, regardless of the histological findings or tumor size. In this analysis, the only significant factors predictive of local control were related to the actual dose of radiation given. Although the target volumes were well treated with the intended dose, those lesions irradiated to higher doses (median GTV D95 2356 cGy, minimum 1830 cGy) had a significantly higher probability of durable local control than those treated with lower doses (median PTV D95 2232 cGy, minimum of 1740 cGy) (p < 0.001). Patients in the high-dose cohort had a 2% cumulative rate of local failure. Histological findings were not associated with local failure, suggesting that radioresistant histological types benefit in particular from radiosurgery. For patients with a favorable prognosis, a higher dose of SRS is important for long-term outcomes.

The impact of histology and delivered dose on local control of spinal metastases treated with stereotactic radiosurgery

PubMed Central

Yamada, Yoshiya; Katsoulakis, Evangelia; Laufer, Ilya; Lovelock, Michael; Barzilai, Ori; McLaughlin, Lily A.; Zhang, Zhigang; Schmitt, Adam M.; Higginson, Daniel S.; Lis, Eric; Zelefsky, Michael J.; Mechalakos, James; Bilsky, Mark H.

2017-01-01

Objective An analysis of factors contributing to durable radiographic control of spinal metastases was undertaken, drawing from a large single-institution database in an attempt to elucidate indications and dose requirements for successful treatment. Methods All patients treated at a single institution with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) of the spine as first-line therapy were assessed for local progression of the treated site, defined as radiographic enlargement of the treated tumor and/or biopsy-proven evidence of active tumor cells. All patients were followed with CT, PET, or MR imaging every 3–6 months until death. Treatment decisions were made by a multidisciplinary team of radiation oncologists, neurosurgeons, and neuroradiologists. Target volumes were defined according to the international consensus guidelines and were reviewed in a multidisciplinary conference. Image-guided techniques and intensity modulation were used for every case. The tumor’s histological type, gross tumor volume (GTV), dose that covers 95% of the GTV (GTV D95), percentage of GTV covered by 95% of the prescribed dose (GTV V95), planning target volume (PTV), dose that covers 95% of the PTV (PTV D95), and percentage of PTV covered by 95% of the prescribed dose (PTV V95) were analyzed for significance in relation to local control, based on time to local progression. Results A total of 811 lesions were treated in 657 patients between 2003 and 2015 at a single institution. The mean follow-up and overall survival for the entire cohort was 26.9 months (range 2–141 months). A total of 28 lesions progressed and the mean time to failure was 26 months (range 9.7–57 months). The median prescribed dose was 2400 cGy (range 1600–2600 cGy). Both GTV D95 and PTV D95 were highly significantly associated with local failure in univariate analysis, but GTV and PTV and histological type did not reach statistical significance. The median GTV D95 for the cohort equal to or above the GTV D95 1830 cGy cut point (high dose) was 2356 cGy, and it was 1709 cGy for the cohort of patients who received less than 1830 cGy (low dose). In terms of PTV D95, the median dose for those equal to or above the cut point of 1740 cGy (high dose) was 2233 cGy, versus 1644 cGy for those lesions below the PTV D95 cut point of 1740 cGy (low dose). Conclusions High-dose single-session SRS provides durable long-term control, regardless of the histological findings or tumor size. In this analysis, the only significant factors predictive of local control were related to the actual dose of radiation given. Although the target volumes were well treated with the intended dose, those lesions irradiated to higher doses (median GTV D95 2356 cGy, minimum 1830 cGy) had a significantly higher probability of durable local control than those treated with lower doses (median PTV D95 2232 cGy, minimum of 1740 cGy) (p < 0.001). Patients in the high-dose cohort had a 2% cumulative rate of local failure. Histological findings were not associated with local failure, suggesting that radioresistant histological types benefit in particular from radiosurgery. For patients with a favorable prognosis, a higher dose of SRS is important for long-term outcomes. PMID:28041329

A description of disordered eating behaviors in Latino males.

PubMed

Reyes-Rodriguez, Mae Lynn; Sala, Margarita; Von Holle, Ann; Unikel, Claudia; Bulik, Cynthia M; Camara-Fuentes, Luis; Suarez-Torres, Alba

2011-01-01

To explore disordered eating and eating disorders (EDs) in Latino males. Participants are 722 male college students from a larger prevalence study conducted in the University of Puerto Rico system. Participants were selected from a list of sections of required courses for first-year students on each campus. Self-report instruments were used to explore ED symptoms (the Eating Attitudes Test [EAT-26] and the Bulimia Test-Revised [BULIT-26-R] and the Beck Depression Inventory depression (BDI). Overall, 2.26% scored above the cut-off point on the BULIT-R and 5.08% score above the cut-off point on the EAT-26. Of the males, 4.43% reported sufficient frequency and severity to approximate DSM-IV criteria for bulimia nervosa. Depression symptomatology was found in those who scored above the cut-off point on both instruments of EDs. College health practitioners should be aware of disordered eating in Latino males and include them in efforts to detect disordered eating behaviors in college students.

Enhancing efficiency and quality of statistical estimation of immunogenicity assay cut points through standardization and automation.

PubMed

Su, Cheng; Zhou, Lei; Hu, Zheng; Weng, Winnie; Subramani, Jayanthi; Tadkod, Vineet; Hamilton, Kortney; Bautista, Ami; Wu, Yu; Chirmule, Narendra; Zhong, Zhandong Don

2015-10-01

Biotherapeutics can elicit immune responses, which can alter the exposure, safety, and efficacy of the therapeutics. A well-designed and robust bioanalytical method is critical for the detection and characterization of relevant anti-drug antibody (ADA) and the success of an immunogenicity study. As a fundamental criterion in immunogenicity testing, assay cut points need to be statistically established with a risk-based approach to reduce subjectivity. This manuscript describes the development of a validated, web-based, multi-tier customized assay statistical tool (CAST) for assessing cut points of ADA assays. The tool provides an intuitive web interface that allows users to import experimental data generated from a standardized experimental design, select the assay factors, run the standardized analysis algorithms, and generate tables, figures, and listings (TFL). It allows bioanalytical scientists to perform complex statistical analysis at a click of the button to produce reliable assay parameters in support of immunogenicity studies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Progressive Elaboration and Cross-Validation of a Latent Class Typology of Adolescent Alcohol Involvement in a National Sample

PubMed Central

Donovan, John E.; Chung, Tammy

2015-01-01

Objective: Most studies of adolescent drinking focus on single alcohol use behaviors (e.g., high-volume drinking, drunkenness) and ignore the patterning of adolescents’ involvement across multiple alcohol behaviors. The present latent class analyses (LCAs) examined a procedure for empirically determining multiple cut points on the alcohol use behaviors in order to establish a typology of adolescent alcohol involvement. Method: LCA was carried out on six alcohol use behavior indicators collected from 6,504 7th through 12th graders who participated in Wave I of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (AddHealth). To move beyond dichotomous indicators, a “progressive elaboration” strategy was used, starting with six dichotomous indicators and then evaluating a series of models testing additional cut points on the ordinal indicators at progressively higher points for one indicator at a time. Analyses were performed on one random half-sample, and confirmatory LCAs were performed on the second random half-sample and in the Wave II data. Results: The final model consisted of four latent classes (never or non–current drinkers, low-intake drinkers, non–problem drinkers, and problem drinkers). Confirmatory LCAs in the second random half-sample from Wave I and in Wave II support this four-class solution. The means on the four latent classes were also generally ordered on an array of measures reflecting psychosocial risk for problem behavior. Conclusions: These analyses suggest that there may be four different classes or types of alcohol involvement among adolescents, and, more importantly, they illustrate the utility of the progressive elaboration strategy for moving beyond dichotomous indicators in latent class models. PMID:25978828

Relation of nutritional status to physiological outcomes after cardiac surgery in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus: a preliminary study.

PubMed

Izawa, Kazuhiro P; Watanabe, Satoshi

2016-12-01

To determine differences in physiological outcome (PO) based on the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and cut-off values for PO according to the GNRI in elderly post-cardiac surgery patients complicated by diabetes mellitus (DM). Thirty-five patients (72.9 years) were enrolled and divided by GNRI. Patient characteristics and PO of handgrip strength (HG), knee extensor muscle strength (KEMS), maximum gait speed (GS), and one-leg standing time (OLST) were compared between the groups, and cut-off values for PO were determined. These POs were significantly lower in the low-GNRI group (<92 points) than in the high-GNRI (≥92 points) group. The cut-off values for PO were HG, 22.7 kgf; KEMS, 41.5 %BW; GS, 1.2 m/sec; and OLST, 6.7 s. Nutritional status might influence PO following cardiac surgery. The cut-off values of PO reported here might be indicative of the need to improve patient nutritional status.

The X-point effects on the peeling-ballooning stability conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Linjin

2017-10-01

Due to the X-point singularity the safety factor tends to infinity as the last closed flux surface is approached. The usual numerical treatment of X-point singularity is to cut off a small fraction of edge region for system stability evaluation or simply use an up-down symmetric equilibrium without X-point included. This type of treatments have been used to make the peeling-ballooning stability diagram. We found that the mode types, peel or ballooning, can vary depending on how much the edge portion is cut off. When the cutting-off leads the edge safety factor (qa) to become close to a mode rational number, the peeling modes dominate; otherwise the ballooning type of modes prevail. The stability condition for peeling modes with qa being close to a rational number is much stringent than that for ballooning type of modes. Because qa tends to infinite near the separatrix, the mode rational surfaces are concentrated in the plasma region and thus the peeling modes are basically excluded. This extrapolation indicates that the stability boundary for high edge current, which is related to the peeling modes, need to be reexamined to take into account the X-point effects. Supported by U. S. Department of Energy, Office of Fusion Energy Science: Grant No. DE-FG02-04ER-54742.

The Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status: Creating a crosswalk with the Mini-Mental State Exam

PubMed Central

Fong, Tamara G.; Fearing, Michael A.; Jones, Richard N.; Shi, Peilin; Marcantonio, Edward R.; Rudolph, James L.; Yang, Frances M.; Kiely, Dan K.; Inouye, Sharon K.

2009-01-01

Background Brief cognitive screening measures are valuable tools for both research and clinical applications. The most widely used instrument, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is limited in that it must be administered face-to-face, cannot be used in participants with visual or motor impairments, and is protected by copyright. Alternative screening instruments, such as the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS) have been developed and may provide a valid alternative with comparable cut point scores to rate global cognitive function. Methods MMSE, TICS-30, and TICS-40 scores from 746 community dwelling elders who participated in the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS) were analyzed with equipercentile equating, a statistical process of determining comparable scores based on percentile equivalents on different forms of an examination. Results Scores from the MMSE and the TICS-30 and TICS-40 corresponded well and clinically relevant cut point scores were determined; for example, an MMSE score of 23 is equivalent to 17 and 20 on the TICS-30 and TICS-40, respectively. Conclusions These findings provide scores that can be used to link TICS and MMSE scores directly. Clinically relevant and important MMSE cut points and the respective ADAMS TICS-30 and TICS-40 cut point scores have been included to identify the degree of cognitive impairment among respondents with any type of cognitive disorder. These results will help with the widespread application of the TICS in both research and clinical practice. PMID:19647495

[Usefulness of a screening questionnaire for post traumatic stress in a Colombian population].

PubMed

Pineda, D A; Guerrero, O L; Pinilla, M L; Estupiñán, M

Rating scales for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) should be consistents with DSM IV criteria, and should be validate for each culture. To validate a PTSD checklist in a Colombian little town population, which was semi destructed by a guerrilla attack. A stratified, representative and randomized sample of 202 adult participants, aged over 15 year old, was selected from San Joaquin (Santander Colombia) two year after an guerrilla attack. A structured interview (SCID I), based on DSM IV criteria, was developed with each member of the sample. 76 participants (37.6%) met criteria for PTSD, and 126 (62.4%) were classified as non PTSD. A rating checklist with 24 symptoms of PTSD was applied by self report. Each item of the scale was scored 1 to 4. PTSD checklist had a reliability Cronbach s alpha coefficient of 0.97. PTSD group scored 70.4 22.9, and non PTSD 37.2 13.7 (p< 0.0001) on the PTSD checklist. A discriminant analysis found that the scale had a correctly classification capability of 88.6% (p< 0.0001). Sensibility was found between 76.3% for a cut off point of 51 and 81.6% for cut off point of 45. Specificity changed between 71.4% for a cut off point of 45 and 84.4% for a cut off point of 51. Checklist for PTSD had a high reliability, good discriminant capability, and good sensibility and specificity.

Performance of thigh-mounted triaxial accelerometer algorithms in objective quantification of sedentary behaviour and physical activity in older adults

PubMed Central

Verschueren, Sabine M. P.; Degens, Hans; Morse, Christopher I.; Onambélé, Gladys L.

2017-01-01

Accurate monitoring of sedentary behaviour and physical activity is key to investigate their exact role in healthy ageing. To date, accelerometers using cut-off point models are most preferred for this, however, machine learning seems a highly promising future alternative. Hence, the current study compared between cut-off point and machine learning algorithms, for optimal quantification of sedentary behaviour and physical activity intensities in the elderly. Thus, in a heterogeneous sample of forty participants (aged ≥60 years, 50% female) energy expenditure during laboratory-based activities (ranging from sedentary behaviour through to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) was estimated by indirect calorimetry, whilst wearing triaxial thigh-mounted accelerometers. Three cut-off point algorithms and a Random Forest machine learning model were developed and cross-validated using the collected data. Detailed analyses were performed to check algorithm robustness, and examine and benchmark both overall and participant-specific balanced accuracies. This revealed that the four models can at least be used to confidently monitor sedentary behaviour and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Nevertheless, the machine learning algorithm outperformed the cut-off point models by being robust for all individual’s physiological and non-physiological characteristics and showing more performance of an acceptable level over the whole range of physical activity intensities. Therefore, we propose that Random Forest machine learning may be optimal for objective assessment of sedentary behaviour and physical activity in older adults using thigh-mounted triaxial accelerometry. PMID:29155839

Performance of thigh-mounted triaxial accelerometer algorithms in objective quantification of sedentary behaviour and physical activity in older adults.

PubMed

Wullems, Jorgen A; Verschueren, Sabine M P; Degens, Hans; Morse, Christopher I; Onambélé, Gladys L

2017-01-01

Accurate monitoring of sedentary behaviour and physical activity is key to investigate their exact role in healthy ageing. To date, accelerometers using cut-off point models are most preferred for this, however, machine learning seems a highly promising future alternative. Hence, the current study compared between cut-off point and machine learning algorithms, for optimal quantification of sedentary behaviour and physical activity intensities in the elderly. Thus, in a heterogeneous sample of forty participants (aged ≥60 years, 50% female) energy expenditure during laboratory-based activities (ranging from sedentary behaviour through to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) was estimated by indirect calorimetry, whilst wearing triaxial thigh-mounted accelerometers. Three cut-off point algorithms and a Random Forest machine learning model were developed and cross-validated using the collected data. Detailed analyses were performed to check algorithm robustness, and examine and benchmark both overall and participant-specific balanced accuracies. This revealed that the four models can at least be used to confidently monitor sedentary behaviour and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Nevertheless, the machine learning algorithm outperformed the cut-off point models by being robust for all individual's physiological and non-physiological characteristics and showing more performance of an acceptable level over the whole range of physical activity intensities. Therefore, we propose that Random Forest machine learning may be optimal for objective assessment of sedentary behaviour and physical activity in older adults using thigh-mounted triaxial accelerometry.

Tactile Sensors for Palm-Size Crawling Robots

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-01

lamination and laser cutting . For the sensor array discussed in this report, the hairs have an average normal sensitivity of approximately 0.8 grams/hair, but...Adhesive (M) Hair Mounting Layer. For visualization purposes, layers I and M are shown with laser - cut features that are actually formed after...The levers are then partially freed from the structure via laser - cutting . The levers are left partly connected at this point so that the hairs (L) can

Effort, symptom validity testing, performance validity testing and traumatic brain injury.

PubMed

Bigler, Erin D

2014-01-01

To understand the neurocognitive effects of brain injury, valid neuropsychological test findings are paramount. This review examines the research on what has been referred to a symptom validity testing (SVT). Above a designated cut-score signifies a 'passing' SVT performance which is likely the best indicator of valid neuropsychological test findings. Likewise, substantially below cut-point performance that nears chance or is at chance signifies invalid test performance. Significantly below chance is the sine qua non neuropsychological indicator for malingering. However, the interpretative problems with SVT performance below the cut-point yet far above chance are substantial, as pointed out in this review. This intermediate, border-zone performance on SVT measures is where substantial interpretative challenges exist. Case studies are used to highlight the many areas where additional research is needed. Historical perspectives are reviewed along with the neurobiology of effort. Reasons why performance validity testing (PVT) may be better than the SVT term are reviewed. Advances in neuroimaging techniques may be key in better understanding the meaning of border zone SVT failure. The review demonstrates the problems with rigidity in interpretation with established cut-scores. A better understanding of how certain types of neurological, neuropsychiatric and/or even test conditions may affect SVT performance is needed.

Mathematical Modeling of Thermofrictional Milling Process Using ANSYS WB Software

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sherov, K. T.; Sikhimbayev, M. R.; Sherov, A. K.; Donenbayev, B. S.; Rakishev, A. K.; Mazdubai, A. B.; Musayev, M. M.; Abeuova, A. M.

2017-06-01

This article presents ANSYS WB-based mathematical modelling of the thermofrictional milling process, which allowed studying the dynamics of thermal and physical processes occurring during the processing. The technique used also allows determination of the optimal cutting conditions of thermofrictional milling for processing various materials, in particular steel 40CN2MA, 30CGSA, 45, 3sp. In our study, from among a number of existing models of cutting fracture, we chose the criterion first proposed by prof. V. L. Kolmogorov. In order to increase the calculations performance, a mathematical model was proposed, that used only two objects: a parallelepiped-shaped workpiece and a cutting insert in the form of a pentagonal prism. In addition, the work takes into account the friction coefficient between a cutting insert and a workpiece taken equal to 0.4 mm. To determine the temperature in the subcontact layer of the workpiece, we introduced the coordinates of nine characteristic points with the same interval in the local coordinate system. As a result, the temperature values were obtained for different materials at the studied points during the cutter speed change. The research results showed the possibility of controlling thermal processes during processing by choosing the optimum cutting modes.

Poles of the S-matrix in Woods-Saxon and Salamon-Vertse potentials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vertse, T.; Lovas, R. G.; Salamon, P.; Rácz, A.

2012-10-01

The motions of the l = 0 poles of the S-matrix with varying potential strength is calculated in a cut-off Woods-Saxon (CWS) potential and in the Salamon-Vertse (SV) potential [3]. Both potentials are zero beyond a certain finite distance but the CWS potential has a jump at the cut while the SV potential goes to zero smoothly. The jump of the CWS potential might cause a strange circling of the trajectories at their starting region. This feature does not appear with the SV potential. Starting points of the trajectories depend on the ranges of the potentials. For CWS these points do depend on the unphysical cut-off radius. In this respect the SV potential seems to be superior to the CWS potential.

Shaping Cutter Original Profile for Fine-module Ratchet Teeth Cutting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharkov, O. V.; Koryagin, S. I.; Velikanov, N. L.

2018-03-01

The methods for determining geometric characteristics of a theoretical original profile of the cutter for cutting ratchet teeth with a module of 0.3–1.0 mm are considered in the article. Design models describing the shaping process of cutting edges of cutter teeth are developed. Systems of expressions for determining coordinates of the points of front and back edges of cutter teeth; the workpiece angles of rotation during the cutting process; the minimum cutter radius are received. The basic data when using the proposed technique are: radii of circumferences passing through cavities of cutter teeth and external cut teeth; the gradient angle and length of straight section of the front edge of a cut tooth; angles of rotation of the cutter and the workpiece at the moment of shaping.

Optimization of Machining Parameters of Milling Operation by Application of Semi-synthetic oil based Nano cutting Fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giri Prasad, M. J.; Abhishek Raaj, A. S.; Rishi Kumar, R.; Gladson, Frank; M, Gautham

2016-09-01

The present study is concerned with resolving the problems pertaining to the conventional cutting fluids. Two samples of nano cutting fluids were prepared by dispersing 0.01 vol% of MWCNTs and a mixture of 0.01 vol% of MWCNTs and 0.01 vol% of nano ZnO in the soluble oil. The thermophysical properties such as the kinematic viscosity, density, flash point and the tribological properties of the prepared nano cutting fluid samples were experimentally investigated and were compared with those of plain soluble oil. In addition to this, a milling process was carried by varying the process parameters and by application of different samples of cutting fluids and an attempt was made to determine optimal cutting condition using the Taguchi optimization technique.

Study of Effect of Impacting Direction on Abrasive Nanometric Cutting Process with Molecular Dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Junye; Meng, Wenqing; Dong, Kun; Zhang, Xinming; Zhao, Weihong

2018-01-01

Abrasive flow polishing plays an important part in modern ultra-precision machining. Ultrafine particles suspended in the medium of abrasive flow removes the material in nanoscale. In this paper, three-dimensional molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are performed to investigate the effect of impacting direction on abrasive cutting process during abrasive flow polishing. The molecular dynamics simulation software Lammps was used to simulate the cutting of single crystal copper with SiC abrasive grains at different cutting angles (0o-45o). At a constant friction coefficient, we found a direct relation between cutting angle and cutting force, which ultimately increases the number of dislocation during abrasive flow machining. Our theoretical study reveal that a small cutting angle is beneficial for improving surface quality and reducing internal defects in the workpiece. However, there is no obvious relationship between cutting angle and friction coefficient.

The chemo-mechanical effect of cutting fluid on material removal in diamond scribing of silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Arkadeep; Melkote, Shreyes N.

2017-07-01

The mechanical integrity of silicon wafers cut by diamond wire sawing depends on the damage (e.g., micro-cracks) caused by the cutting process. The damage type and extent depends on the material removal mode, i.e., ductile or brittle. This paper investigates the effect of cutting fluid on the mode of material removal in diamond scribing of single crystal silicon, which simulates the material removal process in diamond wire sawing of silicon wafers. We conducted scribing experiments with a diamond tipped indenter in the absence (dry) and in the presence of a water-based cutting fluid. We found that the cutting mode is more ductile when scribing in the presence of cutting fluid compared to dry scribing. We explain the experimental observations by the chemo-mechanical effect of the cutting fluid on silicon, which lowers its hardness and promotes ductile mode material removal.

Study of Effect of Impacting Direction on Abrasive Nanometric Cutting Process with Molecular Dynamics.

PubMed

Li, Junye; Meng, Wenqing; Dong, Kun; Zhang, Xinming; Zhao, Weihong

2018-01-11

Abrasive flow polishing plays an important part in modern ultra-precision machining. Ultrafine particles suspended in the medium of abrasive flow removes the material in nanoscale. In this paper, three-dimensional molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are performed to investigate the effect of impacting direction on abrasive cutting process during abrasive flow polishing. The molecular dynamics simulation software Lammps was used to simulate the cutting of single crystal copper with SiC abrasive grains at different cutting angles (0 o -45 o ). At a constant friction coefficient, we found a direct relation between cutting angle and cutting force, which ultimately increases the number of dislocation during abrasive flow machining. Our theoretical study reveal that a small cutting angle is beneficial for improving surface quality and reducing internal defects in the workpiece. However, there is no obvious relationship between cutting angle and friction coefficient.

[Effects of covering on growth potential and chlorophyll content of hardwood cutting of Lycium barbarum].

PubMed

Zhang, Ju-qiong; Lin, Hai-ming; Lin, Nan

2011-07-01

To study the effect of plastic film covering, straw covering, plastic film covering in greenhouse and no-covering cutting on growth and Chlorophyll content of Lycium barbarum hardwood cutting seedlings. Single factor randomized block design method was used in this research. The effect of different covering treatments on germination rate, seedling rate and growth potential were all plastic film covering in greenhouse > plastic film covering > straw covering > no-covering cutting. Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b, Chlorophyll a + b content and Ca/Cb were significantly different with different coverings in different periods. The optimal covering on hardwood cutting of Lycium barbarum is plastic film covering in greenhouse. Both plastic film and straw covering are better than no-covering cutting.

15 CFR 922.150 - Boundary.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT NATIONAL... point due west of the mouth of the Copalis River cutting across the heads of Nitnat, Juan de Fuca and... Federally managed lands cutting across the mouths of all rivers and streams, except where adjacent to Indian...

15 CFR 922.150 - Boundary.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT NATIONAL... point due west of the mouth of the Copalis River cutting across the heads of Nitnat, Juan de Fuca and... Federally managed lands cutting across the mouths of all rivers and streams, except where adjacent to Indian...

15 CFR 922.150 - Boundary.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT NATIONAL... point due west of the mouth of the Copalis River cutting across the heads of Nitnat, Juan de Fuca and... Federally managed lands cutting across the mouths of all rivers and streams, except where adjacent to Indian...

Testing of an actively damped boring bar featuring structurally integrated PZT stack actuators

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

Redmond, J.; Barney, P.

This paper summarizes the results of cutting tests performed using an actively damped boring bar to minimize chatter in metal cutting. A commercially available 2 inch diameter boring bar was modified to incorporate PZT stack actuators for controlling tool bending vibrations encountered during metal removal. The extensional motion of the actuators induce bending moments in the host structure through a two-point preloaded mounting scheme. Cutting tests performed at various speeds and depths of cuts on a hardened steel workpiece illustrate the bar`s effectiveness toward eliminating chatter vibrations and improving workpiece surface finish.

Psychological distress of residents in Kawauchi village, Fukushima Prefecture after the accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station: the Fukushima Health Management Survey.

PubMed

Yoshida, Koji; Shinkawa, Tetsuko; Urata, Hideko; Nakashima, Kanami; Orita, Makiko; Yasui, Kiyotaka; Kumagai, Atsushi; Ohtsuru, Akira; Yabe, Hirooki; Maeda, Masaharu; Hayashida, Naomi; Kudo, Takashi; Yamashita, Shunichi; Takamura, Noboru

2016-01-01

To shed light on the mental health of evacuees after the accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), we evaluate the results of the Fukushima Health Management Survey (FHMS) of the residents at Kawauchi village in Fukushima, which is located less than 30 km from the FDNPS. We conducted the cross-sectional study within the framework of the FHMS. Exposure values were "anorexia," "subjective feelings about health," "feelings about sleep satisfaction," and "bereavement caused by the disaster," confounding variables were "age" and "sex," and outcome variables were "K6 points." We collected data from the FHMS, and employed the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) and the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Checklist Stressor-Specific Version (PCL-S) to carry out the research. A total of 13 or greater was the cut-off for identifying serious mental illness using the K6 scale. The study subjects included residents (n = 542) of over 30 years of age from Kawauchi village, and data were used from the period of January 1, 2012 to October 31, 2012. A total of 474 residents (87.5%) scored less than 13 points in the K6 and 68 (12.6%) scored 13 points or more. The proportion of elderly residents (over 65 years old) among people with K6 score above the cut-off was higher than that among people with K6 score below the cut-off (44.1 vs 31.0%, p < 0.05). In addition, the proportion of residents with anorexia and mental illness among people with K6 score above the cut-off was higher than among people with K6 score below the cut-off (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). The amount of residents who scored 44 points or more in the PCL-S among people with K6 score above the cut-off was also considerably higher than among people with K6 score below the cut-off (79.4 vs 12.9%, p < 0.001). Interestingly, the proportion of residents who scored more than among people with K6 score above the cut-off and the among people with PCL-S score above the cut-off in Kawauchi was higher than in previous studies in other locations. These results suggest that there are severe mental health problems, such as depression and PTSD, among adults as a consequence of the accident at the FDNPS. Our study showed that residents who lived in the evacuation zone before the disaster are at high risk psychological distress. To facilitate local residents' recovery from Fukushima, there is a need to continue providing them with physical and mental support, as well as communication regarding the health risks of radiation.

Effects of Small Patch Cutting on Sugar Maple Regeneration in New Hampshire Northern Hardwoods

Treesearch

William B. Leak; William B. Leak

2005-01-01

In many northern hardwood stands in New Hampshire and New England, partial cutting or single-tree selection result,s in understories with a high proportion of beech and other species with low timber values. Patch cutting, using small openings of about 1/4-ac in size or larger coupled with sufficient logging disturbance, has proved to be an effective way to replace...

Prevalence of suspected developmental delays in early infancy: results from a regional population-based longitudinal study.

PubMed

Valla, Lisbeth; Wentzel-Larsen, Tore; Hofoss, Dag; Slinning, Kari

2015-12-17

Prevalence estimates on suspected developmental delays (SDD) in young infants are scarce and a necessary first step for planning an early intervention. We investigated the prevalence of SDD at 4, 6 and 12 months, in addition to associations of SDD with gender, prematurity and maternal education. This study is based on a Norwegian longitudinal sample of 1555 infants and their parents attending well-baby clinics for regular health check-ups. Moreover, parents completed the Norwegian translation of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) prior to the check-up, with a corrected gestational age being used to determine the time of administration for preterm infants. Scores ≤ the established cut-offs in one or more of the five development areas: communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and personal-social, which defined SDD for an infant were reported. Chi-square tests were performed for associations between the selected factors and SDD. According to established Norwegian cut-off points, the overall prevalence of SDD in one or more areas was 7.0 % (10.3 % US cut-off) at 4 months, 5.7 % (12.3 % US cut-off) at 6 months and 6.1 % (10.3 % US cut-off) at 12 months. The highest prevalence of SDD was in the gross motor area at all three time points. A gestational age of < 37 weeks revealed a significant association with the communication SDD at 4 months, and with the fine motor and personal social SDD at 6 months. Gender was significantly associated with the fine motor and problem solving SDD at 4 months and personal- social SDD at 6 months: as more boys than girls were delayed. No significant associations were found between maternal education and the five developmental areas of the ASQ. Our findings indicate prevalence rates of SDD between 5.7 and 7.0 % in Norwegian infants between 4 and 12 months of age based on the Norwegian ASQ cut-off points (10.3-12.3 %, US cut-off points). During the first year of life, delay is most frequent within the gross motor area. Special attention should be paid to infants born prematurely, as well as to boys. Separate norms for boys and girls should be considered for the ASQ.

Accuracy of the WHO’s body mass index cut-off points to measure gender- and age-specific obesity in middle-aged adults living in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

PubMed Central

Wollner, Materko; Paulo Roberto, Benchimol-Barbosa; Alysson Roncally, Silva Carvalho; Jurandir, Nadal; Edil, Luis Santos

2017-01-01

Introduction. Obesity is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of body fat. Obesity is considered a public health problem, leading to serious social, psychological and physical problems. However, the appropriate cut-off point of body mass index (BMI) based on body fat percentage (BF%) for classifying an individual as obese in middle-aged adults living in Rio de Janeiro remains unclear. Materials and methods. This was a prospective cross-sectional study comprising of 856 adults (413 men and 443 women) living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ranging from 30-59 years of age. The data were collected over a two year period (2010-2011), and all participants were underwent anthropometric evaluation. The gold standard was the percentage of body fat estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The optimal sensitivity and specificity were attained by adjusting BMI cut-off values to predict obesity based on the WHO criteria: BF% >25% in men and >35% in women, according to the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis adjusted for age and for the whole group. Results. The BMI cut-offs for predicting BF% were 29.9 kg/m2 in men and 24.9 kg/m2 in women. Conclusions The BMI that corresponded to a BF% previously defining obesity was similar to that of other Western populations for men but not for women. Furthermore, gender and age specific cut-off values are recommended in this population. Significance for public health World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as a disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of body fat. Obesity is considered a public health problem, leading to serious social, psychological and physical problems. The WHO suggested cut-off point for obesity is a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2, which is associated with morbidity and mortality. An important issue in the debate over measuring obesity concerns the use of BMI to define obesity across different populations. However, it is not clear, what is an appropriate cut-off point of BMI based on body fat percentage (BF%) to classify an individual as obese within gender-age groups and to distinguish categories of BF% in middle-aged adults living in the city of Rio de Janeiro. PMID:29071256

Identifying depression with the PHQ-2: A diagnostic meta-analysis.

PubMed

Manea, Laura; Gilbody, Simon; Hewitt, Catherine; North, Alice; Plummer, Faye; Richardson, Rachel; Thombs, Brett D; Williams, Bethany; McMillan, Dean

2016-10-01

There is interest in the use of very brief instruments to identify depression because of the advantages they offer in busy clinical settings. The PHQ-2, consisting of two questions relating to core symptoms of depression (low mood and loss of interest or pleasure), is one such instrument. A systematic review was conducted to identify studies that had assessed the diagnostic performance of the PHQ-2 to detect major depression. Embase, MEDLINE, PsychINFO and grey literature databases were searched. Reference lists of included studies and previous relevant reviews were also examined. Studies were included that used the standard scoring system of the PHQ-2, assessed its performance against a gold-standard diagnostic interview and reported data on its performance at the recommended (≥3) or an alternative cut-off point (≥2). After assessing heterogeneity, where appropriate, data from studies were combined using bivariate diagnostic meta-analysis to derive sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and diagnostic odds ratios. 21 studies met inclusion criteria totalling N=11,175 people out of which 1529 had major depressive disorder according to a gold standard. 19 of the 21 included studies reported data for a cut-off point of ≥3. Pooled sensitivity was 0.76 (95% CI =0.68-0.82), pooled specificity was 0.87 (95% CI =0.82-0.90). However there was substantial heterogeneity at this cut-off (I(2)=81.8%). 17 studies reported data on the performance of the measure at cut-off point ≥2. Heterogeneity was I(2)=43.2% pooled sensitivity at this cut-off point was 0.91 (95% CI =0.85-0.94), and pooled specificity was 0.70 (95% CI =0.64-0.76). The generally lower sensitivity of the PHQ-2 at cut-off ≥3 than the original validation study (0.83) suggests that ≥2 may be preferable if clinicians want to ensure that few cases of depression are missed. However, in situations in which the prevalence of depression is low, this may result in an unacceptably high false-positive rate because of the associated modest specificity. These results, however, need to be interpreted with caution given the possibility of selectively reported cut-offs. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Simulation and Experimental Study on Surface Formation Mechanism in Machining of SiCp/Al Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Jinguang; Zhang, Haizhen; He, Wenbin; Ma, Jun; Ming, Wuyi; Cao, Yang

2018-03-01

To intuitively reveal the surface formation mechanism in machining of SiCp/Al composites, in this paper the removal mode of reinforced particle and aluminum matrix, and their influence on surface formation mechanism were analyzed by single diamond grit cutting simulation and single diamond grit scratch experiment. Simulation and experiment results show that when the depth of cut is small, the scratched surface of the workpiece is relatively smooth; however, there are also irregular pits on the machined surface. When increasing the depth of cut, there are many obvious laminar structures on the scratched surface, and the surface appearance becomes coarser. When the cutting speed is small, the squeezing action of abrasive grit on SiC particles plays a dominant role in the extrusion of SiC particles. When increasing the cutting speed, SiC particles also occur broken or fractured; but the machined surface becomes smooth. When machining SiCp/Al composites, the SiC may happen in such removal ways, such as fracture, debonding, broken, sheared, pulled into and pulled out, etc. By means of reasonably developing micro cutting finite element simulation model of SiCp/Al composites could be used to analyze the surface formation process and particle removal way in different machining conditions.

Validation of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale - Short-Form (IGDS9-SF) in an Italian-speaking sample.

PubMed

Monacis, Lucia; Palo, Valeria de; Griffiths, Mark D; Sinatra, Maria

2016-12-01

Background and aims The inclusion of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in Section III of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has increased the interest of researchers in the development of new standardized psychometric tools for the assessment of such a disorder. To date, the nine-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale - Short-Form (IGDS9-SF) has only been validated in English, Portuguese, and Slovenian languages. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to examine the psychometric properties of the IGDS9-SF in an Italian-speaking sample. Methods A total of 757 participants were recruited to the present study. Confirmatory factor analysis and multi-group analyses were applied to assess the construct validity. Reliability analyses comprised the average variance extracted, the standard error of measurement, and the factor determinacy coefficient. Convergent and criterion validities were established through the associations with other related constructs. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine an empirical cut-off point. Results Findings confirmed the single-factor structure of the instrument, its measurement invariance at the configural level, and the convergent and criterion validities. Satisfactory levels of reliability and a cut-off point of 21 were obtained. Discussion and conclusions The present study provides validity evidence for the use of the Italian version of the IGDS9-SF and may foster research into gaming addiction in the Italian context.

Rapid and safe learning of robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: multidimensional analysis in a comparison with laparoscopic gastrectomy.

PubMed

Kim, H-I; Park, M S; Song, K J; Woo, Y; Hyung, W J

2014-10-01

The learning curve of robotic gastrectomy has not yet been evaluated in comparison with the laparoscopic approach. We compared the learning curves of robotic gastrectomy and laparoscopic gastrectomy based on operation time and surgical success. We analyzed 172 robotic and 481 laparoscopic distal gastrectomies performed by single surgeon from May 2003 to April 2009. The operation time was analyzed using a moving average and non-linear regression analysis. Surgical success was evaluated by a cumulative sum plot with a target failure rate of 10%. Surgical failure was defined as laparoscopic or open conversion, insufficient lymph node harvest for staging, resection margin involvement, postoperative morbidity, and mortality. Moving average and non-linear regression analyses indicated stable state for operation time at 95 and 121 cases in robotic gastrectomy, and 270 and 262 cases in laparoscopic gastrectomy, respectively. The cumulative sum plot identified no cut-off point for surgical success in robotic gastrectomy and 80 cases in laparoscopic gastrectomy. Excluding the initial 148 laparoscopic gastrectomies that were performed before the first robotic gastrectomy, the two groups showed similar number of cases to reach steady state in operation time, and showed no cut-off point in analysis of surgical success. The experience of laparoscopic surgery could affect the learning process of robotic gastrectomy. An experienced laparoscopic surgeon requires fewer cases of robotic gastrectomy to reach steady state. Moreover, the surgical outcomes of robotic gastrectomy were satisfactory. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Validation of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale – Short-Form (IGDS9-SF) in an Italian-speaking sample

PubMed Central

Monacis, Lucia; de Palo, Valeria; Griffiths, Mark D.; Sinatra, Maria

2016-01-01

Background and aims The inclusion of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in Section III of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has increased the interest of researchers in the development of new standardized psychometric tools for the assessment of such a disorder. To date, the nine-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale – Short-Form (IGDS9-SF) has only been validated in English, Portuguese, and Slovenian languages. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to examine the psychometric properties of the IGDS9-SF in an Italian-speaking sample. Methods A total of 757 participants were recruited to the present study. Confirmatory factor analysis and multi-group analyses were applied to assess the construct validity. Reliability analyses comprised the average variance extracted, the standard error of measurement, and the factor determinacy coefficient. Convergent and criterion validities were established through the associations with other related constructs. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine an empirical cut-off point. Results Findings confirmed the single-factor structure of the instrument, its measurement invariance at the configural level, and the convergent and criterion validities. Satisfactory levels of reliability and a cut-off point of 21 were obtained. Discussion and conclusions The present study provides validity evidence for the use of the Italian version of the IGDS9-SF and may foster research into gaming addiction in the Italian context. PMID:27876422

Validation of a new scale to assess olfactory dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Millar Vernetti, Patricio; Perez Lloret, Santiago; Rossi, Malco; Cerquetti, Daniel; Merello, Marcelo

2012-05-01

BAKCKGROUND: Olfactory dysfunction is present in up to 90% of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. It is usually evaluated by means of objective standardized tests; however no self-administered scales have been developed for olfactory dysfunction bedside assessment. We present validation of a new scale to assess this symptom in PD patients. Seventy-five PD patients and 25 control subjects were evaluated using a Hyposmia Rating Scale developed in-house, combined with the extended Sniffin' Sticks test. Total score of the 6-item Hyposmia Rating Scale showed significant correlation with threshold, discrimination, identification and total Sniffin' Sticks test scores (r = 0.53; r = 0.60; r = 0.57; r = 0.65 respectively, p < 0.001 for all values). Area under the curve of the receiver operating curve for the ability of Hyposmia Rating Scale to discriminate patients with Sniffin' Sticks test total scores below or above the cut-off point was 80 ± 6% (p < 0.001). Considering Sniffin' Sticks test as the gold standard method for olfactory dysfunction detection, an affirmative response to a single screening question about smelling ability problems showed 35% sensitivity (95%CI = 23-47%) and 100% specificity. The best cut-off point for Hyposmia Rating Scale was 22.5 with a sensitivity of 70% (60-81%) and a specificity of 85% (65-100%). The Hyposmia Rating Scale here presented may offer a simple, cost-effective, time-saving and reliable approach to evaluate olfactory dysfunction in PD patients. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Hydrophobic folding units derived from dissimilar monomer structures and their interactions.

PubMed

Tsai, C J; Nussinov, R

1997-01-01

We have designed an automated procedure to cut a protein into compact hydrophobic folding units. The hydrophobic units are large enough to contain tertiary non-local interactions, reflecting potential nucleation sites during protein folding. The quality of a hydrophobic folding unit is evaluated by four criteria. The first two correspond to visual characterization of a structural domain, namely, compactness and extent of isolation. We use the definition of Zehfus and Rose (Zehfus MH, Rose GD, 1986, Biochemistry 25:35-340) to calculate the compactness of a cut protein unit. The isolation of a unit is based on the solvent accessible surface area (ASA) originally buried in the interior and exposed to the solvent after cutting. The third quantity is the hydrophobicity, equivalent to the fraction of the buried non-polar ASA with respect to the total non-polar ASA. The last criterion in the evaluation of a folding unit is the number of segments it includes. To conform with the rationale of obtaining hydrophobic units, which may relate to early folding events, the hydrophobic interactions are implicitly and explicitly applied in their generation and assessment. We follow Holm and Sander (Holm L, Sander C, 1994, Proteins 19:256-268) to reduce the multiple cutting-point problem to a one-dimensional search for all reasonable trial cuts. However, as here we focus on the hydrophobic cores, the contact matrix used to obtain the first non-trivial eigenvector contains only hydrophobic contracts, rather than all, hydrophobic and hydrophilic, interactions. This dataset of hydrophobic folding units, derived from structurally dissimilar single chain monomers, is particularly useful for investigations of the mechanism of protein folding. For cases where there are kinetic data, the one or more hydrophobic folding units generated for a protein correlate with the two or with the three-state folding process observed. We carry out extensive amino acid sequence order independent structural comparisons to generate a structurally non-redundant set of hydrophobic folding units for fold recognition and for statistical purposes.

Comparison of interferon-γ release assay to two cut-off points of tuberculin skin test to detect latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in primary health care workers.

PubMed

de Souza, Fernanda Mattos; do Prado, Thiago Nascimento; Pinheiro, Jair dos Santos; Peres, Renata Lyrio; Lacerda, Thamy Carvalho; Loureiro, Rafaela Borge; Carvalho, Jose Américo; Fregona, Geisa; Dias, Elias Santos; Cosme, Lorrayne Beliqui; Rodrigues, Rodrigo Ribeiro; Riley, Lee Wood; Maciel, Ethel Leonor Noia

2014-01-01

An interferon-γ release assay, QuantiFERON-TB (QFT) test, has been introduced an alternative test for the diagnosis of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Here, we compared the performance of QFT with tuberculin skin test (TST) measured at two different cut-off points among primary health care work (HCW) in Brazil. A cross-sectional study was carried out among HCWs in four Brazilian cities with a known history of high incidence of TB. Results of the QFT were compared to TST results based on both ≥5 mm and ≥10 mm as cut-off points. We enrolled 632 HCWs. When the cut-off value of ≥10 mm was used, agreement between QFT and TST was 69% (k = 0.31), and when the cut-off of ≥5 mm was chosen, the agreement was 57% (k = 0.22). We investigated possible factors of discordance of TST vs QFT. Compared to the TST-/QFT- group, risk factors for discordance in the TST+/QFT- group with TST cut-off of ≥5 mm included age between 41-45 years [OR = 2.70; CI 95%: 1.32-5.51] and 46-64 years [OR = 2.04; CI 95%: 1.05-3.93], BCG scar [OR = 2.72; CI 95%: 1.40-5.25], and having worked only in primary health care [OR = 2.30; CI 95%: 1.09-4.86]. On the other hand, for the cut-off of ≥10 mm, BCG scar [OR = 2.26; CI 95%: 1.03-4.91], being a household contact of a TB patient [OR = 1.72; CI 95%: 1.01-2.92] and having had a previous TST [OR = 1.66; CI 95%: 1.05-2.62], were significantly associated with the TST+/QFT- group. No statistically significant associations were found among the TST-/QFT+ discordant group with either TST cut-off value. Although we identified BCG vaccination to contribute to the discordance at both TST cut-off measures, the current Brazilian recommendation for the initiation of LTBI treatment, based on information gathered from medical history, TST, chest radiograph and physical examination, should not be changed.

Determinants of self-reported smoking and misclassification during pregnancy, and analysis of optimal cut-off points for urinary cotinine: a cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

Aurrekoetxea, Juan J; Murcia, Mario; Rebagliato, Marisa; López, María José; Castilla, Ane Miren; Santa-Marina, Loreto; Guxens, Mónica; Fernández-Somoano, Ana; Espada, Mercedes; Lertxundi, Aitana; Tardón, Adonina; Ballester, Ferran

2013-01-01

Objectives To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with smoking and misclassification in pregnant women from INMA (INfancia y Medio Ambiente, Environment and Childhood) project, Spain, and to assess the optimal cut-offs for urinary cotinine (UC) that best distinguish daily and occasional smokers with varying levels of second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure. Design We used logistic regression models to study the relationship between sociodemographic variables and self-reported smoking and misclassification (self-reported non-smokers with UC >50 ng/ml). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to calculate the optimal cut-off point for discriminating smokers. The cut-offs were also calculated after stratification among non-smokers by the number of sources of SHS exposure. The cut-off points used to discriminate smoking status were the level of UC given by Youden's index and for 50 and 100 ng/ml for daily smokers, or 25 and 50 ng/ml for occasional smokers. Participants At the third trimester of pregnancy, 2263 pregnant women of the INMA Project were interviewed between 2004 and 2008 and a urine sample was collected. Results Prevalence of self-reported smokers at the third trimester of pregnancy was 18.5%, and another 3.9% misreported their smoking status. Variables associated with self-reported smoking and misreporting were similar, including born in Europe, educational level and exposure to SHS. The optimal cut-off was 82 ng/ml (95% CI 42 to 133), sensitivity 95.2% and specificity 96.6%. The area under the ROC curve was 0.986 (95% CI 0.982 to 0.990). The cut-offs varied according to the SHS exposure level being 42 (95% CI 27 to 57), 82 (95% CI 46 to 136) and 106 ng/ml (95% CI 58 to 227) for not being SHS exposed, exposed to one, and to two or more sources of SHS, respectively. The optimal cut-off for discriminating occasional smokers from non-smokers was 27 ng/ml (95% CI 11 to 43). Conclusions Prevalence of smoking during pregnancy in Spain remains high. UC is a reliable biomarker for classifying pregnant women according to their smoking status. However, cut-offs would differ based on baseline exposure to SHS. PMID:23355667

Determinants of self-reported smoking and misclassification during pregnancy, and analysis of optimal cut-off points for urinary cotinine: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Aurrekoetxea, Juan J; Murcia, Mario; Rebagliato, Marisa; López, María José; Castilla, Ane Miren; Santa-Marina, Loreto; Guxens, Mónica; Fernández-Somoano, Ana; Espada, Mercedes; Lertxundi, Aitana; Tardón, Adonina; Ballester, Ferran

2013-01-24

To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with smoking and misclassification in pregnant women from INMA (INfancia y Medio Ambiente, Environment and Childhood) project, Spain, and to assess the optimal cut-offs for urinary cotinine (UC) that best distinguish daily and occasional smokers with varying levels of second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure. We used logistic regression models to study the relationship between sociodemographic variables and self-reported smoking and misclassification (self-reported non-smokers with UC >50 ng/ml). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to calculate the optimal cut-off point for discriminating smokers. The cut-offs were also calculated after stratification among non-smokers by the number of sources of SHS exposure. The cut-off points used to discriminate smoking status were the level of UC given by Youden's index and for 50 and 100 ng/ml for daily smokers, or 25 and 50 ng/ml for occasional smokers. At the third trimester of pregnancy, 2263 pregnant women of the INMA Project were interviewed between 2004 and 2008 and a urine sample was collected. Prevalence of self-reported smokers at the third trimester of pregnancy was 18.5%, and another 3.9% misreported their smoking status. Variables associated with self-reported smoking and misreporting were similar, including born in Europe, educational level and exposure to SHS. The optimal cut-off was 82 ng/ml (95% CI 42 to 133), sensitivity 95.2% and specificity 96.6%. The area under the ROC curve was 0.986 (95% CI 0.982 to 0.990). The cut-offs varied according to the SHS exposure level being 42 (95% CI 27 to 57), 82 (95% CI 46 to 136) and 106 ng/ml (95% CI 58 to 227) for not being SHS exposed, exposed to one, and to two or more sources of SHS, respectively. The optimal cut-off for discriminating occasional smokers from non-smokers was 27 ng/ml (95% CI 11 to 43). Prevalence of smoking during pregnancy in Spain remains high. UC is a reliable biomarker for classifying pregnant women according to their smoking status. However, cut-offs would differ based on baseline exposure to SHS.

In vitro comparison of the cutting efficiency and temperature production of ten different rotary cutting instruments. Part II: electric handpiece and comparison with turbine.

PubMed

Ercoli, Carlo; Rotella, Mario; Funkenbusch, Paul D; Russell, Scott; Feng, Changyong

2009-05-01

The cutting behavior of dental rotary cutting instruments is influenced by the handpiece used. While the turbine handpiece has been extensively tested in previous studies, limited published information exists on the use of rotary cutting instruments with the electric handpiece system and on possible interactions between rotary cutting instruments and handpiece type. The purpose of this study was to examine the cutting performance of a wide selection of rotary cutting instruments tested with the electric handpiece and compare the results with those of the air-turbine handpiece (Part I), identifying possible interactions between handpiece type and rotary cutting instruments. Ten groups of rotary cutting instruments (n=30) designed for tooth preparation were selected: 9 diamond (7 multi-use, 2 disposable) and 1 carbide. Macor blocks (n=75) were used as a substrate, and 4 cuts were made on each specimen, using a new rotary cutting instrument each time, for a total of 300 cuts. The cuts were performed with an electric handpiece (Intramatic Lux K200), with the same methods used in the Part I study. To qualitatively evaluate the rotary cutting instrument surface characteristics, 1 specimen from each group was examined 3 times with a scanning electron microscope (SEM): before use, then after use, but before being cleaned and sterilized, and finally, after ultrasonic cleaning. To compare rotary cutting instrument performance between the turbine and electric handpieces, the data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA to study the main effects of the group of rotary cutting instruments, handpieces, and their interaction. For analysis of the significant main effect, 1-way ANOVA and Tukey's Studentized Range test were used (alpha=.05). Compared to the baseline temperature, all rotary cutting instruments showed a reduction of the temperature in the simulated pulp chamber when tested with the electric handpiece. The Great White Ultra (carbide bur) showed the highest rate of advancement (0.17 mm/s) and lowest applied load (108.35 g). Considering all rotary cutting instruments as a single group, the electric handpiece showed mean lower temperature (26.68 degrees C), higher rate of advancement (0.12 mm/s), and higher load (124.53 g) than the air-turbine handpiece (28.37 degrees C, 0.11 mm/s, and 121.7 g, respectively). Considering each single group of rotary cutting instruments, significant differences were found for the electric or air-turbine handpiece. The tested carbide bur showed greater cutting efficiency than the tested diamond rotary cutting instruments when used with the electric handpiece. The electric handpiece showed a higher cutting efficiency than the turbine, especially when used with the carbide bur, probably due to its greater torque.

Parametric response mapping cut-off values that predict survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients after TACE.

PubMed

Nörthen, Aventinus; Asendorf, Thomas; Shin, Hoen-Oh; Hinrichs, Jan B; Werncke, Thomas; Vogel, Arndt; Kirstein, Martha M; Wacker, Frank K; Rodt, Thomas

2018-04-21

Parametric response mapping (PRM) is a novel image-analysis technique applicable to assess tumor viability and predict intrahepatic recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). However, to date, the prognostic value of PRM for prediction of overall survival in HCC patients undergoing TACE is unclear. The objective of this explorative, single-center study was to identify cut-off values for voxel-specific PRM parameters that predict the post TACE overall survival in HCC patients. PRM was applied to biphasic CT data obtained at baseline and following 3 TACE treatments of 20 patients with HCC tumors ≥ 2 cm. The individual portal venous phases were registered to the arterial phases followed by segmentation of the largest lesion, i.e., the region of interest (ROI). Segmented voxels with their respective arterial and portal venous phase density values were displayed as a scatter plot. Voxel-specific PRM parameters were calculated and compared to patients' survival at 1, 2, and 3 years post treatment to identify the maximal predictive parameters. The hypervascularized tissue portion of the ROI was found to represent an independent predictor of the post TACE overall survival. For this parameter, cut-off values of 3650, 2057, and 2057 voxels, respectively, were determined to be optimal to predict overall survival at 1, 2, and 3 years after TACE. Using these cut points, patients were correctly classified as having died with a sensitivity of 80, 92, and 86% and as still being alive with a specificity of 60, 75, and 83%, respectively. The prognostic accuracy measured by area under the curve (AUC) values ranged from 0.73 to 0.87. PRM may have prognostic value to predict post TACE overall survival in HCC patients.

Computational issues in the simulation of two-dimensional discrete dislocation mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Segurado, J.; LLorca, J.; Romero, I.

2007-06-01

The effect of the integration time step and the introduction of a cut-off velocity for the dislocation motion was analysed in discrete dislocation dynamics (DD) simulations of a single crystal microbeam. Two loading modes, bending and uniaxial tension, were examined. It was found that a longer integration time step led to a progressive increment of the oscillations in the numerical solution, which would eventually diverge. This problem could be corrected in the simulations carried out in bending by introducing a cut-off velocity for the dislocation motion. This strategy (long integration times and a cut-off velocity for the dislocation motion) did not recover, however, the solution computed with very short time steps in uniaxial tension: the dislocation density was overestimated and the dislocation patterns modified. The different response to the same numerical algorithm was explained in terms of the nature of the dislocations generated in each case: geometrically necessary in bending and statistically stored in tension. The evolution of the dislocation density in the former was controlled by the plastic curvature of the beam and was independent of the details of the simulations. On the contrary, the steady-state dislocation density in tension was determined by the balance between nucleation of dislocations and those which are annihilated or which exit the beam. Changes in the DD imposed by the cut-off velocity altered this equilibrium and the solution. These results point to the need for detailed analyses of the accuracy and stability of the dislocation dynamic simulations to ensure that the results obtained are not fundamentally affected by the numerical strategies used to solve this complex problem.

Time-resolved study of femtosecond laser induced micro-modifications inside transparent brittle materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hendricks, F.; Matylitsky, V. V.; Domke, M.; Huber, Heinz P.

2016-03-01

Laser processing of optically transparent or semi-transparent, brittle materials is finding wide use in various manufacturing sectors. For example, in consumer electronic devices such as smartphones or tablets, cover glass needs to be cut precisely in various shapes. The unique advantage of material processing with femtosecond lasers is efficient, fast and localized energy deposition in nearly all types of solid materials. When an ultra-short laser pulse is focused inside glass, only the localized region in the neighborhood of the focal volume absorbs laser energy by nonlinear optical absorption. Therefore, the processing volume is strongly defined, while the rest of the target stays unaffected. Thus ultra-short pulse lasers allow cutting of the chemically strengthened glasses such as Corning Gorilla glass without cracking. Non-ablative cutting of transparent, brittle materials, using the newly developed femtosecond process ClearShapeTM from Spectra-Physics, is based on producing a micron-sized material modification track with well-defined geometry inside. The key point for development of the process is to understand the induced modification by a single femtosecond laser shot. In this paper, pump-probe microscopy techniques have been applied to study the defect formation inside of transparent materials, namely soda-lime glass samples, on a time scale between one nanosecond to several tens of microseconds. The observed effects include acoustic wave propagation as well as mechanical stress formation in the bulk of the glass. Besides better understanding of underlying physical mechanisms, our experimental observations have enabled us to find optimal process parameters for the glass cutting application and lead to better quality and speed for the ClearShapeTM process.

High speed pulsed laser cutting of LiCoO2 Li-ion battery electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lutey, Adrian H. A.; Fortunato, Alessandro; Carmignato, Simone; Fiorini, Maurizio

2017-09-01

Laser cutting of Li-ion battery electrodes represents an alternative to mechanical blanking that avoids complications associated with tool wear and allows assembly of different cell geometries with a single device. In this study, laser cutting of LiCoO2 Li-ion battery electrodes is performed at up to 5m /s with a 1064nm wavelength nanosecond pulsed fiber laser with a maximum average power of 500W and a repetition rate of up to 2MHz . Minimum average cutting power for cathode and anode multi-layer films is established for 12 parameter groups with velocities over the range 1 - 5m /s , varying laser pulse fluence and overlap. Within the tested parameter range, minimum energy per unit cut length is found to decrease with increasing repetition rate and velocity. SEM analysis of the resulting cut edges reveals visible clearance widths in the range 20 - 50 μm , with cut quality found to improve with velocity due to a reduction in lateral heat conduction losses. Raman line map spectra reveal changes in the cathode at 60 μm from the cut edge, where bands at 486cm-1 and 595cm-1 , corresponding to the Eg and A1g modes of LiCoO2 , are replaced with a single wide band centered at 544cm-1 , and evidence of carbon black is no longer present. No changes in Raman spectra are observed in the anode. The obtained results suggest that further improvements in cutting efficiency and quality could be achieved by increasing the repetition rate above 2MHz , thereby improving ablation efficiency of the metallic conductor layers. The laser source utilized in the present study nonetheless represents an immediately available solution for repeatability and throughput that are superior to mechanical blanking.

Plugging the leak: barrier island restoration following Hurricane Katrina enhances larval retention and improves salinity regime for oysters in Mobile Bay, Alabama.

PubMed

Park, Kyeong; Powers, Sean P; Bosarge, George S; Jung, Hoon-Shin

2014-03-01

Changes in geomorphology of estuaries are common following major perpetuations such as hurricanes and may have profound impacts on biological systems. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 created a new pass, called Katrina Cut, halving Dauphin Island in Mobile Bay, Alabama. Significant decline in oyster population at Cedar Point Reef, the primary oyster harvest grounds in Mobile Bay, had persisted since then until the Cut was artificially closed in 2010. A bio-physical model for hydrodynamics and oyster larval transport was used to evaluate two potential mechanisms responsible for oyster population declines: salinity changes in the context of oyster habitat suitability and retention of oyster larvae. The model results revealed that when open Katrina Cut increased salinity at Cedar Point Reef. During high freshwater discharge, in particular, water exchange through Katrina Cut increased the bottom salinity from <5 psu to well over 15 (sometimes >20) psu during the tropic tides. Elevated salinities are associated with greater predation on oysters and higher disease incidence. The presence of the Katrina Cut also reduced larval retention in the spawning area regardless of tidal or river discharge conditions. We conclude that closing the Cut likely improved conditions for oysters within Mobile Bay and eastern Mississippi Sound and that these improved conditions have contributed to increased oyster landings. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chatter reduction in boring process by using piezoelectric shunt damping with experimental verification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yigit, Ufuk; Cigeroglu, Ender; Budak, Erhan

2017-09-01

Chatter is a self-excited type of vibration that develops during machining due to process-structure dynamic interactions resulting in modulated chip thickness. Chatter is an important problem as it results in poor surface quality, reduced productivity and tool life. The stability of a cutting process is strongly influenced by the frequency response function (FRF) at the cutting point. In this study, the effect of piezoelectric shunt damping on chatter vibrations in a boring process is studied. In piezoelectric shunt damping method, an electrical impedance is connected to a piezoelectric transducer which is bonded on cutting tool. Electrical impedance of the circuit consisting of piezoceramic transducer and passive shunt is tuned to the desired natural frequency of the cutting tool in order to maximize damping. The optimum damping is achieved in analytical and finite element models (FEM) by using a genetic algorithm focusing on the real part of the tool point FRF rather than the amplitude. Later, a practical boring bar is considered where the optimum circuit parameters are obtained by the FEM. Afterwards, the effect of the optimized piezoelectric shunt damping on the dynamic rigidity and absolute stability limit of the cutting process are investigated experimentally by modal analysis and cutting tests. It is both theoretically and experimentally shown that application of piezoelectric shunt damping results in a significant increase in the absolute stability limit in boring operations.

Universal ripper miner

DOEpatents

Morrell, Roger J.; Larson, David A.

1991-01-01

A universal ripper miner used to cut, collect and transfer material from an underground mine working face includes a cutter head that is vertically movable in an arcuate cutting cycle by means of drive members, such as hydraulically actuated pistons. The cutter head may support a circular cutter bit having a circular cutting edge that may be indexed to incrementally expose a fresh cutting edge. An automatic indexing system is disclosed wherein indexing occurs by means of a worm gear and indexing lever mechanism. The invention also contemplates a bi-directional bit holder enabling cutting to occur in both the upstroke and the downstroke cutting cycle. Another feature of the invention discloses multiple bits arranged in an in-line, radially staggered pattern, or a side-by-side pattern to increase the mining capacity in each cutting cycle. An on-board resharpening system is also disclosed for resharpening the cutting edge at the end of cutting stroke position. The aforementioned improvement features may be used either singly, or in any proposed combination with each other.

Haircutting Guide for Cosmetology Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baker, Linda M.

Intended for use at any point in a beauty culture course, this student manual on haircutting implements and techniques focuses on two basic haircuts--page and short summer cut--to describe and illustrate basic cutting and shaping techniques. There are four major sections in the manual: (1) Hairshaping Implements and Techniques (Implements Used In…

KH2PO4 single crystals activated with the Ti4+ ions in the form of TiO2-x × nH2O nanoparticles: Structural peculiarities, point defects, and dielectric properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuz'micheva, Galina M.; Timaeva, Olesya I.; Kaurova, Irina A.; Svetogorov, Roman D.; Mühlbauer, Martin J.

2018-03-01

Potassium dihydrogen phosphate KH2PO4 (KDP) single crystals activated with Ti4+ ions in the form of TiO2-x × nH2O nanoparticles in the η-phase, synthesized by the sulfate method using TiOSO4 × xH2SO4 × yH2O, have been first grown by the temperature lowering method and cut from pyramidal (P) and prismatic (Pr) growth sectors. The first-performed neutron powder diffraction investigation of P and Pr samples cut from the KDP:Ti4+ crystal allowed us to reveal vacancies in the K and H sites for both samples, their number being larger in the Pr structure compared to the P one. Taking into account the deficiency of the K and H sites, full occupation of the O site, presence of Ti4+ ions in the structure, and the electroneutrality condition, a partial substitution of (PO4)3- anion by the (SO4)2- one, larger for the Pr sample, was observed. The real compositions of P and Pr samples, correlated with the cation-anion internuclear distances, were refined. The dielectric permittivity of the Pr sample was significantly lower than that of the P one; it decreases with decreasing K-O, P-O, and O...H distances and increasing deficiency of the K and H sites.

Data analytics identify glycated haemoglobin co-markers for type 2 diabetes mellitus diagnosis.

PubMed

Jelinek, Herbert F; Stranieri, Andrew; Yatsko, Andrew; Venkatraman, Sitalakshmi

2016-08-01

Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is being more commonly used as an alternative test for the identification of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or to add to fasting blood glucose level and oral glucose tolerance test results, because it is easily obtained using point-of-care technology and represents long-term blood sugar levels. HbA1c cut-off values of 6.5% or above have been recommended for clinical use based on the presence of diabetic comorbidities from population studies. However, outcomes of large trials with a HbA1c of 6.5% as a cut-off have been inconsistent for a diagnosis of T2DM. This suggests that a HbA1c cut-off of 6.5% as a single marker may not be sensitive enough or be too simple and miss individuals at risk or with already overt, undiagnosed diabetes. In this study, data mining algorithms have been applied on a large clinical dataset to identify an optimal cut-off value for HbA1c and to identify whether additional biomarkers can be used together with HbA1c to enhance diagnostic accuracy of T2DM. T2DM classification accuracy increased if 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OhdG), an oxidative stress marker, was included in the algorithm from 78.71% for HbA1c at 6.5% to 86.64%. A similar result was obtained when interleukin-6 (IL-6) was included (accuracy=85.63%) but with a lower optimal HbA1c range between 5.73 and 6.22%. The application of data analytics to medical records from the Diabetes Screening programme demonstrates that data analytics, combined with large clinical datasets can be used to identify clinically appropriate cut-off values and identify novel biomarkers that when included improve the accuracy of T2DM diagnosis even when HbA1c levels are below or equal to the current cut-off of 6.5%. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cost minimizing of cutting process for CNC thermal and water-jet machines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tavaeva, Anastasia; Kurennov, Dmitry

2015-11-01

This paper deals with optimization problem of cutting process for CNC thermal and water-jet machines. The accuracy of objective function parameters calculation for optimization problem is investigated. This paper shows that working tool path speed is not constant value. One depends on some parameters that are described in this paper. The relations of working tool path speed depending on the numbers of NC programs frames, length of straight cut, configuration part are presented. Based on received results the correction coefficients for working tool speed are defined. Additionally the optimization problem may be solved by using mathematical model. Model takes into account the additional restrictions of thermal cutting (choice of piercing and output tool point, precedence condition, thermal deformations). At the second part of paper the non-standard cutting techniques are considered. Ones may lead to minimizing of cutting cost and time compared with standard cutting techniques. This paper considers the effectiveness of non-standard cutting techniques application. At the end of the paper the future research works are indicated.

Using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale to Screen for Depression in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

PubMed Central

Julian, Laura J.; Gregorich, Steven E.; Tonner, Chris; Yazdany, Jinoos; Trupin, Laura; Criswell, Lindsey A.; Yelin, ED; Katz, Patricia P.

2013-01-01

Objective Identifying persons with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at risk for depression would facilitate the identification and treatment of an important comorbidity conferring additional risk for poor outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of a brief screening measure, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), in detecting mood disorders in persons with SLE. Methods This cross-sectional study examined 150 persons with SLE. Screening cut points were empirically derived using threshold selection methods, and receiver operating characteristic curves were estimated. The empirically derived cut points of the CES-D were used as the screening measures and were compared to other commonly used CES-D cut points in addition to other commonly used methods to screen for depression. Diagnoses of major depressive disorder or other mood disorders were determined using a “gold standard” structured clinical interview. Results Of the 150 persons with SLE, 26% of subjects met criteria for any mood disorder and 17% met criteria for major depressive disorder. Optimal threshold estimations suggested a CES-D cut score of 24 and above, which yielded adequate sensitivity and specificity in detecting major depressive disorder (88% and 93%, respectively) and correctly classified 92% of participants. To detect the presence of any mood disorder, a cut score of 20 and above was suggested, yielding sensitivity and specificity of 87% and correctly classifying 87%. Conclusion These results suggest the CES-D may be a useful screening measure to identify patients at risk for depression. PMID:21312347

Cutting process simulation of flat drill

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamura, Shoichi; Matsumura, Takashi

2018-05-01

Flat drills at a point angle of 180 deg. have recently been developed for drilling of automobile parts with the inclination of the workpiece surfaces. The paper studies the cutting processes of the flat drills in the analytical simulation. A predictive force model is applied to simulation of the cutting force with the chip flow direction. The chip flow model is piled up with orthogonal cuttings in the plane containing the cutting velocities and the chip flow velocities, in which the chip flow direction is determined to minimize the cutting energy. Then, the cutting force is predicted in the determined in the chip flow model. The typical cutting force of the flat drill is discussed with comparing to that of the standard drill. The typical differences are confirmed in the cutting force change during the tool engagement and disengagement. The cutting force, then, is simulated in drilling for an inclined workpiece with a flat drill. The horizontal components in the cutting forces are simulated with changing the inclination angle of the plate. The horizontal force component in the flat drilling is stable to be controlled in terms of the machining accuracy and the tool breakage.

Estimate of serum immunoglobulin G concentration using refractometry with or without caprylic acid fractionation.

PubMed

Morrill, K M; Polo, J; Lago, A; Campbell, J; Quigley, J; Tyler, H

2013-07-01

Objectives of this study were to develop a rapid calf-side test to determine serum IgG concentrations using caprylic acid (CA) fractionation, followed by refractometry of the IgG-rich supernatant and compare the accuracy of this method with results obtained using refractometry using raw serum. Serum samples (n=200) were obtained from 1-d-old calves, frozen (-20°C), and shipped to the laboratory. Samples were allowed to thaw for 1h at room temperature. Fractionation with CA was conducted by adding 1mL of serum to a tube containing 45, 60, or 75µL of CA and 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5mL of 0.06 M acetic acid. The tube contents were mixed well, allowed to react for 1 min, and then centrifuged at 3,300 × g for 0, 10, or 20 min at 25°C. The %Brix and refractive index of the fractionated supernatant were determined using a digital refractometer. Nonfractionated serum was analyzed for %Brix (BRn), refractive index (nDn), and IgG concentration by radial immunodiffusion. The mean serum IgG concentration was 19.0 mg/mL [standard deviation (SD)=9.7], with a range of 3.5 to 47.0 mg/mL. The mean serum BRn was 8.6 (SD=0.91), with a range of 6.8 to 11.0. The mean serum nDn was 1.34566 (SD=0.00140), with a range of 1.34300 to 1.34930. Serum nDn was positively correlated with IgG concentration (correlation coefficient=0.86; n=185). Fractionated samples treated with 1mL 0.6 M acetic acid and 60µL of CA and not centrifuged before analysis resulted in a strong relationship between the refractive index of the fractionated supernatant and IgG (correlation coefficient=0.80; n=45). Regression was used to determine cut points indicative of 10, 12, and 14 mg of IgG/mL to determine the sensitivity and specificity of refractometry to identify failure of passive transfer (serum IgG <10 mg/mL at 24 h old). The nDn were 1.34414, 1.34448, and 1.34480 to predict 10, 12, and 14 mg of IgG/mL of serum, respectively. The BRn cut points were 7.6, 7.8, and 8.0, respectively. The nDn cut points of 1.34448 and 1.34480 resulted in similar specificities (82.9%), whereas the 1.34414 cut point had a specificity of 60.0%. The BRn cut point of 7.6 and 7.8%Brix resulted in a similar percentage of correctly classified samples (89.7 and 90.8%, respectively); however, the 7.8% Brix cut point resulted in fewer false positives. These results suggest that Brix refractometry of nonfractionated calf serum provides a strong estimate of IgG concentration and 7.8% Brix may be used as the cut point to identify failure of passive transfer in 1-d-old calves. Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The best of both worlds: automated CMP polishing of channel-cut monochromators

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

Kasman, Elina; Erdmann, Mark; Stoupin, Stanislav

2015-09-03

The use of a channel-cut monochromator is the most straightforward method to ensure that the two reflection surfaces maintain alignment between crystallographic planes without the need for complicated alignment mechanisms. Three basic characteristics that affect monochromator performance are: subsurface damage which contaminates spectral purity; surface roughness which reduces efficiency due to scattering; and surface figure error which imparts intensity structure and coherence distortion in the beam. Standard chemical-mechanical polishing processes and equipment are used when the diffracting surface is easily accessible, such as for single-bounce monochromators. Due to the inaccessibly of the surfaces inside a channel-cut monochromator for polishing, thesemore » optics are generally wet-etched for their final processing. This results in minimal subsurface damage, but very poor roughness and figure error. A new CMP channel polishing instrument design is presented which allows the internal diffracting surface quality of channel-cut crystals to approach that of conventional single-bounce monochromators« less

Role of neutrons and protons in entropy, spin cut off parameters, and moments of inertia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Razavi, R.

2013-07-01

The nuclear level densities, spin cut off parameters, and entropies have been extracted in 116-119Sn and 162,163Dy nuclei using superconducting theory, which includes nuclear pairing interaction. The results agree well with the recent data obtained from experimental level densities by the Oslo group for these nuclei. Also, the entropy excess ratio proposed by Razavi [R. Razavi, A.N. Behkami, S. Mohammadi, and M. Gholami, Phys. Rev. CPRVCAN0556-281310.1103/PhysRevC.86.047303 86, 047303 (2012)] for a proton and neutron as a function of nuclear temperature have been evaluated and are compared with the spin cut off excess ratio. The role of the neutron (proton) system is well determined by the entropy excess ratio as well as the spin cut off excess ratio. The moment of inertia for even-odd and even-even nuclei are also compared. The moment of inertia carried by a single hole is smaller than the single particle moment of inertia.

Evolution of stacking fault tetrahedral and work hardening effect in copper single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hai Tao; Zhu, Xiu Fu; Sun, Ya Zhou; Xie, Wen Kun

2017-11-01

Stacking fault tetrahedral (SFT), generated in machining of copper single crystal as one type of subsurface defects, has significant influence on the performance of workpiece. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is used to investigate the evolution of stacking fault tetrahedral in nano-cutting of copper single crystal. The result shows that SFT is nucleated at the intersection of differently oriented stacking fault (SF) planes and SFT evolves from the preform only containing incomplete surfaces into a solid defect. The evolution of SFT contains several stress fluctuations until the complete formation. Nano-indentation simulation is then employed on the machined workpiece from nano-cutting, through which the interaction between SFT and later-formed dislocations in subsurface is studied. In the meanwhile, force-depth curves obtained from nano-indentation on pristine and machined workpieces are compared to analyze the mechanical properties. By simulation of nano-cutting and nano-indentation, it is verified that SFT is a reason of the work hardening effect.

An evaluation of uneven-aged cutting methods in even-aged oak-hickory stands in the Boston mountains of Arkansas

Treesearch

David L. Graney; Paul A. Murphy

1997-01-01

A test of group-selection and single-tree selection cutting methods was installed in 80-year-old even-aged oak-hickory stands in the Boston Mountains of northern Arkansas. Twenty-four 11-ac study plots were installed in well stocked stands representing north or east and south or west aspects. Stands between group openings were cut to residual basal areas of 65 and 85...

Influence of photon energy cuts on PET Monte Carlo simulation results.

PubMed

Mitev, Krasimir; Gerganov, Georgi; Kirov, Assen S; Schmidtlein, C Ross; Madzhunkov, Yordan; Kawrakow, Iwan

2012-07-01

The purpose of this work is to study the influence of photon energy cuts on the results of positron emission tomography (PET) Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. MC simulations of PET scans of a box phantom and the NEMA image quality phantom are performed for 32 photon energy cut values in the interval 0.3-350 keV using a well-validated numerical model of a PET scanner. The simulations are performed with two MC codes, egs_pet and GEANT4 Application for Tomographic Emission (GATE). The effect of photon energy cuts on the recorded number of singles, primary, scattered, random, and total coincidences as well as on the simulation time and noise-equivalent count rate is evaluated by comparing the results for higher cuts to those for 1 keV cut. To evaluate the effect of cuts on the quality of reconstructed images, MC generated sinograms of PET scans of the NEMA image quality phantom are reconstructed with iterative statistical reconstruction. The effects of photon cuts on the contrast recovery coefficients and on the comparison of images by means of commonly used similarity measures are studied. For the scanner investigated in this study, which uses bismuth germanate crystals, the transport of Bi X(K) rays must be simulated in order to obtain unbiased estimates for the number of singles, true, scattered, and random coincidences as well as for an unbiased estimate of the noise-equivalent count rate. Photon energy cuts higher than 170 keV lead to absorption of Compton scattered photons and strongly increase the number of recorded coincidences of all types and the noise-equivalent count rate. The effect of photon cuts on the reconstructed images and the similarity measures used for their comparison is statistically significant for very high cuts (e.g., 350 keV). The simulation time decreases slowly with the increase of the photon cut. The simulation of the transport of characteristic x rays plays an important role, if an accurate modeling of a PET scanner system is to be achieved. The simulation time decreases slowly with the increase of the cut which, combined with the accuracy loss at high cuts, means that the usage of high photon energy cuts is not recommended for the acceleration of MC simulations.

Development and validation of cell-based luciferase reporter gene assays for measuring neutralizing anti-drug antibodies against interferon beta.

PubMed

Hermanrud, Christina; Ryner, Malin; Luft, Thomas; Jensen, Poul Erik; Ingenhoven, Kathleen; Rat, Dorothea; Deisenhammer, Florian; Sørensen, Per Soelberg; Pallardy, Marc; Sikkema, Dan; Bertotti, Elisa; Kramer, Daniel; Creeke, Paul; Fogdell-Hahn, Anna

2016-03-01

Neutralizing anti-drug antibodies (NAbs) against therapeutic interferon beta (IFNβ) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are measured with cell-based bioassays. The aim of this study was to redevelop and validate two luciferase reporter-gene bioassays, LUC and iLite, using a cut-point approach to identify NAb positive samples. Such an approach is favored by the pharmaceutical industry and governmental regulatory agencies as it has a clear statistical basis and overcomes the limitations of the current assays based on the Kawade principle. The work was conducted following the latest assay guidelines. The assays were re-developed and validated as part of the "Anti-Biopharmaceutical Immunization: Prediction and analysis of clinical relevance to minimize the risk" (ABIRISK) consortium and involved a joint collaboration between four academic laboratories and two pharmaceutical companies. The LUC assay was validated at Innsbruck Medical University (LUCIMU) and at Rigshospitalet (LUCRH) Copenhagen, and the iLite assay at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm. For both assays, the optimal serum sample concentration in relation to sensitivity and recovery was 2.5% (v/v) in assay media. A Shapiro-Wilk test indicated a normal distribution for the majority of runs, allowing a parametric approach for cut-point calculation to be used, where NAb positive samples could be identified with 95% confidence. An analysis of means and variances indicated that a floating cut-point should be used for all assays. The assays demonstrated acceptable sensitivity for being cell-based assays, with a confirmed limit of detection in neat serum of 1519 ng/mL for LUCIMU, 814 ng/mL for LUCRH, and 320 ng/mL for iLite. Use of the validated cut-point assay, in comparison with the previously used Kawade method, identified 14% more NAb positive samples. In conclusion, implementation of the cut-point design resulted in increased sensitivity to detect NAbs. However, the clinical significance of these low positive titers needs to be further evaluated. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Functional Movement Screen and Injury Risk: Association and Predictive Value in Active Men.

PubMed

Bushman, Timothy T; Grier, Tyson L; Canham-Chervak, Michelle; Anderson, Morgan K; North, William J; Jones, Bruce H

2016-02-01

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a series of 7 tests used to assess the injury risk in active populations. To determine the association of the FMS with the injury risk, assess predictive values, and identify optimal cut points using 3 injury types. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Physically active male soldiers aged 18 to 57 years (N = 2476) completed the FMS. Demographic and fitness data were collected by survey. Medical record data for overuse injuries, traumatic injuries, and any injury 6 months after the FMS assessment were obtained. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated along with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) to determine the area under the curve (AUC) and identify optimal cut points for the risk assessment. Risks, risk ratios (RRs), odds ratios (ORs), and 95% CIs were calculated to assess injury risks. Soldiers who scored ≤14 were at a greater risk for injuries compared with those who scored >14 using the composite score for overuse injuries (RR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.63-2.09), traumatic injuries (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.03-1.54), and any injury (RR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.45-1.77). When controlling for other known injury risk factors, multivariate logistic regression analysis identified poor FMS performance (OR [score ≤14/19-21], 2.00; 95% CI, 1.42-2.81) as an independent risk factor for injuries. A cut point of ≤14 registered low measures of predictive value for all 3 injury types (sensitivity, 28%-37%; PPV, 19%-52%; AUC, 54%-61%). Shifting the injury risk cut point of ≤14 to the optimal cut points indicated by the ROC did not appreciably improve sensitivity or the PPV. Although poor FMS performance was associated with a higher risk of injuries, it displayed low sensitivity, PPV, and AUC. On the basis of these findings, the use of the FMS to screen for the injury risk is not recommended in this population because of the low predictive value and misclassification of the injury risk. © 2015 The Author(s).

Clinical Diagnostic Utility of IP-10 and LAM Antigen Levels for the Diagnosis of Tuberculous Pleural Effusions in a High Burden Setting

PubMed Central

Dheda, Keertan; Van-Zyl Smit, Richard N.; Sechi, Leonardo A.; Badri, Motasim; Meldau, Richard; Symons, Gregory; Khalfey, Hoosein; Carr, Igshaan; Maredza, Alice; Dawson, Rodney; Wainright, Helen; Whitelaw, Andrew; Bateman, Eric D.; Zumla, Alimuddin

2009-01-01

Background Current tools for the diagnosis of tuberculosis pleural effusions are sub-optimal. Data about the value of new diagnostic technologies are limited, particularly, in high burden settings. Preliminary case control studies have identified IFN-γ-inducible-10kDa protein (IP-10) as a promising diagnostic marker; however, its diagnostic utility in a day-to-day clinical setting is unclear. Detection of LAM antigen has not previously been evaluated in pleural fluid. Methods We investigated the comparative diagnostic utility of established (adenosine deaminase [ADA]), more recent (standardized nucleic-acid-amplification-test [NAAT]) and newer technologies (a standardized LAM mycobacterial antigen-detection assay and IP-10 levels) for the evaluation of pleural effusions in 78 consecutively recruited South African tuberculosis suspects. All consenting participants underwent pleural biopsy unless contra-indicated or refused. The reference standard comprised culture positivity for M. tuberculosis or histology suggestive of tuberculosis. Principal Findings Of 74 evaluable subjects 48, 7 and 19 had definite, probable and non-TB, respectively. IP-10 levels were significantly higher in TB vs non-TB participants (p<0.0001). The respective outcomes [sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV %] for the different diagnostic modalities were: ADA at the 30 IU/L cut-point [96; 69; 90; 85], NAAT [6; 93; 67; 28], IP-10 at the 28,170 pg/ml ROC-derived cut-point [80; 82; 91; 64], and IP-10 at the 4035 pg/ml cut-point [100; 53; 83; 100]. Thus IP-10, using the ROC-derived cut-point, missed ∼20% of TB cases and mis-diagnosed ∼20% of non-TB cases. By contrast, when a lower cut-point was used a negative test excluded TB. The NAAT had a poor sensitivity but high specificity. LAM antigen-detection was not diagnostically useful. Conclusion Although IP-10, like ADA, has sub-optimal specificity, it may be a clinically useful rule-out test for tuberculous pleural effusions. Larger multi-centric studies are now required to confirm our findings. PMID:19277111

Diagnostic accuracy of refractometry for assessing bovine colostrum quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Buczinski, S; Vandeweerd, J M

2016-09-01

Provision of good quality colostrum [i.e., immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration ≥50g/L] is the first step toward ensuring proper passive transfer of immunity for young calves. Precise quantification of colostrum IgG levels cannot be easily performed on the farm. Assessment of the refractive index using a Brix scale with a refractometer has been described as being highly correlated with IgG concentration in colostrum. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the diagnostic accuracy of Brix refractometry to diagnose good quality colostrum. From 101 references initially obtain ed, 11 were included in the systematic review meta-analysis representing 4,251 colostrum samples. The prevalence of good colostrum samples with IgG ≥50g/L varied from 67.3 to 92.3% (median 77.9%). Specific estimates of accuracy [sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp)] were obtained for different reported cut-points using a hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve model. For the cut-point of 22% (n=8 studies), Se=80.2% (95% CI: 71.1-87.0%) and Sp=82.6% (71.4-90.0%). Decreasing the cut-point to 18% increased Se [96.1% (91.8-98.2%)] and decreased Sp [54.5% (26.9-79.6%)]. Modeling the effect of these Brix accuracy estimates using a stochastic simulation and Bayes theorem showed that a positive result with the 22% Brix cut-point can be used to diagnose good quality colostrum (posttest probability of a good colostrum: 94.3% (90.7-96.9%). The posttest probability of good colostrum with a Brix value <18% was only 22.7% (12.3-39.2%). Based on this study, the 2 cut-points could be alternatively used to select good quality colostrum (sample with Brix ≥22%) or to discard poor quality colostrum (sample with Brix <18%). When sample results are between these 2 values, colostrum supplementation should be considered. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The reliability and validity of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in a German general practice population sample.

PubMed

Dybek, Inga; Bischof, Gallus; Grothues, Janina; Reinhardt, Susa; Meyer, Christian; Hapke, Ulfert; John, Ulrich; Broocks, Andreas; Hohagen, Fritz; Rumpf, Hans-Jürgen

2006-05-01

Our goal was to analyze the retest reliability and validity of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in a primary-care setting and recommend a cut-off value for the different alcohol-related diagnoses. Participants recruited from general practices (GPs) in two northern German cities received the AUDIT, which was embedded in a health-risk questionnaire. In total, 10,803 screenings were conducted. The retest reliability was tested on a subsample of 99 patients, with an intertest interval of 30 days. Sensitivity and specificity at a number of different cut-off values were estimated for the sample of alcohol consumers (n=8237). For this study, 1109 screen-positive patients received a diagnostic interview. Individuals who scored less than five points in the AUDIT and also tested negative in a second alcohol-related screen were defined as "negative" (n=6003). This definition was supported by diagnostic interviews of 99 screen-negative patients from which no false negatives could be detected. As the gold standard for detection of an alcohol-use disorder (AUD), we used the Munich-Composite International Diagnostic Interview (MCIDI), which is based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria. On the item level, the reliability, measured by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), ranged between .39 (Item 9) and .98 (Item 10). For the total score, the ICC was .95. For cut-off values of eight points and five points, 87.5% and 88.9%, respectively, of the AUDIT-positives, and 98.9% and 95.1%, respectively, of the AUDIT-negatives were identically identified at retest, with kappa = .86 and kappa = .81. At the cut-off value of five points, we determined good combinations of sensitivity and specificity for the following diagnoses: alcohol dependence (sensitivity and specificity of .97 and .88, respectively), AUD (.97 and .92), and AUD and/or at-risk consumption (.97 and .91). Embedded in a health-risk questionnaire in primary-care settings, the AUDIT is a reliable and valid screening instrument to identify at-risk drinkers and patients with an AUD. Our findings strongly suggest a lowering of the recommended cut-off value of eight points.

Anticipatory Effects on Lower Extremity Neuromechanics During a Cutting Task.

PubMed

Meinerz, Carolyn M; Malloy, Philip; Geiser, Christopher F; Kipp, Kristof

2015-09-01

Continued research into the mechanism of noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury helps to improve clinical interventions and injury-prevention strategies. A better understanding of the effects of anticipation on landing neuromechanics may benefit training interventions. To determine the effects of anticipation on lower extremity neuromechanics during a single-legged land-and-cut task. Controlled laboratory study. University biomechanics laboratory. Eighteen female National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate soccer players (age = 19.7 ± 0.8 years, height = 167.3 ± 6.0 cm, mass = 66.1 ± 2.1 kg). Participants performed a single-legged land-and-cut task under anticipated and unanticipated conditions. Three-dimensional initial contact angles, peak joint angles, and peak internal joint moments and peak vertical ground reaction forces and sagittal-plane energy absorption of the 3 lower extremity joints; muscle activation of selected hip- and knee-joint muscles. Unanticipated cuts resulted in less knee flexion at initial contact and greater ankle toe-in displacement. Unanticipated cuts were also characterized by greater internal hip-abductor and external-rotator moments and smaller internal knee-extensor and external-rotator moments. Muscle-activation profiles during unanticipated cuts were associated with greater activation of the gluteus maximus during the precontact and landing phases. Performing a cutting task under unanticipated conditions changed lower extremity neuromechanics compared with anticipated conditions. Most of the observed changes in lower extremity neuromechanics indicated the adoption of a hip-focused strategy during the unanticipated condition.

Using Performance Measures to Motivate ‘Report-Averse’ and ‘Report-Loving’ Agents

PubMed Central

Glazer, Jacob; McGuire, Thomas G.; Newhouse, Joseph P.

2013-01-01

In designing a quality report, a health plan needs to account for the report's effect on the doctor, hospital or other provider. This paper proposes a simple model of how quality reporting affects a health care provider, using the example of a doctor subject to reporting with a “cut point” that designates the doctor as above or below some standard. Choice of cut point affects the doctor's welfare through the doctor's preferences about income and by affecting market demand for the doctor's services. These factors lead doctors to be “report-averse” or “report-loving,” a determination that affects a health plan's cost to enlist a doctor in a contract with reporting and that guides choice of a cut point to maximize the doctors' effort to improve her quality. PMID:17996319

Bronchodilator response cut-off points and FEV 0.75 reference values for spirometry in preschoolers

PubMed Central

Burity, Edjane Figueiredo; Pereira, Carlos Alberto de Castro; Jones, Marcus Herbert; Sayão, Larissa Bouwman; de Andrade, Armèle Dornelas; de Britto, Murilo Carlos Amorim

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the cut-off points for FEV1, FEV0.75, FEV0.5, and FEF25-75% bronchodilator responses in healthy preschool children and to generate reference values for FEV0.75. Methods: This was a cross-sectional community-based study involving children 3-5 years of age. Healthy preschool children were selected by a standardized questionnaire. Spirometry was performed before and after bronchodilator use. The cut-off point of the response was defined as the 95th percentile of the change in each parameter. Results: We recruited 266 children, 160 (60%) of whom were able to perform acceptable, reproducible expiratory maneuvers before and after bronchodilator use. The mean age and height were 57.78 ± 7.86 months and 106.56 ± 6.43 cm, respectively. The success rate for FEV0.5 was 35%, 68%, and 70% in the 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds, respectively. The 95th percentile of the change in the percentage of the predicted value in response to bronchodilator use was 11.6%, 16.0%, 8.5%, and 35.5% for FEV1, FEV0.75, FEV0.5, and FEF25-75%, respectively. Conclusions: Our results provide cut-off points for bronchodilator responsiveness for FEV1, FEV0.75, FEV0.5, and FEF25-75% in healthy preschool children. In addition, we proposed gender-specific reference equations for FEV0.75. Our findings could improve the physiological assessment of respiratory function in preschool children. PMID:27812631

Structural vascular disease in Africans: Performance of ethnic-specific waist circumference cut points using logistic regression and neural network analyses: The SABPA study.

PubMed

Botha, J; de Ridder, J H; Potgieter, J C; Steyn, H S; Malan, L

2013-10-01

A recently proposed model for waist circumference cut points (RPWC), driven by increased blood pressure, was demonstrated in an African population. We therefore aimed to validate the RPWC by comparing the RPWC and the Joint Statement Consensus (JSC) models via Logistic Regression (LR) and Neural Networks (NN) analyses. Urban African gender groups (N=171) were stratified according to the JSC and RPWC cut point models. Ultrasound carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), blood pressure (BP) and fasting bloods (glucose, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides) were obtained in a well-controlled setting. The RPWC male model (LR ROC AUC: 0.71, NN ROC AUC: 0.71) was practically equal to the JSC model (LR ROC AUC: 0.71, NN ROC AUC: 0.69) to predict structural vascular -disease. Similarly, the female RPWC model (LR ROC AUC: 0.84, NN ROC AUC: 0.82) and JSC model (LR ROC AUC: 0.82, NN ROC AUC: 0.81) equally predicted CIMT as surrogate marker for structural vascular disease. Odds ratios supported validity where prediction of CIMT revealed -clinical -significance, well over 1, for both the JSC and RPWC models in African males and females (OR 3.75-13.98). In conclusion, the proposed RPWC model was substantially validated utilizing linear and non-linear analyses. We therefore propose ethnic-specific WC cut points (African males, ≥90 cm; -females, ≥98 cm) to predict a surrogate marker for structural vascular disease. © J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Aerosol penetration through a model transport system: Comparison of theory and experiment

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

McFarland, A.R.; Wong, F.S.; Anand, N.K.

1991-09-01

Numerical predictions were made of aerosol penetration through a model transport system. A physical model of the system was constructed and tested in an aerosol wind tunnel to obtain comparative data. The system was 26.6 mm in diameter and consisted of an inlet and three straight sections (oriented horizontally, vertically, and at 45{degree}). Particle sizes covered a range in which losses were primarily caused by inertial and gravitational effects (3-25 {mu}m aerodynamic equivalent diameter (AED)). Tests were conducted at two flow rates (70 and 130 l/min) and two inlet orientations (parallel and perpendicular to the free stream). Wind speed wasmore » 3 m/s for all test cases. The cut points for aerosol penetration through the experimental model vis-a-vis the numerical results are as follows: At a flow rate of 70 l/min with the inlet at 0{degree}, the experimentally observed cut point was 16.2 {mu}m AED while the numerically predicted value was 18.2 {mu}m AED while the numerically predicted value was 18.2 {mu}m AED. At 130 l/min and 0{degree}, the experimental cut point was 12.8 {mu}m AED as compared with a numerically value of 13.7 {mu}m AED. At 70l/min and a 90{degree}, the experimental cut point was 12.0 {mu}m AED while the numerically calculated value was 11.1 {mu}m AED. Slopes of the experimental penetration curves are somewhat steeper than the numerically predicted counterparts.« less

Amyloid positron emission tomography with (18)F-flutemetamol and structural magnetic resonance imaging in the classification of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Duara, Ranjan; Loewenstein, David A; Shen, Qian; Barker, Warren; Potter, Elizabeth; Varon, Daniel; Heurlin, Kristen; Vandenberghe, Rik; Buckley, Christopher

2013-05-01

To evaluate the contributions of amyloid-positive (Am+) and medial temporal atrophy-positive (MTA+) scans to the diagnostic classification of prodromal and probable Alzheimer's disease (AD). (18)F-flutemetamol-labeled amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to classify 10 young normal, 15 elderly normal, 20 amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), and 27 AD subjects. MTA+ status was determined using a cut point derived from a previous study, and Am+ status was determined using a conservative and liberal cut point. The rates of MRI scans with positive results among young normal, elderly normal, aMCI, and AD subjects were 0%, 20%, 75%, and 82%, respectively. Using conservative cut points, the rates of Am+ scans for these same groups of subjects were 0%, 7%, 50%, and 93%, respectively, with the aMCI group showing the largest discrepancy between Am+ and MTA+ scans. Among aMCI cases, 80% of Am+ subjects were also MTA+, and 70% of amyloid-negative (Am-) subjects were MTA+. The combination of amyloid PET and MTA data was additive, with an overall correct classification rate for aMCI of 86%, when a liberal cut point (standard uptake value ratio = 1.4) was used for amyloid positivity. (18)F-flutemetamol PET and structural MRI provided additive information in the diagnostic classification of aMCI subjects, suggesting an amyloid-independent neurodegenerative component among aMCI subjects in this sample. Copyright © 2013 The Alzheimer's Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Unique environmental effects on physical activity participation: a twin study.

PubMed

Duncan, Glen E; Goldberg, Jack; Noonan, Carolyn; Moudon, Anne Vernez; Hurvitz, Philip; Buchwald, Dedra

2008-04-16

The health benefits of regular physical activity are well established. However, the relative contribution of heritable and environmental factors to physical activity participation remains controversial. Using a cut-point of 60 minutes of total activity per week, data from the GenomEUtwin project revealed consistent genetic influence on physical activity participation in 37,051 twin pairs from seven countries. We hypothesized that the heritability of physical activity participation would be attenuated using the CDC/ACSM recommended minimum threshold of 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity per week. Data were obtained from 1,389 twin pairs from the community-based University of Washington Twin Registry. Twin similarity in physical activity participation using both cut-points was analyzed using tetrachoric correlations and structural equation modeling in all same-sex pairs. Correlations were higher in monozygotic (r(MZ) = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.33-0.54) than dizygotic pairs (r(DZ) = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.12-0.47) using the 60 minute cut-point. However, differences were attenuated using the 150 minute standard (r(MZ) = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.20-0.40; r(DZ) = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.07-0.42). Using the lower cut-point, the best fitting model of twin resemblance only included additive genetics and unique environment, with a heritability of 45%. In contrast, using the higher threshold, the best fitting model included the common and unique environment, with the unique environment contributing 72% of the variance. Unique environment factors provide the strongest influence on physical activity participation at levels recommended for health benefits.

[Validation of the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) in Colombia].

PubMed

Cano, Juan Fernando; Gomez Restrepo, Carlos; Rondón, Martín

2016-01-01

To adapt and to validate the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) in Colombia. Observational study for scale validation. Validity criteria were used to determine the severity cut-off points of the tool. Taking into account sensitivity and specificity values, those cut points were contrasted with ICD-10 criteria for depression severity. A a factor analysis was performed. The internal consistencY was determined with the same sample of patients used for the validity criteria. Inter-rater reliability was assessed by evaluating the 22 records of the patients that consented to a video interview. Sensitivity to change was established through a second application of the scale in 28 subjects after a lapse of 14 to 28 days. The study was performed in Bogotá, the tool was applied in 150 patients suffering from major depressive disorder. The cut-off point for moderate depression was 20 (sensitivity, 98%; specificity, 96%), and the cut-off point for severe depression was 34 (sensitivity, 98%; specificity, 92%). The tool appears as a unidimensional scale, which possesses a good internal consistency with (α=.9168). The findings of inter-rater reliability evaluation showed the scale as highly reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient=.9833). The instrument has a good sensitivity to change. The Colombian version of the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale has good psychometric properties and can be used in clinical practice and in clinical research in the field of depressive disorder. Copyright © 2015 Asociación Colombiana de Psiquiatría. Publicado por Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

Elastic K-means using posterior probability

PubMed Central

Zheng, Aihua; Jiang, Bo; Li, Yan; Zhang, Xuehan; Ding, Chris

2017-01-01

The widely used K-means clustering is a hard clustering algorithm. Here we propose a Elastic K-means clustering model (EKM) using posterior probability with soft capability where each data point can belong to multiple clusters fractionally and show the benefit of proposed Elastic K-means. Furthermore, in many applications, besides vector attributes information, pairwise relations (graph information) are also available. Thus we integrate EKM with Normalized Cut graph clustering into a single clustering formulation. Finally, we provide several useful matrix inequalities which are useful for matrix formulations of learning models. Based on these results, we prove the correctness and the convergence of EKM algorithms. Experimental results on six benchmark datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed EKM and its integrated model. PMID:29240756

I feel good! Gender differences and reporting heterogeneity in self-assessed health.

PubMed

Schneider, Udo; Pfarr, Christian; Schneider, Brit S; Ulrich, Volker

2012-06-01

For empirical analysis and policy-oriented recommendations, the precise measurement of individual health or well-being is essential. The difficulty is that the answer may depend on individual reporting behaviour. Moreover, if an individual's health perception varies with certain attitudes of the respondent, reporting heterogeneity may lead to index or cut-point shifts of the health distribution, causing estimation problems. An index shift is a parallel shift in the thresholds of the underlying distribution of health categories. In contrast, a cut-point shift means that the relative position of the thresholds changes, implying different response behaviour. Our paper aims to detect how socioeconomic determinants and health experiences influence the individual valuation of health. We analyse the reporting behaviour of individuals on their self-assessed health status, a five-point categorical variable. Using German panel data, we control for observed heterogeneity in the categorical health variable as well as unobserved individual heterogeneity in the panel estimation. In the empirical analysis, we find strong evidence for cut-point shifts. Our estimation results show different impacts of socioeconomic and health-related variables on the five categories of self-assessed health. Moreover, the answering behaviour varies between female and male respondents, pointing to gender-specific perception and assessment of health. Hence, in case of reporting heterogeneity, using self-assessed measures in empirical studies may be misleading and the information needs to be handled with care.

A longitudinal evaluation of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale (CES-D) in a Rheumatoid Arthritis Population using Rasch Analysis

PubMed Central

Covic, Tanya; Pallant, Julie F; Conaghan, Philip G; Tennant, Alan

2007-01-01

Background The aim of this study was to test the internal validity of the total Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale using Rasch analysis in a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) population. Methods CES-D was administered to 157 patients with RA over three time points within a 12 month period. Rasch analysis was applied using RUMM2020 software to assess the overall fit of the model, the response scale used, individual item fit, differential item functioning (DIF) and person separation. Results Pooled data across three time points was shown to fit the Rasch model with removal of seven items from the original 20-item CES-D scale. It was necessary to rescore the response format from four to three categories in order to improve the scale's fit. Two items demonstrated some DIF for age and gender but were retained within the 13-item CES-D scale. A new cut point for depression score of 9 was found to correspond to the original cut point score of 16 in the full CES-D scale. Conclusion This Rasch analysis of the CES-D in a longstanding RA cohort resulted in the construction of a modified 13-item scale with good internal validity. Further validation of the modified scale is recommended particularly in relation to the new cut point for depression. PMID:17629902

Optimal optic nerve sheath diameter threshold for the identification of elevated opening pressure on lumbar puncture in a Chinese population.

PubMed

Wang, Lijuan; Feng, Liangshu; Yao, Yan; Wang, Yuzhi; Chen, Ying; Feng, Jiachun; Xing, Yingqi

2015-01-01

Ultrasonography of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is a non-invasive and rapid method that might be helpful in the identification of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The use of an ONSD greater than 5 mm on ultrasound as an indicator of increased ICP in a Caucasian population has been studied. However, the cut-off point of this predictor in Chinese patients has not been established. Thus, we conducted this study to identify the ONSD criterion for the detection of elevated opening pressure on lumbar puncture (LP) in a Chinese population and to investigate the influencing factors. This study was a blind cross-sectional study. Patients who presented with suspected increased ICP were included. The opening pressure on LP of each participant was confirmed. We analyzed the clinical differences between the groups of patients with abnormal and normal opening pressures on LP. A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to determine the ONSD cut-off point for the identification of abnormal opening pressure on LP. In total, 279 patients were recruited, and 101 patients presented with elevated opening pressure on LP. ONSD was a significant independent predictor of elevated opening pressure on LP (p<0.001). However, no statistical significance was observed regarding the factors that might have affected this relationship including gender, age, body mass index, waistline, head circumference, hypertension and pathological subtype. The ONSD cut-off point for the identification of elevated opening pressure on LP was 4.1 mm; this cut-off yielded a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 92%. ONSD is a strong and accurate predictor of elevated opening pressure on LP. The cut-off point of this predictor in a Chinese population was remarkably lower than that found in a Caucasian population. Thus, ethnic differences should be noted when using the ONSD as an indicator of increased ICP.

The effect of microstructure on the sheared edge quality and hole expansion ratio of hot-rolled 700 MPa steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaijalainen, A.; Kesti, V.; Vierelä, R.; Ylitolva, M.; Porter, D.; Kömi, J.

2017-09-01

The effects of microstructure on the cutting and hole expansion properties of three thermomechanically rolled steels have been investigated. The yield strength of the studied 3 mm thick strip steels was approximately 700 MPa. Detailed microstructural studies using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LCSM), FESEM and FESEM-EBSD revealed that the three investigated materials consist of 1) single-phase polygonal ferrite, 2) polygonal ferrite with precipitates and 3) granular bainite. The quality of mechanically sheared edges were evaluated using visual inspection and LSCM, while hole expansion properties were characterised according to the methods described in ISO 16630. Roughness values (Ra and Rz) of the sheet edge with different cutting clearances varied between 12 µm to 21 µm and 133 µm to 225 µm, respectively. Mean hole expansion ratios varied from 28.4% to 40.5%. It was shown that granular bainite produced the finest cutting edge, but the hole expansion ratio remained at the same level as in the steel comprising single-phase ferrite. This indicates that a single-phase ferritic matrix enhances hole expansion properties even with low quality edges. A brief discussion of the microstructural features controlling the cutting quality and hole expansion properties is given.

Multi-scale graph-cut algorithm for efficient water-fat separation.

PubMed

Berglund, Johan; Skorpil, Mikael

2017-09-01

To improve the accuracy and robustness to noise in water-fat separation by unifying the multiscale and graph cut based approaches to B 0 -correction. A previously proposed water-fat separation algorithm that corrects for B 0 field inhomogeneity in 3D by a single quadratic pseudo-Boolean optimization (QPBO) graph cut was incorporated into a multi-scale framework, where field map solutions are propagated from coarse to fine scales for voxels that are not resolved by the graph cut. The accuracy of the single-scale and multi-scale QPBO algorithms was evaluated against benchmark reference datasets. The robustness to noise was evaluated by adding noise to the input data prior to water-fat separation. Both algorithms achieved the highest accuracy when compared with seven previously published methods, while computation times were acceptable for implementation in clinical routine. The multi-scale algorithm was more robust to noise than the single-scale algorithm, while causing only a small increase (+10%) of the reconstruction time. The proposed 3D multi-scale QPBO algorithm offers accurate water-fat separation, robustness to noise, and fast reconstruction. The software implementation is freely available to the research community. Magn Reson Med 78:941-949, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Efficient propagation of citrus rootstocks by stem cuttings

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A simple multicomponent system is described that is effective for rapid propagation of a diversity of citrus rootstock genotypes by single node cuttings, including new hybrids and those that are most commonly used as rootstocks. Efficiency of this system for rooting shoot explants of six important r...

Accuracy in the legal age estimation according to the third molars mineralization among Mexicans and Columbians.

PubMed

Costa, José; Montero, Javier; Serrano, Sarai; Albaladejo, Alberto; López-Valverde, Antonio; Bica, Isabel

2014-11-01

This study aims to assess the accuracy of age estimation according to two cut-off points of Demirjian's developmental stages (G and H) in the wisdom teeth, using panoramic radiographs from Colombian and Mexican teenagers. The degree of maturation of the third molars was classified according to Demirjian in 8 stages (from A to H) by a blinded trained assessor. The sensitivity, specificity and efficacy of two cut-off points (G and H) were calculated for both samples. The orthopantomographies of 316 subjects, 171 Colombians (54.1%) and 145 Mexicans (45.9%), were analyzed. The stage H was found to be the best threshold for detecting juveniles (because the high specificity) in all the third molars assessed. The specificity was higher for lower third molars than for upper third molars, but no asymmetrical discrepancy was noted. The stage H is the best cut-off point for detecting the adulthood when a high-specificity test is required. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Human hydatid disease: evaluation of an ELISA for diagnosis, population screening and monitoring of control programmes.

PubMed

Biffin, A H; Jones, M A; Palmer, S R

1993-07-01

The routine use of ELISA and complement fixation tests in the diagnosis of suspected clinical cases of hydatid disease was evaluated. In the ELISA test, dialysed and filtered sheep cyst fluid was used as antigen and two positive cut-off points--+3SD and +2SD of the mean absorbance values of the control sera--were evaluated. The predictive values of ELISA tests were 82% and 90% for positive tests, and 86% and 82% for negative tests, respectively with the two cut-off points. In a population survey of blood donors and veterinary workers in Powys, 4% and 8%, respectively, had ELISA values above the lower cut-off point. However, it would not be appropriate to use the same test for diagnostic population screening in Wales since the predictive value of the test is likely to be very low in this setting. Serological surveys with the ELISA may be of use in monitoring the progress of the South Powys Hydatid Control Programme. The use of cumulative percentages was found to be a useful method of comparing whole distributions of results in different populations.

Results of the validation study of the Psodisk instrument, and determination of the cut-off scores for varying degrees of impairment.

PubMed

Sampogna, F; Linder, D; Romano, G V; Gualberti, G; Merolla, R; di Luzio Paparatti, U

2015-04-01

The Psodisk is a 10-item visual instrument, aimed at measuring the burden of psoriasis on patients. To validate the Psodisk in a large sample of patients with psoriasis, and to define categories for the interpretation of the scores. Data were collected in 21 dermatological centres. The Psodisk was administered at baseline (t0), after 2 or 3 days (t1) and about 3 months (t2) after baseline, and data were used to assess validity and reliability of the instrument. The cut-off scores were determined using the perception of the severity of the disease by the patient as anchor point. The evaluable population consisted of 320 patients at baseline, with a mean Psodisk score of 36.9. The concurrent validity of the instrument was confirmed by the high correlation with Skindex-29 and DLQI. Factor analyses selected a single factor, which alone explained almost 60% of the variance. Cronbach's coefficient alpha was 0.927, suggesting a good reliability. Test-retest reliability was verified by a Pearson's correlation coefficient between the Psodisk scores at baseline and t1 of 0.924. Five categories of disease burden were defined: 1. minimal (<9); 2. mild (9-15); 3. moderate (16-30); 4. marked (31-50); 5. severe (>50). The Psodisk showed good psychometric properties. The definition of the cut-off scores will be useful to evaluate the burden of psoriasis on patients. © 2014 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

SAW parameters on Y-cut langasite structured materials.

PubMed

Puccio, Derek; Malocha, Donald C; Saldanha, Nancy; da Cunha, Mauricio Pereira

2007-09-01

This paper presents results and investigations of several new, man-made piezoelectric single crystal, Czochralski-grown substrate materials for surface acoustic waves (SAW) applications. These materials, langanite (LGN), langatate (LGT), Sr3TaGa3Si2O14 (STGS), Sr3NbGa3Si2O14 (SNGS), Ca3TaGa3Si2O14 (CTGS), and Ca3NbGa3Si2O14 (CNGS), have the same structure as langasite (LGS) and are of the same crystal class as quartz. These compounds are denser than quartz, resulting in lower phase velocities. They also have higher coupling. Unlike quartz and lithium niobate, there is no degradation of material properties below the material melting points resulting in the possibility of extreme high-temperature operation (> 1000 degrees C). This paper gives a summary of extracted SAW material parameters for various propagation angles on Y-cut substrates of the six materials. Parameters included are electromechanical coupling, phase velocity, transducer capacitance, metal strip reflectivity, and temperature coefficient of frequency. Using previously published fundamental material constants, extracted parameters are compared with predictions for LGT and LGN. In addition, power flow angle and fractional frequency curvature data are reported for propagation angles on CTGS and CNGS Y-cut substrates that exhibit temperature compensation near room temperature. Detailed descriptions of the SAW parameter extraction techniques are given. A discussion of the results is provided, including a comparison of extracted parameters and an overview of possible SAW applications.

Full-Scale Linear Cutting Tests in Chongqing Sandstone to Study the Influence of Confining Stress on Rock Cutting Forces by TBM Disc Cutter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Yucong; Liu, Quansheng; Liu, Jianping; Peng, Xingxin; Kong, Xiaoxuan

2018-06-01

In order to study the influence of confining stress on rock cutting forces by tunnel boring machine (TBM) disc cutter, full-scale linear cutting tests are conducted in Chongqing Sandstone (uniaxial compressive strength 60.76 MPa) using five equal biaxial confining stressed conditions, i.e. 0-0, 5-5, 10-10, 15-15 and 20-20 MPa; disc cutter normal force, rolling force, cutting coefficient and normalized resultant force are analysed. It is found that confining stress can greatly affect disc cutter resultant force, its proportion in normal and rolling directions and its acting point for the hard Chongqing Sandstone and the confining stress range used in this study. For every confining stressed condition, as cutter penetration depth increases, disc cutter normal force increases with decreasing speed, rolling force and cutting coefficient both increase linearly, and acting point of the disc cutter resultant force moves downward at some extent firstly and then upward back to its initial position. For same cutter penetration depth, as confining stress increases, disc cutter normal force, rolling force, cutting coefficient and normalized resultant force all increase at some extent firstly and then decrease rapidly to very small values (quite smaller than those obtained under the non-stressed condition) after some certain confining stress thresholds. The influence of confining stress on rock cutting by TBM disc cutter can be generally divided into three stages as confining stress increases, i.e. strengthening effect stage, damaging effect stage and rupturing effect stage. In the former two stages (under low confining stress), rock remains intact and rock cutting forces are higher than those obtained under the non-stressed condition, and thus rock cutting by TBM disc cutter is restrained; in the last stage (under high confining stress), rock becomes non-intact and rock slabbing failure is induced by confining stress before disc cutting, and thus rock cutting by TBM disc cutter is facilitated. Meanwhile, some critical values of confining stress and cutter penetration depth are identified to represent the changes of rock cutting state. This study provides better understanding of the influence of confining stress on disc cutter performance and can guide to optimize the TBM operation under stressed condition.

Lifting the Lid on Disabled People against Cuts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams-Findlay, Robert

2011-01-01

Against the backdrop of severe austerity measures sweeping across Europe, in this article I report upon the resurgence of activism among disabled people in the United Kingdom. My starting point is the creation of a new campaigning group called Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) formed by disabled people with and without a history of engagement…

Atmospheric pressure plasma-assisted femtosecond laser engraving of aluminium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerhard, Christoph; Gimpel, Thomas; Tasche, Daniel; Koch née Hoffmeister, Jennifer; Brückner, Stephan; Flachenecker, Günter; Wieneke, Stephan; Schade, Wolfgang; Viöl, Wolfgang

2018-05-01

In this contribution, we report on the impact of direct dielectric barrier discharge argon plasma at atmospheric pressure on femtosecond laser engraving of aluminium. It is shown that the assisting plasma strongly affects the surface geometry and formation of spikes of both laser-engraved single lines and patterns of adjacent lines with an appropriate overlap. Further, it was observed that the overall ablation depth is significantly increased in case of large-scale patterning whereas no notable differences in ablation depth are found for single lines. Several possible mechanisms and underlying effects of this behaviour are suggested. The increase in ablation depth is supposed to be due to a plasma-induced removal of debris particles from the cutting point via charging and oxidation as supported by EDX analysis of the re-solidified debris. Furthermore, the impact of a higher degree of surface wrinkling as well as direct interactions of plasma species with the aluminium surface on the ablation process are discussed.

The effects of cutting parameters on cutting forces and heat generation when drilling animal bone and biomechanical test materials.

PubMed

Cseke, Akos; Heinemann, Robert

2018-01-01

The research presented in this paper investigated the effects of spindle speed and feed rate on the resultant cutting forces (thrust force and torque) and temperatures while drilling SawBones ® biomechanical test materials and cadaveric cortical bone (bovine and porcine femur) specimens. It also investigated cortical bone anisotropy on the cutting forces, when drilling in axial and radial directions. The cutting forces are only affected by the feed rate, whereas the cutting temperature in contrast is affected by both spindle speed and feed rate. The temperature distribution indicates friction as the primary heat source, which is caused by the rubbing of the tool margins and the already cut chips over the borehole wall. Cutting forces were considerably higher when drilling animal cortical bone, in comparison to cortical test material. Drilling direction, and therewith anisotropy, appears to have a negligible effect on the cutting forces. The results suggest that this can be attributed to the osteons being cut at an angle rather than in purely axial or radial direction, as a result of a twist drill's point angle. Copyright © 2017 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel approach of high speed scratching on silicon wafers at nanoscale depths of cut

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zhenyu; Guo, Dongming; Wang, Bo; Kang, Renke; Zhang, Bi

2015-01-01

In this study, a novel approach of high speed scratching is carried out on silicon (Si) wafers at nanoscale depths of cut to investigate the fundamental mechanisms in wafering of solar cells. The scratching is conducted on a Si wafer of 150 mm diameter with an ultraprecision grinder at a speed of 8.4 to 15 m/s. Single-point diamonds of a tip radius of 174, 324, and 786 nm, respectively, are used in the study. The study finds that at the onset of chip formation, an amorphous layer is formed at the topmost of the residual scratch, followed by the pristine crystalline lattice beneath. This is different from the previous findings in low speed scratching and high speed grinding, in which there is an amorphous layer at the top and a damaged layer underneath. The final width and depth of the residual scratch at the onset of chip formation measured vary from 288 to 316 nm, and from 49 to 62 nm, respectively. High pressure phases are absent from the scratch at the onset of either chip or crack formation. PMID:26548771

Surprising results from a search for effective disinfectants for Tobacco mosaic virus-contaminated tools

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and four other tobamoviruses infected multiple petunia cultivars without producing obvious viral symptoms. A single cutting event on a TMV-infected plant was sufficient for transmission to many plants subsequently cut with the same clippers. A number of 'old standbys' an...

Vaginal cuff thermal injury by mode of colpotomy at total laparoscopic hysterectomy: a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Teoh, Deanna; Lowery, William J; Jiang, Xiaoyin; Ehrisman, Jessie; Halvorson, Paige; Broadwater, Gloria; Bentley, Rex; Secord, Angeles Alvarez; Sobolewski, Craig; Berchuck, Andrew; Havrilesky, Laura J; Valea, Fidel A; Lee, Paula S

2015-02-01

To evaluate if the use of Valleylab mode ("V mode") (Covidien, Mansfield, MA) electrothermal energy for colpotomy during total laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) results in a smaller margin of thermal injury to the upper vagina compared with traditional cut/coagulate (cut/coag) electrothermal energy. Prospective randomized clinical trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). University medical center. A total of 101 subjects who underwent LH between June 2010 and August 2012. Subjects were randomized to colpotomy by V mode electrothermal energy or cut/coag electrothermal energy. The primary end point was the median depth of thermal injury measured in millimeters. The secondary end points included the proportion of subjects who developed granulation tissue, induration, infection, or dehiscence at the vaginal cuff at 4 weeks, 3 months, or 6 months postoperatively. There was no significant difference in the median depth of thermal injury in the cut/coag and V mode arms (anterior margin: 0.68 mm vs 0.63 mm [p = .94], posterior margin: 0.66 mm vs 0.70 mm [p = .87], respectively). Twenty-seven percent of subjects in each arm developed at least 1 of the clinical end points at 4 weeks, 3 months, or 6 months postoperatively (granulation tissue: 6%-18% vs 8%-21%, induration: 0%-2% vs 4%-5%, infection: 0%-4% vs 0%-10%, dehiscence: 2% vs 0% in the cut/coag and V mode arms, respectively), with no difference between arms (p = 1.0). The V mode does not reduce the depth of thermal injury compared with cut/coag electrothermal energy when used for colpotomy incision during total laparoscopic hysterectomy (Clinical Trials.gov ID: NCT02080546). Copyright © 2015 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Structure of single-wall carbon nanotubes purified and cut using polymer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, M.; Yudasaka, M.; Koshio, A.; Jabs, C.; Ichihashi, T.; Iijima, S.

2002-01-01

Following on from our previous report that a monochlorobenzene solution of polymethylmethacrylate is useful for purifying and cutting single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and thinning SWNT bundles, we show in this report that polymer and residual amorphous carbon can be removed by burning in oxygen gas. The SWNTs thus obtained had many holes (giving them a worm-eaten look) and were thermally unstable. Such severe damage caused by oxidation is unusual for SWNTs; we think that they were chemically damaged during ultrasonication in the monochlorobenzene solution of polymethylmethacrylate.

Solid Lubrication Fundamentals and Applications. Chapter 5; Abrasion: Plowing and Cutting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa

2001-01-01

Chapter 5 discusses abrasion, a common wear phenomenon of great economic importance. It has been estimated that 50% of the wear encountered in industry is due to abrasion. Also, it is the mechanism involved in the finishing of many surfaces. Experiments are described to help in understanding the complex abrasion process and in predicting friction and wear behavior in plowing and/or cutting. These experimental modelings and measurements used a single spherical pin (asperity) and a single wedge pin (asperity). Other two-body and three-body abrasion studies used hard abrasive particles.

A minimization method on the basis of embedding the feasible set and the epigraph

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zabotin, I. Ya; Shulgina, O. N.; Yarullin, R. S.

2016-11-01

We propose a conditional minimization method of the convex nonsmooth function which belongs to the class of cutting-plane methods. During constructing iteration points a feasible set and an epigraph of the objective function are approximated by the polyhedral sets. In this connection, auxiliary problems of constructing iteration points are linear programming problems. In optimization process there is some opportunity of updating sets which approximate the epigraph. These updates are performed by periodically dropping of cutting planes which form embedding sets. Convergence of the proposed method is proved, some realizations of the method are discussed.

Generation Mechanism of Work Hardened Surface Layer in Metal Cutting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hikiji, Rikio; Kondo, Eiji; Kawagoishi, Norio; Arai, Minoru

Finish machining used to be carried out in grinding, but it is being replaced by cutting with very small undeformed chip thickness. In ultra precision process, the effects of the cutting conditions and the complicated factors on the machined surface integrity are the serious problems. In this research, work hardened surface layer was dealt with as an evaluation of the machined surface integrity and the effect of the mechanical factors on work hardening was investigated experimentally in orthogonal cutting. As a result, it was found that work hardened surface layer was affected not only by the shear angle varied under the cutting conditions and the thrust force of cutting resistance, but also by the thrust force acting point, the coefficient of the thrust force and the compressive stress equivalent to the bulk hardness. Furthermore, these mechanical factors acting on the depth of the work hardened surface layer were investigated with the calculation model.

Psychological distress of residents in Kawauchi village, Fukushima Prefecture after the accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station: the Fukushima Health Management Survey

PubMed Central

Yoshida, Koji; Shinkawa, Tetsuko; Urata, Hideko; Nakashima, Kanami; Orita, Makiko; Yasui, Kiyotaka; Kumagai, Atsushi; Ohtsuru, Akira; Yabe, Hirooki; Maeda, Masaharu; Hayashida, Naomi; Kudo, Takashi; Yamashita, Shunichi

2016-01-01

Background To shed light on the mental health of evacuees after the accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), we evaluate the results of the Fukushima Health Management Survey (FHMS) of the residents at Kawauchi village in Fukushima, which is located less than 30 km from the FDNPS. Methods We conducted the cross-sectional study within the framework of the FHMS. Exposure values were “anorexia,” “subjective feelings about health,” “feelings about sleep satisfaction,” and “bereavement caused by the disaster,” confounding variables were “age” and “sex,” and outcome variables were “K6 points.” We collected data from the FHMS, and employed the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) and the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Checklist Stressor-Specific Version (PCL-S) to carry out the research. A total of 13 or greater was the cut-off for identifying serious mental illness using the K6 scale. The study subjects included residents (n = 542) of over 30 years of age from Kawauchi village, and data were used from the period of January 1, 2012 to October 31, 2012. Results A total of 474 residents (87.5%) scored less than 13 points in the K6 and 68 (12.6%) scored 13 points or more. The proportion of elderly residents (over 65 years old) among people with K6 score above the cut-off was higher than that among people with K6 score below the cut-off (44.1 vs 31.0%, p < 0.05). In addition, the proportion of residents with anorexia and mental illness among people with K6 score above the cut-off was higher than among people with K6 score below the cut-off (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). The amount of residents who scored 44 points or more in the PCL-S among people with K6 score above the cut-off was also considerably higher than among people with K6 score below the cut-off (79.4 vs 12.9%, p < 0.001). Interestingly, the proportion of residents who scored more than among people with K6 score above the cut-off and the among people with PCL-S score above the cut-off in Kawauchi was higher than in previous studies in other locations. Conclusions These results suggest that there are severe mental health problems, such as depression and PTSD, among adults as a consequence of the accident at the FDNPS. Our study showed that residents who lived in the evacuation zone before the disaster are at high risk psychological distress. To facilitate local residents’ recovery from Fukushima, there is a need to continue providing them with physical and mental support, as well as communication regarding the health risks of radiation. PMID:27635326

Additive lattice kirigami

PubMed Central

Castle, Toen; Sussman, Daniel M.; Tanis, Michael; Kamien, Randall D.

2016-01-01

Kirigami uses bending, folding, cutting, and pasting to create complex three-dimensional (3D) structures from a flat sheet. In the case of lattice kirigami, this cutting and rejoining introduces defects into an underlying 2D lattice in the form of points of nonzero Gaussian curvature. A set of simple rules was previously used to generate a wide variety of stepped structures; we now pare back these rules to their minimum. This allows us to describe a set of techniques that unify a wide variety of cut-and-paste actions under the rubric of lattice kirigami, including adding new material and rejoining material across arbitrary cuts in the sheet. We also explore the use of more complex lattices and the different structures that consequently arise. Regardless of the choice of lattice, creating complex structures may require multiple overlapping kirigami cuts, where subsequent cuts are not performed on a locally flat lattice. Our additive kirigami method describes such cuts, providing a simple methodology and a set of techniques to build a huge variety of complex 3D shapes. PMID:27679822

Additive lattice kirigami.

PubMed

Castle, Toen; Sussman, Daniel M; Tanis, Michael; Kamien, Randall D

2016-09-01

Kirigami uses bending, folding, cutting, and pasting to create complex three-dimensional (3D) structures from a flat sheet. In the case of lattice kirigami, this cutting and rejoining introduces defects into an underlying 2D lattice in the form of points of nonzero Gaussian curvature. A set of simple rules was previously used to generate a wide variety of stepped structures; we now pare back these rules to their minimum. This allows us to describe a set of techniques that unify a wide variety of cut-and-paste actions under the rubric of lattice kirigami, including adding new material and rejoining material across arbitrary cuts in the sheet. We also explore the use of more complex lattices and the different structures that consequently arise. Regardless of the choice of lattice, creating complex structures may require multiple overlapping kirigami cuts, where subsequent cuts are not performed on a locally flat lattice. Our additive kirigami method describes such cuts, providing a simple methodology and a set of techniques to build a huge variety of complex 3D shapes.

The effect of cutting conditions on power inputs when machining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrushin, S. I.; Gruby, S. V.; Nosirsoda, Sh C.

2016-08-01

Any technological process involving modification of material properties or product form necessitates consumption of a certain power amount. When developing new technologies one should take into account the benefits of their implementation vs. arising power inputs. It is revealed that procedures of edge cutting machining are the most energy-efficient amongst the present day forming procedures such as physical and technical methods including electrochemical, electroerosion, ultrasound, and laser processing, rapid prototyping technologies etc, such as physical and technical methods including electrochemical, electroerosion, ultrasound, and laser processing, rapid prototyping technologies etc. An expanded formula for calculation of power inputs is deduced, which takes into consideration the mode of cutting together with the tip radius, the form of the replaceable multifaceted insert and its wear. Having taken as an example cutting of graphite iron by the assembled cutting tools with replaceable multifaceted inserts the authors point at better power efficiency of high feeding cutting in comparison with high-speed cutting.

Open ended tubing cutters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Girala, A. S. (Inventor)

1981-01-01

A self clamping cutting tool which includes a handle attached to a C-shaped housing is described. Rotatably mounted within the housing is a C-shaped tool body carrying a set of clamping rolls, two support rolls, and an edged cutting roll (64). The support rolls are disposed to one side of the axis of a pipe and the cutting roll is disposed to the other side of a pipe axis so that these rolls contact a pipe at three circumferential points. Cutter advancing apparatus advance the cutting roll toward the support rollers. The support rolls and cutting roll are rotatable independently of the C-shaped housing. A one way ratchet mechanism disposed between the C-shaped housing and the C-shaped tool body permits operation by movement in one rotational direction about the pipe axis.

Laser cutting of various materials: Kerf width size analysis and life cycle assessment of cutting process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yilbas, Bekir Sami; Shaukat, Mian Mobeen; Ashraf, Farhan

2017-08-01

Laser cutting of various materials including Ti-6Al-4V alloy, steel 304, Inconel 625, and alumina is carried out to assess the kerf width size variation along the cut section. The life cycle assessment is carried out to determine the environmental impact of the laser cutting in terms of the material waste during the cutting process. The kerf width size is formulated and predicted using the lump parameter analysis and it is measured from the experiments. The influence of laser output power and laser cutting speed on the kerf width size variation is analyzed using the analytical tools including scanning electron and optical microscopes. In the experiments, high pressure nitrogen assisting gas is used to prevent oxidation reactions in the cutting section. It is found that the kerf width size predicted from the lump parameter analysis agrees well with the experimental data. The kerf width size variation increases with increasing laser output power. However, this behavior reverses with increasing laser cutting speed. The life cycle assessment reveals that material selection for laser cutting is critical for the environmental protection point of view. Inconel 625 contributes the most to the environmental damages; however, recycling of the waste of the laser cutting reduces this contribution.

Teacher Education Budget Cuts in Romania and the US: Points of Contrast and Comparison

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ives, B.; Alama, M.; Mosora, C. L.

2013-01-01

Background: Budgets for teacher education programmes have been substantially reduced as a result of the global economic crisis. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the teacher education budget cutting processes and procedures for universities in Romania versus one university in the United States. Sample: The data were collected from…

INFINITY ribbon-cutting

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-11

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant looks on as Apollo 13 astronaut and INFINITY Science Center Inc. Vice Chairman Fred Haise points out features of the spacesuit he wore on his lunar mission in 1970. The suit is on display at the INFINITY at NASA Stennis Space Center visitor center and museum. The two men toured the facility during ribbon-cutting activities April 11, 2012.

49 CFR 179.220-18 - Bottom outlets.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

...-shaped breakage groove shall be cut (not cast) in the upper part of the outlet nozzle at a point... nozzle extends below the bottom of the outer shell, a V-shaped breakage groove shall be cut (not cast) in... projection of the bottom outlet equipment may not be more than that allowed by appendix E of the AAR...

Factors influencing laser cutting of wood

Treesearch

V.G. Barnekov; C.W. McMillin; H.A. Huber

1986-01-01

Factors influencing the ability of lasers to cut wood may be generally classified into these three areas: 1) characteristics of the laser beam; 2) equipment and processing variables; and 3) properties of the workpiece. Effects of beam power, mode, polarization, and stability are discussed as are aspects of optics, location of focal point, feed speed, gas-jet assist...

Interactive-cut: Real-time feedback segmentation for translational research.

PubMed

Egger, Jan; Lüddemann, Tobias; Schwarzenberg, Robert; Freisleben, Bernd; Nimsky, Christopher

2014-06-01

In this contribution, a scale-invariant image segmentation algorithm is introduced that "wraps" the algorithm's parameters for the user by its interactive behavior, avoiding the definition of "arbitrary" numbers that the user cannot really understand. Therefore, we designed a specific graph-based segmentation method that only requires a single seed-point inside the target-structure from the user and is thus particularly suitable for immediate processing and interactive, real-time adjustments by the user. In addition, color or gray value information that is needed for the approach can be automatically extracted around the user-defined seed point. Furthermore, the graph is constructed in such a way, so that a polynomial-time mincut computation can provide the segmentation result within a second on an up-to-date computer. The algorithm presented here has been evaluated with fixed seed points on 2D and 3D medical image data, such as brain tumors, cerebral aneurysms and vertebral bodies. Direct comparison of the obtained automatic segmentation results with costlier, manual slice-by-slice segmentations performed by trained physicians, suggest a strong medical relevance of this interactive approach. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Employing general fit-bases for construction of potential energy surfaces with an adaptive density-guided approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klinting, Emil Lund; Thomsen, Bo; Godtliebsen, Ian Heide; Christiansen, Ove

2018-02-01

We present an approach to treat sets of general fit-basis functions in a single uniform framework, where the functional form is supplied on input, i.e., the use of different functions does not require new code to be written. The fit-basis functions can be used to carry out linear fits to the grid of single points, which are generated with an adaptive density-guided approach (ADGA). A non-linear conjugate gradient method is used to optimize non-linear parameters if such are present in the fit-basis functions. This means that a set of fit-basis functions with the same inherent shape as the potential cuts can be requested and no other choices with regards to the fit-basis functions need to be taken. The general fit-basis framework is explored in relation to anharmonic potentials for model systems, diatomic molecules, water, and imidazole. The behaviour and performance of Morse and double-well fit-basis functions are compared to that of polynomial fit-basis functions for unsymmetrical single-minimum and symmetrical double-well potentials. Furthermore, calculations for water and imidazole were carried out using both normal coordinates and hybrid optimized and localized coordinates (HOLCs). Our results suggest that choosing a suitable set of fit-basis functions can improve the stability of the fitting routine and the overall efficiency of potential construction by lowering the number of single point calculations required for the ADGA. It is possible to reduce the number of terms in the potential by choosing the Morse and double-well fit-basis functions. These effects are substantial for normal coordinates but become even more pronounced if HOLCs are used.

Predictive parameters for return to pre-injury level of sport 6 months following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery.

PubMed

Müller, Ulrike; Krüger-Franke, Michael; Schmidt, Michael; Rosemeyer, Bernd

2015-12-01

The aim of the study was to find predictive parameters for a successful resumption of pre-injury level of sport 6 months post anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. In a prospective study, 40 patients with a ruptured ACL were surgically treated with semitendinosus tendon autograft. Six months after surgery, strength of knee extensors and flexors, four single-leg hop tests, Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury Scale (ACL-RSI), subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) 2000 and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11) were assessed. Seven months post-operatively, a standardized interview was conducted to identify "return to sport" (RS) and "non-return to sport" (nRS) patients. Logistic regression and "Receiver Operating Characteristic" (ROC) analyses were used to determine predictive parameters. No significant differences could be detected between RS and nRS patients concerning socio-demographic data, muscle tests, square hop and TSK-11. In nRS patients, the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) of single hop for distance (p = 0.005), crossover hop (p = 0.008) and triple hop (p = 0.001) were significantly lower, in addition to the ACL-RSI (p = 0.013) and IKDC 2000 (p = 0.037). The cut-off points for LSI single hop for distance were 75.4 % (sensitivity 0.74; specificity 0.88), and for ACL-RSI 51.3 points (sensitivity 0.97; specificity 0.63). Logistic regression distinguished between RS and nRS subjects (sensitivity 0.97; specificity 0.63). The single hop for distance and ACL-RSI were found to be the strongest predictive parameters, assessing both the objective functional and the subjective psychological aspects of returning to sport. Both tests may help to identify patients at risk of not returning to pre-injury sport. II.

Cut-Offs and Response Criteria for the Hospital Universitario La Princesa Index (HUPI) and Their Comparison to Widely-Used Indices of Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

PubMed

González-Álvaro, Isidoro; Castrejón, Isabel; Ortiz, Ana M; Toledano, Esther; Castañeda, Santos; García-Vadillo, Alberto; Carmona, Loreto

2016-01-01

To estimate cut-off points and to establish response criteria for the Hospital Universitario La Princesa Index (HUPI) in patients with chronic polyarthritis. Two cohorts, one of early arthritis (Princesa Early Arthritis Register Longitudinal [PEARL] study) and other of long-term rheumatoid arthritis (Estudio de la Morbilidad y Expresión Clínica de la Artritis Reumatoide [EMECAR]) including altogether 1200 patients were used to determine cut-off values for remission, and for low, moderate and high activity through receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. The areas under ROC (AUC) were compared to those of validated indexes (SDAI, CDAI, DAS28). ROC analysis was also applied to establish minimal and relevant clinical improvement for HUPI. The best cut-off points for HUPI are 2, 5 and 9, classifying RA activity as remission if ≤2, low disease activity if >2 and ≤5), moderate if >5 and <9 and high if ≥9. HUPI's AUC to discriminate between low-moderate activity was 0.909 and between moderate-high activity 0.887. DAS28's AUCs were 0.887 and 0.846, respectively; both indices had higher accuracy than SDAI (AUCs: 0.832 and 0.756) and CDAI (AUCs: 0.789 and 0.728). HUPI discriminates remission better than DAS28-ESR in early arthritis, but similarly to SDAI. The HUPI cut-off for minimal clinical improvement was established at 2 and for relevant clinical improvement at 4. Response criteria were established based on these cut-off values. The cut-offs proposed for HUPI perform adequately in patients with either early or long term arthritis.

Cut-Offs and Response Criteria for the Hospital Universitario La Princesa Index (HUPI) and Their Comparison to Widely-Used Indices of Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis

PubMed Central

Castrejón, Isabel; Ortiz, Ana M.; Toledano, Esther; Castañeda, Santos; García-Vadillo, Alberto; Carmona, Loreto

2016-01-01

Objective To estimate cut-off points and to establish response criteria for the Hospital Universitario La Princesa Index (HUPI) in patients with chronic polyarthritis. Methods Two cohorts, one of early arthritis (Princesa Early Arthritis Register Longitudinal [PEARL] study) and other of long-term rheumatoid arthritis (Estudio de la Morbilidad y Expresión Clínica de la Artritis Reumatoide [EMECAR]) including altogether 1200 patients were used to determine cut-off values for remission, and for low, moderate and high activity through receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. The areas under ROC (AUC) were compared to those of validated indexes (SDAI, CDAI, DAS28). ROC analysis was also applied to establish minimal and relevant clinical improvement for HUPI. Results The best cut-off points for HUPI are 2, 5 and 9, classifying RA activity as remission if ≤2, low disease activity if >2 and ≤5), moderate if >5 and <9 and high if ≥9. HUPI’s AUC to discriminate between low-moderate activity was 0.909 and between moderate-high activity 0.887. DAS28’s AUCs were 0.887 and 0.846, respectively; both indices had higher accuracy than SDAI (AUCs: 0.832 and 0.756) and CDAI (AUCs: 0.789 and 0.728). HUPI discriminates remission better than DAS28-ESR in early arthritis, but similarly to SDAI. The HUPI cut-off for minimal clinical improvement was established at 2 and for relevant clinical improvement at 4. Response criteria were established based on these cut-off values. Conclusions The cut-offs proposed for HUPI perform adequately in patients with either early or long term arthritis. PMID:27603313

The assessment of anorexia in patients with cancer: cut-off values for the FAACT-A/CS and the VAS for appetite.

PubMed

Blauwhoff-Buskermolen, S; Ruijgrok, C; Ostelo, R W; de Vet, H C W; Verheul, H M W; de van der Schueren, M A E; Langius, J A E

2016-02-01

Anorexia is a frequently observed symptom in patients with cancer and is associated with limited food intake and decreased quality of life. Diagnostic instruments such as the Anorexia/Cachexia Subscale (A/CS) of the Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy (FAACT) questionnaire and the visual analog scale (VAS) for appetite have been recommended in the assessment of anorexia, but validated cut-off values are lacking. This study aimed to obtain cut-off values of these instruments for the assessment of anorexia in patients with cancer. The FAACT-A/CS and the VAS for appetite were administered to patients with cancer before start of chemotherapy. As reference standard for anorexia, two external criteria were used: (1) a cut-off value of ≥2 on the anorexia symptom scale of the EORTC QLQ C-30 and (2) the question "Do you experience a decreased appetite?" (yes/no). ROC curves were used to examine the optimal cut-off values for the FAACT-A/CS and VAS. A total of 273 patients (58 % male; 64.0 ± 10.6 years) were included. The median score on the FAACT-A/CS was 38 (IQR 32-42) points and 77 (IQR 47-93) points on the VAS. Considering both external criteria, the optimal cut-off value for the FAACT-A/CS was ≤37 (sensitivity (se) 80 %, specificity (sp) 81 %, positive predictive value (PV(+)) 79 %, negative predictive value (PV(-)) 82 %) and for the VAS was ≤70 (se 76 %, sp 83 %, PV(+) 80 %, PV(-) 79 %). For the assessment of anorexia in patients with cancer, our study suggests cut-off values of ≤37 for the FAACT-A/CS and ≤70 for the VAS. Future studies should confirm our findings in other patient samples.

Mean Posterior Corneal Power and Astigmatism in Normal Versus Keratoconic Eyes.

PubMed

Feizi, Sepehr; Delfazayebaher, Siamak; Javadi, Mohammad Ali; Karimian, Farid; Ownagh, Vahid; Sadeghpour, Fatemeh

2018-01-01

To compare mean posterior corneal power and astigmatism in normal versus keratoconus affected eyes and determine the optimal cut-off points to maximize sensitivity and specificity in discriminating keratoconus from normal corneas. A total of 204 normal eyes and 142 keratoconus affected eyes were enrolled in this prospective comparative study. Mean posterior corneal power and astigmatism were measured using a dual Scheimpflug camera. Correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the relationship between the magnitudes of keratometric and posterior corneal astigmatism in the study groups. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the measured parameters and to identify the optimal cut-off points for discriminating keratoconus from normal corneas. The mean posterior corneal power was -6.29 ± 0.20 D in the normal group and -7.77 ± 0.87 D in the keratoconus group ( P < 0.001). The mean magnitudes of the posterior corneal astigmatisms were -0.32 ± 0.15 D and -0.94 ± 0.39 D in the normal and keratoconus groups, respectively ( P < 0.001). Significant correlations were found between the magnitudes of keratometric and posterior corneal astigmatism in the normal (r=-0.76, P < 0.001) and keratoconus (r=-0.72, P < 0.001) groups. The mean posterior corneal power and astigmatism were highly reliable characteristics that distinguished keratoconus from normal corneas (area under the curve, 0.99 and 0.95, respectively). The optimal cut-off points of mean posterior corneal power and astigmatism were -6.70 D and -0.54 D, respectively. Mean posterior corneal power and astigmatism measured using a Galilei analyzer camera might have potential in diagnosing keratoconus. The cut-off points provided can be used for keratoconus screening.

The efficacy and cost of alternative strategies for systematic screening for type 2 diabetes in the U.S. population 45-74 years of age.

PubMed

Johnson, Susan L; Tabaei, Bahman P; Herman, William H

2005-02-01

To simulate the outcomes of alternative strategies for screening the U.S. population 45-74 years of age for type 2 diabetes. We simulated screening with random plasma glucose (RPG) and cut points of 100, 130, and 160 mg/dl and a multivariate equation including RPG and other variables. Over 15 years, we simulated screening at intervals of 1, 3, and 5 years. All positive screening tests were followed by a diagnostic fasting plasma glucose or an oral glucose tolerance test. Outcomes include the numbers of false-negative, true-positive, and false-positive screening tests and the direct and indirect costs. At year 15, screening every 3 years with an RPG cut point of 100 mg/dl left 0.2 million false negatives, an RPG of 130 mg/dl or the equation left 1.3 million false negatives, and an RPG of 160 mg/dl left 2.8 million false negatives. Over 15 years, the absolute difference between the most sensitive and most specific screening strategy was 4.5 million true positives and 476 million false-positives. Strategies using RPG cut points of 130 mg/dl or the multivariate equation every 3 years identified 17.3 million true positives; however, the equation identified fewer false-positives. The total cost of the most sensitive screening strategy was $42.7 billion and that of the most specific strategy was $6.9 billion. Screening for type 2 diabetes every 3 years with an RPG cut point of 130 mg/dl or the multivariate equation provides good yield and minimizes false-positive screening tests and costs.

Comparison of anthropometric indices (body mass index, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio and waist to height ratio) in predicting risk of type II diabetes in the population of Yazd, Iran.

PubMed

Mirzaei, Masoud; Khajeh, Mohammad

2018-04-13

The purpose of this study was to determine the best anthropometric index and calculate the cut-off point for each anthropometric index in predicting the risk of type II diabetes in the population of Yazd city in Iran. The present analytical cross-sectional study was performed using the data from Yazd Health Study (YaHS) with a sample size of 9293. All required data including anthropometric indices BMI, WC, WHR, and WHtR were extracted from the YAHS questionnaire. The ROC curve was employed to compare the predictive power of each anthropometric index in the risk of developing the type II diabetes. WHtR in both genders had better predictive power for the risk of type II diabetes (AUC = 0.692 for males and AUC = 0.708 for females), and BMI showed a weaker predictive power (AUC = 0.603 for males and AUC = 0.632 for females), WC and WHR also revealed similar predictive power in the risk of type II diabetes. The cut-off point of BMI for predicting the risk of diabetes was almost identical in both genders (26.2 in males and 25.9 in females), the cut-off point of WC (91 cm), and WHtR (0.56) in males was lower than in the females (96 cm for WC and 0.605 for WHtR). The cut-off point of WHR in males (0.939) was higher than in females (0.892). The WHtR showed the best predictor of diabetes risk compared to other indices, and the BMI was the weakest predictor of the risk for diabetes. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Two-Step Approach for the Prediction of Future Type 2 Diabetes Risk

PubMed Central

Abdul-Ghani, Muhammad A.; Abdul-Ghani, Tamam; Stern, Michael P.; Karavic, Jasmina; Tuomi, Tiinamaija; Bo, Insoma; DeFronzo, Ralph A.; Groop, Leif

2011-01-01

OBJECTIVE To develop a model for the prediction of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk on the basis of a multivariate logistic model and 1-h plasma glucose concentration (1-h PG). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The model was developed in a cohort of 1,562 nondiabetic subjects from the San Antonio Heart Study (SAHS) and validated in 2,395 nondiabetic subjects in the Botnia Study. A risk score on the basis of anthropometric parameters, plasma glucose and lipid profile, and blood pressure was computed for each subject. Subjects with a risk score above a certain cut point were considered to represent high-risk individuals, and their 1-h PG concentration during the oral glucose tolerance test was used to further refine their future T2DM risk. RESULTS We used the San Antonio Diabetes Prediction Model (SADPM) to generate the initial risk score. A risk-score value of 0.065 was found to be an optimal cut point for initial screening and selection of high-risk individuals. A 1-h PG concentration >140 mg/dL in high-risk individuals (whose risk score was >0.065) was the optimal cut point for identification of subjects at increased risk. The two cut points had 77.8, 77.4, and 44.8% (for the SAHS) and 75.8, 71.6, and 11.9% (for the Botnia Study) sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value, respectively, in the SAHS and Botnia Study. CONCLUSIONS A two-step model, based on the combination of the SADPM and 1-h PG, is a useful tool for the identification of high-risk Mexican-American and Caucasian individuals. PMID:21788628

An Analytical Study on an Orthodontic Index: Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON)

PubMed Central

Torkan, Sepide; Pakshir, Hamid Reza; Fattahi, Hamid Reza; Oshagh, Morteza; Momeni Danaei, Shahla; Salehi, Parisa; Hedayati, Zohreh

2015-01-01

Statement of the Problem The validity of the Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON) which is an orthodontic index developed and introduced in 2000 should be studied in different ethnic groups. Purpose The aim of this study was to perform an analysis on the ICON and to verify whether this index is valid for assessing both the need and complexity of orthodontic treatment in Iran. Materials and Method Five orthodontists were asked to score pre-treatment diagnostic records of 100 patients with a uniform distribution of different types of malocclusions determined by Dental Health Component of the Index of Treatment Need. A calibrated examiner also assessed the need for orthodontic treatment and complexity of the cases based on the ICON index as well as the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). 10 days later, 25% of the cases were re-scored by the panel of experts and the calibrated orthodontist. Results The weighted kappa revealed the inter-examiner reliability of the experts to be 0.63 and 0.51 for the need and complexity components, respectively. ROC curve was used to assess the validity of the index. A new cut-off point was adjusted at 35 in lieu of 43 as the suggested cut-off point. This cut-off point showed the highest level of sensitivity and specificity in our society for orthodontic treatment need (0.77 and 0.78, respectively), but it failed to define definite ranges for the complexity of treatment. Conclusion ICON is a valid index in assessing the need for treatment in Iran when the cut-off point is adjusted to 35. As for complexity of treatment, the index is not validated for our society. It seems that ICON is a well-suited substitute for the IOTN index. PMID:26331142

Handgrip Strength as a Predictor of Nutritional Status in Chinese Elderly Inpatients at Hospital Admission.

PubMed

Zhang, Xin Sheng; Liu, Ying Hua; Zhang, Yong; Xu, Qing; Yu, Xiao Ming; Yang, Xue Yan; Liu, Zhao; Li, Hui Zi; Li, Feng; Xue, Chang Yong

2017-11-01

To assess nutritional status and define gender- and age-specific handgrip strength (HGS) cut-point values for malnutrition or nutritional risk in elderly inpatients. A cross-sectional study of 1,343 elderly inpatients was conducted in the Chinese PLA General Hospital. Nutrition Risk Screening (NRS 2002) and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) were administered. Anthropometric measurements and blood biochemical indicators were obtained using standard techniques. The gender- and age-specific receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate the HGS for nutritional status by SGA and NRS 2002. Sensitivity, specificity, and areas under the curves (AUCs) were calculated. According to NRS 2002 and SGA, 63.81% of elderly inpatients were at nutritional risk and 28.22% were malnourished. Patients with higher HGS had an independently decreased risk of malnutrition and nutritional risk. The AUCs varied between 0.670 and 0.761. According to NRS 2002, the optimal HGS cut-points were 27.5 kg (65-74 years) and 21.0 kg (75-90 years) for men and 17.0 kg (65-74 years) and 14.6 kg (75-90 years) for women. According to SGA, the optimal HGS cut-points were 24.9 kg (65-74 years) and 20.8 kg (75-90 years) for men and 15.2 kg (65-74 years) and 13.5 kg (75-90 years) for women. Elderly inpatients had increased incidence of malnutrition or nutritional risk. HGS cut-points can be used for assessing nutritional status in elderly inpatients at hospital admission in China. Copyright © 2017 The Editorial Board of Biomedical and Environmental Sciences. Published by China CDC. All rights reserved.

Ethnic dependent differences in diagnostic accuracy of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in Canadian adults.

PubMed

Booth, Ronald A; Jiang, Ying; Morrison, Howard; Orpana, Heather; Rogers Van Katwyk, Susan; Lemieux, Chantal

2018-02-01

Previous studies have shown varying sensitivity and specificity of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) to identify diabetes and prediabetes, compared to 2-h oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), in different ethnic groups. Within the Canadian population, the ability of HbA1c to identify prediabetes and diabetes in First Nations, Métis and Inuit, East and South Asian ethnic groups has yet to be determined. We collected demographic, lifestyle information, biochemical results of glycemic status (FPG, OGTT, and HbA1c) from an ethnically diverse Canadian population sample, which included a purposeful sampling of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, South Asian and East Asian participants. Sensitivity and specificity using Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) recommended cut-points varied between ethnic groups, with greater variability for identification of prediabetes than diabetes. Dysglycemia (prediabetes and diabetes) was identified with a sensitivity and specificity ranging from 47.1% to 87.5%, respectively in Caucasians to 24.1% and 88.8% in Inuit. Optimal HbA1c ethnic-specific cut-points for dysglycemia and diabetes were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Our sample showed broad differences in the ability of HbA1c to identify dysglycemia or diabetes in different ethnic groups. Optimal cut-points for dysglycemia or diabetes in all ethnic groups were substantially lower than CDA recommendations. Utilization of HbA1c as the sole biochemical diagnostic marker may produce varying degrees of false negative results depending on the ethnicity of screened individuals. Further research is necessary to identify and validate optimal ethnic specific cut-points used for diabetic screening in the Canadian population. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Depression and anxiety in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: prevalence rates based on a comparison of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) and the hospital, Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

PubMed

Covic, Tanya; Cumming, Steven R; Pallant, Julie F; Manolios, Nick; Emery, Paul; Conaghan, Philip G; Tennant, Alan

2012-01-24

While it is recognised that depression is prevalent in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), recent studies have also highlighted significant levels of anxiety in RA patients. This study compared two commonly used scales, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), in relation to their measurement range and cut points to consider the relative prevalence of both constructs, and if prevalence rates may be due to scale-specific case definition. Patients meeting the criteria for RA were recruited in Leeds, UK and Sydney, Australia and asked to complete a survey that included both scales. The data was analysed using the Rasch measurement model. A total of 169 RA patients were assessed, with a repeat subsample, resulting in 323 cases for analysis. Both scales met Rasch model expectations. Using the 'possible+probable' cut point from the HADS, 58.3% had neither anxiety nor depression; 13.5% had anxiety only; 6.4% depression only and 21.8% had both 'possible+probable' anxiety and depression. Cut points for depression were comparable across the two scales while a lower cut point for anxiety in the DASS was required to equate prevalence. This study provides further support for high prevalence of depression and anxiety in RA. It also shows that while these two scales provide a good indication of possible depression and anxiety, the estimates of prevalence so derived could vary, particularly for anxiety. These findings are discussed in terms of comparisons across studies and selection of scales for clinical use.

Depression and anxiety in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: prevalence rates based on a comparison of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) and the hospital, Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background While it is recognised that depression is prevalent in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), recent studies have also highlighted significant levels of anxiety in RA patients. This study compared two commonly used scales, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), in relation to their measurement range and cut points to consider the relative prevalence of both constructs, and if prevalence rates may be due to scale-specific case definition. Methods Patients meeting the criteria for RA were recruited in Leeds, UK and Sydney, Australia and asked to complete a survey that included both scales. The data was analysed using the Rasch measurement model. Results A total of 169 RA patients were assessed, with a repeat subsample, resulting in 323 cases for analysis. Both scales met Rasch model expectations. Using the 'possible+probable' cut point from the HADS, 58.3% had neither anxiety nor depression; 13.5% had anxiety only; 6.4% depression only and 21.8% had both 'possible+probable' anxiety and depression. Cut points for depression were comparable across the two scales while a lower cut point for anxiety in the DASS was required to equate prevalence. Conclusions This study provides further support for high prevalence of depression and anxiety in RA. It also shows that while these two scales provide a good indication of possible depression and anxiety, the estimates of prevalence so derived could vary, particularly for anxiety. These findings are discussed in terms of comparisons across studies and selection of scales for clinical use. PMID:22269280

Hip and Wrist Accelerometer Algorithms for Free-Living Behavior Classification.

PubMed

Ellis, Katherine; Kerr, Jacqueline; Godbole, Suneeta; Staudenmayer, John; Lanckriet, Gert

2016-05-01

Accelerometers are a valuable tool for objective measurement of physical activity (PA). Wrist-worn devices may improve compliance over standard hip placement, but more research is needed to evaluate their validity for measuring PA in free-living settings. Traditional cut-point methods for accelerometers can be inaccurate and need testing in free living with wrist-worn devices. In this study, we developed and tested the performance of machine learning (ML) algorithms for classifying PA types from both hip and wrist accelerometer data. Forty overweight or obese women (mean age = 55.2 ± 15.3 yr; BMI = 32.0 ± 3.7) wore two ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers (right hip, nondominant wrist; ActiGraph, Pensacola, FL) for seven free-living days. Wearable cameras captured ground truth activity labels. A classifier consisting of a random forest and hidden Markov model classified the accelerometer data into four activities (sitting, standing, walking/running, and riding in a vehicle). Free-living wrist and hip ML classifiers were compared with each other, with traditional accelerometer cut points, and with an algorithm developed in a laboratory setting. The ML classifier obtained average values of 89.4% and 84.6% balanced accuracy over the four activities using the hip and wrist accelerometer, respectively. In our data set with average values of 28.4 min of walking or running per day, the ML classifier predicted average values of 28.5 and 24.5 min of walking or running using the hip and wrist accelerometer, respectively. Intensity-based cut points and the laboratory algorithm significantly underestimated walking minutes. Our results demonstrate the superior performance of our PA-type classification algorithm, particularly in comparison with traditional cut points. Although the hip algorithm performed better, additional compliance achieved with wrist devices might justify using a slightly lower performing algorithm.

Elderly fall risk prediction using static posturography

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Maintaining and controlling postural balance is important for activities of daily living, with poor postural balance being predictive of future falls. This study investigated eyes open and eyes closed standing posturography with elderly adults to identify differences and determine appropriate outcome measure cut-off scores for prospective faller, single-faller, multi-faller, and non-faller classifications. 100 older adults (75.5 ± 6.7 years) stood quietly with eyes open and then eyes closed while Wii Balance Board data were collected. Range in anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) center of pressure (CoP) motion; AP and ML CoP root mean square distance from mean (RMS); and AP, ML, and vector sum magnitude (VSM) CoP velocity were calculated. Romberg Quotients (RQ) were calculated for all parameters. Participants reported six-month fall history and six-month post-assessment fall occurrence. Groups were retrospective fallers (24), prospective all fallers (42), prospective fallers (22 single, 6 multiple), and prospective non-fallers (47). Non-faller RQ AP range and RQ AP RMS differed from prospective all fallers, fallers, and single fallers. Non-faller eyes closed AP velocity, eyes closed VSM velocity, RQ AP velocity, and RQ VSM velocity differed from multi-fallers. RQ calculations were particularly relevant for elderly fall risk assessments. Cut-off scores from Clinical Cut-off Score, ROC curves, and discriminant functions were clinically viable for multi-faller classification and provided better accuracy than single-faller classification. RQ AP range with cut-off score 1.64 could be used to screen for older people who may fall once. Prospective multi-faller classification with a discriminant function (-1.481 + 0.146 x Eyes Closed AP Velocity—0.114 x Eyes Closed Vector Sum Magnitude Velocity—2.027 x RQ AP Velocity + 2.877 x RQ Vector Sum Magnitude Velocity) and cut-off score 0.541 achieved an accuracy of 84.9% and is viable as a screening tool for older people at risk of multiple falls. PMID:28222191

Elderly fall risk prediction using static posturography.

PubMed

Howcroft, Jennifer; Lemaire, Edward D; Kofman, Jonathan; McIlroy, William E

2017-01-01

Maintaining and controlling postural balance is important for activities of daily living, with poor postural balance being predictive of future falls. This study investigated eyes open and eyes closed standing posturography with elderly adults to identify differences and determine appropriate outcome measure cut-off scores for prospective faller, single-faller, multi-faller, and non-faller classifications. 100 older adults (75.5 ± 6.7 years) stood quietly with eyes open and then eyes closed while Wii Balance Board data were collected. Range in anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) center of pressure (CoP) motion; AP and ML CoP root mean square distance from mean (RMS); and AP, ML, and vector sum magnitude (VSM) CoP velocity were calculated. Romberg Quotients (RQ) were calculated for all parameters. Participants reported six-month fall history and six-month post-assessment fall occurrence. Groups were retrospective fallers (24), prospective all fallers (42), prospective fallers (22 single, 6 multiple), and prospective non-fallers (47). Non-faller RQ AP range and RQ AP RMS differed from prospective all fallers, fallers, and single fallers. Non-faller eyes closed AP velocity, eyes closed VSM velocity, RQ AP velocity, and RQ VSM velocity differed from multi-fallers. RQ calculations were particularly relevant for elderly fall risk assessments. Cut-off scores from Clinical Cut-off Score, ROC curves, and discriminant functions were clinically viable for multi-faller classification and provided better accuracy than single-faller classification. RQ AP range with cut-off score 1.64 could be used to screen for older people who may fall once. Prospective multi-faller classification with a discriminant function (-1.481 + 0.146 x Eyes Closed AP Velocity-0.114 x Eyes Closed Vector Sum Magnitude Velocity-2.027 x RQ AP Velocity + 2.877 x RQ Vector Sum Magnitude Velocity) and cut-off score 0.541 achieved an accuracy of 84.9% and is viable as a screening tool for older people at risk of multiple falls.

Graph cuts via l1 norm minimization.

PubMed

Bhusnurmath, Arvind; Taylor, Camillo J

2008-10-01

Graph cuts have become an increasingly important tool for solving a number of energy minimization problems in computer vision and other fields. In this paper, the graph cut problem is reformulated as an unconstrained l1 norm minimization that can be solved effectively using interior point methods. This reformulation exposes connections between the graph cuts and other related continuous optimization problems. Eventually the problem is reduced to solving a sequence of sparse linear systems involving the Laplacian of the underlying graph. The proposed procedure exploits the structure of these linear systems in a manner that is easily amenable to parallel implementations. Experimental results obtained by applying the procedure to graphs derived from image processing problems are provided.

Using fuzzy models in machining control system and assessment of sustainability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grinek, A. V.; Boychuk, I. P.; Dantsevich, I. M.

2018-03-01

Description of the complex relationship of the optimum velocity with the temperature-strength state in the cutting zone for machining a fuzzy model is proposed. The fuzzy-logical conclusion allows determining the processing speed, which ensures effective, from the point of view of ensuring the quality of the surface layer, the temperature in the cutting zone and the maximum allowable cutting force. A scheme for stabilizing the temperature-strength state in the cutting zone using a nonlinear fuzzy PD–controller is proposed. The stability of the nonlinear system is estimated with the help of grapho–analytical realization of the method of harmonic balance and by modeling in MatLab.

An Analysis of the Effects of Chip-groove Geometry on Machining Performance Using Finite Element Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ee, K. C.; Dillon, O. W.; Jawahir, I. S.

2004-06-01

This paper discusses the influence of major chip-groove parameters of a cutting tool on the chip formation process in orthogonal machining using finite element (FE) methods. In the FE formulation, a thermal elastic-viscoplastic material model is used together with a modified Johnson-Cook material law for the flow stress. The chip back-flow angle and the chip up-curl radius are calculated for a range of cutting conditions by varying the chip-groove parameters. The analysis provides greater understanding of the effectiveness of chip-groove configurations and points a way to correlate cutting conditions with tool-wear when machining with a grooved cutting tool.

Fundamental studies on a novel die concept for round-point shear-clinching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hörhold, Réjane; Müller, Martin; Merklein, Marion; Meschut, Gerson

2016-10-01

A newly-developed round-point shear-clinching technology could increase the use of different materials like well formable aluminium and hardly formable ultra-high-strength steels (UHSS). This innovative technology joins in a single-stage process without any pilot-hole, surface pre-treatment or auxiliary joining part. The combination of an inner and outer punch realises an indirect cutting operation of the die-sided material, whereas the punch-sided material remains unharmed. The current die-sided tool set acts as a cutting die and enables a radial extrusion of the punch-sided material after being drawn though the created hole in the UHSS. The die has a fixed die depth. After ejecting the joined components, the slug has to be removed from the top of the spring-loaded anvil. The novel die concept investigated in this paper offers the possibility to push the slug continuously through the die in the joining direction. The removed slugs remain inside the die, so manual removal is unnecessary. The one-parted tool is supposed to be more robust than the multi-parted one that is currently used. This paper represents the task to evaluate the geometry of a useful shear-clinching die concept. To reduce the experimental effort, FEM should assist the development of the most promising approach. To quantify the success, conventional shear-clinching with opening die acts as a reference. The results show the high potential and the raison d'être of shear-clinching technologies as a mechanical joining technology for future multimaterial applications especially for UHSS.

Establishing cephalometric landmarks for the translational study of Le Fort-based facial transplantation in Swine: enhanced applications using computer-assisted surgery and custom cutting guides.

PubMed

Santiago, Gabriel F; Susarla, Srinivas M; Al Rakan, Mohammed; Coon, Devin; Rada, Erin M; Sarhane, Karim A; Shores, Jamie T; Bonawitz, Steven C; Cooney, Damon; Sacks, Justin; Murphy, Ryan J; Fishman, Elliot K; Brandacher, Gerald; Lee, W P Andrew; Liacouras, Peter; Grant, Gerald; Armand, Mehran; Gordon, Chad R

2014-05-01

Le Fort-based, maxillofacial allotransplantation is a reconstructive alternative gaining clinical acceptance. However, the vast majority of single-jaw transplant recipients demonstrate less-than-ideal skeletal and dental relationships, with suboptimal aesthetic harmony. The purpose of this study was to investigate reproducible cephalometric landmarks in a large-animal model, where refinement of computer-assisted planning, intraoperative navigational guidance, translational bone osteotomies, and comparative surgical techniques could be performed. Cephalometric landmarks that could be translated into the human craniomaxillofacial skeleton, and that would remain reliable following maxillofacial osteotomies with midfacial alloflap inset, were sought on six miniature swine. Le Fort I- and Le Fort III-based alloflaps were harvested in swine with osteotomies, and all alloflaps were either autoreplanted or transplanted. Cephalometric analyses were performed on lateral cephalograms preoperatively and postoperatively. Critical cephalometric data sets were identified with the assistance of surgical planning and virtual prediction software and evaluated for reliability and translational predictability. Several pertinent landmarks and human analogues were identified, including pronasale, zygion, parietale, gonion, gnathion, lower incisor base, and alveolare. Parietale-pronasale-alveolare and parietale-pronasale-lower incisor base were found to be reliable correlates of sellion-nasion-A point angle and sellion-nasion-B point angle measurements in humans, respectively. There is a set of reliable cephalometric landmarks and measurement angles pertinent for use within a translational large-animal model. These craniomaxillofacial landmarks will enable development of novel navigational software technology, improve cutting guide designs, and facilitate exploration of new avenues for investigation and collaboration.

What Should Be the Cut Point for Classification Criteria of Studies in Gout? A Conjoint Analysis.

PubMed

Fransen, Jaap; Kievit, Wietske; Neogi, Tuhina; Schumacher, Ralph; Jansen, Tim; Dalbeth, Nicola; Taylor, William J

2016-11-01

To determine the acceptable level of positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for classification criteria for gout, given the type of study. We conducted an international web-based survey with 91 general practitioners and rheumatologists experienced in gout. Conjoint analysis was used as the framework for designing and analyzing pairs of 2 profiles, each describing a study type, a PPV, and an NPV. There were 5 study types presented: a phase III randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug versus prednisone for acute gout flares, a phase III RCT of a biologic agent for acute gout flares, a phase II RCT of a novel uricosuric drug of unknown efficacy and limited toxicity data, a case-control, genome-wide association study of gout, and a cohort study examining long-term outcomes of gout. PPV and NPV both had 5 levels ranging from 60-99%. The panelists in majority were male (65%) rheumatologists (93%) with an average of 19 years of practice, seeing 5 to 60 gout patients monthly. PPV was most highly weighted in decision making: the relative importance was 59% for PPV, 29% for NPV, and 13% for study type. The preferred PPV was 90% or 80%, with an accompanying NPV of 70% or 80%, dependent on study type. Preferred PPVs and NPVs range between 70% and 90% and differ by study type. A single cut point can be a reasonable approach for all study types if a PPV of 90% and NPV of 80% is approximated. © 2016, American College of Rheumatology.

Stand, Harvest, and Equipment Interactions in Simulated Harvesting Prescriptions

Treesearch

Jingxin Wang; W. Dale Greene; Bryce J. Stokes

1998-01-01

We evaluated potential interactions of stand type, harvesting method, and equipment in an experiment using interactive simulation. We examined three felling methods (chain saw, feller-buncher, harvester) and two extraction methods (grapple skidder and forwarder) performing clearcuts, sheltenvood cuts, and single-tree selection cuts in both an uneven-aged natural stand...

Electrosurgical device for both mechanical cutting and coagulation of bleeding

DOEpatents

Doss, James D.; McCabe, Charles W.

1987-01-01

Bipolar electrical coagulation of tissue using radio-frequency energy is combined with the functions of conventional surgical pressure tissue cutting instruments without significant modification thereof in a single instrument with the result that a surgeon can perform both procedures without having to redirect his attention from the area of the surgery.

Electrosurgical device for both mechanical cutting and coagulation of bleeding

DOEpatents

Doss, J.D.; McCabe, C.W.

1985-02-08

Bipolar electrical coagulation of tissue using radiofrequency energy is combined with the functions of conventional surgical pressure tissue cutting instruments without significant modification thereof in a single instrument with the result that a surgeon can perform both procedures without having to redirect his attention from the area of the surgery. 4 figs.

9 CFR 317.344 - Identification of major cuts of meat products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... products. 317.344 Section 317.344 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE... 82165, Dec. 29, 2010. The major cuts of single-ingredient, raw meat products are: Beef chuck blade roast, beef loin top loin steak, beef rib roast large end, beef round eye round steak, beef round top round...

9 CFR 317.344 - Identification of major cuts of meat products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... products. 317.344 Section 317.344 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE... major cuts of single-ingredient, raw meat products are: Beef chuck blade roast, beef loin top loin steak, beef rib roast large end, beef round eye round steak, beef round top round steak, beef round tip roast...

Local Revenues for Schools: Limits and Options in California

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perry, Mary; Edwards, Brian

2009-01-01

With K-12 schools representing the single largest expenditure in the state budget, education funding has been a central issue throughout the chaos that has recently characterized California's budget process. School districts throughout California have endured deep cuts in state funding, and more cuts are looming. But state law severely limits the…

Single crystal growth and nonlinear optical properties of Nd3+ doped STGS crystal for self-frequency-doubling application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Feifei; Wang, Lijuan; Wang, Xinle; Cheng, Xiufeng; Yu, Fapeng; Wang, Zhengping; Zhao, Xian

2017-11-01

The self-frequency-doubling crystal is an important kind of multi-functional crystal materials. In this work, Nd3+ doped Sr3TaGa3Si2O14 (Nd:STGS) single crystals were successfully grown by using Czochralski pulling method, in addition, the nonlinear and laser-frequency-doubling properties of Nd:STGS crystals were studied. The continuous-wave laser at 1064 nm was demonstrated along different physical axes, where the maximum output power was obtained to be 295 mW for the Z-cut samples, much higher than the Y-cut (242 mW) and X-cut (217 mW) samples. Based on the measured refractive indexes, the phase matching directions were discussed and determined for type I (42.5°, 30°) and type II (69.5°, 0°) crystal cuts. As expected, self-frequency-doubling green laser at 529 nm was achieved with output powers being around 16 mW and 12 mW for type I and type II configurations, respectively.

Analysis about diamond tool wear in nano-metric cutting of single crystal silicon using molecular dynamics method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhiguo; Liang, Yingchun; Chen, Mingjun; Tong, Zhen; Chen, Jiaxuan

2010-10-01

Tool wear not only changes its geometry accuracy and integrity, but also decrease machining precision and surface integrity of workpiece that affect using performance and service life of workpiece in ultra-precision machining. Scholars made a lot of experimental researches and stimulant analyses, but there is a great difference on the wear mechanism, especially on the nano-scale wear mechanism. In this paper, the three-dimensional simulation model is built to simulate nano-metric cutting of a single crystal silicon with a non-rigid right-angle diamond tool with 0 rake angle and 0 clearance angle by the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation approach, which is used to investigate the diamond tool wear during the nano-metric cutting process. A Tersoff potential is employed for the interaction between carbon-carbon atoms, silicon-silicon atoms and carbon-silicon atoms. The tool gets the high alternating shear stress, the tool wear firstly presents at the cutting edge where intension is low. At the corner the tool is splitted along the {1 1 1} crystal plane, which forms the tipping. The wear at the flank face is the structure transformation of diamond that the diamond structure transforms into the sheet graphite structure. Owing to the tool wear the cutting force increases.

Investigation of Cutting Quality of Remote DOE Laser Cutting in 0.5 mm Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villumsen, Sigurd Lazic; Kristiansen, Morten

It has previously been shown that the stability of the remote fusion cutting (RFC) process can be increased by modifying the intensity profile of the laser by means of a diffractive optical element (DOE). This paper investigates the quality of remote DOE cutting (RDC) conducted with a 3 kW single mode fiber laser in 0.5 mm stainless steel. An automatic measurement system is used to investigate how the travel speed, focus offset and angle of incidence effect the kerf width and kerf variance. The study shows that the RDC process has a very low kerf width variance, and that the kerf width decreases with cutting speed. Furthermore, selected etched samples show a significant increase in the perpendicularity of the cuts when compared to RFC. Also, on average, the depth of the layer of molten material for RFC is 83% deeper than for RDC.

Precut cornea for Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty: experience at a single eye bank.

PubMed

Mohamed, Ashik; Chaurasia, Sunita; Chandragiri, Venkataswamy; Kandhibanda, Srinivas; Gunnam, Srinivas; Garg, Prashant

2017-06-01

The aim of the study is to describe the experience with precut facility for endothelial keratoplasty at a single eye bank affiliated to a tertiary eye care center in India. Data on precut tissues from Nov 2012 to Dec 2014 were retrospectively reviewed from the electronic database of the eye bank of a tertiary eye care center in South India. Donor characteristic data including donor age, precut and postcut endothelial cell density (ECD), recipient age, and thickness of graft were collected. The number of precuts increased from 42 in 2012 (Nov and Dec) and 422 in 2013 to 584 in 2014. Of the total of 1048 precuts, seven (0.67 %) were miscut and could not be utilized for transplants. The donor age ranged from 2 to 89 years. A mean change of 43.6 ± 325.2 cells/mm 2 in ECD was noted after cut, proportional increase in mean being 1.9 %. The change in ECD after cut was negatively correlated with ECD before cut. The recipient age ranged from 1 to 89 years. The median thickness of donor lenticule after cut was 148 µm (interquartile range 131-166 µm). Analysis of precut donor corneas from a single eye bank shows that the ECD of the processed tissues was excellent for transplantation. The tissue wastage in the hands of eye bank personal was minimal.

Multiple-objective optimization in precision laser cutting of different thermoplastics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamrin, K. F.; Nukman, Y.; Choudhury, I. A.; Shirley, S.

2015-04-01

Thermoplastics are increasingly being used in biomedical, automotive and electronics industries due to their excellent physical and chemical properties. Due to the localized and non-contact process, use of lasers for cutting could result in precise cut with small heat-affected zone (HAZ). Precision laser cutting involving various materials is important in high-volume manufacturing processes to minimize operational cost, error reduction and improve product quality. This study uses grey relational analysis to determine a single optimized set of cutting parameters for three different thermoplastics. The set of the optimized processing parameters is determined based on the highest relational grade and was found at low laser power (200 W), high cutting speed (0.4 m/min) and low compressed air pressure (2.5 bar). The result matches with the objective set in the present study. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is then carried out to ascertain the relative influence of process parameters on the cutting characteristics. It was found that the laser power has dominant effect on HAZ for all thermoplastics.

Experimental and theoretical investigations of non-centrosymmetric 8-hydroxyquinolinium dibenzoyl-(L)-tartrate methanol monohydrate single crystal

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

Sudharsana, N.; Krishnakumar, V.; Nagalakshmi, R., E-mail: nagaphys@yahoo.com

Graphical abstract: ORTEP diagram of HQDBT. - Highlights: • Single crystal XRD and NMR studies confirm the formation of the title compound. • SHG efficiency was found to be 0.6 times that of KDP. • First-order hyperpolarizability (β) was calculated using HF and B3LYP methods. - Abstract: A novel 8-hydroxyquinolinium dibenzoyl-(L)-tartrate methanol monohydrate crystal has been grown by slow evaporation technique. The single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis has been done for the title compound and is found to crystallize in orthorhombic space group P2{sub 1}2{sub 1}2{sub 1}. The optical absorption cut-off wavelength is found to be 440 nm. The vibrationalmore » analysis has been carried out to assess the functional groups present in the title compound. The molecular structure of the title compound has been confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric, differential scanning calorimetric and differential thermal analyses reveal the melting point and thermal stability of the title compound. The second harmonic generation efficiency is confirmed by Kurtz–Perry powder technique. Further quantum chemical calculations are performed using Gaussian 03 software.« less

IN VITRO FLOW ANALYSIS OF NOVEL DOUBLE-CUTTING, OPEN-PORT, ULTRAHIGH-SPEED VITRECTOMY SYSTEMS.

PubMed

Zehetner, Claus; Moelgg, Marion; Bechrakis, Emmanouil; Linhart, Caroline; Bechrakis, Nikolaos E

2017-10-09

To analyze the performance and flow characteristics of novel double-cutting, open-port, 23-, 25-, and 27-gauge ultrahigh-speed vitrectomy systems. In vitro fluidic measurements were performed to assess the volumetric aspiration profiles of several vitrectomy systems in basic salt solution and egg white. Double-cutting open-port vitrectomy probes delivered stable aspiration flow rates that were less prone to flow variation affected by the cutting speed. Increase in cutting frequency to the maximum level resulted in flow reduction of less than 10% (0.0%-9.5%). Commercially available 23-, 25-, and 27-G double-cutting probes exhibited higher egg-white and basic salt solution flow rates at all evaluated cut rates, with aspirational efficiencies being 1.1 to 2.9 times the flow rates of standard single-blade vitrectomy probes of the same caliber at the maximum preset vacuum. The highest relative differences were observed at faster cut rates. The newly introduced double-cutting open-port vitrectomy probes delivered stable aspiration flow rates that were less prone to flow variation affected by the cutting speed. The fluidic principle of constant flow even at the highest cut rates and low vacuum levels might impact surgical strategies, especially when performing manipulations close to the retina.

Enhancement of low power CO2 laser cutting process for injection molded polycarbonate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moradi, Mahmoud; Mehrabi, Omid; Azdast, Taher; Benyounis, Khaled Y.

2017-11-01

Laser cutting technology is a non-contact process that typically is used for industrial manufacturing applications. Laser cut quality is strongly influenced by the cutting processing parameters. In this research, CO2 laser cutting specifications have been investigated by using design of experiments (DOE) with considering laser cutting speed, laser power and focal plane position as process input parameters and kerf geometry dimensions (i.e. top and bottom kerf width, ratio of the upper kerf to lower kerf, upper heat affected zone (HAZ)) and surface roughness of the kerf wall as process output responses. A 60 Watts CO2 laser cutting machine is used for cutting the injection molded samples of polycarbonate sheet with the thickness of 3.2 mm. Results reveal that by decreasing the laser focal plane position and laser power, the bottom kerf width will be decreased. Also the bottom kerf width decreases by increasing the cutting speed. As a general result, locating the laser spot point in the depth of the workpiece the laser cutting quality increases. Minimum value of the responses (top kerf, heat affected zone, ratio of the upper kerf to lower kerf, and surface roughness) are considered as optimization criteria. Validating the theoretical results using the experimental tests is carried out in order to analyze the results obtained via software.

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and a single screening question as screening tools for depressive disorder in Dutch advanced cancer patients.

PubMed

Warmenhoven, Franca; van Rijswijk, Eric; Engels, Yvonne; Kan, Cornelis; Prins, Judith; van Weel, Chris; Vissers, Kris

2012-02-01

Depression is highly prevalent in advanced cancer patients, but the diagnosis of depressive disorder in patients with advanced cancer is difficult. Screening instruments could facilitate diagnosing depressive disorder in patients with advanced cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the validity of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and a single screening question as screening tools for depressive disorder in advanced cancer patients. Patients with advanced metastatic disease, visiting the outpatient palliative care department, were asked to fill out a self-questionnaire containing the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and a single screening question "Are you feeling depressed?" The mood section of the PRIME-MD was used as a gold standard. Sixty-one patients with advanced metastatic disease were eligible to be included in the study. Complete data were obtained from 46 patients. The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristics analysis of the BDI-II was 0.82. The optimal cut-off point of the BDI-II was 16 with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 69%. The single screening question showed a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 94%. The BDI-II seems an adequate screening tool for a depressive disorder in advanced cancer patients. The sensitivity of a single screening question is poor.

Greater Hip Extension but Not Hip Abduction Explosive Strength Is Associated With Lesser Hip Adduction and Knee Valgus Motion During a Single-Leg Jump-Cut

PubMed Central

Cronin, Baker; Johnson, Samuel T.; Chang, Eunwook; Pollard, Christine D.; Norcross, Marc F.

2016-01-01

Background: The relationships between hip abductor and extensor strength and frontal plane hip and knee motions that are associated with anterior cruciate ligament injury risk are equivocal. However, previous research on these relationships has evaluated relatively low-level movement tasks and peak torque rather than a time-critical strength measure such as the rate of torque development (RTD). Hypothesis: Females with greater hip abduction and extension RTD would exhibit lesser frontal plane hip and knee motion during a single-leg jump-cutting task. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Forty recreationally active females performed maximal isometric contractions and single-leg jump-cuts. From recorded torque data, hip extension and abduction RTD was calculated from torque onset to 200 ms after onset. Three-dimensional motion analysis was used to quantify frontal plane hip and knee kinematics during the movement task. For each RTD measure, jump-cut biomechanics were compared between participants in the highest (high) and lowest (low) RTD tertiles. Results: No differences in frontal plane hip and knee kinematics were identified between high and low hip abduction RTD groups. However, those in the high hip extension RTD group exhibited lower hip adduction (high, 3.8° ± 3.0°; low, 6.5° ± 3.0°; P = .019) and knee valgus (high, –2.5° ± 2.3°; low, –4.4° ± 3.2°; P = .046) displacements during the jump-cut. Conclusion: In movements such as cutting that are performed with the hip in a relatively abducted and flexed position, the ability of the gluteus medius to control hip adduction may be compromised. However, the gluteus maximus, functioning as a hip abductor, may take on a pivotal role in controlling hip adduction and knee valgus motion during these types of tasks. Clinical Relevance: Training with a specific emphasis on increasing explosive strength of the hip extensors may be a means through which to improve frontal plane hip and knee control during high-risk maneuvers such as cutting. PMID:27104207

Measures of body adiposity and visceral adiposity index as predictors of metabolic syndrome among Thai women with PCOS.

PubMed

Techatraisak, Kitirat; Wongmeerit, Krissanee; Dangrat, Chongdee; Wongwananuruk, Thanyarat; Indhavivadhana, Suchada

2016-01-01

To evaluate the relationship between measures of body adiposity and visceral adiposity index (VAI) and risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) and to identify the optimal cut-off points of each measurement in Thai polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A cross-sectional study was completed physical examination, fasting plasma glucose, lipid profiles of 399 PCOS and 42 age-matched normal controls. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and VAI were calculated. Associations between different measures and MS were evaluated and the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to determine appropriate cut-off points for identifying MS. Percentage of MS in PCOS was 24.6%, whereas none MS in controls. Previously recommended cut-off values for body adiposity and VAI were significantly associated with MS. ROC curve analysis of the only PCOS showed newly obtained optimal cut-off points for BMI and VAI of ≥28 kg/m(2) (AUC = 0.90) and >5.6 (AUC = 0.94), respectively. Values found to be more accurate than the original ones. VAI was the best predictor, followed by BMI and WHtR. All body adiposity and VAI parameters can predict the risk of MS. Optimal values for Thai PCOS were ≥28 kg/m(2) for BMI, ≥0.85 for WHR, ≥0.5 for WHtR and >5.6 for VAI.

In vivo evaluation of DIAGNOdent for the quantification of occlusal dental caries.

PubMed

Khalife, Moufida A; Boynton, James R; Dennison, Joseph B; Yaman, Peter; Hamilton, James C

2009-01-01

The accurate diagnosis of non-cavitated occlusal caries is generally considered problematic. Induced fluorescence quantified by the DIAGNOdent device (KaVo) gives a reading from 0-99, which may help in the caries diagnostic process. There is some controversy around the implication of increased severity of decay with increased DIAGNOdent readings. This in vivo study assessed the correlation of depth and volume of decay as it was removed by traditional rotary handpieces with DIAGNOdent readings and determined sensitivities/specificities of the device at different cut-off points. Included in the current study were 31 patients providing 60 permanent molar and premolar occlusal surfaces suspected of dentinal decay. DIAGNOdent readings were recorded, along with lesion depth (as measured by periodontal probe) and volume measurements (as calculated from measuring the mass of a polyvinyl siloxane impression of the cavity, divided by the material's calculated density). Clinical detection of decay at the DEJ was used as the gold-standard to calculate an appropriate cut-off. Pearson correlation coefficients indicated that DIAGNOdent readings were weakly correlated with lesion depth (r = 0.47) and lesion volume (also r = 0.47). An appropriate cut-off point for the sample in the current study was calculated between 35 and 40; a more specific cut-off point could not be determined due to the sample size distribution. It was concluded that the DIAGNOdent device should be used as an adjunct in the caries diagnosis and treatment planning process.

Criterion validity of a Wechsler-III Scale Short Form in a sample of brazilian elderly.

PubMed

Banhato, Eliane Ferreira Carvalho; Leite, Isabel Cristina Gonçalves; Guedes, Danielle Viveiros; Chaoubah, Alfredo

2010-01-01

Although a normative process, changes in cognitive functioning vary among older adults. The differential diagnosis between normal and pathological aging must be made early using psychometrically adequate measures. To assess the evidence of criterion validity of a Short Form (SF) of the Wechsler-III Scale containing eight subtests (SF8) by determining its sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and cut-off points for Brazilian elderly from different age groups. 168 individuals, aged 60 years or above, living in the community or in an institution, were assigned to case and control groups, and investigated according to age range. Measures included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Verbal Fluency Test, Clock-Drawing Test and the SF8. More than two thirds of the sample was women (73.8%), mean age was 74.5 years (SD=8.9), mean education was 6.2 years (SD=4.8) and 40.5% were widows/widowers. In the total sample, the best cut-off point for the SF8 was 142 while cut offs among individuals aged 60 to 69 years, 70 to 79 years, and more than 80 years were 160, 129 and 129, respectively. The results demonstrated the importance of different cut-off points for different age ranges. Sensitivity and specificity values of the SF8 were sufficiently high to warrant the use of the SF8 as an instrument to identify cognitive impairment in the elderly.

Percentage of free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a useful method in deciding to perform prostate biopsy with higher core numbers in patients with low PSA cut-off values.

PubMed

Yilmaz, Hasan; Ciftci, Seyfettin; Yavuz, Ufuk; Ustuner, Murat; Saribacak, Ali; Dillioglugil, Ozdal

2015-06-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive role of percentage of free prostate-specific antigen (%fPSA) cut-points in prostate cancer (PCa) detection in patients with total PSA (tPSA) levels between 2.5 ng/mL and 10.0 ng/mL. In total, 1321 consecutive initial transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided 12-core biopsies performed between 2005 and 2011 were evaluated retrospectively. Benign pathologies, high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and atypical small acinary proliferations were categorized as noncancerous (benign), and prostate adenocarcinomas were categorized as cancerous (malignant). The patients were categorized according to: Catalona's published %fPSA categories (<10%, 10-15%, 15-20%, 20-25%, or > 25%); digital rectal examination (DRE) results [benign (negative) or suspicious of malignancy (positive)]. There was a significant relationship between the %fPSA cut-points and detection of PCa in DRE-negative patients. The presence of a 10% cut-point increased the probability of PCa threefold. The %fPSA was significantly more related to PCa than the tPSA value in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses (p = 0.001). Based on our findings, a lower %fPSA, especially <10%, is an important parameter when deciding whether to perform a biopsy on patients with a tPSA between 2.5 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Taiwan.

Criterion validity of a Wechsler-III Scale Short Form in a sample of brazilian elderly

PubMed Central

Banhato, Eliane Ferreira Carvalho; Leite, Isabel Cristina Gonçalves; Guedes, Danielle Viveiros; Chaoubah, Alfredo

2010-01-01

Although a normative process, changes in cognitive functioning vary among older adults. The differential diagnosis between normal and pathological aging must be made early using psychometrically adequate measures. Objectives To assess the evidence of criterion validity of a Short Form (SF) of the Wechsler-III Scale containing eight subtests (SF8) by determining its sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and cut-off points for Brazilian elderly from different age groups. Methods 168 individuals, aged 60 years or above, living in the community or in an institution, were assigned to case and control groups, and investigated according to age range. Measures included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Verbal Fluency Test, Clock-Drawing Test and the SF8. Results More than two thirds of the sample was women (73.8%), mean age was 74.5 years (SD=8.9), mean education was 6.2 years (SD=4.8) and 40.5% were widows/widowers. In the total sample, the best cut-off point for the SF8 was 142 while cut offs among individuals aged 60 to 69 years, 70 to 79 years, and more than 80 years were 160, 129 and 129, respectively. Conclusions The results demonstrated the importance of different cut-off points for different age ranges. Sensitivity and specificity values of the SF8 were sufficiently high to warrant the use of the SF8 as an instrument to identify cognitive impairment in the elderly. PMID:29213688

View of movable span and point truss (to right), from ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

View of movable span and point truss (to right), from navy land, looking west, showing bridge in context of navigational channel. - Naval Supply Annex Stockton, Daggett Road Bridge, Daggett Road traversing Burns Cut Off, Stockton, San Joaquin County, CA

Prediction and Stability of Mathematics Skill and Difficulty

PubMed Central

Martin, Rebecca B.; Cirino, Paul T.; Barnes, Marcia A.; Ewing-Cobbs, Linda; Fuchs, Lynn S.; Stuebing, Karla K.; Fletcher, Jack M.

2016-01-01

The present study evaluated the stability of math learning difficulties over a 2-year period and investigated several factors that might influence this stability (categorical vs. continuous change, liberal vs. conservative cut point, broad vs. specific math assessment); the prediction of math performance over time and by performance level was also evaluated. Participants were 144 students initially identified as having a math difficulty (MD) or no learning difficulty according to low achievement criteria in the spring of Grade 3 or Grade 4. Students were reassessed 2 years later. For both measure types, a similar proportion of students changed whether assessed categorically or continuously. However, categorical change was heavily dependent on distance from the cut point and so more common for MD, who started closer to the cut point; reliable change index change was more similar across groups. There were few differences with regard to severity level of MD on continuous metrics or in terms of prediction. Final math performance on a broad computation measure was predicted by behavioral inattention and working memory while considering initial performance; for a specific fluency measure, working memory was not uniquely related, and behavioral inattention more variably related to final performance, again while considering initial performance. PMID:22392890

Italian version of the organic brain syndrome and the depression scales from the CARE: evaluation of their performance in geriatric institutions.

PubMed

Spagnoli, A; Foresti, G; MacDonald, A; Williams, P

1987-05-01

The Organic Brain Syndrome (OBS) and the Depression (D) scales derived from the Comprehensive Assessment and Referral Evaluation (CARE) were translated into Italian and used in a survey of geriatric institutions in Milan. During the survey validity and reliability tests of the scales were conducted. Inter-rater reliability (total score weighted kappa) was highly satisfactory for both scales (0.96 for OBS and 0.83 for D scale). Reliability was assessed three times during the survey and showed good stability for both scales, with a slight but significant trend towards reduction over time for the D scale. Reliability of the D scale was significantly lower when the subjects interviewed scored highly on the OBS scale (severe cognitive impairment). Criterion validity was highly satisfactory both for the OBS scale (cut-off point 4/5: sensitivity 77%, specificity 96%, positive predictive value 91%) and the D scale (cut-off point 10/11: sensitivity 95%, specificity 92%, positive predictive value 84%). Results are discussed with special reference to longitudinal assessment of reliability, the choice of the cut-off point, and the context-dependent properties of questionnaires.

[Prediction of the side-cut product yield of atmospheric/vacuum distillation unit by NIR crude oil rapid assay].

PubMed

Wang, Yan-Bin; Hu, Yu-Zhong; Li, Wen-Le; Zhang, Wei-Song; Zhou, Feng; Luo, Zhi

2014-10-01

In the present paper, based on the fast evaluation technique of near infrared, a method to predict the yield of atmos- pheric and vacuum line was developed, combined with H/CAMS software. Firstly, the near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy method for rapidly determining the true boiling point of crude oil was developed. With commercially available crude oil spectroscopy da- tabase and experiments test from Guangxi Petrochemical Company, calibration model was established and a topological method was used as the calibration. The model can be employed to predict the true boiling point of crude oil. Secondly, the true boiling point based on NIR rapid assay was converted to the side-cut product yield of atmospheric/vacuum distillation unit by H/CAMS software. The predicted yield and the actual yield of distillation product for naphtha, diesel, wax and residual oil were compared in a 7-month period. The result showed that the NIR rapid crude assay can predict the side-cut product yield accurately. The near infrared analytic method for predicting yield has the advantages of fast analysis, reliable results, and being easy to online operate, and it can provide elementary data for refinery planning optimization and crude oil blending.

Prediction and stability of mathematics skill and difficulty.

PubMed

Martin, Rebecca B; Cirino, Paul T; Barnes, Marcia A; Ewing-Cobbs, Linda; Fuchs, Lynn S; Stuebing, Karla K; Fletcher, Jack M

2013-01-01

The present study evaluated the stability of math learning difficulties over a 2-year period and investigated several factors that might influence this stability (categorical vs. continuous change, liberal vs. conservative cut point, broad vs. specific math assessment); the prediction of math performance over time and by performance level was also evaluated. Participants were 144 students initially identified as having a math difficulty (MD) or no learning difficulty according to low achievement criteria in the spring of Grade 3 or Grade 4. Students were reassessed 2 years later. For both measure types, a similar proportion of students changed whether assessed categorically or continuously. However, categorical change was heavily dependent on distance from the cut point and so more common for MD, who started closer to the cut point; reliable change index change was more similar across groups. There were few differences with regard to severity level of MD on continuous metrics or in terms of prediction. Final math performance on a broad computation measure was predicted by behavioral inattention and working memory while considering initial performance; for a specific fluency measure, working memory was not uniquely related, and behavioral inattention more variably related to final performance, again while considering initial performance.

Pinning in the flux-line-cutting regime of Bi 2Sr 2Ca 1Cu 2O 8 single crystals at high field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Anna, G.; André, M.-O.; Indenbom, M. V.; Benoit, W.

1994-09-01

Using a low-frequency torsion pendulum we show that in a Bi 2Sr 2Ca 1Cu 2O 8 single crystal the irreversibility line Birr( T) is frequency dependent down to 10 -5 Hz in the high-field regime. The activation energy has a logarithmic field dependence, U0( B)= U∗ 1n( B∗/ B). A microscopic model for flux-line-cutting and pancake collision yields quantitative expressions for U0 and for Birr( T)= B∗ exp(- T/T∗), which reproduce the experimental data very well.

49 CFR 232.305 - Single car air brake tests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Single car air brake tests. 232.305 Section 232... car air brake tests. (a) Single car air brake tests shall be performed by a qualified person in... single car air brake test on a car when: (1) A car has its brakes cut-out or inoperative when removed...

49 CFR 232.305 - Single car air brake tests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Single car air brake tests. 232.305 Section 232... car air brake tests. (a) Single car air brake tests shall be performed by a qualified person in... single car air brake test on a car when: (1) A car has its brakes cut-out or inoperative when removed...

49 CFR 232.305 - Single car air brake tests.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Single car air brake tests. 232.305 Section 232... car air brake tests. (a) Single car air brake tests shall be performed by a qualified person in... single car air brake test on a car when: (1) A car has its brakes cut-out or inoperative when removed...

Site disturbances associated with alternative prescriptions in an upland hardwood forest of northern Alabama

Treesearch

Emily Carter; Robert B. Rummer; Bryce Stokes

1997-01-01

A study was installed in an upland hardwood forest to evaluate the site impacts associated with three alternative prescriptions --- clearcut, deferment cut, and strip cut. Two methods of site impact assessment were employed: 1) assignment of disturbance classes to selected points within each treatment area; and 2) measurement of soil bulk density, gravimetric water...

Fuels planning: science synthesis and integration; economic uses fact sheet 02: log hauling cost

Treesearch

Rocky Mountain Research Station USDA Forest Service

2004-01-01

Knowing the cost of fuel reduction treatments and associated activities, such as hauling cut trees, is essential for fire and fuels planning. This fact sheet explores the main factors that determine the cost of hauling cut trees and points the user to an interactive tool that can help plan for those and other expenses.

33 CFR 162.132 - Connecting waters from Lake Huron to Lake Erie; communications rules.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (2) Channel 12 (156.60 mhz) between Lake St. Clair Light and Detroit River Light. (b) Radiotelephone... Cut Light “7” Lake Huron Cut Lighted Buoy “1” Report. Report St. Clair/Black River Junction Light Report. Stag Island Upper Light Report. Report Marine City Salt Dock Light Report. Report Grande Pointe...

A New Factor in UK Students' University Attainment: The Relative Age Effect Reversal?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Simon J.; Stott, Tim

2015-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to study relative age effects (RAEs) in a selected sample of university students. The majority of education systems across the globe adopt age-related cut-off points for eligibility. This strategy has received criticism for (dis)advantaging those older children born closer to the "cut-off" date for…

78 FR 77789 - Petition for Waiver of Compliance

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-24

... Subdivision, from Control Point (CP) Y901 and Kedzie may be made in accordance with signal indication and at... and from the CP Y901 with the ATC cut out and back-up moves; or, With the ATC cut out due to failure. 2. Operations on the Chicago Service Unit, Geneva Subdivision, from Kedzie and Park CP Y015, engines...

Accuracy and adequacy of waist circumference cut-off points currently recommended in Brazilian adults.

PubMed

Vianna, Carolina Avila; da Silva Linhares, Rogério; Bielemann, Renata Moraes; Machado, Eduardo Coelho; González-Chica, David Alejandro; Matijasevich, Alicia Manitto; Gigante, Denise Petrucci; da Silva Dos Santos, Iná

2014-04-01

To evaluate the adequacy and accuracy of cut-off values currently recommended by the WHO for assessment of cardiovascular risk in southern Brazil. Population-based study aimed at determining the predictive ability of waist circumference for cardiovascular risk based on the use of previous medical diagnosis for hypertension, diabetes mellitus and/or dyslipidaemia. Descriptive analysis was used for the adequacy of current cut-off values of waist circumference, receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed and the most accurate criteria according to the Youden index and points of optimal sensitivity and specificity were identified. Pelotas, southern Brazil. Individuals (n 2112) aged ≥20 years living in the city were selected by multistage sampling, since these individuals did not report the presence of previous myocardial infarction, angina pectoris or stroke. The cut-off values currently recommended by WHO were more appropriate in men than women, with overestimation of cardiovascular risk in women. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve showed moderate predictive ability of waist circumference in men (0.74, 95% CI 0.71, 0.76) and women (0.75, 95% CI 0.73, 0.77). The method of optimal sensitivity and specificity showed better performance in assessing the accuracy, identifying the values of 95 cm in men and 87 cm in women as the best cut-off values of waist circumference to assess cardiovascular risk. The cut-off values currently recommended for waist circumference are not suitable for women. Longitudinal studies should be conducted to evaluate the consistency of the findings.

Modern laser technologies used for cutting textile materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isarie, Claudiu; Dragan, Anca; Isarie, Laura; Nastase, Dan

2006-02-01

With modern laser technologies we can cut multiple layers at once, yielding high production levels and short setup times between cutting runs. One example could be the operation of cutting the material named Nylon 66, used to manufacture automobile airbags. With laser, up to seven layers of Nylon 66 can be cut in one pass, that means high production rates on a single machine. Airbags must be precisely crafted piece of critical safety equipment that is built to very high levels of precision in a mass production environment. Of course, synthetic material, used for airbags, can be cut also by a conventional fixed blade system, but for a high production rates and a long term low-maintenance, laser cutting is most suitable. Most systems, are equipped with two material handling systems, which can cut on one half of he table while the finished product is being removed from the other half and the new stock material laid out. The laser system is reliable and adaptable to any flatbed-cutting task. Computer controlled industrial cutting and plotting machines are the latest offerings from a well established and experienced industrial engineering company that is dedicated to reduce cutting costs and boosting productivity in today's competitive industrial machine tool market. In this way, just one machine can carry out a multitude of production tasks. Authors have studied the cutting parameters for different textile materials, to reach the maximum output of the process.

Chrysanthemum cutting productivity and rooting ability are improved by grafting.

PubMed

Zhang, Jing; Chen, Sumei; Liu, Ruixia; Jiang, Jiafu; Chen, Fadi; Fang, Weimin

2013-01-01

Chrysanthemum has been commercially propagated by rooting of cuttings, whereas the quality will decline over multiple collections from a single plant. Therefore, we compared the vigour, rooting ability, and some physiological parameters between cuttings harvested from nongrafted "Jinba" (non-grafted cuttings) with those collected from grafted "Jinba" plants onto Artemisia scoparia as a rootstock (grafted cuttings). The yield, length, node number, stem diameter, fresh weight, and dry weight of the grafted cuttings were superior to the non-grafted cuttings. Also grafted cuttings "Jinba" rooted 1 day earlier, but showing enhanced rooting quality including number, length, diameter, and dry weight of roots, where compared to the non-grafted. The physiological parameters that indicated contents of soluble protein, peroxidase activity, soluble sugar, and starch, ratios of soluble sugar/nitrogen ratio, and carbohydrate/nitrogen (C/N), as well as contents of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA), and IAA/ABA ratio were significantly increased in the grafted cuttings. This suggested their important parts in mediating rooting ability. Results from this study showed that grafting improved productivity and rooting ability related to an altered physiology, which provide a means to meet the increasing demand.

A catalog of rules, variables, and definitions applied to accelerometer data in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2006.

PubMed

Tudor-Locke, Catrine; Camhi, Sarah M; Troiano, Richard P

2012-01-01

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) included accelerometry in the 2003-2006 data collection cycles. Researchers have used these data since their release in 2007, but the data have not been consistently treated, examined, or reported. The objective of this study was to aggregate data from studies using NHANES accelerometry data and to catalogue study decision rules, derived variables, and cut point definitions to facilitate a more uniform approach to these data. We conducted a PubMed search of English-language articles published (or indicated as forthcoming) from January 2007 through December 2011. Our initial search yielded 74 articles, plus 1 article that was not indexed in PubMed. After excluding 21 articles, we extracted and tabulated details on 54 studies to permit comparison among studies. The 54 articles represented various descriptive, methodological, and inferential analyses. Although some decision rules for treating data (eg, criteria for minimal wear-time) were consistently applied, cut point definitions used for accelerometer-derived variables (eg, time spent in various intensities of physical activity) were especially diverse. Unique research questions may require equally unique analytical approaches; some inconsistency in approaches must be tolerated if scientific discovery is to be encouraged. This catalog provides a starting point for researchers to consider relevant and/or comparable accelerometer decision rules, derived variables, and cut point definitions for their own research questions.

At-risk and intervention thresholds of occupational stress using a visual analogue scale

PubMed Central

Pereira, Bruno; Moustafa, Farès; Naughton, Geraldine; Lesage, François-Xavier; Lambert, Céline

2017-01-01

Background The visual analogue scale (VAS) is widely used in clinical practice by occupational physicians to assess perceived stress in workers. However, a single cut-off (black-or-white decision) inadequately discriminates between workers with and without stress. We explored an innovative statistical approach to distinguish an at-risk population among stressed workers, and to establish a threshold over which an action is urgently required, via the use of two cut-offs. Methods Participants were recruited during annual work medical examinations by a random sample of workers from five occupational health centres. We previously proposed a single cut-off of VAS stress in comparison with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS14). Similar methodology was used in the current study, along with a gray zone approach. The lower limit of the gray zone supports sensitivity (“at-risk” threshold; interpreted as requiring closer surveillance) and the upper limit supports specificity (i.e. “intervention” threshold–emergency action required). Results We included 500 workers (49.6% males), aged 40±11 years, with a PSS14 score of 3.8±1.4 and a VAS score of 4.0±2.4. Using a receiver operating characteristic curve and the PSS cut-off score of 7.2, the optimal VAS threshold was 6.8 (sensitivity = 0.89, specificity = 0.87). The lower and upper thresholds of the gray zone were 5 and 8.2, respectively. Conclusions We identified two clinically relevant cut-offs on the VAS of stress: a first cut-off of 5.0 for an at-risk population, and a second cut-off of 8.2 over which an action is urgently required. Future investigations into the relationships between this upper threshold and deleterious events are required. PMID:28586383

Online, efficient and precision laser profiling of bronze-bonded diamond grinding wheels based on a single-layer deep-cutting intermittent feeding method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Hui; Chen, Genyu; He, Jie; Zhou, Cong; Du, Han; Wang, Yanyi

2016-06-01

In this study, an online, efficient and precision laser profiling approach that is based on a single-layer deep-cutting intermittent feeding method is described. The effects of the laser cutting depth and the track-overlap ratio of the laser cutting on the efficiency, precision and quality of laser profiling were investigated. Experiments on the online profiling of bronze-bonded diamond grinding wheels were performed using a pulsed fiber laser. The results demonstrate that an increase in the laser cutting depth caused an increase in the material removal efficiency during the laser profiling process. However, the maximum laser profiling efficiency was only achieved when the laser cutting depth was equivalent to the initial surface contour error of the grinding wheel. In addition, the selection of relatively high track-overlap ratios of laser cutting for the profiling of grinding wheels was beneficial with respect to the increase in the precision of laser profiling, whereas the efficiency and quality of the laser profiling were not affected by the change in the track-overlap ratio. After optimized process parameters were employed for online laser profiling, the circular run-out error and the parallelism error of the grinding wheel surface decreased from 83.1 μm and 324.6 μm to 11.3 μm and 3.5 μm, respectively. The surface contour precision of the grinding wheel significantly improved. The highest surface contour precision for grinding wheels of the same type that can be theoretically achieved after laser profiling is completely dependent on the peak power density of the laser. The higher the laser peak power density is, the higher the surface contour precision of the grinding wheel after profiling.

Port Needs Study (Vessel Traffic Services Benefits). Volume 2: Appendices, Part 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-08-01

34 (Reference 1) and with its companion , Point Arguello, has been the graveyard of many ships. The Point Conception area has been described as a transition...North entrance to the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal, and that portion of the ICW Rigolets-New Orleans Cut west of a point one mile east of Chef