Evaluation of fuzzy inference systems using fuzzy least squares

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barone, Joseph M.

1992-01-01

Efforts to develop evaluation methods for fuzzy inference systems which are not based on crisp, quantitative data or processes (i.e., where the phenomenon the system is built to describe or control is inherently fuzzy) are just beginning. This paper suggests that the method of fuzzy least squares can be used to perform such evaluations. Regressing the desired outputs onto the inferred outputs can provide both global and local measures of success. The global measures have some value in an absolute sense, but they are particularly useful when competing solutions (e.g., different numbers of rules, different fuzzy input partitions) are being compared. The local measure described here can be used to identify specific areas of poor fit where special measures (e.g., the use of emphatic or suppressive rules) can be applied. Several examples are discussed which illustrate the applicability of the method as an evaluation tool.

Sensitive and selective cocaine electrochemical detection using disposable sensors.

PubMed

Asturias-Arribas, Laura; Alonso-Lomillo, M Asunción; Domínguez-Renedo, Olga; Arcos-Martínez, M Julia

2014-06-27

This paper describes the voltammetric determination of cocaine in presence of three different interferences that could be found in street samples using disposable sensors. The electrochemical analysis of this alkaloid can be affected by the presence of codeine, paracetamol or caffeine, whose oxidation peaks may overlap and lead to false positives. This work describes two different solutions to this problem. On one hand, the modification of disposable carbon sensors with carbon nanotubes allows the voltammetric quantification of cocaine by using ordinary least squares regressions in the concentration range from 10 to 155 μmol L(-1), with a reproducibility of 5.6% (RSD, n = 7. On the other hand, partial least squares regressions are used for the resolution of the overlapped voltammetric signals when using screen-printed carbon electrodes without any modification. Both procedures have been successfully applied to the evaluation of the purity of cocaine street samples. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multiplier less high-speed squaring circuit for binary numbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sethi, Kabiraj; Panda, Rutuparna

2015-03-01

The squaring operation is important in many applications in signal processing, cryptography etc. In general, squaring circuits reported in the literature use fast multipliers. A novel idea of a squaring circuit without using multipliers is proposed in this paper. Ancient Indian method used for squaring decimal numbers is extended here for binary numbers. The key to our success is that no multiplier is used. Instead, one squaring circuit is used. The hardware architecture of the proposed squaring circuit is presented. The design is coded in VHDL and synthesised and simulated in Xilinx ISE Design Suite 10.1 (Xilinx Inc., San Jose, CA, USA). It is implemented in Xilinx Vertex 4vls15sf363-12 device (Xilinx Inc.). The results in terms of time delay and area is compared with both modified Booth's algorithm and squaring circuit using Vedic multipliers. Our proposed squaring circuit seems to have better performance in terms of both speed and area.

Arterial Blood Flow Measurement Using Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swanson, David K.; Myerowitz, P. David; Van Lysel, Michael S.; Peppler, Walter W.; Fields, Barry L.; Watson, Kim M.; O'Connor, Julia

1984-08-01

Standard angiography demonstrates the anatomy of arterial occlusive disease but not its physiological signficance. Using intravenous digital subtraction angiography (DSA), we investigated transit-time videodensitometric techniques in measuring femoral arterial flows in dogs. These methods have been successfully applied to intraarterial DSA but not to intravenous DSA. Eight 20 kg dogs were instrumented with an electromagnetic flow probe and a balloon occluder above an imaged segment of femoral artery. 20 cc of Renografin 76 was power injected at 15 cc/sec into the right atrium. Flow in the femoral artery was varied by partial balloon occlusion or peripheral dilatation following induced ischemia resulting in 51 flow measurements varying from 15 to 270 cc/min. Three different transit-time techniques were studied: crosscorrelation, mean square error, and two leading edge methods. Correlation between videodensitometry and flowmeter measurements using these different techniques ranged from 0.78 to 0.88 with a mean square error of 29 to 37 cc/min. Blood flow information using several different transit-time techniques can be obtained with intravenous DSA.

Development and Validation of a Novel Scoring System for Predicting Technical Success of Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: The PROGRESS CTO (Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention) Score.

PubMed

Christopoulos, Georgios; Kandzari, David E; Yeh, Robert W; Jaffer, Farouc A; Karmpaliotis, Dimitri; Wyman, Michael R; Alaswad, Khaldoon; Lombardi, William; Grantham, J Aaron; Moses, Jeffrey; Christakopoulos, Georgios; Tarar, Muhammad Nauman J; Rangan, Bavana V; Lembo, Nicholas; Garcia, Santiago; Cipher, Daisha; Thompson, Craig A; Banerjee, Subhash; Brilakis, Emmanouil S

2016-01-11

This study sought to develop a novel parsimonious score for predicting technical success of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed using the hybrid approach. Predicting technical success of CTO PCI can facilitate clinical decision making and procedural planning. We analyzed clinical and angiographic parameters from 781 CTO PCIs included in PROGRESS CTO (Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention) using a derivation and validation cohort (2:1 sampling ratio). Variables with strong association with technical success in multivariable analysis were assigned 1 point, and a 4-point score was developed from summing all points. The PROGRESS CTO score was subsequently compared with the J-CTO (Multicenter Chronic Total Occlusion Registry in Japan) score in the validation cohort. Technical success was 92.9%. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with technical success included proximal cap ambiguity (beta coefficient [b] = 0.88), moderate/severe tortuosity (b = 1.18), circumflex artery CTO (b = 0.99), and absence of "interventional" collaterals (b = 0.88). The resulting score demonstrated good calibration and discriminatory capacity in the derivation (Hosmer-Lemeshow chi-square = 2.633; p = 0.268, and receiver-operator characteristic [ROC] area = 0.778) and validation (Hosmer-Lemeshow chi-square = 5.333; p = 0.070, and ROC area = 0.720) subset. In the validation cohort, the PROGRESS CTO and J-CTO scores performed similarly in predicting technical success (ROC area 0.720 vs. 0.746, area under the curve difference = 0.026, 95% confidence interval = -0.093 to 0.144). The PROGRESS CTO score is a novel useful tool for estimating technical success in CTO PCI performed using the hybrid approach. Copyright © 2016 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Differences in perceptions of managerial roles by gender among southern business students.

PubMed

Smith, J O; Schellenberger, R E

1991-12-01

Perception of the roles necessary for managerial success based on the 10 verbal descriptors of the Mintzberg roles were gathered from 128 business students at a southern U.S. university. The objective was to assess whether these 72 men and 56 women viewed the importance of the roles differently. Ratings were collected on the 10 roles for each of four different types of managers. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, chi-squared analysis, and Spearman rank-order correlation. No differences were observed in the perception of men and women in these roles or of their relative importance.

Sodium Hypochlorite Versus Formocresol and Ferric Sulfate Pulpotomies in Primary Molars: 18-month Follow-up.

PubMed

Farsi, Deema J; El-Khodary, Heba M; Farsi, Najat M; El Ashiry, Eman A; Yagmoor, Mohammed A; Alzain, Soha M

2015-01-01

This study's purpose was to compare the clinical and radiographic success rates of 5.25 percent Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) pulpotomies to Formocresol (FC) and Ferric Sulfate (FS) in decayed primary molars. Eighty-one primary molars, randomly divided into three groups, were treated with one of three different pulpotomy materials; NaOCl, FC and FS. The outcomes of the different groups were assessed clinically and radiographically every six months over 18 months. Chi-square test was used to detect differences in outcome measures in all groups. At six months, clinical and radiographic success rates were 100 percent for each group (27/27). At 12 months, clinical success was 100 percent (24/24), 96 percent (24/25), and 95.7 percent (22/23) for NaOCl, FC, and FS respectively. The radiographic success was 95.8 percent (23/24) for NaOCl group, and 100 percent for FC (25/25), and FS (23/23). At 18 months, the clinical success was 83.3 percent (20/24), 96 percent (24/25), and 87 percent (20/23) for NaOCL, FC, and FS respectively. The 18 month radiographic success was 91.7 percent (22/24), 100 percent (25/25), and 95.7 percent (22/23) for NaOCl, FC, and FS respectively. No significant differences were found in clinical or radiographic outcomes between the three groups at six, 12 and 18 months. The three pulpotomy medicaments yielded similar outcomes.

Simplified Least Squares Shadowing sensitivity analysis for chaotic ODEs and PDEs

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

Chater, Mario, E-mail: chaterm@mit.edu; Ni, Angxiu, E-mail: niangxiu@mit.edu; Wang, Qiqi, E-mail: qiqi@mit.edu

This paper develops a variant of the Least Squares Shadowing (LSS) method, which has successfully computed the derivative for several chaotic ODEs and PDEs. The development in this paper aims to simplify Least Squares Shadowing method by improving how time dilation is treated. Instead of adding an explicit time dilation term as in the original method, the new variant uses windowing, which can be more efficient and simpler to implement, especially for PDEs.

Phase diagram of heteronuclear Janus dumbbells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Toole, Patrick; Giacometti, Achille; Hudson, Toby

Using Aggregation-Volume-Bias Monte Carlo simulations along with Successive Umbrella Sampling and Histogram Re-weighting, we study the phase diagram of a system of dumbbells formed by two touching spheres having variable sizes, as well as different interaction properties. The first sphere ($h$) interacts with all other spheres belonging to different dumbbells with a hard-sphere potential. The second sphere ($s$) interacts via a square-well interaction with other $s$ spheres belonging to different dumbbells and with a hard-sphere potential with all remaining $h$ spheres. We focus on the region where the $s$ sphere is larger than the $h$ sphere, as measured by a parameter $1\\le \\alpha\\le 2 $ controlling the relative size of the two spheres. As $\\alpha \\to 2$ a simple fluid of square-well spheres is recovered, whereas $\\alpha \\to 1$ corresponds to the Janus dumbbell limit, where the $h$ and $s$ spheres have equal sizes. Many phase diagrams falling into three classes are observed, depending on the value of $\\alpha$. The $1.8 \\le \\alpha \\le 2$ is dominated by a gas-liquid phase separation very similar to that of a pure square-well fluid with varied critical temperature and density. When $1.3 \\le \\alpha \\le 1.8$ we find a progressive destabilization of the gas-liquid phase diagram by the onset of self-assembled structures, that eventually lead to a metastability of the gas-liquid transition below $\\alpha=1.2$.

Lack of Association of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Gene Polymorphisms with Cardiorespiratory and Metabolic Variables in Young Women

PubMed Central

Rebelo, Ana Cristina; Verlengia, Rozangela; Kunz, Vandeni; Tamburus, Nayara; Cerda, Alvaro; Hirata, Rosario; Hirata, Mario; Silva, Ester

2012-01-01

This study examined the association of estrogen receptor alpha gene (ESR1) polymorphisms with cardiorespiratory and metabolic parameters in young women. In total, 354 healthy women were selected for cardiopulmonary exercise testing and short-term heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) evaluation. The HRV analysis was determined by the temporal indices rMSSD (square root of the mean squared differences of successive R–R intervals (RRi) divided by the number of RRi minus one), SDNN (root mean square of differences from mean RRi, divided by the number of RRi) and power spectrum components by low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) and LF/HF ratio. Blood samples were obtained for serum lipids, estradiol and DNA extraction. ESR1 rs2234693 and rs9340799 polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR and fragment restriction analysis. HR and oxygen uptake (VO2) values did not differ between the ESR1 polymorphisms with respect to autonomic modulation. We not find a relationship between ESR1 T–A, T–G, C–A and C–G haplotypes and cardiorespiratory and metabolic variables. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that VO2, total cholesterol and triglycerides influence HRV (p < 0.05). The results suggest that ESR1 variants have no effect on cardiorespiratory and metabolic variables, while HRV indices are influenced by aerobic capacity and lipids in healthy women. PMID:23202974

Effect of Different Phases of Menstrual Cycle on Heart Rate Variability (HRV).

PubMed

Brar, Tejinder Kaur; Singh, K D; Kumar, Avnish

2015-10-01

Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which is a measure of the cardiac autonomic tone, displays physiological changes throughout the menstrual cycle. The functions of the ANS in various phases of the menstrual cycle were examined in some studies. The aim of our study was to observe the effect of menstrual cycle on cardiac autonomic function parameters in healthy females. A cross-sectional (observational) study was conducted on 50 healthy females, in the age group of 18-25 years. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was recorded by Physio Pac (PC-2004). The data consisted of Time Domain Analysis and Frequency Domain Analysis in menstrual, proliferative and secretory phase of menstrual cycle. Data collected was analysed statistically using student's pair t-test. The difference in mean heart rate, LF power%, LFnu and HFnu in menstrual and proliferative phase was found to be statistically significant. The difference in mean RR, Mean HR, RMSSD (the square root of the mean of the squares of the successive differences between adjacent NNs.), NN50 (the number of pairs of successive NNs that differ by more than 50 ms), pNN50 (the proportion of NN50 divided by total number of NNs.), VLF (very low frequency) power, LF (low frequency) power, LF power%, HF power %, LF/HF ratio, LFnu and HFnu was found to be statistically significant in proliferative and secretory phase. The difference in Mean RR, Mean HR, LFnu and HFnu was found to be statistically significant in secretory and menstrual phases. From the study it can be concluded that sympathetic nervous activity in secretory phase is greater than in the proliferative phase, whereas parasympathetic nervous activity is predominant in proliferative phase.

Effect of Different Phases of Menstrual Cycle on Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

PubMed Central

Singh, K. D.; Kumar, Avnish

2015-01-01

Background Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which is a measure of the cardiac autonomic tone, displays physiological changes throughout the menstrual cycle. The functions of the ANS in various phases of the menstrual cycle were examined in some studies. Aims and Objectives The aim of our study was to observe the effect of menstrual cycle on cardiac autonomic function parameters in healthy females. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional (observational) study was conducted on 50 healthy females, in the age group of 18-25 years. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was recorded by Physio Pac (PC-2004). The data consisted of Time Domain Analysis and Frequency Domain Analysis in menstrual, proliferative and secretory phase of menstrual cycle. Data collected was analysed statistically using student’s pair t-test. Results The difference in mean heart rate, LF power%, LFnu and HFnu in menstrual and proliferative phase was found to be statistically significant. The difference in mean RR, Mean HR, RMSSD (the square root of the mean of the squares of the successive differences between adjacent NNs.), NN50 (the number of pairs of successive NNs that differ by more than 50 ms), pNN50 (the proportion of NN50 divided by total number of NNs.), VLF (very low frequency) power, LF (low frequency) power, LF power%, HF power %, LF/HF ratio, LFnu and HFnu was found to be statistically significant in proliferative and secretory phase. The difference in Mean RR, Mean HR, LFnu and HFnu was found to be statistically significant in secretory and menstrual phases. Conclusion From the study it can be concluded that sympathetic nervous activity in secretory phase is greater than in the proliferative phase, whereas parasympathetic nervous activity is predominant in proliferative phase. PMID:26557512

Assessing the mean strength and variations of the time-to-time fluctuations of resting-state brain activity.

PubMed

Li, Zhengjun; Zang, Yu-Feng; Ding, Jianping; Wang, Ze

2017-04-01

The time-to-time fluctuations (TTFs) of resting-state brain activity as captured by resting-state fMRI (rsfMRI) have been repeatedly shown to be informative of functional brain structures and disease-related alterations. TTFs can be characterized by the mean and the range of successive difference. The former can be measured with the mean squared successive difference (MSSD), which is mathematically similar to standard deviation; the latter can be calculated by the variability of the successive difference (VSD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate both the resting state-MSSD and VSD of rsfMRI regarding their test-retest stability, sensitivity to brain state change, as well as their biological meanings. We hypothesized that MSSD and VSD are reliable in resting brain; both measures are sensitive to brain state changes such as eyes-open compared to eyes-closed condition; both are predictive of age. These hypotheses were tested with three rsfMRI datasets and proven true, suggesting both MSSD and VSD as reliable and useful tools for resting-state studies.

Tuning Gas Adsorption Properties of Zeolite-like Supramolecular Assemblies with gis Topology via Functionalization of Isoreticular Metal-Organic Squares.

PubMed

Wang, Shuang; Belmabkhout, Youssef; Cairns, Amy J; Li, Guanghua; Huo, Qisheng; Liu, Yunling; Eddaoudi, Mohamed

2017-10-04

A strategy based on metal-ligand directed assembly of metal-organic squares (MOSs), built-up from four-membered ring (4MR) secondary building units (SBUs), has been employed for the design and construction of isoreticular zeolite-like supramolecular assemblies (ZSAs). Four porous Co-based ZSAs having the same underlying gis topology, but differing only with respect to the capping and bridging linkers, were successfully isolated and fully characterized. In this series, each MOS in ZSA-3-ZSA-6 possess an ideal square geometry and is connected to four neighboring MOS via a total of 16 hydrogen bonds to give a 3-periodic porous network.To systematically assess the effect of the pore system (size and functionality) on the gas adsorption properties, we evaluated the MOSs for their affinity for different probe molecules such as CO 2 and light hydrocarbons. ZSA-3-ZSA-6 showed high thermal stability (up to 300 °C) and was proven highly porous as evidenced by gas adsorption studies. Notably, alkyl-functionalized MOSs were found to offer potential for selective separation of CO 2 , C 3 H 6 , and C 3 H 8 from CH 4 and H 2 containing gas stream, such as natural gas and refinery-off gases.

Dance for Students with Orthopedic Conditions--Popular, Square, Folk, Modern, [and] Ballet.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Cordelia Graves

1979-01-01

Preparation for teaching dance to orthopedically handicapped students is discussed in addition to specific suggestions for teaching popular dance, square dance, folk dance, modern dance, and ballet. Dancing is seen as a way to give orthopedically handicapped students physical education success without competition. Recommended music for each type…

Comparison of success rate and onset time of two different anesthesia techniques

PubMed Central

Haghighat, Abbas; Hasheminia, Dariush; Samandari, Mohammad-Hasan; Safarian, Vajihe; Davoudi, Amin

2015-01-01

Background Using local anesthetic is common to control the pain through blocking the nerve reversibly in dental procedures. Gow-Gates (GG) technique has a high success rate but less common. This study aimed to compare the onset time and success rate in GG and standard technique of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). Material and Methods This descriptive, single blind study was consisted of 136 patients (59 males and 77 females) who were randomly received GG or IANB for extraction of mandibular molar teeth. Comparisons between the successes of two anesthetic injection techniques were analyzed with Chi-square test. Incidence of pulpal anesthesia and soft tissue anesthesia were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier method. Mean onset times of pulpal anesthesia, soft tissue and lip numbness were analyzed with Log-Rank test. Comparisons were considered significant at P≤0.05 by using SPSS software ver.15. Results The incidence of pulpal anesthesia in the IANB group (canine 49.3%, premolar 60.3%) were not significantly different from the GG group (canine 41.3%, premolar 74.6%) (P=0.200 and P=0.723). The success rate in the IANB group (80.82%) was not significantly different from the GG group (92.02%) (P=0.123). Furthermore, onset time of lip and buccal soft tissue numbness in GG group (3.25, 4.96 minutes) was quite similar to IANB group (3.22, 4.89 minutes) (all Pvalues >0.05). Conclusions Although this study demonstrated higher clinical success rate for GG than IANB technique, no significant differences in success rates and onset time were observed between two techniques. Key words: Anesthesia, Inferior alveolar nerve, nerve block, success rate. PMID:25858085

Predicting structural classes of proteins by incorporating their global and local physicochemical and conformational properties into general Chou's PseAAC.

PubMed

Contreras-Torres, Ernesto

2018-06-02

In this study, I introduce novel global and local 0D-protein descriptors based on a statistical quantity named Total Sum of Squares (TSS). This quantity represents the sum of the squares differences of amino acid properties from the arithmetic mean property. As an extension, the amino acid-types and amino acid-groups formalisms are used for describing zones of interest in proteins. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed descriptors, a Nearest Neighbor model for predicting the major four protein structural classes was built. This model has a success rate of 98.53% on the jackknife cross-validation test; this performance being superior to other reported methods despite the simplicity of the predictor. Additionally, this predictor has an average success rate of 98.35% in different cross-validation tests performed. A value of 0.98 for the Kappa statistic clearly discriminates this model from a random predictor. The results obtained by the Nearest Neighbor model demonstrated the ability of the proposed descriptors not only to reflect relevant biochemical information related to the structural classes of proteins but also to allow appropriate interpretability. It can thus be expected that the current method may play a supplementary role to other existing approaches for protein structural class prediction and other protein attributes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

LC-MS determination of steroidal glycosides from Dioscorea deltoidea Wall cell suspension culture: Optimization of pre-LC-MS procedure parameters by Latin Square design.

PubMed

Sarvin, Boris; Fedorova, Elizaveta; Shpigun, Oleg; Titova, Maria; Nikitin, Mikhail; Kochkin, Dmitry; Rodin, Igor; Stavrianidi, Andrey

2018-03-30

In this paper, the ultrasound assisted extraction method for isolation of steroidal glycosides from D. deltoidea plant cell suspension culture with a subsequent HPLC-MS determination was developed. After the organic solvent was selected via a two-factor experiment the optimization via Latin Square 4 × 4 experimental design was carried out for the following parameters: extraction time, organic solvent concentration in extraction solution and the ratio of solvent to sample. It was also shown that the ultrasound assisted extraction method is not suitable for isolation of steroidal glycosides from the D. deltoidea plant material. The results were double-checked using the multiple successive extraction method and refluxing extraction. Optimal conditions for the extraction of steroidal glycosides by the ultrasound assisted extraction method were: extraction time, 60 min; acetonitrile (water) concentration in extraction solution, 50%; the ratio of solvent to sample, 400 mL/g. Also, the developed method was tested on D. deltoidea cell suspension cultures of different terms and conditions of cultivation. The completeness of the extraction was confirmed using the multiple successive extraction method. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Adult Intraosseous Access by Advanced EMTs: A Statewide Non-Inferiority Study.

PubMed

Wolfson, Daniel L; Tandoh, Margaret A; Jindal, Mohit; Forgione, Patrick M; Harder, Valerie S

2017-01-01

Intraosseous (IO) access is increasingly being used as an alternative to peripheral intravenous access, which is often difficult or impossible to establish in critically ill patients in the prehospital setting. Until recently, only Paramedics performed adult IO access. In 2014, Vermont Emergency Medical Services (EMS) expanded the Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs) scope of practice to include IO access in adult patients. This study compares successful IO access in adults performed by AEMTs compared to Paramedics in the prehospital setting. All Vermont EMS patient encounters between January 1, 2013 and November 30, 2015 were examined, and 543 adult patients with a documented IO access insertion attempt were identified. The proportion of successful IO insertions was compared between AEMTs and Paramedics using a Chi-Squared statistic and a non-inferiority test. There was no significant difference in the percentage of successful IO access between AEMTs and Paramedics [95.2% and 95.6%, respectively; P = 0.84]. The confidence interval around this 0.4% difference (95% confidence interval = -4.2, 3.2) was within a pre-specified delta of ±10% indicating non-inferiority of AEMTs compared to Paramedics. This study's finding that successful IO access was not different among AEMTs and Paramedics lends evidence in support of expanding the scope of practice of AEMTs to include establishing IO access in adults.

Skin-electrode impedance measurement during ECG acquisition: method’s validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casal, Leonardo; La Mura, Guillermo

2016-04-01

Skm-electrode impedance measurement can provide valuable information prior. dunng and post electrocardiographic (ECG) or electroencephalographs (EEG) acquisitions. In this work we validate a method for skm-electrode impedance measurement using test circuits with known resistance and capacitor values, at different frequencies for injected excitation current. Finally the method is successfully used for impedance measurement during ECG acquisition on a subject usmg 125 Hz and 6 nA square wave excitation signal at instrumentation amplifier mput. The method can be used for many electrodes configuration.

Process for obtaining multiple sheet resistances for thin film hybrid microcircuit resistors

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

Norwood, D.P.

1989-01-31

A standard thin film circuit containing Ta/sub 2/N (100 ohms/square) resistors is fabricated by depositing on a dielectric substrate successive layers of Ta/sub 2/N, Ti and Pd, with a gold layer to provide conductors. The addition of a few simple photoprocessing steps to the standard TFN manufacturing process enables the formation of Ta/sub 2/N + Ti (10 ohms/square) and Ta/sub 2/N + Ti + Pd (1 ohm/square) resistors in the same otherwise standard thin film circuit structure.

Process for obtaining multiple sheet resistances for thin film hybrid microcircuit resistors

DOEpatents

Norwood, David P.

1989-01-01

A standard thin film circuit containing Ta.sub.2 N (100 ohms/square) resirs is fabricated by depositing on a dielectric substrate successive layers of Ta.sub.2 N, Ti and Pd, with a gold layer to provide conductors. The addition of a few simple photoprocessing steps to the standeard TFN manufacturing process enables the formation of Ta.sub.2 N+Ti (10 ohms/square) and Ta.sub.2 N+Ti+Pd (1 ohm/square) resistors in the same otherwise standard thin film circuit structure.

Genetic attack on neural cryptography.

PubMed

Ruttor, Andreas; Kinzel, Wolfgang; Naeh, Rivka; Kanter, Ido

2006-03-01

Different scaling properties for the complexity of bidirectional synchronization and unidirectional learning are essential for the security of neural cryptography. Incrementing the synaptic depth of the networks increases the synchronization time only polynomially, but the success of the geometric attack is reduced exponentially and it clearly fails in the limit of infinite synaptic depth. This method is improved by adding a genetic algorithm, which selects the fittest neural networks. The probability of a successful genetic attack is calculated for different model parameters using numerical simulations. The results show that scaling laws observed in the case of other attacks hold for the improved algorithm, too. The number of networks needed for an effective attack grows exponentially with increasing synaptic depth. In addition, finite-size effects caused by Hebbian and anti-Hebbian learning are analyzed. These learning rules converge to the random walk rule if the synaptic depth is small compared to the square root of the system size.

Genetic attack on neural cryptography

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

Ruttor, Andreas; Kinzel, Wolfgang; Naeh, Rivka

2006-03-15

Different scaling properties for the complexity of bidirectional synchronization and unidirectional learning are essential for the security of neural cryptography. Incrementing the synaptic depth of the networks increases the synchronization time only polynomially, but the success of the geometric attack is reduced exponentially and it clearly fails in the limit of infinite synaptic depth. This method is improved by adding a genetic algorithm, which selects the fittest neural networks. The probability of a successful genetic attack is calculated for different model parameters using numerical simulations. The results show that scaling laws observed in the case of other attacks hold formore » the improved algorithm, too. The number of networks needed for an effective attack grows exponentially with increasing synaptic depth. In addition, finite-size effects caused by Hebbian and anti-Hebbian learning are analyzed. These learning rules converge to the random walk rule if the synaptic depth is small compared to the square root of the system size.« less

Genetic attack on neural cryptography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruttor, Andreas; Kinzel, Wolfgang; Naeh, Rivka; Kanter, Ido

2006-03-01

Different scaling properties for the complexity of bidirectional synchronization and unidirectional learning are essential for the security of neural cryptography. Incrementing the synaptic depth of the networks increases the synchronization time only polynomially, but the success of the geometric attack is reduced exponentially and it clearly fails in the limit of infinite synaptic depth. This method is improved by adding a genetic algorithm, which selects the fittest neural networks. The probability of a successful genetic attack is calculated for different model parameters using numerical simulations. The results show that scaling laws observed in the case of other attacks hold for the improved algorithm, too. The number of networks needed for an effective attack grows exponentially with increasing synaptic depth. In addition, finite-size effects caused by Hebbian and anti-Hebbian learning are analyzed. These learning rules converge to the random walk rule if the synaptic depth is small compared to the square root of the system size.

Effect of relative head position on the anesthetic efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve block during endodontic treatment of patients with irreversible pulpitis.

PubMed

Aggarwal, Vivek; Singla, Mamta; Miglani, Sanjay

2018-02-01

The purpose of this prospective randomized single-blind clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of tilting the head on the anesthetic efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Ninety-two patients were divided into two groups: the first group received IANB and the head was tilted in the direction of the block for 15 min, whereas the second group received IANB and the head was tilted to the opposite side. Access cavity preparation was initiated after 15 min. Success was defined as no pain or faint/weak/mild pain during endodontic access preparation and instrumentation. The anesthetic success rates were analyzed by Pearson chi-square test at 5% significance levels. The same side position and opposite side position yielded 41% and 30% anesthetic success rates, respectively; there was no significant difference between the two sides. Relative head position has no effect on the anesthetic success rate of IANB.

Effect of relative head position on the anesthetic efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve block during endodontic treatment of patients with irreversible pulpitis

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Background The purpose of this prospective randomized single-blind clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of tilting the head on the anesthetic efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Methods Ninety-two patients were divided into two groups: the first group received IANB and the head was tilted in the direction of the block for 15 min, whereas the second group received IANB and the head was tilted to the opposite side. Access cavity preparation was initiated after 15 min. Success was defined as no pain or faint/weak/mild pain during endodontic access preparation and instrumentation. The anesthetic success rates were analyzed by Pearson chi-square test at 5% significance levels. Results The same side position and opposite side position yielded 41% and 30% anesthetic success rates, respectively; there was no significant difference between the two sides. Conclusions Relative head position has no effect on the anesthetic success rate of IANB. PMID:29556558

[Effect of stock abundance and environmental factors on the recruitment success of small yellow croaker in the East China Sea].

PubMed

Liu, Zun-lei; Yuan, Xing-wei; Yang, Lin-lin; Yan, Li-ping; Zhang, Hui; Cheng, Jia-hua

2015-02-01

Multiple hypotheses are available to explain recruitment rate. Model selection methods can be used to identify the best model that supports a particular hypothesis. However, using a single model for estimating recruitment success is often inadequate for overexploited population because of high model uncertainty. In this study, stock-recruitment data of small yellow croaker in the East China Sea collected from fishery dependent and independent surveys between 1992 and 2012 were used to examine density-dependent effects on recruitment success. Model selection methods based on frequentist (AIC, maximum adjusted R2 and P-values) and Bayesian (Bayesian model averaging, BMA) methods were applied to identify the relationship between recruitment and environment conditions. Interannual variability of the East China Sea environment was indicated by sea surface temperature ( SST) , meridional wind stress (MWS), zonal wind stress (ZWS), sea surface pressure (SPP) and runoff of Changjiang River ( RCR). Mean absolute error, mean squared predictive error and continuous ranked probability score were calculated to evaluate the predictive performance of recruitment success. The results showed that models structures were not consistent based on three kinds of model selection methods, predictive variables of models were spawning abundance and MWS by AIC, spawning abundance by P-values, spawning abundance, MWS and RCR by maximum adjusted R2. The recruitment success decreased linearly with stock abundance (P < 0.01), suggesting overcompensation effect in the recruitment success might be due to cannibalism or food competition. Meridional wind intensity showed marginally significant and positive effects on the recruitment success (P = 0.06), while runoff of Changjiang River showed a marginally negative effect (P = 0.07). Based on mean absolute error and continuous ranked probability score, predictive error associated with models obtained from BMA was the smallest amongst different approaches, while that from models selected based on the P-value of the independent variables was the highest. However, mean squared predictive error from models selected based on the maximum adjusted R2 was highest. We found that BMA method could improve the prediction of recruitment success, derive more accurate prediction interval and quantitatively evaluate model uncertainty.

Advanced spectrophotometric chemometric methods for resolving the binary mixture of doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride.

PubMed

Katsarov, Plamen; Gergov, Georgi; Alin, Aylin; Pilicheva, Bissera; Al-Degs, Yahya; Simeonov, Vasil; Kassarova, Margarita

2018-03-01

The prediction power of partial least squares (PLS) and multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) methods have been studied for simultaneous quantitative analysis of the binary drug combination - doxylamine succinate and pyridoxine hydrochloride. Analysis of first-order UV overlapped spectra was performed using different PLS models - classical PLS1 and PLS2 as well as partial robust M-regression (PRM). These linear models were compared to MCR-ALS with equality and correlation constraints (MCR-ALS-CC). All techniques operated within the full spectral region and extracted maximum information for the drugs analysed. The developed chemometric methods were validated on external sample sets and were applied to the analyses of pharmaceutical formulations. The obtained statistical parameters were satisfactory for calibration and validation sets. All developed methods can be successfully applied for simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of doxylamine and pyridoxine both in laboratory-prepared mixtures and commercial dosage forms.

Study of Survival Rate After Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in Hospitals of Kermanshah in 2013

PubMed Central

Goodarzi, Afshin; Jalali, Amir; Almasi, Afshin; Naderipour, Arsalan; Kalhori, Reza Pourmirza; Khodadadi, Amineh

2015-01-01

Background: After CPR, the follow-up of survival rate and caused complications are the most important practices of the medical group. This study was performed aimed at determining the follow-up results after CPR in patients of university hospitals in Kermanshah in 2014. Methods: In this prospective study, 320 samples were examined. A purposive sampling method was used, and data was collected using a researcher-made information form with content and face validity and reliability of r= 0.79. Data was analyzed with STATA9 software and statistical tests, including calculation of the success rate, relative risk (RR), chi-square and Fisher at significance level of P < 0.05. Results: The initial success rate of cardiopulmonary resuscitation was equal to 15.3%, while the ultimate success rate (discharged alive from the hospital) was as 10.6%. The six-month success rate after resuscitation was 8.78% than those who were discharged alive. There were no significant statistical differences between different age groups regarding the initial success rate of resuscitation (P = 0.14), and the initial resuscitation success rate was higher in patients in morning shift (P = 0.02). Conclusion: By the results of study, it is recommended to increase the medical - nursing knowledge and techniques for personnel in the evening and night shifts. Also, an appropriate dissemination of health care staff in working shifts should be done to increase the success rate of CPR procedure. PMID:25560341

Perceptual grouping and attention: not all groupings are equal.

PubMed

Kimchi, Ruth; Razpurker-Apfeld, Irene

2004-08-01

We examined grouping under inattention using Driver, Davis, Russell, Turatto, & Freeman's (2001) method. On each trial, two successive displays were briefly presented, each comprising a central target square surrounded by elements. The task was to judge whether the two targets were the same or different. The organization of the background elements stayed the same or changed, independently of the targets. In different conditions, background elements grouped into columns/rows by color similarity, a shape (a triangle/arrow, a square/cross, or a vertical/horizontal line) by color similarity, and a shape with no other elements in the background. We measured the influence of the background on the target same-different judgments. The results imply that background elements grouped into columns/rows by color similarity and into a shape when no segregation from other elements was involved and the shape was relatively "good." In contrast, no background grouping was observed when resolving figure-ground relations for segregated units was required, as in grouping into a shape by color similarity. These results suggest that grouping is a multiplicity of processes that vary in their attentional demands. Regardless of attentional demands, the products of grouping are not available to awareness without attention.

Control of Flow Structure in Square Cross-Sectioned U Bend using Numerical Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yavuz, Mehmet Metin; Guden, Yigitcan

2014-11-01

Due to the curvature in U-bends, the flow development involves complex flow structures including Dean vortices and high levels of turbulence that are quite critical in considering noise problems and structural failure of the ducts. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) models are developed using ANSYS Fluent to analyze and to control the flow structure in a square cross-sectioned U-bend with a radius of curvature Rc/D = 0.65. The predictions of velocity profiles on different angular positions of the U-bend are compared against the experimental results available in the literature and the previous numerical studies. The performances of different turbulence models are evaluated to propose the best numerical approach that has high accuracy with reduced computation time. The numerical results of the present study indicate improvements with respect to the previous numerical predictions and very good agreement with the available experimental results. In addition, a flow control technique is utilized to regulate the flow inside the bend. The elimination of Dean vortices along with significant reduction in turbulence levels in different cross flow planes are successfully achieved when the flow control technique is applied. The project is supported by Meteksan Defense Industries, Inc.

Results on nucleon life-time from the Kolar gold field experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krishnaswamy, M. R.; Menon, M. G. K.; Mondal, N. K.; Narasimham, V. S.; Sreekantan, B. V.; Hayashi, Y.; Ito, N.; Kawakami, S.; Miyake, S.

1985-01-01

The KGF nucleon decay experiment has been in operation since October 1980 with a 140 ton calorimetric detector at a depth of 2.3 Km underground. The detector comprises 34 layers of proportional counters arranged in an orthogonal geometry with 12 mm thick iron plates in between successive layers. The proportional counters are made up of square (10 x 10 square centimeters) iron plates of wall thickness 2.3 mm. Each of the 1600 counters is instrumented to provide data on ionization, DE/dx and arrival time. The visible energy of a particle is determined to an accuracy of approximately 20% from the ionization and range of its track. The end point ionization of a stopping track provides the direction of motion as well as the nature of the particle (mu/pi,k,p). Decay of mu is recorded with an overall efficiency of only 20% in view of the thickness of 13 g/square centimeters between successive layers.

Milli-Biology

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-30

techniques can produce nanostructured programmable objects. The length scale of the driving physics limits the size scale of objects in DNA origami ...been working on developing a more compact design for 3D origami , with layers of helices packed on a square lattice, that can be folded successfully...version of the CADnano DNA origami CAD software to support square lattice designs. Achieving a simple and standardized way to create designs with the

Zygoma implants in oral rehabilitation: A review of 28 cases.

PubMed

Agbara, Rowland; Goetze, Elizabeth; Koch, Felix; Wagner, Wilfred

2017-01-01

The functional and esthetic rehabilitation of patients with atrophic maxilla or posterior maxillary defect is often challenging. The aim of this study was to determine patient demographics, indications, success rate, and complications following the use of zygoma implants. All patients who had zygoma implant placement in our clinic between 1998 and 2013 were retrospectively assessed for implant outcome. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 and Microsoft Excel 2007 test for significance (ρ) using Pearson's Chi-square (χ 2 ) set at 0.05. A total of 28 patients consisting of 22 females (78.6%) and 6 males (21.4%) were treated, and their age ranged from 41 years to 83 years with a mean age of 60.3 ± 10.6 years. The main indication for zygoma implant placement was atrophic maxilla 12 (42.9%). In the prosthetic rehabilitation of the patients, 2 had epithetic prostheses, and 2 had obturators while 18 patients had conventional removable dental prostheses. Four patients (14.3%) had perimplantitis and one implant was accidentally placed into the maxillary sinus. A cumulative success rate of 88.1% was obtained from this retrospective analysis. A cumulative success rate of 88.1% reported in this study is lower than the reports from other studies. The difference in success rates may be related to different criteria for assessment of zygoma implant success and to the difference in inclusion criteria and follow-up period.

Zygoma implants in oral rehabilitation: A review of 28 cases

PubMed Central

Agbara, Rowland; Goetze, Elizabeth; Koch, Felix; Wagner, Wilfred

2017-01-01

Background: The functional and esthetic rehabilitation of patients with atrophic maxilla or posterior maxillary defect is often challenging. The aim of this study was to determine patient demographics, indications, success rate, and complications following the use of zygoma implants. Materials and Methods: All patients who had zygoma implant placement in our clinic between 1998 and 2013 were retrospectively assessed for implant outcome. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 and Microsoft Excel 2007 test for significance (ρ) using Pearson's Chi-square (χ2) set at 0.05. Results: A total of 28 patients consisting of 22 females (78.6%) and 6 males (21.4%) were treated, and their age ranged from 41 years to 83 years with a mean age of 60.3 ± 10.6 years. The main indication for zygoma implant placement was atrophic maxilla 12 (42.9%). In the prosthetic rehabilitation of the patients, 2 had epithetic prostheses, and 2 had obturators while 18 patients had conventional removable dental prostheses. Four patients (14.3%) had perimplantitis and one implant was accidentally placed into the maxillary sinus. A cumulative success rate of 88.1% was obtained from this retrospective analysis. Conclusion: A cumulative success rate of 88.1% reported in this study is lower than the reports from other studies. The difference in success rates may be related to different criteria for assessment of zygoma implant success and to the difference in inclusion criteria and follow-up period. PMID:29238374

Multi-phase classification by a least-squares support vector machine approach in tomography images of geological samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Faisal; Enzmann, Frieder; Kersten, Michael

2016-03-01

Image processing of X-ray-computed polychromatic cone-beam micro-tomography (μXCT) data of geological samples mainly involves artefact reduction and phase segmentation. For the former, the main beam-hardening (BH) artefact is removed by applying a best-fit quadratic surface algorithm to a given image data set (reconstructed slice), which minimizes the BH offsets of the attenuation data points from that surface. A Matlab code for this approach is provided in the Appendix. The final BH-corrected image is extracted from the residual data or from the difference between the surface elevation values and the original grey-scale values. For the segmentation, we propose a novel least-squares support vector machine (LS-SVM, an algorithm for pixel-based multi-phase classification) approach. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed on BH-corrected and uncorrected samples to show that BH correction is in fact an important prerequisite for accurate multi-phase classification. The combination of the two approaches was thus used to classify successfully three different more or less complex multi-phase rock core samples.

A discriminative structural similarity measure and its application to video-volume registration for endoscope three-dimensional motion tracking.

PubMed

Luo, Xiongbiao; Mori, Kensaku

2014-06-01

Endoscope 3-D motion tracking, which seeks to synchronize pre- and intra-operative images in endoscopic interventions, is usually performed as video-volume registration that optimizes the similarity between endoscopic video and pre-operative images. The tracking performance, in turn, depends significantly on whether a similarity measure can successfully characterize the difference between video sequences and volume rendering images driven by pre-operative images. The paper proposes a discriminative structural similarity measure, which uses the degradation of structural information and takes image correlation or structure, luminance, and contrast into consideration, to boost video-volume registration. By applying the proposed similarity measure to endoscope tracking, it was demonstrated to be more accurate and robust than several available similarity measures, e.g., local normalized cross correlation, normalized mutual information, modified mean square error, or normalized sum squared difference. Based on clinical data evaluation, the tracking error was reduced significantly from at least 14.6 mm to 4.5 mm. The processing time was accelerated more than 30 frames per second using graphics processing unit.

Specular reflectance of optical-black coatings in the far infrared

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, S. M.

1984-01-01

Far-infrared specular reflectance spectra of seven optically black coatings near normal incidence are presented. Seven photometric spectra were obtained using eleven bandpass transmission filters in the wavelength range between 12 and 500 microns, and three interferometric spectra were obtained for corroboration. Data on the construction, thickness, and rms surface roughness of the coatings are also presented. The chemical composition of three coatings can be distinguished from that of the others by a strong absorption feature between 20 and 40 microns, which can be largely attributed to amorphous silicate material. At 100 microns, the most and least reflective coatings differ by nearly 3 orders of magnitude. Inverse relationships observed between the spectra and the roughness and thickness of the coatings led to development of a reflecting-layer model for the measured reflectance. The model successfully describes the spectra at wavelengths outside the silicate absorption, and optical constants are deduced from a nonlinear least squares fit to the data. Parametric errors are estimated by chi-square analysis, and sensitivity tests are performed to determine which parameters control reflectance in different spectral regions.

Ratio manipulating spectrophotometry versus chemometry as stability indicating methods for cefquinome sulfate determination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yehia, Ali M.; Arafa, Reham M.; Abbas, Samah S.; Amer, Sawsan M.

2016-01-01

Spectral resolution of cefquinome sulfate (CFQ) in the presence of its degradation products was studied. Three selective, accurate and rapid spectrophotometric methods were performed for the determination of CFQ in the presence of either its hydrolytic, oxidative or photo-degradation products. The proposed ratio difference, derivative ratio and mean centering are ratio manipulating spectrophotometric methods that were satisfactorily applied for selective determination of CFQ within linear range of 5.0-40.0 μg mL- 1. Concentration Residuals Augmented Classical Least Squares was applied and evaluated for the determination of the cited drug in the presence of its all degradation products. Traditional Partial Least Squares regression was also applied and benchmarked against the proposed advanced multivariate calibration. Experimentally designed 25 synthetic mixtures of three factors at five levels were used to calibrate and validate the multivariate models. Advanced chemometrics succeeded in quantitative and qualitative analyses of CFQ along with its hydrolytic, oxidative and photo-degradation products. The proposed methods were applied successfully for different pharmaceutical formulations analyses. These developed methods were simple and cost-effective compared with the manufacturer's RP-HPLC method.

Speckle noise removal applied to ultrasound image of carotid artery based on total least squares model.

PubMed

Yang, Lei; Lu, Jun; Dai, Ming; Ren, Li-Jie; Liu, Wei-Zong; Li, Zhen-Zhou; Gong, Xue-Hao

2016-10-06

An ultrasonic image speckle noise removal method by using total least squares model is proposed and applied onto images of cardiovascular structures such as the carotid artery. On the basis of the least squares principle, the related principle of minimum square method is applied to cardiac ultrasound image speckle noise removal process to establish the model of total least squares, orthogonal projection transformation processing is utilized for the output of the model, and the denoising processing for the cardiac ultrasound image speckle noise is realized. Experimental results show that the improved algorithm can greatly improve the resolution of the image, and meet the needs of clinical medical diagnosis and treatment of the cardiovascular system for the head and neck. Furthermore, the success in imaging of carotid arteries has strong implications in neurological complications such as stroke.

Robust scoring functions for protein-ligand interactions with quantum chemical charge models.

PubMed

Wang, Jui-Chih; Lin, Jung-Hsin; Chen, Chung-Ming; Perryman, Alex L; Olson, Arthur J

2011-10-24

Ordinary least-squares (OLS) regression has been used widely for constructing the scoring functions for protein-ligand interactions. However, OLS is very sensitive to the existence of outliers, and models constructed using it are easily affected by the outliers or even the choice of the data set. On the other hand, determination of atomic charges is regarded as of central importance, because the electrostatic interaction is known to be a key contributing factor for biomolecular association. In the development of the AutoDock4 scoring function, only OLS was conducted, and the simple Gasteiger method was adopted. It is therefore of considerable interest to see whether more rigorous charge models could improve the statistical performance of the AutoDock4 scoring function. In this study, we have employed two well-established quantum chemical approaches, namely the restrained electrostatic potential (RESP) and the Austin-model 1-bond charge correction (AM1-BCC) methods, to obtain atomic partial charges, and we have compared how different charge models affect the performance of AutoDock4 scoring functions. In combination with robust regression analysis and outlier exclusion, our new protein-ligand free energy regression model with AM1-BCC charges for ligands and Amber99SB charges for proteins achieve lowest root-mean-squared error of 1.637 kcal/mol for the training set of 147 complexes and 2.176 kcal/mol for the external test set of 1427 complexes. The assessment for binding pose prediction with the 100 external decoy sets indicates very high success rate of 87% with the criteria of predicted root-mean-squared deviation of less than 2 Å. The success rates and statistical performance of our robust scoring functions are only weakly class-dependent (hydrophobic, hydrophilic, or mixed).

Strategies in identifying individuals in a segregant population of common bean and implications of genotype x environment interaction in the success of selection.

PubMed

Mendes, M P; Ramalho, M A P; Abreu, A F B

2012-04-10

The objective of this study was to compare the BLUP selection method with different selection strategies in F(2:4) and assess the efficiency of this method on the early choice of the best common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) lines. Fifty-one F(2:4) progenies were produced from a cross between the CVIII8511 x RP-26 lines. A randomized block design was used with 20 replications and one-plant field plots. Character data on plant architecture and grain yield were obtained and then the sum of the standardized variables was estimated for simultaneous selection of both traits. Analysis was carried out by mixed models (BLUP) and the least squares method to compare different selection strategies, like mass selection, stratified mass selection and between and within progeny selection. The progenies selected by BLUP were assessed in advanced generations, always selecting the greatest and smallest sum of the standardized variables. Analyses by the least squares method and BLUP procedure ranked the progenies in the same way. The coincidence of the individuals identified by BLUP and between and within progeny selection was high and of the greatest magnitude when BLUP was compared with mass selection. Although BLUP is the best estimator of genotypic value, its efficiency in the response to long term selection is not different from any of the other methods, because it is also unable to predict the future effect of the progenies x environments interaction. It was inferred that selection success will always depend on the most accurate possible progeny assessment and using alternatives to reduce the progenies x environments interaction effect.

Two-year survival analysis of twisted wire fixed retainer versus spiral wire and fiber-reinforced composite retainers: a preliminary explorative single-blind randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Sobouti, Farhad; Rakhshan, Vahid; Saravi, Mahdi Gholamrezaei; Zamanian, Ali; Shariati, Mahsa

2016-03-01

Traditional retainers (both metal and fiber-reinforced composite [FRC]) have limitations, and a retainer made from more flexible ligature wires might be advantageous. We aimed to compare an experimental design with two traditional retainers. In this prospective preliminary clinical trial, 150 post-treatment patients were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups of 50 patients each to receive mandibular canine-to-canine retainers made of FRC, flexible spiral wire (FSW), and twisted wire (TW). The patients were monitored monthly. The time at which the first signs of breakage/debonding were detected was recorded. The success rates of the retainers were compared using chi-squared, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox proportional-hazard regression analyses (α = 0.05). In total, 42 patients in the FRC group, 41 in the FSW group, and 45 in the TW group completed the study. The 2-year failure rates were 35.7% in the FRC group, 26.8% in the FSW group, and 17.8% in the TW group. These rates differed insignificantly (chi-squared p = 0.167). According to the Kaplan-Meier analysis, failure occurred at 19.95 months in the FRC group, 21.37 months in the FSW group, and 22.36 months in the TW group. The differences between the survival rates in the three groups were not significant (Cox regression p = 0.146). Although the failure rate of the experimental retainer was two times lower than that of the FRC retainer, the difference was not statistically significant. The experimental TW retainer was successful, and larger studies are warranted to verify these results.

Two-year survival analysis of twisted wire fixed retainer versus spiral wire and fiber-reinforced composite retainers: a preliminary explorative single-blind randomized clinical trial

PubMed Central

Sobouti, Farhad; Rakhshan, Vahid; Saravi, Mahdi Gholamrezaei; Zamanian, Ali

2016-01-01

Objective Traditional retainers (both metal and fiber-reinforced composite [FRC]) have limitations, and a retainer made from more flexible ligature wires might be advantageous. We aimed to compare an experimental design with two traditional retainers. Methods In this prospective preliminary clinical trial, 150 post-treatment patients were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups of 50 patients each to receive mandibular canine-to-canine retainers made of FRC, flexible spiral wire (FSW), and twisted wire (TW). The patients were monitored monthly. The time at which the first signs of breakage/debonding were detected was recorded. The success rates of the retainers were compared using chi-squared, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox proportional-hazard regression analyses (α = 0.05). Results In total, 42 patients in the FRC group, 41 in the FSW group, and 45 in the TW group completed the study. The 2-year failure rates were 35.7% in the FRC group, 26.8% in the FSW group, and 17.8% in the TW group. These rates differed insignificantly (chi-squared p = 0.167). According to the Kaplan-Meier analysis, failure occurred at 19.95 months in the FRC group, 21.37 months in the FSW group, and 22.36 months in the TW group. The differences between the survival rates in the three groups were not significant (Cox regression p = 0.146). Conclusions Although the failure rate of the experimental retainer was two times lower than that of the FRC retainer, the difference was not statistically significant. The experimental TW retainer was successful, and larger studies are warranted to verify these results. PMID:27019825

Supine or prone position for mini-PNL procedure: does it matter.

PubMed

Tokatlı, Zafer; Gokce, Mehmet Ilker; Süer, Evren; Sağlam, Remzi

2015-06-01

In this study it is aimed to compare the success and complication rates of mini-PNL procedure in supine and prone positions. In this retrospective study data of 180 patients treated with MPNL either in supine (n = 54) or prone (n = 126) positions between May 2009 and August 2014 was investigated. Success was defined as no visible stones >2 mm. Perioperative complications were classified using the modified Clavien system. Groups were compared with Chi square test or Student t test and for statistical significance p value of 0.05 was accepted. Mean age of the population was 42.5 ± 8.2 years and mean stone size was 23.9 ± 4.1 mm. The two groups were similar with regard to demographic characteristics and stone related characteristics except the ASA status. Success rates of the supine and prone groups were 85.1 and 87.3%, respectively (p = 0.701). No statistically significant differences in terms of complications were observed. Mean operative time was the only parameter different between the two groups (55 vs 82 min, p = 0.001). Supine position for PNL seems to be promising and the complication and success rates are shown to be similar to the prone position with MPNL technique. The only significant benefit of this technique is shorter operative time.

Difference of Success Rates of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Pulpotomies Performed Both by Undergraduate Dental Students and by an Expert Operator: A Retrospective Study.

PubMed

Pasini, Marco; Giuca, Maria Rita; Gatto, Roberto; Caruso, Silvia

2017-01-01

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic success of pulpotomy on primary molars performed by dental students compared to that performed by an expert operator. The study was conducted on 142 second primary molars in 102 children. The patients were randomly selected from the available records. The test group (treated by dental students) included 51 subjects (28 males and 23 females, mean age: 7.2 ± 1) and the control group included 51 children (29 males and 22 females, mean age: 7.4 ± 1.2 years). After pulpotomy, a clinical and radiographic evaluation after 12 months was performed. Chi-square test and odds ratio were calculated and significance level was set at p < 0.05. The success rate was significantly lower, 81.6% ( p < 0.05), in the test group than in the control group (93%). The test group showed less clinical and radiographic success (86% and 80%, resp.) compared to the control group (97.2% for clinical success and 93% for radiographic success). Pulpotomy with MTA is an effective method that ensures a good percentage of success. The clinical experience of the operator is a contributing factor.

Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Elementary School Success Profile for Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Webber, Kristina C.; Rizo, Cynthia F.; Bowen, Natasha K.

2012-01-01

Objectives: This study examines the factor structure and scale quality of data collected with the online Elementary School Success Profile (ESSP) for Teachers from a sample of teachers of 1,145 third through fifth graders. Methods: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using Mplus and weighted least squares means and variances adjusted (WLSMV)…

CHAID Analysis to Determine Socioeconomic Variables That Explain Students' Academic Success

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Önder, Emine; Uyar, Seyma

2017-01-01

This study aims to determine students' characteristics that predict their academic success. The study group consisted of 4,229 students studying at middle schools in Burdur. The data were collected using a questionnaire in the 2014-2015 academic year and analyzed using CHAID (Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detection) analysis, a type of…

Process for obtaining multiple sheet resistances for thin film hybrid microcircuit resistors

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

Norwood, D P

1989-01-31

A standard thin film circuit containing Ta/sub 2/N (100 ohms/square) resistors is fabricated by depositing on a dielectric substrate successive layers of Ta/sub 2/N, Ti and Pd, with a gold layer to provide conductors. The addition of a few simple photoprocessing steps to the standard TFN (thin film network) manufacturing process enables the formation of Ta/sub 2/N + Ti (10 ohms/square) and Ta/sub 2/N + Ti + Pd (1 ohm/square) resistors in the same otherwise standard thin film circuit structure. All three types of resistors are temperature-stable and laser-trimmable for precise definition of resistance values.

Parameter estimation for groundwater models under uncertain irrigation data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Demissie, Yonas; Valocchi, Albert J.; Cai, Ximing; Brozovic, Nicholas; Senay, Gabriel; Gebremichael, Mekonnen

2015-01-01

The success of modeling groundwater is strongly influenced by the accuracy of the model parameters that are used to characterize the subsurface system. However, the presence of uncertainty and possibly bias in groundwater model source/sink terms may lead to biased estimates of model parameters and model predictions when the standard regression-based inverse modeling techniques are used. This study first quantifies the levels of bias in groundwater model parameters and predictions due to the presence of errors in irrigation data. Then, a new inverse modeling technique called input uncertainty weighted least-squares (IUWLS) is presented for unbiased estimation of the parameters when pumping and other source/sink data are uncertain. The approach uses the concept of generalized least-squares method with the weight of the objective function depending on the level of pumping uncertainty and iteratively adjusted during the parameter optimization process. We have conducted both analytical and numerical experiments, using irrigation pumping data from the Republican River Basin in Nebraska, to evaluate the performance of ordinary least-squares (OLS) and IUWLS calibration methods under different levels of uncertainty of irrigation data and calibration conditions. The result from the OLS method shows the presence of statistically significant (p < 0.05) bias in estimated parameters and model predictions that persist despite calibrating the models to different calibration data and sample sizes. However, by directly accounting for the irrigation pumping uncertainties during the calibration procedures, the proposed IUWLS is able to minimize the bias effectively without adding significant computational burden to the calibration processes.

Respiratory muscle strength test: is it realistic in young children?

PubMed Central

Heinzmann-Filho, João Paulo; Donadio, Márcio Vinícius Fagundes

2015-01-01

Objective: To determine the success rate of the manovacuometry test in children between 4 and 12 years of age. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving children and adolescents from 4 to 12 years of age, enrolled in three basic education schools. All subjects had the anthropometric and respiratory muscle strength (maximum inspiratory pressure and maximum expiratory pressure) data measured. Students whose parents did not authorize participation or who did not want to undergo the test were excluded. The test was considered successful when the subject reached acceptability (no air leaks) and reproducibility (variation <10% between the two major maneuvers) criteria established by guidelines. Failure was defined when subjects did not meet the above criteria. Data were expressed as mean and standard deviation and the categorical variables in absolute and relative frequency. The comparison between proportions was performed using the chi-square test. Results: We included 196 children and adolescents, mean age of 8.4±2.5 years, 53.1% female. The success rate of the manovacuometry test in children and adolescents evaluated was 92.3%. When comparing the differences between the success rates of preschool children with those children and adolescents of school age, there was a significantly lower success rate in the pre-school (85.1%) group compared to the school group (94.6%) (p=0.032). However, no significant differences (p=0.575) were found when gender comparisons were performed. Conclusions: The manovacuometry test showed a high success rate in both preschool and school population assessed. Furthermore, the rate of success appears to be related to aging. PMID:26137867

Heart rate variability parameters in horses distinguish atrial fibrillation from sinus rhythm before and after successful electrical cardioversion.

PubMed

Broux, B; De Clercq, D; Decloedt, A; Ven, S; Vera, L; van Steenkiste, G; Mitchell, K; Schwarzwald, C; van Loon, G

2017-11-01

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common pathological arrhythmia in horses. After successful treatment, recurrence is common. Heart rate monitors are easily applicable in horses and some devices offer basic heart rate variability (HRV) calculations. If HRV can be used to distinguish between AF and sinus rhythm (SR), this could become a monitoring tool for horses at risk for recurrence of AF. The purpose of this study was to assess whether in horses AF (before cardioversion) and SR (after cardioversion) can be differentiated based upon HRV parameters. Cohort study with internal controls. Six HRV parameters were determined in 20 horses, both in AF and in SR, at rest (2- and 5-min and 1- and 4-h recordings) and during exercise (walk and trot, 2-min recordings). Time-domain (standard deviation of the NN intervals, root mean squared successive differences in NN intervals and triangular index), frequency domain (low/high frequency ratio) and nonlinear parameters (standard deviation of the Poincaré plot [SD]1 and SD2) were used. Statistical analysis was done using paired Wilcoxon signed rank tests and receiver operating characteristic curves. HRV was higher during AF compared to SR. Results for the detection of AF were good (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.8-1) for most HRV parameters. Root mean squared successive differences in NN intervals and SD1 yielded the best results (AUC 0.9-1). Sensitivity and specificity were high for all parameters at all recordings, but highest during exercise. Although AUCs improved with longer recordings, short recordings were also good (AUC 0.8-1) for the detection of AF. In horses with frequent second degree atrioventricular block, HRV at rest is increased and recordings at walk or trot are recommended. Animals served as their own controls and there was no long-term follow-up to identify AF recurrence. AF (before cardioversion) and SR (after cardioversion) could be distinguished with HRV. This technique has promise as a monitoring tool in horses at risk for AF development. © 2017 EVJ Ltd.

Validated univariate and multivariate spectrophotometric methods for the determination of pharmaceuticals mixture in complex wastewater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riad, Safaa M.; Salem, Hesham; Elbalkiny, Heba T.; Khattab, Fatma I.

2015-04-01

Five, accurate, precise, and sensitive univariate and multivariate spectrophotometric methods were developed for the simultaneous determination of a ternary mixture containing Trimethoprim (TMP), Sulphamethoxazole (SMZ) and Oxytetracycline (OTC) in waste water samples collected from different cites either production wastewater or livestock wastewater after their solid phase extraction using OASIS HLB cartridges. In univariate methods OTC was determined at its λmax 355.7 nm (0D), while (TMP) and (SMZ) were determined by three different univariate methods. Method (A) is based on successive spectrophotometric resolution technique (SSRT). The technique starts with the ratio subtraction method followed by ratio difference method for determination of TMP and SMZ. Method (B) is successive derivative ratio technique (SDR). Method (C) is mean centering of the ratio spectra (MCR). The developed multivariate methods are principle component regression (PCR) and partial least squares (PLS). The specificity of the developed methods is investigated by analyzing laboratory prepared mixtures containing different ratios of the three drugs. The obtained results are statistically compared with those obtained by the official methods, showing no significant difference with respect to accuracy and precision at p = 0.05.

Validated univariate and multivariate spectrophotometric methods for the determination of pharmaceuticals mixture in complex wastewater.

PubMed

Riad, Safaa M; Salem, Hesham; Elbalkiny, Heba T; Khattab, Fatma I

2015-04-05

Five, accurate, precise, and sensitive univariate and multivariate spectrophotometric methods were developed for the simultaneous determination of a ternary mixture containing Trimethoprim (TMP), Sulphamethoxazole (SMZ) and Oxytetracycline (OTC) in waste water samples collected from different cites either production wastewater or livestock wastewater after their solid phase extraction using OASIS HLB cartridges. In univariate methods OTC was determined at its λmax 355.7 nm (0D), while (TMP) and (SMZ) were determined by three different univariate methods. Method (A) is based on successive spectrophotometric resolution technique (SSRT). The technique starts with the ratio subtraction method followed by ratio difference method for determination of TMP and SMZ. Method (B) is successive derivative ratio technique (SDR). Method (C) is mean centering of the ratio spectra (MCR). The developed multivariate methods are principle component regression (PCR) and partial least squares (PLS). The specificity of the developed methods is investigated by analyzing laboratory prepared mixtures containing different ratios of the three drugs. The obtained results are statistically compared with those obtained by the official methods, showing no significant difference with respect to accuracy and precision at p=0.05. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Luminance gradient at object borders communicates object location to the human oculomotor system.

PubMed

Kilpeläinen, Markku; Georgeson, Mark A

2018-01-25

The locations of objects in our environment constitute arguably the most important piece of information our visual system must convey to facilitate successful visually guided behaviour. However, the relevant objects are usually not point-like and do not have one unique location attribute. Relatively little is known about how the visual system represents the location of such large objects as visual processing is, both on neural and perceptual level, highly edge dominated. In this study, human observers made saccades to the centres of luminance defined squares (width 4 deg), which appeared at random locations (8 deg eccentricity). The phase structure of the square was manipulated such that the points of maximum luminance gradient at the square's edges shifted from trial to trial. The average saccade endpoints of all subjects followed those shifts in remarkable quantitative agreement. Further experiments showed that the shifts were caused by the edge manipulations, not by changes in luminance structure near the centre of the square or outside the square. We conclude that the human visual system programs saccades to large luminance defined square objects based on edge locations derived from the points of maximum luminance gradients at the square's edges.

Design and testing of the navigation model for three axis stabilized earth oriented satellites applied to the ATS-6 satellite image data base

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuhlow, W. W.; Chatters, G. C.

1977-01-01

An earth edge methodology has been developed to account for the relative attitude changes between successive ATS-6 images which allows reasonable high quality wind sets to be produced. The method consists of measuring the displacements of the right and left infrared earth edges between successive ATS-6 images as a function of scan line; from these measurements the attitude changes can be deduced and used to correct the apparent cloud displacement measurements. The wind data sets generated from ATS-6 using the earth-edge methodology were compared with those derived from the SMS-1 images (and model) covering the same time period. Quantitative comparisons for low level trade cumuli were made at interpolated uniformly spaced grid points and for selected individual comparison clouds. Selected individual comparison clouds, the root-mean-square differences for the U and V components were 1.0 and 1.2 meters per second with a maximum wind direction difference of 15 deg.

Computational logic with square rings of nanomagnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arava, Hanu; Derlet, Peter M.; Vijayakumar, Jaianth; Cui, Jizhai; Bingham, Nicholas S.; Kleibert, Armin; Heyderman, Laura J.

2018-06-01

Nanomagnets are a promising low-power alternative to traditional computing. However, the successful implementation of nanomagnets in logic gates has been hindered so far by a lack of reliability. Here, we present a novel design with dipolar-coupled nanomagnets arranged on a square lattice to (i) support transfer of information and (ii) perform logic operations. We introduce a thermal protocol, using thermally active nanomagnets as a means to perform computation. Within this scheme, the nanomagnets are initialized by a global magnetic field and thermally relax on raising the temperature with a resistive heater. We demonstrate error-free transfer of information in chains of up to 19 square rings and we show a high level of reliability with successful gate operations of ∼94% across more than 2000 logic gates. Finally, we present a functionally complete prototype NAND/NOR logic gate that could be implemented for advanced logic operations. Here we support our experiments with simulations of the thermally averaged output and determine the optimal gate parameters. Our approach provides a new pathway to a long standing problem concerning reliability in the use of nanomagnets for computation.

Square-core bundles for astronomical imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bryant, Julia J.; Bland-Hawthorn, Joss

2012-09-01

Optical fibre imaging bundles (hexabundles) are proving to be the next logical step for large galaxy surveys as they offer spatially-resolved spectroscopy of galaxies and can be used with conventional fibre positioners. Hexabundles have been effectively demonstrated in the Sydney-AAO Multi-object IFS (SAMI) instrument at the Anglo- Australian Telescope[5]. Based on the success of hexabundles that have circular cores, we have characterised a bundle made instead from square-core fibres. Square cores naturally pack more evenly, which reduces the interstitial holes and can increase the covering, or filling fraction. Furthermore the regular packing simplifies the process of combining and dithering the final images. We discuss the relative issues of filling fraction, focal ratio degradation (FRD), and cross-talk, and find that square-core bundles perform well enough to warrant further development as a format for imaging fibre bundles.

The influence of organizational factors on patient safety: Examining successful handoffs in health care.

PubMed

Richter, Jason P; McAlearney, Ann Scheck; Pennell, Michael L

2016-01-01

Although patient handoffs have been extensively studied, they continue to be problematic. Studies have shown poor handoffs are associated with increased costs, morbidity, and mortality. No prior research compared perceptions of management and clinical staff regarding handoffs. Our aims were (a) to determine whether perceptions of organizational factors that can influence patient safety are positively associated with perceptions of successful patient handoffs, (b) to identify organizational factors that have the greatest influence on perceptions of successful handoffs, and (c) to determine whether associations between perceptions of these factors and successful handoffs differ for management and clinical staff. A total of 515,637 respondents from 1,052 hospitals completed the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture that assessed perceptions about organizational factors that influence patient safety. Using weighted least squares multiple regression, we tested seven organizational factors as predictors of successful handoffs. We fit three separate models using data collected from (a) all staff, (b) management only, and (c) clinical staff only. We found that perceived teamwork across units was the most significant predictor of perceived successful handoffs. Perceptions of staffing and management support for safety were also significantly associated with perceived successful handoffs for both management and clinical staff. For management respondents, perceptions of organizational learning or continuous improvement had a significant positive association with perceived successful handoffs, whereas the association was negative for clinical staff. Perceived communication openness had a significant association only among clinical staff. Hospitals should prioritize teamwork across units and strive to improve communication across the organization in efforts to improve handoffs. In addition, hospitals should ensure sufficient staffing and management support for patient safety. Different perceptions between management and clinical staff with respect to the importance of organizational learning are noteworthy and merit additional study.

Effect of ADA1 mother-fetus and wife-husband phenotypic differences on the ratio birth weight/placental weight in fertile women and on reproductive success in couples with RSA.

PubMed

Gloria-Bottini, Fulvia; Nicotra, Maria; Amante, Ada; Ambrosi, Sara; Cozzoli, Eliana; Saccucci, Patrizia; Bottini, Egidio; Magrini, Andrea

2012-01-01

To study the effect Adenosine Deaminase locus 1 (ADA(1)) mother-fetus and wife-husband phenotypic differences on the ratio Birth Weight/Placental Weight (BW/PW) in fertile women and on reproductive success in couples with repeated spontaneous abortion (RSA). 209 couples with primary RSA and a consecutive series of 379 healthy puerperae with their newborn infants from the White Caucasian population of central Italy were studied. In primary RSA women reproductive success was indicated by the presence of at least one live-born infant within 5 years of follow up. Two way contingency tables were analyzed by chi-square. The proportion of primary RSA couples with at least a live-born infant shows the highest value in couples mother ADA(1)1/father carrier of ADA(1)*2 allele (55.2%) and the lowest value in reciprocal couples mother carrier of ADA(1)*2 allele /father ADA(1)1 (18.7%) (O.R. = 5.33; P = 0.023). The highest ratio BW/PW is observed in the class mother ADA(1)1/newborn carrier of ADA(1)*2 allele while the lowest ratio is observed in the reciprocal class mother carrier of ADA(1)*2 allele/ newborn ADA(1)1. Differences between mother and fetus in ADA(1) phenotype may influence the ratio BW/PW in healthy women and reproductive success in RSA women. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Resonant fiber optic gyro based on a sinusoidal wave modulation and square wave demodulation technique.

PubMed

Wang, Linglan; Yan, Yuchao; Ma, Huilian; Jin, Zhonghe

2016-04-20

New developments are made in the resonant fiber optic gyro (RFOG), which is an optical sensor for the measurement of rotation rate. The digital signal processing system based on the phase modulation technique is capable of detecting the weak frequency difference induced by the Sagnac effect and suppressing the reciprocal noise in the circuit, which determines the detection sensitivity of the RFOG. A new technique based on the sinusoidal wave modulation and square wave demodulation is implemented, and the demodulation curve of the system is simulated and measured. Compared with the past technique using sinusoidal modulation and demodulation, it increases the slope of the demodulation curve by a factor of 1.56, improves the spectrum efficiency of the modulated signal, and reduces the occupancy of the field-programmable gate array resource. On the basis of this new phase modulation technique, the loop is successfully locked and achieves a short-term bias stability of 1.08°/h, which is improved by a factor of 1.47.

Robust control algorithms for Mars aerobraking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shipley, Buford W., Jr.; Ward, Donald T.

1992-01-01

Four atmospheric guidance concepts have been adapted to control an interplanetary vehicle aerobraking in the Martian atmosphere. The first two offer improvements to the Analytic Predictor Corrector (APC) to increase its robustness to density variations. The second two are variations of a new Liapunov tracking exit phase algorithm, developed to guide the vehicle along a reference trajectory. These four new controllers are tested using a six degree of freedom computer simulation to evaluate their robustness. MARSGRAM is used to develop realistic atmospheres for the study. When square wave density pulses perturb the atmosphere all four controllers are successful. The algorithms are tested against atmospheres where the inbound and outbound density functions are different. Square wave density pulses are again used, but only for the outbound leg of the trajectory. Additionally, sine waves are used to perturb the density function. The new algorithms are found to be more robust than any previously tested and a Liapunov controller is selected as the most robust control algorithm overall examined.

Automatic variable selection method and a comparison for quantitative analysis in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duan, Fajie; Fu, Xiao; Jiang, Jiajia; Huang, Tingting; Ma, Ling; Zhang, Cong

2018-05-01

In this work, an automatic variable selection method for quantitative analysis of soil samples using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is proposed, which is based on full spectrum correction (FSC) and modified iterative predictor weighting-partial least squares (mIPW-PLS). The method features automatic selection without artificial processes. To illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the method, a comparison with genetic algorithm (GA) and successive projections algorithm (SPA) for different elements (copper, barium and chromium) detection in soil was implemented. The experimental results showed that all the three methods could accomplish variable selection effectively, among which FSC-mIPW-PLS required significantly shorter computation time (12 s approximately for 40,000 initial variables) than the others. Moreover, improved quantification models were got with variable selection approaches. The root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEP) of models utilizing the new method were 27.47 (copper), 37.15 (barium) and 39.70 (chromium) mg/kg, which showed comparable prediction effect with GA and SPA.

Modelling daily dissolved oxygen concentration using least square support vector machine, multivariate adaptive regression splines and M5 model tree

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heddam, Salim; Kisi, Ozgur

2018-04-01

In the present study, three types of artificial intelligence techniques, least square support vector machine (LSSVM), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) and M5 model tree (M5T) are applied for modeling daily dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration using several water quality variables as inputs. The DO concentration and water quality variables data from three stations operated by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) were used for developing the three models. The water quality data selected consisted of daily measured of water temperature (TE, °C), pH (std. unit), specific conductance (SC, μS/cm) and discharge (DI cfs), are used as inputs to the LSSVM, MARS and M5T models. The three models were applied for each station separately and compared to each other. According to the results obtained, it was found that: (i) the DO concentration could be successfully estimated using the three models and (ii) the best model among all others differs from one station to another.

Using Quantile and Asymmetric Least Squares Regression for Optimal Risk Adjustment.

PubMed

Lorenz, Normann

2017-06-01

In this paper, we analyze optimal risk adjustment for direct risk selection (DRS). Integrating insurers' activities for risk selection into a discrete choice model of individuals' health insurance choice shows that DRS has the structure of a contest. For the contest success function (csf) used in most of the contest literature (the Tullock-csf), optimal transfers for a risk adjustment scheme have to be determined by means of a restricted quantile regression, irrespective of whether insurers are primarily engaged in positive DRS (attracting low risks) or negative DRS (repelling high risks). This is at odds with the common practice of determining transfers by means of a least squares regression. However, this common practice can be rationalized for a new csf, but only if positive and negative DRSs are equally important; if they are not, optimal transfers have to be calculated by means of a restricted asymmetric least squares regression. Using data from German and Swiss health insurers, we find considerable differences between the three types of regressions. Optimal transfers therefore critically depend on which csf represents insurers' incentives for DRS and, if it is not the Tullock-csf, whether insurers are primarily engaged in positive or negative DRS. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Vis-NIR spectrometric determination of Brix and sucrose in sugar production samples using kernel partial least squares with interval selection based on the successive projections algorithm.

PubMed

de Almeida, Valber Elias; de Araújo Gomes, Adriano; de Sousa Fernandes, David Douglas; Goicoechea, Héctor Casimiro; Galvão, Roberto Kawakami Harrop; Araújo, Mario Cesar Ugulino

2018-05-01

This paper proposes a new variable selection method for nonlinear multivariate calibration, combining the Successive Projections Algorithm for interval selection (iSPA) with the Kernel Partial Least Squares (Kernel-PLS) modelling technique. The proposed iSPA-Kernel-PLS algorithm is employed in a case study involving a Vis-NIR spectrometric dataset with complex nonlinear features. The analytical problem consists of determining Brix and sucrose content in samples from a sugar production system, on the basis of transflectance spectra. As compared to full-spectrum Kernel-PLS, the iSPA-Kernel-PLS models involve a smaller number of variables and display statistically significant superiority in terms of accuracy and/or bias in the predictions. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Hyperspectral Imaging in Tandem with R Statistics and Image Processing for Detection and Visualization of pH in Japanese Big Sausages Under Different Storage Conditions.

PubMed

Feng, Chao-Hui; Makino, Yoshio; Yoshimura, Masatoshi; Thuyet, Dang Quoc; García-Martín, Juan Francisco

2018-02-01

The potential of hyperspectral imaging with wavelengths of 380 to 1000 nm was used to determine the pH of cooked sausages after different storage conditions (4 °C for 1 d, 35 °C for 1, 3, and 5 d). The mean spectra of the sausages were extracted from the hyperspectral images and partial least squares regression (PLSR) model was developed to relate spectral profiles with the pH of the cooked sausages. Eleven important wavelengths were selected based on the regression coefficient values. The PLSR model established using the optimal wavelengths showed good precision being the prediction coefficient of determination (R p 2 ) 0.909 and the root mean square error of prediction 0.035. The prediction map for illustrating pH indices in sausages was for the first time developed by R statistics. The overall results suggested that hyperspectral imaging combined with PLSR and R statistics are capable to quantify and visualize the sausages pH evolution under different storage conditions. In this paper, hyperspectral imaging is for the first time used to detect pH in cooked sausages using R statistics, which provides another useful information for the researchers who do not have the access to Matlab. Eleven optimal wavelengths were successfully selected, which were used for simplifying the PLSR model established based on the full wavelengths. This simplified model achieved a high R p 2 (0.909) and a low root mean square error of prediction (0.035), which can be useful for the design of multispectral imaging systems. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Personal coronary risk profiles modify autonomic nervous system responses to air pollution.

PubMed

Chen, Jiu-Chiuan; Stone, Peter H; Verrier, Richard L; Nearing, Bruce D; MacCallum, Gail; Kim, Jee-Young; Herrick, Robert F; You, Jinhong; Zhou, Haibo; Christiani, David C

2006-11-01

We investigated whether PM2.5-mediated autonomic modulation depends on individual coronary risk profiles. Five-minute average heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV, including standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals [SDNN], square root of the mean squared differences of successive NN intervals [rMSSD], high frequency [HF]) were measured from 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiograms, and personal PM(2.5) exposures were monitored in a prospective study of 10 male boilermakers (aged 34.3 +/- 8.1 years). We used the Framingham score to classify individuals into low (score = 1-3) and high (score = 5-6) risk categories. Mixed-effect models were used for statistical analyses. Each 1-mg/m(3) increase in the preceding 4-hour moving average PM(2.5) was associated with HR increase (5.3 beats/min) and HRV reduction (11.7%, confidence interval [CI] = 6.2-17.1% for SDNN; 11.1%, CI = 3.1-19.1% for rMSSD; 16.6%, CI = 1.5-31.7% for HF). Greater responses (2- to 4-fold differences) were observed in high-risk subjects than in low-risk subjects. Our study suggests that adverse autonomic responses to metal particulate are aggravated in workers with higher coronary risk profiles.

Temperature variation effects on stochastic characteristics for low-cost MEMS-based inertial sensor error

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Diasty, M.; El-Rabbany, A.; Pagiatakis, S.

2007-11-01

We examine the effect of varying the temperature points on MEMS inertial sensors' noise models using Allan variance and least-squares spectral analysis (LSSA). Allan variance is a method of representing root-mean-square random drift error as a function of averaging times. LSSA is an alternative to the classical Fourier methods and has been applied successfully by a number of researchers in the study of the noise characteristics of experimental series. Static data sets are collected at different temperature points using two MEMS-based IMUs, namely MotionPakII and Crossbow AHRS300CC. The performance of the two MEMS inertial sensors is predicted from the Allan variance estimation results at different temperature points and the LSSA is used to study the noise characteristics and define the sensors' stochastic model parameters. It is shown that the stochastic characteristics of MEMS-based inertial sensors can be identified using Allan variance estimation and LSSA and the sensors' stochastic model parameters are temperature dependent. Also, the Kaiser window FIR low-pass filter is used to investigate the effect of de-noising stage on the stochastic model. It is shown that the stochastic model is also dependent on the chosen cut-off frequency.

Chemometrics-assisted simultaneous determination of cobalt(II) and chromium(III) with flow-injection chemiluminescence method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Baoxin; Wang, Dongmei; Lv, Jiagen; Zhang, Zhujun

2006-09-01

In this paper, a flow-injection chemiluminescence (CL) system is proposed for simultaneous determination of Co(II) and Cr(III) with partial least squares calibration. This method is based on the fact that both Co(II) and Cr(III) catalyze the luminol-H 2O 2 CL reaction, and that their catalytic activities are significantly different on the same reaction condition. The CL intensity of Co(II) and Cr(III) was measured and recorded at different pH of reaction medium, and the obtained data were processed by the chemometric approach of partial least squares. The experimental calibration set was composed with nine sample solutions using orthogonal calibration design for two component mixtures. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 2 × 10 -7 to 8 × 10 -10 and 2 × 10 -6 to 4 × 10 -9 g/ml for Co(II) and Cr(III), respectively. The proposed method offers the potential advantages of high sensitivity, simplicity and rapidity for Co(II) and Cr(III) determination, and was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of both analytes in real water sample.

Ratio manipulating spectrophotometry versus chemometry as stability indicating methods for cefquinome sulfate determination.

PubMed

Yehia, Ali M; Arafa, Reham M; Abbas, Samah S; Amer, Sawsan M

2016-01-15

Spectral resolution of cefquinome sulfate (CFQ) in the presence of its degradation products was studied. Three selective, accurate and rapid spectrophotometric methods were performed for the determination of CFQ in the presence of either its hydrolytic, oxidative or photo-degradation products. The proposed ratio difference, derivative ratio and mean centering are ratio manipulating spectrophotometric methods that were satisfactorily applied for selective determination of CFQ within linear range of 5.0-40.0 μg mL(-1). Concentration Residuals Augmented Classical Least Squares was applied and evaluated for the determination of the cited drug in the presence of its all degradation products. Traditional Partial Least Squares regression was also applied and benchmarked against the proposed advanced multivariate calibration. Experimentally designed 25 synthetic mixtures of three factors at five levels were used to calibrate and validate the multivariate models. Advanced chemometrics succeeded in quantitative and qualitative analyses of CFQ along with its hydrolytic, oxidative and photo-degradation products. The proposed methods were applied successfully for different pharmaceutical formulations analyses. These developed methods were simple and cost-effective compared with the manufacturer's RP-HPLC method. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of different spectrophotometric methods for simultaneous determination of elbasvir and grazoprevir in pharmaceutical preparation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Attia, Khalid A. M.; El-Abasawi, Nasr M.; El-Olemy, Ahmed; Abdelazim, Ahmed H.

2018-01-01

The first three UV spectrophotometric methods have been developed of simultaneous determination of two new FDA approved drugs namely; elbasvir and grazoprevir in their combined pharmaceutical dosage form. These methods include simultaneous equation, partial least squares with and without variable selection procedure (genetic algorithm). For simultaneous equation method, the absorbance values at 369 (λmax of elbasvir) and 253 nm (λmax of grazoprevir) have been selected for the formation of two simultaneous equations required for the mathematical processing and quantitative analysis of the studied drugs. Alternatively, the partial least squares with and without variable selection procedure (genetic algorithm) have been applied in the spectra analysis because the synchronous inclusion of many unreal wavelengths rather than by using a single or dual wavelength which greatly increases the precision and predictive ability of the methods. Successfully assay of the drugs in their pharmaceutical formulation has been done by the proposed methods. Statistically comparative analysis for the obtained results with the manufacturing methods has been performed. It is noteworthy to mention that there was no significant difference between the proposed methods and the manufacturing one with respect to the validation parameters.

Designing an artificial neural network using radial basis function to model exergetic efficiency of nanofluids in mini double pipe heat exchanger

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghasemi, Nahid; Aghayari, Reza; Maddah, Heydar

2018-06-01

The present study aims at predicting and optimizing exergetic efficiency of TiO2-Al2O3/water nanofluid at different Reynolds numbers, volume fractions and twisted ratios using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and experimental data. Central Composite Design (CCD) and cascade Radial Basis Function (RBF) were used to display the significant levels of the analyzed factors on the exergetic efficiency. The size of TiO2-Al2O3/water nanocomposite was 20-70 nm. The parameters of ANN model were adapted by a training algorithm of radial basis function (RBF) with a wide range of experimental data set. Total mean square error and correlation coefficient were used to evaluate the results which the best result was obtained from double layer perceptron neural network with 30 neurons in which total Mean Square Error(MSE) and correlation coefficient (R2) were equal to 0.002 and 0.999, respectively. This indicated successful prediction of the network. Moreover, the proposed equation for predicting exergetic efficiency was extremely successful. According to the optimal curves, the optimum designing parameters of double pipe heat exchanger with inner twisted tape and nanofluid under the constrains of exergetic efficiency 0.937 are found to be Reynolds number 2500, twisted ratio 2.5 and volume fraction( v/v%) 0.05.

MSE-impact of PPP-RTK ZTD estimation strategies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, K.; Khodabandeh, A.; Teunissen, P. J. G.

2018-06-01

In PPP-RTK network processing, the wet component of the zenith tropospheric delay (ZTD) cannot be precisely modelled and thus remains unknown in the observation equations. For small networks, the tropospheric mapping functions of different stations to a given satellite are almost equal to each other, thereby causing a near rank-deficiency between the ZTDs and satellite clocks. The stated near rank-deficiency can be solved by estimating the wet ZTD components relatively to that of the reference receiver, while the wet ZTD component of the reference receiver is constrained to zero. However, by increasing network scale and humidity around the reference receiver, enlarged mismodelled effects could bias the network and the user solutions. To consider both the influences of the noise and the biases, the mean-squared errors (MSEs) of different network and user parameters are studied analytically employing both the ZTD estimation strategies. We conclude that for a certain set of parameters, the difference in their MSE structures using both strategies is only driven by the square of the reference wet ZTD component and the formal variance of its solution. Depending on the network scale and the humidity condition around the reference receiver, the ZTD estimation strategy that delivers more accurate solutions might be different. Simulations are performed to illustrate the conclusions made by analytical studies. We find that estimating the ZTDs relatively in large networks and humid regions (for the reference receiver) could significantly degrade the network ambiguity success rates. Using ambiguity-fixed network-derived PPP-RTK corrections, for networks with an inter-station distance within 100 km, the choices of the ZTD estimation strategy is not crucial for single-epoch ambiguity-fixed user positioning. Using ambiguity-float network corrections, for networks with inter-station distances of 100, 300 and 500 km in humid regions (for the reference receiver), the root-mean-squared errors (RMSEs) of the estimated user coordinates using relative ZTD estimation could be higher than those under the absolute case with differences up to millimetres, centimetres and decimetres, respectively.

Direct Numerical Simulation of Acoustic Waves Interacting with a Shock Wave in a Quasi-1D Convergent-Divergent Nozzle Using an Unstructured Finite Volume Algorithm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bui, Trong T.; Mankbadi, Reda R.

1995-01-01

Numerical simulation of a very small amplitude acoustic wave interacting with a shock wave in a quasi-1D convergent-divergent nozzle is performed using an unstructured finite volume algorithm with a piece-wise linear, least square reconstruction, Roe flux difference splitting, and second-order MacCormack time marching. First, the spatial accuracy of the algorithm is evaluated for steady flows with and without the normal shock by running the simulation with a sequence of successively finer meshes. Then the accuracy of the Roe flux difference splitting near the sonic transition point is examined for different reconstruction schemes. Finally, the unsteady numerical solutions with the acoustic perturbation are presented and compared with linear theory results.

How Preschoolers' Social-Emotional Learning Predicts Their Early School Success: Developing Theory-Promoting, Competency-Based Assessments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Denham, Susanne A.; Bassett, Hideko H.; Zinsser, Katherine; Wyatt, Todd M.

2014-01-01

Starting on positive trajectories at school entry is important for children's later academic success. Using partial least squares, we sought to specify interrelations among all theory-based components of social-emotional learning (SEL), and their ability to predict later classroom adjustment and academic readiness in a modelling context.…

AKLSQF - LEAST SQUARES CURVE FITTING

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kantak, A. V.

1994-01-01

The Least Squares Curve Fitting program, AKLSQF, computes the polynomial which will least square fit uniformly spaced data easily and efficiently. The program allows the user to specify the tolerable least squares error in the fitting or allows the user to specify the polynomial degree. In both cases AKLSQF returns the polynomial and the actual least squares fit error incurred in the operation. The data may be supplied to the routine either by direct keyboard entry or via a file. AKLSQF produces the least squares polynomial in two steps. First, the data points are least squares fitted using the orthogonal factorial polynomials. The result is then reduced to a regular polynomial using Sterling numbers of the first kind. If an error tolerance is specified, the program starts with a polynomial of degree 1 and computes the least squares fit error. The degree of the polynomial used for fitting is then increased successively until the error criterion specified by the user is met. At every step the polynomial as well as the least squares fitting error is printed to the screen. In general, the program can produce a curve fitting up to a 100 degree polynomial. All computations in the program are carried out under Double Precision format for real numbers and under long integer format for integers to provide the maximum accuracy possible. AKLSQF was written for an IBM PC X/AT or compatible using Microsoft's Quick Basic compiler. It has been implemented under DOS 3.2.1 using 23K of RAM. AKLSQF was developed in 1989.

Pediatric Vascular Access Peripheral IV Algorithm Success Rate.

PubMed

Hartman, Jane H; Baker, John; Bena, James F; Morrison, Shannon L; Albert, Nancy M

Determine if the pediatric peripheral vascular access algorithm (PPVAA) led to differences in first-attempt and overall peripheral intravenous (PIV) success, staff attempting PIV access per episode and overall attempts and first PIV attempt success by provider. A two-cohort pre-/post-implementation comparative design involved pediatric nurses and patients. The PPVAA included four components: a patient comfort plan, PIV grading score, nurses' self-assessed IV access capability and nurse decision to stop-the-line. Two sample t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test and Pearson's chi-square test were used to evaluate differences between groups and measures. Healthcare providers (N=96) attempted 721 PIV insertions (pre-PPVAA, n=419 and post-PPVAA, n=302). Of 78 nurse providers, mean (SD) age was 37.4 (11.0) years and 20.0% self-assessed PIV capability as expert. Of children, mean age was 8.3 (7.0) years. Post-PPVAA, first-attempt (p=0.86) and overall (p=0.21) success did not change, though fewer staff were needed per episode to initiate PIV; p=0.017. Overall rate of success after one attempt in the post-PPVAA period compared to pre-PPVAA was reduced (p=0.002), reflecting greater awareness to stop-the-line. Compared to pre-PPVAA, advanced practice nurses and non-clinician providers were more likely to achieve success on first attempt. The PPVAA did not increase first-attempt or overall PIV success; however, it decreased overall IV attempts and the number of staff attempting access per episode. The multi-component PPVAA provided a guide for nurses during PIV and assisted decision making to stop attempts in difficult cases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Image reconstruction of IRAS survey scans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bontekoe, Tj. Romke

1990-01-01

The IRAS survey data can be used successfully to produce images of extended objects. The major difficulties, viz. non-uniform sampling, different response functions for each detector, and varying signal-to-noise levels for each detector for each scan, were resolved. The results of three different image construction techniques are compared: co-addition, constrained least squares, and maximum entropy. The maximum entropy result is superior. An image of the galaxy M51 with an average spatial resolution of 45 arc seconds is presented, using 60 micron survey data. This exceeds the telescope diffraction limit of 1 minute of arc, at this wavelength. Data fusion is a proposed method for combining data from different instruments, with different spacial resolutions, at different wavelengths. Data estimates of the physical parameters, temperature, density and composition, can be made from the data without prior image (re-)construction. An increase in the accuracy of these parameters is expected as the result of this more systematic approach.

A survey of various enhancement techniques for square rings antennas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mumin, Abdul Rashid O.; Alias, Rozlan; Abdullah, Jiwa; Abdulhasan, Raed Abdulkareem; Ali, Jawad; Dahlan, Samsul Haimi; Awaleh, Abdisamad A.

2017-09-01

The square ring shape becomes a famous reconfiguration on antenna design. The researchers have been developed the square ring by different configurations. It has high efficiency and simple calculation method. The performance enhancement for an antenna is the main reason to use this setting. Furthermore, the multi-objectives for the antenna also are considered. In this paper, different studies of square ring shape are discussed. This shape is developed in five different techniques, which are the gain enhancement, dual band antenna, reconfigurable antenna, CSRR, and circularly polarization. Moreover, the validation between these configurations also demonstrates for square ring shapes. In particular, the square ring slot improved the gain by 4.3 dB, provide dual band resonance at 1.4 and 2.6 GHz while circular polarization at 1.54 GHz, and multi-mode antenna. However, square ring strip achieved an excellent band rejection on UWB antenna at 5.5 GHz. The square ring slot length is the most influential factor on the antenna performance, which refers to the free space wavelength. Finally, comparisons between these techniques are presented.

On the relationship between the Hurst exponent, the ratio of the mean square successive difference to the variance, and the number of turning points

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarnopolski, Mariusz

2016-11-01

The long range dependence of the fractional Brownian motion (fBm), fractional Gaussian noise (fGn), and differentiated fGn (DfGn) is described by the Hurst exponent H. Considering the realizations of these three processes as time series, they might be described by their statistical features, such as half of the ratio of the mean square successive difference to the variance, A, and the number of turning points, T. This paper investigates the relationships between A and H, and between T and H. It is found numerically that the formulae A(H) = aebH in case of fBm, and A(H) = a + bHc for fGn and DfGn, describe well the A(H) relationship. When T(H) is considered, no simple formula is found, and it is empirically found that among polynomials, the fourth and second order description applies best. The most relevant finding is that when plotted in the space of (A , T) , the three process types form separate branches. Hence, it is examined whether A and T may serve as Hurst exponent indicators. Some real world data (stock market indices, sunspot numbers, chaotic time series) are analyzed for this purpose, and it is found that the H's estimated using the H(A) relations (expressed as inverted A(H) functions) are consistent with the H's extracted with the well known wavelet approach. This allows to efficiently estimate the Hurst exponent based on fast and easy to compute A and T, given that the process type: fBm, fGn or DfGn, is correctly classified beforehand. Finally, it is suggested that the A(H) relation for fGn and DfGn might be an exact (shifted) 3 / 2 power-law.

The Use of Peer Tutoring to Improve the Passing Rates in Mathematics Placement Exams of Engineering Students: A Success Story

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

García, Rolando; Morales, Juan C.; Rivera, Gloribel

2014-01-01

This paper describes a highly successful peer tutoring program that has resulted in an improvement in the passing rates of mathematics placement exams from 16% to 42%, on average. Statistical analyses were conducted using a Chi-Squared (?[superscript 2]) test for independence and the results were statistically significant (p-value much less than…

Squaring the Project Management Circle: Updating the Cost, Schedule, and Performance Methodology

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-30

success is measured as achieving technical performance and/or mission performance goals, coupled with customer (warfighter) satisfaction (De Wit, 1988...studies added criteria such as customer satisfaction , efficiency of execution, and effectiveness of the project organization (Pinto & Slevin, 1998...team and the user customer organization, management policy and project control. This clustering of success factors represents the amalgamation of the

Differences in chewing sounds of dry-crisp snacks by multivariate data analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Belie, N.; Sivertsvik, M.; De Baerdemaeker, J.

2003-09-01

Chewing sounds of different types of dry-crisp snacks (two types of potato chips, prawn crackers, cornflakes and low calorie snacks from extruded starch) were analysed to assess differences in sound emission patterns. The emitted sounds were recorded by a microphone placed over the ear canal. The first bite and the first subsequent chew were selected from the time signal and a fast Fourier transformation provided the power spectra. Different multivariate analysis techniques were used for classification of the snack groups. This included principal component analysis (PCA) and unfold partial least-squares (PLS) algorithms, as well as multi-way techniques such as three-way PLS, three-way PCA (Tucker3), and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) on the first bite and subsequent chew. The models were evaluated by calculating the classification errors and the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) for independent validation sets. It appeared that the logarithm of the power spectra obtained from the chewing sounds could be used successfully to distinguish the different snack groups. When different chewers were used, recalibration of the models was necessary. Multi-way models distinguished better between chewing sounds of different snack groups than PCA on bite or chew separately and than unfold PLS. From all three-way models applied, N-PLS with three components showed the best classification capabilities, resulting in classification errors of 14-18%. The major amount of incorrect classifications was due to one type of potato chips that had a very irregular shape, resulting in a wide variation of the emitted sounds.

Wall-ablative laser-driven in-tube accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasoh, Akihiro; Suzuki, Shingo; Matsuda, Atsushi

2008-05-01

The laser-driven in-tube accelerator in which the propellant is supplied from laser-ablated gas from the tube wall was developed. Proof-of concept demonstrations of vertical launch were successfully done. The device had a 25mm X 25mm square cross-section; two opposing walls were made of polyacetal and acted as the propellant, the other two acrylic window with guide grooves to the projectile. The upper end of the launch tube was connected to a vacuum chamber of an inner volume of 0.8 m2, in which the initial pressure was set to lower than 20 Pa. With plugging the bottom end of the launch tube, a momentum coupling coefficient exceeding 2.5 mN/W was obtained. Even with the bottom end connected to the same vacuum chamber through a different duct, the projectile was vertical launched successfully, obtaining 0.14 mN/W.

Active Living Logan Square: joining together to create opportunities for physical activity.

PubMed

Gomez-Feliciano, Lucy; McCreary, Linda L; Sadowsky, Rob; Peterson, Serena; Hernandez, Adolfo; McElmurry, Beverly J; Park, Chang Gi

2009-12-01

The Active Living Logan Square target audience is the community of the southwest corner of Logan Square, an urban Chicago community of 84,466 residents, mostly Latinos. Through the Active Living by Design (ALbD) initiative, the Logan Square Neighborhood Association leveraged its 48 years of existence in the neighborhood to create opportunities and build partnerships. Activities addressed three primary goals: (1) enhance school environments and practices to support physical activity before, during, and after the school day; (2) encourage individuals and families to enjoy outdoor activities in their own communities; and (3) create safe, inviting places for activity that connect to surrounding communities. The partnership's participatory approach involved a variety of community stakeholders in developing and implementing affordable, accessible, culturally acceptable, and sustainable physical activities for children and their families. The partnership successfully piloted Open Streets (temporary street closures) and advocated for development of the Bloomingdale Trail, an elevated rails-to-trails project. In schools, the partnership changed the culture at McAuliffe Elementary to support healthy behaviors through new policies, physical projects, and programs. Vital components of the project's success included a full-time coordinator with strong community ties; time to build healthy relationships within the partnership and community; the use of culturally relevant strategies; and flexibility to welcome complementary opportunities. The partnership intentionally did not produce a single community-recognized campaign; instead, it chose to use limited resources to promote tangible programs and projects that led to sustainable and replicable changes that promote physical activity.

Mean-square angle-of-arrival difference between two counter-propagating spherical waves in the presence of atmospheric turbulence.

PubMed

Chen, Chunyi; Yang, Huamin; Tong, Shoufeng; Lou, Yan

2015-09-21

The mean-square angle-of-arrival (AOA) difference between two counter-propagating spherical waves in atmospheric turbulence is theoretically formulated. Closed-form expressions for the path weighting functions are obtained. It is found that the diffraction and refraction effects of turbulent cells make negative and positive contributions to the mean-square AOA difference, respectively, and the turbulent cells located at the midpoint of the propagation path have no contributions to the mean-square AOA difference. If the mean-square AOA difference is separated into the refraction and diffraction parts, the refraction part always dominates the diffraction one, and the ratio of the diffraction part to the refraction one is never larger than 0.5 for any turbulence spectrum. Based on the expressions for the mean-square AOA difference, formulae for the correlation coefficient between the angles of arrival of two counter-propagating spherical waves in atmospheric turbulence are derived. Numerical calculations are carried out by considering that the turbulence spectrum has no path dependence. It is shown that the mean-square AOA difference always approximates to the variance of AOA fluctuations. It is found that the correlation coefficient between the angles of arrival in the x or y direction of two counter-propagating spherical waves ranges from 0.46 to 0.5, implying that the instantaneous angles of arrival of two counter-propagating spherical waves in atmospheric turbulence are far from being perfectly correlated even when the turbulence spectrum does not vary along the path.

Exploring the influence of encoding format on subsequent memory.

PubMed

Turney, Indira C; Dennis, Nancy A; Maillet, David; Rajah, M Natasha

2017-05-01

Distinctive encoding is greatly influenced by gist-based processes and has been shown to suffer when highly similar items are presented in close succession. Thus, elucidating the mechanisms underlying how presentation format affects gist processing is essential in determining the factors that influence these encoding processes. The current study utilised multivariate partial least squares (PLS) analysis to identify encoding networks directly associated with retrieval performance in a blocked and intermixed presentation condition. Subsequent memory analysis for successfully encoded items indicated no significant differences between reaction time and retrieval performance and presentation format. Despite no significant behavioural differences, behaviour PLS revealed differences in brain-behaviour correlations and mean condition activity in brain regions associated with gist-based vs. distinctive encoding. Specifically, the intermixed format encouraged more distinctive encoding, showing increased activation of regions associated with strategy use and visual processing (e.g., frontal and visual cortices, respectively). Alternatively, the blocked format exhibited increased gist-based processes, accompanied by increased activity in the right inferior frontal gyrus. Together, results suggest that the sequence that information is presented during encoding affects the degree to which distinctive encoding is engaged. These findings extend our understanding of the Fuzzy Trace Theory and the role of presentation format on encoding processes.

Effects of different force fields on the structural character of α synuclein β-hairpin peptide (35-56) in aqueous environment.

PubMed

Kundu, Sangeeta

2018-02-01

The hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the intracellular protein aggregation forming Lewy Bodies (LB) and Lewy neuritis which comprise mostly of a protein, alpha synuclein (α-syn). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation methods can augment experimental techniques to understand misfolding and aggregation pathways with atomistic resolution. The quality of MD simulations for proteins and peptides depends greatly on the accuracy of empirical force fields. The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of different force fields on the structural character of β hairpin fragment of α-syn (residues 35-56) peptide in aqueous solution. Six independent MD simulations are done in explicit solvent using, AMBER03, AMBER99SB, GROMOS96 43A1, GROMOS96 53A6, OPLS-AA, and CHARMM27 force fields with CMAP corrections. The performance of each force field is assessed from several structural parameters such as root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), radius of gyration (Rg), solvent accessible surface area (SASA), formation of β-turn, the stability of folded β-hairpin structure, and the favourable conformations obtained for different force fields. In this study, CMAP correction of CHARMM27 force field is found to overestimate the helical conformation, while GROMOS96 53A6 is found to most successfully capture the conformational dynamics of α-syn β-hairpin fragment as elicited from NMR.

The use of heart rate variability in assessing precompetitive stress in high-standard judo athletes.

PubMed

Morales, J; Garcia, V; García-Massó, X; Salvá, P; Escobar, R; Buscà, B

2013-02-01

The objective of this study is to examine the sensitivity to and changes in heart rate variability (HRV) in stressful situations before judo competitions and to observe the differences among judo athletes according to their competitive standards in both official and unofficial competitions. 24 (10 male and 14 female) national- and international-standard athletes were evaluated. Each participant answered the Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2R) and their HRV was recorded both during an official and unofficial competition. The MANOVA showed significant main effects of the athlete's standard and the type of competition in CSAI-2R, in HRV time domain, in HRV frequency domain and in HRV nonlinear analysis (p<0.05). International-standard judo athletes have lower somatic anxiety, cognitive anxiety, heart rate and low-high frequency ratio than national-standard athletes (p<0.05). International-standard athletes have a higher confidence, mean RR interval, standard deviation of RR, square root of the mean squared difference of successive RR intervals, number of consecutive RR that differ by more than 5 ms, short-term variability, long-term variability, long-range scaling exponents and short-range scaling exponent than national-standard judo athletes. In conclusion, international-standard athletes show less pre-competitive anxiety than the national-standard athletes and HRV analysis is sensitive to changes in pre-competitive anxiety. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Effects of ice massage of the head and spine on heart rate variability in healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Mooventhan, A; Nivethitha, L

2016-07-01

Ice massage (IM) is one of the treatment procedures used in hydrotherapy. Though its various physiological/therapeutic effects have been reported, effects of IM of the head and spine on heart rate variability (HRV) have not been studied. Thus, this study evaluated the effects of IM of the head and spine on HRV in healthy volunteers. Thirty subjects were randomly divided into 3 sessions: (1) IM, (2) tap water massage (TWM) and (3) prone rest (PR). Heart rate (HR) and HRV were assessed before and after each intervention session. A significant increase in the mean of the intervals between adjacent QRS complexes or the instantaneous HR (RRI), square root of mean of sum of squares of differences between adjacent normal to normal (NN) intervals (RMSSD), number of interval differences of successive NN intervals greater than 50 milliseconds (NN50), proportion derived by dividing NN50 by total number of NN intervals along with significant reduction in HR after IM session; significant increase in RRI along with significant reduction in HR after TWM, and a significant increase only in RMSSD after PR were observed. However, there was no significant difference between the sessions. Results of this study suggest that 20 min of IM of the head and spine is effective in reducing HR and improving HRV through vagal dominance in healthy volunteers.

Cardiovascular Autonomic Dysfunction in Patients with Morbid Obesity

PubMed Central

de Sant Anna Junior, Maurício; Carneiro, João Regis Ivar; Carvalhal, Renata Ferreira; Torres, Diego de Faria Magalhães; da Cruz, Gustavo Gavina; Quaresma, José Carlos do Vale; Lugon, Jocemir Ronaldo; Guimarães, Fernando Silva

2015-01-01

Background Morbid obesity is directly related to deterioration in cardiorespiratory capacity, including changes in cardiovascular autonomic modulation. Objective This study aimed to assess the cardiovascular autonomic function in morbidly obese individuals. Methods Cross-sectional study, including two groups of participants: Group I, composed by 50 morbidly obese subjects, and Group II, composed by 30 nonobese subjects. The autonomic function was assessed by heart rate variability in the time domain (standard deviation of all normal RR intervals [SDNN]; standard deviation of the normal R-R intervals [SDNN]; square root of the mean squared differences of successive R-R intervals [RMSSD]; and the percentage of interval differences of successive R-R intervals greater than 50 milliseconds [pNN50] than the adjacent interval), and in the frequency domain (high frequency [HF]; low frequency [LF]: integration of power spectral density function in high frequency and low frequency ranges respectively). Between-group comparisons were performed by the Student’s t-test, with a level of significance of 5%. Results Obese subjects had lower values of SDNN (40.0 ± 18.0 ms vs. 70.0 ± 27.8 ms; p = 0.0004), RMSSD (23.7 ± 13.0 ms vs. 40.3 ± 22.4 ms; p = 0.0030), pNN50 (14.8 ± 10.4 % vs. 25.9 ± 7.2%; p = 0.0061) and HF (30.0 ± 17.5 Hz vs. 51.7 ± 25.5 Hz; p = 0.0023) than controls. Mean LF/HF ratio was higher in Group I (5.0 ± 2.8 vs. 1.0 ± 0.9; p = 0.0189), indicating changes in the sympathovagal balance. No statistical difference in LF was observed between Group I and Group II (50.1 ± 30.2 Hz vs. 40.9 ± 23.9 Hz; p = 0.9013). Conclusion morbidly obese individuals have increased sympathetic activity and reduced parasympathetic activity, featuring cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction. PMID:26536979

Pregnancy outcome using general anesthesia versus spinal anesthesia for in vitro fertilization.

PubMed

Azmude, Azra; Agha'amou, Shahrzad; Yousefshahi, Fardin; Berjis, Katayoun; Mirmohammad'khani, Majid; Sadaat'ahmadi, Farahnaz; Ghods, Kamran; Dabbagh, Ali

2013-09-01

There is a considerable rate of fertility failure and this causes a great burden of untoward effects for patients. Usually a considerable number of these patients undergo anesthesia for their treatment. This study was designed to compare the effects of general and spinal anesthesia on these patients. In a randomized clinical trial, after taking informed written consent from the patients, 200 patients entered the study; 100 in each. During a 2 year period, women aged 20 to 40 years entered the study (one group receiving spinal anesthesia and the other, receiving general anesthesia). Ovum retrieval protocols were the same. Nonparametric and parametric analyses were used for data analysis. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. There was no difference between the two groups regarding demographic variables. 15 of 100 patients (15%) in the general anesthesia group and 27 of 100 patients (27%) in the spinal anesthesia group had successful pregnancy after IVF; so, spinal anesthesia increased significantly the chance of IVF success (P value < 0.001; Chi Square). The results of this study demonstrated that spinal anesthesia increased the chance of fertilization success.

Experimental and Numerical Studies on Fiber Deformation and Formability in Thermoforming Process Using a Fast-Cure Carbon Prepreg: Effect of Stacking Sequence and Mold Geometry.

PubMed

Bae, Daeryeong; Kim, Shino; Lee, Wonoh; Yi, Jin Woo; Um, Moon Kwang; Seong, Dong Gi

2018-05-21

A fast-cure carbon fiber/epoxy prepreg was thermoformed against a replicated automotive roof panel mold (square-cup) to investigate the effect of the stacking sequence of prepreg layers with unidirectional and plane woven fabrics and mold geometry with different drawing angles and depths on the fiber deformation and formability of the prepreg. The optimum forming condition was determined via analysis of the material properties of epoxy resin. The non-linear mechanical properties of prepreg at the deformation modes of inter- and intra-ply shear, tensile and bending were measured to be used as input data for the commercial virtual forming simulation software. The prepreg with a stacking sequence containing the plain-woven carbon prepreg on the outer layer of the laminate was successfully thermoformed against a mold with a depth of 20 mm and a tilting angle of 110°. Experimental results for the shear deformations at each corner of the thermoformed square-cup product were compared with the simulation and a similarity in the overall tendency of the shear angle in the path at each corner was observed. The results are expected to contribute to the optimization of parameters on materials, mold design and processing in the thermoforming mass-production process for manufacturing high quality automotive parts with a square-cup geometry.

Experimental and Numerical Studies on Fiber Deformation and Formability in Thermoforming Process Using a Fast-Cure Carbon Prepreg: Effect of Stacking Sequence and Mold Geometry

PubMed Central

Bae, Daeryeong; Kim, Shino; Lee, Wonoh; Yi, Jin Woo; Um, Moon Kwang; Seong, Dong Gi

2018-01-01

A fast-cure carbon fiber/epoxy prepreg was thermoformed against a replicated automotive roof panel mold (square-cup) to investigate the effect of the stacking sequence of prepreg layers with unidirectional and plane woven fabrics and mold geometry with different drawing angles and depths on the fiber deformation and formability of the prepreg. The optimum forming condition was determined via analysis of the material properties of epoxy resin. The non-linear mechanical properties of prepreg at the deformation modes of inter- and intra-ply shear, tensile and bending were measured to be used as input data for the commercial virtual forming simulation software. The prepreg with a stacking sequence containing the plain-woven carbon prepreg on the outer layer of the laminate was successfully thermoformed against a mold with a depth of 20 mm and a tilting angle of 110°. Experimental results for the shear deformations at each corner of the thermoformed square-cup product were compared with the simulation and a similarity in the overall tendency of the shear angle in the path at each corner was observed. The results are expected to contribute to the optimization of parameters on materials, mold design and processing in the thermoforming mass-production process for manufacturing high quality automotive parts with a square-cup geometry. PMID:29883413

Hypnosis for the control of pain associated with external cephalic version: a comparative study.

PubMed

Guittier, Marie-Julia; Guillemin, Francis; Farinelli, Edith Brandao; Irion, Olivier; Boulvain, Michel; de Tejada, Begoña Martinez

2013-10-01

To assess the effectiveness of hypnosis to reduce pain and facilitate external cephalic version (ECV). Cohort study. Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland. 63 women attempting ECV under hypnosis from 2010 to 2011 were compared with 122 women who received standard care from 2005 through 2008. Immediately after the ECV attempt, both groups completed the same questionnaire evaluating the participants' pain (visual analogue and verbal rating scales) and experience with the procedure. Physicians also completed a questionnaire that elicited their views on the effect of hypnosis on the intervention. A chi-squared test was used to compare differences in proportions, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for differences in continuous variables. A thematic content analysis of the obstetricians' responses to the open question regarding their experience of hypnotist accompaniment was also performed. Pain evaluated by women (visual analogue and verbal rating scales) and success rate of ECV. Pain intensity reported by women did not significantly differ between the hypnosis group and the standard care group (visual analogue scale score, 6.0 versus 6.3, respectively; p=.25; difference for verbal rating scale, p=0.31. In 72% of cases, physicians reported that hypnosis facilitated the procedure. The success rates in both groups were not significantly different (30% with hypnosis compared with 38% without; p=.31). Most women in both groups found the ECV attempt painful and a source of anxiety but would undergo it again if necessary. Hypnosis accompaniment during ECV does not reduce pain intensity associated with the procedure or improve the probability of a successful version.

Efficacy of Articaine and Lidocaine for Buccal Infiltration of First Maxillary Molars with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Randomized Double-blinded Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

Hosseini, Hamid Reza; Parirokh, Masoud; Nakhaee, Nouzar; V. Abbott, Paul; Samani, Syamak

2016-01-01

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of 2% lidocaine to 4% articaine in buccal infiltration of maxillary first molars with irreversible pulpitis. Moreover, the effect of root length on success of anesthesia irrespective of the type of anesthetic agent was assessed. Methods and Materials: Fifty patients suffering from painful maxillary first molars with irreversible pulpitis received an infiltration injection of either 4% articaine with 1:100000 epinephrine or 2% lidocaine with 1:80000 epinephrine. Each patient recorded their pain score in response to a cold test on a Heft-Parker visual analogue scale (VAS) before commencing the treatment, 5 min following injection, during access preparation, after pulp exposure and during root canal instrumentation. No or mild pain at any stage was considered a success. Data were analyzed using the multivariate logistic regression analysis, chi-square and t tests. Results: Finally, 47 out of 50 patients were eligible to be included in this study. The anesthetic success rates in the lidocaine and articaine groups were 56.52% and 66.67%, respectively and the difference was not significant (P=0.474). Irrespective of the anesthetic agent, the length of the palatal root (Odds Ratio=0.24, P=0.007) had an adverse effect on anesthetic success. There was an association between longer palatal root length and anesthetic failure. Conclusion: No significant difference was found between 2% lidocaine and 4% articaine in terms of anesthetic success in maxillary first molars with irreversible pulpitis. The length of the palatal root had a significant negative influence on anesthetic success. PMID:27141212

Effect of rapid maxillary expansion and transpalatal arch treatment associated with deciduous canine extraction on the eruption of palatally displaced canines: A 2-center prospective study.

PubMed

Sigler, Lauren M; Baccetti, Tiziano; McNamara, James A

2011-03-01

Our aim was to investigate the effect of rapid maxillary expansion and transpalatal arch therapy combined with deciduous canine extraction on the eruption rate of palatally displaced canines (PDCs) in patients in the late mixed dentition in a 2-center prospective study. Seventy subjects were enrolled based on PDCs diagnosed on panoramic radiographs. The treatment group (TG, 40 subjects) underwent RME followed by TPA therapy and extraction of the deciduous canines. The control group (CG, 30 subjects) received no orthodontic treatment. At the start of the trial, panoramic radiographs and dental casts were compared between the TG and the CG with the Mann-Whitney U test (P <0.05). At the second observation (cervical vertebral maturation stage 5 or 6), all subjects were reevaluated, and the eruption of the maxillary permanent canines was assessed. The rates of success in the TG were compared with those in the CG by means of chi-square tests (P <0.05). The association of PDCs with other dental anomalies was reported. No statistically significant difference was found for any measurement at the start of the trial between the 2 groups. The prevalence rates of eruption of the maxillary canines were 80% for the TG and 28% in the CG, a statistically significant difference (chi-square =16.26, P <0.001). The prevalence rate at the start for the pubertal stages of cervical vertebral maturation (63%) was significantly greater in the unsuccessfully treated subjects than in the successfully treated ones (16%). In the CG, all successful subjects had PDCs that overlapped the corresponding deciduous canine or the distal aspect of the lateral incisor. Eruption of PDCs in both groups was associated significantly with an open root apex. Rapid maxillary expansion therapy followed by a transpalatal arch combined with extraction of the deciduous canine is effective in treating patients in the late mixed dentition with PDCs. Pretreatment variables indicating success of treatment on the eruption of PDCs were less severe sectors of displacement, prepubertal stages of skeletal maturity, and open root apices of PDCs. Several dental anomalies were associated significantly with PDCs, thus confirming the genetic etiology of this eruption disturbance. Copyright © 2011 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

An efficient closed-form solution for acoustic emission source location in three-dimensional structures

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

Li, Xibing; Dong, Longjun, E-mail: csudlj@163.com; Australian Centre for Geomechanics, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, 6009

This paper presents an efficient closed-form solution (ECS) for acoustic emission(AE) source location in three-dimensional structures using time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements from N receivers, N ≥ 6. The nonlinear location equations of TDOA are simplified to linear equations. The unique analytical solution of AE sources for unknown velocity system is obtained by solving the linear equations. The proposed ECS method successfully solved the problems of location errors resulting from measured deviations of velocity as well as the existence and multiplicity of solutions induced by calculations of square roots in existed close-form methods.

Does pelvicaliceal system anatomy affect success of percutaneous nephrolithotomy?

PubMed

Binbay, Murat; Akman, Tolga; Ozgor, Faruk; Yazici, Ozgur; Sari, Erhan; Erbin, Akif; Kezer, Cem; Sarilar, Omer; Berberoglu, Yalcın; Muslumanoglu, Ahmet Yaser

2011-10-01

To investigate the effect of the pelvicaliceal system (PCS) anatomy on the percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) success rate. Although the caliceal anatomy is effective for stone clearance after shock wave lithotripsy and retrograde intrarenal lithotripsy, the effect of the caliceal anatomy after PCNL has not been evaluated to date. A total of 498 patients who had undergone PCNL and preoperative intravenous urography were enrolled in our study. Kidney-related anatomic factors, such as the PCS surface area and type, degree of hydronephrosis, infundibulopelvic angle, upper-lower calix angle, infundibular length, and infundibular width were calculated using intravenous urography. The association between the PCNL success rate and kidney-related anatomic factors was retrospectively analyzed using chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, and forward stepwise regression analysis. A success rate of 78.1% was achieved. No difference was seen the success rates among the PCS types. The mean PCS surface area was 20.1 ± 9.7 cm(2) in patients with successful outcomes and 24.5 ± 10.2 cm(2) in patients with remaining stones (P = .001). The mean infundibulopelvic angle, upper-lower calix angle, infundibular length, and infundibular width were similar in both groups. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that stone configuration and PCS surface area were independent factors affecting the PCNL success rates. The results of our study have shown that the PCS surface area is the only anatomic factor that affects the PCNL success rate and patients with a PCS surface area <20.5 cm(2) have greater PCNL success. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Culturally Equipped for Socio-Scientific Issues? A comparative study on how teachers and students in mono- and multiethnic schools handle work with complex issues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ideland, Malin; Malmberg, Claes; Winberg, Mikael

2011-09-01

Socio-scientific issues (SSI) are not only said to increase students' interest in science, but they also strengthen the generic skills of teamwork, problem-solving, and media literacy. At the same time, these skills are prerequisites for successful work with SSI. The aim of the study is to analyze what happens when SSI are implemented in science classrooms with various degrees of ethnic diversity and socio-cultural status. We are also interested in knowing how teachers structure the SSI work from discourses on what suits different students. Quantitative and qualitative methods are combined, for example, questionnaires and ethnographic fieldwork, presented through partial least squares analysis and thick descriptions. We can notice discursive differences between 'Us' and 'The Other' and between mono- and multiethnic schools. In an earlier research, images of differences between the different student groups emerged, and we can find these in the results from the questionnaires. In an observation study, another pattern appeared that indicated similarities rather than differences between mono- and multiethnic classrooms. The students are first of all inside the discourse of 'the successful student.' Noteworthy is that the teachers' roles correspond better with the discourse than with how students actually act. The study also shows that SSI articulate a collision between different discourses on education: a discourse on differences between students in multi- and monoethnic classrooms; a discourse on how to become a successful student; and a discourse on the school's mission to educate participating citizens. It is suggested that schools should relate to, expose, and articulate discursive clashes that emerge when introducing new work forms.

Visual recognition system of cherry picking robot based on Lab color model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qirong; Zuo, Jianjun; Yu, Tingzhong; Wang, Yan

2017-12-01

This paper designs a visual recognition system suitable for cherry picking. First, the system deals with the image using the vector median filter. And then it extracts a channel of Lab color model to divide the cherries and the background. The cherry contour was successfully fitted by the least square method, and the centroid and radius of the cherry were extracted. Finally, the cherry was successfully extracted.

The brain creates illusions not just for us: sharks (Chiloscyllium griseum) can “see the magic” as well

PubMed Central

Fuss, Theodora; Bleckmann, Horst; Schluessel, Vera

2014-01-01

Bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium griseum) were tested for their ability to perceive subjective and illusionary contours as well as line length illusions. Individuals were first trained to differentiate between squares, triangles, and rhomboids in a series of two alternative forced-choice experiments. Transfer tests then elucidated whether Kanizsa squares and triangles, grating gaps and phase shifted abutting gratings were also perceived and distinguished. The visual systems of most vertebrates and even invertebrates perceive illusionary contours despite the absence of physical luminance, color or textural differences. Sharks are no exception to the rule; all tasks were successfully mastered within 3–24 training sessions, with sharks discriminating between various sets of Kanizsa figures and alternative stimuli, as well as between subjective contours in >75% of all tests. However, in contrast to Kanizsa figures and subjective contours, sharks were not deceived by Müller-Lyer (ML) illusions. Here, two center lines of equal length are comparatively set between two arrowheads or –tails, in which case the line featuring the two arrow tails appears to be longer to most humans, primates and birds. In preparation for this experiment, lines of varying length, and lines of unequal length randomly featuring either two arrowheads or -tails on their ends, were presented first. Both sets of lines were successfully distinguished by most sharks. However, during presentation of the ML illusions sharks failed to succeed and succumbed either to side preferences or chose according to chance. PMID:24688458

Discrimination of raw and processed Dipsacus asperoides by near infrared spectroscopy combined with least squares-support vector machine and random forests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xin, Ni; Gu, Xiao-Feng; Wu, Hao; Hu, Yu-Zhu; Yang, Zhong-Lin

2012-04-01

Most herbal medicines could be processed to fulfill the different requirements of therapy. The purpose of this study was to discriminate between raw and processed Dipsacus asperoides, a common traditional Chinese medicine, based on their near infrared (NIR) spectra. Least squares-support vector machine (LS-SVM) and random forests (RF) were employed for full-spectrum classification. Three types of kernels, including linear kernel, polynomial kernel and radial basis function kernel (RBF), were checked for optimization of LS-SVM model. For comparison, a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) model was performed for classification, and the successive projections algorithm (SPA) was executed prior to building an LDA model to choose an appropriate subset of wavelengths. The three methods were applied to a dataset containing 40 raw herbs and 40 corresponding processed herbs. We ran 50 runs of 10-fold cross validation to evaluate the model's efficiency. The performance of the LS-SVM with RBF kernel (RBF LS-SVM) was better than the other two kernels. The RF, RBF LS-SVM and SPA-LDA successfully classified all test samples. The mean error rates for the 50 runs of 10-fold cross validation were 1.35% for RBF LS-SVM, 2.87% for RF, and 2.50% for SPA-LDA. The best classification results were obtained by using LS-SVM with RBF kernel, while RF was fast in the training and making predictions.

The brain creates illusions not just for us: sharks (Chiloscyllium griseum) can "see the magic" as well.

PubMed

Fuss, Theodora; Bleckmann, Horst; Schluessel, Vera

2014-01-01

Bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium griseum) were tested for their ability to perceive subjective and illusionary contours as well as line length illusions. Individuals were first trained to differentiate between squares, triangles, and rhomboids in a series of two alternative forced-choice experiments. Transfer tests then elucidated whether Kanizsa squares and triangles, grating gaps and phase shifted abutting gratings were also perceived and distinguished. The visual systems of most vertebrates and even invertebrates perceive illusionary contours despite the absence of physical luminance, color or textural differences. Sharks are no exception to the rule; all tasks were successfully mastered within 3-24 training sessions, with sharks discriminating between various sets of Kanizsa figures and alternative stimuli, as well as between subjective contours in >75% of all tests. However, in contrast to Kanizsa figures and subjective contours, sharks were not deceived by Müller-Lyer (ML) illusions. Here, two center lines of equal length are comparatively set between two arrowheads or -tails, in which case the line featuring the two arrow tails appears to be longer to most humans, primates and birds. In preparation for this experiment, lines of varying length, and lines of unequal length randomly featuring either two arrowheads or -tails on their ends, were presented first. Both sets of lines were successfully distinguished by most sharks. However, during presentation of the ML illusions sharks failed to succeed and succumbed either to side preferences or chose according to chance.

A successive overrelaxation iterative technique for an adaptive equalizer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kosovych, O. S.

1973-01-01

An adaptive strategy for the equalization of pulse-amplitude-modulated signals in the presence of intersymbol interference and additive noise is reported. The successive overrelaxation iterative technique is used as the algorithm for the iterative adjustment of the equalizer coefficents during a training period for the minimization of the mean square error. With 2-cyclic and nonnegative Jacobi matrices substantial improvement is demonstrated in the rate of convergence over the commonly used gradient techniques. The Jacobi theorems are also extended to nonpositive Jacobi matrices. Numerical examples strongly indicate that the improvements obtained for the special cases are possible for general channel characteristics. The technique is analytically demonstrated to decrease the mean square error at each iteration for a large range of parameter values for light or moderate intersymbol interference and for small intervals for general channels. Analytically, convergence of the relaxation algorithm was proven in a noisy environment and the coefficient variance was demonstrated to be bounded.

Variable selection in near-infrared spectroscopy: benchmarking of feature selection methods on biodiesel data.

PubMed

Balabin, Roman M; Smirnov, Sergey V

2011-04-29

During the past several years, near-infrared (near-IR/NIR) spectroscopy has increasingly been adopted as an analytical tool in various fields from petroleum to biomedical sectors. The NIR spectrum (above 4000 cm(-1)) of a sample is typically measured by modern instruments at a few hundred of wavelengths. Recently, considerable effort has been directed towards developing procedures to identify variables (wavelengths) that contribute useful information. Variable selection (VS) or feature selection, also called frequency selection or wavelength selection, is a critical step in data analysis for vibrational spectroscopy (infrared, Raman, or NIRS). In this paper, we compare the performance of 16 different feature selection methods for the prediction of properties of biodiesel fuel, including density, viscosity, methanol content, and water concentration. The feature selection algorithms tested include stepwise multiple linear regression (MLR-step), interval partial least squares regression (iPLS), backward iPLS (BiPLS), forward iPLS (FiPLS), moving window partial least squares regression (MWPLS), (modified) changeable size moving window partial least squares (CSMWPLS/MCSMWPLSR), searching combination moving window partial least squares (SCMWPLS), successive projections algorithm (SPA), uninformative variable elimination (UVE, including UVE-SPA), simulated annealing (SA), back-propagation artificial neural networks (BP-ANN), Kohonen artificial neural network (K-ANN), and genetic algorithms (GAs, including GA-iPLS). Two linear techniques for calibration model building, namely multiple linear regression (MLR) and partial least squares regression/projection to latent structures (PLS/PLSR), are used for the evaluation of biofuel properties. A comparison with a non-linear calibration model, artificial neural networks (ANN-MLP), is also provided. Discussion of gasoline, ethanol-gasoline (bioethanol), and diesel fuel data is presented. The results of other spectroscopic techniques application, such as Raman, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies, can be greatly improved by an appropriate feature selection choice. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fitting a function to time-dependent ensemble averaged data.

PubMed

Fogelmark, Karl; Lomholt, Michael A; Irbäck, Anders; Ambjörnsson, Tobias

2018-05-03

Time-dependent ensemble averages, i.e., trajectory-based averages of some observable, are of importance in many fields of science. A crucial objective when interpreting such data is to fit these averages (for instance, squared displacements) with a function and extract parameters (such as diffusion constants). A commonly overlooked challenge in such function fitting procedures is that fluctuations around mean values, by construction, exhibit temporal correlations. We show that the only available general purpose function fitting methods, correlated chi-square method and the weighted least squares method (which neglects correlation), fail at either robust parameter estimation or accurate error estimation. We remedy this by deriving a new closed-form error estimation formula for weighted least square fitting. The new formula uses the full covariance matrix, i.e., rigorously includes temporal correlations, but is free of the robustness issues, inherent to the correlated chi-square method. We demonstrate its accuracy in four examples of importance in many fields: Brownian motion, damped harmonic oscillation, fractional Brownian motion and continuous time random walks. We also successfully apply our method, weighted least squares including correlation in error estimation (WLS-ICE), to particle tracking data. The WLS-ICE method is applicable to arbitrary fit functions, and we provide a publically available WLS-ICE software.

Within-Session Stability of Short-Term Heart Rate Variability Measurement

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Abstract The primary aim of this study was to assess the retest stability of the short-term heart rate variability (HRV) measurement performed within one session and without the use of any intervention. Additionally, a precise investigation of the possible impact of intrinsic biological variation on HRV reliability was also performed. First, a single test-retest HRV measurement was conducted with 20-30 min apart from one another. Second, the HRV measurement was repeated in ten non-interrupted consecutive intervals. The lowest typical error (CV = 21.1%) was found for the square root of the mean squared differences of successive RR intervals (rMSSD) and the highest for the low frequency power (PLF) (CV = 93.9%). The standardized changes in the mean were trivial to small. The correlation analysis revealed the highest level for ln rMSSD (ICC = 0.87), while ln PLF represented the worst case (ICC = 0.59). The reliability indices for ln rMSSD in 10 consecutive intervals improved (CV = 9.9%; trivial standardized changes in the mean; ICC = 0.96). In conclusion, major differences were found in the reliability level between the HRV indices. The rMSSD demonstrated the highest reliability level. No substantial influence of intrinsic biological variation on the HRV reliability was observed. PMID:28149345

The effect of an enriched learning community on success and retention in chemistry courses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Willoughby, Lois Jane

Since the mid-1990s, the United States has experienced a shortage of scientists and engineers, declining numbers of students choosing these fields as majors, and low student success and retention rates in these disciplines. Learning theorists, educational researchers, and practitioners believe that learning environments can be created so that an improvement in the numbers of students who complete courses successfully could be attained (Astin, 1993; Magolda & Terenzini, n.d.; O'Banion, 1997). Learning communities do this by providing high expectations, academic and social support, feedback during the entire educational process, and involvement with faculty, other students, and the institution (Ketcheson & Levine, 1999). A program evaluation of an existing learning community of science, mathematics, and engineering majors was conducted to determine the extent to which the program met its goals and was effective from faculty and student perspectives. The program provided laptop computers, peer tutors, supplemental instruction with and without computer software, small class size, opportunities for contact with specialists in selected career fields, a resource library, and Peer-Led Team Learning. During the two years the project has existed, success, retention, and next-course continuation rates were higher than in traditional courses. Faculty and student interviews indicated there were many affective accomplishments as well. Success and retention rates for one learning community class ( n = 27) and one traditional class (n = 61) in chemistry were collected and compared using Pearson chi square procedures ( p = .05). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups. Data from an open-ended student survey about how specific elements of their course experiences contributed to success and persistence were analyzed by coding the responses and comparing the learning community and traditional classes. Substantial differences were found in their perceptions about the lecture, the lab, other supports used for the course, contact with other students, helping them reach their potential, and their recommendation about the course to others. Because of the limitation of small sample size, these differences are reported in descriptive terms.

Chemometrics resolution and quantification power evaluation: Application on pharmaceutical quaternary mixture of Paracetamol, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine and p-aminophenol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yehia, Ali M.; Mohamed, Heba M.

2016-01-01

Three advanced chemmometric-assisted spectrophotometric methods namely; Concentration Residuals Augmented Classical Least Squares (CRACLS), Multivariate Curve Resolution-Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) and Principal Component Analysis-Artificial Neural Networks (PCA-ANN) were developed, validated and benchmarked to PLS calibration; to resolve the severely overlapped spectra and simultaneously determine; Paracetamol (PAR), Guaifenesin (GUA) and Phenylephrine (PHE) in their ternary mixture and in presence of p-aminophenol (AP) the main degradation product and synthesis impurity of Paracetamol. The analytical performance of the proposed methods was described by percentage recoveries, root mean square error of calibration and standard error of prediction. The four multivariate calibration methods could be directly used without any preliminary separation step and successfully applied for pharmaceutical formulation analysis, showing no excipients' interference.

[Formula: see text]-regularized recursive total least squares based sparse system identification for the error-in-variables.

PubMed

Lim, Jun-Seok; Pang, Hee-Suk

2016-01-01

In this paper an [Formula: see text]-regularized recursive total least squares (RTLS) algorithm is considered for the sparse system identification. Although recursive least squares (RLS) has been successfully applied in sparse system identification, the estimation performance in RLS based algorithms becomes worse, when both input and output are contaminated by noise (the error-in-variables problem). We proposed an algorithm to handle the error-in-variables problem. The proposed [Formula: see text]-RTLS algorithm is an RLS like iteration using the [Formula: see text] regularization. The proposed algorithm not only gives excellent performance but also reduces the required complexity through the effective inversion matrix handling. Simulations demonstrate the superiority of the proposed [Formula: see text]-regularized RTLS for the sparse system identification setting.

Simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide by H-point standard addition method and partial least squares regression.

PubMed

Lakshmi, Karunanidhi Santhana; Lakshmi, Sivasubramanian

2011-03-01

Simultaneous determination of valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide by the H-point standard additions method (HPSAM) and partial least squares (PLS) calibration is described. Absorbances at a pair of wavelengths, 216 and 228 nm, were monitored with the addition of standard solutions of valsartan. Results of applying HPSAM showed that valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide can be determined simultaneously at concentration ratios varying from 20:1 to 1:15 in a mixed sample. The proposed PLS method does not require chemical separation and spectral graphical procedures for quantitative resolution of mixtures containing the titled compounds. The calibration model was based on absorption spectra in the 200-350 nm range for 25 different mixtures of valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Calibration matrices contained 0.5-3 μg mL-1 of both valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide. The standard error of prediction (SEP) for valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide was 0.020 and 0.038 μg mL-1, respectively. Both proposed methods were successfully applied to the determination of valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide in several synthetic and real matrix samples.

Rapid determination of major bioactive isoflavonoid compounds during the extraction process of kudzu (Pueraria lobata) by near-infrared transmission spectroscopy.

PubMed

Wang, Pei; Zhang, Hui; Yang, Hailong; Nie, Lei; Zang, Hengchang

2015-02-25

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been developed into an indispensable tool for both academic research and industrial quality control in a wide field of applications. The feasibility of NIR spectroscopy to monitor the concentration of puerarin, daidzin, daidzein and total isoflavonoid (TIF) during the extraction process of kudzu (Pueraria lobata) was verified in this work. NIR spectra were collected in transmission mode and pretreated with smoothing and derivative. Partial least square regression (PLSR) was used to establish calibration models. Three different variable selection methods, including correlation coefficient method, interval partial least squares (iPLS), and successive projections algorithm (SPA) were performed and compared with models based on all of the variables. The results showed that the approach was very efficient and environmentally friendly for rapid determination of the four quality indices (QIs) in the kudzu extraction process. This method established may have the potential to be used as a process analytical technological (PAT) tool in the future. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Non-parametric and least squares Langley plot methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiedron, P. W.; Michalsky, J. J.

2016-01-01

Langley plots are used to calibrate sun radiometers primarily for the measurement of the aerosol component of the atmosphere that attenuates (scatters and absorbs) incoming direct solar radiation. In principle, the calibration of a sun radiometer is a straightforward application of the Bouguer-Lambert-Beer law V = V0e-τ ṡ m, where a plot of ln(V) voltage vs. m air mass yields a straight line with intercept ln(V0). This ln(V0) subsequently can be used to solve for τ for any measurement of V and calculation of m. This calibration works well on some high mountain sites, but the application of the Langley plot calibration technique is more complicated at other, more interesting, locales. This paper is concerned with ferreting out calibrations at difficult sites and examining and comparing a number of conventional and non-conventional methods for obtaining successful Langley plots. The 11 techniques discussed indicate that both least squares and various non-parametric techniques produce satisfactory calibrations with no significant differences among them when the time series of ln(V0)'s are smoothed and interpolated with median and mean moving window filters.

New fast least-squares algorithm for estimating the best-fitting parameters due to simple geometric-structures from gravity anomalies.

PubMed

Essa, Khalid S

2014-01-01

A new fast least-squares method is developed to estimate the shape factor (q-parameter) of a buried structure using normalized residual anomalies obtained from gravity data. The problem of shape factor estimation is transformed into a problem of finding a solution of a non-linear equation of the form f(q) = 0 by defining the anomaly value at the origin and at different points on the profile (N-value). Procedures are also formulated to estimate the depth (z-parameter) and the amplitude coefficient (A-parameter) of the buried structure. The method is simple and rapid for estimating parameters that produced gravity anomalies. This technique is used for a class of geometrically simple anomalous bodies, including the semi-infinite vertical cylinder, the infinitely long horizontal cylinder, and the sphere. The technique is tested and verified on theoretical models with and without random errors. It is also successfully applied to real data sets from Senegal and India, and the inverted-parameters are in good agreement with the known actual values.

Roll-To-Roll Printing of Meter-Scale Composite Transparent Electrodes with Optimized Mechanical and Optical Properties for Photoelectronics.

PubMed

Meng, Xiangchuan; Hu, Xiaotian; Yang, Xia; Yin, Jingping; Wang, Qingxia; Huang, Liqiang; Yu, Zoukangning; Hu, Ting; Tan, Licheng; Zhou, Weihua; Chen, Yiwang

2018-03-14

Flexible transparent electrodes are an indispensable component for flexible optoelectronic devices. In this work, the meter-scale composite transparent electrodes (CTEs) composed of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and Ag grid/polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with optimized mechanical and optical properties are demonstrated by slot-die roll-to-roll technique with solution printing method under a low cost ($15-20 per square meter), via control of the viscosity and surface energy of PEDOT:PSS ink as well as the printing parameters. The CTEs show excellent flexibility remaining 98% of the pristine value after bending 2000 times under various bending situations, and the square resistance ( R s ) of CTEs can be reduced to 4.5-5.0 Ω/sq with an appropriate transmittance. Moreover, the optical performances, such as haze, extinction coefficient, and refractive index, are investigated, as compared with indium tin oxide/PET, which are potential for the inexpensive optoelectronic flexible devices. The CTEs could be successfully employed in polymer solar cells with different areas, showing a maximal power conversion efficiency of 8.08%.

A low cost short wave near infrared spectrophotometer: application for determination of quality parameters of diesel fuel.

PubMed

Gonzaga, Fabiano Barbieri; Pasquini, Celio

2010-06-18

A low cost absorption spectrophotometer for the short wave near infrared spectral region (850-1050 nm) is described. The spectrophotometer is basically composed of a conventional dichroic lamp, a long-pass filter, a sample cell and a Czerny-Turner type polychromator coupled to a 1024 pixel non-cooled photodiode array. A preliminary evaluation of the spectrophotometer showed good repeatability of the first derivative of the spectra at a constant room temperature and the possibility of assigning some spectral regions to different C-H stretching third overtones. Finally, the spectrophotometer was successfully applied for the analysis of diesel samples and the determination of some of their quality parameters using partial least squares calibration models. The values found for the root mean square error of prediction using external validation were 0.5 for the cetane index and from 2.5 to 5.0 degrees C for the temperatures achieved during distillation when obtaining 10, 50, 85, and 90% (v/v) of the distilled sample, respectively. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

New fast least-squares algorithm for estimating the best-fitting parameters due to simple geometric-structures from gravity anomalies

PubMed Central

Essa, Khalid S.

2013-01-01

A new fast least-squares method is developed to estimate the shape factor (q-parameter) of a buried structure using normalized residual anomalies obtained from gravity data. The problem of shape factor estimation is transformed into a problem of finding a solution of a non-linear equation of the form f(q) = 0 by defining the anomaly value at the origin and at different points on the profile (N-value). Procedures are also formulated to estimate the depth (z-parameter) and the amplitude coefficient (A-parameter) of the buried structure. The method is simple and rapid for estimating parameters that produced gravity anomalies. This technique is used for a class of geometrically simple anomalous bodies, including the semi-infinite vertical cylinder, the infinitely long horizontal cylinder, and the sphere. The technique is tested and verified on theoretical models with and without random errors. It is also successfully applied to real data sets from Senegal and India, and the inverted-parameters are in good agreement with the known actual values. PMID:25685472

Genetic influences on heart rate variability

PubMed Central

Golosheykin, Simon; Grant, Julia D.; Novak, Olga V.; Heath, Andrew C.; Anokhin, Andrey P.

2016-01-01

Heart rate variability (HRV) is the variation of cardiac inter-beat intervals over time resulting largely from the interplay between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system. Individual differences in HRV are associated with emotion regulation, personality, psychopathology, cardiovascular health, and mortality. Previous studies have shown significant heritability of HRV measures. Here we extend genetic research on HRV by investigating sex differences in genetic underpinnings of HRV, the degree of genetic overlap among different measurement domains of HRV, and phenotypic and genetic relationships between HRV and the resting heart rate (HR). We performed electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings in a large population-representative sample of young adult twins (n = 1060 individuals) and computed HRV measures from three domains: time, frequency, and nonlinear dynamics. Genetic and environmental influences on HRV measures were estimated using linear structural equation modeling of twin data. The results showed that variability of HRV and HR measures can be accounted for by additive genetic and non-shared environmental influences (AE model), with no evidence for significant shared environmental effects. Heritability estimates ranged from 47 to 64%, with little difference across HRV measurement domains. Genetic influences did not differ between genders for most variables except the square root of the mean squared differences between successive R-R intervals (RMSSD, higher heritability in males) and the ratio of low to high frequency power (LF/HF, distinct genetic factors operating in males and females). The results indicate high phenotypic and especially genetic correlations between HRV measures from different domains, suggesting that >90% of genetic influences are shared across measures. Finally, about 40% of genetic variance in HRV was shared with HR. In conclusion, both HR and HRV measures are highly heritable traits in the general population of young adults, with high degree of genetic overlap across different measurement domains. PMID:27114045

The success rate of bupivacaine and lidocaine as anesthetic agents in inferior alveolar nerve block in teeth with irreversible pulpitis without spontaneous pain.

PubMed

Parirokh, Masoud; Yosefi, Mohammad Hosein; Nakhaee, Nouzar; Abbott, Paul V; Manochehrifar, Hamed

2015-05-01

Achieving adequate anesthesia with inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) is of great importance during dental procedures. The aim of the present study was to assess the success rate of two anesthetic agents (bupivacaine and lidocaine) for IANB when treating teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Sixty volunteer male and female patients who required root canal treatment of a mandibular molar due to caries participated in the present study. The inclusion criteria included prolonged pain to thermal stimulus but no spontaneous pain. The patients were randomly allocated to receive either 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine or 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine as an IANB injection. The sensitivity of the teeth to a cold test as well as the amount of pain during access cavity preparation and root canal instrumentation were recorded. Results were statistically analyzed with the Chi-Square and Fischer's exact tests. At the final step, fifty-nine patients were included in the study. The success rate for bupivacaine and lidocaine groups were 20.0% and 24.1%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups at any stage of the treatment procedure. There was no difference in success rates of anesthesia when bupivacaine and lidocaine were used for IANB injections to treat mandibular molar teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Neither agent was able to completely anesthetize the teeth effectively. Therefore, practitioners should be prepared to administer supplemental anesthesia to overcome pain during root canal treatment.

[Skin graft, smoking and diabetes mellitus type 2].

PubMed

Pérez-Guisado, Joaquín; Fidalgo-Rodríguez, Félix T; Gaston, Kate L; Rioja, Luis F; Thomas, Steven J

2012-01-01

Smoking and hyperglycemia decrease the success of skin graft survival in specific circumstances. It is well known that smoking and diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 increase the oxidative and impair the endothelial function. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine if smoking and DM type 2 are factors associated with lower skin graft survival, in different etiologies of the injury associated to the skin loss. It was a bicentric, retrospective, cross sectional case control study, carried out on 2457 medical patients who met the inclusion criteria. It was carried out over a 10 years period between January 2000-December 2009, at Reina Sofía University Hospital (Córdoba, Spain) and UAB Hospital at Birmingham (Alabama, USA). The percentage of successful graft for each group and its control were analyzed by Chi-square test. The confidence interval chosen for statistical differences was 95%. Smoking and DM type 2 decreased the percentage of skin graft survival when compared with their control groups. DM type 2 was associated with greater negative success on skin graft survival than smoking when compared with their control groups. There was a statistically significant drop in skin graft of 18% in smoking group (range: 68-86%) and 25% in DM type 2 group (53-78%). The OR showed a clear association between the risk factors studied and the lower skin graft success, being stronger for DM type 2. In conclusion, DM type 2 and smoking are factors associated to lower skin graft take.

Linear genetic programming application for successive-station monthly streamflow prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danandeh Mehr, Ali; Kahya, Ercan; Yerdelen, Cahit

2014-09-01

In recent decades, artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have been pronounced as a branch of computer science to model wide range of hydrological phenomena. A number of researches have been still comparing these techniques in order to find more effective approaches in terms of accuracy and applicability. In this study, we examined the ability of linear genetic programming (LGP) technique to model successive-station monthly streamflow process, as an applied alternative for streamflow prediction. A comparative efficiency study between LGP and three different artificial neural network algorithms, namely feed forward back propagation (FFBP), generalized regression neural networks (GRNN), and radial basis function (RBF), has also been presented in this study. For this aim, firstly, we put forward six different successive-station monthly streamflow prediction scenarios subjected to training by LGP and FFBP using the field data recorded at two gauging stations on Çoruh River, Turkey. Based on Nash-Sutcliffe and root mean squared error measures, we then compared the efficiency of these techniques and selected the best prediction scenario. Eventually, GRNN and RBF algorithms were utilized to restructure the selected scenario and to compare with corresponding FFBP and LGP. Our results indicated the promising role of LGP for successive-station monthly streamflow prediction providing more accurate results than those of all the ANN algorithms. We found an explicit LGP-based expression evolved by only the basic arithmetic functions as the best prediction model for the river, which uses the records of the both target and upstream stations.

Improved methods to estimate the effective impervious area in urban catchments using rainfall-runoff data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebrahimian, Ali; Wilson, Bruce N.; Gulliver, John S.

2016-05-01

Impervious surfaces are useful indicators of the urbanization impacts on water resources. Effective impervious area (EIA), which is the portion of total impervious area (TIA) that is hydraulically connected to the drainage system, is a better catchment parameter in the determination of actual urban runoff. Development of reliable methods for quantifying EIA rather than TIA is currently one of the knowledge gaps in the rainfall-runoff modeling context. The objective of this study is to improve the rainfall-runoff data analysis method for estimating EIA fraction in urban catchments by eliminating the subjective part of the existing method and by reducing the uncertainty of EIA estimates. First, the theoretical framework is generalized using a general linear least square model and using a general criterion for categorizing runoff events. Issues with the existing method that reduce the precision of the EIA fraction estimates are then identified and discussed. Two improved methods, based on ordinary least square (OLS) and weighted least square (WLS) estimates, are proposed to address these issues. The proposed weighted least squares method is then applied to eleven urban catchments in Europe, Canada, and Australia. The results are compared to map measured directly connected impervious area (DCIA) and are shown to be consistent with DCIA values. In addition, both of the improved methods are applied to nine urban catchments in Minnesota, USA. Both methods were successful in removing the subjective component inherent in the analysis of rainfall-runoff data of the current method. The WLS method is more robust than the OLS method and generates results that are different and more precise than the OLS method in the presence of heteroscedastic residuals in our rainfall-runoff data.

Sex differences in empathy for pain: What is the role of autonomic regulation?

PubMed

Tracy, Lincoln M; Giummarra, Melita J

2017-10-01

Empathy involves both affective and cognitive components whereby we understand, and express concerns for, the experiences of others. Women typically have superior trait empathy compared with men, which seems to have a neurological basis with sex differences in the structure and function of neural networks involved in empathy. This study investigated sex differences in empathy for pain using the Empathy for Pain Scale, and examined whether these trait differences were associated with disruptions in autonomic regulation, specifically via the parasympathetic nervous system (measured through the square root of the mean squared differences of successive R-R intervals; RMSSD) both at rest and during a socioevaluative stress task (i.e., the serial sevens task). Compared with men, women reported higher empathic concern (Cohen's r = .25) and affective distress (Cohen's d = 0.65) toward another in pain. In both men and women, there was a decrease in lnRMSSD in the stress task compared to rest. Sex moderated the relationship between resting lnRMSSD and self-reported empathic concern. Specifically, there was no clear association between empathic concern and lnRMSSD in men whereas in women there was a negative relationship, with lower resting lnRMSSD associated with higher empathic concern, and higher lnRMSSD associated with lower levels of empathic concern that were similar to men. These findings suggest that empathic feelings may result from poorer psychophysiological regulation, and concur with previous research displaying sex-specific relationships between resting heart rate variability and emotion regulation abilities. © 2017 Society for Psychophysiological Research.

Surgical technique for balancing posterior spinal fusions to the pelvis using the T square of Tolo.

PubMed

Andras, Lindsay; Yamaguchi, Kent T; Skaggs, David L; Tolo, Vernon T

2012-12-01

Correcting pelvic obliquity and improving sitting balance in neuromuscular scoliosis often requires fixation to the pelvis. We describe the use of a T square instrument to assist intraoperatively in evaluating the alignment of these curves and achieving balance in the coronal plane. The T square instrument was constructed with a vertical limb perpendicular to 2 horizontal limbs in a T formation. At the conclusion of the instrumentation and preliminary reduction maneuvers, the T square was positioned with the horizontal limbs parallel to the pelvis and the vertical limb in line with the central sacral line. If the spine and pelvis were well balanced, fluoroscopic images demonstrated that the superior aspect of the vertical limb of the T square was crossing the vertebral body of T1. If this was not shown, then some combination of compression, distraction, or a change in the contouring of the rods was performed until this balance was achieved. In this series, we describe case examples in which the T square has been successfully used to aid in achieving balance in the coronal plane. This technique helps to overcome the challenges with positioning and imaging often encountered in managing these long, rigid curves. The T square is a useful adjunct in balancing posterior spinal fusions and evaluating the correction of pelvic obliquity in cases of neuromuscular scoliosis. This novel, yet simple, T square technique can be used for any method of posterior spinal fusion with lumbopelvic fixation to assist in the intraoperative evaluation and achievement of balance in the coronal plane and has become routine at our institution. IV.

Rapid detection of talcum powder in tea using FT-IR spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics

PubMed Central

Li, Xiaoli; Zhang, Yuying; He, Yong

2016-01-01

This paper investigated the feasibility of Fourier transform infrared transmission (FT-IR) spectroscopy to detect talcum powder illegally added in tea based on chemometric methods. Firstly, 210 samples of tea powder with 13 dose levels of talcum powder were prepared for FT-IR spectra acquirement. In order to highlight the slight variations in FT-IR spectra, smoothing, normalize and standard normal variate (SNV) were employed to preprocess the raw spectra. Among them, SNV preprocessing had the best performance with high correlation of prediction (RP = 0.948) and low root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP = 0.108) of partial least squares (PLS) model. Then 18 characteristic wavenumbers were selected based on a hybrid of backward interval partial least squares (biPLS) regression, competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) algorithm and successive projections algorithm (SPA). These characteristic wavenumbers only accounted for 0.64% of the full wavenumbers. Following that, 18 characteristic wavenumbers were used to build linear and nonlinear determination models by PLS regression and extreme learning machine (ELM), respectively. The optimal model with RP = 0.963 and RMSEP = 0.137 was achieved by ELM algorithm. These results demonstrated that FT-IR spectroscopy with chemometrics could be used successfully to detect talcum powder in tea. PMID:27468701

Simultaneous determination of vitamin B12 and its derivatives using some of multivariate calibration 1 (MVC1) techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samadi-Maybodi, Abdolraouf; Darzi, S. K. Hassani Nejad

2008-10-01

Resolution of binary mixtures of vitamin B12, methylcobalamin and B12 coenzyme with minimum sample pre-treatment and without analyte separation has been successfully achieved by methods of partial least squares algorithm with one dependent variable (PLS1), orthogonal signal correction/partial least squares (OSC/PLS), principal component regression (PCR) and hybrid linear analysis (HLA). Data of analysis were obtained from UV-vis spectra. The UV-vis spectra of the vitamin B12, methylcobalamin and B12 coenzyme were recorded in the same spectral conditions. The method of central composite design was used in the ranges of 10-80 mg L -1 for vitamin B12 and methylcobalamin and 20-130 mg L -1 for B12 coenzyme. The models refinement procedure and validation were performed by cross-validation. The minimum root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) was 2.26 mg L -1 for vitamin B12 with PLS1, 1.33 mg L -1 for methylcobalamin with OSC/PLS and 3.24 mg L -1 for B12 coenzyme with HLA techniques. Figures of merit such as selectivity, sensitivity, analytical sensitivity and LOD were determined for three compounds. The procedure was successfully applied to simultaneous determination of three compounds in synthetic mixtures and in a pharmaceutical formulation.

Factors associated with the success of external cephalic version (ECV) of breech presentation at term.

PubMed

Obeidat, N; Lataifeh, I; Al-Khateeb, M; Zayed, F; Khriesat, W; Amarin, Z

2011-01-01

To evaluate the predictors of success of ECV for breech presentation at term. A retrospective study was conducted over a 3-year period from 2005-2007, where 101 patients who had singleton breech presentation at term were undergoing external cephalic version (ECV) after 37 weeks of gestation at two major teaching hospitals in the North of Jordan. Comparative analysis was made between the successful ECV and unsuccessful ECV groups. The collected data were analysed by using statistical analysis Sudent's t-test and Mann-Whitney test as appropriate and on discrete results chi square or Fisher's exact test when appropriate. The differences were considered significant at a p value of < 0.05. The ECV success rate was 72.3%. Favourable factors for success were multiparity (95.5% vs 4.1%, p = 0.0001), flexed breeches (74% vs 26%, p = 0.002), posterior placenta (38.6% vs 16.4%, p = 0.0001) and anterior fetal back (53.4% vs 34.8%, p = 0.03). Once turned the babies remained cephalic until delivery. All the 28 cases who had failed ECV had caesarean section. Among those who had a successful external cephalic version, the incidence of intrapartum caesarean section was only 8.2% which was lower than that of the average of both units caesarean rate (28%). There were no complications related to the ECV procedure in the study. Multiparity, flexed breech, posterior placenta, and anterior foetal back were the most favourable factors for successful ECV in our study. Moreover, with careful evaluation of individual predictors patient selection and success rates can be optimised.

Success course intervention for students on academic probation in science majors: A longitudinal quantitative examination of the treatment effects on performance, persistence, and graduation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marshall, Zachary L.

2011-12-01

With increasing external and internal pressure to increase retention and graduation rates in select colleges along with increasing numbers of college-going populations over time, student affairs professionals have responded with a variety of programs to support students' transition to college. This study sought to examine freshman students in science majors went on academic probation at the end of their first semester. If these students did not raise their GPAs quickly, they faced academic dismissal from the institution. Consequently, the institution would not be able to retain them, and ultimately, they would not graduate. Managerial professionals at the institution created, implemented, and evaluated an intervention in the form of a success course for these students to help get them back on track, retain them, and ultimately graduate from the institution. The literatures drawn upon for this study included retention theory, probationary student behaviors and attitudes, interventions, success courses, fear appeal theories, academic capitalism, and institutional isomorphism. The study employed tests including chi-square, logistic regressions, and differences-in-differences fixed effects regressions to identify the differences and effects on performance, persistence, and graduation rates of the treatment and comparison groups. The findings of this study showed significant differences between the persistence and graduation rates of the treatment and control groups, and regression effects showed a short-term causal effect on performance as well as significant likelihoods of persisting and graduating within four or five years. Recommendations for further improvements to interventions are discussed in the final chapter.

Research on the Effects of Drying Temperature on Nitrogen Detection of Different Soil Types by Near Infrared Sensors.

PubMed

Nie, Pengcheng; Dong, Tao; He, Yong; Xiao, Shupei

2018-01-29

Soil is a complicated system whose components and mechanisms are complex and difficult to be fully excavated and comprehended. Nitrogen is the key parameter supporting plant growth and development, and is the material basis of plant growth as well. An accurate grasp of soil nitrogen information is the premise of scientific fertilization in precision agriculture, where near infrared sensors are widely used for rapid detection of nutrients in soil. However, soil texture, soil moisture content and drying temperature all affect soil nitrogen detection using near infrared sensors. In order to investigate the effects of drying temperature on the nitrogen detection in black soil, loess and calcium soil, three kinds of soils were detected by near infrared sensors after 25 °C placement (ambient temperature), 50 °C drying (medium temperature), 80 °C drying (medium-high temperature) and 95 °C drying (high temperature). The successive projections algorithm based on multiple linear regression (SPA-MLR), partial least squares (PLS) and competitive adaptive reweighted squares (CARS) were used to model and analyze the spectral information of different soil types. The predictive abilities were assessed using the prediction correlation coefficients (R P ), the root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP), and the residual predictive deviation (RPD). The results showed that the loess (R P = 0.9721, RMSEP = 0.067 g/kg, RPD = 4.34) and calcium soil (R P = 0.9588, RMSEP = 0.094 g/kg, RPD = 3.89) obtained the best prediction accuracy after 95 °C drying. The detection results of black soil (R P = 0.9486, RMSEP = 0.22 g/kg, RPD = 2.82) after 80 °C drying were the optimum. In conclusion, drying temperature does have an obvious influence on the detection of soil nitrogen by near infrared sensors, and the suitable drying temperature for different soil types was of great significance in enhancing the detection accuracy.

Infrared-metabolomics approach in detecting changes in Andrographis paniculata metabolites due to different harvesting ages and times.

PubMed

Yusof, Nur A'thifah; Isha, Azizul; Ismail, Intan Safinar; Khatib, Alfi; Shaari, Khozirah; Abas, Faridah; Rukayadi, Yaya

2015-09-01

The metabolite changes in three germplasm accessions of Malaysia Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Nees, viz. 11265 (H), 11341 (P) and 11248 (T), due to their different harvesting ages and times were successfully evaluated by attenuated total reflectance (ATR)-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and translated through multivariate data analysis of principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). This present study revealed the feasibility of ATR-FTIR in detecting the trend changes of the major metabolites - andrographolide and neoandrographolide - functional groups in A. paniculata leaves of different accessions. The harvesting parameter was set at three different ages of 120, 150 and 180 days after transplanting (DAT) and at two different time sessions of morning (7:30-10:30 am) and evening (2:30-5.30 pm). OPLS-DA successfully discriminated the A. paniculata crude extracts into groups of which the main constituents - andrographolide and neoandrographolide - could be mainly observed in the morning session of 120 DAT for P and T, while H gave the highest intensities of these constituents at 150 DAT. The information extracted from ATR-FTIR data through OPLS-DA could be useful in tailoring this plant harvest stage in relation to the content of its two major diterpene lactones: andrographolide and neoandrographolide. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

Perceptions of acceptable conducts by university students.

PubMed

Marques, Dora Nazaré; Macedo, António Filipe

2016-01-01

To determine perceptions of acceptable conducts amongst under and postgraduate optometry students and to compare them with students from other disciplines. Students (under/postgraduate) of optometry (n=156) and other courses (n=54) from University of Minho participated in a voluntary online questionnaire about perception of conducts, classifying as acceptable or unacceptable 15 academic or professional scenarios. 210 questionnaires were analyzed. Differences in perceptions were found between optometry under and postgraduates in scenario 5, Chi-square(2,156)=4.3, p=0.038, and scenario 7, Chi-square(2,156)=7.0, p=0.008 (both with cheating more acceptable for postgrads). Differences between under and postgraduates from other courses were found in scenario 9 (taking supplies from classroom more acceptable for undergrads), Chi-square(1,54)=5.0, p=0.025, and scenario 14 (forging a signature more acceptable for postgrads), Chi-square(1,54)=3.9, p=0.046. Differences between optometry and other courses undergraduates were observed in scenario 2 (plagiarism more acceptable for optometry undergrads), Chi-square(1,154)=8.3, p=0.004 and scenario 9 (taking supplies from classroom more acceptable for other undergrads), chi-square(1,54)=7.8, p=0.005. Differences between optometry and other courses postgraduates were observed in scenario 7, Chi-square(1,56)=5.8, p=0.016, scenario 10 (both with cheating more acceptable for optometry postgrads), chi-square(1,54)=8.1, p=0.004 and scenario 14 (forging a signature more acceptable for other postgrads), Chi-square(1,54)=6.1, p=0.026. Academic misconducts were mainly considered more acceptable than professional misconducts. Our results show that perceptions of acceptable conducts amongst optometry students are not very different from other students, and, against our initial prediction, do not show a general change in misconduct perception when students become more mature. Universities should pay more attention to this problem and take action. Copyright © 2014 Spanish General Council of Optometry. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Examining the patterns and dynamics of species abundance distributions in succession of forest communities by model selection.

PubMed

Yin, Zuo-Yun; Zeng, Lu; Luo, Shao-Ming; Chen, Ping; He, Xiao; Guo, Wei; Li, Bailian

2018-01-01

There are a few common species and many rare species in a biological community or a multi-species collection in given space and time. This hollow distribution curve is called species abundance distribution (SAD). Few studies have examined the patterns and dynamics of SADs during the succession of forest communities by model selection. This study explored whether the communities in different successional stages followed different SAD models and whether there existed a best SAD model to reveal their intrinsic quantitative features of structure and dynamics in succession. The abundance (the number of individuals) of each vascular plant was surveyed by quadrat sampling method from the tree, shrub and herb layers in two typical communities (i.e., the evergreen needle- and broad-leaved mixed forest and the monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest) in southern subtropical Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve, South China. The sites of two forest communities in different successional stages are both 1 ha in area. We collected seven widely representative SAD models with obviously different function forms and transformed them into the same octave (log2) scale. These models are simultaneously confronted with eight datasets from four layers of two communities, and their goodness-of-fits to the data were evaluated by the chi-squared test, the adjusted coefficient of determination and the information criteria. The results indicated that: (1) the logCauchy model followed all the datasets and was the best among seven models; (2) the fitness of each model to the data was not directly related to the successional stage of forest community; (3) according to the SAD curves predicted by the best model (i.e., the logCauchy), the proportion of rare species decreased but that of common ones increased in the upper layers with succession, while the reverse was true in the lower layers; and (4) the difference of the SADs increased between the upper and the lower layers with succession. We concluded that the logCauchy model had the widest applicability in describing the SADs, and could best mirror the SAD patterns and dynamics of communities and their different layers in the succession of forests. The logCauchy-modeled SADs can quantitatively guide the construction of ecological forests and the restoration of degraded vegetation.

Examining the patterns and dynamics of species abundance distributions in succession of forest communities by model selection

PubMed Central

Luo, Shao-Ming; Chen, Ping; He, Xiao; Guo, Wei; Li, Bailian

2018-01-01

There are a few common species and many rare species in a biological community or a multi-species collection in given space and time. This hollow distribution curve is called species abundance distribution (SAD). Few studies have examined the patterns and dynamics of SADs during the succession of forest communities by model selection. This study explored whether the communities in different successional stages followed different SAD models and whether there existed a best SAD model to reveal their intrinsic quantitative features of structure and dynamics in succession. The abundance (the number of individuals) of each vascular plant was surveyed by quadrat sampling method from the tree, shrub and herb layers in two typical communities (i.e., the evergreen needle- and broad-leaved mixed forest and the monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest) in southern subtropical Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve, South China. The sites of two forest communities in different successional stages are both 1 ha in area. We collected seven widely representative SAD models with obviously different function forms and transformed them into the same octave (log2) scale. These models are simultaneously confronted with eight datasets from four layers of two communities, and their goodness-of-fits to the data were evaluated by the chi-squared test, the adjusted coefficient of determination and the information criteria. The results indicated that: (1) the logCauchy model followed all the datasets and was the best among seven models; (2) the fitness of each model to the data was not directly related to the successional stage of forest community; (3) according to the SAD curves predicted by the best model (i.e., the logCauchy), the proportion of rare species decreased but that of common ones increased in the upper layers with succession, while the reverse was true in the lower layers; and (4) the difference of the SADs increased between the upper and the lower layers with succession. We concluded that the logCauchy model had the widest applicability in describing the SADs, and could best mirror the SAD patterns and dynamics of communities and their different layers in the succession of forests. The logCauchy-modeled SADs can quantitatively guide the construction of ecological forests and the restoration of degraded vegetation. PMID:29746516

Image construction from the IRAS survey and data fusion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bontekoe, Tj. R.

1990-01-01

The IRAS survey data can be used successfully to produce images of extended objects. The major difficulty, viz. non-uniform sampling, different response functions for each detector, and varying signal-to-noise levels for each detector for each scan, were resolved. The results of three different image construction techniques are compared: co-addition, constrained least squares, and maximum entropy. The maximum entropy result is superior. An image of the galaxy M51 with an average spatial resolution of 45 arc seconds, is presented using 60 micron survey data. This exceeds the telescope diffraction limit of 1 minute of arc, at this wavelength. Data fusion is a proposed method for combining data from different instruments, with different spatial resolutions, at different wavelengths. Direct estimates of the physical parameters, temperature, density and composition, can be made from the data without prior images (re-)construction. An increase in the accuracy of these parameters is expected as the result of this more systematic approach.

Chemometrics resolution and quantification power evaluation: Application on pharmaceutical quaternary mixture of Paracetamol, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine and p-aminophenol.

PubMed

Yehia, Ali M; Mohamed, Heba M

2016-01-05

Three advanced chemmometric-assisted spectrophotometric methods namely; Concentration Residuals Augmented Classical Least Squares (CRACLS), Multivariate Curve Resolution-Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) and Principal Component Analysis-Artificial Neural Networks (PCA-ANN) were developed, validated and benchmarked to PLS calibration; to resolve the severely overlapped spectra and simultaneously determine; Paracetamol (PAR), Guaifenesin (GUA) and Phenylephrine (PHE) in their ternary mixture and in presence of p-aminophenol (AP) the main degradation product and synthesis impurity of Paracetamol. The analytical performance of the proposed methods was described by percentage recoveries, root mean square error of calibration and standard error of prediction. The four multivariate calibration methods could be directly used without any preliminary separation step and successfully applied for pharmaceutical formulation analysis, showing no excipients' interference. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Using Computer-Adaptive Quizzing as a Tool for National Council Licensure Examination Success.

PubMed

Pence, Jill; Wood, Felecia

This study examined the relationship between using computer-adaptive quizzing (CAQ) and first-time National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) success. A retrospective, descriptive, correlational design was used to analyze the relationship between use of a CAQ program and first-time NCLEX results of 194 baccalaureate graduates. Chi-square analysis suggested that there was an association between using the software and NCLEX success (p < .001, df = 1), with 16 percent of those without access compared to 1 percent with access being unsuccessful on the licensure exam. Results support using CAQ as formative preparation for the NCLEX.

Study of thermal insulation for airborne liquid hydrogen fuel tanks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruccia, F. E.; Lindstrom, R. S.; Lucas, R. M.

1978-01-01

A concept for a fail-safe thermal protection system was developed. From screening tests, approximately 30 foams, adhesives, and reinforcing fibers using 0.3-meter square liquid nitrogen cold plate, CPR 452 and Stafoam AA1602, both reinforced with 10 percent by weight of 1/16 inch milled OCF Style 701 Fiberglas, were selected for further tests. Cyclic tests with these materials in 2-inch thicknesses bonded on a 0.6-meter square cold plate with Crest 7410 adhesive systems, were successful. Zero permeability gas barriers were identified and found to be compatible with the insulating concept.

An efficient implementation of Forward-Backward Least-Mean-Square Adaptive Line Enhancers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yeh, H.-G.; Nguyen, T. M.

1995-01-01

An efficient implementation of the forward-backward least-mean-square (FBLMS) adaptive line enhancer is presented in this article. Without changing the characteristics of the FBLMS adaptive line enhancer, the proposed implementation technique reduces multiplications by 25% and additions by 12.5% in two successive time samples in comparison with those operations of direct implementation in both prediction and weight control. The proposed FBLMS architecture and algorithm can be applied to digital receivers for enhancing signal-to-noise ratio to allow fast carrier acquisition and tracking in both stationary and nonstationary environments.

Efficacy of mepivacaine-tramadol combination on the success of inferior alveolar nerve blocks in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Wong, L; Pozos-Guillen, A; Silva-Herzog, D; Chavarría-Bolaños, D

2016-04-01

To compare the success of an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) after injecting a combination of mepivacaine and tramadol or mepivacaine alone in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) in mandibular permanent molars. This study was a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Two study groups were selected, each consisting of 28 patients who exhibited SIP on the first or second mandibular molars. All included patients presented with moderate-to-severe preoperative pain according to the modified Heft-Parker visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients were anaesthetized using the IANB technique employing identical cartridges that contained either 1.3 mL of 2% mepivacaine with epinephrine 1 : 100 000 plus 0.5 mL of tramadol 50 mg mL(-1) (experimental group) or 1.8 mL of 2% mepivacaine with epinephrine 1 : 100 000 (control group). After 15 min, anaesthesia was evaluated by a progressive four-test examination, that is numbness of the lip, positive or negative cold test, asymptomatic management of dental hard tissues and access to dental pulp. Success of the IANB was defined as the absence of pain during any of these evaluations. The data were analysed with a chi-square, Fisher's or Mann-Whitney U test. A total of 74 patients were initially assessed, with 56 patients eventually included and 18 excluded. No significant differences in age (P = 0.384) or gender (P = 1) were found between the two groups. The success rates of anaesthesia with the IANB for the experimental and control groups were 57.1 and 46.4%, respectively. The success rate of anaesthesia in the experimental group was not significantly different (P ˃ 0.05) from that of the control group. The duration of the anaesthetic effect was significantly longer for the experimental group (P = 0.026). The combination of mepivacaine-tramadol achieved similar success rates for IANB when compared to mepivacaine 2% epinephrine 1 : 100 000. There was no significant difference in the anaesthetic efficacy between the control and experimental solutions, and none of the solutions tested were completely successful. © 2015 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Development and application of nonflammable, high-temperature beta fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dawn, Frederic S.

1989-01-01

Recent advances in fiber technology have contributed to the success of the U.S. space program. The inorganic fiber Beta, developed as a result of efforts begun in the early 1960's and heightened following the January 27, 1967 Apollo fire is unique among inorganic and organic fibers. It has been developed into woven, nonwoven, knitted, braided, coated and printed structures. All of these were used extensively for the Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz test project, space shuttle, Spacelab, and satellite programs. In addition to being used successfully in the space program, Beta fibers are being used commercially as firesafe fabrics in homes, hospitals, institutions, public buildings, aircraft, and public transportation, wherever total nonflammability is required. One of the most unique applications of the Beta composite structure is the roofing material for the 80,000-seat Detroit Lion's Silverdome and 5 square miles of the Jeddah International Airport in Saudi Arabia. This fiber has been successfully incorporated into 165 major public construction projects around the globe. The United States alone has used more than 12 million square yards of the material. Beta fiber has been used successfully to date and has a promising future with unlimited potential for both space and commercial application. Efforts are currently underway to improve Beta fiber to meet the requirements of extended service life for the Space Station Freedom, lunar outpost, and Mars exploration missions.

Non-destructive determination of Malondialdehyde (MDA) distribution in oilseed rape leaves by laboratory scale NIR hyperspectral imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kong, Wenwen; Liu, Fei; Zhang, Chu; Zhang, Jianfeng; Feng, Hailin

2016-10-01

The feasibility of hyperspectral imaging with 400-1000 nm was investigated to detect malondialdehyde (MDA) content in oilseed rape leaves under herbicide stress. After comparing the performance of different preprocessing methods, linear and nonlinear calibration models, the optimal prediction performance was achieved by extreme learning machine (ELM) model with only 23 wavelengths selected by competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), and the result was RP = 0.929 and RMSEP = 2.951. Furthermore, MDA distribution map was successfully achieved by partial least squares (PLS) model with CARS. This study indicated that hyperspectral imaging technology provided a fast and nondestructive solution for MDA content detection in plant leaves.

Principles and Practice of Scaled Difference Chi-Square Testing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bryant, Fred B.; Satorra, Albert

2012-01-01

We highlight critical conceptual and statistical issues and how to resolve them in conducting Satorra-Bentler (SB) scaled difference chi-square tests. Concerning the original (Satorra & Bentler, 2001) and new (Satorra & Bentler, 2010) scaled difference tests, a fundamental difference exists in how to compute properly a model's scaling correction…

Eta Squared and Partial Eta Squared as Measures of Effect Size in Educational Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richardson, John T. E.

2011-01-01

Eta squared measures the proportion of the total variance in a dependent variable that is associated with the membership of different groups defined by an independent variable. Partial eta squared is a similar measure in which the effects of other independent variables and interactions are partialled out. The development of these measures is…

Criterion Predictability: Identifying Differences Between [r-squares

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Malgady, Robert G.

1976-01-01

An analysis of variance procedure for testing differences in r-squared, the coefficient of determination, across independent samples is proposed and briefly discussed. The principal advantage of the procedure is to minimize Type I error for follow-up tests of pairwise differences. (Author/JKS)

Technical Note: Using k-means clustering to determine the number and position of isocenters in MLC-based multiple target intracranial radiosurgery.

PubMed

Yock, Adam D; Kim, Gwe-Ya

2017-09-01

To present the k-means clustering algorithm as a tool to address treatment planning considerations characteristic of stereotactic radiosurgery using a single isocenter for multiple targets. For 30 patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery for multiple brain metastases, the geometric centroids and radii of each met were determined from the treatment planning system. In-house software used this as well as weighted and unweighted versions of the k-means clustering algorithm to group the targets to be treated with a single isocenter, and to position each isocenter. The algorithm results were evaluated using within-cluster sum of squares as well as a minimum target coverage metric that considered the effect of target size. Both versions of the algorithm were applied to an example patient to demonstrate the prospective determination of the appropriate number and location of isocenters. Both weighted and unweighted versions of the k-means algorithm were applied successfully to determine the number and position of isocenters. Comparing the two, both the within-cluster sum of squares metric and the minimum target coverage metric resulting from the unweighted version were less than those from the weighted version. The average magnitudes of the differences were small (-0.2 cm 2 and 0.1% for the within cluster sum of squares and minimum target coverage, respectively) but statistically significant (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P < 0.01). The differences between the versions of the k-means clustering algorithm represented an advantage of the unweighted version for the within-cluster sum of squares metric, and an advantage of the weighted version for the minimum target coverage metric. While additional treatment planning considerations have a large influence on the final treatment plan quality, both versions of the k-means algorithm provide automatic, consistent, quantitative, and objective solutions to the tasks associated with SRS treatment planning using a single isocenter for multiple targets. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Overview of the TOPEX/Poseidon Platform Harvest Verification Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, Charles S.; DiNardo, Steven J.; Christensen, Edward J.

1995-01-01

An overview is given of the in situ measurement system installed on Texaco's Platform Harvest for verification of the sea level measurement from the TOPEX/Poseidon satellite. The prelaunch error budget suggested that the total root mean square (RMS) error due to measurements made at this verification site would be less than 4 cm. The actual error budget for the verification site is within these original specifications. However, evaluation of the sea level data from three measurement systems at the platform has resulted in unexpectedly large differences between the systems. Comparison of the sea level measurements from the different tide gauge systems has led to a better understanding of the problems of measuring sea level in relatively deep ocean. As of May 1994, the Platform Harvest verification site has successfully supported 60 TOPEX/Poseidon overflights.

Simulation for noise cancellation using LMS adaptive filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jia-Haw; Ooi, Lu-Ean; Ko, Ying-Hao; Teoh, Choe-Yung

2017-06-01

In this paper, the fundamental algorithm of noise cancellation, Least Mean Square (LMS) algorithm is studied and enhanced with adaptive filter. The simulation of the noise cancellation using LMS adaptive filter algorithm is developed. The noise corrupted speech signal and the engine noise signal are used as inputs for LMS adaptive filter algorithm. The filtered signal is compared to the original noise-free speech signal in order to highlight the level of attenuation of the noise signal. The result shows that the noise signal is successfully canceled by the developed adaptive filter. The difference of the noise-free speech signal and filtered signal are calculated and the outcome implies that the filtered signal is approaching the noise-free speech signal upon the adaptive filtering. The frequency range of the successfully canceled noise by the LMS adaptive filter algorithm is determined by performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) on the signals. The LMS adaptive filter algorithm shows significant noise cancellation at lower frequency range.

Analysis of carbon-oxygen reactions by use of a square-input response technique and {sup 18}O isotope

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

Miura, Kouichi; Nakagawa, Hiroyuki

1996-12-31

Carbon gasification reaction has been investigated for decades including the pioneering works of Walker and his co-workers, but its mechanism has not been completely elucidated. The concept of the active surface area (ASA) was proposed by them, and its importance has been recognized. However, since ASA was measured by O{sub 2} chemisorption at below 300{degrees}C where carbon loss through gasification is negligible, it does not reflect the actual gasification situation. To overcome this weak point, measurements of ASA in a batch reactor and the so-called transient kinetic (TK) method were proposed. Ahmed and Back successfully measured the chemisorbed oxygen duringmore » the gasification using a batch reactor, and proposed a new mechanistic sequence for carbon-oxygen reaction which stresses the importance of the reaction between the gaseous oxygen and the chemisorbed oxygen. Radovic et al. proposed the concept of the reactive surface area (RSA), and reported excellent proportionality between the CO{sub 2} gasification rate and the RSA estimated by the TK and the TPD methods. Kapteijn et al. showed that the TK method with labeled molecules is more powerful to examine the mechanism. They found the presence of two types of surface oxygen complexes which desorb at different rates. A Square-input response (SIR) method is applied to the carbon-oxygen reaction. This method allows the observation of transient changes on two step changes. This method has been successfully applied to the analysis of a coal char gasification.« less

Pregnancy Outcome Using General Anesthesia Versus Spinal Anesthesia for In Vitro Fertilization

PubMed Central

Azmude, Azra; Agha'amou, Shahrzad; Yousefshahi, Fardin; Berjis, Katayoun; Mirmohammad'khani, Majid; Sadaat'ahmadi, Farahnaz; Ghods, Kamran; Dabbagh, Ali

2013-01-01

Background There is a considerable rate of fertility failure and this causes a great burden of untoward effects for patients. Usually a considerable number of these patients undergo anesthesia for their treatment. Objectives This study was designed to compare the effects of general and spinal anesthesia on these patients. Patients and Methods In a randomized clinical trial, after taking informed written consent from the patients, 200 patients entered the study; 100 in each. During a 2 year period, women aged 20 to 40 years entered the study (one group receiving spinal anesthesia and the other, receiving general anesthesia). Ovum retrieval protocols were the same. Nonparametric and parametric analyses were used for data analysis. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results There was no difference between the two groups regarding demographic variables. 15 of 100 patients (15%) in the general anesthesia group and 27 of 100 patients (27%) in the spinal anesthesia group had successful pregnancy after IVF; so, spinal anesthesia increased significantly the chance of IVF success (P value < 0.001; Chi Square). Conclusions The results of this study demonstrated that spinal anesthesia increased the chance of fertilization success. PMID:24282775

A novel spectral resolution and simultaneous determination of multicomponent mixture of Vitamins B1, B6, B12, Benfotiamine and Diclofenac in tablets and capsules by derivative and MCR-ALS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hegazy, Maha A.; Abdelwahab, Nada S.; Fayed, Ahmed S.

2015-04-01

A novel method was developed for spectral resolution and further determination of five-component mixture including Vitamin B complex (B1, B6, B12 and Benfotiamine) along with the commonly co-formulated Diclofenac. The method is simple, sensitive, precise and could efficiently determine the five components by a complementary application of two different techniques. The first is univariate second derivative method that was successfully applied for determination of Vitamin B12. The second is Multivariate Curve Resolution using the Alternating Least Squares method (MCR-ALS) by which an efficient resolution and quantitation of the quaternary spectrally overlapped Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Benfotiamine and Diclofenac sodium were achieved. The effect of different constraints was studied and the correlation between the true spectra and the estimated spectral profiles were found to be 0.9998, 0.9983, 0.9993 and 0.9933 for B1, B6, Benfotiamine and Diclofenac, respectively. All components were successfully determined in tablets and capsules and the results were compared to HPLC methods and they were found to be statistically non-significant.

The success rate of bupivacaine and lidocaine as anesthetic agents in inferior alveolar nerve block in teeth with irreversible pulpitis without spontaneous pain

PubMed Central

Yosefi, Mohammad Hosein; Nakhaee, Nouzar

2015-01-01

Objectives Achieving adequate anesthesia with inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) is of great importance during dental procedures. The aim of the present study was to assess the success rate of two anesthetic agents (bupivacaine and lidocaine) for IANB when treating teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Materials and Methods Sixty volunteer male and female patients who required root canal treatment of a mandibular molar due to caries participated in the present study. The inclusion criteria included prolonged pain to thermal stimulus but no spontaneous pain. The patients were randomly allocated to receive either 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine or 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine as an IANB injection. The sensitivity of the teeth to a cold test as well as the amount of pain during access cavity preparation and root canal instrumentation were recorded. Results were statistically analyzed with the Chi-Square and Fischer's exact tests. Results At the final step, fifty-nine patients were included in the study. The success rate for bupivacaine and lidocaine groups were 20.0% and 24.1%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups at any stage of the treatment procedure. Conclusions There was no difference in success rates of anesthesia when bupivacaine and lidocaine were used for IANB injections to treat mandibular molar teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Neither agent was able to completely anesthetize the teeth effectively. Therefore, practitioners should be prepared to administer supplemental anesthesia to overcome pain during root canal treatment. PMID:25984478

Determining particle size and water content by near-infrared spectroscopy in the granulation of naproxen sodium.

PubMed

Bär, David; Debus, Heiko; Brzenczek, Sina; Fischer, Wolfgang; Imming, Peter

2018-03-20

Near-infrared spectroscopy is frequently used by the pharmaceutical industry to monitor and optimize several production processes. In combination with chemometrics, a mathematical-statistical technique, the following advantages of near-infrared spectroscopy can be applied: It is a fast, non-destructive, non-invasive, and economical analytical method. One of the most advanced and popular chemometric technique is the partial least square algorithm with its best applicability in routine and its results. The required reference analytic enables the analysis of various parameters of interest, for example, moisture content, particle size, and many others. Parameters like the correlation coefficient, root mean square error of prediction, root mean square error of calibration, and root mean square error of validation have been used for evaluating the applicability and robustness of these analytical methods developed. This study deals with investigating a Naproxen Sodium granulation process using near-infrared spectroscopy and the development of water content and particle-size methods. For the water content method, one should consider a maximum water content of about 21% in the granulation process, which must be confirmed by the loss on drying. Further influences to be considered are the constantly changing product temperature, rising to about 54 °C, the creation of hydrated states of Naproxen Sodium when using a maximum of about 21% water content, and the large quantity of about 87% Naproxen Sodium in the formulation. It was considered to use a combination of these influences in developing the near-infrared spectroscopy method for the water content of Naproxen Sodium granules. The "Root Mean Square Error" was 0.25% for calibration dataset and 0.30% for the validation dataset, which was obtained after different stages of optimization by multiplicative scatter correction and the first derivative. Using laser diffraction, the granules have been analyzed for particle sizes and obtaining the summary sieve sizes of >63 μm and >100 μm. The following influences should be considered for application in routine production: constant changes in water content up to 21% and a product temperature up to 54 °C. The different stages of optimization result in a "Root Mean Square Error" of 2.54% for the calibration data set and 3.53% for the validation set by using the Kubelka-Munk conversion and first derivative for the near-infrared spectroscopy method for a particle size >63 μm. For the near-infrared spectroscopy method using a particle size >100 μm, the "Root Mean Square Error" was 3.47% for the calibration data set and 4.51% for the validation set, while using the same pre-treatments. - The robustness and suitability of this methodology has already been demonstrated by its recent successful implementation in a routine granulate production process. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Going Off-the-Pegs: Revisiting Geoboard Squares

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Canada, Daniel L.; Ciancetta, Matthew A.; Blair, Stephen D.

2014-01-01

How many squares can be found on a typical 5 × 5 geoboard? Teachers who are unfamiliar with this question may wish to stop here and reflect a bit. The question can lead to wonderful student discourse: How can someone tell if something is a square? Should squares be counted that are the same size (but in a different location) or just different…

Simultaneous Estimation of Microphysical Parameters and Atmospheric State Variables With Radar Data and Ensemble Square-root Kalman Filter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, M.; Xue, M.

2006-12-01

An important source of model error for convective-scale data assimilation and prediction is microphysical parameterization. This study investigates the possibility of estimating up to five fundamental microphysical parameters, which are closely involved in the definition of drop size distribution of microphysical species in a commonly used single-moment ice microphysics scheme, using radar observations and the ensemble Kalman filter method. The five parameters include the intercept parameters for rain, snow and hail/graupel, and the bulk densities of hail/graupel and snow. Parameter sensitivity and identifiability are first examined. The ensemble square-root Kalman filter (EnSRF) is employed for simultaneous state and parameter estimation. OSS experiments are performed for a model-simulated supercell storm, in which the five microphysical parameters are estimated individually or in different combinations starting from different initial guesses. When error exists in only one of the microphysical parameters, the parameter can be successfully estimated without exception. The estimation of multiple parameters is found to be less robust, with end results of estimation being sensitive to the realization of the initial parameter perturbation. This is believed to be because of the reduced parameter identifiability and the existence of non-unique solutions. The results of state estimation are, however, always improved when simultaneous parameter estimation is performed, even when the estimated parameters values are not accurate.

The CEO's real legacy.

PubMed

Freeman, Kenneth W

2004-11-01

The literature on CEO succession planning is nearly unanimous in its advice: Begin early, look first inside your company for exceptional talent, see that candidates gain experience in all aspects of the business, and help them develop the skills they will need in the top job. It all makes sense and sounds pretty straightforward. Nevertheless, the list of CEOs who last no more than a few years on the job continues to grow. Implicit in many, if not all, of these unceremonious departures is the absence of an effective CEO succession plan. The problem is, most boards simply don't want to talk about CEO succession: Why rock the boat when things are going well? Why risk offending the current CEO? Meanwhile, most CEOs can't imagine that anyone could adequately replace them. In this article, Kenneth W. Freeman, the retired CEO of Quest Diagnostics, discusses his own recent handoff experience (Surya N. Mohapatra became chief executive in May 2004) and offers his approach to succession planning. He says it falls squarely on the incumbent CEO to put ego aside and initiate and actively manage the process of selecting and grooming a successor. Aggressive succession planning is one of the best ways for CEOs to ensure the long-term health of the company, he says. Plus, thinking early and often about a successor will likely improve the chief executive's performance during his tenure. Freeman advocates the textbook rules for succession planning but adds to that list a few more that apply specifically to the incumbent CEO: Insist that the board become engaged in succession planning, look for a successor who is different from you, and make the successor's success your own. After all, Freeman argues, the CEO's true legacy is determined by what happens after he leaves the corner office.

On Comparing Precision Orbit Solutions of Geodetic Satellites Given Several Ocean Tide and Geopotential Models

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-01

be evaluated. Orbits are determined with the OCEAN Weighted Least Squares Orbit Determination (WLS-OD) methodology using successive five day increments...of SLR data. The orbit solution from the first five day data arc is propagated forward in time to thirty days . The WLS-OD process is repeated for...successive five day data arcs. These orbit solutions are then compared to the predicted orbit from the first data arc solution. Thirty days was chosen as

Pulse dynamics of dual-wavelength dissipative soliton resonances and domain wall solitons in a Tm fiber laser with fiber-based Lyot filter.

PubMed

Wang, Pan; Zhao, Kangjun; Xiao, Xiaosheng; Yang, Changxi

2017-11-27

We report on the first demonstration of dual-wavelength square-wave pulses in a thulium-doped fiber laser. Under appropriate cavity parameters, dual-wavelength dissipative soliton resonances (DSRs) and domain wall solitons (DWSs) are successively obtained. Meanwhile, dark pulses generation is achieved at the dual-wavelength DWSs region due to the overlap of the two domain wall pulses. The fiber-based Lyot filter, conducted by inserting PMF between an in-line PBS and a PD-ISO, facilitates the generation of dual-wavelength operation. The polarization-resolved investigation suggests that the cross coupling between two orthogonal polarization components in the high nonlinear fiber plays an important role in the square-wave pulses formation. The investigation may be helpful for further understanding the square-wave pulse formation and has potential in application filed of multi-wavelength pulsed fiber lasers.

Optimal measurement of ice-sheet deformation from surface-marker arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macayeal, D. R.

Surface strain rate is best observed by fitting a strain-rate ellipsoid to the measured movement of a stake network or other collection of surface features, using a least squares procedure. Error of the resulting fit varies as 1/(L delta t square root of N), where L is the stake separation, delta is the time period between initial and final stake survey, and n is the number of stakes in the network. This relation suggests that if n is sufficiently high, the traditional practice of revisiting stake-network sites on successive field seasons may be replaced by a less costly single year operation. A demonstration using Ross Ice Shelf data shows that reasonably accurate measurements are obtained from 12 stakes after only 4 days of deformation. It is possible for the least squares procedure to aid airborne photogrammetric surveys because reducing the time interval between survey and re-survey permits better surface feature recognition.

Determination of genotoxic effects of methidathion alkaline hydrolysis in human lymphocytes using the micronucleus assay and square-wave voltammetry.

PubMed

Stivaktakis, Polychronis D; Giannakopoulos, Evangelos; Vlastos, Dimitris; Matthopoulos, Demetrios P

2017-02-01

The interaction of pesticides with environmental factors, such as pH, may result in alterations of their physicochemical properties and should be taken into consideration in regard to their classification. This study investigates the genotoxicity of methidathion and its alkaline hydrolysis by-products in cultured human lymphocytes, using the square-wave voltammetry (square wave-adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (SW-AdCSV) technique) and the cytokinesis block micronucleus assay (CBMN assay). According to the SW-AdCSV data the alkaline hydrolysis of methidathion results in two new molecules, one non-electro-active and a second electro-active which is more genotoxic than methidathion itself in cultured human lymphocytes, inducing higher micronuclei frequencies. The present study confirms the SW-AdCSV technique as a voltammetric method which can successfully simulates the electrodynamics of the cellular membrane. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Incoherent dictionary learning for reducing crosstalk noise in least-squares reverse time migration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Juan; Bai, Min

2018-05-01

We propose to apply a novel incoherent dictionary learning (IDL) algorithm for regularizing the least-squares inversion in seismic imaging. The IDL is proposed to overcome the drawback of traditional dictionary learning algorithm in losing partial texture information. Firstly, the noisy image is divided into overlapped image patches, and some random patches are extracted for dictionary learning. Then, we apply the IDL technology to minimize the coherency between atoms during dictionary learning. Finally, the sparse representation problem is solved by a sparse coding algorithm, and image is restored by those sparse coefficients. By reducing the correlation among atoms, it is possible to preserve most of the small-scale features in the image while removing much of the long-wavelength noise. The application of the IDL method to regularization of seismic images from least-squares reverse time migration shows successful performance.

Cardiovascular autonomic control in paraplegic and quadriplegic.

PubMed

de Carvalho Abreu, Elizângela Márcia; Dias, Lucas Pinto Salles; Lima, Fernanda Pupio Silva; de Paula Júnior, Alderico Rodrigues; Lima, Mário Oliveira

2016-04-01

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is commonly associated with devastating paralysis. This condition also results in cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction associated with increased mortality from cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in cardiovascular autonomic modulation in individuals with and without SCI. The study included 60 individuals: 30 individuals without SCI, who formed the control group-CG and 30 individuals with SCI, who formed the SCI group-SCIG. The latter group was divided into two, one group of subjects with SCI above the spinal segment T6-SCIG (above T6) and a group of individuals with SCI below T6-SCIG (below T6). The subjects were evaluated by linear and nonlinear analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). The SCIG showed significantly lower square root of the mean squares differences of successive NN intervals (rMSSD), number of pairs of adjacent NN intervals differing by more than 50 ms (pNN50), standard deviation of short-term HRV (SD1), and high frequency power (HF). Their low frequency power (LF) in absolute units (ms(2)) was significantly lower and their normalized units (n.u.) were significantly higher. Their LF/HF ratio was significantly higher, and sample entropy (SampEn), which indicates the complexity and irregularity of the NN intervals time series, was significantly lower compared to the CG. The differences between the SCIG and CG were derived mainly from the SCIG (above T6). The correlation test revealed very low values between each of the parameters evaluated for CG and SCIG. The SCIG (above T6) showed greater cardiovascular autonomic impairment compared to SCIG (below T6) and CG. The SCIG (below T6) also presented some degree of autonomic dysfunction. All parameters, linear or nonlinear, are suitable to demonstrate the differences between the SCIG and CG.

Pan evaporation modeling using six different heuristic computing methods in different climates of China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lunche; Kisi, Ozgur; Zounemat-Kermani, Mohammad; Li, Hui

2017-01-01

Pan evaporation (Ep) plays important roles in agricultural water resources management. One of the basic challenges is modeling Ep using limited climatic parameters because there are a number of factors affecting the evaporation rate. This study investigated the abilities of six different soft computing methods, multi-layer perceptron (MLP), generalized regression neural network (GRNN), fuzzy genetic (FG), least square support vector machine (LSSVM), multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems with grid partition (ANFIS-GP), and two regression methods, multiple linear regression (MLR) and Stephens and Stewart model (SS) in predicting monthly Ep. Long-term climatic data at various sites crossing a wide range of climates during 1961-2000 are used for model development and validation. The results showed that the models have different accuracies in different climates and the MLP model performed superior to the other models in predicting monthly Ep at most stations using local input combinations (for example, the MAE (mean absolute errors), RMSE (root mean square errors), and determination coefficient (R2) are 0.314 mm/day, 0.405 mm/day and 0.988, respectively for HEB station), while GRNN model performed better in Tibetan Plateau (MAE, RMSE and R2 are 0.459 mm/day, 0.592 mm/day and 0.932, respectively). The accuracies of above models ranked as: MLP, GRNN, LSSVM, FG, ANFIS-GP, MARS and MLR. The overall results indicated that the soft computing techniques generally performed better than the regression methods, but MLR and SS models can be more preferred at some climatic zones instead of complex nonlinear models, for example, the BJ (Beijing), CQ (Chongqing) and HK (Haikou) stations. Therefore, it can be concluded that Ep could be successfully predicted using above models in hydrological modeling studies.

Advantages of continuous genotype values over genotype classes for GWAS in higher polyploids: a comparative study in hexaploid chrysanthemum.

PubMed

Grandke, Fabian; Singh, Priyanka; Heuven, Henri C M; de Haan, Jorn R; Metzler, Dirk

2016-08-24

Association studies are an essential part of modern plant breeding, but are limited for polyploid crops. The increased number of possible genotype classes complicates the differentiation between them. Available methods are limited with respect to the ploidy level or data producing technologies. While genotype classification is an established noise reduction step in diploids, it gains complexity with increasing ploidy levels. Eventually, the errors produced by misclassifications exceed the benefits of genotype classes. Alternatively, continuous genotype values can be used for association analysis in higher polyploids. We associated continuous genotypes to three different traits and compared the results to the output of the genotype caller SuperMASSA. Linear, Bayesian and partial least squares regression were applied, to determine if the use of continuous genotypes is limited to a specific method. A disease, a flowering and a growth trait with h (2) of 0.51, 0.78 and 0.91 were associated with a hexaploid chrysanthemum genotypes. The data set consisted of 55,825 probes and 228 samples. We were able to detect associating probes using continuous genotypes for multiple traits, using different regression methods. The identified probe sets were overlapping, but not identical between the methods. Baysian regression was the most restrictive method, resulting in ten probes for one trait and none for the others. Linear and partial least squares regression led to numerous associating probes. Association based on genotype classes resulted in similar values, but missed several significant probes. A simulation study was used to successfully validate the number of associating markers. Association of various phenotypic traits with continuous genotypes is successful with both uni- and multivariate regression methods. Genotype calling does not improve the association and shows no advantages in this study. Instead, use of continuous genotypes simplifies the analysis, saves computational time and results more potential markers.

Least squares reverse time migration of controlled order multiples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Y.

2016-12-01

Imaging using the reverse time migration of multiples generates inherent crosstalk artifacts due to the interference among different order multiples. Traditionally, least-square fitting has been used to address this issue by seeking the best objective function to measure the amplitude differences between the predicted and observed data. We have developed an alternative objective function by decomposing multiples into different orders to minimize the difference between Born modeling predicted multiples and specific-order multiples from observational data in order to attenuate the crosstalk. This method is denoted as the least-squares reverse time migration of controlled order multiples (LSRTM-CM). Our numerical examples demonstrated that the LSRTM-CM can significantly improve image quality compared with reverse time migration of multiples and least-square reverse time migration of multiples. Acknowledgments This research was funded by the National Nature Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 41430321 and 41374138).

The kinetics of crystallization of molten binary and ternary oxide systems and their application to the origination of high modulus glass fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bacon, J. F.

1971-01-01

Emphasis on the consideration of glass formation on a kinetic process made it possible to think of glass compositions different from those normally employed in the manufacture of glass fibers. Approximately 450 new glass compositions were prepared and three dozen of these compositions have values for Young's modulus measured on bulk specimens greater than nineteen million pounds per square inch. Of the new glasses about a hundred could be drawn into fibers by mechanical methods at high speeds. The fiber which has a Young's modulus measured on the fiber of 18.6 million pounds per square inch and has been prepared in quantity as a monofilament (to date more than 150 million lineal feet of 0.2 to 0.4 mil fiber have been produced). This fiber has also been successfully incorporated both in epoxy and polyimide matrices. The epoxy resin composite has shown a modulus forty percent better than that achievable using the most common grade of competitive glass fiber, and twenty percent better than that obtainable with the best available grade of competitive glass fiber. Other glass fibers of even higher modulus have been developed.

Mean centering of ratio spectra and concentration augmented classical least squares in a comparative approach for quantitation of spectrally overlapped bands of antihypertensives in formulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hegazy, Maha Abdel Monem; Fayez, Yasmin Mohammed

2015-04-01

Two different methods manipulating spectrophotometric data have been developed, validated and compared. One is capable of removing the signal of any interfering components at the selected wavelength of the component of interest (univariate). The other includes more variables and extracts maximum information to determine the component of interest in the presence of other components (multivariate). The applied methods are smart, simple, accurate, sensitive, precise and capable of determination of spectrally overlapped antihypertensives; hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), irbesartan (IRB) and candesartan (CAN). Mean centering of ratio spectra (MCR) and concentration residual augmented classical least-squares method (CRACLS) were developed and their efficiency was compared. CRACLS is a simple method that is capable of extracting the pure spectral profiles of each component in a mixture. Correlation was calculated between the estimated and pure spectra and was found to be 0.9998, 0.9987 and 0.9992 for HCT, IRB and CAN, respectively. The methods were successfully determined the three components in bulk powder, laboratory-prepared mixtures, and combined dosage forms. The results obtained were compared statistically with each other and to those of the official methods.

[Study on the early detection of Sclerotinia of Brassica napus based on combinational-stimulated bands].

PubMed

Liu, Fei; Feng, Lei; Lou, Bing-gan; Sun, Guang-ming; Wang, Lian-ping; He, Yong

2010-07-01

The combinational-stimulated bands were used to develop linear and nonlinear calibrations for the early detection of sclerotinia of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). Eighty healthy and 100 Sclerotinia leaf samples were scanned, and different preprocessing methods combined with successive projections algorithm (SPA) were applied to develop partial least squares (PLS) discriminant models, multiple linear regression (MLR) and least squares-support vector machine (LS-SVM) models. The results indicated that the optimal full-spectrum PLS model was achieved by direct orthogonal signal correction (DOSC), then De-trending and Raw spectra with correct recognition ratio of 100%, 95.7% and 95.7%, respectively. When using combinational-stimulated bands, the optimal linear models were SPA-MLR (DOSC) and SPA-PLS (DOSC) with correct recognition ratio of 100%. All SPA-LSSVM models using DOSC, De-trending and Raw spectra achieved perfect results with recognition of 100%. The overall results demonstrated that it was feasible to use combinational-stimulated bands for the early detection of Sclerotinia of oilseed rape, and DOSC-SPA was a powerful way for informative wavelength selection. This method supplied a new approach to the early detection and portable monitoring instrument of sclerotinia.

Evaluation of three statistical prediction models for forensic age prediction based on DNA methylation.

PubMed

Smeers, Inge; Decorte, Ronny; Van de Voorde, Wim; Bekaert, Bram

2018-05-01

DNA methylation is a promising biomarker for forensic age prediction. A challenge that has emerged in recent studies is the fact that prediction errors become larger with increasing age due to interindividual differences in epigenetic ageing rates. This phenomenon of non-constant variance or heteroscedasticity violates an assumption of the often used method of ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. The aim of this study was to evaluate alternative statistical methods that do take heteroscedasticity into account in order to provide more accurate, age-dependent prediction intervals. A weighted least squares (WLS) regression is proposed as well as a quantile regression model. Their performances were compared against an OLS regression model based on the same dataset. Both models provided age-dependent prediction intervals which account for the increasing variance with age, but WLS regression performed better in terms of success rate in the current dataset. However, quantile regression might be a preferred method when dealing with a variance that is not only non-constant, but also not normally distributed. Ultimately the choice of which model to use should depend on the observed characteristics of the data. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The employment of FTIR spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics for analysis of rat meat in meatball formulation.

PubMed

Rahmania, Halida; Sudjadi; Rohman, Abdul

2015-02-01

For Indonesian community, meatball is one of the favorite meat food products. In order to gain economical benefits, the substitution of beef meat with rat meat can happen due to the different prices between rat meat and beef. In this present research, the feasibility of FTIR spectroscopy in combination with multivariate calibration of partial least square (PLS) was used for the quantitative analysis of rat meat in the binary mixture of beef in meatball formulation. Meanwhile, the chemometrics of principal component analysis (PCA) was used for the classification between rat meat and beef meatballs. Some frequency regions in mid infrared region were optimized, and finally, the frequency region of 750-1000 cm(-1) was selected during PLS and PCA modeling.For quantitative analysis, the relationship between actual values (x-axis) and FTIR predicted values (y-axis) of rat meat is described by the equation of y= 0.9417x+ 2.8410 with coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.993, and root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) of 1.79%. Furthermore, PCA was successfully used for the classification of rat meat meatball and beef meatball.

Experimental Evaluation of the High-Speed Motion Vector Measurement by Combining Synthetic Aperture Array Processing with Constrained Least Square Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokoyama, Ryouta; Yagi, Shin-ichi; Tamura, Kiyoshi; Sato, Masakazu

2009-07-01

Ultrahigh speed dynamic elastography has promising potential capabilities in applying clinical diagnosis and therapy of living soft tissues. In order to realize the ultrahigh speed motion tracking at speeds of over thousand frames per second, synthetic aperture (SA) array signal processing technology must be introduced. Furthermore, the overall system performance should overcome the fine quantitative evaluation in accuracy and variance of echo phase changes distributed across a tissue medium. On spatial evaluation of local phase changes caused by pulsed excitation on a tissue phantom, investigation was made with the proposed SA signal system utilizing different virtual point sources that were generated by an array transducer to probe each component of local tissue displacement vectors. The final results derived from the cross-correlation method (CCM) brought about almost the same performance as obtained by the constrained least square method (LSM) extended to successive echo frames. These frames were reconstructed by SA processing after the real-time acquisition triggered by the pulsed irradiation from a point source. The continuous behavior of spatial motion vectors demonstrated the dynamic generation and traveling of the pulsed shear wave at a speed of one thousand frames per second.

Using FT-NIR spectroscopy technique to determine arginine content in fermented Cordyceps sinensis mycelium.

PubMed

Xie, Chuanqi; Xu, Ning; Shao, Yongni; He, Yong

2015-01-01

This research investigated the feasibility of using Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectral technique for determining arginine content in fermented Cordyceps sinensis (C. sinensis) mycelium. Three different models were carried out to predict the arginine content. Wavenumber selection methods such as competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) and successive projections algorithm (SPA) were used to identify the most important wavenumbers and reduce the high dimensionality of the raw spectral data. Only a few wavenumbers were selected by CARS and CARS-SPA as the optimal wavenumbers, respectively. Among the prediction models, CARS-least squares-support vector machine (CARS-LS-SVM) model performed best with the highest values of the coefficient of determination of prediction (Rp(2)=0.8370) and residual predictive deviation (RPD=2.4741), the lowest value of root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP=0.0841). Moreover, the number of the input variables was forty-five, which only accounts for 2.04% of that of the full wavenumbers. The results showed that FT-NIR spectral technique has the potential to be an objective and non-destructive method to detect arginine content in fermented C. sinensis mycelium. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Cool Urban Island Change 1990 - 2014. Comparative Bioclimatic Analysis in a Desert Climate, the Case of Antofagasta City Square

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pérez Lancellotti, Gino; Ziede Bize, Marcela

2017-10-01

This article proposes to make a comparative bioclimatic analysis from 1990 to 2014 of the main square of Antofagasta, a coastal desert city in Chile, which was remodelled in 1995, and shows how the redesigning of green areas affects the microclimatic conditions and thermal comfort of the urban space. Ex ante measurements dating 1990 were compared with ex post results from 2014. Data were obtained in both cases in the month of September at different times of a day and in different climate conditions. The variables studied were: land surface temperature, humidity, wind speed, amount of light and square use frequency inside the square and in surrounding streets. The temperatures are not statistically different during the years 1990 and 2014 for the city of Antofagasta. The main layout of the square has not changed, and inside the square it is similar for both periods, but new species were introduced and bigger trees with shadow projection were cut down. The square had a micro-climate role in 2014 as well as in 1990. The highest frequency zone with an important surface lost it is comfort thermic condition with an increase of 1°C. Other smaller zones with less relevance for users gained in cooling with a 0.5°C reduction. The new design has been detrimental to the intensity of its micro climatic regulatory function affecting the thermic comfort of the square’s internal spaces, especially those formerly protected by shadow, which mitigate a high solar radiation. The study results suggest that bio-climatic analysis of public open spaces is a key component for the design of future projects as a heat mitigating tool in the context of climate change. Research question is: How does the redesign of the square impact a cool urban island and the thermic comfort of users? Significant differences between data in situ collected in 1990 and 2014. Thermal comfort was negatively affected by the redesign in the square. The square is still a cool island but with less strength.

Comparison of the anaesthetic efficacy of epinephrine concentrations (1 : 80 000 and 1 : 200 000) in 2% lidocaine for inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

PubMed

Aggarwal, V; Singla, M; Miglani, S; Kohli, S

2014-04-01

The aim of this randomized controlled, double-blind trial was to comparatively evaluate the anaesthetic efficacy and injection pain of 1.8 mL of 2% lidocaine with different concentrations of epinephrine (1 : 80 000 and 1 : 200 000) in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Sixty-two adult volunteers, actively experiencing pain, were randomly allocated into 2 groups and received 1.8 mL of 2% lidocaine with either 1 : 80 000 or 1 : 200 000 epinephrine concentration. Endodontic access preparation was initiated 15 min after the initial IANB. Pain during treatment was recorded using the Heft-Parker visual analogue scale (HP VAS). The primary outcome measure, and the definition of 'success', was the ability to undertake pulp access and canal instrumentation with no or mild pain (HP VAS score <55 mm). Secondary outcome measure was the pain experienced during LA solution deposition. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U-test and chi-square test. The anaesthetic success rates of 2% lidocaine solutions containing 1 : 80 000 and 1 : 200 000 epinephrine concentrations were 20% and 28%, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant. There was also no significant difference in the pain experienced during deposition of the solutions. Two percent lidocaine solution used for IANB achieved similar success rates when used with 1 : 80 000 or 1 : 200 000 epinephrine concentration. © 2013 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Reduced abundance and earlier collection of bumble bee workers under intensive cultivation of a mass-flowering prairie crop.

PubMed

Galpern, Paul; Johnson, Sarah A; Retzlaff, Jennifer L; Chang, Danielle; Swann, John

2017-04-01

One of the most commonly seeded crops in Canada is canola, a cultivar of oilseed rape ( Brassica napus ). As a mass-flowering crop grown intensively throughout the Canadian Prairies, canola has the potential to influence pollinator success across tens of thousands of square kilometers of cropland. Bumble bees ( Bombus sp.) are efficient pollinators of many types of native and crop plants. We measured the influence of this mass-flowering crop on the abundance and phenology of bumble bees, and on another species of social bee (a sweat bee; Halictus rubicundus ), by continuously deploying traps at different levels of canola cultivation intensity, spanning the start and end of canola bloom. Queen bumble bees were more abundant in areas with more canola cover, indicating that this crop is attractive to queens. However, bumble bee workers were significantly fewer in these locations later in the season, suggesting reduced colony success. The median collection dates of workers of three bumble bee species were earlier near canola fields, suggesting a dynamic response of colonies to the increased floral resources. Different species experienced this shift to different extents. The sweat bee was not affected by canola cultivation intensity. Our findings suggest that mass-flowering crops such as canola are attractive to bumble bee queens and therefore may lead to higher rates of colony establishment, but also that colonies established near this crop may be less successful. We propose that the effect on bumble bees can be mitigated by spacing the crop more evenly with respect to alternate floral resources.

Two-dimensional heat flow analysis applied to heat sterilization of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir square timbers

Treesearch

William T. Simpson

2004-01-01

Equations for a two-dimensional finite difference heat flow analysis were developed and applied to ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir square timbers to calculate the time required to heat the center of the squares to target temperature. The squares were solid piled, which made their surfaces inaccessible to the heating air, and thus surface temperatures failed to attain...

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

Yuan, Jiangye

Up-to-date maps of installed solar photovoltaic panels are a critical input for policy and financial assessment of solar distributed generation. However, such maps for large areas are not available. With high coverage and low cost, aerial images enable large-scale mapping, bit it is highly difficult to automatically identify solar panels from images, which are small objects with varying appearances dispersed in complex scenes. We introduce a new approach based on deep convolutional networks, which effectively learns to delineate solar panels in aerial scenes. The approach has successfully mapped solar panels in imagery covering 200 square kilometers in two cities, usingmore » only 12 square kilometers of training data that are manually labeled.« less

Extensive degeneracy, Coulomb phase and magnetic monopoles in artificial square ice.

PubMed

Perrin, Yann; Canals, Benjamin; Rougemaille, Nicolas

2016-12-15

Artificial spin-ice systems are lithographically patterned arrangements of interacting magnetic nanostructures that were introduced as way of investigating the effects of geometric frustration in a controlled manner. This approach has enabled unconventional states of matter to be visualized directly in real space, and has triggered research at the frontier between nanomagnetism, statistical thermodynamics and condensed matter physics. Despite efforts to create an artificial realization of the square-ice model-a two-dimensional geometrically frustrated spin-ice system defined on a square lattice-no simple geometry based on arrays of nanomagnets has successfully captured the macroscopically degenerate ground-state manifold of the model. Instead, square lattices of nanomagnets are characterized by a magnetically ordered ground state that consists of local loop configurations with alternating chirality. Here we show that all of the characteristics of the square-ice model are observed in an artificial square-ice system that consists of two sublattices of nanomagnets that are vertically separated by a small distance. The spin configurations we image after demagnetizing our arrays reveal unambiguous signatures of a Coulomb phase and algebraic spin-spin correlations, which are characterized by the presence of 'pinch' points in the associated magnetic structure factor. Local excitations-the classical analogues of magnetic monopoles-are free to evolve in an extensively degenerate, divergence-free vacuum. We thus provide a protocol that could be used to investigate collective magnetic phenomena, including Coulomb phases and the physics of ice-like materials.

Relationships of abscised cotton fruit to boll weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) feeding, oviposition, and development.

PubMed

Showler, Allan T

2008-02-01

Abscised cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., fruit in field plots planted at different times were examined to assess adult boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), use of squares and bolls during 2002 and 2003 in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Although boll abscission is not necessarily related to infestation, generally more bolls abscised than squares and abundances of fallen bolls were not related to the planting date treatments. During 2003, fallen squares were most abundant in the late-planted treatment. Although large squares (5.5-8-mm-diameter) on the plant are preferred for boll weevil oviposition, diameter of abscised squares is not a reliable measurement because of shrinkage resulting from desiccation and larval feeding. Fallen feeding-punctured squares and bolls were most abundant in late plantings but differences between fallen feeding-punctured squares versus fallen feeding-punctured bolls were found in only one treatment in 2003. During the same year, fallen oviposition-punctured squares were more numerous in the late-planted treatment than in the earlier treatments. Treatment effects were not found on numbers of oviposition-punctured bolls, but fallen oviposition-punctured squares were more common than bolls in the late-planted treatment compared with earlier treatments each year. Dead weevil eggs, larvae, and pupae inside fallen fruit were few and planting date treatment effects were not detected. Living third instars and pupae were more abundant in fallen squares of the late-planted treatment than in the earlier treatments and bolls of all three treatments. This study shows that fallen squares in late-planted cotton contribute more to adult boll weevil populations than bolls, or squares of earlier plantings.

Comparison of the anaesthetic efficacy of different volumes of 4% articaine (1.8 and 3.6 mL) as supplemental buccal infiltration after failed inferior alveolar nerve block.

PubMed

Singla, M; Subbiya, A; Aggarwal, V; Vivekanandhan, P; Yadav, S; Yadav, H; Venkatesh, A; Geethapriya, N; Sharma, V

2015-01-01

To compare the anaesthetic efficacy of different volumes (1.8 mL vs. 3.6 mL) of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine injected as buccal infiltrations after a failed inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Two hundred and thirty-four adult patients, diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis in a mandibular tooth, participated in this multicentre, randomized double-blinded trial. Patients received IANB with 1.8 mL of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine. Pain during treatment was recorded using the Heft-Parker visual analogue scale (HP VAS). The primary outcome measure, and the definition of 'success', was the ability to undertake pulp chamber access and canal instrumentation with no or mild pain (HP VAS score <55 mm). Patients who experienced 'moderate-to-severe' pain (HP VAS score ≥ 55 mm) were randomly allocated into two groups and received buccal infiltrations with either 1.8 mL or 3.6 mL of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine. Root canal treatment was re-initiated after 10 min. Success was again defined as no pain or weak/mild pain during endodontic access preparation and instrumentation. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests. The initial IANB of 4% articaine gave an overall success rate of 37%. The success rate of supplementary buccal infiltration with 1.8 and 3.6 mL volumes was 62% and 64%, respectively. The difference between the success rates of the two volumes was not statistically significant. Increasing the volume of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine from 1.8 to 3.6 mL, given as supplementary buccal infiltrations after a failed primary IANB with 1.8 mL of 4% articaine with 1 : 100 000, did not improve the anaesthetic success rates in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. © 2014 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A Comparison of Different Volumes of Articaine for Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block for Molar Teeth with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis.

PubMed

Abazarpoor, Ramin; Parirokh, Masoud; Nakhaee, Nouzar; Abbott, Paul V

2015-09-01

Achieving anesthesia in mandibular molar teeth with irreversible pulpitis is very difficult. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of 1.8 mL and 3.6 mL articaine for an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) when treating molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 82 first mandibular molar teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis randomly received conventional IANB injection either with 1 (1.8 mL) or 2 cartridges (3.6 mL) of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. The patients recorded their pain before and during access cavity preparation as well as during root canal instrumentation using a Heft-Parker visual analog scale. No or mild pain was considered as successful anesthesia. Data were analyzed by t and chi-square tests. Eighty patients were eligible to participate in this study, which showed that 3.6 mL articaine provided a significantly higher success rate (77.5%) of IANBs compared with 1.8 mL of the same anesthetic solution (27.5%) although neither group had 100% successful anesthesia (P < .001). Increasing the volume of articaine provided a significantly higher success rate of IANBs in mandibular first molar teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, but it did not result in 100% anesthetic success. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Estimation of occupancy, breeding success, and predicted abundance of golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) in the Diablo Range, California, 2014

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wiens, J. David; Kolar, Patrick S.; Fuller, Mark R.; Hunt, W. Grainger; Hunt, Teresa

2015-01-01

We used a multistate occupancy sampling design to estimate occupancy, breeding success, and abundance of territorial pairs of golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) in the Diablo Range, California, in 2014. This method uses the spatial pattern of detections and non-detections over repeated visits to survey sites to estimate probabilities of occupancy and successful reproduction while accounting for imperfect detection of golden eagles and their young during surveys. The estimated probability of detecting territorial pairs of golden eagles and their young was less than 1 and varied with time of the breeding season, as did the probability of correctly classifying a pair’s breeding status. Imperfect detection and breeding classification led to a sizeable difference between the uncorrected, naïve estimate of the proportion of occupied sites where successful reproduction was observed (0.20) and the model-based estimate (0.30). The analysis further indicated a relatively high overall probability of landscape occupancy by pairs of golden eagles (0.67, standard error = 0.06), but that areas with the greatest occupancy and reproductive potential were patchily distributed. We documented a total of 138 territorial pairs of golden eagles during surveys completed in the 2014 breeding season, which represented about one-half of the 280 pairs we estimated to occur in the broader 5,169-square kilometer region sampled. The study results emphasize the importance of accounting for imperfect detection and spatial heterogeneity in studies of site occupancy, breeding success, and abundance of golden eagles.

Three Perspectives on Teaching Least Squares

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scariano, Stephen M.; Calzada, Maria

2004-01-01

The method of Least Squares is the most widely used technique for fitting a straight line to data, and it is typically discussed in several undergraduate courses. This article focuses on three developmentally different approaches for solving the Least Squares problem that are suitable for classroom exposition.

A Correlational Study of Seven Projective Spatial Structures with Regard to the Phases of the MOON^

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wellner, Karen Linette

1995-01-01

This study investigated the relationship between projective spatial structures and the ability to construct a scientific model. In addition, gender-related performance and the influence of prior astronomy experience on task success were evaluated. Sixty-one college science undergraduates were individually administered Piagetian tasks to assess for projective spatial structures and the ability to set up a phases of the moon model. The spatial tasks included: (a) Mountains task (coordination of perspectives); (b) Railroad task (size and intervals of objects with increasing distance); (c) Telephone Poles task (masking and ordering objects); and (d) Shadows task (spatial relationships between an object and its shadow, dependent upon the object's orientation). Cramer coefficient analyses indicated that significant relationships existed between Moon task and spatial task success. In particular, the Shadows task, requiring subjects to draw shadows of objects in different orientations, proved most difficult and was most strongly associated with with a subject's understanding of lunar phases. Chi-square tests for two independent samples were used to analyze gender performance differences on each of the Ave tasks. Males performed significantly better at a.05 significance level in regard to the Shadows task and the Moon task. Chi-square tests for two independent samples showed no significant difference in Moon task performance between subjects with astronomy or Earth science coursework, and those without such science classroom experience. Overall, only six subjects passed all seven projective spatial structure tasks. Piaget (1967) contends that concrete -operational spatial structures must be established before an individual is able to develop formal-operational patterns of thinking. The results of this study indicate that 90% of the interviewed science majors are still operating at the concrete-operational level. Several educational implications were drawn from this study: (1) The teaching of spatially dependent content to students without prerequisite spatial structures results in understanding no further beyond that which can be memorized; (2) assessment for projective spatial structures should precede science lessons dealing with time-space relationships, and (3) a student's level of spatial ability may directly impact upon interpretation of three-dimensional models.

African-American Female Student Experiences in Community College

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dozier, Nedra

2016-01-01

This is a mixed method study focusing on African-American Female (AAF) student experiences and success in the community college. This study was focused at a large southeastern, comprehensive community college. A chi-squared analysis of extant data concerning questions from the Community College Survey for Student Engagement (CCSSE) instrument was…

Innovating at the Nexus of Impact and Improvement: Leading Educational Improvement Networks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peurach, Donald J.

2016-01-01

In late 2015, the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act strengthened federal commitment to the use of evidence in educational innovation, focusing squarely on increasing the impact of innovation on educational outcomes. Concurrently, articles published in "Educational Researcher" examined new potential to increase the success of…

STS-99 crew and family DEPART for Houston

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-99 Commander Kevin Kregel is joined by his wife, Jeanne, before their departure for Houston. The STS-99 crew completed a successful 11-day Shuttle Radar Topography Mission mapping 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface before landing at KSC Feb. 22.

A Movable Feast

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waters, John K.

2007-01-01

Mobility and flexibility are the touchstones of 21st-century K-12 architecture, which sets aside conventional classroom design to create an environment that best integrates technology with learning. This article talks about San Jose State University's state-of-the-art, 10,000-square-foot Academic Success Center in California. At the heart of the…

KSC00pp0259

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-02-23

At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-99 Mission Specialist Gerhard Thiele (left) joins Mission Specialist Janet Kavandi with her daughter before their departure for Houston. The STS-99 crew completed a successful 11-day Shuttle Radar Topography Mission mapping 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface before landing at KSC Feb. 22

KSC-00pp0259

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-02-23

At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-99 Mission Specialist Gerhard Thiele (left) joins Mission Specialist Janet Kavandi with her daughter before their departure for Houston. The STS-99 crew completed a successful 11-day Shuttle Radar Topography Mission mapping 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface before landing at KSC Feb. 22

Addendum to "Compact Perturbative Expressions for Neutrino Oscillations in Matter"

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

Denton, Peter B.; Minakata, Hisakazu; Parke, Stephen J.

2018-01-19

In this paper we rewrite the neutrino mixing angles and mass squared differences in matter given, in our original paper, in a notation that is more conventional for the reader. Replacing the usual neutrino mixing angles and mass squared differences in the expressions for the vacuum oscillation probabilities with these matter mixing angles and mass squared differences gives an excellent approximation to the oscillation probabilities in matter. Comparisons for T2K, NOvA, T2HKK and DUNE are also given for neutrinos and anti-neutrinos, disappearance and appearance channels, normal ordering and inverted ordering.

Improving the Ability of Mathematic Representation Capabilities and Students Skills in Importing Square Forms to Square Using Variation Solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nirawati, R.

2018-04-01

This research was conducted to see whether the variation of the solution is acceptable and easy to understand by students with different level of ability so that it can be seen the difference of students ability in facilitating the quadratic form in the upper, middle and lower groups. This research used experimental method with factorial design. Based on the result of final test analysis, there were differences of students ability in upper group, medium group, and lower group in putting squared form based on the use certain variation of solution.

A Monte Carlo Evaluation of Estimated Parameters of Five Shrinkage Estimate Formuli.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newman, Isadore; And Others

1979-01-01

A Monte Carlo simulation was employed to determine the accuracy with which the shrinkage in R squared can be estimated by five different shrinkage formulas. The study dealt with the use of shrinkage formulas for various sample sizes, different R squared values, and different degrees of multicollinearity. (Author/JKS)

Non-destructive determination of Malondialdehyde (MDA) distribution in oilseed rape leaves by laboratory scale NIR hyperspectral imaging

PubMed Central

Kong, Wenwen; Liu, Fei; Zhang, Chu; Zhang, Jianfeng; Feng, Hailin

2016-01-01

The feasibility of hyperspectral imaging with 400–1000 nm was investigated to detect malondialdehyde (MDA) content in oilseed rape leaves under herbicide stress. After comparing the performance of different preprocessing methods, linear and nonlinear calibration models, the optimal prediction performance was achieved by extreme learning machine (ELM) model with only 23 wavelengths selected by competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), and the result was RP = 0.929 and RMSEP = 2.951. Furthermore, MDA distribution map was successfully achieved by partial least squares (PLS) model with CARS. This study indicated that hyperspectral imaging technology provided a fast and nondestructive solution for MDA content detection in plant leaves. PMID:27739491

A clinical study of patient acceptance and satisfaction of Varilux Plus and Varilux Infinity lenses.

PubMed

Cho, M H; Barnette, C B; Aiken, B; Shipp, M

1991-06-01

An independent study was conducted at the UAB School of Optometry to determine the clinical success with Varilux Plus (Varilux 2) and Varilux Infinity progressive addition lenses (PAL). Two hundred eighty patients (280) were fit between June 1988 and May 1989. The acceptance rate of 97.5 percent was based on the number of lenses ordered versus the number of lenses returned. Patients were contacted by telephone and asked to rate their level of satisfaction with their PALs. A chi-square (non-parametric) test revealed no statistically significant differences in levels of satisfaction with respect to gender, PAL type, or degree of presbyopia. Also, neither refractive error nor previous lens history had a measurable impact on patient satisfaction.

Fast classification of hazelnut cultivars through portable infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manfredi, Marcello; Robotti, Elisa; Quasso, Fabio; Mazzucco, Eleonora; Calabrese, Giorgio; Marengo, Emilio

2018-01-01

The authentication and traceability of hazelnuts is very important for both the consumer and the food industry, to safeguard the protected varieties and the food quality. This study investigates the use of a portable FTIR spectrometer coupled to multivariate statistical analysis for the classification of raw hazelnuts. The method discriminates hazelnuts from different origins/cultivars based on differences of the signal intensities of their IR spectra. The multivariate classification methods, namely principal component analysis (PCA) followed by linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), with or without variable selection, allowed a very good discrimination among the groups, with PLS-DA coupled to variable selection providing the best results. Due to the fast analysis, high sensitivity, simplicity and no sample preparation, the proposed analytical methodology could be successfully used to verify the cultivar of hazelnuts, and the analysis can be performed quickly and directly on site.

Redefining the magic square on numerical characters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasution, M. K. M.; Sawaluddin

2018-02-01

As a number system, the magic square is different from the others. Characteristic depends not only on size but also depends on numerical character in computation. This paper has redefined the term of magic square formally, by exposing the inductive general characteristics of cases to numerical ordering of numbers.

Neural Synchronization and Cryptography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruttor, Andreas

2007-11-01

Neural networks can synchronize by learning from each other. In the case of discrete weights full synchronization is achieved in a finite number of steps. Additional networks can be trained by using the inputs and outputs generated during this process as examples. Several learning rules for both tasks are presented and analyzed. In the case of Tree Parity Machines synchronization is much faster than learning. Scaling laws for the number of steps needed for full synchronization and successful learning are derived using analytical models. They indicate that the difference between both processes can be controlled by changing the synaptic depth. In the case of bidirectional interaction the synchronization time increases proportional to the square of this parameter, but it grows exponentially, if information is transmitted in one direction only. Because of this effect neural synchronization can be used to construct a cryptographic key-exchange protocol. Here the partners benefit from mutual interaction, so that a passive attacker is usually unable to learn the generated key in time. The success probabilities of different attack methods are determined by numerical simulations and scaling laws are derived from the data. They show that the partners can reach any desired level of security by just increasing the synaptic depth. Then the complexity of a successful attack grows exponentially, but there is only a polynomial increase of the effort needed to generate a key. Further improvements of security are possible by replacing the random inputs with queries generated by the partners.

Scale-up considerations for surface collecting agent assisted in-situ burn crude oil spill response experiments in the Arctic: Laboratory to field-scale investigations.

PubMed

Bullock, Robin J; Aggarwal, Srijan; Perkins, Robert A; Schnabel, William

2017-04-01

In the event of a marine oil spill in the Arctic, government agencies, industry, and the public have a stake in the successful implementation of oil spill response. Because large spills are rare events, oil spill response techniques are often evaluated with laboratory and meso-scale experiments. The experiments must yield scalable information sufficient to understand the operability and effectiveness of a response technique under actual field conditions. Since in-situ burning augmented with surface collecting agents ("herders") is one of the few viable response options in ice infested waters, a series of oil spill response experiments were conducted in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 2014 and 2015 to evaluate the use of herders to assist in-situ burning and the role of experimental scale. This study compares burn efficiency and herder application for three experimental designs for in-situ burning of Alaska North Slope crude oil in cold, fresh waters with ∼10% ice cover. The experiments were conducted in three project-specific constructed venues with varying scales (surface areas of approximately 0.09 square meters, 9 square meters and 8100 square meters). The results from the herder assisted in-situ burn experiments performed at these three different scales showed good experimental scale correlation and no negative impact due to the presence of ice cover on burn efficiency. Experimental conclusions are predominantly associated with application of the herder material and usability for a given experiment scale to make response decisions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and cardiac autonomic responses to transrectal examination differ with behavioral reactivity in dairy cows.

PubMed

Kovács, L; Kézér, F L; Kulcsár-Huszenicza, M; Ruff, F; Szenci, O; Jurkovich, V

2016-09-01

Behavior, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity were evaluated in response to transrectal examination in nonlactating Holstein-Friesian cows with different behavioral reactivity. According to behavioral reactions shown to the procedure of fixing the heart rate (HR) monitors, the 20 cows with the highest and the 20 cows with the lowest behavioral reactivity were involved in the study (high responder, n=20; and low responder, n=20, respectively). Activity of the ANS was assessed by HR and HR variability parameters. Blood and saliva were collected at 5 min before (baseline) and 0, 5 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60, and 120 min after the examination to determine cortisol concentrations. The examination lasted for 5 min. Cardiac parameters included HR, the root mean square of successive differences between the consecutive interbeat intervals, the high frequency (HF) component of heart rate variability, and the ratio between the low frequency (LF) and HF parameter (LF/HF). Following the examination, peak plasma and saliva cortisol levels and the amplitude of the plasma and saliva cortisol response were higher in high responder cows than in low responders. Areas under the plasma and saliva cortisol response curves were greater in high responder cows. Plasma and salivary cortisol levels correlated significantly at baseline (r=0.91), right after examination (r=0.98), and at peak levels (r=0.96). Area under the HR response curve was higher in low responder cows; however, maximum HR and the amplitude of the HR response showed no differences between groups. Minimum values of both parameters calculated for the examination were higher in high responders. Following the examination, response parameters of root mean square of successive differences and HF did not differ between groups. The maximum and the amplitude of LF/HF response and area under the LF/HF response curve were lower in low responder cows, suggesting a lower sympathetic activation of the ANS. Although changes in behaviors indicated that the procedure was painful for the animals, no differences were observed either in vocalization or in attendant behavior between groups during the examination. Our results demonstrate that behaviorally more reactive animals exhibit increased plasma and salivary cortisol concentrations and higher cardiac autonomic responsiveness to transrectal examination than less reactive cows. Salivary cortisol may substitute for plasma cortisol when assessing response of cattle to stress. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Magnitude and Temporal Variability of Inter-stimulus EEG Modulate the Linear Relationship Between Laser-Evoked Potentials and Fast-Pain Perception

PubMed Central

Li, Linling; Huang, Gan; Lin, Qianqian; Liu, Jia; Zhang, Shengli; Zhang, Zhiguo

2018-01-01

The level of pain perception is correlated with the magnitude of pain-evoked brain responses, such as laser-evoked potentials (LEP), across trials. The positive LEP-pain relationship lays the foundation for pain prediction based on single-trial LEP, but cross-individual pain prediction does not have a good performance because the LEP-pain relationship exhibits substantial cross-individual difference. In this study, we aim to explain the cross-individual difference in the LEP-pain relationship using inter-stimulus EEG (isEEG) features. The isEEG features (root mean square as magnitude and mean square successive difference as temporal variability) were estimated from isEEG data (at full band and five frequency bands) recorded between painful stimuli. A linear model was fitted to investigate the relationship between pain ratings and LEP response for fast-pain trials on a trial-by-trial basis. Then the correlation between isEEG features and the parameters of LEP-pain model (slope and intercept) was evaluated. We found that the magnitude and temporal variability of isEEG could modulate the parameters of an individual's linear LEP-pain model for fast-pain trials. Based on this, we further developed a new individualized fast-pain prediction scheme, which only used training individuals with similar isEEG features as the test individual to train the fast-pain prediction model, and obtained improved accuracy in cross-individual fast-pain prediction. The findings could help elucidate the neural mechanism of cross-individual difference in pain experience and the proposed fast-pain prediction scheme could be potentially used as a practical and feasible pain prediction method in clinical practice. PMID:29904336

Dorsal premotor cortex: neural correlates of reach target decisions based on a color-location matching rule and conflicting sensory evidence

PubMed Central

Coallier, Émilie; Michelet, Thomas

2015-01-01

We recorded single-neuron activity in dorsal premotor (PMd) and primary motor cortex (M1) of two monkeys in a reach-target selection task. The monkeys chose between two color-coded potential targets by determining which target's color matched the predominant color of a multicolored checkerboard-like Decision Cue (DC). Different DCs contained differing numbers of colored squares matching each target. The DCs provided evidence about the correct target ranging from unambiguous (one color only) to very ambiguous and conflicting (nearly equal number of squares of each color). Differences in choice behavior (reach response times and success rates as a function of DC ambiguity) of the monkeys suggested that each applied a different strategy for using the target-choice evidence in the DCs. Nevertheless, the appearance of the DCs evoked a transient coactivation of PMd neurons preferring both potential targets in both monkeys. Reach response time depended both on how long it took activity to increase in neurons that preferred the chosen target and on how long it took to suppress the activity of neurons that preferred the rejected target, in both correct-choice and error-choice trials. These results indicate that PMd neurons in this task are not activated exclusively by a signal proportional to the net color bias of the DCs. They are instead initially modulated by the conflicting evidence supporting both response choices; final target selection may result from a competition between representations of the alternative choices. The results also indicate a temporal overlap between action selection and action initiation processes in PMd and M1. PMID:25787952

Two-dimensional wavefront reconstruction based on double-shearing and least squares fitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Peiying; Ding, Jianping; Zhu, Yangqing; Dong, Qian; Huang, Yuhua; Zhu, Zhen

2017-06-01

The two-dimensional wavefront reconstruction method based on double-shearing and least squares fitting is proposed in this paper. Four one-dimensional phase estimates of the measured wavefront, which correspond to the two shears and the two orthogonal directions, could be calculated from the differential phase, which solves the problem of the missing spectrum, and then by using the least squares method the two-dimensional wavefront reconstruction could be done. The numerical simulations of the proposed algorithm are carried out to verify the feasibility of this method. The influence of noise generated from different shear amount and different intensity on the accuracy of the reconstruction is studied and compared with the results from the algorithm based on single-shearing and least squares fitting. Finally, a two-grating lateral shearing interference experiment is carried out to verify the wavefront reconstruction algorithm based on doubleshearing and least squares fitting.

Application of Visible and Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging to Determine Soluble Protein Content in Oilseed Rape Leaves

PubMed Central

Zhang, Chu; Liu, Fei; Kong, Wenwen; He, Yong

2015-01-01

Visible and near-infrared hyperspectral imaging covering spectral range of 380–1030 nm as a rapid and non-destructive method was applied to estimate the soluble protein content of oilseed rape leaves. Average spectrum (500–900 nm) of the region of interest (ROI) of each sample was extracted, and four samples out of 128 samples were defined as outliers by Monte Carlo-partial least squares (MCPLS). Partial least squares (PLS) model using full spectra obtained dependable performance with the correlation coefficient (rp) of 0.9441, root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.1658 mg/g and residual prediction deviation (RPD) of 2.98. The weighted regression coefficient (Bw), successive projections algorithm (SPA) and genetic algorithm-partial least squares (GAPLS) selected 18, 15, and 16 sensitive wavelengths, respectively. SPA-PLS model obtained the best performance with rp of 0.9554, RMSEP of 0.1538 mg/g and RPD of 3.25. Distribution of protein content within the rape leaves were visualized and mapped on the basis of the SPA-PLS model. The overall results indicated that hyperspectral imaging could be used to determine and visualize the soluble protein content of rape leaves. PMID:26184198

The Influence of Dimensionality on Estimation in the Partial Credit Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

De Ayala, R. J.

1995-01-01

The effect of multidimensionality on partial credit model parameter estimation was studied with noncompensatory and compensatory data. Analysis results, consisting of root mean square error bias, Pearson product-moment corrections, standardized root mean squared differences, standardized differences between means, and descriptive statistics…

MO-G-18C-05: Real-Time Prediction in Free-Breathing Perfusion MRI

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

Song, H; Liu, W; Ruan, D

Purpose: The aim is to minimize frame-wise difference errors caused by respiratory motion and eliminate the need for breath-holds in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences with long acquisitions and repeat times (TRs). The technique is being applied to perfusion MRI using arterial spin labeling (ASL). Methods: Respiratory motion prediction (RMP) using navigator echoes was implemented in ASL. A least-square method was used to extract the respiratory motion information from the 1D navigator. A generalized artificial neutral network (ANN) with three layers was developed to simultaneously predict 10 time points forward in time and correct for respiratory motion during MRI acquisition.more » During the training phase, the parameters of the ANN were optimized to minimize the aggregated prediction error based on acquired navigator data. During realtime prediction, the trained ANN was applied to the most recent estimated displacement trajectory to determine in real-time the amount of spatial Results: The respiratory motion information extracted from the least-square method can accurately represent the navigator profiles, with a normalized chi-square value of 0.037±0.015 across the training phase. During the 60-second training phase, the ANN successfully learned the respiratory motion pattern from the navigator training data. During real-time prediction, the ANN received displacement estimates and predicted the motion in the continuum of a 1.0 s prediction window. The ANN prediction was able to provide corrections for different respiratory states (i.e., inhalation/exhalation) during real-time scanning with a mean absolute error of < 1.8 mm. Conclusion: A new technique enabling free-breathing acquisition during MRI is being developed. A generalized ANN development has demonstrated its efficacy in predicting a continuum of motion profile for volumetric imaging based on navigator inputs. Future work will enhance the robustness of ANN and verify its effectiveness with human subjects. Research supported by National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute Grant R01 CA159471-01.« less

Anesthetic Efficacy of Gow-Gates Nerve Block, Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block, and Their Combination in Mandibular Molars with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Saatchi, Masoud; Shafiee, Maryam; Khademi, Abbasali; Memarzadeh, Bahareh

2018-03-01

The purpose of this prospective, randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the anesthetic efficacy of the Gow-Gates nerve block (GGNB), the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB), and their combination for mandibular molars in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. One hundred fifty patients diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis of a mandibular molar were selected. The patients randomly received 2 GGNB injections, 2 IANB injections, or 1 GGNB injection plus 1 IANB injection of 1.8 mL 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine. Access cavity preparation was initiated 15 minutes after injections. Lip numbness was a requisite for all of the patients. Success was specified as no or mild pain on the basis of Heft-Parker visual analog scale recordings during access cavity preparation or initial instrumentation. Data were analyzed with the chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and analysis of variance tests. The success rates of anesthesia were 40%, 44%, and 70% for the GGNB, IANB, and GGNB + IANB groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the success rate of anesthesia between the GGNB and IANB groups (P > .05). The anesthesia success rate for the GGNB + IANB group was significantly different from those of the GGNB and IANB groups (P < .05). A combination of GGNB and IANB could improve the efficacy of anesthesia in mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, but it would still require supplemental anesthesia. Further research may be needed to confirm the results of this study. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Print media coverage around failed and successful tobacco tax initiatives: the South Carolina experience.

PubMed

Thrasher, James F; Kim, Sei-Hill; Rose, India; Navarro, Ashley; Craft, Mary-Kathryn; Davis, Kelly J; Biggers, Sharon

2014-01-01

Taxes are a critical tobacco control policy, yet little systematic research has determined how mass media represent tobacco taxes. This study aimed to characterize print media coverage of tobacco tax initiatives in South Carolina (SC). Content analysis. The setting comprised 346 news articles from 2006 to 2010 in the four main SC newspapers. N/A . A coding scheme with good inter-rater reliability (α = .90-1.0) assessed article type (news vs. opinion), arguments, and the story tendency regarding whether it was in favor of the tax, against the tax, or neutral/mixed. Chi-square tests and t-tests assessed hypotheses regarding the prevalence and number of different arguments and article tendencies across different time periods (i.e., legislature in session vs. not in session; successful vs. unsuccessful initiative) and article types. Most articles were favorable toward the tax (59%), with favorable articles most likely to be found in opinion pieces than in news articles. Compared to unsuccessful tax initiative years (2006 to 2009), articles from the successful year (2010) were more likely to include pro-tax arguments about how the tax can raise state revenues (47% vs. 33%; p = .020) and pay for tobacco control programs (40% vs. 26%; p = .014). Unsuccessful years included a relatively higher percentage of stories about the lack of consensus regarding how the tax money should be spent (25% vs. 11%; p = .014). Within articles, the mean number of arguments favorable toward the tax and the mean number of economic arguments were marginally higher in the successful year compared to the unsuccessful years. Study results suggest that advocates build consensus and communicate more clearly on how tobacco tax revenue streams should be spent.

Extraction of the aortic and pulmonary components of the second heart sound using a nonlinear transient chirp signal model.

PubMed

Xu, J; Durand, L G; Pibarot, P

2001-03-01

The objective of this paper is to adapt and validate a nonlinear transient chirp signal modeling approach for the analysis and synthesis of overlapping aortic (A2) and pulmonary (P2) components of the second heart sound (S2). The approach is based on the time-frequency representation of multicomponent signals for estimating and reconstructing the instantaneous phase and amplitude functions of each component. To evaluate the accuracy of the approach, a simulated S2 with A2 and P2 components having different overlapping intervals (5-30 ms) was synthesized. The simulation results show that the technique is very effective for extracting the two components, even in the presence of noise (-15 dB). The normalized root-mean-squared error between the original A2 and P2 components and their reconstructed versions varied between 1% and 6%, proportionally to the duration of the overlapping interval, and it increased by less than 2% in the presence of noise. The validated technique was then applied to S2 components recorded in pigs under normal or high pulmonary artery pressures. The results show that this approach can successfully isolate and extract overlapping A2 and P2 components from successive S2 recordings obtained from different heartbeats of the same animal as well from different animals.

Random Initialisation of the Spectral Variables: an Alternate Approach for Initiating Multivariate Curve Resolution Alternating Least Square (MCR-ALS) Analysis.

PubMed

Kumar, Keshav

2017-11-01

Multivariate curve resolution alternating least square (MCR-ALS) analysis is the most commonly used curve resolution technique. The MCR-ALS model is fitted using the alternate least square (ALS) algorithm that needs initialisation of either contribution profiles or spectral profiles of each of the factor. The contribution profiles can be initialised using the evolve factor analysis; however, in principle, this approach requires that data must belong to the sequential process. The initialisation of the spectral profiles are usually carried out using the pure variable approach such as SIMPLISMA algorithm, this approach demands that each factor must have the pure variables in the data sets. Despite these limitations, the existing approaches have been quite a successful for initiating the MCR-ALS analysis. However, the present work proposes an alternate approach for the initialisation of the spectral variables by generating the random variables in the limits spanned by the maxima and minima of each spectral variable of the data set. The proposed approach does not require that there must be pure variables for each component of the multicomponent system or the concentration direction must follow the sequential process. The proposed approach is successfully validated using the excitation-emission matrix fluorescence data sets acquired for certain fluorophores with significant spectral overlap. The calculated contribution and spectral profiles of these fluorophores are found to correlate well with the experimental results. In summary, the present work proposes an alternate way to initiate the MCR-ALS analysis.

Photosynthetic Efficiency of Northern Forest Ecosystems Using a MODIS-Derived Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Middleton, E. M.; Huemmrich, K. F.; Landis, D. R.; Black, T. A.; Barr, A. G.; McCaughey, J. H.

2016-01-01

This study evaluates a direct remote sensing approach from space for the determination of ecosystem photosynthetic light use efficiency (LUE), through measurement of vegetation reflectance changes expressed with the Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI). The PRI is a normalized difference index based on spectral changes at a physiologically active wavelength (approximately 531 nanometers) as compared to a reference waveband, and is only available from a very few satellites. These include the two Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometers (MODIS) on the Aqua and Terra satellites each of which have a narrow (10-nanometer) ocean band centered at 531 nanometers. We examined several PRI variations computed with candidate reference bands, since MODIS lacks the traditional 570-nanometer reference band. The PRI computed using MODIS land band 1 (620-670 nanometers) gave the best performance for daily LUE estimation. Through rigorous statistical analyses over a large image collection (n equals 420), the success of relating in situ daily tower-derived LUE to MODIS observations for northern forests was strongly influenced by satellite viewing geometry. LUE was calculated from CO2 fluxes (moles per moles of carbon absorbed quanta) measured at instrumented Canadian Carbon Program flux towers in four Canadian forests: a mature fir site in British Columbia, mature aspen and black spruce sites in Saskatchewan, and a mixed deciduous/coniferous forest site in Ontario. All aspects of the viewing geometry had significant effects on the MODIS-PRI, including the view zenith angle (VZA), the view azimuth angle, and the displacement of the view azimuth relative to the solar principal plane, in addition to illumination related variables.Nevertheless, we show that forward scatter sector views (VZA, 16 degrees-45 degrees) provided the strongest relationships to daily LUE, especially those collected in the early afternoon by Aqua (r squared = 0.83, RMSE (root mean square error) equals 0.003 moles per moles of carbon absorbed quanta). Nadir (VZA, 0 degrees plus or minus 15 degrees) and backscatter views (VZA, -16 degrees to -45 degrees) had lower performance in estimating LUE (nadir: r squared approximately equal to 0.62-0.67; backscatter: r squared approximately equal to 0.54-0.59) and similar estimation error (RMSE equals 0.004-0.005).When directional effects were not considered, only a moderately successful MODIS-PRI vs. LUE relationship (r squared equals 0.34, RMSE equals 0.007) was obtained in the full dataset (all views & sites, both satellites), but site-specific relationships were able to discriminate between coniferous and deciduous forests. Overall, MODIS-PRI values from Terra (late morning) were higher than those from Aqua (early afternoon), before/after the onset of diurnal stress responses expressed spectrally. Therefore, we identified ninety-two Terra-Aqua "same day" pairs, for which the sum of Terra morning and Aqua afternoon MODIS-PRI values (PRI (sub sum) using all available directional observations was linearly correlated with daily tower LUE (r squared equals 0.622, RMSE equals 0.013) and independent of site differences or meteorological information. Our study highlights the value of off-nadir directional reflectance observations, and the value of pairing morning and afternoon satellite observations to monitor stress responses that inhibit carbon uptake in Canadian forest ecosystems. In addition, we show that MODIS-PRI values, when derived from either: (i) forward views only, or (ii) Terra/Aqua same day (any view) combined observations, provided more accurate estimates of tower-measured daily LUE than those derived from either nadir or backscatter views or those calculated by the widely used semi-operational MODIS GPP model (MOD17) which is based on a theoretical maximum LUE and environmental data. Consequently, we demonstrate the importance of diurnal as well as off-nadir satellite observations for detecting vegetation physiological processes.

Drainage divides, Massachusetts; Blackstone and Thames River basins

USGS Publications Warehouse

Krejmas, Bruce E.; Wandle, S. William

1982-01-01

Drainage boundaries for selected subbasins of the Blackstone and Thames River basins in eastern Hampden, eastern Hampshire, western Norfolk, southern Middlesex, and southern Worcester Counties, Massachusetts, are delineated on 12 topographic quadrangle maps at a scale of 1:24,000. Drainage basins are shown for all U.S. Geological Survey data-collection sites and for mouths of major rivers. Drainage basins are shown for the outlets of lakes or ponds and for streams where the drainage area is greater than 3 square miles. Successive sites along watercourses are indicated where the intervening area is at least 6 miles on tributary streams or 15 square miles along the Blackstone River, French River, or Quinebaug River. (USGS)

A feasibility study of a 3-D finite element solution scheme for aeroengine duct acoustics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abrahamson, A. L.

1980-01-01

The advantage from development of a 3-D model of aeroengine duct acoustics is the ability to analyze axial and circumferential liner segmentation simultaneously. The feasibility of a 3-D duct acoustics model was investigated using Galerkin or least squares element formulations combined with Gaussian elimination, successive over-relaxation, or conjugate gradient solution algorithms on conventional scalar computers and on a vector machine. A least squares element formulation combined with a conjugate gradient solver on a CDC Star vector computer initially appeared to have great promise, but severe difficulties were encountered with matrix ill-conditioning. These difficulties in conditioning rendered this technique impractical for realistic problems.

Measuring Differential Delays With Sine-Squared Pulses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hurst, Robert N.

1994-01-01

Technique for measuring differential delays among red, green, and blue components of video signal transmitted on different parallel channels exploits sine-squared pulses that are parts of standard test signals transmitted during vertical blanking interval of frame period. Technique does not entail expense of test-signal generator. Also applicable to nonvideo signals including sine-squared pulses.

Sampling strategies for square and boll-feeding plant bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae) occurring on cotton

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Six sampling methods targeting square and boll-feeding plant bugs on cotton were compared during three cotton growth periods (early-season squaring, early bloom, and peak through late bloom) by samplers differing in experience (with prior years of sampling experience or no experience) along the coas...

Using Sensor-based Demand Controlled Ventilation to Realize Energy Savings in Laboratories

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-27

is warranted. The results show that a DCV system is life-cycle cost effective for many different HVAC system total pressure and square footage ...Name and Description of System Sensors ......................................................... 44 Table 5. BEL Laboratory HVAC Zones, Square Footage ...Intensity ............................................................................. 74 Table 9. Range of USAF Laboratory Square Footage and Occupancy

A Comparison of Lord's Chi Square and Raju's Area Measures in Detection of DIF.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cohen, Allan S.; Kim, Seock-Ho

1993-01-01

The effectiveness of two statistical tests of the area between item response functions (exact signed area and exact unsigned area) estimated in different samples, a measure of differential item functioning (DIF), was compared with Lord's chi square. Lord's chi square was found the most effective in determining DIF. (SLD)

Autonomic modulations of heart rate variability are associated with sports injury incidence in sprint swimmers.

PubMed

Lima-Borges, Dayanne S; Martinez, Paula F; Vanderlei, Luiz Carlos M; Barbosa, Fernando S S; Oliveira-Junior, Silvio A

2018-03-28

Young athletes' participation in competitive sports is becoming increasingly common, and this increased involvement raises concerns about the occurrence of overtraining and sports injuries. Since these issues are poorly understood, this study analyzed heart rate variability, stress/recovery relationship, and sports injury incidence during a training macrocycle of young sprint and endurance swimmers. Thirty teenage swimmers (aged 12 to 17 years) were divided into two groups as follows: Sprint (n = 17) and Endurance (n = 13). Subjects were evaluated over 20 weeks, based on the following three schedules: general, specific, and competitive. In addition to heart rate variability and sports injury incidence, the Recovery-Stress-Questionnaire of Athletes was used to analyse stress/recovery states in athletes. All procedures were developed at the initial moment and at the end of each periodization step. The Sprint group presented a reduced standard deviation of normal-normal beats (73.0 ± 6.6 vs. 54.1 ± 3.5 ms; p < 0.05) and root mean square of the successive differences (55.3 ± 6.2 vs. 42.0 ± 3.7 ms; p < 0.01) from the period of general preparation until the time of competition. Recovery-stress monitoring was affected only by the swimming training periodization (p < 0.05). During the general period, differences between recovery and stress scales were correlated directly with the root mean square of the successive differences (r = 0.576; p = 0.001), the standard deviation of instantaneous variability beat-to-beat (r = 0.521; p = 0.003) and the triangular index (r = 0.476; p = 0.008). Differences between general recovery and stress scales were inversely correlated with geometric indexes after the specific training period. Moreover, the Sprint group showed a higher incidence of sports injury than the Endurance group (0.0214 ± 0.0068 vs. 0.0136 ± 0.0050 cases/1000 hours). Sprint training was associated with progressive activation of the sympathetic nervous system as well as a higher incidence of sports injury in comparison to endurance swimming during a training macrocycle.

Latino High School Students' Perceptions of Caring: Keys to Success

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garza, Rubén; Soto Huerta, Mary Esther

2014-01-01

This mixed methods investigation specifically examined Latino high school adolescents' perceptions of teacher behaviors that demonstrate caring. A chi-square test was conducted to analyze the frequency of responses, and focus group interviews were conducted to expand on the results. The data indicated that although Latino male students were as…

The Ultimate Empowerment Program for Parents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McLester, Susan

2011-01-01

The Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA) is a Chicago organization that, since 1997, has conducted a successful in-depth, parent-school collaboration program in nine schools on the northwest side of the city that represent about 10,000 students, or 2.5 percent of Chicago Public Schools' (CPS) total enrollment. It is a high-minority,…

STS-99 crew and family DEPART for Houston

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

STS-99 Mission Specialist Mamoru Mohri (left) is joined by his son and wife, Akiko, at the Shuttle Landing Facility before their departure for Houston. The STS-99 crew completed a successful 11- day Shuttle Radar Topography Mission mapping 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface before landing at KSC Feb. 22.

STS-99 crew and family DEPART for Houston

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-99 Mission Specialist Gerhard Thiele (left) joins Mission Specialist Janet Kavandi with her daughter before their departure for Houston. The STS-99 crew completed a successful 11-day Shuttle Radar Topography Mission mapping 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface before landing at KSC Feb. 22.

Modelling Demand for Higher Education: A Partial Least-Squares Analysis of Portugal

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oliveira, Manuela; Vieira, Carlos; Vieira, Isabel

2015-01-01

Recognizing the strategic relevance of higher education, various countries have established ambitious objectives for the percentage of graduates in their population by 2020. In some cases, without effective policies aimed at increasing domestic rates of participation in higher education, such goals will not be met. However, successful measures are…

Characterization of oils and fats by 1H NMR and GC/MS fingerprinting: classification, prediction and detection of adulteration.

PubMed

Fang, Guihua; Goh, Jing Yeen; Tay, Manjun; Lau, Hiu Fung; Li, Sam Fong Yau

2013-06-01

The correct identification of oils and fats is important to consumers from both commercial and health perspectives. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) fingerprinting and chemometrics were employed successfully for the quality control of oils and fats. Principal component analysis (PCA) of both techniques showed group clustering of 14 types of oils and fats. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) using GC/MS data had excellent classification sensitivity and specificity compared to models using NMR data. Depending on the availability of the instruments, data from either technique can effectively be applied for the establishment of an oils and fats database to identify unknown samples. Partial least squares (PLS) models were successfully established for the detection of as low as 5% of lard and beef tallow spiked into canola oil, thus illustrating possible applications in Islamic and Jewish countries. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Combining the genetic algorithm and successive projection algorithm for the selection of feature wavelengths to evaluate exudative characteristics in frozen-thawed fish muscle.

PubMed

Cheng, Jun-Hu; Sun, Da-Wen; Pu, Hongbin

2016-04-15

The potential use of feature wavelengths for predicting drip loss in grass carp fish, as affected by being frozen at -20°C for 24 h and thawed at 4°C for 1, 2, 4, and 6 days, was investigated. Hyperspectral images of frozen-thawed fish were obtained and their corresponding spectra were extracted. Least-squares support vector machine and multiple linear regression (MLR) models were established using five key wavelengths, selected by combining a genetic algorithm and successive projections algorithm, and this showed satisfactory performance in drip loss prediction. The MLR model with a determination coefficient of prediction (R(2)P) of 0.9258, and lower root mean square error estimated by a prediction (RMSEP) of 1.12%, was applied to transfer each pixel of the image and generate the distribution maps of exudation changes. The results confirmed that it is feasible to identify the feature wavelengths using variable selection methods and chemometric analysis for developing on-line multispectral imaging. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structural and dynamic characteristics in monolayer square ice.

PubMed

Zhu, YinBo; Wang, FengChao; Wu, HengAn

2017-07-28

When water is constrained between two sheets of graphene, it becomes an intriguing monolayer solid with a square pattern due to the ultrahigh van der Waals pressure. However, the square ice phase has become a matter of debate due to the insufficient experimental interpretation and the slightly rhomboidal feature in simulated monolayer square-like structures. Here, we performed classical molecular dynamics simulations to reveal monolayer square ice in graphene nanocapillaries from the perspective of structure and dynamic characteristics. Monolayer square-like ice (instantaneous snapshot), assembled square-rhombic units with stacking faults, is a long-range ordered structure, in which the square and rhombic units are assembled in an order of alternative distribution, and the other rhombic unit forms stacking faults (polarized water chains). Spontaneous flipping of water molecules in monolayer square-like ice is intrinsic and induces transformations among different elementary units, resulting in the structural evolution of monolayer square ice in dynamics. The existence of stacking faults should be attributed to the spontaneous flipping behavior of water molecules under ambient temperature. Statistical averaging results (thermal average positions) demonstrate the inherent square characteristic of monolayer square ice. The simulated data and insight obtained here might be significant for understanding the topological structure and dynamic behavior of monolayer square ice.

Comparison of Two Base Materials Regarding Their Effect on Root Canal Treatment Success in Primary Molars with Furcation Lesions

PubMed Central

Sonmez, Hayriye; Sari, Saziye

2016-01-01

Introduction. The aim of this study was to compare MTA with another base material, IRM, which is generally used on pulpal floor after root canal treatment, regarding their effect on the success of root canal treatment of primary teeth with furcation lesions. Materials and Methods. Fifty primary teeth with furcation lesions were divided into 2 groups. Following root canal treatment, the pulpal floor was coated with MTA in the experimental group and with IRM in the control group. Teeth were followed up considering clinical (pain, pathological mobility, tenderness to percussion and palpation, and any soft tissue pathology and sinus tract) and radiographical (pathological root resorption, reduced size or healing of existing lesion, and absence of new lesions at the interradicular or periapical area) criteria for 18 months. For the statistical analysis, Fisher's exact test and Pearson's chi-square tests were used and a p value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results. Although there were no statistically significant differences between two groups in terms of treatment success, lesions healed significantly faster in the MTA group. Conclusion. In primary teeth with furcation lesions, usage of MTA on the pulpal floor following root canal treatment can be a better alternative since it induced faster healing. PMID:27957486

Comparison of Two Base Materials Regarding Their Effect on Root Canal Treatment Success in Primary Molars with Furcation Lesions.

PubMed

Arikan, Volkan; Sonmez, Hayriye; Sari, Saziye

2016-01-01

Introduction. The aim of this study was to compare MTA with another base material, IRM, which is generally used on pulpal floor after root canal treatment, regarding their effect on the success of root canal treatment of primary teeth with furcation lesions. Materials and Methods. Fifty primary teeth with furcation lesions were divided into 2 groups. Following root canal treatment, the pulpal floor was coated with MTA in the experimental group and with IRM in the control group. Teeth were followed up considering clinical (pain, pathological mobility, tenderness to percussion and palpation, and any soft tissue pathology and sinus tract) and radiographical (pathological root resorption, reduced size or healing of existing lesion, and absence of new lesions at the interradicular or periapical area) criteria for 18 months. For the statistical analysis, Fisher's exact test and Pearson's chi-square tests were used and a p value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results. Although there were no statistically significant differences between two groups in terms of treatment success, lesions healed significantly faster in the MTA group. Conclusion. In primary teeth with furcation lesions, usage of MTA on the pulpal floor following root canal treatment can be a better alternative since it induced faster healing.

A hybrid least squares support vector machines and GMDH approach for river flow forecasting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samsudin, R.; Saad, P.; Shabri, A.

2010-06-01

This paper proposes a novel hybrid forecasting model, which combines the group method of data handling (GMDH) and the least squares support vector machine (LSSVM), known as GLSSVM. The GMDH is used to determine the useful input variables for LSSVM model and the LSSVM model which works as time series forecasting. In this study the application of GLSSVM for monthly river flow forecasting of Selangor and Bernam River are investigated. The results of the proposed GLSSVM approach are compared with the conventional artificial neural network (ANN) models, Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model, GMDH and LSSVM models using the long term observations of monthly river flow discharge. The standard statistical, the root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of correlation (R) are employed to evaluate the performance of various models developed. Experiment result indicates that the hybrid model was powerful tools to model discharge time series and can be applied successfully in complex hydrological modeling.

Simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of four metals by two kinds of partial least squares methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Ling; Ren, Shouxin

2005-10-01

Simultaneous determination of Ni(II), Cd(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) was studied by two methods, kernel partial least squares (KPLS) and wavelet packet transform partial least squares (WPTPLS), with xylenol orange and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide as reagents in the medium pH = 9.22 borax-hydrochloric acid buffer solution. Two programs, PKPLS and PWPTPLS, were designed to perform the calculations. Data reduction was performed using kernel matrices and wavelet packet transform, respectively. In the KPLS method, the size of the kernel matrix is only dependent on the number of samples, thus the method was suitable for the data matrix with many wavelengths and fewer samples. Wavelet packet representations of signals provide a local time-frequency description, thus in the wavelet packet domain, the quality of the noise removal can be improved. In the WPTPLS by optimization, wavelet function and decomposition level were selected as Daubeches 12 and 5, respectively. Experimental results showed both methods to be successful even where there was severe overlap of spectra.

An O(N squared) method for computing the eigensystem of N by N symmetric tridiagonal matrices by the divide and conquer approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gill, Doron; Tadmor, Eitan

1988-01-01

An efficient method is proposed to solve the eigenproblem of N by N Symmetric Tridiagonal (ST) matrices. Unlike the standard eigensolvers which necessitate O(N cubed) operations to compute the eigenvectors of such ST matrices, the proposed method computes both the eigenvalues and eigenvectors with only O(N squared) operations. The method is based on serial implementation of the recently introduced Divide and Conquer (DC) algorithm. It exploits the fact that by O(N squared) of DC operations, one can compute the eigenvalues of N by N ST matrix and a finite number of pairs of successive rows of its eigenvector matrix. The rest of the eigenvectors--all of them or one at a time--are computed by linear three-term recurrence relations. Numerical examples are presented which demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method by saving an order of magnitude in execution time at the expense of sacrificing a few orders of accuracy.

Why Might Relative Fit Indices Differ between Estimators?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weng, Li-Jen; Cheng, Chung-Ping

1997-01-01

Relative fit indices using the null model as the reference point in computation may differ across estimation methods, as this article illustrates by comparing maximum likelihood, ordinary least squares, and generalized least squares estimation in structural equation modeling. The illustration uses a covariance matrix for six observed variables…

A novel spectral resolution and simultaneous determination of multicomponent mixture of Vitamins B1, B6, B12, Benfotiamine and Diclofenac in tablets and capsules by derivative and MCR-ALS.

PubMed

Hegazy, Maha A; Abdelwahab, Nada S; Fayed, Ahmed S

2015-04-05

A novel method was developed for spectral resolution and further determination of five-component mixture including Vitamin B complex (B1, B6, B12 and Benfotiamine) along with the commonly co-formulated Diclofenac. The method is simple, sensitive, precise and could efficiently determine the five components by a complementary application of two different techniques. The first is univariate second derivative method that was successfully applied for determination of Vitamin B12. The second is Multivariate Curve Resolution using the Alternating Least Squares method (MCR-ALS) by which an efficient resolution and quantitation of the quaternary spectrally overlapped Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Benfotiamine and Diclofenac sodium were achieved. The effect of different constraints was studied and the correlation between the true spectra and the estimated spectral profiles were found to be 0.9998, 0.9983, 0.9993 and 0.9933 for B1, B6, Benfotiamine and Diclofenac, respectively. All components were successfully determined in tablets and capsules and the results were compared to HPLC methods and they were found to be statistically non-significant. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Square-lashing technique in segmental spinal instrumentation: a biomechanical study.

PubMed

Arlet, Vincent; Draxinger, Kevin; Beckman, Lorne; Steffen, Thomas

2006-07-01

Sublaminar wires have been used for many years for segmental spinal instrumentation in scoliosis surgery. More recently, stainless steel wires have been replaced by titanium cables. However, in rigid scoliotic curves, sublaminar wires or simple cables can either brake or pull out. The square-lashing technique was devised to avoid complications such as cable breakage or lamina cutout. The purpose of the study was therefore to test biomechanically the pull out and failure mode of simple sublaminar constructs versus the square-lashing technique. Individual vertebrae were subjected to pullout testing having one of two different constructs (single loop and square lashing) using either monofilament wire or multifilament cables. Four different methods of fixation were therefore tested: single wire construct, square-lashing wiring construct, single cable construct, and square-lashing cable construct. Ultimate failure load and failure mechanism were recorded. For the single wire the construct failed 12/16 times by wire breakage with an average ultimate failure load of 793 N. For the square-lashing wire the construct failed with pedicle fracture in 14/16, one bilateral lamina fracture, and one wire breakage. Ultimate failure load average was 1,239 N For the single cable the construct failed 12/16 times due to cable breakage (average force 1,162 N). 10/12 of these breakages were where the cable looped over the rod. For the square-lashing cable all of these constructs (16/16) failed by fracture of the pedicle with an average ultimate failure load of 1,388 N. The square-lashing construct had a higher pullout strength than the single loop and almost no cutting out from the lamina. The square-lashing technique with cables may therefore represent a new advance in segmental spinal instrumentation.

Heart rate variability analysed by Poincaré plot in patients with metabolic syndrome.

PubMed

Kubičková, Alena; Kozumplík, Jiří; Nováková, Zuzana; Plachý, Martin; Jurák, Pavel; Lipoldová, Jolana

2016-01-01

The SD1 and SD2 indexes (standard deviations in two orthogonal directions of the Poincaré plot) carry similar information to the spectral density power of the high and low frequency bands but have the advantage of easier calculation and lesser stationarity dependence. ECG signals from metabolic syndrome (MetS) and control group patients during tilt table test under controlled breathing (20 breaths/minute) were obtained. SD1, SD2, SDRR (standard deviation of RR intervals) and RMSSD (root mean square of successive differences of RR intervals) were evaluated for 31 control group and 33 MetS subjects. Statistically significant lower values were observed in MetS patients in supine position (SD1: p=0.03, SD2: p=0.002, SDRR: p=0.006, RMSSD: p=0.01) and during tilt (SD2: p=0.004, SDRR: p=0.007). SD1 and SD2 combining the advantages of time and frequency domain methods, distinguish successfully between MetS and control subjects. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Note: A novel method for generating multichannel quasi-square-wave pulses.

PubMed

Mao, C; Zou, X; Wang, X

2015-08-01

A 21-channel quasi-square-wave nanosecond pulse generator was constructed. The generator consists of a high-voltage square-wave pulser and a channel divider. Using an electromagnetic relay as a switch and a 50-Ω polyethylene cable as a pulse forming line, the high-voltage pulser produces a 10-ns square-wave pulse of 1070 V. With a specially designed resistor-cable network, the channel divider divides the high-voltage square-wave pulse into 21 identical 10-ns quasi-square-wave pulses of 51 V, exactly equal to 1070 V/21. The generator can operate not only in a simultaneous mode but also in a delay mode if the cables in the channel divider are different in length.

Developing and Testing a Model to Predict Outcomes of Organizational Change

PubMed Central

Gustafson, David H; Sainfort, François; Eichler, Mary; Adams, Laura; Bisognano, Maureen; Steudel, Harold

2003-01-01

Objective To test the effectiveness of a Bayesian model employing subjective probability estimates for predicting success and failure of health care improvement projects. Data Sources Experts' subjective assessment data for model development and independent retrospective data on 221 healthcare improvement projects in the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands collected between 1996 and 2000 for validation. Methods A panel of theoretical and practical experts and literature in organizational change were used to identify factors predicting the outcome of improvement efforts. A Bayesian model was developed to estimate probability of successful change using subjective estimates of likelihood ratios and prior odds elicited from the panel of experts. A subsequent retrospective empirical analysis of change efforts in 198 health care organizations was performed to validate the model. Logistic regression and ROC analysis were used to evaluate the model's performance using three alternative definitions of success. Data Collection For the model development, experts' subjective assessments were elicited using an integrative group process. For the validation study, a staff person intimately involved in each improvement project responded to a written survey asking questions about model factors and project outcomes. Results Logistic regression chi-square statistics and areas under the ROC curve demonstrated a high level of model performance in predicting success. Chi-square statistics were significant at the 0.001 level and areas under the ROC curve were greater than 0.84. Conclusions A subjective Bayesian model was effective in predicting the outcome of actual improvement projects. Additional prospective evaluations as well as testing the impact of this model as an intervention are warranted. PMID:12785571

Mechanical Circle-Squaring

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wagon, Stan; Cox, Barry

2009-01-01

A technique discovered in 1939 can be used to build a device that is driven by standard circular motion (as in a drill press) and drills exact square holes. This device is quite different from the classic design by Watts, which uses a Reuleaux triangle and drills a hole that is almost, but not exactly, square. We describe the device in detail,…

On Roots and Squares--Estimation, Intuition and Creativity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Patkin, Dorit; Gazit, Avikam

2013-01-01

The paper presents findings of a small scale study of a few items related to problem solving with squares and roots, for different teacher groups (pre-service and in-service mathematics teachers: elementary and junior high school). The research participants were asked to explain what would be the units digit of a natural number to be squared in…

Applications of square-related theorems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinivasan, V. K.

2014-04-01

The square centre of a given square is the point of intersection of its two diagonals. When two squares of different side lengths share the same square centre, there are in general four diagonals that go through the same square centre. The Two Squares Theorem developed in this paper summarizes some nice theoretical conclusions that can be obtained when two squares of different side lengths share the same square centre. These results provide the theoretical basis for two of the constructions given in the book of H.S. Hall and F.H. Stevens , 'A Shorter School Geometry, Part 1, Metric Edition'. In page 134 of this book, the authors present, in exercise 4, a practical construction which leads to a verification of the Pythagorean theorem. Subsequently in Theorems 29 and 30, the authors present the standard proofs of the Pythagorean theorem and its converse. In page 140, the authors present, in exercise 15, what amounts to a geometric construction, whose verification involves a simple algebraic identity. Both the constructions are of great importance and can be replicated by using the standard equipment provided in a 'geometry toolbox' carried by students in high schools. The author hopes that the results proved in this paper, in conjunction with the two constructions from the above-mentioned book, would provide high school students an appreciation of the celebrated theorem of Pythagoras. The diagrams that accompany this document are based on the free software GeoGebra. The author formally acknowledges his indebtedness to the creators of this free software at the end of this document.

Online Bayesian Learning with Natural Sequential Prior Distribution Used for Wind Speed Prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheggaga, Nawal

2017-11-01

Predicting wind speed is one of the most important and critic tasks in a wind farm. All approaches, which directly describe the stochastic dynamics of the meteorological data are facing problems related to the nature of its non-Gaussian statistics and the presence of seasonal effects .In this paper, Online Bayesian learning has been successfully applied to online learning for three-layer perceptron's used for wind speed prediction. First a conventional transition model based on the squared norm of the difference between the current parameter vector and the previous parameter vector has been used. We noticed that the transition model does not adequately consider the difference between the current and the previous wind speed measurement. To adequately consider this difference, we use a natural sequential prior. The proposed transition model uses a Fisher information matrix to consider the difference between the observation models more naturally. The obtained results showed a good agreement between both series, measured and predicted. The mean relative error over the whole data set is not exceeding 5 %.

Evaluating and defining the sharpness of intraocular lenses: microedge structure of commercially available square-edged hydrophobic lenses.

PubMed

Werner, Liliana; Müller, Matthias; Tetz, Manfred

2008-02-01

To evaluate the microstructure of the edges of currently available square-edged hydrophobic intraocular lenses (IOLs) in terms of their deviation from an ideal square. Berlin Eye Research Institute, Berlin, Germany. Sixteen designs of hydrophobic acrylic or silicone IOLs were studied. For each design, a +20.0 diopter (D) IOL and a +0.0 D IOL (or the lowest available plus dioptric power) were evaluated. The IOL edge was imaged under high-magnification scanning electron microscopy using a standardized technique. The area above the lateral-posterior edge, representing the deviation from a perfect square, was measured in square microns using reference circles of 40 microm and 60 microm of radius and the AutoCAD LT 2000 system (Autodesk). The IOLs were compared with an experimental square-edged poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) IOL (reference IOL) with an edge design that effectively stopped lens epithelial cell growth in culture in a preliminary study. Two round-edged silicone IOLs were used as controls. The hydrophobic IOLs used, labeled as square-edged IOLs, had an area of deviation from a perfect square ranging from 4.8 to 338.4 microm(2) (40 microm radius reference circle) and from 0.2 to 524.4 microm(2) (60 microm radius circle). The deviation area for the square-edged PMMA IOL was 34.0 microm(2) with a 40 microm radius circle and 37.5 microm(2) with a 60 microm radius circle. The respective values for the +20.0 D control silicone IOL were 729.3 microm(2) and 1525.3 microm(2) and for the +0.0 D control silicone IOL, 727.3 microm(2) and 1512.7 microm(2). Seven silicone IOLs of 5 designs had area values that were close to those of the reference square-edged PMMA IOL. Several differences in edge finishing between the IOLs analyzed were also observed. There was a large variation in the deviation area from a perfect square as well as in the edge finishing, not only between different IOL designs but also between different powers of the same design. Clinically, factors such as the shrink-wrapping of the IOL by the capsule may even out or modify the influence of these variations in terms of preventing posterior capsule opacification.

The Relationship between Mean Square Differences and Standard Error of Measurement: Comment on Barchard (2012)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pan, Tianshu; Yin, Yue

2012-01-01

In the discussion of mean square difference (MSD) and standard error of measurement (SEM), Barchard (2012) concluded that the MSD between 2 sets of test scores is greater than 2(SEM)[superscript 2] and SEM underestimates the score difference between 2 tests when the 2 tests are not parallel. This conclusion has limitations for 2 reasons. First,…

Quantified Choice of Root-Mean-Square Errors of Approximation for Evaluation and Power Analysis of Small Differences between Structural Equation Models

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, Libo; Bentler, Peter M.

2011-01-01

MacCallum, Browne, and Cai (2006) proposed a new framework for evaluation and power analysis of small differences between nested structural equation models (SEMs). In their framework, the null and alternative hypotheses for testing a small difference in fit and its related power analyses were defined by some chosen root-mean-square error of…

Desorption of SVOCs from Heated Surfaces in the Form of Ultrafine Particles.

PubMed

Wallace, Lance A; Ott, Wayne R; Weschler, Charles J; Lai, Alvin C K

2017-02-07

Ultrafine particles (UFP) produced by electric heating of stoves and metal cooking pans, absent food, have been hypothesized to be created from a surface film of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) sorbed from the surrounding air. This study tests that hypothesis by size-resolved measurements extending the lower range of the UFP studied from 10 to 2.3 nm, and including other surfaces (glass, aluminum, and porcelain). Heating glass Petri dishes or squares of aluminum foil to about 350-400 °C for 4-6 min removed all sorbed organic substances completely. Subsequent exposure of these "clean" Petri dishes and foil squares to indoor air in two different residences for successively longer periods (1 h to 281 days), followed by heating the materials for 4-6 min, indicated a strong relationship of the number, size distribution, and mass of the UFP to the time exposed. Estimates of the accumulation rate of SVOCs on surfaces were similar to those in studies of organic film buildup on indoor windows. Transfer of skin oils by touching the glass or foil surfaces, or after washing the glass surface with detergent and bare hands, was also observed, with measured particle production comparable with that produced by long-term exposure to indoor air.

Evaluation of Interpolation Effects on Upsampling and Accuracy of Cost Functions-Based Optimized Automatic Image Registration

PubMed Central

Mahmoudzadeh, Amir Pasha; Kashou, Nasser H.

2013-01-01

Interpolation has become a default operation in image processing and medical imaging and is one of the important factors in the success of an intensity-based registration method. Interpolation is needed if the fractional unit of motion is not matched and located on the high resolution (HR) grid. The purpose of this work is to present a systematic evaluation of eight standard interpolation techniques (trilinear, nearest neighbor, cubic Lagrangian, quintic Lagrangian, hepatic Lagrangian, windowed Sinc, B-spline 3rd order, and B-spline 4th order) and to compare the effect of cost functions (least squares (LS), normalized mutual information (NMI), normalized cross correlation (NCC), and correlation ratio (CR)) for optimized automatic image registration (OAIR) on 3D spoiled gradient recalled (SPGR) magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the brain acquired using a 3T GE MR scanner. Subsampling was performed in the axial, sagittal, and coronal directions to emulate three low resolution datasets. Afterwards, the low resolution datasets were upsampled using different interpolation methods, and they were then compared to the high resolution data. The mean squared error, peak signal to noise, joint entropy, and cost functions were computed for quantitative assessment of the method. Magnetic resonance image scans and joint histogram were used for qualitative assessment of the method. PMID:24000283

Evaluation of interpolation effects on upsampling and accuracy of cost functions-based optimized automatic image registration.

PubMed

Mahmoudzadeh, Amir Pasha; Kashou, Nasser H

2013-01-01

Interpolation has become a default operation in image processing and medical imaging and is one of the important factors in the success of an intensity-based registration method. Interpolation is needed if the fractional unit of motion is not matched and located on the high resolution (HR) grid. The purpose of this work is to present a systematic evaluation of eight standard interpolation techniques (trilinear, nearest neighbor, cubic Lagrangian, quintic Lagrangian, hepatic Lagrangian, windowed Sinc, B-spline 3rd order, and B-spline 4th order) and to compare the effect of cost functions (least squares (LS), normalized mutual information (NMI), normalized cross correlation (NCC), and correlation ratio (CR)) for optimized automatic image registration (OAIR) on 3D spoiled gradient recalled (SPGR) magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the brain acquired using a 3T GE MR scanner. Subsampling was performed in the axial, sagittal, and coronal directions to emulate three low resolution datasets. Afterwards, the low resolution datasets were upsampled using different interpolation methods, and they were then compared to the high resolution data. The mean squared error, peak signal to noise, joint entropy, and cost functions were computed for quantitative assessment of the method. Magnetic resonance image scans and joint histogram were used for qualitative assessment of the method.

On the measurement of the crack tip stress field as a means of determining Delta K(sub eff) under conditions of fatigue crack closure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wallhead, Ian R.; Edwards, Lyndon; Poole, Peter

1994-01-01

The optical method of caustics has been successfully extended to enable stress intensity factors as low as 1MPa square root of m to be determined accurately for central fatigue cracks in 2024-T3 aluminium alloy test panels. The feasibility of using this technique to study crack closure, and to determine the effective stress intensity factor range, Delta K(sub eff), has been investigated. Comparisons have been made between the measured values of stress intensity factor, K(sub caus), and corresponding theoretical values, K(sub theo), for a range of fatigue cracks grown under different loading conditions. The values of K(sub caus) and K(sub theo) were in good agreement at maximum stress, where the cracks are fully open, while K(sub caus) exceeded K(sub theo) at minimum stress, due to crack closure. However, the levels of crack closure and values of Delta K(sub eff) obtained could not account for the variations of crack growth rate with loading conditions. It is concluded that the values of Delta K(sub eff), based on caustic measurements in a 1/square root of r stress field well outside the plastic zone, do not fully reflect local conditions which control crack tip behavior.

Roll-to-roll slot-die coating of 400 mm wide, flexible, transparent Ag nanowire films for flexible touch screen panels

PubMed Central

Kim, Dong-Ju; Shin, Hae-In; Ko, Eun-Hye; Kim, Ki-Hyun; Kim, Tae-Woong; Kim, Han-Ki

2016-01-01

We report fabrication of large area Ag nanowire (NW) film coated using a continuous roll-to-roll (RTR) slot die coater as a viable alternative to conventional ITO electrodes for cost-effective and large-area flexible touch screen panels (TSPs). By controlling the flow rate of shear-thinning Ag NW ink in the slot die, we fabricated Ag NW percolating network films with different sheet resistances (30–70 Ohm/square), optical transmittance values (89–90%), and haze (0.5–1%) percentages. Outer/inner bending, twisting, and rolling tests as well as dynamic fatigue tests demonstrated that the mechanical flexibility of the slot-die coated Ag NW films was superior to that of conventional ITO films. Using diamond-shape patterned Ag NW layer electrodes (50 Ohm/square, 90% optical transmittance), we fabricated 12-inch flexible film-film type and rigid glass-film-film type TSPs. Successful operation of flexible TSPs with Ag NW electrodes indicates that slot-die-coated large-area Ag NW films are promising low cost, high performance, and flexible transparent electrodes for cost-effective large-area flexible TSPs and can be substituted for ITO films, which have high sheet resistance and are brittle. PMID:27677410

Roll-to-roll slot-die coating of 400 mm wide, flexible, transparent Ag nanowire films for flexible touch screen panels.

PubMed

Kim, Dong-Ju; Shin, Hae-In; Ko, Eun-Hye; Kim, Ki-Hyun; Kim, Tae-Woong; Kim, Han-Ki

2016-09-28

We report fabrication of large area Ag nanowire (NW) film coated using a continuous roll-to-roll (RTR) slot die coater as a viable alternative to conventional ITO electrodes for cost-effective and large-area flexible touch screen panels (TSPs). By controlling the flow rate of shear-thinning Ag NW ink in the slot die, we fabricated Ag NW percolating network films with different sheet resistances (30-70 Ohm/square), optical transmittance values (89-90%), and haze (0.5-1%) percentages. Outer/inner bending, twisting, and rolling tests as well as dynamic fatigue tests demonstrated that the mechanical flexibility of the slot-die coated Ag NW films was superior to that of conventional ITO films. Using diamond-shape patterned Ag NW layer electrodes (50 Ohm/square, 90% optical transmittance), we fabricated 12-inch flexible film-film type and rigid glass-film-film type TSPs. Successful operation of flexible TSPs with Ag NW electrodes indicates that slot-die-coated large-area Ag NW films are promising low cost, high performance, and flexible transparent electrodes for cost-effective large-area flexible TSPs and can be substituted for ITO films, which have high sheet resistance and are brittle.

Roll-to-roll slot-die coating of 400 mm wide, flexible, transparent Ag nanowire films for flexible touch screen panels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dong-Ju; Shin, Hae-In; Ko, Eun-Hye; Kim, Ki-Hyun; Kim, Tae-Woong; Kim, Han-Ki

2016-09-01

We report fabrication of large area Ag nanowire (NW) film coated using a continuous roll-to-roll (RTR) slot die coater as a viable alternative to conventional ITO electrodes for cost-effective and large-area flexible touch screen panels (TSPs). By controlling the flow rate of shear-thinning Ag NW ink in the slot die, we fabricated Ag NW percolating network films with different sheet resistances (30-70 Ohm/square), optical transmittance values (89-90%), and haze (0.5-1%) percentages. Outer/inner bending, twisting, and rolling tests as well as dynamic fatigue tests demonstrated that the mechanical flexibility of the slot-die coated Ag NW films was superior to that of conventional ITO films. Using diamond-shape patterned Ag NW layer electrodes (50 Ohm/square, 90% optical transmittance), we fabricated 12-inch flexible film-film type and rigid glass-film-film type TSPs. Successful operation of flexible TSPs with Ag NW electrodes indicates that slot-die-coated large-area Ag NW films are promising low cost, high performance, and flexible transparent electrodes for cost-effective large-area flexible TSPs and can be substituted for ITO films, which have high sheet resistance and are brittle.

Heart rate variability of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder in the Korean veterans.

PubMed

Park, Joo Eon; Lee, Ji Yeon; Kang, Suk-Hoon; Choi, Jin Hee; Kim, Tae Yong; So, Hyung Seok; Yoon, In-Young

2017-09-01

Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have lower heart rate variability (HRV) than the general population, but findings in this area have been inconsistent. This study was conducted to investigate the characteristics of HRV in patients with PTSD and to evaluate associations between PTSD symptoms and HRV indices. Sixty-eight patients with PTSD and 73 controls without PTSD were evaluated. HRV was measured in all subjects after they completed self-reported questionnaires. Patients with PTSD had significantly more depressed moods, anxiety, and poorer sleep quality than individuals in the non-PTSD group. Standard deviations of NN intervals (SDNN), the square root of the mean squared differences of successive NN intervals (RMSSD), and log high-frequency (LNHF) were significantly lower in the PTSD group than in the non-PTSD group. Comparisons of HRV indices among four sub-groups according to presence/absence of PTSD and experiences of combat-related or other trauma indicated that individuals in the PTSD group who had experienced combat-related trauma had the lowest HRV indices. These indices included SDNN, RMSSD, and LNHF. Further, SDNN, RMSSD, and HF power were significantly associated with symptoms of hyperarousal. HRV measures might be useful physiological parameters in assessing and monitoring sympathovagal function in patients with PTSD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Characteristic wavelengths selection of soluble solids content of pear based on NIR spectral and LS-SVM].

PubMed

Fan, Shu-xiang; Huang, Wen-qian; Li, Jiang-bo; Zhao, Chun-jiang; Zhang, Bao-hua

2014-08-01

To improve the precision and robustness of the NIR model of the soluble solid content (SSC) on pear. The total number of 160 pears was for the calibration (n=120) and prediction (n=40). Different spectral pretreatment methods, including standard normal variate (SNV) and multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) were used before further analysis. A combination of genetic algorithm (GA) and successive projections algorithm (SPA) was proposed to select most effective wavelengths after uninformative variable elimination (UVE) from original spectra, SNV pretreated spectra and MSC pretreated spectra respectively. The selected variables were used as the inputs of least squares-support vector machine (LS-SVM) model to build models for de- termining the SSC of pear. The results indicated that LS-SVM model built using SNVE-UVE-GA-SPA on 30 characteristic wavelengths selected from full-spectrum which had 3112 wavelengths achieved the optimal performance. The correlation coefficient (Rp) and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) for prediction sets were 0.956, 0.271 for SSC. The model is reliable and the predicted result is effective. The method can meet the requirement of quick measuring SSC of pear and might be important for the development of portable instruments and online monitoring.

At-line monitoring of key parameters of nisin fermentation by near infrared spectroscopy, chemometric modeling and model improvement.

PubMed

Guo, Wei-Liang; Du, Yi-Ping; Zhou, Yong-Can; Yang, Shuang; Lu, Jia-Hui; Zhao, Hong-Yu; Wang, Yao; Teng, Li-Rong

2012-03-01

An analytical procedure has been developed for at-line (fast off-line) monitoring of 4 key parameters including nisin titer (NT), the concentration of reducing sugars, cell concentration and pH during a nisin fermentation process. This procedure is based on near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and Partial Least Squares (PLS). Samples without any preprocessing were collected at intervals of 1 h during fifteen batch of fermentations. These fermentation processes were implemented in 3 different 5 l fermentors at various conditions. NIR spectra of the samples were collected in 10 min. And then, PLS was used for modeling the relationship between NIR spectra and the key parameters which were determined by reference methods. Monte Carlo Partial Least Squares (MCPLS) was applied to identify the outliers and select the most efficacious methods for preprocessing spectra, wavelengths and the suitable number of latent variables (n (LV)). Then, the optimum models for determining NT, concentration of reducing sugars, cell concentration and pH were established. The correlation coefficients of calibration set (R (c)) were 0.8255, 0.9000, 0.9883 and 0.9581, respectively. These results demonstrated that this method can be successfully applied to at-line monitor of NT, concentration of reducing sugars, cell concentration and pH during nisin fermentation processes.

Voltammetric detection of the α-dicarbonyl compound: methylglyoxal as a flavoring agent in wine and beer.

PubMed

Chatterjee, Sanghamitra; Chen, Aicheng

2012-11-02

A simple, rapid and highly selective method for the determination of the most abundant α-dicarbonyl compound in wine and beer has been developed for the first time by employing square wave voltammetry. A novel electrochemical sensor, based on the electrodeposition of platinum nanoparticles onto single wall carbon nanotubes that were cast on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) substrate, is presented in this paper. This modified electrode exhibited excellent catalytic activity in the electroreduction of methylglyoxal, showing much higher peak currents than those measured on an unmodified GCE. The effects of different experimental and instrumental parameters, such as solution pH and square wave frequency, were examined. The reduction peak current showed a linear range of from 0.1×10(-6) to 100×10(-6)M with a 0.9979 correlation coefficient; and a low detection limit of 2.8×10(-9)M was also obtained. The proposed methodology was successfully applied to the quantitative analysis of methylglyoxal in wine and beer samples. The developed sensor possesses advantageous properties such as a high active surface area, stability, and rapid electron transfer rate, which cumulatively demonstrate high performance toward the electrocatalytic reduction and detection of methylglyoxal. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Comparison of Mean Phase Difference and Generalized Least Squares for Analyzing Single-Case Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Manolov, Rumen; Solanas, Antonio

2013-01-01

The present study focuses on single-case data analysis specifically on two procedures for quantifying differences between baseline and treatment measurements. The first technique tested is based on generalized least square regression analysis and is compared to a proposed non-regression technique, which allows obtaining similar information. The…

Hartnell College's Academic Learning Center: Recommitting to Underrepresented Student Access and Success

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kane, Michael A.; Henderson, Frank

2006-01-01

Hartnell College is a Hispanic-serving institution serving the Salinas Valley in California, a vast 1,000-square-mile agricultural region. The district includes large numbers of migrant workers and their families, chronically high unemployment, high rates of poverty, and low educational attainment. A review of student performance data in 2002…

Test results of Thermal Ice Cap prototype and final comments. Final report

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

Burley, W.

1982-01-01

The design and testing of an insulating cover, Ice Cap, for an ice rink are described. The radio-controlled reel system which houses, deploys, and harvests the 17,000 square feet of insulating material is essential to the success of the cover. Photographs showing the use of the system are included. (MHR)

Project EXCEL: Holiday Inn at Union Square, Housekeeping Department. Safety and Security, Module 2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Career Resources Development Center, Inc., San Francisco, CA.

Project EXCEL is a federally-funded workplace literacy program involving hotel enterprises in the San Francisco (California) Bay area. Its focus is on identification and instruction of literacy skills essential to job success for limited-English-proficient (LEP) workers. Training is intended to enable employees to understand written work orders,…

Annual updating of plantation inventory estimates using hybrid models

Treesearch

Peter Snowdon

2000-01-01

Data for Pinus radiata D. Don grown in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) are used to show that annual indices of growth potential can be successfully incorporated into Schumacher projection models of stand basal area growth. Significant reductions in the error mean squares of the models can be obtained by including an annual growth index derived...

Project EXCEL: Holiday--Union Square, Housekeeping Department. English for Room Cleaners, Module 1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Career Resources Development Center, Inc., San Francisco, CA.

Project EXCEL is a federally-funded workplace literacy program involving hotel enterprises in the San Francisco (California) Bay area. Its focus is on identification and instruction of literacy skills essential to job success for limited-English-proficient (LEP) workers. Training is intended to enable employees to understand written work orders,…

Effect of sodium bicarbonate-buffered lidocaine on the success of inferior alveolar nerve block for teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a prospective, randomized double-blind study.

PubMed

Saatchi, Masoud; Khademi, Abbasali; Baghaei, Badri; Noormohammadi, Hamid

2015-01-01

The purpose of this prospective, randomized, double-blind study was to compare the anesthetic efficacy of buffered with nonbuffered 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine solution for inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) block in patients with mandibular posterior teeth experiencing symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Eighty adult patients diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis of a mandibular posterior tooth were selected. The patients received 2 cartridges of either 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine buffered with 0.18 mL 8.4% sodium bicarbonate or 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine with 0.18 mL sterile distilled water using conventional IAN block injections. Endodontic access preparation was initiated 15 minutes after injection. Lip numbness was required for all the patients. Success was determined as no or mild pain on the basis of Heft-Parker visual analog scale recordings upon access cavity preparation or initial instrumentation. Data were analyzed by the t, Mann-Whitney, and chi-square tests. The success rates were 62.5% and 47.5% for buffered and nonbuffered groups, respectively, with no significant differences between the two groups (P = .381). Buffering the 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine with 8.4% sodium bicarbonate did not improve the success of the IAN block in mandibular molars in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of intraosseous injection versus inferior alveolar nerve block as primary pulpal anaesthesia of mandibular posterior teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Farhad, Alireza; Razavian, Hamid; Shafiee, Maryam

2018-01-27

This study sought to assess the success rate, effect on blood pressure, and pain of intraosseous injection (IO) and inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) for pulpal anaesthesia of mandibular posterior teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis as the primary anaesthetic technique. This randomized clinical trial (IRCT2013022712634N1) was conducted on 60 patients between 18 and 65 years suffering from symptomatic irreversible pulpitis of a mandibular posterior tooth. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group one received IO while group two received IANB with 3% mepivacaine. After anaesthetic injection, success rate of pulpal anaesthesia was assessed by pulp testing in the two groups. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures of patients were compared before and after the anaesthetic injections. Level of pain during injection was scored using a visual analogue scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, t-test and chi square test at p = .05 level of significance. Success rate of IO (56.7%) was significantly higher than that of IANB (23.3%) (p = .008). There was no significant difference in pain during anaesthetic injection (p = .304) or change in systolic (p = .80) and diastolic (p = .28) blood pressures following injection between the two techniques. IO had a higher success rate than IANB for pulpal anaesthesia of mandibular posterior teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Neither technique provided profound pulpal anaesthesia.

Comparison of cotton square and boll damage and resulting lint and seed loss caused by verde plant bug, Creontiades signatus

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Retention of bolls and squares (referred to as fruit retention), boll damage, and resulting cotton lint and seed weight loss were assessed when two (2010) and three (2011) age classes of sympodial fruiting branches with different ages of squares and bolls where exposed to verde plant bug, Creontiade...

Model of directed lines for square ice with second-neighbor and third-neighbor interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirov, Mikhail V.

2018-02-01

The investigation of the properties of nanoconfined systems is one of the most rapidly developing scientific fields. Recently it has been established that water monolayer between two graphene sheets forms square ice. Because of the energetic disadvantage, in the structure of the square ice there are no longitudinally arranged molecules. The result is that the structure is formed by unidirectional straight-lines of hydrogen bonds only. A simple but accurate discrete model of square ice with second-neighbor and third-neighbor interactions is proposed. According to this model, the ground state includes all configurations which do not contain three neighboring unidirectional chains of hydrogen bonds. Each triplet increases the energy by the same value. This new model differs from an analogous model with long-range interactions where in the ground state all neighboring chains are antiparallel. The new model is suitable for the corresponding system of point electric (and magnetic) dipoles on the square lattice. It allows separately estimating the different contributions to the total binding energy and helps to understand the properties of infinite monolayers and finite nanostructures. Calculations of the binding energy for square ice and for point dipole system are performed using the packages TINKER and LAMMPS.

[Identification of Dendrobium varieties by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy combined with spectral retrieval].

PubMed

Liu, Fei; Wang, Yuan-zhong; Deng, Xing-yan; Jin, Hang; Yang, Chun-yan

2014-06-01

The infrared spectral of stems of 165 trees of 23 Dendrobium varieties were obtained by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique. The spectra show that the spectra of all the samples were similar, and the main components of stem of Dendrobium is cellulose. By the spectral professional software Omnic8.0, three spectral databases were constructed. Lib01 includes of the average spectral of the first four trees of every variety, while Lib02 and Lib03 are constructed from the first-derivative spectra and the second-derivative spectra of average spectra, separately. The correlation search, the square difference retrieval and the square differential difference retrieval of the spectra are performed with the spectral database Lib01 in the specified range of 1 800-500 cm(-1), and the yield correct rate of 92.7%, 74.5% and 92.7%, respectively. The square differential difference retrieval of the first-derivative spectra and the second-derivative spectra is carried out with Lib02 and Lib03 in the same specified range 1 800-500 cm(-1), and shows correct rate of 93.9% for the former and 90.3% for the later. The results show that the first-derivative spectral retrieval of square differential difference algorithm is more suitabe for discerning Dendrobium varieties, and FTIR combining with the spectral retrieval method can identify different varieties of Dendrobium, and the correlation retrieval, the square differential retrieval, the first-derivative spectra and second-derivative spectra retrieval in the specified spectral range are effective and simple way of distinguishing different varieties of Dendrobium.

Proteomic analysis of cellular soluble proteins from human bronchial smooth muscle cells by combining nondenaturing micro 2DE and quantitative LC-MS/MS. 1. Preparation of more than 4000 native protein maps.

PubMed

Jin, Ya; Zhang, Jun; Yuan, Qi; Manabe, Takashi; Tan, Wen

2015-08-01

Soluble proteins of human bronchial smooth muscle cells (HBSMC) were separated by nondenaturing micro 2DE and a 30 mm × 40 mm area of the CBB-stained slab gel (1.0 mm thick) was cut into 1.1 mm × 1.1 mm squares, then the proteins in the 972 gel pieces (squares) were applied to quantitative LC-MS/MS. Grid-cutting of the gel was employed to; (i) ensure the total analysis of the proteins in the area, (ii) standardize the conditions of analysis by LC-MS/MS, (iii) reconstruct the protein distribution patterns from the quantity data [1]. Totally 4323 proteins were identified in successfully analyzed 967 squares and the quantity distribution of each was reconstructed as a color density pattern (a native protein map). The quantity of the proteins distributed from 3.6% to 1 × 10(-5) % of the total protein quantity in the grid area. Each protein map was characterized by several features, including the position of quantity peak square, number of detected squares, and degree of concentration (focused or dispersed). About 4% of the proteins were detected in 100 or more squares, suggesting that they might be ubiquitous and interacting with other proteins. In contrast, many proteins showed more concentrated quantity distribution and the quantity peak positions of 565 proteins with a defined degree of concentration were summarized into a quantity peak map. These results for the first time visualized the distribution patterns of cellular proteins on a nondenaturing 2D gel. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Significance of crown shape in the replacement of a central incisor with a single implant-supported crown.

PubMed

Gobbato, Luca; Paniz, Gianluca; Mazzocco, Fabio; Chierico, Andrea; Tsukiyama, Teppei; Levi, Paul A; Weisgold, Arnold S

2013-05-01

When utilizing a single implant-supported crown to replace a central incisor, understanding the final shape of the implant restoration is an important factor to help achieve a successful esthetic outcome. In today's dentistry, tooth shape is a critical factor when dental implant prostheses are considered in the esthetic zone. The major esthetic goal for this type of restoration is to achieve the closest possible symmetry with the adjacent tooth, both at the soft and at the hard tissue levels. The goal of this study was to objectively analyze the significance of natural crown shape when replacing a central incisor with a single implant-supported crown. In this study, we investigated the shape of the crowns of maxillary central incisors in 60 individuals who presented to our clinics with an untreatable central incisor. The presence of a dental diastema, "black triangle," presence or absence of gingival symmetry, and the presence or absence of dental symmetry were recorded in the pre- and postoperative photographs. Out of 60 patients, 33.3% had triangular-shaped crowns, 16.6% square/tapered, and 50% square-shaped crown form. After treatment was rendered, 65% of the triangular group, 40% of the square/tapered group, and 13.3% of the square group required an additional restoration on the adjacent central incisor in order to fulfill the esthetic needs of the patients. Data analysis revealed that if there is a "black triangle," a diastema, or presence of dental or gingival asymmetry, an additional restoration on the adjacent central incisor is often required in order to fulfill esthetic goals. The additional restoration is highly recommended in situations with a triangular crown shape, while it is suggested in cases of square/tapered and square tooth shapes in the presence of a dental diastema.

The Multivariate Regression Statistics Strategy to Investigate Content-Effect Correlation of Multiple Components in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on a Partial Least Squares Method.

PubMed

Peng, Ying; Li, Su-Ning; Pei, Xuexue; Hao, Kun

2018-03-01

Amultivariate regression statisticstrategy was developed to clarify multi-components content-effect correlation ofpanaxginseng saponins extract and predict the pharmacological effect by components content. In example 1, firstly, we compared pharmacological effects between panax ginseng saponins extract and individual saponin combinations. Secondly, we examined the anti-platelet aggregation effect in seven different saponin combinations of ginsenoside Rb1, Rg1, Rh, Rd, Ra3 and notoginsenoside R1. Finally, the correlation between anti-platelet aggregation and the content of multiple components was analyzed by a partial least squares algorithm. In example 2, firstly, 18 common peaks were identified in ten different batches of panax ginseng saponins extracts from different origins. Then, we investigated the anti-myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury effects of the ten different panax ginseng saponins extracts. Finally, the correlation between the fingerprints and the cardioprotective effects was analyzed by a partial least squares algorithm. Both in example 1 and 2, the relationship between the components content and pharmacological effect was modeled well by the partial least squares regression equations. Importantly, the predicted effect curve was close to the observed data of dot marked on the partial least squares regression model. This study has given evidences that themulti-component content is a promising information for predicting the pharmacological effects of traditional Chinese medicine.

Manufacturing Process Development to Produce Depleted Uranium Wire for EBAM Feedstock

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

Alexander, David John; Clarke, Kester Diederik; Coughlin, Daniel Robert

2015-06-30

Wire produced from depleted uranium (DU) is needed as feedstock for the Electron-Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAM) process. The goal is to produce long lengths of DU wire with round or rectangular cross section, nominally 1.5 mm (0.060 inches). It was found that rolling methods, rather than swaging or drawing, are preferable for production of intermediate quantities of DU wire. Trials with grooveless rolling have shown that it is suitable for initial reductions of large stock. Initial trials with grooved rolling have been successful, for certain materials. Modified square grooves (square round-bottom vee grooves) with 12.5 % reduction of area permore » pass have been selected for the reduction process.« less

Active control of noise amplification in the flow over a square leading-edge flat plate utilizing DBD plasma actuator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadong, HUANG; Benmou, ZHOU

2018-05-01

Perturbation is generally considered as the flow noise, and its energy can gain transient growth in the separation bubble. The amplified perturbations may cause unstable Kelvin–Helmohltz vortices which induce the three-dimensional transition. Active control of noise amplification via dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator in the flow over a square leading-edge flat plate is numerically studied. The actuator is installed near the plate leading-edge where the separation bubble is formed. The maximum energy amplification of perturbations is positively correlated with the separation bubble scale which decreases with the increasing control parameters. As the magnitude of noise amplification is reduced, the laminar-turbulent transition is successfully suppressed.

Multilayer DNA origami packed on hexagonal and hybrid lattices.

PubMed

Ke, Yonggang; Voigt, Niels V; Gothelf, Kurt V; Shih, William M

2012-01-25

"Scaffolded DNA origami" has been proven to be a powerful and efficient approach to construct two-dimensional or three-dimensional objects with great complexity. Multilayer DNA origami has been demonstrated with helices packing along either honeycomb-lattice geometry or square-lattice geometry. Here we report successful folding of multilayer DNA origami with helices arranged on a close-packed hexagonal lattice. This arrangement yields a higher density of helical packing and therefore higher resolution of spatial addressing than has been shown previously. We also demonstrate hybrid multilayer DNA origami with honeycomb-lattice, square-lattice, and hexagonal-lattice packing of helices all in one design. The availability of hexagonal close-packing of helices extends our ability to build complex structures using DNA nanotechnology. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Constraining f(T) teleparallel gravity by big bang nucleosynthesis: f(T) cosmology and BBN.

PubMed

Capozziello, S; Lambiase, G; Saridakis, E N

2017-01-01

We use Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) observational data on the primordial abundance of light elements to constrain f ( T ) gravity. The three most studied viable f ( T ) models, namely the power law, the exponential and the square-root exponential are considered, and the BBN bounds are adopted in order to extract constraints on their free parameters. For the power-law model, we find that the constraints are in agreement with those obtained using late-time cosmological data. For the exponential and the square-root exponential models, we show that for reliable regions of parameters space they always satisfy the BBN bounds. We conclude that viable f ( T ) models can successfully satisfy the BBN constraints.

Talbot effect of quasi-periodic grating.

PubMed

Zhang, Chong; Zhang, Wei; Li, Furui; Wang, Junhong; Teng, Shuyun

2013-07-20

Theoretic and experimental studies of the Talbot effect of quasi-periodic gratings are performed in this paper. The diffractions of periodic and quasi-periodic square aperture arrays in Fresnel fields are analyzed according to the scalar diffraction theory. The expressions of the diffraction intensities of two types of quasi-periodic gratings are deduced. Talbot images of the quasi-periodic gratings are predicted to appear at multiple certain distances. The quasi-periodic square aperture arrays are produced with the aid of a liquid crystal light modulator, and the self-images of the quasi-periodic gratings are measured successfully in the experiment. This study indicates that even a structure in short-range disorder may take on the self-imaging effect in a Fresnel field.

Genotyping and drug resistance patterns of M. tuberculosis strains in Pakistan.

PubMed

Tanveer, Mahnaz; Hasan, Zahra; Siddiqui, Amna R; Ali, Asho; Kanji, Akbar; Ghebremicheal, Solomon; Hasan, Rumina

2008-12-24

The incidence of tuberculosis in Pakistan is 181/100,000 population. However, information about transmission and geographical prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains and their evolutionary genetics as well as drug resistance remains limited. Our objective was to determine the clonal composition, evolutionary genetics and drug resistance of M. tuberculosis isolates from different regions of the country. M. tuberculosis strains isolated (2003-2005) from specimens submitted to the laboratory through collection units nationwide were included. Drug susceptibility was performed and strains were spoligotyped. Of 926 M. tuberculosis strains studied, 721(78%) were grouped into 59 "shared types", while 205 (22%) were identified as "Orphan" spoligotypes. Amongst the predominant genotypes 61% were Central Asian strains (CAS ; including CAS1, CAS sub-families and Orphan Pak clusters), 4% East African-Indian (EAI), 3% Beijing, 2% poorly defined TB strains (T), 2% Haarlem and LAM (0.2). Also TbD1 analysis (M. tuberculosis specific deletion 1) confirmed that CAS1 was of "modern" origin while EAI isolates belonged to "ancestral" strain types.Prevalence of CAS1 clade was significantly higher in Punjab (P < 0.01, Pearsons Chi-square test) as compared with Sindh, North West Frontier Province and Balochistan provinces. Forty six percent of isolates were sensitive to five first line antibiotics tested, 45% were Rifampicin resistant, 50% isoniazid resistant. MDR was significantly associated with Beijing strains (P = 0.01, Pearsons Chi-square test) and EAI (P = 0.001, Pearsons Chi-square test), but not with CAS family. Our results show variation of prevalent M. tuberculosis strain with greater association of CAS1 with the Punjab province. The fact that the prevalent CAS genotype was not associated with drug resistance is encouraging. It further suggests a more effective treatment and control programme should be successful in reducing the tuberculosis burden in Pakistan.

The ITE Land classification: Providing an environmental stratification of Great Britain.

PubMed

Bunce, R G; Barr, C J; Gillespie, M K; Howard, D C

1996-01-01

The surface of Great Britain (GB) varies continuously in land cover from one area to another. The objective of any environmentally based land classification is to produce classes that match the patterns that are present by helping to define clear boundaries. The more appropriate the analysis and data used, the better the classes will fit the natural patterns. The observation of inter-correlations between ecological factors is the basis for interpreting ecological patterns in the field, and the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology (ITE) Land Classification formalises such subjective ideas. The data inevitably comprise a large number of factors in order to describe the environment adequately. Single factors, such as altitude, would only be useful on a national basis if they were the only dominant causative agent of ecological variation.The ITE Land Classification has defined 32 environmental categories called 'land classes', initially based on a sample of 1-km squares in Great Britain but subsequently extended to all 240 000 1-km squares. The original classification was produced using multivariate analysis of 75 environmental variables. The extension to all squares in GB was performed using a combination of logistic discrimination and discriminant functions. The classes have provided a stratification for successive ecological surveys, the results of which have characterised the classes in terms of botanical, zoological and landscape features.The classification has also been applied to integrate diverse datasets including satellite imagery, soils and socio-economic information. A variety of models have used the structure of the classification, for example to show potential land use change under different economic conditions. The principal data sets relevant for planning purposes have been incorporated into a user-friendly computer package, called the 'Countryside Information System'.

Rapid investigation of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of Phaleria macrocarpa extracts using FTIR-ATR based fingerprinting.

PubMed

Easmin, Sabina; Sarker, Md Zaidul Islam; Ghafoor, Kashif; Ferdosh, Sahena; Jaffri, Juliana; Ali, Md Eaqub; Mirhosseini, Hamed; Al-Juhaimi, Fahad Y; Perumal, Vikneswari; Khatib, Alfi

2017-04-01

Phaleria macrocarpa, known as "Mahkota Dewa", is a widely used medicinal plant in Malaysia. This study focused on the characterization of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of P. macrocarpa extracts using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)-based metabolomics. P. macrocarpa and its extracts contain thousands of compounds having synergistic effect. Generally, their variability exists, and there are many active components in meager amounts. Thus, the conventional measurement methods of a single component for the quality control are time consuming, laborious, expensive, and unreliable. It is of great interest to develop a rapid prediction method for herbal quality control to investigate the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of P. macrocarpa by multicomponent analyses. In this study, a rapid and simple analytical method was developed using FTIR spectroscopy-based fingerprinting. A total of 36 extracts of different ethanol concentrations were prepared and tested on inhibitory potential and fingerprinted using FTIR spectroscopy, coupled with chemometrics of orthogonal partial least square (OPLS) at the 4000-400 cm -1 frequency region and resolution of 4 cm -1 . The OPLS model generated the highest regression coefficient with R 2 Y = 0.98 and Q 2 Y = 0.70, lowest root mean square error estimation = 17.17, and root mean square error of cross validation = 57.29. A five-component (1+4+0) predictive model was build up to correlate FTIR spectra with activity, and the responsible functional groups, such as -CH, -NH, -COOH, and -OH, were identified for the bioactivity. A successful multivariate model was constructed using FTIR-attenuated total reflection as a simple and rapid technique to predict the inhibitory activity. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

PIXELS: Using field-based learning to investigate students' concepts of pixels and sense of scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pope, A.; Tinigin, L.; Petcovic, H. L.; Ormand, C. J.; LaDue, N.

2015-12-01

Empirical work over the past decade supports the notion that a high level of spatial thinking skill is critical to success in the geosciences. Spatial thinking incorporates a host of sub-skills such as mentally rotating an object, imagining the inside of a 3D object based on outside patterns, unfolding a landscape, and disembedding critical patterns from background noise. In this study, we focus on sense of scale, which refers to how an individual quantified space, and is thought to develop through kinesthetic experiences. Remote sensing data are increasingly being used for wide-reaching and high impact research. A sense of scale is critical to many areas of the geosciences, including understanding and interpreting remotely sensed imagery. In this exploratory study, students (N=17) attending the Juneau Icefield Research Program participated in a 3-hour exercise designed to study how a field-based activity might impact their sense of scale and their conceptions of pixels in remotely sensed imagery. Prior to the activity, students had an introductory remote sensing lecture and completed the Sense of Scale inventory. Students walked and/or skied the perimeter of several pixel types, including a 1 m square (representing a WorldView sensor's pixel), a 30 m square (a Landsat pixel) and a 500 m square (a MODIS pixel). The group took reflectance measurements using a field radiometer as they physically traced out the pixel. The exercise was repeated in two different areas, one with homogenous reflectance, and another with heterogeneous reflectance. After the exercise, students again completed the Sense of Scale instrument and a demographic survey. This presentation will share the effects and efficacy of the field-based intervention to teach remote sensing concepts and to investigate potential relationships between students' concepts of pixels and sense of scale.

Multilayer DNA Origami Packed on a Square Lattice

PubMed Central

Ke, Yonggang; Douglas, Shawn M.; Liu, Minghui; Sharma, Jaswinder; Cheng, Anchi; Leung, Albert; Liu, Yan; Shih, William M.; Yan, Hao

2009-01-01

Molecular self-assembly using DNA as a structural building block has proven to be an efficient route to the construction of nanoscale objects and arrays of increasing complexity. Using the remarkable “scaffolded DNA origami” strategy, Rothemund demonstrated that a long single-stranded DNA from a viral genome (M13) can be folded into a variety of custom two-dimensional (2D) shapes using hundreds of short synthetic DNA molecules as staple strands. More recently, we generalized a strategy to build custom-shaped, three-dimensional (3D) objects formed as pleated layers of helices constrained to a honeycomb lattice, with precisely controlled dimensions ranging from 10 to 100 nm. Here we describe a more compact design for 3D origami, with layers of helices packed on a square lattice, that can be folded successfully into structures of designed dimensions in a one-step annealing process, despite the increased density of DNA helices. A square lattice provides a more natural framework for designing rectangular structures, the option for a more densely packed architecture, and the ability to create surfaces that are more flat than is possible with the honeycomb lattice. Thus enabling the design and construction of custom 3D shapes from helices packed on a square lattice provides a general foundational advance for increasing the versatility and scope of DNA nanotechnology. PMID:19807088

Detection of Glutamic Acid in Oilseed Rape Leaves Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy and the Least Squares-Support Vector Machine

PubMed Central

Bao, Yidan; Kong, Wenwen; Liu, Fei; Qiu, Zhengjun; He, Yong

2012-01-01

Amino acids are quite important indices to indicate the growth status of oilseed rape under herbicide stress. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometrics was applied for fast determination of glutamic acid in oilseed rape leaves. The optimal spectral preprocessing method was obtained after comparing Savitzky-Golay smoothing, standard normal variate, multiplicative scatter correction, first and second derivatives, detrending and direct orthogonal signal correction. Linear and nonlinear calibration methods were developed, including partial least squares (PLS) and least squares-support vector machine (LS-SVM). The most effective wavelengths (EWs) were determined by the successive projections algorithm (SPA), and these wavelengths were used as the inputs of PLS and LS-SVM model. The best prediction results were achieved by SPA-LS-SVM (Raw) model with correlation coefficient r = 0.9943 and root mean squares error of prediction (RMSEP) = 0.0569 for prediction set. These results indicated that NIR spectroscopy combined with SPA-LS-SVM was feasible for the fast and effective detection of glutamic acid in oilseed rape leaves. The selected EWs could be used to develop spectral sensors, and the important and basic amino acid data were helpful to study the function mechanism of herbicide. PMID:23203052

Solving matrix effects exploiting the second-order advantage in the resolution and determination of eight tetracycline antibiotics in effluent wastewater by modelling liquid chromatography data with multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares and unfolded-partial least squares followed by residual bilinearization algorithms II. Prediction and figures of merit.

PubMed

García, M D Gil; Culzoni, M J; De Zan, M M; Valverde, R Santiago; Galera, M Martínez; Goicoechea, H C

2008-02-01

A new powerful algorithm (unfolded-partial least squares followed by residual bilinearization (U-PLS/RBL)) was applied for first time on second-order liquid chromatography with diode array detection (LC-DAD) data and compared with a well-known established method (multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS)) for the simultaneous determination of eight tetracyclines (tetracycline, oxytetracycline, meclocycline, minocycline, metacycline, chlortetracycline, demeclocycline and doxycycline) in wastewaters. Tetracyclines were pre-concentrated using Oasis Max C18 cartridges and then separated on a Thermo Aquasil C18 (150 mm x 4.6mm, 5 microm) column. The whole method was validated using Milli-Q water samples and both univariate and multivariate analytical figures of merit were obtained. Additionally, two data pre-treatment were applied (baseline correction and piecewise direct standardization), which allowed to correct the effect of breakthrough and to reduce the total interferences retained after pre-concentration of wastewaters. The results showed that the eight tetracycline antibiotics can be successfully determined in wastewaters, the drawbacks due to matrix interferences being adequately handled and overcome by using U-PSL/RBL.

Precision PEP-II optics measurement with an SVD-enhanced Least-Square fitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Y. T.; Cai, Y.

2006-03-01

A singular value decomposition (SVD)-enhanced Least-Square fitting technique is discussed. By automatic identifying, ordering, and selecting dominant SVD modes of the derivative matrix that responds to the variations of the variables, the converging process of the Least-Square fitting is significantly enhanced. Thus the fitting speed can be fast enough for a fairly large system. This technique has been successfully applied to precision PEP-II optics measurement in which we determine all quadrupole strengths (both normal and skew components) and sextupole feed-downs as well as all BPM gains and BPM cross-plane couplings through Least-Square fitting of the phase advances and the Local Green's functions as well as the coupling ellipses among BPMs. The local Green's functions are specified by 4 local transfer matrix components R12, R34, R32, R14. These measurable quantities (the Green's functions, the phase advances and the coupling ellipse tilt angles and axis ratios) are obtained by analyzing turn-by-turn Beam Position Monitor (BPM) data with a high-resolution model-independent analysis (MIA). Once all of the quadrupoles and sextupole feed-downs are determined, we obtain a computer virtual accelerator which matches the real accelerator in linear optics. Thus, beta functions, linear coupling parameters, and interaction point (IP) optics characteristics can be measured and displayed.

The effect of post-exercise hydrotherapy on subsequent exercise performance and heart rate variability.

PubMed

Stanley, Jamie; Buchheit, Martin; Peake, Jonathan M

2012-03-01

We investigated the effect of hydrotherapy on time-trial performance and cardiac parasympathetic reactivation during recovery from intense training. On three occasions, 18 well-trained cyclists completed 60 min high-intensity cycling, followed 20 min later by one of three 10-min recovery interventions: passive rest (PAS), cold water immersion (CWI), or contrast water immersion (CWT). The cyclists then rested quietly for 160 min with R-R intervals and perceptions of recovery recorded every 30 min. Cardiac parasympathetic activity was evaluated using the natural logarithm of the square root of mean squared differences of successive R-R intervals (ln rMSSD). Finally, the cyclists completed a work-based cycling time trial. Effects were examined using magnitude-based inferences. Differences in time-trial performance between the three trials were trivial. Compared with PAS, general fatigue was very likely lower for CWI (difference [90% confidence limits; -12% (-18; -5)]) and CWT [-11% (-19; -2)]. Leg soreness was almost certainly lower following CWI [-22% (-30; -14)] and CWT [-27% (-37; -15)]. The change in mean ln rMSSD following the recovery interventions (ln rMSSD(Post-interv)) was almost certainly higher following CWI [16.0% (10.4; 23.2)] and very likely higher following CWT [12.5% (5.5; 20.0)] compared with PAS, and possibly higher following CWI [3.7% (-0.9; 8.4)] compared with CWT. The correlations between performance, ln rMSSD(Post-interv) and perceptions of recovery were unclear. A moderate correlation was observed between ln rMSSD(Post-interv) and leg soreness [r = -0.50 (-0.66; -0.29)]. Although the effects of CWI and CWT on performance were trivial, the beneficial effects on perceptions of recovery support the use of these recovery strategies.

Advantages of anterior inferior alveolar nerve block with felypressin-propitocaine over conventional epinephrine-lidocaine: an efficacy and safety study

PubMed Central

Sunada, Katsuhisa

2015-01-01

Background Conventional anesthetic nerve block injections into the mandibular foramen risk causing nerve damage. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the anterior technique (AT) of inferior alveolar nerve block using felypressin-propitocaine with a conventional nerve block technique (CT) using epinephrine and lidocaine for anesthesia via the mandibular foramen. Methods Forty healthy university students with no recent dental work were recruited as subjects and assigned to two groups: right side CT or right side AT. Anesthesia was evaluated in terms of success rate, duration of action, and injection pain. These parameters were assessed at the first incisor, premolar, and molar, 60 min after injection. Chi-square and unpaired t-tests were used for statistical comparisons, with a P value of < 0.05 designating significance. Results The two nerve block techniques generated comparable success rates for the right mandible, with rates of 65% (CT) and 60% (AT) at both the first molar and premolar, and rates of 60% (CT) and 50% (AT) at the lateral incisor. The duration of anesthesia using the CT was 233 ± 37 min, which was approximately 40 min shorter than using the AT. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Injection pain using the AT was rated as milder compared with the CT. This difference was also statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions The AT is no less successful than the CT for inducing anesthesia, and has the added benefits of a significantly longer duration of action and significantly less pain. PMID:28879260

Advantages of anterior inferior alveolar nerve block with felypressin-propitocaine over conventional epinephrine-lidocaine: an efficacy and safety study.

PubMed

Shinzaki, Hazuki; Sunada, Katsuhisa

2015-06-01

Conventional anesthetic nerve block injections into the mandibular foramen risk causing nerve damage. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the anterior technique (AT) of inferior alveolar nerve block using felypressin-propitocaine with a conventional nerve block technique (CT) using epinephrine and lidocaine for anesthesia via the mandibular foramen. Forty healthy university students with no recent dental work were recruited as subjects and assigned to two groups: right side CT or right side AT. Anesthesia was evaluated in terms of success rate, duration of action, and injection pain. These parameters were assessed at the first incisor, premolar, and molar, 60 min after injection. Chi-square and unpaired t-tests were used for statistical comparisons, with a P value of < 0.05 designating significance. The two nerve block techniques generated comparable success rates for the right mandible, with rates of 65% (CT) and 60% (AT) at both the first molar and premolar, and rates of 60% (CT) and 50% (AT) at the lateral incisor. The duration of anesthesia using the CT was 233 ± 37 min, which was approximately 40 min shorter than using the AT. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Injection pain using the AT was rated as milder compared with the CT. This difference was also statistically significant (P < 0.05). The AT is no less successful than the CT for inducing anesthesia, and has the added benefits of a significantly longer duration of action and significantly less pain.

Comparing the tensile strength of square and reversing half-hitch alternating post knots

PubMed Central

Wu, Vincent; Sykes, Edward A.; Mercer, Dale; Hopman, Wilma M.; Tang, Ephraim

2017-01-01

Background Square knots are the gold standard in hand-tie wound closure, but are difficult to reproduce in deep cavities, inadvertently resulting in slipknots. The reversing half-hitch alternating post (RHAP) knot has been suggested as an alternative owing to its nonslip nature and reproducibility in limited spaces. We explored whether the RHAP knot is noninferior to the square knot by assessing tensile strength. Methods We conducted 10 trials for each baseline and knot configuration, using 3–0 silk and 3–0 polyglactin 910 sutures. We compared tensile strength between knot configurations at the point of knot failure between slippage and breakage. Results Maximal failure strength (mean ± SD) in square knots was reached with 4-throw in both silk (30 ± 1.5 N) and polyglactin 910 (39 ± 12 N). For RHAP knots, maximal failure strength was reached at 5-throw for both silk (31 ± 1.5 N) and polyglactin 910 (41 ± 13 N). In both sutures, there were no strength differences between 3-throw square and 4-throw RHAP, between 4-throw square and 5-throw RHAP, or between 5-throw square and 6-throw RHAP knots. Polyglactin 910 sutures, in all knot configurations, were more prone to slippage than silk sutures (p < 0.001). Conclusion The difference in mean tensile strength could be attributed to the proportion of knot slippage versus breakage, which is material-dependent. Future studies can re-evaluate findings in monofilament sutures and objectively assess the reproducibility of square and RHAP knots in deep cavities. Our results indicate that RHAP knots composed of 1 extra throw provide equivalent strength to square knots and may be an alternative when performing hand-ties in limited cavities with either silk or polyglactin 910 sutures. PMID:28327276

Comparing the tensile strength of square and reversing half-hitch alternating post knots.

PubMed

Wu, Vincent; Sykes, Edward A; Mercer, Dale; Hopman, Wilma M; Tang, Ephraim

2017-06-01

Square knots are the gold standard in hand-tie wound closure, but are difficult to reproduce in deep cavities, inadvertently resulting in slipknots. The reversing half-hitch alternating post (RHAP) knot has been suggested as an alternative owing to its nonslip nature and reproducibility in limited spaces. We explored whether the RHAP knot is noninferior to the square knot by assessing tensile strength. We conducted 10 trials for each baseline and knot configuration, using 3-0 silk and 3-0 polyglactin 910 sutures. We compared tensile strength between knot configurations at the point of knot failure between slippage and breakage. Maximal failure strength (mean ± SD) in square knots was reached with 4-throw in both silk (30 ± 1.5 N) and polyglactin 910 (39 ± 12 N). For RHAP knots, maximal failure strength was reached at 5-throw for both silk (31 ± 1.5 N) and polyglactin 910 (41 ± 13 N). In both sutures, there were no strength differences between 3-throw square and 4-throw RHAP, between 4-throw square and 5-throw RHAP, or between 5-throw square and 6-throw RHAP knots. Polyglactin 910 sutures, in all knot configurations, were more prone to slippage than silk sutures ( p < 0.001). The difference in mean tensile strength could be attributed to the proportion of knot slippage versus breakage, which is material-dependent. Future studies can re-evaluate findings in monofilament sutures and objectively assess the reproducibility of square and RHAP knots in deep cavities. Our results indicate that RHAP knots composed of 1 extra throw provide equivalent strength to square knots and may be an alternative when performing hand-ties in limited cavities with either silk or polyglactin 910 sutures.

Chirality in distorted square planar Pd(O,N)2 compounds.

PubMed

Brunner, Henri; Bodensteiner, Michael; Tsuno, Takashi

2013-10-01

Salicylidenimine palladium(II) complexes trans-Pd(O,N)2 adopt step and bowl arrangements. A stereochemical analysis subdivides 52 compounds into 41 step and 11 bowl types. Step complexes with chiral N-substituents and all the bowl complexes induce chiral distortions in the square planar system, resulting in Δ/Λ configuration of the Pd(O,N)2 unit. In complexes with enantiomerically pure N-substituents ligand chirality entails a specific square chirality and only one diastereomer assembles in the lattice. Dimeric Pd(O,N)2 complexes with bridging N-substituents in trans-arrangement are inherently chiral. For dimers different chirality patterns for the Pd(O,N)2 square are observed. The crystals contain racemates of enantiomers. In complex two independent molecules form a tight pair. The (RC) configuration of the ligand induces the same Δ chirality in the Pd(O,N)2 units of both molecules with varying square chirality due to the different crystallographic location of the independent molecules. In complexes and atrop isomerism induces specific configurations in the Pd(O,N)2 bowl systems. The square chirality is largest for complex [(Diop)Rh(PPh3 )Cl)], a catalyst for enantioselective hydrogenation. In the lattice of two diastereomers with the same (RC ,RC) configuration in the ligand Diop but opposite Δ and Λ square configurations co-crystallize, a rare phenomenon in stereochemistry. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparing least-squares and quantile regression approaches to analyzing median hospital charges.

PubMed

Olsen, Cody S; Clark, Amy E; Thomas, Andrea M; Cook, Lawrence J

2012-07-01

Emergency department (ED) and hospital charges obtained from administrative data sets are useful descriptors of injury severity and the burden to EDs and the health care system. However, charges are typically positively skewed due to costly procedures, long hospital stays, and complicated or prolonged treatment for few patients. The median is not affected by extreme observations and is useful in describing and comparing distributions of hospital charges. A least-squares analysis employing a log transformation is one approach for estimating median hospital charges, corresponding confidence intervals (CIs), and differences between groups; however, this method requires certain distributional properties. An alternate method is quantile regression, which allows estimation and inference related to the median without making distributional assumptions. The objective was to compare the log-transformation least-squares method to the quantile regression approach for estimating median hospital charges, differences in median charges between groups, and associated CIs. The authors performed simulations using repeated sampling of observed statewide ED and hospital charges and charges randomly generated from a hypothetical lognormal distribution. The median and 95% CI and the multiplicative difference between the median charges of two groups were estimated using both least-squares and quantile regression methods. Performance of the two methods was evaluated. In contrast to least squares, quantile regression produced estimates that were unbiased and had smaller mean square errors in simulations of observed ED and hospital charges. Both methods performed well in simulations of hypothetical charges that met least-squares method assumptions. When the data did not follow the assumed distribution, least-squares estimates were often biased, and the associated CIs had lower than expected coverage as sample size increased. Quantile regression analyses of hospital charges provide unbiased estimates even when lognormal and equal variance assumptions are violated. These methods may be particularly useful in describing and analyzing hospital charges from administrative data sets. © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

Feasibility study on the least square method for fitting non-Gaussian noise data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Wei; Chen, Wen; Liang, Yingjie

2018-02-01

This study is to investigate the feasibility of least square method in fitting non-Gaussian noise data. We add different levels of the two typical non-Gaussian noises, Lévy and stretched Gaussian noises, to exact value of the selected functions including linear equations, polynomial and exponential equations, and the maximum absolute and the mean square errors are calculated for the different cases. Lévy and stretched Gaussian distributions have many applications in fractional and fractal calculus. It is observed that the non-Gaussian noises are less accurately fitted than the Gaussian noise, but the stretched Gaussian cases appear to perform better than the Lévy noise cases. It is stressed that the least-squares method is inapplicable to the non-Gaussian noise cases when the noise level is larger than 5%.

Credit Risk Evaluation Using a C-Variable Least Squares Support Vector Classification Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Lean; Wang, Shouyang; Lai, K. K.

Credit risk evaluation is one of the most important issues in financial risk management. In this paper, a C-variable least squares support vector classification (C-VLSSVC) model is proposed for credit risk analysis. The main idea of this model is based on the prior knowledge that different classes may have different importance for modeling and more weights should be given to those classes with more importance. The C-VLSSVC model can be constructed by a simple modification of the regularization parameter in LSSVC, whereby more weights are given to the lease squares classification errors with important classes than the lease squares classification errors with unimportant classes while keeping the regularized terms in its original form. For illustration purpose, a real-world credit dataset is used to test the effectiveness of the C-VLSSVC model.

SU-F-T-408: On the Determination of Equivalent Squares for Rectangular Small MV Photon Fields

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

Sauer, OA; Wegener, S; Exner, F

Purpose: It is common practice to tabulate dosimetric data like output factors, scatter factors and detector signal correction factors for a set of square fields. In order to get the data for an arbitrary field, it is mapped to an equivalent square, having the same scatter as the field of interest. For rectangular fields both, tabulated data and empiric formula exist. We tested the applicability of such rules for very small fields. Methods: Using the Monte-Carlo method (EGSnrc-doseRZ), the dose to a point in 10cm depth in water was calculated for cylindrical impinging fluence distributions. Radii were from 0.5mm tomore » 11.5mm with 1mm thickness of the rings. Different photon energies were investigated. With these data a matrix was constructed assigning the amount of dose to the field center to each matrix element. By summing up the elements belonging to a certain field, the dose for an arbitrary point in 10cm depth could be determined. This was done for rectangles up to 21mm side length. Comparing the dose to square field results, equivalent squares could be assigned. The results were compared to using the geometrical mean and the 4Xperimeter/area rule. Results: For side length differences less than 2mm, the difference between all methods was in general less than 0.2mm. For more elongated fields, relevant differences of more than 1mm and up to 3mm for the fields investigated occurred. The mean square side length calculated from both empiric formulas fitted much better, deviating hardly more than 1mm and for the very elongated fields only. Conclusion: For small rectangular photon fields, deviating only moderately from square both investigated empiric methods are sufficiently accurate. As the deviations often differ regarding their sign, using the mean improves the accuracy and the useable elongation range. For ratios larger than 2, Monte-Carlo generated data are recommended. SW is funded by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SA481/10-1)« less

Relation of snowpack Accumulation to Red Pine Stocking

Treesearch

Edward A. Hansen

1969-01-01

A snow accumulation study was conducted in a 33-year-old red pine plantation thinned to different stocking levels. Snowpack water content increased an average of 2 percent for each 10 square feet of basal area reduction, within the range of 60 to 180 square feet of basal area. Reducing plantation stocking from 180 to 60 square feet of basal area per acre would result...

A fast and direct spectrophotometric method for the simultaneous determination of methyl paraben and hydroquinone in cosmetic products using successive projections algorithm.

PubMed

Esteki, M; Nouroozi, S; Shahsavari, Z

2016-02-01

To develop a simple and efficient spectrophotometric technique combined with chemometrics for the simultaneous determination of methyl paraben (MP) and hydroquinone (HQ) in cosmetic products, and specifically, to: (i) evaluate the potential use of successive projections algorithm (SPA) to derivative spectrophotometric data in order to provide sufficient accuracy and model robustness and (ii) determine MP and HQ concentration in cosmetics without tedious pre-treatments such as derivatization or extraction techniques which are time-consuming and require hazardous solvents. The absorption spectra were measured in the wavelength range of 200-350 nm. Prior to performing chemometric models, the original and first-derivative absorption spectra of binary mixtures were used as calibration matrices. Variable selected by successive projections algorithm was used to obtain multiple linear regression (MLR) models based on a small subset of wavelengths. The number of wavelengths and the starting vector were optimized, and the comparison of the root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) and cross-validation (RMSECV) was applied to select effective wavelengths with the least collinearity and redundancy. Principal component regression (PCR) and partial least squares (PLS) were also developed for comparison. The concentrations of the calibration matrix ranged from 0.1 to 20 μg mL(-1) for MP, and from 0.1 to 25 μg mL(-1) for HQ. The constructed models were tested on an external validation data set and finally cosmetic samples. The results indicated that successive projections algorithm-multiple linear regression (SPA-MLR), applied on the first-derivative spectra, achieved the optimal performance for two compounds when compared with the full-spectrum PCR and PLS. The root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) was 0.083, 0.314 for MP and HQ, respectively. To verify the accuracy of the proposed method, a recovery study on real cosmetic samples was carried out with satisfactory results (84-112%). The proposed method, which is an environmentally friendly approach, using minimum amount of solvent, is a simple, fast and low-cost analysis method that can provide high accuracy and robust models. The suggested method does not need any complex extraction procedure which is time-consuming and requires hazardous solvents. © 2015 Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Société Française de Cosmétologie.

Mode of transmission of schizophrenia.

PubMed

Ponnudurai, R; Jayakar, J

2010-06-01

Although the evidences for the phenomenon of "anticipation" and parental "imprinting" have been shown in schizophrenia, they are inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to test these hypotheses by examining three successive generations. 58 schizophrenic patients who had their maternal or paternal parent or grandparent, or both, affected with schizophrenia or related disorders were analyzed. Chi-square test was used to assess the association of the sex of the parent with more than one of the affected proband families. The differences in the age of onset of the illness between the successive three generations was calculated using the t-test. In comparison to mothers' affected families, a large proportion of the father side affected families had more than one of their offspring affected with the illness. The age of onset in probands was lower in comparison to that of those on the parental side and the difference was more significant when the paternal side was affected. Interestingly, when the age of onset in the grandparents was compared with either of the parental sides of the probands no difference emerged, indicating lack of support from this study for the theory of anticipation. At any rate, the age of onset of probands was significantly lower in comparison to that of the paternal grandfather side. Further, skipping of a generation in the process of transmission was noted in some families. It is hard to ignore our findings that suggest paternal side transmission. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of various forms of physical training on the autonomic nervous system activity in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

PubMed

Daniłowicz-Szymanowicz, Ludmiła; Figura-Chmielewska, Monika; Ratkowski, Wojciech; Raczak, Grzegorz

2013-01-01

A shift in the dynamic autonomic nervous system (ANS) balance towards sympathetic activity in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) predisposes them to life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Improvement of unfavourable changes in ANS can be expected in such patients as a result of physical training. A beneficial shift in ANS balance towards parasympathetic activity could be confirmed by demonstrating increased baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (BRS) as well as favourable changes in heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. To analyse the effect of different forms of physical training on ANS activity in patients with AMI after hospital discharge. The study included 38 patients with AMI (aged 59 ± 8 years) subjected to 2-month exercise training. Group 1 (n = 19)underwent 3-week supervised in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation followed by 5-week home-based training, and Group 2 (n = 19) underwent 8-week home-based training. BRS and HRV were determined based on a 10-min recording of systolic arterial pressure and the cardiac cycle. Measurements were performed one day before discharge (R1) and after 2 months of training (R2). A significant increase in the mean values of TP (total power), HF (high frequency power), rMSSD (square root of the mean of the squared differences between successive R-R intervals), and pNN50 (proportion of differences between successive R-R intervals that are greater than 50 ms) was observed in the overall study group, along with trends for higher SDNN (standard deviation of the mean of sinus rhythm R-R intervals) and HFnu (normalised HF power), and for lower LFnu (normalised LF power). Additionally, a significant increase in BRS (from 2.2 ± 0.6 to 5.1 ± 2.2 ms/mm Hg, p = 0.01) was found in patients with baseline BRS ≤ 3 ms/mm Hg. A significant increase in rMSSD, pNN50, HF and HFnu, as well as a decrease in LFnu and LF/HF (LF to HF ratio) was observed in Group 1. In contrast, a significant increase in BRS was noted in Group 2. Various forms of 2-month physical training led to a favourable shift in autonomic balance towards parasympathetic activity. Our findings suggest a clinically important effect of physical activity in patients after AMI.

Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, Uplift, and Elementary Students: An Example of School and Community Collaboration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Powell, Frankie Denise; Fields, Larry D.; Bell, Edwin D.; Johnson, Gwendolyn S.

2007-01-01

Dr. Larry D. Fields, the former principal of Rowland H. Latham Elementary, led the development of a complementary learning model that became known as the Latham Way. The Latham Way produced remarkable academic success among poor minority students. The chi-square of the expected and the actual scores in reading and mathematics were significant at p…

The Principal as a Key Actor in Promoting Teachers' Innovativeness--Analyzing the Innovativeness of Teaching Staff with Variance-Based Partial Least Square Modeling

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buske, Ramona

2018-01-01

The study examines the correlation between collective innovativeness of the teaching staff and the principal's leadership style as well as additional school structure characteristics. The construct of collective innovativeness is examined as a precondition of successful school improvement processes driven by the teaching staff. Based on…

A simple reaction-rate model for turbulent diffusion flames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bangert, L. H.

1975-01-01

A simple reaction rate model is proposed for turbulent diffusion flames in which the reaction rate is proportional to the turbulence mixing rate. The reaction rate is also dependent on the mean mass fraction and the mean square fluctuation of mass fraction of each reactant. Calculations are compared with experimental data and are generally successful in predicting the measured quantities.

Fostering Success among Traditionally Underrepresented Student Groups: Hartnell College's Approach to Implementation of the Math, Engineering, and Science Achievement (Mesa) Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kane, Michael A.; Beals, Chuck; Valeau, Edward J.; Johnson, M. J.

2004-01-01

Hartnell College is an accredited California Community College serving Salinas and the Salinas Valley, a vast 1,000 square mile agricultural region. The district is characterized by large numbers of migrant workers and their families, chronically high unemployment, high rates of poverty, and low educational attainment. Hartnell's 10,000 students…

Detection of Q-Matrix Misspecification Using Two Criteria for Validation of Cognitive Structures under the Least Squares Distance Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Romero, Sonia J.; Ordoñez, Xavier G.; Ponsoda, Vincente; Revuelta, Javier

2014-01-01

Cognitive Diagnostic Models (CDMs) aim to provide information about the degree to which individuals have mastered specific attributes that underlie the success of these individuals on test items. The Q-matrix is a key element in the application of CDMs, because contains links item-attributes representing the cognitive structure proposed for solve…

Experimental investigation of a lightweight rocket chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dalgleish, John E; Tischler, Adelbert O

1953-01-01

Experiments have been conducted with a jacketed rocket combustion chamber that was fabricated by hydraulic-forming from sheet metal. Rocket combustion chambers made by this method have been used successfully. Runs with these combustion chambers have been made at over-all heat-transfer rates 1.7 Btu per square inch per second with water cooling and also ammonia as a regenerative coolant.

Uncertainty Due to Unsteady Fluid/Structure Interaction for the Ares I Vehicle Traversing the Transonic Regime

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bartels, Robert E.

2012-01-01

Rapid reduced-order numerical models are being investigated as candidates to simulate the dynamics of a flexible launch vehicle during atmospheric ascent. There has also been the extension of these new approaches to include gust response. These methods are used to perform aeroelastic and gust response analyses at isolated Mach numbers. Such models require a method to time march through a succession of ascent Mach numbers. An approach is presented for interpolating reduced-order models of the unsteady aerodynamics at successive Mach numbers. The transonic Mach number range is considered here since launch vehicles can suffer the highest dynamic loads through this range. Realistic simulations of the flexible vehicle behavior as it traverses this Mach number range are presented. The response of the vehicle due to gusts is computed. Uncertainties in root mean square and maximum bending moment and crew module accelerations are presented due to assumed probability distributions in design parameters, ascent flight conditions, gusts. The primary focus is on the uncertainty introduced by modeling fidelity. It is found that an unsteady reduced order model produces larger excursions in the root mean square loading and accelerations than does a quasi-steady reduced order model.

Gender and Acceptance of E-Learning: A Multi-Group Analysis Based on a Structural Equation Model among College Students in Chile and Spain.

PubMed

Ramírez-Correa, Patricio E; Arenas-Gaitán, Jorge; Rondán-Cataluña, F Javier

2015-01-01

The scope of this study was to evaluate whether the adoption of e-learning in two universities, and in particular, the relationship between the perception of external control and perceived ease of use, is different because of gender differences. The study was carried out with participating students in two different universities, one in Chile and one in Spain. The Technology Acceptance Model was used as a theoretical framework for the study. A multi-group analysis method in partial least squares was employed to relate differences between groups. The four main conclusions of the study are: (1) a version of the Technology Acceptance Model has been successfully used to explain the process of adoption of e-learning at an undergraduate level of study; (2) the finding of a strong and significant relationship between perception of external control and perception of ease of use of the e-learning platform; (3) a significant relationship between perceived enjoyment and perceived ease of use and between results demonstrability and perceived usefulness is found; (4) the study indicates a few statistically significant differences between males and females when adopting an e-learning platform, according to the tested model.

Infrared and Raman spectroscopic methods for characterization of Taxus baccata L.--Improved taxane isolation by accelerated quality control and process surveillance.

PubMed

Gudi, Gennadi; Krähmer, Andrea; Koudous, Iraj; Strube, Jochen; Schulz, Hartwig

2015-10-01

Different yew species contain poisonous taxane alkaloids which serve as resources for semi-synthesis of anticancer drugs. The highly variable amounts of taxanes demand new methods for fast characterization of the raw plant material and the isolation of the target structures during phyto extraction. For that purpose, applicability of different vibrational spectroscopy methods in goods receipt of raw plant material and in process control was investigated and demonstrated in online tracking isolation and purification of the target taxane 10-deacetylbaccatin III (10-DAB) during solvent extraction. Applying near (NIRS) and mid infrared spectroscopy (IRS) the amount of botanical impurities in mixed samples of two different yew species (R(2)=0.993), the leave-to-wood ratio for Taxus baccata material (R(2)=0.94) and moisture in dried yew needles (R(2)=0.997) can be quantified. By partial least square analysis (PCA) needles of different Coniferales species were successfully discriminated by Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FT-IR). The analytical potential of ATR-FT-IR and Fourier Transform-Raman Spectroscopy (FT-RS) in process control of extraction and purification of taxanes is demonstrated for determination of the water content in methanolic yew extracts (R(2)=0.999) and for quantification of 10-DAB (R(2)=0.98) on a highly sophisticated level. The decrease of 10-DAB in the plant tissue during extraction was successfully visualized by FT-IR imaging of thin cross sections providing new perspectives for process control and design. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of ambroxol hydrochloride, guaifenesin, and theophylline in ternary mixtures and in the presence of excipients in different pharmaceutical dosage forms.

PubMed

Abdelwahab, Nada S

2012-01-01

Determination of ternary mixtures of ambroxol hydrochloride, guaifenesin, and theophylline with minimum sample pretreatment and without analyte separation has been successfully achieved by using chemometric and RP-HPLC methods. The developed chemometric models are partial least squares (PLS) and genetic algorithm coupled with PLS. Data of the analyses were obtained from UV-Vis spectra of the studied drugs in different concentration ranges. These models have been successfully updated to be applied for determination of the proposed drugs in Farcosolvin syrup and in the presence of a syrup excipient (methyl paraben). In the developed RP-HPLC method, chromatographic runs were performed on an RP-C18 analytical column with the isocratic mobile phase 0.05 M phosphate buffer-methanol-acetonitrile-triethylamine (63.5 + 27.5 + 9 + 0.25, v/v/v/v, pH 5.5 adjusted with orthophosphoric acid) at a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min. The analytes were detected and quantified at 220 nm. The method was optimized in order to obtain good resolution between the studied components and to prevent interference from methyl paraben. Method validation was performed with respect to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines and the validation acceptance criteria were met in all cases. The proposed methods can be considered acceptable for QC of the studied drugs in pharmaceutical capsules and syrup. The results obtained by the suggested chemometric methods for determination of the studied mixture in different pharmaceutical preparations were statistically compared to those obtained by applying the developed RP-HPLC method, and no significant difference was found.

Analysis of the multigroup model for muon tomography based threat detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perry, J. O.; Bacon, J. D.; Borozdin, K. N.; Fabritius, J. M.; Morris, C. L.

2014-02-01

We compare different algorithms for detecting a 5 cm tungsten cube using cosmic ray muon technology. In each case, a simple tomographic technique was used for position reconstruction, but the scattering angles were used differently to obtain a density signal. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare images made using average angle squared, median angle squared, average of the squared angle, and a multi-energy group fit of the angular distributions for scenes with and without a 5 cm tungsten cube. The receiver operating characteristic curves show that the multi-energy group treatment of the scattering angle distributions is the superior method for image reconstruction.

A Community-Based Intervention Designed to Increase Preventive Health Care Seeking Among Adolescents: The Gonorrhea Community Action Project

PubMed Central

VanDevanter, Nancy L.; Messeri, Peter; Middlestadt, Susan E.; Bleakley, Amy; Merzel, Cheryl R.; Hogben, Matthew; Ledsky, Rebecca; Malotte, C. Kevin; Cohall, Renee M.; Gift, Thomas L.; St. Lawrence, Janet S.

2005-01-01

Objectives. We evaluated the effectiveness of an intervention designed to increase preventive health care seeking among adolescents. Methods. Adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 21 years, recruited from community-based organizations in 2 different communities, were randomized into either a 3-session intervention or a control condition. We estimated outcomes from 3-month follow-up data using logistic and ordinary least squares regression. Results. Female intervention participants were significantly more likely than female control participants to have scheduled a health care appointment (odds ratio [OR]=3.04), undergone a checkup (OR=2.87), and discussed with friends or family members the importance of undergoing a checkup (OR=4.5). There were no differences between male intervention and male control participants in terms of outcomes. Conclusions. This theory-driven, community-based group intervention significantly increased preventive health care seeking among female adolescents. Further research is needed, however, to identify interventions that will produce successful outcomes among male adolescents. PMID:15671472

Classification of java tea (Orthosiphon aristatus) quality using FTIR spectroscopy and chemometrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heryanto, R.; Pradono, D. I.; Marlina, E.; Darusman, L. K.

2017-05-01

Java tea (Orthosiphon aristatus) is a plant that widely used as a medicinal herb in Indonesia. Its quality is varying depends on various factors, such as cultivating area, climate and harvesting time. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of FTIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics for discriminating the quality of java tea from different cultivating area. FTIR spectra of ethanolic extracts were collected from five different regions of origin of java tea. Prior to chemometrics evaluation, spectra were pre-processed by using baselining, normalization and derivatization. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the spectra to two PCs, which explained 73% of the total variance. Score plot of two PCs showed groupings of the samples according to their regions of origin. Furthermore, Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLSDA) was applied to the pre-processed data. The approach produced an external validation success rate of 100%. This study shows that FTIR analysis and chemometrics has discriminatory power to classify java tea based on its quality related to the region of origin.

Model-based wavefront sensorless adaptive optics system for large aberrations and extended objects.

PubMed

Yang, Huizhen; Soloviev, Oleg; Verhaegen, Michel

2015-09-21

A model-based wavefront sensorless (WFSless) adaptive optics (AO) system with a 61-element deformable mirror is simulated to correct the imaging of a turbulence-degraded extended object. A fast closed-loop control algorithm, which is based on the linear relation between the mean square of the aberration gradients and the second moment of the image intensity distribution, is used to generate the control signals for the actuators of the deformable mirror (DM). The restoration capability and the convergence rate of the AO system are investigated with different turbulence strength wave-front aberrations. Simulation results show the model-based WFSless AO system can restore those images degraded by different turbulence strengths successfully and obtain the correction very close to the achievable capability of the given DM. Compared with the ideal correction of 61-element DM, the averaged relative error of RMS value is 6%. The convergence rate of AO system is independent of the turbulence strength and only depends on the number of actuators of DM.

Biodrying of sewage sludge: kinetics of volatile solids degradation under different initial moisture contents and air-flow rates.

PubMed

Villegas, Manuel; Huiliñir, Cesar

2014-12-01

This study focuses on the kinetics of the biodegradation of volatile solids (VS) of sewage sludge for biodrying under different initial moisture contents (Mc) and air-flow rates (AFR). For the study, a 3(2) factorial design, whose factors were AFR (1, 2 or 3L/minkgTS) and initial Mc (59%, 68% and 78% w.b.), was used. Using seven kinetic models and a nonlinear regression method, kinetic parameters were estimated and the models were analyzed with two statistical indicators. Initial Mc of around 68% increases the temperature matrix and VS consumption, with higher moisture removal at lower initial Mc values. Lower AFRs gave higher matrix temperatures and VS consumption, while higher AFRs increased water removal. The kinetic models proposed successfully simulate VS biodegradation, with root mean square error (RMSE) between 0.007929 and 0.02744, and they can be used as a tool for satisfactory prediction of VS in biodrying. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation on Compression Properties of Different Shape and Perforated rHDPE in Concrete Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuhazri, M. Y.; Hafiz, K. M.; Myia, Y. Z. A.; Jia, C. P.; Sihombing, H.; Sapuan, S. M.; Badarulzaman, N. A.

2017-10-01

The purpose of this study was to develop a concrete structure by incorporating waste HDPE plastic as the main reinforcement material and cement as the matrix via standard casting technique. There are eight different shapes of rHDPE reinforcing structure were used to investigate the compression properties of produced concrete composites. Experimental result shown that the highest shape in compressive strength of rHDPE reinforcing structure were the concrete with the addition of X-perforated beam (18.22 MPa), followed by X-beam (17.7 MPa), square perforated tube (17.54 MPa), round tube (17.42 MPa) and round perforated tube (16.69 MPa). In terms of their compressive behavior, the average concrete containing rHDPE reinforcement was successfully improved by 6 % of the mechanical characteristic compared to control concrete. It is shown that the addition of waste plastic as reinforcement structure can provide better compressive strength based on their shape and pattern respectively.

Metabolomic profiling of human follicular fluid from patients with repeated failure of in vitro fertilization using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

PubMed Central

Xia, Lan; Zhao, Xiaoming; Sun, Yun; Hong, Yan; Gao, Yuping; Hu, Shuanggang

2014-01-01

Objective: To establish a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS)-based metabolomics method to compare the metabolites in the follicular fluid (FF) from patients with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and repeated IVF failure (RIF). Methods: A prospective study was employed in Center for Reprodutive Medcine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China, between January and October 2010. FF samples were collected from 13 patients with RIF and 15 patients who achieved pregnancy after the first IVF cycle. Results: Partial least squares (PLS) discriminant analysis of the PCA data revealed that the samples were scattered into two different regions. FF from the two groups differed with respect to 20 metabolites. FF from RIF group showed elevated levels of several amino acids (valine, threonine, isoleucine, cysteine, serine, proline, alanine, phenylalanine, lysine, methionine and ornithine), and reduced levels of dicarboxylic acids, cholesterol and some organic acids. Conclusions: The studies corroborated successful determination of the levels of metabolite in the FF. PMID:25400819

Application of fuzzy logic approach for wind erosion hazard mapping in Laghouat region (Algeria) using remote sensing and GIS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saadoud, Djouher; Hassani, Mohamed; Martin Peinado, Francisco José; Guettouche, Mohamed Saïd

2018-06-01

Wind erosion is one of the most serious environmental problems in Algeria that threatens human activities and socio-economic development. The main goal of this study is to apply a fuzzy logic approach to wind erosion sensitivity mapping in the Laghouat region, Algeria. Six causative factors, obtained by applying fuzzy membership functions to each used parameter, are considered: soil, vegetation cover, wind factor, soil dryness, land topography and land cover sensitivity. Different fuzzy operators (AND, OR, SUM, PRODUCT, and GAMMA) are applied to generate wind-erosion hazard map. Success rate curves reveal that the fuzzy gamma (γ) operator, with γ equal to 0.9, gives the best prediction accuracy with an area under curve of 85.2%. The resulting wind-erosion sensitivity map delineates the area into different zones of five relative sensitivity classes: very high, high, moderate, low and very low. The estimated result was verified by field measurements and the high statistically significant value of a chi-square test.

Characterization and prediction of organic nitrogen biodegradability during anaerobic digestion: A bioaccessibility approach.

PubMed

Bareha, Y; Girault, R; Jimenez, J; Trémier, A

2018-04-26

Prediction of organic nitrogen mineralization into ammonium during anaerobic digestion is required for optimizing substitution of mineral fertilizer by digestates. The aim of this study was to understand organic nitrogen biodegradability and to investigate how it can be predicted from carbon biodegradability, and nitrogen bioaccessibility, respectively. Bioaccessibility was assessed using fractionation methods based on sequential extractions. Results showed that organic nitrogen was present in fractions whose bioaccessibility levels differed. Organic nitrogen and carbon biodegradability were also determined and compared. Results highlighted two groups of substrates: the first with an initial NH 4 + /TKN < 30%, whose carbon and nitrogen biodegradability are similar; the second with an initial NH 4 + /TKN > 30%, whose carbon and nitrogen biodegradability differ significantly. To enable prediction on all substrates, partial least square (PLS) regressions were carried out to link organic nitrogen bioaccessibility indicators to biodegradability. The models successfully predicted organic nitrogen biodegradability with a maximum prediction error of 10%. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evolving RBF neural networks for adaptive soft-sensor design.

PubMed

Alexandridis, Alex

2013-12-01

This work presents an adaptive framework for building soft-sensors based on radial basis function (RBF) neural network models. The adaptive fuzzy means algorithm is utilized in order to evolve an RBF network, which approximates the unknown system based on input-output data from it. The methodology gradually builds the RBF network model, based on two separate levels of adaptation: On the first level, the structure of the hidden layer is modified by adding or deleting RBF centers, while on the second level, the synaptic weights are adjusted with the recursive least squares with exponential forgetting algorithm. The proposed approach is tested on two different systems, namely a simulated nonlinear DC Motor and a real industrial reactor. The results show that the produced soft-sensors can be successfully applied to model the two nonlinear systems. A comparison with two different adaptive modeling techniques, namely a dynamic evolving neural-fuzzy inference system (DENFIS) and neural networks trained with online backpropagation, highlights the advantages of the proposed methodology.

Characterization of an array of honeys of different types and botanical origins through fluorescence emission based on LEDs.

PubMed

Lastra-Mejías, Miguel; Torreblanca-Zanca, Albertina; Aroca-Santos, Regina; Cancilla, John C; Izquierdo, Jesús G; Torrecilla, José S

2018-08-01

A set of 10 honeys comprising a diverse range of botanical origins have been successfully characterized through fluorescence spectroscopy using inexpensive light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as light sources. It has been proven that each LED-honey combination tested originates a unique emission spectrum, which enables the authentication of every honey, being able to correctly label it with its botanical origin. Furthermore, the analysis was backed up by a mathematical analysis based on partial least square models which led to a correct classification rate of each type of honey of over 95%. Finally, the same approach was followed to analyze rice syrup, which is a common honey adulterant that is challenging to identify when mixed with honey. A LED-dependent and unique fluorescence spectrum was found for the syrup, which presumably qualifies this approach for the design of uncomplicated, fast, and cost-effective quality control and adulteration assessing tools for different types of honey. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rapid analysis of glucose, fructose, sucrose, and maltose in honeys from different geographic regions using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and multivariate analysis.

PubMed

Wang, Jun; Kliks, Michael M; Jun, Soojin; Jackson, Mel; Li, Qing X

2010-03-01

Quantitative analysis of glucose, fructose, sucrose, and maltose in different geographic origin honey samples in the world using the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and chemometrics such as partial least squares (PLS) and principal component regression was studied. The calibration series consisted of 45 standard mixtures, which were made up of glucose, fructose, sucrose, and maltose. There were distinct peak variations of all sugar mixtures in the spectral "fingerprint" region between 1500 and 800 cm(-1). The calibration model was successfully validated using 7 synthetic blend sets of sugars. The PLS 2nd-derivative model showed the highest degree of prediction accuracy with a highest R(2) value of 0.999. Along with the canonical variate analysis, the calibration model further validated by high-performance liquid chromatography measurements for commercial honey samples demonstrates that FTIR can qualitatively and quantitatively determine the presence of glucose, fructose, sucrose, and maltose in multiple regional honey samples.

High Accuracy Optical Inverse Square Law Experiment Using Inexpensive Light to Frequency Converters

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wanser, Keith H.; Mahrley, Steve; Tanner, Joshua

2012-01-01

In this paper we report on the use of two different light to frequency converters, four different light sources, three of which are novel and inexpensive, and a hand held digital multimeter with a frequency counter, suitable for making accurate and rapid determination of the optical inverse square law exponent of -2 to better than [plus or…

Return to Play and Decreased Performance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in National Football League Defensive Players.

PubMed

Read, Connor R; Aune, Kyle T; Cain, E Lyle; Fleisig, Glenn S

2017-07-01

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur commonly in football. Recent work has reported ACL reconstruction (ACLR) as one of several orthopaedic procedures with unfavorable outcomes for professional athletes. The performance impact to defensive players after surgery has not been quantified. To quantify the effect of ACLR on the performance of defensive players by comparing them to a cohort of matched controls as well as to measure the effect of ACLR on athletes' career length in the National Football League (NFL). Case-control and cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Thirty-eight NFL defensive players with a history of ACLR from 2006 to 2012 were identified. For each injured player, a matched control player was identified. Demographic and performance statistics were collected from the online NFL player database. Players who returned after ACLR (n = 23) were compared with players who did not return (n = 15) using t tests and chi-squared analyses. Similarly, players who returned after ACLR (n = 23) were compared with their matched controls with t tests and chi-squared analyses. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was utilized to test for significant differences between performance before and after the season of the injury for the players in the ACLR group who returned (n = 23) and for their matched controls. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to test for differences in the rate of retirement between the groups. For all analyses, P values <.05 were considered significant. Approximately 74% (28/38) of athletes who underwent ACLR returned to play at least 1 NFL game, and 61% (23/38) successfully returned to play at least half a season (ie, 8 games). Athletes in the ACLR group who returned retired from the NFL significantly sooner and more often after surgery than their matched controls. In the seasons leading up to their injury, athletes who successfully returned to play started a greater percentage of their games (81%) and made more solo tackles per game (3.44 ± 1.47) compared with athletes in the ACLR group who did not return to play (54% and 1.82 ± 1.17, respectively) and compared with healthy control players (52% and 1.77 ± 1.19, respectively). After the season of surgery, athletes in the ACLR group who returned to play decreased to 57% games started and 2.38 ± 1.24 solo tackles per game, while their matched controls suffered no significant decreases. Players who successfully returned were above-average NFL players before their injury but comparatively average after their return.

Flexible three-dimensional electrochemical glucose sensor with improved sensitivity realized in hybrid polymer microelectromechanical systems technique.

PubMed

Patel, Jasbir N; Gray, Bonnie L; Kaminska, Bozena; Gates, Byron D

2011-09-01

Continuous glucose monitoring for patients with diabetes is of paramount importance to avoid severe health conditions resulting from hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Most available methods require an invasive setup and a health care professional. Handheld devices available on the market also require finger pricking for every measurement and do not provide continuous monitoring. Hence, continuous glucose monitoring from human tears using a glucose sensor embedded in a contact lens has been considered as a suitable option. However, the glucose concentration in human tears is very low in comparison with the blood glucose level (1/10-1/40 concentration). We propose a sensor that solves the sensitivity problem in a new way, is flexible, and is constructed onto the oxygen permeable contact lens material. To achieve such sensitivity while maintaining a small sensor footprint suitable for placement in a contact lens, we increased the active electrode area by using three-dimensional (3-D) electrode micropatterning. Fully flexible 3-D electrodes were realized utilizing ordered arrays of pillars with different shapes and heights. We successfully fabricated square and cylindrical pillars with different height (50, 100, and 200 μm) and uniform metal coverage to realize sensor electrodes. The increased surface area produces high amperometric current that increases sensor sensitivity up to 300% using 200 μm tall square pillars. The sensitivity improvement closely follows the improvement in the surface area of the electrode. The proposed flexible glucose sensors with 3-D microstructure electrodes are more sensitive to lower glucose concentrations and generate higher current signal than conventional glucose sensors. © 2011 Diabetes Technology Society.

The Efficacy of Buccal Infiltration of 4% Articaine and PSA Injection of 2% Lidocaine on Anesthesia of Maxillary Second Molars.

PubMed

Maljaei, Ensiyeh; Pourkazemi, Maryam; Ghanizadeh, Milad; Ranjbar, Rana

2017-01-01

During the early mixed dentition period, the location of the deciduous maxillary second molar results in ineffectiveness of the infiltration technique in this area. In such cases, administration of posterior superior alveolar (PSA) nerve block is recommended; however, such a technique has some complications. The present study was undertaken to compare the effects of buccal infiltration of 4% Articaine and PSA technique with 2% Lidocaine on the success of anesthesia of maxillary deciduous second molars in 6 to 9-year old children. In the present double-blind randomized clinical trial, 56 children aged 6-9 years requiring vital pulp therapy of deciduous maxillary second molar were included. In group 1, 4% Articaine was injected using a buccal infiltration technique. In group 2, 2% Lidocaine was injected using the PSA nerve block technique. After 10 min, the caries was removed and access cavity preparation was instituted. The patients were asked to report the presence or absence of pain during the procedure. Therefore, the existence of pain was measured by the patient's self-report. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistical methods and the chi -squared test. Pain was reported by 6 (21.4%) and 9 (32.1%) subjects in the Articaine and Lidocaine groups, respectively. Chi -squared test did not reveal any significant differences between the two groups ( P =0.54). Under the limitations of the present study, there was no significant differences between the results of Articaine buccal infiltration and Lidocaine PSA technique, so Articaine buccal infiltration can be used as a substitute for the PSA technique.

Combinatorial effect of nicotine and black tea on heart rate variability: Useful or harmful?

PubMed

Joukar, S; Sheibani, M

2017-06-01

The effect of nicotine on heart rate variability (HRV) is controversial. Autonomic nervous system is the main regulator of heart rhythm, and heart rate variability is an appropriate index to assessment of the effects of the autonomic system on heart. In this study, the combination effect of nicotine and black tea consumption on sympatho-vagal balance and heart rate variability was investigated in rats. Male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups as control, tea (2.5 g/100 cc, daily), nicotine (2 mg/kg/d) and tea plus nicotine groups which treated for 28 days, and in the 29th day, their electrocardiograms (lead II) were recorded. The mean of high-frequency power (HF) in tea, nicotine and tea plus nicotine groups was significantly more than control group (P < .05), and low-frequency power/high-frequency power (LF/HF) ratio in the nicotine and tea + nicotine groups was significantly less than control group (P < .05). LF values did not differ significantly among groups. Mean of standard deviation of normal RR intervals (SDNN) and square root of the mean squared differences of successive RR intervals (RMSSD) increased significantly in tea, nicotine and tea + nicotine groups in comparison with control group (P < .05) Overall, 4-week administration of black tea, nicotine or their combination with dosages used in this study can increase the heart rate variability and improve the sympatho-vagal balance in rat. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Fast classification and compositional analysis of cornstover fractions using Fourier transform near-infrared techniques.

PubMed

Philip Ye, X; Liu, Lu; Hayes, Douglas; Womac, Alvin; Hong, Kunlun; Sokhansanj, Shahab

2008-10-01

The objectives of this research were to determine the variation of chemical composition across botanical fractions of cornstover, and to probe the potential of Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) techniques in qualitatively classifying separated cornstover fractions and in quantitatively analyzing chemical compositions of cornstover by developing calibration models to predict chemical compositions of cornstover based on FT-NIR spectra. Large variations of cornstover chemical composition for wide calibration ranges, which is required by a reliable calibration model, were achieved by manually separating the cornstover samples into six botanical fractions, and their chemical compositions were determined by conventional wet chemical analyses, which proved that chemical composition varies significantly among different botanical fractions of cornstover. Different botanic fractions, having total saccharide content in descending order, are husk, sheath, pith, rind, leaf, and node. Based on FT-NIR spectra acquired on the biomass, classification by Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy (SIMCA) was employed to conduct qualitative classification of cornstover fractions, and partial least square (PLS) regression was used for quantitative chemical composition analysis. SIMCA was successfully demonstrated in classifying botanical fractions of cornstover. The developed PLS model yielded root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP %w/w) of 0.92, 1.03, 0.17, 0.27, 0.21, 1.12, and 0.57 for glucan, xylan, galactan, arabinan, mannan, lignin, and ash, respectively. The results showed the potential of FT-NIR techniques in combination with multivariate analysis to be utilized by biomass feedstock suppliers, bioethanol manufacturers, and bio-power producers in order to better manage bioenergy feedstocks and enhance bioconversion.

Mid-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopic examination of charred pine wood, bark, cellulose, and lignin: Implications for the quantitative determination of charcoal in soils

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reeves, J. B.; McCarty, G.W.; Rutherford, D.W.; Wershaw, R. L.

2008-01-01

Fires in terrestrial ecosystems produce large amounts of charcoal that persist in the environment and represent a substantial pool of sequestered carbon in soil. The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of charring on mid-infrared spectra of materials likely to be present in forest fires in order to determine the feasibility of determining charred organic matter in soils. Four materials (cellulose, lignin, pine bark, and pine wood) and char from these materials, created by charring for various durations (1 to 168 h) and at various temperatures (200 to 450 ??C), were studied. Mid-infrared spectra and measures of acidity (total acids, carboxylic acids, lactones, and phenols as determined by titration) were determined for 56 different samples (not all samples were charred at all temperatures/durations). Results showed spectral changes that varied with the material, temperature, and duration of charring. Despite the wide range of spectral changes seen with the differing materials and length/temperature of charring, partial least squares calibrations for total acids, carboxylic acids, lactones, and phenols were successfully created (coefficient of determination and root mean squared deviation of 0.970 and 0.380; 0.933 and 0.227; 0.976 and 0.120; and 0.982 and 0.101 meq/g, respectively), indicating that there is a sufficient commonality in the changes to develop calibrations without the need for unique calibrations for each specific material or condition of char formation. ?? 2008 Society for Applied Spectroscopy.

Low-Temperature Crystal Structures of the Hard Core Square Shoulder Model.

PubMed

Gabriëlse, Alexander; Löwen, Hartmut; Smallenburg, Frank

2017-11-07

In many cases, the stability of complex structures in colloidal systems is enhanced by a competition between different length scales. Inspired by recent experiments on nanoparticles coated with polymers, we use Monte Carlo simulations to explore the types of crystal structures that can form in a simple hard-core square shoulder model that explicitly incorporates two favored distances between the particles. To this end, we combine Monte Carlo-based crystal structure finding algorithms with free energies obtained using a mean-field cell theory approach, and draw phase diagrams for two different values of the square shoulder width as a function of the density and temperature. Moreover, we map out the zero-temperature phase diagram for a broad range of shoulder widths. Our results show the stability of a rich variety of crystal phases, such as body-centered orthogonal (BCO) lattices not previously considered for the square shoulder model.

Method of measuring cross-flow vortices by use of an array of hot-film sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Agarwal, Aval K. (Inventor); Maddalon, Dal V. (Inventor); Mangalam, Siva M. (Inventor)

1993-01-01

The invention is a method for measuring the wavelength of cross-flow vortices of air flow having streamlines of flow traveling across a swept airfoil. The method comprises providing a plurality of hot-film sensors. Each hot-film sensor provides a signal which can be processed, and each hot-film sensor is spaced in a straight-line array such that the distance between successive hot-film sensors is less than the wavelength of the cross-flow vortices being measured. The method further comprises determining the direction of travel of the streamlines across the airfoil and positioning the straight-line array of hot film sensors perpendicular to the direction of travel of the streamlines, such that each sensor has a spanwise location. The method further comprises processing the signals provided by the sensors to provide root-mean-square values for each signal, plotting each root-mean-square value as a function of its spanwise location, and determining the wavelength of the cross-flow vortices by noting the distance between two maxima or two minima of root-mean-square values.

Curve micromachining on the edges of nitinol biliary stent by ultrashort pulses laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hung, Chia-Hung; Chang, Fuh-Yu

2017-05-01

In this study, a curve micromaching process on the edges of nitinol biliary stent was proposed by a femtosecond laser system with a galvano-mirror scanner. Furthermore, the outer diameter of nitinol tube was 5.116 mm, its inner diameter was 4.648 mm, and its length was 100 mm. The initial fabricated results of nitinol biliary stent represented that the edges of nitinol biliary stent were steep and squared by femtosecond laser. However, the results also indicated that if the laser movement path was precisely programmed by utilizing the unique characteristic of Gaussian beam of femtosecond laser with aligning the edges of stent, the radius of edges enhanced significantly from 9 μm to 42.5 μm. As a result, the edges of nitinol biliary stent can be successfully fabricated from squared edges to rounded-shaped edges with precise dimension, clean surface morphology, and minimal heat-affected zone remained. Hence, the nitinol biliary stent, after femtosecond laser micromachining, would not need any further post-process to remove heat-affected zone and the squared edges.

Shape calibration of a conformal ultrasound therapy array.

PubMed

McGough, R J; Cindric, D; Samulski, T V

2001-03-01

A conformal ultrasound phased array prototype with 96 elements was recently calibrated for electronic steering and focusing in a water tank. The procedure for calibrating the shape of this 2D therapy array consists of two steps. First, a least squares triangulation algorithm determines the element coordinates from a 21 x 21 grid of time delays. The triangulation algorithm also requires temperature measurements to compensate for variations in the speed of sound. Second, a Rayleigh-Sommerfeld formulation of the acoustic radiation integral is aligned to a second grid of measured pressure amplitudes in a least squares sense. This shape calibration procedure, which is applicable to a wide variety of ultrasound phased arrays, was tested on a square array panel consisting of 7- x 7-mm elements operating at 617 kHz. The simulated fields generated by an array of 96 equivalent elements are consistent with the measured data, even in the fine structure away from the primary focus and sidelobes. These two calibration steps are sufficient for the simulation model to predict successfully the pressure field generated by this conformal ultrasound phased array prototype.

Calculation of photonic bandgap for 2D hexagonal and square structure base on hybrid polymer material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hidayat, S.; Riveli, N.

2018-05-01

We have calculated 2D photonic crystal band gap using plane-wave expansion method. The studied model of structures is hexagonal lattice and square lattice of rod cylinder in air. We have simulated the dispersion relation of it structure using hybrid polymer as rod material. The parameter structures are nrod = 1.5, nhole = 1, and rrod = 0.25a, where a is lattice constant. We found the distributed feedback occurs at the edge of upper band or frequency at 0.66 (a/λ). In our experimental work, we have successfully fabricated the 2D photonic crystal from hybrid polymer incorporated with organic dye laser. The lasing characteristics ware investigated using strip-line excitation light of SHG Nd-YAG laser (λ=532 nm). The lasing wavelengths for hexagonal structure are observed at 606 nm and 621 nm for photonic crystal period of 400 nm and 410 nm, respectively. λ=532 nm). Whereas the square structure, the lasing wavelengths are observed at (588 nm ± 2) and (606 nm ± 2 nm) for grating period of 391 nm and 405 nm.

Structural and configurational properties of nanoconfined monolayer ice from first principles

PubMed Central

Corsetti, Fabiano; Matthews, Paul; Artacho, Emilio

2016-01-01

Understanding the structural tendencies of nanoconfined water is of great interest for nanoscience and biology, where nano/micro-sized objects may be separated by very few layers of water. Here we investigate the properties of ice confined to a quasi-2D monolayer by a featureless, chemically neutral potential, in order to characterize its intrinsic behaviour. We use density-functional theory simulations with a non-local van der Waals density functional. An ab initio random structure search reveals all the energetically competitive monolayer configurations to belong to only two of the previously-identified families, characterized by a square or honeycomb hydrogen-bonding network, respectively. We discuss the modified ice rules needed for each network, and propose a simple point dipole 2D lattice model that successfully explains the energetics of the square configurations. All identified stable phases for both networks are found to be non-polar (but with a topologically non-trivial texture for the square) and, hence, non-ferroelectric, in contrast to previous predictions from a five-site empirical force-field model. Our results are in good agreement with very recently reported experimental observations. PMID:26728125

Structural and configurational properties of nanoconfined monolayer ice from first principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corsetti, Fabiano; Matthews, Paul; Artacho, Emilio

2016-01-01

Understanding the structural tendencies of nanoconfined water is of great interest for nanoscience and biology, where nano/micro-sized objects may be separated by very few layers of water. Here we investigate the properties of ice confined to a quasi-2D monolayer by a featureless, chemically neutral potential, in order to characterize its intrinsic behaviour. We use density-functional theory simulations with a non-local van der Waals density functional. An ab initio random structure search reveals all the energetically competitive monolayer configurations to belong to only two of the previously-identified families, characterized by a square or honeycomb hydrogen-bonding network, respectively. We discuss the modified ice rules needed for each network, and propose a simple point dipole 2D lattice model that successfully explains the energetics of the square configurations. All identified stable phases for both networks are found to be non-polar (but with a topologically non-trivial texture for the square) and, hence, non-ferroelectric, in contrast to previous predictions from a five-site empirical force-field model. Our results are in good agreement with very recently reported experimental observations.

An Improved Weighted Partial Least Squares Method Coupled with Near Infrared Spectroscopy for Rapid Determination of Multiple Components and Anti-Oxidant Activity of Pu-Erh Tea.

PubMed

Liu, Ze; Xie, Hua-Lin; Chen, Lin; Huang, Jian-Hua

2018-05-02

Background: Pu-erh tea is a unique microbially fermented tea, which distinctive chemical constituents and activities are worthy of systematic study. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) coupled with suitable chemometrics approaches can rapidly and accurately quantitatively analyze multiple compounds in samples. Methods: In this study, an improved weighted partial least squares (PLS) algorithm combined with near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) was used to construct a fast calibration model for determining four main components, i.e., tea polyphenols, tea polysaccharide, total flavonoids, theanine content, and further determine the total antioxidant capacity of pu-erh tea. Results: The final correlation coefficients R square for tea polyphenols, tea polysaccharide, total flavonoids content, theanine content, and total antioxidant capacity were 0.8288, 0.8403, 0.8415, 0.8537 and 0.8682, respectively. Conclusions : The current study provided a comprehensive study of four main ingredients and activity of pu-erh tea, and demonstrated that NIR spectroscopy technology coupled with multivariate calibration analysis could be successfully applied to pu-erh tea quality assessment.

Trial of labour and vaginal birth after previous caesarean section: A population based study of Eastern African immigrants in Victoria, Australia.

PubMed

Belihu, Fetene B; Small, Rhonda; Davey, Mary-Ann

2017-03-01

Variations in caesarean section (CS) between some immigrant groups and receiving country populations have been widely reported. Often, African immigrant women are at higher risk of CS than the receiving population in developed countries. However, evidence about subsequent mode of birth following CS for African women post-migration is lacking. The objective of this study was to examine differences in attempted and successful vaginal birth after previous caesarean (VBAC) for Eastern African immigrants (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan) compared with Australian-born women. A population-based observational study was conducted using the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection. Pearson's chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed to generate adjusted odds ratios for attempted and successful VBAC. Victoria, Australia. 554 Eastern African immigrants and 24,587 Australian-born eligible women with previous CS having singleton births in public care. 41.5% of Eastern African immigrant women and 26.1% Australian-born women attempted a VBAC with 50.9% of Eastern African immigrants and 60.5% of Australian-born women being successful. After adjusting for maternal demographic characteristics and available clinical confounding factors, Eastern African immigrants were more likely to attempt (OR adj 1.94, 95% CI 1.57-2.47) but less likely to succeed (OR adj 0.54 95% CI 0.41-0.71) in having a VBAC. There are disparities in attempted and successful VBAC between Eastern African origin and Australian-born women. Unsuccessful VBAC attempt is more common among Eastern African immigrants, suggesting the need for improved strategies to select and support potential candidates for vaginal birth among these immigrants to enhance success and reduce potential complications associated with failed VBAC attempt. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

WE-G-204-03: Photon-Counting Hexagonal Pixel Array CdTe Detector: Optimal Resampling to Square Pixels

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

Shrestha, S; Vedantham, S; Karellas, A

Purpose: Detectors with hexagonal pixels require resampling to square pixels for distortion-free display of acquired images. In this work, the presampling modulation transfer function (MTF) of a hexagonal pixel array photon-counting CdTe detector for region-of-interest fluoroscopy was measured and the optimal square pixel size for resampling was determined. Methods: A 0.65mm thick CdTe Schottky sensor capable of concurrently acquiring up to 3 energy-windowed images was operated in a single energy-window mode to include ≥10 KeV photons. The detector had hexagonal pixels with apothem of 30 microns resulting in pixel spacing of 60 and 51.96 microns along the two orthogonal directions.more » Images of a tungsten edge test device acquired under IEC RQA5 conditions were double Hough transformed to identify the edge and numerically differentiated. The presampling MTF was determined from the finely sampled line spread function that accounted for the hexagonal sampling. The optimal square pixel size was determined in two ways; the square pixel size for which the aperture function evaluated at the Nyquist frequencies along the two orthogonal directions matched that from the hexagonal pixel aperture functions, and the square pixel size for which the mean absolute difference between the square and hexagonal aperture functions was minimized over all frequencies up to the Nyquist limit. Results: Evaluation of the aperture functions over the entire frequency range resulted in square pixel size of 53 microns with less than 2% difference from the hexagonal pixel. Evaluation of the aperture functions at Nyquist frequencies alone resulted in 54 microns square pixels. For the photon-counting CdTe detector and after resampling to 53 microns square pixels using quadratic interpolation, the presampling MTF at Nyquist frequency of 9.434 cycles/mm along the two directions were 0.501 and 0.507. Conclusion: Hexagonal pixel array photon-counting CdTe detector after resampling to square pixels provides high-resolution imaging suitable for fluoroscopy.« less

Least Square Regression Method for Estimating Gas Concentration in an Electronic Nose System

PubMed Central

Khalaf, Walaa; Pace, Calogero; Gaudioso, Manlio

2009-01-01

We describe an Electronic Nose (ENose) system which is able to identify the type of analyte and to estimate its concentration. The system consists of seven sensors, five of them being gas sensors (supplied with different heater voltage values), the remainder being a temperature and a humidity sensor, respectively. To identify a new analyte sample and then to estimate its concentration, we use both some machine learning techniques and the least square regression principle. In fact, we apply two different training models; the first one is based on the Support Vector Machine (SVM) approach and is aimed at teaching the system how to discriminate among different gases, while the second one uses the least squares regression approach to predict the concentration of each type of analyte. PMID:22573980

Anesthetic Efficacy of Articaine and Ketamine for Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Study.

PubMed

Sakhaeimanesh, Vahid; Khazaei, Saber; Kaviani, Naser; Saatchi, Masoud; Shafiei, Maryam; Khademi, Abbasali

2017-01-01

The aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind study was to investigate the effect of articaine combined with ketamine on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in posterior mandible teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Forty two adult patients with diagnosis of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis of a mandibular posterior tooth were selected. The patients received two cartridges of either containing 3.2 mL 4% articaine with epinephrine 1:200000 and 0.4 mL 50 mg/mL ketamine hydrochloride (A-ketamine group) or 3.2 mL 4% articaine with epinephrine 1:200000 and 0.4 mL normal saline (A-saline group) using conventional IANB injections. Access cavity preparation started 15 min after injection. Lip numbness was required for all the patients. Success was considered as no or mild pain on the basis of Heft-Parker visual analog scale recordings upon access cavity preparation or initial instrumentation. Data were analyzed by independent student t , Mann-Whitney and Chi -square tests. The success rates were 55% and 42.9% for A-ketamine and A-saline group, respectively, with no significant differences between the two groups ( P =0.437) . Adding 0.4 mL 50 mg/mL ketamine hydrochloride to the articaine local anesthetic did not increase the efficacy of IANB for posterior mandibular teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Measuring the Hall weighting function for square and cloverleaf geometries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scherschligt, Julia K.; Koon, Daniel W.

2000-02-01

We have directly measured the Hall weighting function—the sensitivity of a four-wire Hall measurement to the position of macroscopic inhomogeneities in Hall angle—for both a square shaped and a cloverleaf specimen. Comparison with the measured resistivity weighting function for a square geometry [D. W. Koon and W. K. Chan, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 69, 12 (1998)] proves that the two measurements sample the same specimen differently. For Hall measurements on both a square and a cloverleaf, the function is nonnegative with its maximum in the center and its minimum of zero at the edges of the square. Converting a square into a cloverleaf is shown to dramatically focus the measurement process onto a much smaller portion of the specimen. While our results agree qualitatively with theory, details are washed out, owing to the finite size of the magnetic probe used.

Plot shape effects on plant species diversity measurements

USGS Publications Warehouse

Keeley, Jon E.; Fotheringham, C.J.

2005-01-01

Abstract. Question: Do rectangular sample plots record more plant species than square plots as suggested by both empirical and theoretical studies?Location: Grasslands, shrublands and forests in the Mediterranean-climate region of California, USA.Methods: We compared three 0.1-ha sampling designs that differed in the shape and dispersion of 1-m2 and 100-m2 nested subplots. We duplicated an earlier study that compared the Whittaker sample design, which had square clustered subplots, with the modified Whittaker design, which had dispersed rectangular subplots. To sort out effects of dispersion from shape we used a third design that overlaid square subplots on the modified Whittaker design. Also, using data from published studies we extracted species richness values for 400-m2 subplots that were either square or 1:4 rectangles partially overlaid on each other from desert scrub in high and low rainfall years, chaparral, sage scrub, oak savanna and coniferous forests with and without fire.Results: We found that earlier empirical reports of more than 30% greater richness with rectangles were due to the confusion of shape effects with spatial effects, coupled with the use of cumulative number of species as the metric for comparison. Average species richness was not significantly different between square and 1:4 rectangular sample plots at either 1- or 100-m2. Pairwise comparisons showed no significant difference between square and rectangular samples in all but one vegetation type, and that one exhibited significantly greater richness with squares. Our three intensive study sites appear to exhibit some level of self-similarity at the scale of 400 m2, but, contrary to theoretical expectations, we could not detect plot shape effects on species richness at this scale.Conclusions: At the 0.1-ha scale or lower there is no evidence that plot shape has predictable effects on number of species recorded from sample plots. We hypothesize that for the mediterranean-climate vegetation types studied here, the primary reason that 1:4 rectangles do not sample greater species richness than squares is because species turnover varies along complex environmental gradients that are both parallel and perpendicular to the long axis of rectangular plots. Reports in the literature of much greater species richness recorded for highly elongated rectangular strips than for squares of the same area are not likely to be fair comparisons because of the dramatically different periphery/area ratio, which includes a much greater proportion of species that are using both above and below-ground niche space outside the sample area.

Application of the Polynomial-Based Least Squares and Total Least Squares Models for the Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra of Binary Mixtures of Hydroxyl Compounds.

PubMed

Shan, Peng; Peng, Silong; Zhao, Yuhui; Tang, Liang

2016-03-01

An analysis of binary mixtures of hydroxyl compound by Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR) and classical least squares (CLS) yield large model error due to the presence of unmodeled components such as H-bonded components. To accommodate these spectral variations, polynomial-based least squares (LSP) and polynomial-based total least squares (TLSP) are proposed to capture the nonlinear absorbance-concentration relationship. LSP is based on assuming that only absorbance noise exists; while TLSP takes both absorbance noise and concentration noise into consideration. In addition, based on different solving strategy, two optimization algorithms (limited-memory Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (LBFGS) algorithm and Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm) are combined with TLSP and then two different TLSP versions (termed as TLSP-LBFGS and TLSP-LM) are formed. The optimum order of each nonlinear model is determined by cross-validation. Comparison and analyses of the four models are made from two aspects: absorbance prediction and concentration prediction. The results for water-ethanol solution and ethanol-ethyl lactate solution show that LSP, TLSP-LBFGS, and TLSP-LM can, for both absorbance prediction and concentration prediction, obtain smaller root mean square error of prediction than CLS. Additionally, they can also greatly enhance the accuracy of estimated pure component spectra. However, from the view of concentration prediction, the Wilcoxon signed rank test shows that there is no statistically significant difference between each nonlinear model and CLS. © The Author(s) 2016.

Influence of Zr doping on structure and morphology of TiO2 nanorods prepared using hydrothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muslimin, Masliana; Jumali, Mohammad Hafizuddin; Tee, Tan Sin; Beng, Lee Hock; Hui, Tan Chun; Chin, Yap Chi

2018-04-01

The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of Zr doping on TiO2 nanostructure. TiO2 nanorods thin films with different Zr-doping concentrations (6 × 10-3 M, 13 × 10-3 M and 25 × 10-3 M) were successfully prepared using a simple hydrothermal method. The structural and morphological properties of the samples were evaluated using XRD and FESEM respectively. The XRD results revealed that the TiO2 in all samples stabilized as rutile phase. The FESEM micrographs confirmed that TiO2 exist as square like nanorods with blunt tips. Although the crystallographic nature remains unchanged, the introduction of Zr has altered the surface density, structure and morphology of TiO2 which subsequently will have significant effect on its properties.

An Exploratory Study of Autonomic Function Investigations in Hemophiliacs on Homoeopathy Medications Using Impedance Plethysmography.

PubMed

Kundu, Tapas K; Barde, Pradip B; Jindal, Ghanshyam D; Motiwala, Farooq F

2017-10-01

Status of autonomic homoeostasis in hemostasic disturbances due to hemophilia needs to be studied. To compare autonomic nervous system markers measured by heart rate variability (HRV) and blood flow variability (BFV) in hemophiliacs and healthy age-matched control population using medical analyzer system. Cross-sectional study. Motiwala Homoeopathy Medical College, and Hemophilia Clinics, Nashik. Eighty subjects. Nil. Autonomic function markers for HRV and BFV. Among 80 subjects, BFV time domain measure, root mean square of successive NN (normal-to-normal) interval differences (RMSSD), was significantly higher among hemophiliacs than nonhemophiliacs. Frequency domain analysis parameter, low frequency for both HRV and BFV was significantly higher among hemophiliacs as compared with nonhemophiliacs. Hemophiliacs were shown to have higher autonomic activity as compared with healthy controls. Homoeopathic medicines used as an adjunct was associated with decrease in parasympathetic modulations.

High performance railgun barrels for laboratory use

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, David P.; Newman, Duane C.

1993-01-01

High performance low-cost, laboratory railgun barrels are now available, comprised of an inherently stiff containment structure which surrounds the bore components machined from 'off the-shelf' materials. The shape of the containment structure was selected to make the barrel inherently stiff. The structure consists of stainless steel laminations which do not compromise the electrical efficiency of the railgun. The modular design enhances the utility of the barrel, as it is easy to service between shots, and can be 're-cored' to produce different configurations and sizes using the same structure. We have produced barrels ranging from 15 mm to 90 mm square bore, a 30 mm round bore, and in lengths varying from 0.25 meters to 10 meters long. Successful tests with both plasma and solid metal armatures have demonstrated the versatility and performance of this design.

Individualized Cognitive Modeling for Close-Loop Task Mitigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, Guangfan; Xu, Roger; Wang, Wei; Li, Jiang; Schnell, Tom; Keller, Mike

2010-01-01

An accurate real-time operator functional state assessment makes it possible to perform task management, minimize risks, and improve mission performance. In this paper, we discuss the development of an individualized operator functional state assessment model that identifies states likely leading to operational errors. To address large individual variations, we use two different approaches to build a model for each individual using its data as well as data from subjects with similar responses. If a subject's response is similar to that of the individual of interest in a specific functional state, all the training data from this subject will be used to build the individual model. The individualization methods have been successfully verified and validated with a driving test data set provided by University of Iowa. With the individualized models, the mean squared error can be significantly decreased (by around 20%).

Routes to the past: neural substrates of direct and generative autobiographical memory retrieval.

PubMed

Addis, Donna Rose; Knapp, Katie; Roberts, Reece P; Schacter, Daniel L

2012-02-01

Models of autobiographical memory propose two routes to retrieval depending on cue specificity. When available cues are specific and personally-relevant, a memory can be directly accessed. However, when available cues are generic, one must engage a generative retrieval process to produce more specific cues to successfully access a relevant memory. The current study sought to characterize the neural bases of these retrieval processes. During functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), participants were shown personally-relevant cues to elicit direct retrieval, or generic cues (nouns) to elicit generative retrieval. We used spatiotemporal partial least squares to characterize the spatial and temporal characteristics of the networks associated with direct and generative retrieval. Both retrieval tasks engaged regions comprising the autobiographical retrieval network, including hippocampus, and medial prefrontal and parietal cortices. However, some key neural differences emerged. Generative retrieval differentially recruited lateral prefrontal and temporal regions early on during the retrieval process, likely supporting the strategic search operations and initial recovery of generic autobiographical information. However, many regions were activated more strongly during direct versus generative retrieval, even when we time-locked the analysis to the successful recovery of events in both conditions. This result suggests that there may be fundamental differences between memories that are accessed directly and those that are recovered via the iterative search and retrieval process that characterizes generative retrieval. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Routes to the past: Neural substrates of direct and generative autobiographical memory retrieval

PubMed Central

Addis, Donna Rose; Knapp, Katie; Roberts, Reece P.; Schacter, Daniel L.

2011-01-01

Models of autobiographical memory propose two routes to retrieval depending on cue specificity. When available cues are specific and personally-relevant, a memory can be directly accessed. However, when available cues are generic, one must engage a generative retrieval process to produce more specific cues to successfully access a relevant memory. The current study sought to characterize the neural bases of these retrieval processes. During functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), participants were shown personally-relevant cues to elicit direct retrieval, or generic cues (nouns) to elicit generative retrieval. We used spatiotemporal partial least squares to characterize the spatial and temporal characteristics of the networks associated with direct and generative retrieval. Both retrieval tasks engaged regions comprising the autobiographical retrieval network, including hippocampus, and medial prefrontal and parietal cortices. However, some key neural differences emerged. Generative retrieval differentially recruited lateral prefrontal and temporal regions early on during the retrieval process, likely supporting the strategic search operations and initial recovery of generic autobiographical information. However, many regions were activated more strongly during direct versus generative retrieval, even when we time-locked the analysis to the successful recovery of events in both conditions. This result suggests that there may be fundamental differences between memories that are accessed directly and those that are recovered via the iterative search and retrieval process that characterizes generative retrieval. PMID:22001264

Implementation of material decomposition using an EMCCD and CMOS-based micro-CT system.

PubMed

Podgorsak, Alexander R; Nagesh, Sv Setlur; Bednarek, Daniel R; Rudin, Stephen; Ionita, Ciprian N

2017-02-11

This project assessed the effectiveness of using two different detectors to obtain dual-energy (DE) micro-CT data for the carrying out of material decomposition. A micro-CT coupled to either a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or an electron multiplying CCD (EMCCD) detector was used to acquire image data of a 3D-printed phantom with channels filled with different materials. At any instance, materials such as iohexol contrast agent, water, and platinum were selected to make up the scanned object. DE micro-CT data was acquired, and slices of the scanned object were differentiated by material makeup. The success of the decomposition was assessed quantitatively through the computation of percentage normalized root-mean-square error (%NRMSE). Our results indicate a successful decomposition of iohexol for both detectors (%NRMSE values of 1.8 for EMCCD, 2.4 for CMOS), as well as platinum (%NRMSE value of 4.7). The CMOS detector performed material decomposition on air and water on average with 7 times more %NRMSE, possibly due to the decreased sensitivity of the CMOS system. Material decomposition showed the potential to differentiate between materials such as the iohexol and platinum, perhaps opening the door for its use in the neurovascular anatomical region. Work supported by Toshiba America Medical Systems, and partially supported by NIH grant 2R01EB002873.

Implementation of material decomposition using an EMCCD and CMOS-based micro-CT system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podgorsak, Alexander R.; Nagesh, S. V. Setlur; Bednarek, Daniel R.; Rudin, Stephen; Ionita, Ciprian N.

2017-03-01

This project assessed the effectiveness of using two different detectors to obtain dual-energy (DE) micro-CT data for the carrying out of material decomposition. A micro-CT coupled to either a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or an electron multiplying CCD (EMCCD) detector was used to acquire image data of a 3D-printed phantom with channels filled with different materials. At any instance, materials such as iohexol contrast agent, water, and platinum were selected to make up the scanned object. DE micro-CT data was acquired, and slices of the scanned object were differentiated by material makeup. The success of the decomposition was assessed quantitatively through the computation of percentage normalized root-mean-square error (%NRMSE). Our results indicate a successful decomposition of iohexol for both detectors (%NRMSE values of 1.8 for EMCCD, 2.4 for CMOS), as well as platinum (%NRMSE value of 4.7). The CMOS detector performed material decomposition on air and water on average with 7 times more %NRMSE, possibly due to the decreased sensitivity of the CMOS system. Material decomposition showed the potential to differentiate between materials such as the iohexol and platinum, perhaps opening the door for its use in the neurovascular anatomical region. Work supported by Toshiba America Medical Systems, and partially supported by NIH grant 2R01EB002873.

Photonic microwave waveforms generation based on pulse carving and superposition in time-domain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Yi; Jiang, Yang; Zi, Yuejiao; He, Yutong; Tian, Jing; Zhang, Xiaoyu; Luo, Hao; Dong, Ruyang

2018-05-01

A novel photonic approach for various microwave waveforms generation based on time-domain synthesis is theoretically analyzed and experimentally investigated. In this scheme, two single-drive Mach-Zehnder modulators are used for pulses shaping. After shifting the phase and implementing envelopes superposition of the pulses, desired waveforms can be achieved in time-domain. The theoretic analysis and simulations are presented. In the experimental demonstrations, a triangular waveform, square waveform, and half duty cycle sawtooth (or reversed-sawtooth) waveform are generated successfully. By utilizing time multiplexing technique, a frequency-doubled sawtooth (or reversed-sawtooth) waveform with 100% duty cycle can be obtained. In addition, a fundamental frequency sawtooth (or reversed-sawtooth) waveform with 100% duty cycle can also be achieved by the superposition of square waveform and frequency-doubled sawtooth waveform.

Fourier transform infrared reflectance spectra of latent fingerprints: a biometric gauge for the age of an individual.

PubMed

Hemmila, April; McGill, Jim; Ritter, David

2008-03-01

To determine if changes in fingerprint infrared spectra linear with age can be found, partial least squares (PLS1) regression of 155 fingerprint infrared spectra against the person's age was constructed. The regression produced a linear model of age as a function of spectrum with a root mean square error of calibration of less than 4 years, showing an inflection at about 25 years of age. The spectral ranges emphasized by the regression do not correspond to the highest concentration constituents of the fingerprints. Separate linear regression models for old and young people can be constructed with even more statistical rigor. The success of the regression demonstrates that a combination of constituents can be found that changes linearly with age, with a significant shift around puberty.

Hyperspectral Remote Sensing of Terrestrial Ecosystem Productivity from ISS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huemmrich, K. F.; Campbell, P. K. E.; Gao, B. C.; Flanagan, L. B.; Goulden, M.

2017-12-01

Data from the Hyperspectral Imager for Coastal Ocean (HICO), mounted on the International Space Station (ISS), were used to develop and test algorithms for remotely retrieving ecosystem productivity. The ISS orbit introduces both limitations and opportunities for observing ecosystem dynamics. Twenty six HICO images were used from four study sites representing different vegetation types: grasslands, shrubland, and forest. Gross ecosystem production (GEP) data from eddy covariance were matched with HICO-derived spectra. Multiple algorithms were successful relating spectral reflectance with GEP, including: Spectral Vegetation Indices (SVI), SVI in a light use efficiency model framework, spectral shape characteristics through spectral derivatives and absorption feature analysis, and statistical models leading to Multiband Hyperspectral Indices (MHI) from stepwise regressions and Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR). Algorithms were able to achieve r2 better than 0.7 for both GEP at the overpass time and daily GEP. These algorithms were successful using a diverse set of observations combining data from multiple years, multiple times during growing season, different times of day, with different view angles, and different vegetation types. The demonstrated robustness of the algorithms presented in this study over these conditions provides some confidence in mapping spatial patterns of GEP, describing variability within fields as well as the regional patterns based only on spectral reflectance information. The ISS orbit provides periods with multiple observations collected at different times of the day within a period of a few days. Diurnal GEP patterns were estimated comparing the half-hourly average GEP from the flux tower against HICO estimates of GEP (r2=0.87) if morning, midday, and afternoon observations were available for average fluxes in the time period.

Coevolution of strategy-selection time scale and cooperation in spatial prisoner's dilemma game

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rong, Zhihai; Wu, Zhi-Xi; Chen, Guanrong

2013-06-01

In this paper, we investigate a networked prisoner's dilemma game where individuals' strategy-selection time scale evolves based on their historical learning information. We show that the more times the current strategy of an individual is learnt by his neighbors, the longer time he will stick on the successful behavior by adaptively adjusting the lifetime of the adopted strategy. Through characterizing the extent of success of the individuals with normalized payoffs, we show that properly using the learned information can form a positive feedback mechanism between cooperative behavior and its lifetime, which can boost cooperation on square lattices and scale-free networks.

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

Cheng, Ke; Wang, Xiaoyun; Liu, Jingjing

Highlights: • Cu/In bilayer was fabricated by BMSMW deposition technique. • High quality CIS film was successfully fabricated. • A preferable ratio of Cu:In:S close to 1:1:2 was approached. • The SPV response as high as 6 mV was achieved. - Abstract: High-quality CuInS{sub 2} (CIS) thin films have been fabricated by sulfurization of electrodeposited copper–indium bilayer. A novel bell-like wave modulated square wave (BWMSW) electrodeposition technique is employed for the deposition of copper thin film. Three independent parameters (current or potential, frequency, duty cycle) are available for the BWMSW electrodeposition, which is different from the traditional electrodeposition technique withmore » only one adjustable parameter (current or potential). The influences of deposition parameters such as frequency, duty cycle and the concentration of complexing agent are investigated. Benefited from the high quality copper film obtained by the BWMSW technique, the indium film is electrodeposited successfully on the copper layer to form a compact copper–indium alloy bilayer. After sulfurized at 600 °C for 60 min, the phase pure CIS film is obtained with better crystallinity. The structures, morphologies and optoelectronic properties of the CIS film are also characterized.« less

Direct pulp capping in primary molars using a resin-modified Portland cement-based material (TheraCal) compared to MTA with 12-month follow-up: a randomised clinical trial.

PubMed

Erfanparast, L; Iranparvar, P; Vafaei, A

2018-05-16

This study was to compare the success of resin-modified Portland cement-based material (TheraCal) with MTA in direct pulp capping (DPC) of primary molars. Symmetrical bilateral primary molars (92) from 46 healthy subjects aged 5-7 years were included in this split-mouth randomised clinical trial. DPC for small non-contaminated pulp exposures using either TheraCal or MTA were randomly performed in symmetrical molars. Thereafter, teeth were restored with amalgam. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at 6 and 12 month follow-ups. Data were analysed using Chi square test at a significance level of 0.05. At the final follow-up session 74 teeth were available. After 12 months, the overall success rates for MTA and TheraCal were 94.5 and 91.8%, respectively. The difference between outcomes of the two groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Within the limitations of the current study, radiographic and clinical findings revealed that TheraCal exhibited a comparable outcome to MTA in DPC of primary molars after 12 months.

Evaluation of Wear on Macro-Surface Textures Generated by ns Fiber Laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harish, V.; Soundarapandian, S.; Vijayaraghavan, L.; Bharatish, A.

2018-03-01

The demand for improved performance and long term reliability of mechanical systems dictate the use of advanced materials and surface engineering techniques. A small change in the surface topography can lead to substantial improvements in the tribological behaviour of the contact surfaces. One way of altering the surface topography is by surface texturing by introducing dimples or channels on the surfaces. Surface texturing is already a successful technique which finds a wide area of applications ranging from heavy industries to small scale devices. This paper reports the effect of macro texture shapes generated using a nanosecond fiber laser on wear of high carbon chromium steel used in large size bearings having rolling contacts. Circular and square shaped dimples were generated on the surface to assess the effect of sliding velocities on friction coefficient. Graphite was used as solid lubricant to minimise the effect of wear on textured surfaces. The laser parameters such as power, scan speed and passes were optimised to obtain macro circular and square dimples which was characterised using a laser confocal microscope. The friction coefficients of the circular and square dimples were observed to lie in the same range due to minimum wear on the surface. On the contrary, at medium and higher sliding velocities, square dimples exhibited lower friction coefficient values compared to circular dimples. The morphology of textured specimen was characterised using Scanning Electron Microscope.

Magnetic properties of a quasi-two-dimensional S =1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet with distorted square lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamaguchi, Hironori; Tamekuni, Yusuke; Iwasaki, Yoshiki; Otsuka, Rei; Hosokoshi, Yuko; Kida, Takanori; Hagiwara, Masayuki

2017-06-01

We successfully synthesize single crystals of the verdazyl radical α -2 ,3 ,5 -Cl3 -V. Ab initio molecular orbital calculations indicate that the two dominant antiferromagnetic interactions, J1 and J2 (α =J2/J1≃0.56 ), form an S =1 /2 distorted square lattice. We explain the magnetic properties based on the S =1 /2 square lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet using the quantum Monte Carlo method, and examine the effects of the lattice distortion and the interplane interaction contribution. In the low-temperature regions below 6.4 K, we observe anisotropic magnetic behavior accompanied by a phase transition to a magnetically ordered state. The electron spin resonance signals exhibit anisotropic behavior in the temperature dependence of the resonance field and the linewidth. We explain the frequency dependence of the resonance fields in the ordered phase using a mean-field approximation with out-of-plane easy-axis anisotropy, which causes a spin-flop phase transition at approximately 0.4 T for the field perpendicular to the plane. Furthermore, the anisotropic dipole field provides supporting information regarding the presence of the easy-axis anisotropy. These results demonstrate that the lattice distortion, anisotropy, and interplane interaction of this model are sufficiently small that they do not affect the intrinsic behavior of the S =1 /2 square lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet.

Comparative Investigation and Operational Performance Characteristics of a Wick Assisted and Axially Square Grooved Heat Pipe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naik, Rudra, Dr.; Rama Narasihma, K., Dr.; Anikivi, Atmanand

2018-04-01

The present work reported here involves the experimental investigation and performance evaluation of wick assisted and axially square grooved heat pipes of outer diameter 8mm, inner diameter 4mm with a length of 150mm.The objective of this work is to design, fabricate and test the heat pipes with and without an axial square groove for horizontal and gravity assisted conditions. The performance of the heat pipes was measured in terms of thermal resistance and heat transfer coefficients. In the present investigation four different working fluids were chosen namely acetone, ethanol, methanol and distilled water. Experiments were conducted by varying the heat load from 2 W to 10 W for different fill charge ratios in the range of 25% to 75% of evaporator volume for wick assisted heat pipe and 8 W to 18 W for axially square grooved heat pipe. From the experiments, it was found that there is a steady increase in temperature with the increase in heat input. The overall heat transfer coefficient was found to increase with the increase heat load for wick assisted heat pipe. In case of axially square grooved heat pipe, an attempt was made to experiment the heat pipe in different orientations. The maximum heat transfer coefficient of 7000 W/m2 °C is found for Acetone at 180° orientation.

On roots and squares - estimation, intuition and creativity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patkin, Dorit; Gazit, Avikam

2013-12-01

The paper presents findings of a small scale study of a few items related to problem solving with squares and roots, for different teacher groups (pre-service and in-service mathematics teachers: elementary and junior high school). The research participants were asked to explain what would be the units digit of a natural number to be squared in order to obtain a certain units digit as a result. They were also asked to formulate a rule - an algorithm for calculating the square of a 2-digit number which is a multiple of 5. Based on this knowledge and estimation capability, they were required to find, without using calculators, the square roots of given natural numbers. The findings show that most of the participants had only partial intuition regarding the units' digit of a number which is squared when the units' digit of the square is known. At the same time, the participants manifested some evidence of creativity and flow of ideas in identifying the rule for calculating the square of a natural number whose units digit is 5. However, when asked to identify, by means of estimation and based on knowledge from previous items, the square roots of three natural numbers, only few of them managed to find the three roots by estimation.

Augmented Reality Using Transurethral Ultrasound for Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: Preclinical Evaluation.

PubMed

Lanchon, Cecilia; Custillon, Guillaume; Moreau-Gaudry, Alexandre; Descotes, Jean-Luc; Long, Jean-Alexandre; Fiard, Gaelle; Voros, Sandrine

2016-07-01

To guide the surgeon during laparoscopic or robot-assisted radical prostatectomy an innovative laparoscopic/ultrasound fusion platform was developed using a motorized 3-dimensional transurethral ultrasound probe. We present what is to our knowledge the first preclinical evaluation of 3-dimensional prostate visualization using transurethral ultrasound and the preliminary results of this new augmented reality. The transurethral probe and laparoscopic/ultrasound registration were tested on realistic prostate phantoms made of standard polyvinyl chloride. The quality of transurethral ultrasound images and the detection of passive markers placed on the prostate surface were evaluated on 2-dimensional dynamic views and 3-dimensional reconstructions. The feasibility, precision and reproducibility of laparoscopic/transurethral ultrasound registration was then determined using 4, 5, 6 and 7 markers to assess the optimal amount needed. The root mean square error was calculated for each registration and the median root mean square error and IQR were calculated according to the number of markers. The transurethral ultrasound probe was easy to manipulate and the prostatic capsule was well visualized in 2 and 3 dimensions. Passive markers could precisely be localized in the volume. Laparoscopic/transurethral ultrasound registration procedures were performed on 74 phantoms of various sizes and shapes. All were successful. The median root mean square error of 1.1 mm (IQR 0.8-1.4) was significantly associated with the number of landmarks (p = 0.001). The highest accuracy was achieved using 6 markers. However, prostate volume did not affect registration precision. Transurethral ultrasound provided high quality prostate reconstruction and easy marker detection. Laparoscopic/ultrasound registration was successful with acceptable mm precision. Further investigations are necessary to achieve sub mm accuracy and assess feasibility in a human model. Copyright © 2016 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Efficacy of preoperative ibuprofen on the success of inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Noguera-Gonzalez, D; Cerda-Cristerna, B I; Chavarria-Bolaños, D; Flores-Reyes, H; Pozos-Guillen, A

2013-11-01

To evaluate the effect of preoperative oral ibuprofen (IBU) on the success of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANBs) with mepivacaine containing 1 : 100 000 epinephrine for patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP). The present study was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The study included two study groups each consisting of 25 patients who exhibited symptomatic irreversible pulpitis of a mandibular posterior tooth. The patients presented prolonged moderate or severe pain (>10 s) after cold testing and indicated their pain scores on a Heft-Parker visual analogue scale. The patients received identically appearing capsules containing either 600 mg IBU (IBUg) or gelatin (placebo, PLAg) 1 h before administration of IANB with 2% mepivacaine containing 1 : 100 000 epinephrine. After 15 min, the anaesthetic blockade was assessed by a three-step examination (lip numbness, positive/negative response to cold testing and clinical discomfort during endodontic access). IANB success was defined as the absence of pain during any of these evaluations. The data were analysed using the chi-squared test. All of the patients reported moderate or severe pain before the preoperative procedure. Statistically significant differences were observed between the IBUg and PLAg (P < 0.05); the success rates for the IANB were 72% (IBUg) and 36% (PLAg). Preoperative oral administration of IBU significantly improved the efficacy of IANB in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. © 2013 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Different polarization dynamic states in a vector Yb-doped fiber laser.

PubMed

Li, Xingliang; Zhang, Shumin; Han, Huiyun; Han, Mengmeng; Zhang, Huaxing; Zhao, Luming; Wen, Fang; Yang, Zhenjun

2015-04-20

Different polarization dynamic states in an unidirectional, vector, Yb-doped fiber ring laser have been observed. A rich variety of dynamic states, including group velocity locked polarization domains and their splitting into regularly distributed multiple domains, polarization locked square pulses and their harmonic mode locking counterparts, and dissipative soliton resonances have all been observed with different operating parameters. We have also shown experimentally details of the conditions under which polarization-domain-wall dark pulses and bright square pulses form.

Comparison of techniques for approximating ocean bottom topography in a wave-refraction computer model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poole, L. R.

1975-01-01

A study of the effects of using different methods for approximating bottom topography in a wave-refraction computer model was conducted. Approximation techniques involving quadratic least squares, cubic least squares, and constrained bicubic polynomial interpolation were compared for computed wave patterns and parameters in the region of Saco Bay, Maine. Although substantial local differences can be attributed to use of the different approximation techniques, results indicated that overall computed wave patterns and parameter distributions were quite similar.

STS-99 crew and family DEPART for Houston

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-99 crew members join family members for their return trip to Houston. At left is Jeanne Kregel, wife of Commander Kevin Kregel. At right is Mission Specialist Gerhard Thiele of Germany. The STS-99 crew completed a successful 11-day Shuttle Radar Topography Mission mapping 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface before landing at KSC Feb. 22.

On the Least-Squares Fitting of Slater-Type Orbitals with Gaussians: Reproduction of the STO-NG Fits Using Microsoft Excel and Maple

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pye, Cory C.; Mercer, Colin J.

2012-01-01

The symbolic algebra program Maple and the spreadsheet Microsoft Excel were used in an attempt to reproduce the Gaussian fits to a Slater-type orbital, required to construct the popular STO-NG basis sets. The successes and pitfalls encountered in such an approach are chronicled. (Contains 1 table and 3 figures.)

Factors Contributing to Successful Employment Outcomes for Hispanic Women Who Are Deaf: Utilization of Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detector and Logistic Regression Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Feist, Amber M.

2013-01-01

Hispanic women who are deaf constitute a heterogeneous group of individuals with varying vocational needs. To understand the unique needs of this population, it is important to analyze how consumer characteristics, presence of public supports, and type of services provided influence employment outcomes for Hispanic women who are deaf. The purpose…

[The research on separating and extracting overlapping spectral feature lines in LIBS using damped least squares method].

PubMed

Wang, Yin; Zhao, Nan-jing; Liu, Wen-qing; Yu, Yang; Fang, Li; Meng, De-shuo; Hu, Li; Zhang, Da-hai; Ma, Min-jun; Xiao, Xue; Wang, Yu; Liu, Jian-guo

2015-02-01

In recent years, the technology of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy has been developed rapidly. As one kind of new material composition detection technology, laser induced breakdown spectroscopy can simultaneously detect multi elements fast and simply without any complex sample preparation and realize field, in-situ material composition detection of the sample to be tested. This kind of technology is very promising in many fields. It is very important to separate, fit and extract spectral feature lines in laser induced breakdown spectroscopy, which is the cornerstone of spectral feature recognition and subsequent elements concentrations inversion research. In order to realize effective separation, fitting and extraction of spectral feature lines in laser induced breakdown spectroscopy, the original parameters for spectral lines fitting before iteration were analyzed and determined. The spectral feature line of' chromium (Cr I : 427.480 nm) in fly ash gathered from a coal-fired power station, which was overlapped with another line(FeI: 427.176 nm), was separated from the other one and extracted by using damped least squares method. Based on Gauss-Newton iteration, damped least squares method adds damping factor to step and adjust step length dynamically according to the feedback information after each iteration, in order to prevent the iteration from diverging and make sure that the iteration could converge fast. Damped least squares method helps to obtain better results of separating, fitting and extracting spectral feature lines and give more accurate intensity values of these spectral feature lines: The spectral feature lines of chromium in samples which contain different concentrations of chromium were separated and extracted. And then, the intensity values of corresponding spectral lines were given by using damped least squares method and least squares method separately. The calibration curves were plotted, which showed the relationship between spectral line intensity values and chromium concentrations in different samples. And then their respective linear correlations were compared. The experimental results showed that the linear correlation of the intensity values of spectral feature lines and the concentrations of chromium in different samples, which was obtained by damped least squares method, was better than that one obtained by least squares method. And therefore, damped least squares method was stable, reliable and suitable for separating, fitting and extracting spectral feature lines in laser induced breakdown spectroscopy.

Digital model evaluation of the predevelopment flow system of the Tertiary limestone aquifer, Southeast Georgia, Northeast Florida, and South South Carolina

USGS Publications Warehouse

Krause, Richard E.

1982-01-01

A computer model using finite-difference techniques was used successfully to simulate the predevelopment flow regime within the multilayered Tertiary limestone aquifer system in Southeastern Georgia, Northeastern Florida, and Southern South Carolina as part of the U.S. Geological Survey 's Tertiary Limestone Regional Aquifer System analysis. The aquifer, of early Eocene to Miocene age, ranges from thin interbedded clastics and marl in the updip area to massive limestone and dolomite 1,500 feet thick in the downdip area. The aquifer is confined above by Miocene clay beds, and terminates at depth in low-permeability rocks or the saltwater interface. Model-simulated transmissivity of the upper permeable zone ranged from about 1 x 10 super 3 foot squared per day in the updip area and within parts of the Gulf Trough (a series of alinement basins filled by fine clastic in material) to about 1 x 10 super 6 foot squared per day in South Georgia, and area having large secondarily developed solution channels. The model results indicate that only about 540 cubic feet per second of water flowed through the predeveloped system, from the updip highland area of high altitude and in the areas north of Valdosta and southwest of Jacksonville, to discharge along streams in the updip area and diffuse upward leakage in the downdip area near the coast and offshore. (USGS)

Three Least-Squares Minimization Approaches to Interpret Gravity Data Due to Dipping Faults

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdelrahman, E. M.; Essa, K. S.

2015-02-01

We have developed three different least-squares minimization approaches to determine, successively, the depth, dip angle, and amplitude coefficient related to the thickness and density contrast of a buried dipping fault from first moving average residual gravity anomalies. By defining the zero-anomaly distance and the anomaly value at the origin of the moving average residual profile, the problem of depth determination is transformed into a constrained nonlinear gravity inversion. After estimating the depth of the fault, the dip angle is estimated by solving a nonlinear inverse problem. Finally, after estimating the depth and dip angle, the amplitude coefficient is determined using a linear equation. This method can be applied to residuals as well as to measured gravity data because it uses the moving average residual gravity anomalies to estimate the model parameters of the faulted structure. The proposed method was tested on noise-corrupted synthetic and real gravity data. In the case of the synthetic data, good results are obtained when errors are given in the zero-anomaly distance and the anomaly value at the origin, and even when the origin is determined approximately. In the case of practical data (Bouguer anomaly over Gazal fault, south Aswan, Egypt), the fault parameters obtained are in good agreement with the actual ones and with those given in the published literature.

General Methods for Analysis of Sequential “n-step” Kinetic Mechanisms: Application to Single Turnover Kinetics of Helicase-Catalyzed DNA Unwinding

PubMed Central

Lucius, Aaron L.; Maluf, Nasib K.; Fischer, Christopher J.; Lohman, Timothy M.

2003-01-01

Helicase-catalyzed DNA unwinding is often studied using “all or none” assays that detect only the final product of fully unwound DNA. Even using these assays, quantitative analysis of DNA unwinding time courses for DNA duplexes of different lengths, L, using “n-step” sequential mechanisms, can reveal information about the number of intermediates in the unwinding reaction and the “kinetic step size”, m, defined as the average number of basepairs unwound between two successive rate limiting steps in the unwinding cycle. Simultaneous nonlinear least-squares analysis using “n-step” sequential mechanisms has previously been limited by an inability to float the number of “unwinding steps”, n, and m, in the fitting algorithm. Here we discuss the behavior of single turnover DNA unwinding time courses and describe novel methods for nonlinear least-squares analysis that overcome these problems. Analytic expressions for the time courses, fss(t), when obtainable, can be written using gamma and incomplete gamma functions. When analytic expressions are not obtainable, the numerical solution of the inverse Laplace transform can be used to obtain fss(t). Both methods allow n and m to be continuous fitting parameters. These approaches are generally applicable to enzymes that translocate along a lattice or require repetition of a series of steps before product formation. PMID:14507688

General methods for analysis of sequential "n-step" kinetic mechanisms: application to single turnover kinetics of helicase-catalyzed DNA unwinding.

PubMed

Lucius, Aaron L; Maluf, Nasib K; Fischer, Christopher J; Lohman, Timothy M

2003-10-01

Helicase-catalyzed DNA unwinding is often studied using "all or none" assays that detect only the final product of fully unwound DNA. Even using these assays, quantitative analysis of DNA unwinding time courses for DNA duplexes of different lengths, L, using "n-step" sequential mechanisms, can reveal information about the number of intermediates in the unwinding reaction and the "kinetic step size", m, defined as the average number of basepairs unwound between two successive rate limiting steps in the unwinding cycle. Simultaneous nonlinear least-squares analysis using "n-step" sequential mechanisms has previously been limited by an inability to float the number of "unwinding steps", n, and m, in the fitting algorithm. Here we discuss the behavior of single turnover DNA unwinding time courses and describe novel methods for nonlinear least-squares analysis that overcome these problems. Analytic expressions for the time courses, f(ss)(t), when obtainable, can be written using gamma and incomplete gamma functions. When analytic expressions are not obtainable, the numerical solution of the inverse Laplace transform can be used to obtain f(ss)(t). Both methods allow n and m to be continuous fitting parameters. These approaches are generally applicable to enzymes that translocate along a lattice or require repetition of a series of steps before product formation.

Anodic voltammetric behavior and determination of rosiglitazone in pharmaceutical dosage forms and biological fluids on solid electrode.

PubMed

Dogan-Topal, Burcu; Tuncel, Secil; Ozkan, Sibel A

2010-09-01

The anodic voltammetric behavior and electroanalytical determination of rosiglitazone was studied using cyclic, linear sweep, differential pulse and square wave voltammetric techniques on glassy carbon electrode. The oxidation of rosiglitazone was irreversible and exhibited diffusion controlled process depending on pH. Different parameters were tested to optimize the conditions for the determination of the oxidation mechanism of rosiglitazone. The dependence of current intensities and potentials on pH, concentration, scan rate, nature of the buffer was also investigated. According to the linear relationship between the peak current and the concentration, differential pulse and square wave voltammetric methods for rosiglitazone assay in pharmaceutical dosage forms and biological fluids were developed. A linear response was obtained within the range of 1x10-6M - 6x10-5M in 0.1 M H2SO4 and acetate buffer at pH 5.70 for both voltammetric methods in human serum samples. The practical analytical value of the method is demonstrated by quantitative determination of rosiglitazon in pharmaceutical formulation and human serum, without the need for separation or complex sample preparation, since there was no interference from the excipients and endogenous substances. The methods were fully validated and successfully applied to the high throughput determination of the drug in tablets and human serum with good recoveries.

Wax-based sustained release matrix pellets prepared by a novel freeze pelletization technique II. In vitro drug release studies and release mechanisms.

PubMed

Cheboyina, Sreekhar; Wyandt, Christy M

2008-07-09

A novel freeze pelletization technique was evaluated for the preparation of wax-based sustained release matrix pellets. Pellets containing water-soluble drugs were successfully prepared using a variety of waxes. The drug release significantly depended on the wax type used and the aqueous drug solubility. The drug release decreased as the hydrophobicity of wax increased and the drug release increased as the aqueous drug solubility increased. In glyceryl monostearate (GMS) pellets, drug release rate decreased as the loading of theophylline increased. On the contrary, the release rate increased as the drug loading of diltiazem HCl increased in Precirol pellets. Theophylline at low drug loads existed in a dissolved state in GMS pellets and the release followed desorption kinetics. At higher loads, theophylline existed in a crystalline state and the release followed dissolution-controlled constant release for all the waxes studied. However, with the addition of increasing amounts of Brij 76, theophylline release rate increased and the release mechanism shifted to diffusion-controlled square root time kinetics. But the release of diltiazem HCl from Precirol pellets at all drug loads, followed diffusion-controlled square root time kinetics. Therefore, pellets capable of providing a variety of release profiles for different drugs can be prepared using this freeze pelletization technique by suitably modifying the pellet forming matrix compositions.

Dimensionality and predictive validity of the HAM-Nat, a test of natural sciences for medical school admission

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Knowledge in natural sciences generally predicts study performance in the first two years of the medical curriculum. In order to reduce delay and dropout in the preclinical years, Hamburg Medical School decided to develop a natural science test (HAM-Nat) for student selection. In the present study, two different approaches to scale construction are presented: a unidimensional scale and a scale composed of three subject specific dimensions. Their psychometric properties and relations to academic success are compared. Methods 334 first year medical students of the 2006 cohort responded to 52 multiple choice items from biology, physics, and chemistry. For the construction of scales we generated two random subsamples, one for development and one for validation. In the development sample, unidimensional item sets were extracted from the item pool by means of weighted least squares (WLS) factor analysis, and subsequently fitted to the Rasch model. In the validation sample, the scales were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis and, again, Rasch modelling. The outcome measure was academic success after two years. Results Although the correlational structure within the item set is weak, a unidimensional scale could be fitted to the Rasch model. However, psychometric properties of this scale deteriorated in the validation sample. A model with three highly correlated subject specific factors performed better. All summary scales predicted academic success with an odds ratio of about 2.0. Prediction was independent of high school grades and there was a slight tendency for prediction to be better in females than in males. Conclusions A model separating biology, physics, and chemistry into different Rasch scales seems to be more suitable for item bank development than a unidimensional model, even when these scales are highly correlated and enter into a global score. When such a combination scale is used to select the upper quartile of applicants, the proportion of successful completion of the curriculum after two years is expected to rise substantially. PMID:21999767

Dimensionality and predictive validity of the HAM-Nat, a test of natural sciences for medical school admission.

PubMed

Hissbach, Johanna C; Klusmann, Dietrich; Hampe, Wolfgang

2011-10-14

Knowledge in natural sciences generally predicts study performance in the first two years of the medical curriculum. In order to reduce delay and dropout in the preclinical years, Hamburg Medical School decided to develop a natural science test (HAM-Nat) for student selection. In the present study, two different approaches to scale construction are presented: a unidimensional scale and a scale composed of three subject specific dimensions. Their psychometric properties and relations to academic success are compared. 334 first year medical students of the 2006 cohort responded to 52 multiple choice items from biology, physics, and chemistry. For the construction of scales we generated two random subsamples, one for development and one for validation. In the development sample, unidimensional item sets were extracted from the item pool by means of weighted least squares (WLS) factor analysis, and subsequently fitted to the Rasch model. In the validation sample, the scales were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis and, again, Rasch modelling. The outcome measure was academic success after two years. Although the correlational structure within the item set is weak, a unidimensional scale could be fitted to the Rasch model. However, psychometric properties of this scale deteriorated in the validation sample. A model with three highly correlated subject specific factors performed better. All summary scales predicted academic success with an odds ratio of about 2.0. Prediction was independent of high school grades and there was a slight tendency for prediction to be better in females than in males. A model separating biology, physics, and chemistry into different Rasch scales seems to be more suitable for item bank development than a unidimensional model, even when these scales are highly correlated and enter into a global score. When such a combination scale is used to select the upper quartile of applicants, the proportion of successful completion of the curriculum after two years is expected to rise substantially.

Variation of M···H-C Interactions in Square-Planar Complexes of Nickel(II), Palladium(II), and Platinum(II) Probed by Luminescence Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction at Variable Pressure.

PubMed

Poirier, Stéphanie; Lynn, Hudson; Reber, Christian; Tailleur, Elodie; Marchivie, Mathieu; Guionneau, Philippe; Probert, Michael R

2018-06-12

Luminescence spectra of isoelectronic square-planar d 8 complexes with 3d, 4d, and 5d metal centers show d-d luminescence with an energetic order different from that of the spectrochemical series, indicating that additional structural effects, such as different ligand-metal-ligand angles, are important factors. Variable-pressure luminescence spectra of square-planar nickel(II), palladium(II), and platinum(II) complexes with dimethyldithiocarbamate ({CH 3 } 2 DTC) ligands and their deuterated analogues show unexpected variations of the shifts of their maxima. High-resolution crystal structures and crystal structures at variable pressure for [Pt{(CH 3 ) 2 DTC} 2 ] indicate that intermolecular M···H-C interactions are at the origin of these different shifts.

A Kirchhoff approach to seismic modeling and prestack depth migration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhen-Yue

1993-05-01

The Kirchhoff integral provides a robust method for implementing seismic modeling and prestack depth migration, which can handle lateral velocity variation and turning waves. With a little extra computation cost, the Kirchoff-type migration can obtain multiple outputs that have the same phase but different amplitudes, compared with that of other migration methods. The ratio of these amplitudes is helpful in computing some quantities such as reflection angle. I develop a seismic modeling and prestack depth migration method based on the Kirchhoff integral, that handles both laterally variant velocity and a dip beyond 90 degrees. The method uses a finite-difference algorithm to calculate travel times and WKBJ amplitudes for the Kirchhoff integral. Compared to ray-tracing algorithms, the finite-difference algorithm gives an efficient implementation and single-valued quantities (first arrivals) on output. In my finite difference algorithm, the upwind scheme is used to calculate travel times, and the Crank-Nicolson scheme is used to calculate amplitudes. Moreover, interpolation is applied to save computation cost. The modeling and migration algorithms require a smooth velocity function. I develop a velocity-smoothing technique based on damped least-squares to aid in obtaining a successful migration.

Propofol for procedural sedation and analgesia reduced dedicated emergency nursing time while maintaining safety in a community emergency department.

PubMed

Reynolds, Joshua C; Abraham, Michael K; Barrueto, Fermin F; Lemkin, Daniel L; Hirshon, Jon M

2013-09-01

Procedural sedation and analgesia is a core competency in emergency medicine. Propofol is replacing midazolam in many emergency departments. Barriers to performing procedural sedation include resource utilization. We hypothesized that emergency nursing time is shorter with propofol than midazolam, without increasing complications. Retrospective analysis of a procedural sedation registry for two community emergency departments with combined census of 100,000 patients/year. Demographics, procedure, and ASA physical classification status of adult patients receiving procedural sedation between 2007-2010 with midazolam or propofol were analyzed. Primary outcome was dedicated emergency nursing time. Secondary outcomes were procedural success, ED length of stay, and complication rate. Comparative statistics were performed with Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square, or Fisher's exact test. Linear regression was performed with log-transformed procedural sedation time to define predictors. Of 328 procedural sedation and analgesia, 316 met inclusion criteria, of which 60 received midazolam and 256 propofol. Sex distribution varied between groups (midazolam 3% male; propofol 55% male; P = 0.04). Age, procedure, and ASA status were not significantly different. Propofol had shorter procedural sedation time (propofol 32.5 ± 24.2 minutes; midazolam 78.7 ± 51.5 minutes; P < 0.001) and higher rates of procedural success (propofol 98%; midazolam 92%; P = 0.02). There were no significant differences between complication rates (propofol 14%; midazolam 13%; P = 0.88) or emergency department length of stay (propofol 262.5 ± 132.8 minutes; midazolam 288.6 ± 130.6 minutes; P = 0.09). Use of propofol resulted in shorter emergency nursing time and higher procedural success rate than midazolam with a comparable safety profile. Copyright © 2013 Emergency Nurses Association. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Toward a definition of blueprint of virgin olive oil by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography.

PubMed

Purcaro, Giorgia; Cordero, Chiara; Liberto, Erica; Bicchi, Carlo; Conte, Lanfranco S

2014-03-21

This study investigates the applicability of an iterative approach aimed at defining a chemical blueprint of virgin olive oil volatiles to be correlated to the product sensory quality. The investigation strategy proposed allows to fully exploit the informative content of a comprehensive multidimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) coupled to a mass spectrometry (MS) data set. Olive oil samples (19), including 5 reference standards, obtained from the International Olive Oil Council, and commercial samples, were submitted to a sensory evaluation by a Panel test, before being analyzed in two laboratories using different instrumentation, column set, and software elaboration packages in view of a cross-validation of the entire methodology. A first classification of samples based on untargeted peak features information, was obtained on raw data from two different column combinations (apolar×polar and polar×apolar) by applying unsupervised multivariate analysis (i.e., principal component analysis-PCA). However, to improve effectiveness and specificity of this classification, peak features were reliably identified (261 compounds), on the basis of the MS spectrum and linear retention index matching, and subjected to successive pair-wise comparisons based on 2D patterns, which revealed peculiar distribution of chemicals correlated with samples sensory classification. The most informative compounds were thus identified and collected in a "blueprint" of specific defects (or combination of defects) successively adopted to discriminate Extra Virgin from defected oils (i.e., lampante oil) with the aid of a supervised approach, i.e., partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). In this last step, the principles of sensomics, which assigns higher information potential to analytes with lower odor threshold proved to be successful, and a much more powerful discrimination of samples was obtained in view of a sensory quality assessment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Blockage Testing in the NASA Glenn 225 Square Centimeter Supersonic Wind Tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sevier, Abigail; Davis, David O.; Schoenenberger, Mark

2017-01-01

The starting characteristics for three different model geometries were tested in the Glenn Research Center 225 Square Centimeter Supersonic Wind Tunnel. The test models were tested at Mach 2, 2.5 and 3 in a square test section and at Mach 2.5 again in an asymmetric test section. The results gathered in this study will help size the test models and inform other design features for the eventual implementation of a magnetic suspension system.

Chi-square analysis of the reduction of ATP levels in L-02 hepatocytes by hexavalent chromium.

PubMed

Yuan, Yang; Peng, Li; Gong-Hua, Hu; Lu, Dai; Xia-Li, Zhong; Yu, Zhou; Cai-Gao, Zhong

2012-06-01

This study explored the reduction of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in L-02 hepatocytes by hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) using chi-square analysis. Cells were treated with 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 μM Cr(VI) for 12, 24, or 36 h. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) experiments and measurements of intracellular ATP levels were performed by spectrophotometry or bioluminescence assays following Cr(VI) treatment. The chi-square test was used to determine the difference between cell survival rate and ATP levels. For the chi-square analysis, the results of the MTT or ATP experiments were transformed into a relative ratio with respect to the control (%). The relative ATP levels increased at 12 h, decreased at 24 h, and increased slightly again at 36 h following 4, 8, 16, 32 μM Cr(VI) treatment, corresponding to a "V-shaped" curve. Furthermore, the results of the chi-square analysis demonstrated a significant difference of the ATP level in the 32-μM Cr(VI) group (P < 0.05). The results suggest that the chi-square test can be applied to analyze the interference effects of Cr(VI) on ATP levels in L-02 hepatocytes. The decreased ATP levels at 24 h indicated disruption of mitochondrial energy metabolism and the slight increase of ATP levels at 36 h indicated partial recovery of mitochondrial function or activated glycolysis in L-02 hepatocytes.

Why square lattices are not seen on curved ionic membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Creighton; Olvera de La Cruz, Monica

2013-03-01

Ionic crystalline membranes on curved surfaces are ubiquitous in nature, appearing for example on the membranes of halophilic organisms. Even when these membranes buckle into polyhedra with square or rectangular sides, the crystalline structure is seen to have hexagonal symmetry. Here, we theoretically and numerically investigate the effects of curvature on square lattices. Our model system consists of both positive and negative ions with a 1:1 charge ratio adsorbed onto the surface of a sphere. In flat space, the lowest-energy configuration of this system can be a square lattice. This bipartite arrangement is favored because there are two types of ions. It leads to a fundamentally different defect structure than what has been seen when triangular lattices are favored. We classify these defects and find that curvature disrupts long-range square symmetry in a crystal. Through numerical simulations, we see that small square regions are possible in some cases, but this phase coexists with other structures, limiting the scale of these square-lattice microstructures. Thus, at large length scales, curvature leads to triangular structures.

On the best mean-square approximations to a planet's gravitational potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lobkova, N. I.

1985-02-01

The continuous problem of approximating the gravitational potential of a planet in the form of polynomials of solid spherical functions is considered. The best mean-square polynomials, referred to different parts of space, are compared with each other. The harmonic coefficients corresponding to the surface of a planet are shown to be unstable with respect to the degree of the polynomial and to differ from the Stokes constants.

Correction to Neutrino Mass Square Difference in the Co-Bimaximal Mixings due to Quantum Gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koranga, Bipin Singh; Narayan, Mohan

2017-11-01

We consider non-renormalizable interaction term as a perturbation of the neutrino mass matrix. We assume that the neutrino masses and mixing arise through physics at a scale intermediate between Planck scale and the electroweak breaking scale. We also assume that, just above the electroweak breaking scale, neutrino masses are nearly degenerate and their mixing is Co-bimaximal mixing by assumming mixing angle θ _{13}≠ 0=10°,θ _{23}={π/4}, tanθ _{12}2= {1-3sinθ _{13}2}/{2}=34° and Dirac phase δ =± π/2. Quantum gravity (Planck scale effects) lead to an effective S U(2) L × U(1) invariant dimension-5 Lagrangian involving neutrino and Higgs fields. On symmetry breaking, this operator gives rise to correction to the above masses and mixing. The gravitational interaction M X = M p l , we find that for degenerate neutrino mass spectrum, the considered perturbation term change the {Δ }_{21}^' } by 12% and {Δ }_{31}^' } mass square difference is unchanged above GUT scale. The nature of gravitational interaction demands that the element of this perturbation matrix should be independent of flavor indices. In this paper, we study the quantum gravity effects on neutrino mass square difference, namely modified dispersion relation for neutrino mass square differences.

Regional geoid computation by least squares modified Hotine's formula with additive corrections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Märdla, Silja; Ellmann, Artu; Ågren, Jonas; Sjöberg, Lars E.

2018-03-01

Geoid and quasigeoid modelling from gravity anomalies by the method of least squares modification of Stokes's formula with additive corrections is adapted for the usage with gravity disturbances and Hotine's formula. The biased, unbiased and optimum versions of least squares modification are considered. Equations are presented for the four additive corrections that account for the combined (direct plus indirect) effect of downward continuation (DWC), topographic, atmospheric and ellipsoidal corrections in geoid or quasigeoid modelling. The geoid or quasigeoid modelling scheme by the least squares modified Hotine formula is numerically verified, analysed and compared to the Stokes counterpart in a heterogeneous study area. The resulting geoid models and the additive corrections computed both for use with Stokes's or Hotine's formula differ most in high topography areas. Over the study area (reaching almost 2 km in altitude), the approximate geoid models (before the additive corrections) differ by 7 mm on average with a 3 mm standard deviation (SD) and a maximum of 1.3 cm. The additive corrections, out of which only the DWC correction has a numerically significant difference, improve the agreement between respective geoid or quasigeoid models to an average difference of 5 mm with a 1 mm SD and a maximum of 8 mm.

Study on THz wave generation from air plasma induced by quasi-square Airy beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Shijing; Zhang, Liangliang; Jiang, Guangtong; Zhang, Cunlin; Zhao, Yuejin

2018-01-01

Terahertz (THz) wave has attracted considerable attention in recent years because of its potential applications. The intense THz waves generated from air plasma induced by two-color femtosecond laser are widely used due to its high generation efficiency and broad frequency bandwidth. The parameters of the laser change the distribution of the air plasma, and then affect the generation of THz wave. In this research, we investigate the THz wave generation from air plasma induced by quasi-square Airy beam. Unlike the common Gauss beam, the quasi-square Airy beam has ability to autofocus and to increase the maximum intensity at the focus. By using the spatial light modulator (SLM), we can change the parameters of phase map to control the shape of the Airy beam. We obtain the two-color laser field by a 100-um-thick BBO crystal, then use a Golay detector to record THz wave energy. By comparing terahertz generation at different modulation depths, we find that terahertz energy produced by quasi-square Airy beam is up to 3.1 times stronger than that of Gauss beam with identical laser energy. In order to understand the influence of quasi-square Airy beam on the BBO crystal, we record THz wave energy by changing the azimuthal angle of BBO crystal with Gauss beam and Airy beam at different modulation depths. We find that the trend of terahertz energy with respect to the azimuthal angle of the BBO crystal keeps the same for different laser beams. We believe that the quasi-square Airy beam or other auto focusing beam can significantly improve the efficiency of terahertz wave generation and pave the way for its applications.

The impact of maternal body mass index on external cephalic version success.

PubMed

Chaudhary, Shahrukh; Contag, Stephen; Yao, Ruofan

2018-01-21

The purpose of this study is to determine the association between body mass index (BMI) and success of ECV. This is a cross-sectional analysis of singleton live births in the USA from 2010 to 2014 using birth certificate data. Patients were assigned a BMI category according to standard WHO classification. Comparisons of success of ECV between the BMI categories were made using chi-square analysis with normal BMI as the reference group. Cochran-Armitage test was performed to look for a trend of decreasing success of ECV as BMI increased. The odds for successful ECV were estimated using multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusting for possible confounders. A total of 51,002 patients with documented ECV were available for analysis. There was a decreased success rate for ECV as BMI increased (p < .01). Women with a BMI of 40 kg/m 2 or greater had a 58.5% success rate of ECV; women with a normal BMI had 65.0% success rate of ECV. Multivariate analyses demonstrated significant decrease in success of ECV in women with BMI of 40 kg/m 2 or greater (OR 0.621, CI 0.542-0.712). Among women with BMI of 40 kg/m 2 or greater with successful ECV, 59.5% delivered vaginally. In contrast, 81.0% of women with normal BMI and successful ECV delivered vaginally. Morbidly obese women have decreased success rate of ECV as BMI increases and decreased vaginal delivery rates after successful ECV.

Missing value imputation in DNA microarrays based on conjugate gradient method.

PubMed

Dorri, Fatemeh; Azmi, Paeiz; Dorri, Faezeh

2012-02-01

Analysis of gene expression profiles needs a complete matrix of gene array values; consequently, imputation methods have been suggested. In this paper, an algorithm that is based on conjugate gradient (CG) method is proposed to estimate missing values. k-nearest neighbors of the missed entry are first selected based on absolute values of their Pearson correlation coefficient. Then a subset of genes among the k-nearest neighbors is labeled as the best similar ones. CG algorithm with this subset as its input is then used to estimate the missing values. Our proposed CG based algorithm (CGimpute) is evaluated on different data sets. The results are compared with sequential local least squares (SLLSimpute), Bayesian principle component analysis (BPCAimpute), local least squares imputation (LLSimpute), iterated local least squares imputation (ILLSimpute) and adaptive k-nearest neighbors imputation (KNNKimpute) methods. The average of normalized root mean squares error (NRMSE) and relative NRMSE in different data sets with various missing rates shows CGimpute outperforms other methods. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Accurate human limb angle measurement: sensor fusion through Kalman, least mean squares and recursive least-squares adaptive filtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olivares, A.; Górriz, J. M.; Ramírez, J.; Olivares, G.

2011-02-01

Inertial sensors are widely used in human body motion monitoring systems since they permit us to determine the position of the subject's limbs. Limb angle measurement is carried out through the integration of the angular velocity measured by a rate sensor and the decomposition of the components of static gravity acceleration measured by an accelerometer. Different factors derived from the sensors' nature, such as the angle random walk and dynamic bias, lead to erroneous measurements. Dynamic bias effects can be reduced through the use of adaptive filtering based on sensor fusion concepts. Most existing published works use a Kalman filtering sensor fusion approach. Our aim is to perform a comparative study among different adaptive filters. Several least mean squares (LMS), recursive least squares (RLS) and Kalman filtering variations are tested for the purpose of finding the best method leading to a more accurate and robust limb angle measurement. A new angle wander compensation sensor fusion approach based on LMS and RLS filters has been developed.

Morphologies and optical and electrical properties of InGaN/GaN micro-square array light-emitting diode chips.

PubMed

Han, Dan; Ma, Shufang; Jia, Zhigang; Liu, Peizhi; Jia, Wei; Shang, Lin; Zhai, Guangmei; Xu, Bingshe

2018-04-10

InGaN/GaN micro-square array light-emitting diode (LED) chips (micro-chips) have been prepared via the focused ion beam (FIB) etching technique, which can not only reduce ohmic contact degradation but also control the aspect ratio precisely in three-dimensional (3D) structure LED (3D-LED) device fabrication. The effects of FIB beam current and micro-square array depth on morphologies and optical and electrical properties of the micro-chips have been studied. Our results show that sidewall surface morphology and optical and electrical properties of the micro-chips degrade with increased beam current. After potassium hydroxide etching with different times, an optimal current-voltage and luminescence performance can be obtained. Combining the results of cathodoluminescence mappings and light output-current characteristics, the light extraction efficiency of the micro-chips is reduced as FIB etch depth increases. The mechanisms of micro-square depth on light extraction have been revealed by 3D finite difference time domain.

Single-polarization hollow-core square photonic bandgap waveguide

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

Eguchi, Masashi, E-mail: megu@ieee.org; Tsuji, Yasuhide, E-mail: y-tsuji@mmm.muroran-it.ac.jp

Materials with a periodic structure have photonic bandgaps (PBGs), in which light can not be guided within certain wavelength ranges; thus light can be confined within a low-index region by the bandgap effect. In this paper, rectangular-shaped hollow waveguides having waveguide-walls (claddings) using the PBG have been discussed. The design principle for HE modes of hollow-core rectangular PBG waveguides with a Bragg cladding consisting of alternating high- and low-index layers, based on a 1D periodic multilayer approximation for the Bragg cladding, is established and then a novel single-polarization hollow-core square PBG waveguide using the bandgap difference between two polarized wavesmore » is proposed. Our results demonstrated that a single-polarization guiding can be achieved by using the square Bragg cladding structure with different layer thickness ratios in the mutually orthogonal directions and the transmission loss of the guided mode in a designed hollow-core square PBG waveguide is numerically estimated to be 0.04 dB/cm.« less

Application of least median of squared orthogonal distance (LMD) and LMD-based reweighted least squares (RLS) methods on the stock-recruitment relationship

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yan-Jun; Liu, Qun

1999-03-01

Analysis of stock-recruitment (SR) data is most often done by fitting various SR relationship curves to the data. Fish population dynamics data often have stochastic variations and measurement errors, which usually result in a biased regression analysis. This paper presents a robust regression method, least median of squared orthogonal distance (LMD), which is insensitive to abnormal values in the dependent and independent variables in a regression analysis. Outliers that have significantly different variance from the rest of the data can be identified in a residual analysis. Then, the least squares (LS) method is applied to the SR data with defined outliers being down weighted. The application of LMD and LMD-based Reweighted Least Squares (RLS) method to simulated and real fisheries SR data is explored.

Highly Compact Circulators in Square-Lattice Photonic Crystal Waveguides

PubMed Central

Jin, Xin; Ouyang, Zhengbiao; Wang, Qiong; Lin, Mi; Wen, Guohua; Wang, Jingjing

2014-01-01

We propose, demonstrate and investigate highly compact circulators with ultra-low insertion loss in square-lattice- square-rod-photonic-crystal waveguides. Only a single magneto- optical square rod is required to be inserted into the cross center of waveguides, making the structure very compact and ultra efficient. The square rods around the center defect rod are replaced by several right-angled-triangle rods, reducing the insertion loss further and promoting the isolations as well. By choosing a linear-dispersion region and considering the mode patterns in the square magneto-optical rod, the operating mechanism of the circulator is analyzed. By applying the finite-element method together with the Nelder-Mead optimization method, an extremely low insertion loss of 0.02 dB for the transmitted wave and ultra high isolation of 46 dB∼48 dB for the isolated port are obtained. The idea presented can be applied to build circulators in different wavebands, e.g., microwave or Tera-Hertz. PMID:25415417

Highly compact circulators in square-lattice photonic crystal waveguides.

PubMed

Jin, Xin; Ouyang, Zhengbiao; Wang, Qiong; Lin, Mi; Wen, Guohua; Wang, Jingjing

2014-01-01

We propose, demonstrate and investigate highly compact circulators with ultra-low insertion loss in square-lattice- square-rod-photonic-crystal waveguides. Only a single magneto- optical square rod is required to be inserted into the cross center of waveguides, making the structure very compact and ultra efficient. The square rods around the center defect rod are replaced by several right-angled-triangle rods, reducing the insertion loss further and promoting the isolations as well. By choosing a linear-dispersion region and considering the mode patterns in the square magneto-optical rod, the operating mechanism of the circulator is analyzed. By applying the finite-element method together with the Nelder-Mead optimization method, an extremely low insertion loss of 0.02 dB for the transmitted wave and ultra high isolation of 46 dB∼48 dB for the isolated port are obtained. The idea presented can be applied to build circulators in different wavebands, e.g., microwave or Tera-Hertz.

Coherence analysis of a class of weighted networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Meifeng; He, Jiaojiao; Zong, Yue; Ju, Tingting; Sun, Yu; Su, Weiyi

2018-04-01

This paper investigates consensus dynamics in a dynamical system with additive stochastic disturbances that is characterized as network coherence by using the Laplacian spectrum. We introduce a class of weighted networks based on a complete graph and investigate the first- and second-order network coherence quantifying as the sum and square sum of reciprocals of all nonzero Laplacian eigenvalues. First, the recursive relationship of its eigenvalues at two successive generations of Laplacian matrix is deduced. Then, we compute the sum and square sum of reciprocal of all nonzero Laplacian eigenvalues. The obtained results show that the scalings of first- and second-order coherence with network size obey four and five laws, respectively, along with the range of the weight factor. Finally, it indicates that the scalings of our studied networks are smaller than other studied networks when 1/√{d }

Woofer-tweeter adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopic imaging based on Lagrange-multiplier damped least-squares algorithm.

PubMed

Zou, Weiyao; Qi, Xiaofeng; Burns, Stephen A

2011-07-01

We implemented a Lagrange-multiplier (LM)-based damped least-squares (DLS) control algorithm in a woofer-tweeter dual deformable-mirror (DM) adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO). The algorithm uses data from a single Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor to simultaneously correct large-amplitude low-order aberrations by a woofer DM and small-amplitude higher-order aberrations by a tweeter DM. We measured the in vivo performance of high resolution retinal imaging with the dual DM AOSLO. We compared the simultaneous LM-based DLS dual DM controller with both single DM controller, and a successive dual DM controller. We evaluated performance using both wavefront (RMS) and image quality metrics including brightness and power spectrum. The simultaneous LM-based dual DM AO can consistently provide near diffraction-limited in vivo routine imaging of human retina.

Evaluation of Endotracheal Tube Scraping on Airway Resistance.

PubMed

Scott, J Brady; Dubosky, Meagan N; Vines, David L; Sulaiman, Adewunmi S; Jendral, Kyle R; Singh, Gagan; Patel, Ankeet; Kaplan, Carl A; Gurka, David P; Balk, Robert A

2017-11-01

Spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs) are used to assess the readiness for discontinuation of mechanical ventilation. When airway resistance (R aw ) is elevated, the imposed work of breathing can lead to prolongation of mechanical ventilation. Biofilm and mucus build-up within the endotracheal tube (ETT) can increase R aw . Scraping the ETT can remove the biofilm build-up and decrease mechanical R aw . The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of ETT scraping on R aw . The secondary aim was to determine whether decreasing R aw would impact subsequent SBT success. Intubated, mechanically ventilated subjects were enrolled if they failed an SBT and had an R aw of > 10 cm H 2 O/L/s. SBT failure was based on institutional guidelines, and R aw was calculated by subtracting the difference between the measured peak and plateau pressures using a square flow waveform with an inspiratory flow set at 60 L/min. The endOclear device was inserted into the ETT and withdrawn per manufacturer's guidelines. Scraping was repeated until the ETT was cleared. Change in R aw was compared pre- and post-ETT scraping using a paired t test. A Mann-Whitney U test evaluated the difference in percentage change in R aw between SBT groups. Twenty-nine subjects completed the study. The mean pre- and post-ETT scraping R aw values were 15.17 ± 3.83 and 12.05 ± 3.19 cm H 2 O/L/s, respectively ( P < .001). Subsequent SBT success was 48%; however, there was no difference in percentage change in R aw between subsequent passed SBT (18.61% [interquartile range 8.90-33.93%]) and failed SBT (23.88% [interquartile range 0.00-34.80%]), U = 78.5, z = -0.284, P = .78. No adverse events were noted with ETT scraping. This study demonstrated that ETT scraping can reduce R aw . The decrease in R aw post-ETT scraping did not affect subsequent SBT success. Copyright © 2017 by Daedalus Enterprises.

Effect of genetic algorithm as a variable selection method on different chemometric models applied for the analysis of binary mixture of amoxicillin and flucloxacillin: A comparative study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Attia, Khalid A. M.; Nassar, Mohammed W. I.; El-Zeiny, Mohamed B.; Serag, Ahmed

2016-03-01

Different chemometric models were applied for the quantitative analysis of amoxicillin (AMX), and flucloxacillin (FLX) in their binary mixtures, namely, partial least squares (PLS), spectral residual augmented classical least squares (SRACLS), concentration residual augmented classical least squares (CRACLS) and artificial neural networks (ANNs). All methods were applied with and without variable selection procedure (genetic algorithm GA). The methods were used for the quantitative analysis of the drugs in laboratory prepared mixtures and real market sample via handling the UV spectral data. Robust and simpler models were obtained by applying GA. The proposed methods were found to be rapid, simple and required no preliminary separation steps.

Orthogonality catastrophe and fractional exclusion statistics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ares, Filiberto; Gupta, Kumar S.; de Queiroz, Amilcar R.

2018-02-01

We show that the N -particle Sutherland model with inverse-square and harmonic interactions exhibits orthogonality catastrophe. For a fixed value of the harmonic coupling, the overlap of the N -body ground state wave functions with two different values of the inverse-square interaction term goes to zero in the thermodynamic limit. When the two values of the inverse-square coupling differ by an infinitesimal amount, the wave function overlap shows an exponential suppression. This is qualitatively different from the usual power law suppression observed in the Anderson's orthogonality catastrophe. We also obtain an analytic expression for the wave function overlaps for an arbitrary set of couplings, whose properties are analyzed numerically. The quasiparticles constituting the ground state wave functions of the Sutherland model are known to obey fractional exclusion statistics. Our analysis indicates that the orthogonality catastrophe may be valid in systems with more general kinds of statistics than just the fermionic type.

Evaluation of Motor Neuron Excitability by CMAP Scanning with Electric Modulated Current

PubMed Central

Araújo, Tiago; Candeias, Rui; Nunes, Neuza; Gamboa, Hugo

2015-01-01

Introduction. Compound Muscle Action Potential (CMAP) scan is a noninvasive promissory technique for neurodegenerative pathologies diagnosis. In this work new CMAP scan protocols were implemented to study the influence of electrical pulse waveform on peripheral nerve excitability. Methods. A total of 13 healthy subjects were tested. Stimulation was performed with an increasing intensities range from 4 to 30 mA. The procedure was repeated 4 times per subject, using a different single pulse stimulation waveform: monophasic square and triangular and quadratic and biphasic square. Results. Different waveforms elicit different intensity-response amplitude curves. The square pulse needs less current to generate the same response amplitude regarding the other waves and this effect is gradually decreasing for the triangular, quadratic, and biphasic pulse, respectively. Conclusion. The stimulation waveform has a direct influence on the stimulus-response slope and consequently on the motoneurons excitability. This can be a new prognostic parameter for neurodegenerative disorders. PMID:26413499

Orthogonality catastrophe and fractional exclusion statistics.

PubMed

Ares, Filiberto; Gupta, Kumar S; de Queiroz, Amilcar R

2018-02-01

We show that the N-particle Sutherland model with inverse-square and harmonic interactions exhibits orthogonality catastrophe. For a fixed value of the harmonic coupling, the overlap of the N-body ground state wave functions with two different values of the inverse-square interaction term goes to zero in the thermodynamic limit. When the two values of the inverse-square coupling differ by an infinitesimal amount, the wave function overlap shows an exponential suppression. This is qualitatively different from the usual power law suppression observed in the Anderson's orthogonality catastrophe. We also obtain an analytic expression for the wave function overlaps for an arbitrary set of couplings, whose properties are analyzed numerically. The quasiparticles constituting the ground state wave functions of the Sutherland model are known to obey fractional exclusion statistics. Our analysis indicates that the orthogonality catastrophe may be valid in systems with more general kinds of statistics than just the fermionic type.

Adaptive Two Dimensional RLS (Recursive Least Squares) Algorithms

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-03-01

in Monterey wonderful. IX I. INTRODUCTION Adaptive algorithms have been used successfully for many years in a wide range of digital signal...SIMULATION RESULTS The 2-D FRLS algorithm was tested both on computer-generated data and on digitized images. For a baseline reference the 2-D L:rv1S...Alexander, S. T. Adaptivt Signal Processing: Theory and Applications. Springer- Verlag, New York. 1986. 7. Bellanger, Maurice G. Adaptive Digital

Innovations in fuels management: Demonstrating success in treating a serious threat of wildfire in Northern Minnesota

Treesearch

Dennis Neitzke

2007-01-01

This case study illustrates the positive effects of strategic fuels treatments in continuous heavy fuels. In 1999, a severe windstorm blew down close to 1,000 square miles of forest land in northern Minnesota and Canada. As much as 400,000 acres of the blowdown occurred in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Fire experts were invited to assess the hazardous...

Estimating Biochemical Parameters of Tea (camellia Sinensis (L.)) Using Hyperspectral Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bian, M.; Skidmore, A. K.; Schlerf, M.; Liu, Y.; Wang, T.

2012-07-01

Tea (Camellia Sinensis (L.)) is an important economic crop and the market price of tea depends largely on its quality. This research aims to explore the potential of hyperspectral remote sensing on predicting the concentration of biochemical components, namely total tea polyphenols, as indicators of tea quality at canopy scale. Experiments were carried out for tea plants growing in the field and greenhouse. Partial least squares regression (PLSR), which has proven to be the one of the most successful empirical approach, was performed to establish the relationship between reflectance and biochemical concentration across six tea varieties in the field. Moreover, a novel integrated approach involving successive projections algorithms as band selection method and neural networks was developed and applied to detect the concentration of total tea polyphenols for one tea variety, in order to explore and model complex nonlinearity relationships between independent (wavebands) and dependent (biochemicals) variables. The good prediction accuracies (r2 > 0.8 and relative RMSEP < 10 %) achieved for tea plants using both linear (partial lease squares regress) and nonlinear (artificial neural networks) modelling approaches in this study demonstrates the feasibility of using airborne and spaceborne sensors to cover wide areas of tea plantation for in situ monitoring of tea quality cheaply and rapidly.

Feasibility, stability and validity of the four square step test in typically developed children and children with brain damage.

PubMed

Leizerowitz, Gil; Katz-Leurer, Michal

2017-01-01

To assess feasibility, test-retest reliability and validity of the Four Square Step Test (FSST) in typically developed children (TD), and children with cerebral palsy (CP) and acquired brain injury (ABI). 30 TD children, 20 with CP and 12 with ABI participated in the study. The FSST while sitting and standing, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and the balance subtest of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test (BOT-2) were assessed. Each child attempted the FSST twice within 1 week. The scores for the FSST were assigned according to the original test: two successes in four trials, and according to a more lenient test, one success in four trials. The original form of the FSST is not feasible for children with CP or ABI. In TD children the lenient version is feasible (93%) and has moderate stability (Interclass correlation, ICC = 0.723), with a significant, positive correlation with the TUG (r s = 0.56). In children with CP the lenient test is feasible (80%), stable (r s = 0.83) and negatively correlates with the BOT-2 (r s =-0.69). In children with ABI the test is less feasible (67%) and neither stable nor valid. The lenient form of the FSST is feasible, reliable and valid in TD children and children with CP.

Successive Projections Algorithm-Multivariable Linear Regression Classifier for the Detection of Contaminants on Chicken Carcasses in Hyperspectral Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, W.; Chen, G. Y.; Kang, R.; Xia, J. C.; Huang, Y. P.; Chen, K. J.

2017-07-01

During slaughtering and further processing, chicken carcasses are inevitably contaminated by microbial pathogen contaminants. Due to food safety concerns, many countries implement a zero-tolerance policy that forbids the placement of visibly contaminated carcasses in ice-water chiller tanks during processing. Manual detection of contaminants is labor consuming and imprecise. Here, a successive projections algorithm (SPA)-multivariable linear regression (MLR) classifier based on an optimal performance threshold was developed for automatic detection of contaminants on chicken carcasses. Hyperspectral images were obtained using a hyperspectral imaging system. A regression model of the classifier was established by MLR based on twelve characteristic wavelengths (505, 537, 561, 562, 564, 575, 604, 627, 656, 665, 670, and 689 nm) selected by SPA , and the optimal threshold T = 1 was obtained from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The SPA-MLR classifier provided the best detection results when compared with the SPA-partial least squares (PLS) regression classifier and the SPA-least squares supported vector machine (LS-SVM) classifier. The true positive rate (TPR) of 100% and the false positive rate (FPR) of 0.392% indicate that the SPA-MLR classifier can utilize spatial and spectral information to effectively detect contaminants on chicken carcasses.

Controlling Tensegrity Robots through Evolution using Friction based Actuation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kothapalli, Tejasvi; Agogino, Adrian K.

2017-01-01

Traditional robotic structures have limitations in planetary exploration as their rigid structural joints are prone to damage in new and rough terrains. In contrast, robots based on tensegrity structures, composed of rods and tensile cables, offer a highly robust, lightweight, and energy efficient solution over traditional robots. In addition tensegrity robots can be highly configurable by rearranging their topology of rods, cables and motors. However, these highly configurable tensegrity robots pose a significant challenge for locomotion due to their complexity. This study investigates a control pattern for successful locomotion in tensegrity robots through an evolutionary algorithm. A twelve-rod hardware model is rapidly prototyped to utilize a new actuation method based on friction. A web-based physics simulation is created to model the twelve-rod tensegrity ball structure. Square-waves are used as control policies for the actuators of the tensegrity structure. Monte Carlo trials are run to find the most successful number of amplitudes for the square-wave control policy. From the results, an evolutionary algorithm is implemented to find the most optimized solution for locomotion of the twelve-rod tensegrity structure. The software pattern coupled with the new friction based actuation method can serve as the basis for highly efficient tensegrity robots in space exploration.

Application of silica fume as a new SP-extractor for trace determination of Zn(II) and Cd(II) in pharmaceutical and environmental samples by square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, Salwa A.; Gaber, Ahmed A. Abdel; Rahim, Asmaa M. Abdel

2017-05-01

In this work, silica fume (SF) is used as a solid-phase extractor for extraction of Zn(II) and Cd(II) from aqueous solutions. Characterization of SF is performed by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The optimum experimental conditions for the two metal ions are investigated using batch and column techniques. The maximum adsorption capacity values are found to be 54.13 and 121.28 mg g-1 at the optimum pH 6.0 and 8.0 for Zn(II) and Cd(II), respectively. The equilibrium data are analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms by nonlinear regression analysis. Also, the kinetics analysis revealed that the overall adsorption process is successfully fitted with the pseudo-second-order model. The method is applied for determination of the target metal ions in pharmaceutical and environmental samples using square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry. The limit of detection (LOD) values are 0.102 and 1.43 × 10-3 mg L-1 for Zn(II) and Cd(II), respectively. The percentage recovery values are 98.8-100.5 % which indicate the success of the proposed method for determination of Zn(II) and Cd(II) without interfering effects.

Off-Resonance Acoustic Levitation Without Rotation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barmatz, M. B.; Allen, J. L.

1984-01-01

Orthogonal acoustic-levitation modes excited at slightly different frequencies to control rotation. Rotation of object in square cross-section acoustic-levitation chamber stopped by detuning two orthogonal (x and y) excitation drivers in plane of square cross section. Detuning done using fundamental degenerate modes or odd harmonic modes.

Dem Generation with WORLDVIEW-2 Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Büyüksalih, G.; Baz, I.; Alkan, M.; Jacobsen, K.

2012-07-01

For planning purposes 42 km coast line of the Black Sea, starting at the Bosporus going in West direction, with a width of approximately 5 km, was imaged by WorldView-2. Three stereo scenes have been oriented at first by 3D-affine transformation and later by bias corrected RPC solution. The result is nearly the same, but it is limited by identification of the control points in the images. Nevertheless after blunder elimination by data snooping root mean square discrepancies below 1 pixel have been reached. The root mean square discrepancy at control point height reached 0.5 m up to 1.3 m with a base to height relation between 1:1.26 and 1:1.80. Digital Surface models (DSM) with 4 m spacing have been generated by least squares matching with region growing, supported by image pyramids. A higher percentage of the mountainous area is covered by forest, requiring the approximation based on image pyramids. In the forest area the approximation just by region growing leads to larger gaps in the DSM. Caused by the good image quality of WorldView-2 the correlation coefficients reached by least squares matching are high and even in most forest areas a satisfying density of accepted points was reached. Two stereo models have an overlapping area of 1.6 km times 6.7 km allowing an accuracy evaluation. Small, but nevertheless significant differences in scene orientation have been eliminated by least squares shift of both overlapping height models to each other. The root mean square differences of both independent DSM are 1.06m or as a function of terrain inclination 0.74 m + 0.55 m  tangent (slope). The terrain inclination in the average is 7° with 12% exceeding 17°. The frequency distribution of height discrepancies is not far away from normal distribution, but as usual, larger discrepancies are more often available as corresponding to normal distribution. This also can be seen by the normalized medium absolute deviation (NMAS) related to 68% probability level of 0.83m being significant smaller as the root mean square differences. Nevertheless the results indicate a standard deviation of the single height models of 0.75 m or 0.52 m + 0.39* tangent (slope), corresponding to approximately 0.6 pixels for the x-parallax in flat terrain, being very satisfying for the available land cover. An interpolation over 10 m enlarged the root mean square differences of both height models nearly by 50%.

An Exploratory Study of Autonomic Function Investigations in Hemophiliacs on Homoeopathy Medications Using Impedance Plethysmography

PubMed Central

Kundu, Tapas K.; Barde, Pradip B.; Jindal, Ghanshyam D.; Motiwala, Farooq F.

2017-01-01

Background. Status of autonomic homoeostasis in hemostasic disturbances due to hemophilia needs to be studied. Objectives. To compare autonomic nervous system markers measured by heart rate variability (HRV) and blood flow variability (BFV) in hemophiliacs and healthy age-matched control population using medical analyzer system. Design. Cross-sectional study. Settings. Motiwala Homoeopathy Medical College, and Hemophilia Clinics, Nashik. Subjects. Eighty subjects. Interventions. Nil. Outcome Measures. Autonomic function markers for HRV and BFV. Results. Among 80 subjects, BFV time domain measure, root mean square of successive NN (normal-to-normal) interval differences (RMSSD), was significantly higher among hemophiliacs than nonhemophiliacs. Frequency domain analysis parameter, low frequency for both HRV and BFV was significantly higher among hemophiliacs as compared with nonhemophiliacs. Conclusions. Hemophiliacs were shown to have higher autonomic activity as compared with healthy controls. Homoeopathic medicines used as an adjunct was associated with decrease in parasympathetic modulations. PMID:28719973

Sexually selected females in the monogamous Western Australian seahorse.

PubMed

Kvarnemo, Charlotta; Moore, Glenn I; Jones, Adam G

2007-02-22

Studies of sexual selection in monogamous species have hitherto focused on sexual selection among males. Here, we provide empirical documentation that sexual selection can also act strongly on females in a natural population with a monogamous mating system. In our field-based genetic study of the monogamous Western Australian seahorse, Hippocampus subelongatus, sexual selection differentials and gradients show that females are under stronger sexual selection than males: mated females are larger than unmated ones, whereas mated and unmated males do not differ in size. In addition, the opportunity for sexual selection (variance in mating success divided by its mean squared) for females is almost three times that for males. These results, which seem to be generated by a combination of a male preference for larger females and a female-biased adult sex ratio, indicate that substantial sexual selection on females is a potentially important but under-appreciated evolutionary phenomenon in monogamous species.

Region of influence regression for estimating the 50-year flood at ungaged sites

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tasker, Gary D.; Hodge, S.A.; Barks, C.S.

1996-01-01

Five methods of developing regional regression models to estimate flood characteristics at ungaged sites in Arkansas are examined. The methods differ in the manner in which the State is divided into subrogions. Each successive method (A to E) is computationally more complex than the previous method. Method A makes no subdivision. Methods B and C define two and four geographic subrogions, respectively. Method D uses cluster/discriminant analysis to define subrogions on the basis of similarities in watershed characteristics. Method E, the new region of influence method, defines a unique subregion for each ungaged site. Split-sample results indicate that, in terms of root-mean-square error, method E (38 percent error) is best. Methods C and D (42 and 41 percent error) were in a virtual tie for second, and methods B (44 percent error) and A (49 percent error) were fourth and fifth best.

Disability on campus: a perspective from faculty and staff.

PubMed

Shigaki, Cheryl L; Anderson, Kim M; Howald, Carol L; Henson, Lee; Gregg, Bonnie E

2012-01-01

To identify employee perceptions regarding disability-related workplace issues in Institutions of Higher Education (IHE). Faculty and staff (N=1,144) at a large, Midwestern university. A voluntary on-line survey of disability-related employment issues was developed by the university's Chancellor's Committee of Persons with Disabilities. Item responses were analyzed using descriptive and Pearson chi-square statistical methods. Fifteen percent of faculty and staff respondents were found to have disabilities, with 26% reporting experience of job discrimination, and 20% reporting harassment because of their disability. Results indicated significant differences on gender, employment standing (i.e., faculty or staff) and disability status (i.e., with or without a disability), in regard to perceptions of disability acceptance, campus accessibility, disability awareness, ADA policy, and knowledge of work accommodation procedures. Recommendations for IHEs are provided to promote a welcoming and inclusive campus that ultimately supports work success for persons with a disability.

Development and validation of an APCI-MS/GC–MS approach for the classification and prediction of Cheddar cheese maturity

PubMed Central

Gan, Heng Hui; Yan, Bingnan; Linforth, Robert S.T.; Fisk, Ian D.

2016-01-01

Headspace techniques have been extensively employed in food analysis to measure volatile compounds, which play a central role in the perceived quality of food. In this study atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation-mass spectrometry (APCI-MS), coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), was used to investigate the complex mix of volatile compounds present in Cheddar cheeses of different maturity, processing and recipes to enable characterisation of the cheeses based on their ripening stages. Partial least squares-linear discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) provided a 70% success rate in correct prediction of the age of the cheeses based on their key headspace volatile profiles. In addition to predicting maturity, the analytical results coupled with chemometrics offered a rapid and detailed profiling of the volatile component of Cheddar cheeses, which could offer a new tool for quality assessment and accelerate product development. PMID:26212994

Sexually selected females in the monogamous Western Australian seahorse

PubMed Central

Kvarnemo, Charlotta; Moore, Glenn I; Jones, Adam G

2006-01-01

Studies of sexual selection in monogamous species have hitherto focused on sexual selection among males. Here, we provide empirical documentation that sexual selection can also act strongly on females in a natural population with a monogamous mating system. In our field-based genetic study of the monogamous Western Australian seahorse, Hippocampus subelongatus, sexual selection differentials and gradients show that females are under stronger sexual selection than males: mated females are larger than unmated ones, whereas mated and unmated males do not differ in size. In addition, the opportunity for sexual selection (variance in mating success divided by its mean squared) for females is almost three times that for males. These results, which seem to be generated by a combination of a male preference for larger females and a female-biased adult sex ratio, indicate that substantial sexual selection on females is a potentially important but under-appreciated evolutionary phenomenon in monogamous species. PMID:17476772

Simple Test Functions in Meshless Local Petrov-Galerkin Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raju, Ivatury S.

2016-01-01

Two meshless local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) methods based on two different trial functions but that use a simple linear test function were developed for beam and column problems. These methods used generalized moving least squares (GMLS) and radial basis (RB) interpolation functions as trial functions. These two methods were tested on various patch test problems. Both methods passed the patch tests successfully. Then the methods were applied to various beam vibration problems and problems involving Euler and Beck's columns. Both methods yielded accurate solutions for all problems studied. The simple linear test function offers considerable savings in computing efforts as the domain integrals involved in the weak form are avoided. The two methods based on this simple linear test function method produced accurate results for frequencies and buckling loads. Of the two methods studied, the method with radial basis trial functions is very attractive as the method is simple, accurate, and robust.

New Computer Automated Holo-Photoelastic Method For Measuring Planar Principal Stress Magnitudes And Orientation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, G. M.; Sullivan, J. L.

1987-09-01

A complete experimental determination of the stress and strain fields in an arbitrary deformed structure is generally unavailable. However, for two dimensional elasticity problems, such determinations are possible since in those cases one needs only to solve for three stresses (two normal and one shear). In fact, such determinations have been conducted quite often. By using isochromatic and isoclinic photoelastic data, the shear difference and numerical iteration techniques (1) and the least squares techniques (2) have been successfully used for complete stress field determinations of two dimensional elasticity problems. Though the shear difference technique can be particularly sensitive to cumulative errors resulting from numerical integration, the least squares technique is not affected by this and appears to yield better accuracy. The methods just cited use both experimental data and one or more mechanics conditions(e.g., the equations of equilibrium) to determine the stress field. However, the stress field can also be obtained from experimental data alone for planar elasticity problems, if there is enough of it to solve for the three stresses. For example, the Moire* technique or the combination of isochromatic, isoclinic, and isopachic data (for transparent models) can be used for such determinations. Further, with the marriage of advanced image processing equipment to computers, such analyses using this type of data can be conveniently conducted. It is even possible that such analyses could be more accurate than those using the combined experimental/numerical techniques cited above. The purposes of this report are two fold: i) to describe a single apparatus for obtaining isochromatic, isopachic, and isoclinic results for complete stress field determinations of two dimensional transparent models, and ii) to compare experimental and theoretical stress field values for an antisymmetrically loaded beam obtained using that apparatus.

Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis Based on Normalized Two-Stage Vegetation Indices for Mapping Damage from Rice Diseases Using PlanetScope Datasets.

PubMed

Shi, Yue; Huang, Wenjiang; Ye, Huichun; Ruan, Chao; Xing, Naichen; Geng, Yun; Dong, Yingying; Peng, Dailiang

2018-06-11

In recent decades, rice disease co-epidemics have caused tremendous damage to crop production in both China and Southeast Asia. A variety of remote sensing based approaches have been developed and applied to map diseases distribution using coarse- to moderate-resolution imagery. However, the detection and discrimination of various disease species infecting rice were seldom assessed using high spatial resolution data. The aims of this study were (1) to develop a set of normalized two-stage vegetation indices (VIs) for characterizing the progressive development of different diseases with rice; (2) to explore the performance of combined normalized two-stage VIs in partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA); and (3) to map and evaluate the damage caused by rice diseases at fine spatial scales, for the first time using bi-temporal, high spatial resolution imagery from PlanetScope datasets at a 3 m spatial resolution. Our findings suggest that the primary biophysical parameters caused by different disease (e.g., changes in leaf area, pigment contents, or canopy morphology) can be captured using combined normalized two-stage VIs. PLS-DA was able to classify rice diseases at a sub-field scale, with an overall accuracy of 75.62% and a Kappa value of 0.47. The approach was successfully applied during a typical co-epidemic outbreak of rice dwarf (Rice dwarf virus, RDV), rice blast ( Magnaporthe oryzae ), and glume blight ( Phyllosticta glumarum ) in Guangxi Province, China. Furthermore, our approach highlighted the feasibility of the method in capturing heterogeneous disease patterns at fine spatial scales over the large spatial extents.

The Efficacy of Buccal Infiltration of 4% Articaine and PSA Injection of 2% Lidocaine on Anesthesia of Maxillary Second Molars

PubMed Central

Maljaei, Ensiyeh; Pourkazemi, Maryam; Ghanizadeh, Milad; Ranjbar, Rana

2017-01-01

Introduction: During the early mixed dentition period, the location of the deciduous maxillary second molar results in ineffectiveness of the infiltration technique in this area. In such cases, administration of posterior superior alveolar (PSA) nerve block is recommended; however, such a technique has some complications. The present study was undertaken to compare the effects of buccal infiltration of 4% Articaine and PSA technique with 2% Lidocaine on the success of anesthesia of maxillary deciduous second molars in 6 to 9-year old children. Methods and Materials: In the present double-blind randomized clinical trial, 56 children aged 6-9 years requiring vital pulp therapy of deciduous maxillary second molar were included. In group 1, 4% Articaine was injected using a buccal infiltration technique. In group 2, 2% Lidocaine was injected using the PSA nerve block technique. After 10 min, the caries was removed and access cavity preparation was instituted. The patients were asked to report the presence or absence of pain during the procedure. Therefore, the existence of pain was measured by the patient's self-report. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistical methods and the chi-squared test. Results: Pain was reported by 6 (21.4%) and 9 (32.1%) subjects in the Articaine and Lidocaine groups, respectively. Chi-squared test did not reveal any significant differences between the two groups (P=0.54). Conclusion: Under the limitations of the present study, there was no significant differences between the results of Articaine buccal infiltration and Lidocaine PSA technique, so Articaine buccal infiltration can be used as a substitute for the PSA technique. PMID:28808450

Membrane Introduction Mass Spectrometry Combined with an Orthogonal Partial-Least Squares Calibration Model for Mixture Analysis.

PubMed

Li, Min; Zhang, Lu; Yao, Xiaolong; Jiang, Xingyu

2017-01-01

The emerging membrane introduction mass spectrometry technique has been successfully used to detect benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene (BTEX), while overlapped spectra have unfortunately hindered its further application to the analysis of mixtures. Multivariate calibration, an efficient method to analyze mixtures, has been widely applied. In this paper, we compared univariate and multivariate analyses for quantification of the individual components of mixture samples. The results showed that the univariate analysis creates poor models with regression coefficients of 0.912, 0.867, 0.440 and 0.351 for BTEX, respectively. For multivariate analysis, a comparison to the partial-least squares (PLS) model shows that the orthogonal partial-least squares (OPLS) regression exhibits an optimal performance with regression coefficients of 0.995, 0.999, 0.980 and 0.976, favorable calibration parameters (RMSEC and RMSECV) and a favorable validation parameter (RMSEP). Furthermore, the OPLS exhibits a good recovery of 73.86 - 122.20% and relative standard deviation (RSD) of the repeatability of 1.14 - 4.87%. Thus, MIMS coupled with the OPLS regression provides an optimal approach for a quantitative BTEX mixture analysis in monitoring and predicting water pollution.

A novel second-order standard addition analytical method based on data processing with multidimensional partial least-squares and residual bilinearization.

PubMed

Lozano, Valeria A; Ibañez, Gabriela A; Olivieri, Alejandro C

2009-10-05

In the presence of analyte-background interactions and a significant background signal, both second-order multivariate calibration and standard addition are required for successful analyte quantitation achieving the second-order advantage. This report discusses a modified second-order standard addition method, in which the test data matrix is subtracted from the standard addition matrices, and quantitation proceeds via the classical external calibration procedure. It is shown that this novel data processing method allows one to apply not only parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and multivariate curve resolution-alternating least-squares (MCR-ALS), but also the recently introduced and more flexible partial least-squares (PLS) models coupled to residual bilinearization (RBL). In particular, the multidimensional variant N-PLS/RBL is shown to produce the best analytical results. The comparison is carried out with the aid of a set of simulated data, as well as two experimental data sets: one aimed at the determination of salicylate in human serum in the presence of naproxen as an additional interferent, and the second one devoted to the analysis of danofloxacin in human serum in the presence of salicylate.

Application of least square support vector machine and multivariate adaptive regression spline models in long term prediction of river water pollution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kisi, Ozgur; Parmar, Kulwinder Singh

2016-03-01

This study investigates the accuracy of least square support vector machine (LSSVM), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) and M5 model tree (M5Tree) in modeling river water pollution. Various combinations of water quality parameters, Free Ammonia (AMM), Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), Water Temperature (WT), Total Coliform (TC), Fecal Coliform (FC) and Potential of Hydrogen (pH) monitored at Nizamuddin, Delhi Yamuna River in India were used as inputs to the applied models. Results indicated that the LSSVM and MARS models had almost same accuracy and they performed better than the M5Tree model in modeling monthly chemical oxygen demand (COD). The average root mean square error (RMSE) of the LSSVM and M5Tree models was decreased by 1.47% and 19.1% using MARS model, respectively. Adding TC input to the models did not increase their accuracy in modeling COD while adding FC and pH inputs to the models generally decreased the accuracy. The overall results indicated that the MARS and LSSVM models could be successfully used in estimating monthly river water pollution level by using AMM, TKN and WT parameters as inputs.

A comparative analysis of human plasma and serum proteins by combining native PAGE, whole-gel slicing and quantitative LC-MS/MS: Utilizing native MS-electropherograms in proteomic analysis for discovering structure and interaction-correlated differences.

PubMed

Wen, Meiling; Jin, Ya; Manabe, Takashi; Chen, Shumin; Tan, Wen

2017-12-01

MS identification has long been used for PAGE-separated protein bands, but global and systematic quantitation utilizing MS after PAGE has remained rare and not been reported for native PAGE. Here we reported on a new method combining native PAGE, whole-gel slicing and quantitative LC-MS/MS, aiming at comparative analysis on not only abundance, but also structures and interactions of proteins. A pair of human plasma and serum samples were used as test samples and separated on a native PAGE gel. Six lanes of each sample were cut, each lane was further sliced into thirty-five 1.1 mm × 1.1 mm squares and all the squares were subjected to standardized procedures of in-gel digestion and quantitative LC-MS/MS. The results comprised 958 data rows that each contained abundance values of a protein detected in one square in eleven gel lanes (one plasma lane excluded). The data were evaluated to have satisfactory reproducibility of assignment and quantitation. Totally 315 proteins were assigned, with each protein assigned in 1-28 squares. The abundance distributions in the plasma and serum gel lanes were reconstructed for each protein, named as "native MS-electropherograms". Comparison of the electropherograms revealed significant plasma-versus-serum differences on 33 proteins in 87 squares (fold difference > 2 or < 0.5, p < 0.05). Many of the differences matched with accumulated knowledge on protein interactions and proteolysis involved in blood coagulation, complement and wound healing processes. We expect this method would be useful to provide more comprehensive information in comparative proteomic analysis, on both quantities and structures/interactions. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Measurement invariance via multigroup SEM: Issues and solutions with chi-square-difference tests.

PubMed

Yuan, Ke-Hai; Chan, Wai

2016-09-01

Multigroup structural equation modeling (SEM) plays a key role in studying measurement invariance and in group comparison. When population covariance matrices are deemed not equal across groups, the next step to substantiate measurement invariance is to see whether the sample covariance matrices in all the groups can be adequately fitted by the same factor model, called configural invariance. After configural invariance is established, cross-group equalities of factor loadings, error variances, and factor variances-covariances are then examined in sequence. With mean structures, cross-group equalities of intercepts and factor means are also examined. The established rule is that if the statistic at the current model is not significant at the level of .05, one then moves on to testing the next more restricted model using a chi-square-difference statistic. This article argues that such an established rule is unable to control either Type I or Type II errors. Analysis, an example, and Monte Carlo results show why and how chi-square-difference tests are easily misused. The fundamental issue is that chi-square-difference tests are developed under the assumption that the base model is sufficiently close to the population, and a nonsignificant chi-square statistic tells little about how good the model is. To overcome this issue, this article further proposes that null hypothesis testing in multigroup SEM be replaced by equivalence testing, which allows researchers to effectively control the size of misspecification before moving on to testing a more restricted model. R code is also provided to facilitate the applications of equivalence testing for multigroup SEM. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Error analysis on squareness of multi-sensor integrated CMM for the multistep registration method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yan; Wang, Yiwen; Ye, Xiuling; Wang, Zhong; Fu, Luhua

2018-01-01

The multistep registration(MSR) method in [1] is to register two different classes of sensors deployed on z-arm of CMM(coordinate measuring machine): a video camera and a tactile probe sensor. In general, it is difficult to obtain a very precise registration result with a single common standard, instead, this method is achieved by measuring two different standards with a constant distance between them two which are fixed on a steel plate. Although many factors have been considered such as the measuring ability of sensors, the uncertainty of the machine and the number of data pairs, there is no exact analysis on the squareness between the x-axis and the y-axis on the xy plane. For this sake, error analysis on the squareness of multi-sensor integrated CMM for the multistep registration method will be made to examine the validation of the MSR method. Synthetic experiments on the squareness on the xy plane for the simplified MSR with an inclination rotation are simulated, which will lead to a regular result. Experiments have been carried out with the multi-standard device designed also in [1], meanwhile, inspections with the help of a laser interferometer on the xy plane have been carried out. The final results are conformed to the simulations, and the squareness errors of the MSR method are also similar to the results of interferometer. In other word, the MSR can also adopted/utilized to verify the squareness of a CMM.

Gender and Acceptance of E-Learning: A Multi-Group Analysis Based on a Structural Equation Model among College Students in Chile and Spain

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

The scope of this study was to evaluate whether the adoption of e-learning in two universities, and in particular, the relationship between the perception of external control and perceived ease of use, is different because of gender differences. The study was carried out with participating students in two different universities, one in Chile and one in Spain. The Technology Acceptance Model was used as a theoretical framework for the study. A multi-group analysis method in partial least squares was employed to relate differences between groups. The four main conclusions of the study are: (1) a version of the Technology Acceptance Model has been successfully used to explain the process of adoption of e-learning at an undergraduate level of study; (2) the finding of a strong and significant relationship between perception of external control and perception of ease of use of the e-learning platform; (3) a significant relationship between perceived enjoyment and perceived ease of use and between results demonstrability and perceived usefulness is found; (4) the study indicates a few statistically significant differences between males and females when adopting an e-learning platform, according to the tested model. PMID:26465895

ICSI Outcome in Infertile Couples with Different Causes of Infertility: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PubMed

Ashrafi, Mahnaz; Jahanian Sadatmahalleh, Shahideh; Akhoond, Mohammad Reza; Ghaffari, Firouzeh; Zolfaghari, Zahra

2013-07-01

Different success rate of Intracytoplasmic Sperm injection (ICSI) has been observed in various causes of infertility. In this study, we evaluated the relation between ICSI outcome and different causes of infertility. We also aimed to examine parameters that might predict the pregnancy success rate following ICSI. This cross sectional study included1492 infertile women referred to Infertility Center of Royan Institute between 2010 and 2011. We assigned two groups including pregnant (n=504) and non-pregnant (n=988), while all participants underwent ICSI cycles. All statistics were performed by SPSS program. Statistical Analysis was carried out using Chi-square and t test. Logistic regression was done to build a prediction model in ICSI cycles. The overall clinical pregnancy rate in our study was 33.9% (n=1492). There was a statistically significant difference in mean serum concentration on day 3 after application of luteinizing hormone (LH) between the pregnant and the non-pregnant groups (p<0.05). However, There were no significant differences between two groups in the serum concentrations on day 3 after application of the following hormones: folliclestimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and metoclopramidestimulated prolactin (PRL) . We found no association between different causes of infertility and clinical outcomes . The number of metaphase II (MII) oocytes, embryo transfer, number of good embryo (grade A, B, AB), total dose of gonadotropin, endometrial thickness, maternal age, number of previous cycle were statistically significant between two groups (p<0.05). Our results indicate that ICSI in an effective option in couples with different causes of infertility. These variables were integrated into a statistical model to allow the prediction for the chance of pregnancy following ICSI cycles. It is required that each infertility center gather enough information about the causes of infertility in order to provide more information and better assistance to patients. Therefore, we suggest that physicians prepare adequate training and required information regarding these procedures for infertile couples in order to improve their knowledge.

The Chi-Square Test: Often Used and More Often Misinterpreted

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Franke, Todd Michael; Ho, Timothy; Christie, Christina A.

2012-01-01

The examination of cross-classified category data is common in evaluation and research, with Karl Pearson's family of chi-square tests representing one of the most utilized statistical analyses for answering questions about the association or difference between categorical variables. Unfortunately, these tests are also among the more commonly…

An Examination of Statistical Power in Multigroup Dynamic Structural Equation Models

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prindle, John J.; McArdle, John J.

2012-01-01

This study used statistical simulation to calculate differential statistical power in dynamic structural equation models with groups (as in McArdle & Prindle, 2008). Patterns of between-group differences were simulated to provide insight into how model parameters influence power approximations. Chi-square and root mean square error of…

Anesthetic Efficacy of Articaine and Ketamine for Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Study

PubMed Central

Sakhaeimanesh, Vahid; Khazaei, Saber; Kaviani, Naser; Saatchi, Masoud; Shafiei, Maryam; Khademi, Abbasali

2017-01-01

Introduction: The aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind study was to investigate the effect of articaine combined with ketamine on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in posterior mandible teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Methods and Materials: Forty two adult patients with diagnosis of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis of a mandibular posterior tooth were selected. The patients received two cartridges of either containing 3.2 mL 4% articaine with epinephrine 1:200000 and 0.4 mL 50 mg/mL ketamine hydrochloride (A-ketamine group) or 3.2 mL 4% articaine with epinephrine 1:200000 and 0.4 mL normal saline (A-saline group) using conventional IANB injections. Access cavity preparation started 15 min after injection. Lip numbness was required for all the patients. Success was considered as no or mild pain on the basis of Heft-Parker visual analog scale recordings upon access cavity preparation or initial instrumentation. Data were analyzed by independent student t, Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests. Results: The success rates were 55% and 42.9% for A-ketamine and A-saline group, respectively, with no significant differences between the two groups (P=0.437). Conclusion: Adding 0.4 mL 50 mg/mL ketamine hydrochloride to the articaine local anesthetic did not increase the efficacy of IANB for posterior mandibular teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. PMID:29225640

Quantized kernel least mean square algorithm.

PubMed

Chen, Badong; Zhao, Songlin; Zhu, Pingping; Príncipe, José C

2012-01-01

In this paper, we propose a quantization approach, as an alternative of sparsification, to curb the growth of the radial basis function structure in kernel adaptive filtering. The basic idea behind this method is to quantize and hence compress the input (or feature) space. Different from sparsification, the new approach uses the "redundant" data to update the coefficient of the closest center. In particular, a quantized kernel least mean square (QKLMS) algorithm is developed, which is based on a simple online vector quantization method. The analytical study of the mean square convergence has been carried out. The energy conservation relation for QKLMS is established, and on this basis we arrive at a sufficient condition for mean square convergence, and a lower and upper bound on the theoretical value of the steady-state excess mean square error. Static function estimation and short-term chaotic time-series prediction examples are presented to demonstrate the excellent performance.

Equivalent square formula for determining the surface dose of rectangular field from 6 MV therapeutic photon beam.

PubMed

Apipunyasopon, Lukkana; Srisatit, Somyot; Phaisangittisakul, Nakorn

2013-09-06

The purpose of the study was to investigate the use of the equivalent square formula for determining the surface dose from a rectangular photon beam. A 6 MV therapeutic photon beam delivered from a Varian Clinac 23EX medical linear accelerator was modeled using the EGS4nrc Monte Carlo simulation package. It was then used to calculate the dose in the build-up region from both square and rectangular fields. The field patterns were defined by various settings of the X- and Y-collimator jaw ranging from 5 to 20 cm. Dose measurements were performed using a thermoluminescence dosimeter and a Markus parallel-plate ionization chamber on the four square fields (5 × 5, 10 × 10, 15 × 15, and 20 × 20 cm2). The surface dose was acquired by extrapolating the build-up doses to the surface. An equivalent square for a rectangular field was determined using the area-to-perimeter formula, and the surface dose of the equivalent square was estimated using the square-field data. The surface dose of square field increased linearly from approximately 10% to 28% as the side of the square field increased from 5 to 20 cm. The influence of collimator exchange on the surface dose was found to be not significant. The difference in the percentage surface dose of the rectangular field compared to that of the relevant equivalent square was insignificant and can be clinically neglected. The use of the area-to-perimeter formula for an equivalent square field can provide a clinically acceptable surface dose estimation for a rectangular field from a 6 MV therapy photon beam.

Two-way and three-way approaches to ultra high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array dataset for the quantitative resolution of a two-component mixture containing ciprofloxacin and ornidazole.

PubMed

Dinç, Erdal; Ertekin, Zehra Ceren; Büker, Eda

2016-09-01

Two-way and three-way calibration models were applied to ultra high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array data with coeluted peaks in the same wavelength and time regions for the simultaneous quantitation of ciprofloxacin and ornidazole in tablets. The chromatographic data cube (tensor) was obtained by recording chromatographic spectra of the standard and sample solutions containing ciprofloxacin and ornidazole with sulfadiazine as an internal standard as a function of time and wavelength. Parallel factor analysis and trilinear partial least squares were used as three-way calibrations for the decomposition of the tensor, whereas three-way unfolded partial least squares was applied as a two-way calibration to the unfolded dataset obtained from the data array of ultra high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection. The validity and ability of two-way and three-way analysis methods were tested by analyzing validation samples: synthetic mixture, interday and intraday samples, and standard addition samples. Results obtained from two-way and three-way calibrations were compared to those provided by traditional ultra high performance liquid chromatography. The proposed methods, parallel factor analysis, trilinear partial least squares, unfolded partial least squares, and traditional ultra high performance liquid chromatography were successfully applied to the quantitative estimation of the solid dosage form containing ciprofloxacin and ornidazole. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Rapid discrimination between buffalo and cow milk and detection of adulteration of buffalo milk with cow milk using synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy in combination with multivariate methods.

PubMed

Durakli Velioglu, Serap; Ercioglu, Elif; Boyaci, Ismail Hakki

2017-05-01

This research paper describes the potential of synchronous fluorescence (SF) spectroscopy for authentication of buffalo milk, a favourable raw material in the production of some premium dairy products. Buffalo milk is subjected to fraudulent activities like many other high priced foodstuffs. The current methods widely used for the detection of adulteration of buffalo milk have various disadvantages making them unattractive for routine analysis. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the potential of SF spectroscopy in combination with multivariate methods for rapid discrimination between buffalo and cow milk and detection of the adulteration of buffalo milk with cow milk. SF spectra of cow and buffalo milk samples were recorded between 400-550 nm excitation range with Δλ of 10-100 nm, in steps of 10 nm. The data obtained for ∆λ = 10 nm were utilised to classify the samples using principal component analysis (PCA), and detect the adulteration level of buffalo milk with cow milk using partial least square (PLS) methods. Successful discrimination of samples and detection of adulteration of buffalo milk with limit of detection value (LOD) of 6% are achieved with the models having root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) and the root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV) and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) values of 2, 7, and 4%, respectively. The results reveal the potential of SF spectroscopy for rapid authentication of buffalo milk.

Fabrication process of superconducting integrated circuits with submicron Nb/AlOx/Nb junctions using electron-beam direct writing technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aoyagi, Masahiro; Nakagawa, Hiroshi

1997-07-01

For enhancing operating speed of a superconducting integrated circuit (IC), the device size must be reduced into the submicron level. For this purpose, we have introduced electron beam (EB) direct writing technique into the fabrication process of a Nb/AlOx/Nb Josephson IC. A two-layer (PMMA/(alpha) M-CMS) resist method called the portable conformable mask (PCM) method was utilized for having a high aspect ratio. The electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma etching technique was utilized. We have fabricated micron or submicron-size Nb/AlOx/Nb Josephson junctions, where the size of the junction was varied from 2 micrometer to 0.5 micrometer at 0.1 micrometer intervals. These junctions were designed for evaluating the spread of the junction critical current. We achieved minimum-to-maximum Ic spread of plus or minus 13% for 0.81-micrometer-square (plus or minus 16% for 0.67-micrometer-square) 100 junctions spreading in 130- micrometer-square area. The size deviation of 0.05 micrometer was estimated from the spread values. We have successfully demonstrated a small-scale logic IC with 0.9-micrometer-square junctions having a 50 4JL OR-gate chain, where 4JL means four junctions logic family. The circuit was designed for measuring the gate delay. We obtained a preliminary result of the OR- gate logic delay, where the minimum delay was 8.6 ps/gate.

Error propagation of partial least squares for parameters optimization in NIR modeling.

PubMed

Du, Chenzhao; Dai, Shengyun; Qiao, Yanjiang; Wu, Zhisheng

2018-03-05

A novel methodology is proposed to determine the error propagation of partial least-square (PLS) for parameters optimization in near-infrared (NIR) modeling. The parameters include spectral pretreatment, latent variables and variable selection. In this paper, an open source dataset (corn) and a complicated dataset (Gardenia) were used to establish PLS models under different modeling parameters. And error propagation of modeling parameters for water quantity in corn and geniposide quantity in Gardenia were presented by both type І and type II error. For example, when variable importance in the projection (VIP), interval partial least square (iPLS) and backward interval partial least square (BiPLS) variable selection algorithms were used for geniposide in Gardenia, compared with synergy interval partial least squares (SiPLS), the error weight varied from 5% to 65%, 55% and 15%. The results demonstrated how and what extent the different modeling parameters affect error propagation of PLS for parameters optimization in NIR modeling. The larger the error weight, the worse the model. Finally, our trials finished a powerful process in developing robust PLS models for corn and Gardenia under the optimal modeling parameters. Furthermore, it could provide a significant guidance for the selection of modeling parameters of other multivariate calibration models. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Error propagation of partial least squares for parameters optimization in NIR modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Chenzhao; Dai, Shengyun; Qiao, Yanjiang; Wu, Zhisheng

2018-03-01

A novel methodology is proposed to determine the error propagation of partial least-square (PLS) for parameters optimization in near-infrared (NIR) modeling. The parameters include spectral pretreatment, latent variables and variable selection. In this paper, an open source dataset (corn) and a complicated dataset (Gardenia) were used to establish PLS models under different modeling parameters. And error propagation of modeling parameters for water quantity in corn and geniposide quantity in Gardenia were presented by both type І and type II error. For example, when variable importance in the projection (VIP), interval partial least square (iPLS) and backward interval partial least square (BiPLS) variable selection algorithms were used for geniposide in Gardenia, compared with synergy interval partial least squares (SiPLS), the error weight varied from 5% to 65%, 55% and 15%. The results demonstrated how and what extent the different modeling parameters affect error propagation of PLS for parameters optimization in NIR modeling. The larger the error weight, the worse the model. Finally, our trials finished a powerful process in developing robust PLS models for corn and Gardenia under the optimal modeling parameters. Furthermore, it could provide a significant guidance for the selection of modeling parameters of other multivariate calibration models.

Least-Squares Regression and Spectral Residual Augmented Classical Least-Squares Chemometric Models for Stability-Indicating Analysis of Agomelatine and Its Degradation Products: A Comparative Study.

PubMed

Naguib, Ibrahim A; Abdelrahman, Maha M; El Ghobashy, Mohamed R; Ali, Nesma A

2016-01-01

Two accurate, sensitive, and selective stability-indicating methods are developed and validated for simultaneous quantitative determination of agomelatine (AGM) and its forced degradation products (Deg I and Deg II), whether in pure forms or in pharmaceutical formulations. Partial least-squares regression (PLSR) and spectral residual augmented classical least-squares (SRACLS) are two chemometric models that are being subjected to a comparative study through handling UV spectral data in range (215-350 nm). For proper analysis, a three-factor, four-level experimental design was established, resulting in a training set consisting of 16 mixtures containing different ratios of interfering species. An independent test set consisting of eight mixtures was used to validate the prediction ability of the suggested models. The results presented indicate the ability of mentioned multivariate calibration models to analyze AGM, Deg I, and Deg II with high selectivity and accuracy. The analysis results of the pharmaceutical formulations were statistically compared to the reference HPLC method, with no significant differences observed regarding accuracy and precision. The SRACLS model gives comparable results to the PLSR model; however, it keeps the qualitative spectral information of the classical least-squares algorithm for analyzed components.

Venus, the goddess of fertility, numerologically 15 in Babylon and the origin of the Chinese system of 8 designs, called Pa-Kua.

PubMed

Mahdihassan, S

1987-01-01

In Babylonia, numerology was invented and Venus, as the goddess of fertility, was first depicted as a 6-cornered star. But, numerologically she was designated 15. As a 6-cornered star, its make-up shows two opposite triangles interpenetrated. This was changed to two squares fused into one where geometrically the shape became a square. It created 9 cells which were so numbered that the numbers counted in any row gave the sum 15. Venus thus became a Magic Square of 15. Geometrically it was a Magic Square, but numerologically it was 15. In the make-up the squares were two and opposites. As goddess of fertility she especially helped the pregnant to an easy delivery. Some 8 variants of the Magic Square, with different arrangements of numbers, represented 4 cosmic elements and 4 cosmic qualities. The Magic Squares, which represented elements, had the numbers 1, 3, 5 and 8 near one another forming a miniature square by themselves. A Magic Square representing a quality did not have the numbers 1, 3, 5 and 8, as a consolidated unit. This explains the importance of the numbers 1, 3, 5 and 8, a mystery which had remained unsolved. Venus was also the star of copper. When copper technology migrated from Babylon to China, the occult science associated with Venus also reached China. Here the 8 Magic Squares were translated into a system of whole and broken lines, called Pa-Kua, meaning 8 designs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Numerical methods for comparing fresh and weathered oils by their FTIR spectra.

PubMed

Li, Jianfeng; Hibbert, D Brynn; Fuller, Stephen

2007-08-01

Four comparison statistics ('similarity indices') for the identification of the source of a petroleum oil spill based on the ASTM standard test method D3414 were investigated. Namely, (1) first difference correlation coefficient squared and (2) correlation coefficient squared, (3) first difference Euclidean cosine squared and (4) Euclidean cosine squared. For numerical comparison, an FTIR spectrum is divided into three regions, described as: fingerprint (900-700 cm(-1)), generic (1350-900 cm(-1)) and supplementary (1770-1685 cm(-1)), which are the same as the three major regions recommended by the ASTM standard. For fresh oil samples, each similarity index was able to distinguish between replicate independent spectra of the same sample and between different samples. In general, the two first difference-based indices worked better than their parent indices. To provide samples to reveal relationships between weathered and fresh oils, a simple artificial weathering procedure was carried out. Euclidean cosine and correlation coefficients both worked well to maintain identification of a match in the fingerprint region and the two first difference indices were better in the generic region. Receiver operating characteristic curves (true positive rate versus false positive rate) for decisions on matching using the fingerprint region showed two samples could be matched when the difference in weathering time was up to 7 days. Beyond this time the true positive rate falls and samples cannot be reliably matched. However, artificial weathering of a fresh source sample can aid the matching of a weathered sample to its real source from a pool of very similar candidates.

Genotyping and drug resistance patterns of M. tuberculosis strains in Pakistan

PubMed Central

Tanveer, Mahnaz; Hasan, Zahra; Siddiqui, Amna R; Ali, Asho; Kanji, Akbar; Ghebremicheal, Solomon; Hasan, Rumina

2008-01-01

Background The incidence of tuberculosis in Pakistan is 181/100,000 population. However, information about transmission and geographical prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains and their evolutionary genetics as well as drug resistance remains limited. Our objective was to determine the clonal composition, evolutionary genetics and drug resistance of M. tuberculosis isolates from different regions of the country. Methods M. tuberculosis strains isolated (2003–2005) from specimens submitted to the laboratory through collection units nationwide were included. Drug susceptibility was performed and strains were spoligotyped. Results Of 926 M. tuberculosis strains studied, 721(78%) were grouped into 59 "shared types", while 205 (22%) were identified as "Orphan" spoligotypes. Amongst the predominant genotypes 61% were Central Asian strains (CAS ; including CAS1, CAS sub-families and Orphan Pak clusters), 4% East African-Indian (EAI), 3% Beijing, 2% poorly defined TB strains (T), 2% Haarlem and LAM (0.2). Also TbD1 analysis (M. tuberculosis specific deletion 1) confirmed that CAS1 was of "modern" origin while EAI isolates belonged to "ancestral" strain types. Prevalence of CAS1 clade was significantly higher in Punjab (P < 0.01, Pearsons Chi-square test) as compared with Sindh, North West Frontier Province and Balochistan provinces. Forty six percent of isolates were sensitive to five first line antibiotics tested, 45% were Rifampicin resistant, 50% isoniazid resistant. MDR was significantly associated with Beijing strains (P = 0.01, Pearsons Chi-square test) and EAI (P = 0.001, Pearsons Chi-square test), but not with CAS family. Conclusion Our results show variation of prevalent M. tuberculosis strain with greater association of CAS1 with the Punjab province. The fact that the prevalent CAS genotype was not associated with drug resistance is encouraging. It further suggests a more effective treatment and control programme should be successful in reducing the tuberculosis burden in Pakistan. PMID:19108722

Cross Cultural Adaptation, Validity, and Reliability of the Farsi Breastfeeding Attrition Prediction Tools in Iranian Pregnant Women

PubMed Central

Mortazavi, Forough; Mousavi, Seyed Abbas; Chaman, Reza; Khosravi, Ahmad; Janke, Jill R.

2015-01-01

Background: The rate of exclusive breastfeeding in Iran is decreasing. The breastfeeding attrition prediction tools (BAPT) have been validated and used in predicting premature weaning. Objectives: We aimed to translate the BAPT into Farsi, assess its content validity, and examine its reliability and validity to identify exclusive breastfeeding discontinuation in Iran. Materials and Methods: The BAPT was translated into Farsi and the content validity of the Farsi version of the BAPT was assessed. It was administered to 356 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy, who were residents of a city in northeast of Iran. The structural integrity of the four-factor model was assessed in confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and item-subscale correlations. Validity was assessed using the known-group comparison (128 with vs. 228 without breastfeeding experience) and predictive validity (80 successes vs. 265 failures in exclusive breastfeeding). Results: The internal consistency of the whole instrument (49 items) was 0.775. CFA provided an acceptable fit to the a priori four-factor model (Chi-square/df = 1.8, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.049, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) = 0.064, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.911). The difference in means of breastfeeding control (BFC) between the participants with and without breastfeeding experience was significant (P < 0.001). In addition, the total score of BAPT and the score of Breast Feeding Control (BFC) subscale were higher in women who were on exclusive breastfeeding than women who were not, at four months postpartum (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study validated the Farsi version of BAPT. It is useful for researchers who want to use it in Iran to identify women at higher risks of Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF) discontinuation. PMID:26019910

A Comparative Investigation of the Combined Effects of Pre-Processing, Wavelength Selection, and Regression Methods on Near-Infrared Calibration Model Performance.

PubMed

Wan, Jian; Chen, Yi-Chieh; Morris, A Julian; Thennadil, Suresh N

2017-07-01

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is being widely used in various fields ranging from pharmaceutics to the food industry for analyzing chemical and physical properties of the substances concerned. Its advantages over other analytical techniques include available physical interpretation of spectral data, nondestructive nature and high speed of measurements, and little or no need for sample preparation. The successful application of NIR spectroscopy relies on three main aspects: pre-processing of spectral data to eliminate nonlinear variations due to temperature, light scattering effects and many others, selection of those wavelengths that contribute useful information, and identification of suitable calibration models using linear/nonlinear regression . Several methods have been developed for each of these three aspects and many comparative studies of different methods exist for an individual aspect or some combinations. However, there is still a lack of comparative studies for the interactions among these three aspects, which can shed light on what role each aspect plays in the calibration and how to combine various methods of each aspect together to obtain the best calibration model. This paper aims to provide such a comparative study based on four benchmark data sets using three typical pre-processing methods, namely, orthogonal signal correction (OSC), extended multiplicative signal correction (EMSC) and optical path-length estimation and correction (OPLEC); two existing wavelength selection methods, namely, stepwise forward selection (SFS) and genetic algorithm optimization combined with partial least squares regression for spectral data (GAPLSSP); four popular regression methods, namely, partial least squares (PLS), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM), and Gaussian process regression (GPR). The comparative study indicates that, in general, pre-processing of spectral data can play a significant role in the calibration while wavelength selection plays a marginal role and the combination of certain pre-processing, wavelength selection, and nonlinear regression methods can achieve superior performance over traditional linear regression-based calibration.

Topologically Nontrivial Magnon Bands in Artificial Square Spin Ices with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya Interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iacocca, Ezio; Heinonen, Olle

2017-09-01

Systems that exhibit topologically protected edge states are interesting both from a fundamental point of view as well as for potential applications, the latter because of the absence of backscattering and robustness to perturbations. It is desirable to be able to control and manipulate such edge states. Here, we show that artificial square ices can incorporate both features: an interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction gives rise to topologically nontrivial magnon bands, and the equilibrium state of the spin ice is reconfigurable with different configurations having different magnon dispersions and topology. The topology is found to develop as odd-symmetry bulk and edge magnon bands approach each other so that constructive band inversion occurs in reciprocal space. Our results show that topologically protected bands are supported in square spin ices.

Comparative Evaluation of Anesthetic Efficacy of 2% Lidocaine, 4% Articaine, and 0.5% Bupivacaine on Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Patients with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Aggarwal, Vivek; Singla, Mamta; Miglani, Sanjay

2017-01-01

To compare the anesthetic efficacy of 1.8 mL of 2% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine, 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine, and 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine on producing inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. A total of 91 adult patients who were actively experiencing mandibular molar pain were involved in this study. The patients were randomly divided into three groups on the basis of the anesthetic solution used. The first group received IANB with 1.8 mL of 2% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine, the second group received IANB with 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine, and the third group received IANB with 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine. After 15 minutes of IANB, conventional endodontic access preparation was started. The pain during the treatment was noted on a Heft-Parker visual analog scale (HP VAS). The primary outcome measure was anesthetic success, and anesthesia was considered successful if the patient reported no pain or weak/mild pain (HP VAS score < 55 mm) during endodontic treatment (pulp access and canal preparation procedures). The data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and chi-square test. The anesthetic success rates of 2% lidocaine, 4% articaine, and 0.5% bupivacaine were 23%, 33%, and 17%, respectively. The differences were statistically insignificant (P > .05). The 2% lidocaine solution used for IANB had similar success rates when compared with 4% articaine and 0.5% bupivacaine.

Risk factors associated with a new pregnancy loss and perinatal outcomes in cases of recurrent miscarriage treated with lymphocyte immunotherapy.

PubMed

Cavalcante, Marcelo Borges; Costa, Fabrício da Silva; Araujo Júnior, Edward; Barini, Ricardo

2015-06-01

To assess the perinatal outcomes and risk factors for further pregnancy loss in patients with recurrent miscarriage treated with lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT). We performed a retrospective observational study of women with a history of two or more consecutive miscarriages who underwent LIT. All patients had undergone investigation of the etiology of the pregnancy losses according to a specific protocol. These etiologic factors were compared between those whose pregnancy outcome was successful and those who had a further miscarriage. The comparison between the groups was performed by Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher exact and Chi-square tests. Perinatal outcome data were collected for the successful pregnancies. One-hundred six patients were included. The mean number (±SD) of previous pregnancies, deliveries and miscarriages in all patients were 2.73 ± 0.8, 0.19 ± 0.4 and 2.54 ± 0.6, respectively. A successful pregnancy outcome after lymphocyte therapy occurred in 82 patients (group I), while 24 (22.6%) sustained a further miscarriage (group II). There was no statistical difference in the genetic, anatomic and hormonal causes of miscarriage between the groups (p > 0.05). Antinuclear (ANA) and antithyroglobulin (TgAb) autoantibodies occurred more frequently in group II (p = 0.0010 and p = 0.0024, respectively). Of those with successful pregnancies, 11 women (13.4%) had a preterm delivery. The mean birth weight was 3036.4 ± 498.6 g. In patients with recurrent miscarriage treated with LIT, the presence of ANA and TgAb was a risk factor for further pregnancy loss. Perinatal outcomes in those whose pregnancies continued were favorable.

The effect of problem-solving skill training on mental health and the success of treatment of infertile women under intrauterine insemination treatment

PubMed Central

Gojani, Marziyeh Ghasemi; Kordi, Masoume; Asgharipour, Negar; Esmaeili, Habibollah; Amirian, Maliheh; Eskandarnia, Elnaze

2017-01-01

INTRODUCTION: Using fertility treatment will cause high levels of anxiety and depression. The study was carried out with the objective of determining the effect of problem-solving skills (PSS) training on mental health and the success of treatment of infertile women under intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: this randomized clinical trial was carried out on 72 women referring to Milad Infertility Center in Mashhad. Individuals were randomly assigned into control and intervention groups. PSS were taught in three sessions in the intervention group, and the control group received usual care. The success rate of therapy and the mean of anxiety and depression on the day of IUI operation were compared using the Beck Depression Inventory and Spielberger Anxiety Inventory in both groups. t-test, Mann–Whitney, paired t-test, Wilcoxon, and Chi-square tests were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: on the day of IUI operation, the mean score of state anxiety in the control group(5 0. 11 ± 8.51) and PSS (68.12 ± 11.49) was significant (P < 0.001), trait anxiety in the control group (46.41 ± 8.70) and PSS (44.00 ± 9.92) was significant (P < 0.001), and depression in the control group (17.44 ± 11.70) and PSS (12.99 ± 8.99) was significant (P < 0.001); however, the success of treatment in both groups (14.7% and PSS (26.5%) was not significantly different (P = 0.230). CONCLUSION: Considering the effect of problem-solving on reducing anxiety and depression, it is suggested that infertility center of this intervention should be used. PMID:29296608

Self-caring of women with osteoarthritis living at different levels of independence.

PubMed

Baird, Carol L; Schmeiser, Donna; Yehle, Karen T

2003-08-01

Successful management of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA) may improve health and quality of life and foster independence. Health professionals need to understand what women do to manage their OA by self-caring in order to support the improvement of health in older adults. A descriptive study of difficulties of living with and self-caring of OA was conducted. Sixty women over 65 years old who lived in homes in the community, in assisted living (AL) apartments, and in long-term care (LTC) facilities participated in interviews. Data were the reports of symptoms and self-caring behaviors. Descriptive, Kendall tau-b and tau-c, and chi-square analyses revealed that there were similarities and differences among the women. All of the women used a variety of self-caring techniques. Differences included that community-residing women reported more often that they had pain, moved too slowly, and had sleep disturbances. Community-residing women reported more negative emotions, while reporting significantly more often that they used a wide range of positive coping methods. By anticipating severe physical and functional problems of living with OA and difficulties in self-caring, health care providers may help women maintain an independent lifestyle.

STEM Education-An Exploration of Its Impact on Female Academic Success in High School

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ybarra, Michael E.

The 21st century presents many new career opportunities and choices for women today. However, over the past decade, there has been a growing concern that there will not be enough students trained in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to fill jobs in the United States. Current research reveals that there will be a need for highly skilled workers in the STEM industries, along with the opportunities to earn higher wages. With these opportunities ahead, it is paramount that secondary schools prepare not only their male students, but also their female students for these lucrative STEM careers. The purpose of this study was to investigate to what degree female high school students enrolled in a STEM academy, and who may play sports, experience academic differences in college preparatory math and science courses, and in the math and science portions of the California Standards Test. Academic differences shall be defined as differences in grade point averages. A comparison will be made of female students who take similar classes and play sports, but who are not enrolled in a STEM academy program. This comparison will then incorporate a quantitative non-experimental research design, along with a chi-square test.

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

PubMed

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

2018-04-07

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

Estimation of dew point temperature using neuro-fuzzy and neural network techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kisi, Ozgur; Kim, Sungwon; Shiri, Jalal

2013-11-01

This study investigates the ability of two different artificial neural network (ANN) models, generalized regression neural networks model (GRNNM) and Kohonen self-organizing feature maps neural networks model (KSOFM), and two different adaptive neural fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) models, ANFIS model with sub-clustering identification (ANFIS-SC) and ANFIS model with grid partitioning identification (ANFIS-GP), for estimating daily dew point temperature. The climatic data that consisted of 8 years of daily records of air temperature, sunshine hours, wind speed, saturation vapor pressure, relative humidity, and dew point temperature from three weather stations, Daego, Pohang, and Ulsan, in South Korea were used in the study. The estimates of ANN and ANFIS models were compared according to the three different statistics, root mean square errors, mean absolute errors, and determination coefficient. Comparison results revealed that the ANFIS-SC, ANFIS-GP, and GRNNM models showed almost the same accuracy and they performed better than the KSOFM model. Results also indicated that the sunshine hours, wind speed, and saturation vapor pressure have little effect on dew point temperature. It was found that the dew point temperature could be successfully estimated by using T mean and R H variables.

Evaluation of heart rate variability indices using a real-time handheld remote ECG monitor.

PubMed

Singh, Swaroop S; Carlson, Barbara W; Hsiao, Henry S

2007-12-01

Studies on retrospective electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings of patients during cardiac arrest have shown significant changes in heart rate variability (HRV) indices prior to the onset of cardiac arrhythmia. The early detection of these changes in HRV indices increases the chances for a successful medical intervention by increasing the response time window. A portable, handheld remote ECG monitor designed in this research detects the QRS complex and calculates short-term HRV indices in real-time. The QRS detection of the ECG recordings of subjects from the MIT-Arrhythmia database yielded a mean sensitivity of 99.34% and a specificity of 99.31%. ECG recordings from normal subjects and subjects with congestive heart failure were used to identify the differences in HRV indices. An increase in heart rate, high-frequency spectral power (HFP), total spectral power, the ratio of HFP to low-frequency spectral power (LFP), and a decrease in root mean square sum of RR differences were observed. No difference was found on comparison of the standard deviation of normal to normal interval between adjacent R-waves, LFP, and very-low-frequency spectral power. Based on these, additional analytical calculations could be made to provide early warnings of impending cardiac conditions.

Classification and prediction of rice wines with different marked ages by using a voltammetric electronic tongue.

PubMed

Wei, Zhenbo; Wang, Jun; Ye, Linshuang

2011-08-15

A voltammetric electronic tongue (VE-tongue) was developed to discriminate the difference between Chinese rice wines in this research. Three types of Chinese rice wine with different marked ages (1, 3, and 5 years) were classified by the VE-tongue by principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA). The VE-tongue consisted of six working electrodes (gold, silver, platinum, palladium, tungsten, and titanium) in a standard three-electrode configuration. The multi-frequency large amplitude pulse voltammetry (MLAPV), which consisted of four segments of 1 Hz, 10 Hz, 100 Hz, and 1000 Hz, was applied as the potential waveform. The three types of Chinese rice wine could be classified accurately by PCA and CA, and some interesting regularity is shown in the score plots with the help of PCA. Two regression models, partial least squares (PLS) and back-error propagation-artificial neural network (BP-ANN), were used for wine age prediction. The regression results showed that the marked ages of the three types of Chinese rice wine were successfully predicted using PLS and BP-ANN. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Adolescent women's daily academic behaviors, sexual behaviors, and sexually related emotions.

PubMed

Hensel, Devon J; Sorge, Brandon H

2014-12-01

Emerging literature suggests that the emotional and behavioral experience in young women's romantic/sexual relationships may link to their academic success. However, existing studies' reliance on retrospective and/or global measures prevents detailed understanding of how and when specific academic experiences link to specific relationship experiences and whether these associations could vary over different school days. Adolescent women (N = 387; 14-17 years at enrollment) were recruited from primary care adolescent clinics for a longitudinal cohort study of sexual relationships and sexual behavior. Participants provided daily diary information on academic behaviors, sexual emotions, and sexual behaviors. Chi-square and generalized estimating equation ordinal logistic or linear regression, respectively, assessed prevalence of sexual behaviors or differences in sexual emotions when academic behaviors did and did not occur. Young women's weekday reports of skipping school or failing a test were significantly linked to more frequent vaginal sex, less frequent condom use, and different levels of sexual emotions, on that same day. Our findings provide evidence that the emotional and behavioral experiences in young women's romantic/sexual relationships may impact young women's reaction to academic events. Copyright © 2014 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Determination of suitable drying curve model for bread moisture loss during baking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soleimani Pour-Damanab, A. R.; Jafary, A.; Rafiee, S.

2013-03-01

This study presents mathematical modelling of bread moisture loss or drying during baking in a conventional bread baking process. In order to estimate and select the appropriate moisture loss curve equation, 11 different models, semi-theoretical and empirical, were applied to the experimental data and compared according to their correlation coefficients, chi-squared test and root mean square error which were predicted by nonlinear regression analysis. Consequently, of all the drying models, a Page model was selected as the best one, according to the correlation coefficients, chi-squared test, and root mean square error values and its simplicity. Mean absolute estimation error of the proposed model by linear regression analysis for natural and forced convection modes was 2.43, 4.74%, respectively.

Lattice distortion of square iron nitride monolayers induced by changing symmetry of substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hattori, Takuma; Iimori, Takushi; Miyamachi, Toshio; Komori, Fumio

2018-04-01

Rectangular iron nitride monatomic layers are fabricated on the threefold symmetric Cu(111) substrate by taking advantage of the stability of the square nitride film. Two different ordered structures are observed on the Cu(111) substrate by scanning tunneling microscopy after annealing at 510 K and 580 K. Their chemical composition and lattice symmetry are investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and low energy electron diffraction. The monolayer film prepared at 580 K is a distorted Fe2N monolayer analogous to a ferromagnetic square Fe2N monolayer with a clock reconstruction on the Cu(001) substrate. The lattice deformation of the square Fe2N monolayer is induced by using Cu(111) with threefold symmetry.

Temperature coefficient of the dipole moment of poly(4-chlorostyrene, 4-methylstyrene) copolymers in benzene solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mashimo, S.; Nozaki, R.; Work, R. N.

1982-09-01

Mean square values of the dipole moments of poly(4-chlorostyrene) and copolymers of poly(4-chlorostyrene, 4-methylstyrene) have been determined at up to five different temperatures. There is a significant positive temperature coefficient of the mean square dipole moment. Curves of the dipole moments and of the slopes, normalized to unity at P4CS, have essentially the same shapes. The copolymers in benzene solutions lead to values of the mean square dipole moments that are about 20% larger than measurements in p-xylene.

The least-squares mixing models to generate fraction images derived from remote sensing multispectral data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shimabukuro, Yosio Edemir; Smith, James A.

1991-01-01

Constrained-least-squares and weighted-least-squares mixing models for generating fraction images derived from remote sensing multispectral data are presented. An experiment considering three components within the pixels-eucalyptus, soil (understory), and shade-was performed. The generated fraction images for shade (shade image) derived from these two methods were compared by considering the performance and computer time. The derived shade images are related to the observed variation in forest structure, i.e., the fraction of inferred shade in the pixel is related to different eucalyptus ages.

Assessing statistical differences between parameters estimates in Partial Least Squares path modeling.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Entrena, Macario; Schuberth, Florian; Gelhard, Carsten

2018-01-01

Structural equation modeling using partial least squares (PLS-SEM) has become a main-stream modeling approach in various disciplines. Nevertheless, prior literature still lacks a practical guidance on how to properly test for differences between parameter estimates. Whereas existing techniques such as parametric and non-parametric approaches in PLS multi-group analysis solely allow to assess differences between parameters that are estimated for different subpopulations, the study at hand introduces a technique that allows to also assess whether two parameter estimates that are derived from the same sample are statistically different. To illustrate this advancement to PLS-SEM, we particularly refer to a reduced version of the well-established technology acceptance model.

Evaluation of focused ultrasound algorithms: Issues for reducing pre-focal heating and treatment time.

PubMed

Yiannakou, Marinos; Trimikliniotis, Michael; Yiallouras, Christos; Damianou, Christakis

2016-02-01

Due to the heating in the pre-focal field the delay between successive movements in high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) are sometimes as long as 60s, resulting to treatment time in the order of 2-3h. Because there is generally a requirement to reduce treatment time, we were motivated to explore alternative transducer motion algorithms in order to reduce pre-focal heating and treatment time. A 1 MHz single element transducer with 4 cm diameter and 10 cm focal length was used. A simulation model was developed that estimates the temperature, thermal dose and lesion development in the pre-focal field. The simulated temperature history that was combined with the motion algorithms produced thermal maps in the pre-focal region. Polyacrylimde gel phantom was used to evaluate the induced pre-focal heating for each motion algorithm used, and also was used to assess the accuracy of the simulation model. Three out of the six algorithms having successive steps close to each other, exhibited severe heating in the pre-focal field. Minimal heating was produced with the algorithms having successive steps apart from each other (square, square spiral and random). The last three algorithms were improved further (with small cost in time), thus eliminating completely the pre-focal heating and reducing substantially the treatment time as compared to traditional algorithms. Out of the six algorithms, 3 were successful in eliminating the pre-focal heating completely. Because these 3 algorithms required no delay between successive movements (except in the last part of the motion), the treatment time was reduced by 93%. Therefore, it will be possible in the future, to achieve treatment time of focused ultrasound therapies shorter than 30 min. The rate of ablated volume achieved with one of the proposed algorithms was 71 cm(3)/h. The intention of this pilot study was to demonstrate that the navigation algorithms play the most important role in reducing pre-focal heating. By evaluating in the future, all commercially available geometries, it will be possible to reduce the treatment time, for thermal ablation protocols intended for oncological targets. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Solving Reynolds Equation in the Head-Disk Interface of Hard Disk Drives by Using a Meshless Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bao-Jun, Shi; Ting-Yi, Yang; Jian, Zhang; Yun-Dong, Du

2010-05-01

With the decrease of the flying height of the magnetic head/slider in hard disk drives (HDDs), Reynolds equation, which is used to describe the pressure distribution of the air bearing film in HDDs, must be modified to account for the rarefaction effect. Meshless local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) method has been successfully used in some fields of solid mechanics and fluid mechanics and was proven to be an efficacious method. No meshes are needed in MLPG method either for the interpolation of the trial and test functions, or for the integration of the weak form of the related differential equation. We solve Reynolds equation in the head-disk interface (HDI) of HDDs by using MLPG method. The pressure distribution of the air baring film by using MLPG method is obtained and compared with the exact solution and that obtained by using a least square finite difference (LSFD) method. We also investigate effects of the bearing number on the pressure value and the center of pressure based on this meshless method for different film-thickness ratios.

Geospatial Augmented Reality for the interactive exploitation of large-scale walkable orthoimage maps in museums

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wüest, Robert; Nebiker, Stephan

2018-05-01

In this paper we present an app framework for augmenting large-scale walkable maps and orthoimages in museums or public spaces using standard smartphones and tablets. We first introduce a novel approach for using huge orthoimage mosaic floor prints covering several hundred square meters as natural Augmented Reality (AR) markers. We then present a new app architecture and subsequent tests in the Swissarena of the Swiss National Transport Museum in Lucerne demonstrating the capabilities of accurately tracking and augmenting different map topics, including dynamic 3d data such as live air traffic. The resulting prototype was tested with everyday visitors of the museum to get feedback on the usability of the AR app and to identify pitfalls when using AR in the context of a potentially crowded museum. The prototype is to be rolled out to the public after successful testing and optimization of the app. We were able to show that AR apps on standard smartphone devices can dramatically enhance the interactive use of large-scale maps for different purposes such as education or serious gaming in a museum context.

Evaluating the efficiency of spectral resolution of univariate methods manipulating ratio spectra and comparing to multivariate methods: An application to ternary mixture in common cold preparation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moustafa, Azza Aziz; Salem, Hesham; Hegazy, Maha; Ali, Omnia

2015-02-01

Simple, accurate, and selective methods have been developed and validated for simultaneous determination of a ternary mixture of Chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM), Pseudoephedrine HCl (PSE) and Ibuprofen (IBF), in tablet dosage form. Four univariate methods manipulating ratio spectra were applied, method A is the double divisor-ratio difference spectrophotometric method (DD-RD). Method B is double divisor-derivative ratio spectrophotometric method (DD-RD). Method C is derivative ratio spectrum-zero crossing method (DRZC), while method D is mean centering of ratio spectra (MCR). Two multivariate methods were also developed and validated, methods E and F are Principal Component Regression (PCR) and Partial Least Squares (PLSs). The proposed methods have the advantage of simultaneous determination of the mentioned drugs without prior separation steps. They were successfully applied to laboratory-prepared mixtures and to commercial pharmaceutical preparation without any interference from additives. The proposed methods were validated according to the ICH guidelines. The obtained results were statistically compared with the official methods where no significant difference was observed regarding both accuracy and precision.

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

Won, Yoo Jai; Ki, Hyungson

A novel picosecond-laser pulsed laser deposition method has been developed for fabricating functionally graded films with pre-designed gradient profiles. Theoretically, the developed method is capable of precisely fabricating films with any thicknesses and any gradient profiles by controlling the laser beam powers for the two different targets based on the film composition profiles. As an implementation example, we have successfully constructed functionally graded diamond-like carbon films with six different gradient profiles: linear, quadratic, cubic, square root, cubic root, and sinusoidal. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy is employed for investigating the chemical composition along the thickness of the film, and the depositionmore » profile and thickness errors are found to be less than 3% and 1.04%, respectively. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first method for fabricating films with designed gradient profiles and has huge potential in many areas of coatings and films, including multifunctional optical films. We believe that this method is not only limited to the example considered in this study, but also can be applied to all material combinations as long as they can be deposited using the pulsed laser deposition technique.« less

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

Sherwood, Larry

The Small Wind Certification Council (SWCC) created a successful accredited certification program for small and medium wind turbines using the funding from this grant. SWCC certifies small turbines (200 square meters of swept area or less) to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Small Wind Turbine Performance and Safety Standard (AWEA Standard 9.1 – 2009). SWCC also certifies medium wind turbines to the International Electrical Commission (IEC) Power Performance Standard (IEC 61400-12-1) and Acoustic Performance Standard (IEC 61400-11).

Biological electric fields and rate equations for biophotons.

PubMed

Alvermann, M; Srivastava, Y N; Swain, J; Widom, A

2015-04-01

Biophoton intensities depend upon the squared modulus of the electric field. Hence, we first make some general estimates about the inherent electric fields within various biosystems. Generally, these intensities do not follow a simple exponential decay law. After a brief discussion on the inapplicability of a linear rate equation that leads to strict exponential decay, we study other, nonlinear rate equations that have been successfully used for biosystems along with their physical origins when available.

KSC00pp0262

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-02-23

The STS-99 crew get ready to leave KSC with their families for a return trip to Houston. From left are Mission Specialist Janice Voss, Pilot Dominic Gorie, Commander Kevin Kregel, and Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri of Japan, Gerhard Thiele of Germany, and Janet Kavandi, holding her daughter. The STS-99 crew completed a successful 11-day Shuttle Radar Topography Mission mapping 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface before landing at KSC Feb. 22

KSC-00pp0262

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-02-23

The STS-99 crew get ready to leave KSC with their families for a return trip to Houston. From left are Mission Specialist Janice Voss, Pilot Dominic Gorie, Commander Kevin Kregel, and Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri of Japan, Gerhard Thiele of Germany, and Janet Kavandi, holding her daughter. The STS-99 crew completed a successful 11-day Shuttle Radar Topography Mission mapping 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface before landing at KSC Feb. 22

The Scent of the Future: Manned Space Travel and the Soviet Union.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-06-01

AND ECONOMIC APPLICATIONS 56 GREENHOUSES , BOOSTERS, AND SPACE PLANES: SOVIET SPACE-RELATED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 72 R.U.R. REVISITED: MANNED VERSUS... greenhouse that was part of their 12-square-meter closed environment.9 6 The successful conclusion of this test demonstrated the feasibility of a manned...will probably be timed to coincide with the XXVI Party Congress which convenes in February 1981. 71 GREENHOUSES , BOOSTERS, AND SPACE PLANES: SOVIET

Landscape risk factors for Lyme disease in the eastern broadleaf forest province of the Hudson River valley and the effect of explanatory data classification resolution.

PubMed

Messier, Kyle P; Jackson, Laura E; White, Jennifer L; Hilborn, Elizabeth D

2015-01-01

This study assessed how landcover classification affects associations between landscape characteristics and Lyme disease rate. Landscape variables were derived from the National Land Cover Database (NLCD), including native classes (e.g., deciduous forest, developed low intensity) and aggregate classes (e.g., forest, developed). Percent of each landcover type, median income, and centroid coordinates were calculated by census tract. Regression results from individual and aggregate variable models were compared with the dispersion parameter-based R(2) (Rα(2)) and AIC. The maximum Rα(2) was 0.82 and 0.83 for the best aggregate and individual model, respectively. The AICs for the best models differed by less than 0.5%. The aggregate model variables included forest, developed, agriculture, agriculture-squared, y-coordinate, y-coordinate-squared, income and income-squared. The individual model variables included deciduous forest, deciduous forest-squared, developed low intensity, pasture, y-coordinate, y-coordinate-squared, income, and income-squared. Results indicate that regional landscape models for Lyme disease rate are robust to NLCD landcover classification resolution. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Formation mechanism of dot-line square superlattice pattern in dielectric barrier discharge

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

Liu, Weibo; Dong, Lifang, E-mail: donglfhbu@163.com, E-mail: pyy1616@163.com; Wang, Yongjie

We investigate the formation mechanism of the dot-line square superlattice pattern (DLSSP) in dielectric barrier discharge. The spatio-temporal structure studied by using the intensified-charge coupled device camera shows that the DLSSP is an interleaving of three different subpatterns in one half voltage cycle. The dot square lattice discharges first and, then, the two kinds of line square lattices, which form square grid structures discharge twice. When the gas pressure is varied, DLSSP can transform from square superlattice pattern (SSP). The spectral line profile method is used to compare the electron densities, which represent the amounts of surface charges qualitatively. Itmore » is found that the amount of surface charges accumulated by the first discharge of DLSSP is less than that of SSP, leading to a bigger discharge area of the following discharge (lines of DLSSP instead of halos of SSP). The spatial distribution of the electric field of the surface charges is simulated to explain the formation of DLSSP. This paper may provide a deeper understanding for the formation mechanism of complex superlattice patterns in DBD.« less

Prediction of biochar yield from cattle manure pyrolysis via least squares support vector machine intelligent approach.

PubMed

Cao, Hongliang; Xin, Ya; Yuan, Qiaoxia

2016-02-01

To predict conveniently the biochar yield from cattle manure pyrolysis, intelligent modeling approach was introduced in this research. A traditional artificial neural networks (ANN) model and a novel least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) model were developed. For the identification and prediction evaluation of the models, a data set with 33 experimental data was used, which were obtained using a laboratory-scale fixed bed reaction system. The results demonstrated that the intelligent modeling approach is greatly convenient and effective for the prediction of the biochar yield. In particular, the novel LS-SVM model has a more satisfying predicting performance and its robustness is better than the traditional ANN model. The introduction and application of the LS-SVM modeling method gives a successful example, which is a good reference for the modeling study of cattle manure pyrolysis process, even other similar processes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Establishment of a university academic spine center: from concept to reality.

PubMed

Arnold, Paul M; Burton, Douglas C; Khan, Talal W; Dixon, Kimberly A; Asher, Marc A; Varghese, George

2013-01-01

In fewer than five years, the University of Kansas Hospital Spine Center became the largest and most comprehensive spine care facility in the greater metropolitan Kansas City area. The 22,000-square-foot facility has 27 exam rooms, four specialized diagnostic rooms, 11 pre-/post-interventional procedure rooms, and a 4000-square-foot outpatient rehabilitation gym. Patients can meet with their physicians, undergo diagnostic tests and treatment, and attend therapy sessions in one location. The multidisciplinary Spine Center brings together orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, neurologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, pain-management anesthesiologists, radiologists, and physical and occupational therapists. The Spine Center became successful because a group of physicians bought into the philosophy of a comprehensive interdisciplinary program, were willing to sacrifice some territorial claims, and were willing to put patient care and the good of the institution above individual egos.

Pulsar-black hole binaries as a window on quantum gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Estes, John; Kavic, Michael; Lippert, Matthew; Simonetti, John H.

Pulsars (PSRs) are some of the most accurate clocks found in nature, while black holes (BHs) offer a unique arena for the study of quantum gravity. As such, PSR-BH binaries provide ideal astrophysical systems for detecting effects of quantum gravity. With the success of aLIGO and the advent of instruments like the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) and Evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA), the prospects for discovery of such PSR-BH binaries are very promising. We argue that PSR-BH binaries can serve as ready-made testing grounds for proposed resolutions to the BH information paradox. We propose using timing signals from a PSR beam passing through the region near a BH event horizon as a probe of quantum gravitational effects. In particular, we demonstrate that fluctuations of the geometry outside a BH lead to an increase in the measured root-mean-square deviation of arrival times of PSR pulsar traveling near the horizon.

Discrimination of healthy and osteoarthritic articular cartilages by Fourier transform infrared imaging and partial least squares-discriminant analysis

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xue-Xi; Yin, Jian-Hua; Mao, Zhi-Hua; Xia, Yang

2015-01-01

Abstract. Fourier transform infrared imaging (FTIRI) combined with chemometrics algorithm has strong potential to obtain complex chemical information from biology tissues. FTIRI and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were used to differentiate healthy and osteoarthritic (OA) cartilages for the first time. A PLS model was built on the calibration matrix of spectra that was randomly selected from the FTIRI spectral datasets of healthy and lesioned cartilage. Leave-one-out cross-validation was performed in the PLS model, and the fitting coefficient between actual and predicted categorical values of the calibration matrix reached 0.95. In the calibration and prediction matrices, the successful identifying percentages of healthy and lesioned cartilage spectra were 100% and 90.24%, respectively. These results demonstrated that FTIRI combined with PLS-DA could provide a promising approach for the categorical identification of healthy and OA cartilage specimens. PMID:26057029

Optical frequency comb generation based on the dual-mode square microlaser and a nonlinear fiber loop

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weng, Hai-Zhong; Han, Jun-Yuan; Li, Qing; Yang, Yue-De; Xiao, Jin-Long; Qin, Guan-Shi; Huang, Yong-Zhen

2018-05-01

A novel approach using a dual-mode square microlaser as the pump source is demonstrated to produce wideband optical frequency comb (OFC). The enhanced nonlinear frequency conversion processes are accomplished in a nonlinear fiber loop, which can reduce the stimulated Brillouin scattering threshold and then generate a dual-mode Brillouin laser with improved optical signal-to-noise ratio. An OFC with 130 nm bandwidth and 76 GHz repetition rate is successfully generated under the four-wave mixing, and the number of the comb lines is enhanced by 26 times compared with the system without fiber loop. In addition, the repetition rate of the comb can be adjusted by changing the injection current of the microlaser. The pulse width of the comb spectrum is also compressed from 3 to 1 ps with an extra amplification-nonlinear process.

Dissipative and Autonomous Square-Wave Self-Oscillation of a Macroscopic Hybrid Self-Assembly under Continuous Light Irradiation.

PubMed

Ikegami, Tomonori; Kageyama, Yoshiyuki; Obara, Kazuma; Takeda, Sadamu

2016-07-11

Building a bottom-up supramolecular system to perform continuously autonomous motions will pave the way for the next generation of biomimetic mechanical systems. In biological systems, hierarchical molecular synchronization underlies the generation of spatio-temporal patterns with dissipative structures. However, it remains difficult to build such self-organized working objects via artificial techniques. Herein, we show the first example of a square-wave limit-cycle self-oscillatory motion of a noncovalent assembly of oleic acid and an azobenzene derivative. The assembly steadily flips under continuous blue-light irradiation. Mechanical self-oscillation is established by successively alternating photoisomerization processes and multi-stable phase transitions. These results offer a fundamental strategy for creating a supramolecular motor that works progressively under the operation of molecule-based machines. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Discrimination of healthy and osteoarthritic articular cartilages by Fourier transform infrared imaging and partial least squares-discriminant analysis.

PubMed

Zhang, Xue-Xi; Yin, Jian-Hua; Mao, Zhi-Hua; Xia, Yang

2015-06-01

Fourier transform infrared imaging (FTIRI) combined with chemometrics algorithm has strong potential to obtain complex chemical information from biology tissues. FTIRI and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were used to differentiate healthy and osteoarthritic (OA) cartilages for the first time. A PLS model was built on the calibration matrix of spectra that was randomly selected from the FTIRI spectral datasets of healthy and lesioned cartilage. Leave-one-out cross-validation was performed in the PLS model, and the fitting coefficient between actual and predicted categorical values of the calibration matrix reached 0.95. In the calibration and prediction matrices, the successful identifying percentages of healthy and lesioned cartilage spectra were 100% and 90.24%, respectively. These results demonstrated that FTIRI combined with PLS-DA could provide a promising approach for the categorical identification of healthy and OA cartilage specimens.