Intelligent transportation systems field operational test cross-cutting study : advanced traveler information systems

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-09-01

Approximately 2 million roadside inspections of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) are conducted annually, primarily through the joint Federal and State Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP). Vehicles and drivers with serious safety problems ...

Cross-validation of the Dot Counting Test in a large sample of credible and non-credible patients referred for neuropsychological testing.

PubMed

McCaul, Courtney; Boone, Kyle B; Ermshar, Annette; Cottingham, Maria; Victor, Tara L; Ziegler, Elizabeth; Zeller, Michelle A; Wright, Matthew

2018-01-18

To cross-validate the Dot Counting Test in a large neuropsychological sample. Dot Counting Test scores were compared in credible (n = 142) and non-credible (n = 335) neuropsychology referrals. Non-credible patients scored significantly higher than credible patients on all Dot Counting Test scores. While the original E-score cut-off of ≥17 achieved excellent specificity (96.5%), it was associated with mediocre sensitivity (52.8%). However, the cut-off could be substantially lowered to ≥13.80, while still maintaining adequate specificity (≥90%), and raising sensitivity to 70.0%. Examination of non-credible subgroups revealed that Dot Counting Test sensitivity in feigned mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) was 55.8%, whereas sensitivity was 90.6% in patients with non-credible cognitive dysfunction in the context of claimed psychosis, and 81.0% in patients with non-credible cognitive performance in depression or severe TBI. Thus, the Dot Counting Test may have a particular role in detection of non-credible cognitive symptoms in claimed psychiatric disorders. Alternative to use of the E-score, failure on ≥1 cut-offs applied to individual Dot Counting Test scores (≥6.0″ for mean grouped dot counting time, ≥10.0″ for mean ungrouped dot counting time, and ≥4 errors), occurred in 11.3% of the credible sample, while nearly two-thirds (63.6%) of the non-credible sample failed one of more of these cut-offs. An E-score cut-off of 13.80, or failure on ≥1 individual score cut-offs, resulted in few false positive identifications in credible patients, and achieved high sensitivity (64.0-70.0%), and therefore appear appropriate for use in identifying neurocognitive performance invalidity.

The effect of handpiece spray patterns on cutting efficiency.

PubMed

Siegel, Sharon C; von Fraunhofer, J Anthony

2002-02-01

High-speed handpieces' spray ports direct coolant at the cutting interface. The authors evaluated the effect of the number of ports and their positions on cutting rates, or CRs. The authors performed cutting studies on a machinable ceramic block using an established testing regimen. One-port, three-port and four-port handpieces from one manufacturer were operated at maximum torque and rotation speed under a water flow of 25 milliliters per minute. The authors made 6-millimeter long edge and groove cuts in 13-mm cross-section blocks using six medium-grit diamond burs for each handpiece. Each bur cut a total of 78 mm. The authors determined CR as the time to transect the block and analyzed the data by two-way analysis of variance with post hoc Scheffé tests. CRs varied by the type of cut and the number of spray ports. No differences were found in CRs for the three handpieces during edge cutting. The one-port handpiece cut significantly slower (P < .001) than did the three- and four-port handpieces during groove cutting. The data indicate that the number of handpiece spray ports, and their positioning relative to the bur affect water supply to the cutting interface and, consequently, the CR under these study conditions. Optimal cutting efficiency requires good coolant access, especially within restricted areas. A multiple-port handpiece may be advantageous when preparing the interproximal region for a crown or a proximal box, owing to the better water spray pattern. Dentists should consider the influence of the number of spray ports when selecting handpieces for cutting procedures.

Intelligent transportation systems field operational test cross-cutting study : emissions management using ITS technology

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-09-01

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) began the Federal Waiver Study Program in 1992. The Vision Waiver Program began in July 1992, when 2,686 drivers were accepted into the program. The Diabetes Waiver Program began in mid-1993 when 139 waivers ...

Intelligent transportation systems field operational test cross-cutting study : hazardous material incident management

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1994-08-01

This handbook was developed to assist design, traffic, and maintenance engineering personnel in making determinations about roadway delineation systems, including the appropriate system for a given situation, when a system has reached the end of its ...

Nitinol laser cutting: microstructure and functional properties of femtosecond and continuous wave laser processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biffi, C. A.; Tuissi, A.

2017-03-01

Thermal processing can affect the properties of smart materials, and the correct selection of the best manufacturing technology is fundamental for producing high tech smart devices, containing embedded functional properties. In this work cutting of thin superelastic Nitinol plates using a femtosecond (fs) and continuous wave (CW) laser was studied. Diamond shaped elements were cut to characterize the kerf qualitative features; microstructural analysis of the cross sections allowed identification of thermal damage characteristics introduced into the material during the laser processes. A thermally undamaged microstructure was observed for fs laser cutting, while CW was seen to be characterized by a large heat-affected zone. Functional properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and tensile testing of laser cut microelements and of the reference material. It was seen that the martensitic transformation behavior of Nitinol is not affected by fs regime, while cw cutting provokes an effect equivalent to a high temperature thermal treatment in the material surrounding the cutting kerf, degradating the material properties. Finally, tensile testing indicated that superelastic performances were guaranteed by fs regime, while strong reduction of the recoverable strain was detected in the CW processed sample.

Evaluation of acoustic tomography for tree decay detection

Treesearch

Shanquing Liang; Xiping Wang; Janice Wiedenbeck; Zhiyong Cai; Feng Fu

2008-01-01

In this study, the acoustic tomography technique was used to detect internal decay in high value black cherry (Prunus seratina) trees. Two-dimensional images of the cross sections of the tree samples were constructed using PiCUS Q70 software. The trees were felled following the field test, and a disc from each testing elevation was subsequently cut...

Incident Management : Successful Practices : A Cross-Cutting Study : Improving Mobility And Saving Lives

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-08-01

This report presents the test plan for conducting the Traveler Response Analysis for the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) evaluation of the Dallas U.S. 75 Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative Demonstration. The ICM pro...

Intelligent transportation systems field operational test cross-cutting study incident management : detection, verification, and traffic management

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-01-01

Although the effects of climatic factors on pavement performance have long been recognized as important, those effects remain largely unquantified because individual pavement research projects to date generally have been restricted to limited geograp...

Intelligent transportation systems field operational test cross-cutting study : emergency notification and response

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-08-01

Transportation is vital to the social and economic health of the nation. Surface transportation systems ? the networks of highways, local streets, bus routes, and rail lines ? are the ties that bind communities and facilitate commerce. Despite the fa...

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

PubMed

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

2014-02-20

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

Traffic signal preemption for emergency vehicles : a cross-cutting study : putting the "first" in "first response"

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-01-01

This cross-cutting study identifies issues associated with emergency vehicle operations and emergency vehicle preemption. This study reports information gathered during a review of publications and site visits to three jurisdictions operating emergen...

Intelligent transportation systems at international borders : a cross-cutting study : facilitating trade and enhancing transportation safety

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-04-01

The International Border Clearance (IBC) program was initiated under the provisions of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991. The program was originally conceived as a means to test the feasibility of utilizing Intellig...

Developing a regional ITS architecture : a cross-cutting study : building a framework for regional ITS integration

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-09-01

This report highlights cross-cutting findings and perspectives gleaned from a series of case studies that examined the development processes of regional and statewide Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) architectures. Each of the case studies is...

Intelligent transportation systems for planned special events : a cross-cutting study

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-11-01

This cross-cutting study examines how six agencies in five states used and continue to use ITS to reduce congestion generated by planned special events, thereby reducing crashes, increasing travel time reliability, and reducing driver frustration.

The Effects of Cryogenic Treatment on Cutting Tools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Satish; Khedkar, Nitin K.; Jagtap, Bhushan; Singh, T. P.

2017-08-01

Enhancing the cutting tool life is important and economic factor to reduce the tooling as well as manufacturing cost. The tool life is improved considerably by 92 % after cryogenic treatment. The cryogenic treatment is a one-time permanent, sub-zero heat treatment that entirely changes cross-section of cutting tool. The cryogenic treatment is carried out with deep freezing of cutting tool materials to enhance physical and mechanical properties. The cryogenic treatment improves mechanical such as hardness, toughness and tribological properties such as wear resistance, coefficient of friction, surface finish, dimensional stability and stress relief. The deep cryogenic treatment is the most beneficial treatment applied on cutting tools. The cryogenic treatment is the most advanced heat treatment and popular to improve performance of the cutting tool. The optimization of cryogenic treatment variables is necessary to improve tool life. This study reviews the effects of cryogenic treatment on microstructure, tribological properties of tool steels and machining applications of cutting tool by investigating the surface and performing the surface characterization test like SEM. The economy of cutting tool can be achieved by deep cryogenic treatment.

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

PubMed

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

2012-01-01

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

Location of Opening-Out Cross-Cuts in Relation to Rockburst Hazard Conditions along the Face in the Light of Model Testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chlebowski, Dariusz; Zorychta, Andrzej; Burtan, Zbigniew; Cała, Marek

2017-03-01

The paper outlines the main objectives of the method used for assessment of rockburst hazard during longwall mining operations taking into account factors expressing the confined work conditions. Relying on analytical approach, the conditions are examined that are likely to trigger the rockburst occurrence along the face, with regards to the location of cross-cuts and taking into account the presence of past excavation and geological disorders in the overlying strata. Simulation data apply to three cases of model loading, representing the impacts of residual pillars, gobs surrounded by undisturbed blocks of coal and the presence of faults, whilst the procedure involves five possible locations of opening-out cross-cuts in relation to characteristic points in the model. Results are examined basing on variability patterns of stress concentration and energy density distribution in the proximity of the workface in the course of progressing mining operations.

The clinical utility of naturalistic action test in differentiating mild cognitive impairment from early dementia in memory clinic.

PubMed

Bruce, Irene; Ntlholang, Ontefetse; Crosby, Lisa; Cunningham, Conal; Lawlor, Brian

2016-03-01

This study aimed to examine the validity of the Naturalistic Action Test in differentiating Mild Cognitive Impairment from early dementia compared to clinical diagnosis and ascertain Naturalistic Action Test cut-off points. This was a cross-sectional study of 70 consecutive patients diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment attending the memory clinic in St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. Patients with a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment who attended for routine annual assessment were asked to participate in the study. The Naturalistic Action Test was carried out after the patient had completed their routine assessment in the clinic. The Area under the Curve, AUC ± SE was 0.808 ± 0.058, p < 0.001 with 95% CI (0.695-0.922). There was concordance in 40 and discrepancy in 30 patients between the NAT and the gold standard consensus diagnosis (PPV 38%, NPV 96%, sensitivity 94%, specificity 46% and accuracy 59%) using cut-off point of ≥14 for normal function on Naturalistic Action Test. The difference was not related to age, sex, level of education or informant. Using the Youden index, we determined a Naturalistic Action Test cut-off score of ≥11 for Mild Cognitive Impairment in our study (PPV 50%, NPV 91%, sensitivity 78%, specificity 73% and accuracy of 74%). There was discrepancy in 18 patients using the new cut-off point (≥11 for Mild Cognitive Impairment vs ≤10 for dementia). The Naturalistic Action Test is a useful tool that can increase diagnostic accuracy in differentiating Mild Cognitive Impairment from early dementia. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Experimental Investigation of Multi-mode Fiber Laser Cutting of Cement Mortar.

PubMed

Lee, Dongkyoung; Pyo, Sukhoon

2018-02-10

This study successfully applied multi-mode laser cutting with the variation of the laser cutting speed to cement mortar for the first time. The effects of the amount of silica sand in the cement mortar on laser cutting are tested and analyzed. The kerf width and penetration depth of the specimens after laser cutting are investigated. As the laser cutting speed increases, the penetration depth decreases for both cement paste and cement mortar, whereas the kerf width becomes saturated and increases, respectively, for cement paste and cement mortar. Cross sections of the specimens are compared with illustrations. Top-view images of the cement mortar with indicators of the physical characteristics, such as re-solidification, burning, and cracks are examined, and the possible causes of these characteristics are explained. The optical absorption rates of cement-based materials are quantified at wide ranges of wavelength to compare the absorption rates in accordance with the materials compositions. The chemical composition variation before and after laser cutting is also compared by EDX (Energy Dispersive X-Ray) analysis. In addition to these observations, material removal mechanisms for cement mortar are proposed.

Experimental Investigation of Multi-mode Fiber Laser Cutting of Cement Mortar

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

This study successfully applied multi-mode laser cutting with the variation of the laser cutting speed to cement mortar for the first time. The effects of the amount of silica sand in the cement mortar on laser cutting are tested and analyzed. The kerf width and penetration depth of the specimens after laser cutting are investigated. As the laser cutting speed increases, the penetration depth decreases for both cement paste and cement mortar, whereas the kerf width becomes saturated and increases, respectively, for cement paste and cement mortar. Cross sections of the specimens are compared with illustrations. Top-view images of the cement mortar with indicators of the physical characteristics, such as re-solidification, burning, and cracks are examined, and the possible causes of these characteristics are explained. The optical absorption rates of cement-based materials are quantified at wide ranges of wavelength to compare the absorption rates in accordance with the materials compositions. The chemical composition variation before and after laser cutting is also compared by EDX (Energy Dispersive X-Ray) analysis. In addition to these observations, material removal mechanisms for cement mortar are proposed. PMID:29439431

Lower limb joint motion during a cross cutting movement differs in individuals with and without chronic ankle instability.

PubMed

Koshino, Yuta; Yamanaka, Masanori; Ezawa, Yuya; Ishida, Tomoya; Kobayashi, Takumi; Samukawa, Mina; Saito, Hiroshi; Takeda, Naoki

2014-11-01

To compare the kinematics of lower limb joints between individuals with and without chronic ankle instability (CAI) during cross-turn and -cutting movements. Cross-sectional study. Motion analysis laboratory. Twelve subjects with CAI and twelve healthy controls. Hip flexion, adduction, and internal rotation, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion and inversion angles were calculated in the 200 ms before initial ground contact and from initial ground contact to toe-off (stance phase) in a cross-turn movement during gait and a cross-cutting movement from a forward jump, and compared across the two groups. In the cross-cutting movement, the CAI group exhibited greater hip and knee flexion than the control group during the stance phase, and more hip abduction during the period before initial contact and the stance phase. In the cross-turn movement the joint kinematics were similar in the two groups. CAI subjects exhibited an altered pattern of the proximal joint kinematics during a cross-cutting movement. It is important for clinicians to assess the function of the hip and knee as well as the ankle, and to incorporate coordination training for the entire lower limb into rehabilitation after lateral ankle sprains. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 35.3575 - Application of Federal cross-cutting authorities (cross-cutters).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Application of Federal cross-cutting authorities (cross-cutters). 35.3575 Section 35.3575 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY....3575 Application of Federal cross-cutting authorities (cross-cutters). (a) General. A number of Federal...

40 CFR 35.3575 - Application of Federal cross-cutting authorities (cross-cutters).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Application of Federal cross-cutting authorities (cross-cutters). 35.3575 Section 35.3575 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY....3575 Application of Federal cross-cutting authorities (cross-cutters). (a) General. A number of Federal...

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

PubMed

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

2015-01-15

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

Experimental test of theory for the stability of partially saturated vertical cut slopes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morse, Michael M.; Lu, N.; Wayllace, Alexandra; Godt, Jonathan W.; Take, W.A.

2014-01-01

This paper extends Culmann's vertical-cut analysis to unsaturated soils. To test the extended theory, unsaturated sand was compacted to a uniform porosity and moisture content in a laboratory apparatus. A sliding door that extended the height of the free face of the slope was lowered until the vertical cut failed. Digital images of the slope cross section and upper surface were acquired concurrently. A recently developed particle image velocimetry (PIV) tool was used to quantify soil displacement. The PIV analysis showed strain localization at varying distances from the sliding door prior to failure. The areas of localized strain were coincident with the location of the slope crest after failure. Shear-strength and soil-water-characteristic parameters of the sand were independently tested for use in extended analyses of the vertical-cut stability and of the failure plane angle. Experimental failure heights were within 22.3% of the heights predicted using the extended theory.

Core Cutting Test with Vertical Rock Cutting Rig (VRCR)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasar, Serdar; Osman Yilmaz, Ali

2017-12-01

Roadheaders are frequently used machines in mining and tunnelling, and performance prediction of roadheaders is important for project economics and stability. Several methods were proposed so far for this purpose and, rock cutting tests are the best choice. Rock cutting tests are generally divided into two groups which are namely, full scale rock cutting tests and small scale rock cutting tests. These two tests have some superiorities and deficiencies over themselves. However, in many cases, where rock sampling becomes problematic, small scale rock cutting test (core cutting test) is preferred for performance prediction, since small block samples and core samples can be conducted to rock cutting testing. Common problem for rock cutting tests are that they can be found in very limited research centres. In this study, a new mobile rock cutting testing equipment, vertical rock cutting rig (VRCR) was introduced. Standard testing procedure was conducted on seven rock samples which were the part of a former study on cutting rocks with another small scale rock cutting test. Results showed that core cutting test can be realized successfully with VRCR with the validation of paired samples t-test.

Whole-leaf wash improves chlorine efficacy for microbial reduction and prevents pathogen cross-contamination during fresh-cut lettuce processing.

PubMed

Nou, Xiangwu; Luo, Yaguang

2010-06-01

Currently, most fresh-cut processing facilities in the United States use chlorinated water or other sanitizer solutions for microbial reduction after lettuce is cut. Freshly cut lettuce releases significant amounts of organic matter that negatively impacts the effectiveness of chlorine or other sanitizers for microbial reduction. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether a sanitizer wash before cutting improves microbial reduction efficacy compared to a traditional postcutting sanitizer wash. Romaine lettuce leaves were quantitatively inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 strains and washed in chlorinated water before or after cutting, and E. coli O157:H7 cells that survived the washing process were enumerated to determine the effectiveness of microbial reduction for the 2 cutting and washing sequences. Whole-leaf washing in chlorinated water improved pathogen reduction by approximately 1 log unit over traditional cut-leaf sanitization. Similar improvement in the reduction of background microflora was also observed. Inoculated "Lollo Rossa" red lettuce leaves were mixed with noninoculated Green-Leaf lettuce leaves to evaluate pathogen cross-contamination during processing. High level (96.7% subsamples, average MPN 0.6 log CFU/g) of cross-contamination of noninoculated green leaves by inoculated red leaves was observed when mixed lettuce leaves were cut prior to washing in chlorinated water. In contrast, cross-contamination of noninoculated green leaves was significantly reduced (3.3% of subsamples, average MPN

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

PubMed

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

2014-09-28

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

2015 Young Investigator Award Winner: Cervical Nerve Root Displacement and Strain During Upper Limb Neural Tension Testing: Part 2: Role of Foraminal Ligaments in the Cervical Spine.

PubMed

Lohman, Chelsea M; Gilbert, Kerry K; Sobczak, Stéphane; Brismée, Jean-Michel; James, C Roger; Day, Miles; Smith, Michael P; Taylor, LesLee; Dugailly, Pierre-Michel; Pendergrass, Timothy; Sizer, Phillip J

2015-06-01

A cross-sectional cadaveric examination of the mechanical effect of foraminal ligaments on cervical nerve root displacement and strain. To determine the role of foraminal ligaments by examining differences in cervical nerve root displacement and strain during upper limb neural tension testing (ULNTT) before and after selective cutting of foraminal ligaments. Although investigators have determined that lumbar spine foraminal ligaments limit displacement and strain of lumbosacral nerve roots, similar studies have not been conducted to prove that it is true for the cervical region. Because the size, shape, and orientation of cervical spine foraminal ligaments are similar to those in the lumbar spine, it is hypothesized that foraminal ligaments in the cervical spine will function in a similar fashion. Radiolucent markers were implanted into cervical nerve roots C5-C8 of 9 unembalmed cadavers. Posteroanterior fluoroscopic images were captured at resting and upper limb neural tension testing positioning before and after selective cutting of foraminal ligaments. Selective cutting of foraminal ligaments resulted in significant increases in inferolateral displacement (average, 2.94 mm [ligaments intact]-3.87 mm [ligaments cut], P < 0.05) and strain (average, 9.33% [ligaments intact]-16.31% [ligaments cut], P < 0.03) of cervical nerve roots C5-C8 during upper limb neural tension testing. Foraminal ligaments in the cervical spine limited cervical nerve root displacement and strain during upper limb neural tension testing. Foraminal ligaments seem to have a protective role, reducing displacement and strain to cervical nerve roots during tension events. 2.

Assessment of second (I2M) and third (I3M) molar indices for establishing 14 and 16 legal ages and validation of the Cameriere's I3M cut-off for 18 years old in Chilean population.

PubMed

Cameriere, Roberto; Velandia Palacio, Luz Andrea; Pinares, Jorge; Bestetti, Fiorella; Paba, Rossella; Coccia, Erminia; Ferrante, Luigi

2018-04-01

This retrospective cross-sectional study has two-fold aims: the first is to assess new cut-offs at the legal age thresholds (LATs) of 14 and 16 years old and the second is to validate the cut-off of third molar index I 3M =0.08 for 18 years of age in Chilean people. Orthopantomographs from 822 Chilean children aged from 11 to 22 (472 girls and 350 boys) were analysed. For LAT of 14 years, cut-offs were found using the ROC curves singly for boys and girls. The cut-offs for boys were I 2M =0.16 and I 3M =0.73 while for girls we obtained I 2M =0.10 and I 3M =0.77. For LAT of 16 years we obtained the same cut-offs regardless of gender, which were 0.06 and 0.36 for I 2M and I 3M respectively. Concerning the validity of I 3M cut-off for 18 years old in Chilean population, the proportion of correctly classified individuals was 83% and estimated post-test probability, PPV, was 93.2%, with a 95% confidence interval equals to 91.3%, 94.6%. Hence, the probability that a subject positive on the test was 18 years of age or older was 93.2%, confirming the validation of the I 3M cut-off for Chilean population. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Second Cross-Sectional Study of Attainment of the Concepts "Equilateral Triangle,""Cutting Tool,""Noun," and "Tree" by Children Age 6 to 16 of City B. Technical Report No. 347.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klausmeier, Herbert J.; And Others

For this study, the second in the cross sectional series, based on the Conceptual Learning and Development (CLD) model, assessment batteries were developed to determine each child's level of attainment and related use of the concepts "equilateral triangle,""cutting tool,""noun," and "tree." Batteries were…

The prevalence rate of internet addiction among Japanese college students: two cross-sectional studies and reconsideration of cut-off points of Young's internet addiction test in Japan.

PubMed

Tateno, Masaru; Teo, Alan R; Shiraishi, Masaki; Tayama, Masaya; Kawanishi, Chiaki; Kato, Takahiro A

2018-05-30

Due to variation in estimates of the prevalence of internet addiction (IA) in prior research, we conducted two cross-sectional studies over two years and investigated the prevalence rate of IA in college students in Japan, and reconsidered appropriate cut-off points of self-rating scale to screen possible IA. This study is composed of two parts: survey I in 2014 and survey II in 2016, which were conducted in the same schools with an interval of two years. The study questionnaire included questions about demographics and internet use, and the Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Additionally, the subjects in survey II were asked about self-reported IA. There were 1,005 respondents in total with a mean age of 18.9±1.3. The mean IAT scores remained stable between 2014 and 2016: 45.2±12.6 in survey I and 45.5±13.1 in survey II (overall mean IAT score of 45.4±13.0). With respect to self-reported IA in survey II, a total of 21.6% agreed (score of 5 or 6 on a 6-point Likert scale). We categorized these subjects as IA, and the remainder as non-IA. The mean IAT score showed significant difference between these two groups (57.8±14.3 vs 42.1±10.7, p<0.001). The severity of symptoms of IA among Japanese college students appears stable in recent years, with a mean IAT scores of over 40. Our results suggest that a screening score cut-off of 40 on the IAT could be reconsidered and that of 50 might be proposed for the cut-off. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Intelligent transportation systems and intermodal freight transportation

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-09-01

Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) Cross-Cutting report summarizes and interprets the results exclusively of several Field Operational Tests (FOTs) that have traveler information components. The FOTs considered in this report include: Atlan...

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

PubMed

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

2006-11-01

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

Study on the Optimal Groove Shape and Glue Material for Fiber Bragg Grating Measuring Bolts.

PubMed

Zhao, Yiming; Zhang, Nong; Si, Guangyao; Li, Xuehua

2018-06-02

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) measuring bolts, as a useful tool to evaluate the behaviors of steel bolts in underground engineering, can be manufactured by gluing the FBG sensors inside the grooves, which are usually symmetrical cuts along the steel bolt rod. The selection of the cut shape and the glue types could perceivably affect the final supporting strength of the bolts. Unfortunately, the impact of cut shape and glue type on bolting strength is not yet clear. In this study, based on direct tension tests, full tensile load⁻displacement curves of rock bolts with different groove shapes were obtained and analyzed. The effects of groove shape on the bolt strength were discussed, and the stress redistribution in the cross-section of a rock bolt with different grooves was simulated using ANSYS. The results indicated that the trapezoidal groove is best for manufacturing the FBG bolt due to its low reduction of supporting strength. Four types of glues commonly used for the FBG sensors were assessed by conducting tensile tests on the mechanical testing and simulation system and the static and dynamic optical interrogators system. Using linear regression analysis, the relationship between the reflected wavelength of FBG sensors and tensile load was obtained. Practical recommendations for glue selection in engineering practice are also provided.

Bonding measurement -Strength and fracture mechanics approaches.

PubMed

Anunmana, Chuchai; Wansom, Wiroj

2017-07-26

This study investigated the effect of cross-sectional areas on interfacial fracture toughness and bond strength of bilayered dental ceramics. Zirconia core ceramics were veneered and cut to produce specimens with three different cross-sectional areas. Additionally, monolithic specimens of glass veneer were also prepared. The specimens were tested in tension until fracture at the interface and reported as bond strength. Fracture surfaces were observed, and the apparent interfacial toughness was determined from critical crack size and failure stress. The results showed that cross-sectional area had no effect on the interfacial toughness whereas such factor had a significant effect on interfacial bond strength. The study revealed that cross-sectional area had no effect on the interfacial toughness, but had a significant effect on interfacial bond strength. The interfacial toughness may be a more reliable indicator for interfacial bond quality than interfacial bond strength.

Nicotine cut-off value in human hair as a tool to distinguish active from passive smokers: A cross-sectional study in Japanese men.

PubMed

Tsuji, Masayoshi; Kanda, Hideyuki; Hayakawa, Takehito; Mori, Yayoi; Ito, Teruna; Hidaka, Tomoo; Kakamu, Takeyasu; Kumagai, Tomohiro; Osaki, Yoneatsu; Kawazoe, Miki; Sato, Sei; Fukushima, Tetsuhito

2017-07-19

Nicotine concentration in hair is a useful marker of tobacco exposure. Detection of nicotine in the hair of non-smokers indicates passive smoking. Accurate measurement of nicotine among active and passive smokers can help in smoking cessation programs or programs designed to prevent secondhand smoke exposure. To establish, using high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection (HPLC/UV), a hair nicotine cut-off value to distinguish active from passive smokers. Hair samples were collected from randomly chosen Japanese men (n= 192) between 2009 and 2011. Nicotine and cotinine levels in hair were measured using HPLC/UV with column-switching. T-tests and chi-square tests were performed to compare active and passive smokers, while receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the cut-off value. There were 69 active smokers and 123 passive smokers. The nicotine and cotinine concentrations in hair were significantly higher in active than in passive smokers (p< 0.01). The area under the curve for nicotine was 0.92. A hair nicotine cut-off value of 5.68 ng/mg, with a sensitivity of 94.2% and specificity of 87.0%, was identified as the optimal cut-off value for separating active from passive smokers. Nicotine and cotinine concentrations in hair clearly distinguished active from passive smokers.

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

PubMed

Schaufeli, W B; Van Dierendonck, D

1995-06-01

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

Proceedings of the CREATE Cross-Cutting Evaluation Theory Planning Seminar (Kalamazoo, Michigan, June 2-3, 1993).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Center for Research in Educational Accountability and Teacher Evaluation (CREATE), Kalamazoo, MI.

The Cross-cutting Evaluation Theory Planning Seminar was initiated to provide insight that will assist in development of a planning proposal for the Cross-cutting Theory Project of the Center for Research on Educational Accountability and Teacher Evaluation (CREATE). CREATE consists of five separate programs, four of which address specific topics…

Assessment of Lean Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in a Middle Income Country; Prevalence and Its Association with Metabolic Disorders: A Cross-sectional Study.

PubMed

Naderian, Mohammadreza; Kolahdoozan, Shadi; Sharifi, Amir Sina; Garmaroudi, Gholamreza; Yaseri, Mehdi; Poustchi, Hossein; Sohrabpour, Amir Ali

2017-04-01

Recent data has proven that the WHO (world health organization) cut-off for obesity is not applicable to the Asian population. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of lean NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) in the capital of Iran and extract probable predictors for this growing health issue in this population. This is a population-based cross-sectional study on apparently healthy subjects over 18 years of age. The participants were interviewed for baseline demographic and clinical information. They were subsequently referred for physical examination and blood sampling. NAFLD was diagnosed using abdominal ultrasonography by a single expert radiologist. Of 927 eligible participants who entered the study, 314 were lean; BMI (body mass index) <25 kg/m2. The prevalence of NAFLD was 17.52% (95% Exact CI: 13.48%-22.18%). BMI, SBP (systolic blood pressure), DBP (diastolic blood pressure), total cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and triglyceride were significantly different in patients with NAFLD. In the final multiple analysis, higher levels of triglyceride, upper SBP and higher BMI even in the range of less than 25 kg/m2 were independent predictors of NAFLD in lean participants. In lean participants with more components of metabolic syndrome, the prevalence of NAFLD increased significantly (all P < 0.01). BMI cut-offs in men and women along with waist circumference cut-off in men could significantly predict the presence of NAFLD in lean patients. After comparing these values, McNemar test showed that BMI cut-offs are more robust than waist circumference cut-offs for predicting the presence of NAFLD in lean subjects (P < 0.01). The prevalence of NAFLD in lean subjects in a sample of Iranian population is 17.52%. Hypertriglyceridemia, higher SBP, and higher BMI especially over 23.2 are independent factors associated with the presence of NAFLD in lean subjects.

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

PubMed

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

2016-05-01

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

Cross-cultural feigning assessment: A systematic review of feigning instruments used with linguistically, ethnically, and culturally diverse samples.

PubMed

Nijdam-Jones, Alicia; Rosenfeld, Barry

2017-11-01

The cross-cultural validity of feigning instruments and cut-scores is a critical concern for forensic mental health clinicians. This systematic review evaluated feigning classification accuracy and effect sizes across instruments and languages by summarizing 45 published peer-reviewed articles and unpublished doctoral dissertations conducted in Europe, Asia, and North America using linguistically, ethnically, and culturally diverse samples. The most common psychiatric symptom measures used with linguistically, ethnically, and culturally diverse samples included the Structured Inventory of Malingered Symptomatology, the Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test, and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). The most frequently studied cognitive effort measures included the Word Recognition Test, the Test of Memory Malingering, and the Rey 15-item Memory test. The classification accuracy of these measures is compared and the implications of this research literature are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Steps for Action : getting intelligent transportation systems ready for the year 2000

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-09-01

Hazardous Materials Incident Response Cross-Cutting report summarizes and interprets the results of three Field Operational Tests (FOTs) that are evaluating systems for improving the accuracy and availability of HazMat information provided to emergen...

Rapidity gap cross sections measured with the ATLAS detector in pp collisions at $$\\sqrt{s} = 7 \\mbox{~TeV}$$

DOE PAGES

Aad, G.; Abbott, B.; Abdallah, J.; ...

2012-03-13

Pseudorapidity gap distributions in proton-proton collisions at s√=7 ~TeVs=7 ~TeV are studied using a minimum bias data sample with an integrated luminosity of 7.1 μb -1. Cross sections are measured differentially in terms of Δη F, the larger of the pseudorapidity regions extending to the limits of the ATLAS sensitivity, at η= ±4.9, in which no final state particles are produced above a transverse momentum threshold pmore » $$cut\\atop{T}$$ . The measurements span the region 0F < 8 for 200~MeV< p$$cut\\atop{T}$$ <800~MeV200~MeVF, the data test the reliability of hadronisation models in describing rapidity and transverse momentum fluctuations in final state particle production. The measurements at larger gap sizes are dominated by contributions from the single diffractive dissociation process (pp→Xp), enhanced by double dissociation (pp→XY) where the invariant mass of the lighter of the two dissociation systems satisfies M Y≲7 GeV. The resulting cross section is dσ/dΔη F≈1 mb for Δη F≳3. The large rapidity gap data are used to constrain the value of the Pomeron intercept appropriate to triple Regge models of soft diffraction. Finally, the cross section integrated over all gap sizes is compared with other LHC inelastic cross section measurements.« less

The DSM-5 Self-Rated Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure as a Screening Tool.

PubMed

Bastiaens, Leo; Galus, James

2018-03-01

The DSM-5 Self-Rated Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure was developed to aid clinicians with a dimensional assessment of psychopathology; however, this measure resembles a screening tool for several symptomatic domains. The objective of the current study was to examine the basic parameters of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive power of the measure as a screening tool. One hundred and fifty patients in a correctional community center filled out the measure prior to a psychiatric evaluation, including the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview screen. The above parameters were calculated for the domains of depression, mania, anxiety, and psychosis. The results showed that the sensitivity and positive predictive power of the studied domains was poor because of a high rate of false positive answers on the measure. However, when the lowest threshold on the Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure was used, the sensitivity of the anxiety and psychosis domains and the negative predictive values for mania, anxiety and psychosis were good. In conclusion, while it is foreseeable that some clinicians may use the DSM-5 Self-Rated Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure as a screening tool, it should not be relied on to identify positive findings. It functioned well in the negative prediction of mania, anxiety and psychosis symptoms.

Comparison of Shaping Ability of 10 Rotary and Reciprocating Systems: an In Vitro Study with AutoCad.

PubMed

Rubio, Jorge; Zarzosa, José Ignacio; Pallarés, Antonio

2017-09-01

The aim of this study was to compare the cutting are, root canal anatomy preservation and non-instrumented areas of F360®, F6-SkyTaper®, Hyflex-EDM®, iRACE®, Neoniti®, O.Shape®, P.Next®, Reciproc®, Revo-S® and Wave-One-Gold® size 25 files. 300 teeth with a single straight root and a circular or elliptical root canal were divided into 10 groups (1-F360®, 2- F6-SkyTaper®, 3-Hyflex-EDM®, 4-iRACE®, 5-Neoniti®, 6-O.Shape®, 7-P.Next®, 8-Reciproc®, 9-Revo-S® and 10-Wave-One-Gold®) cut into 3 cross sections using an ultrafine cutting disc. They were photographed under a stereo microscope and preinstrumentation analyses were made before rebuilding the teeth with# 10 K- File and epoxy glue. A glide path was created with #10 and #15 K files and each group was instrumented using rotary or reciprocating systems. Cutting areas, root canal anatomy preservation and non-instrumented areas were analyzed using the AutoCAD 2015 Levene's test, the Welch´s test, and the Games-Howell´s test. The Pearson's chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis. Levene's test showed no equality of variances (P<0.05), therefore Welch´s and Games-Howell's tests were applied to cutting areas, showing significant differences in all thirds and overall (P<0.05). No differences in root canal anatomy preservation were observed (P>0.05). In non-instrumented areas, significant differences were found (P<0.05) in middle third being better in Reciproc®, Neoniti® and WaveOneGold®, and in apical thirds being higher P.Next®, Reciproc®, HyflexEDM®, Neoniti® and WaveOneGold®. In cutting area, P.Next® and Reciproc® were superior in coronal third, Neoniti® and Hyflex EDM® medially and apically and Neoniti® and Reciproc® overall. Regarding the root canal anatomy preservation, all systems were similar. For non-instrumented areas, all systems achieved similar results coronally, but Reciproc®, Neoniti® and Wave One Gold® were superior in middle third and P.Next®, Reciproc®, Hyflex EDM®, Neoniti® and Wave One Gold® were superior in apically.

Comparison of Shaping Ability of 10 Rotary and Reciprocating Systems: an In Vitro Study with AutoCad

PubMed Central

Zarzosa, José Ignacio; Pallarés, Antonio

2017-01-01

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the cutting are, root canal anatomy preservation and non-instrumented areas of F360®, F6-SkyTaper®, Hyflex-EDM®, iRACE®, Neoniti®, O.Shape®, P.Next®, Reciproc®, Revo-S® and Wave-One-Gold® size 25 files. Materials and Methods 300 teeth with a single straight root and a circular or elliptical root canal were divided into 10 groups (1-F360®, 2- F6-SkyTaper®, 3-Hyflex-EDM®, 4-iRACE®, 5-Neoniti®, 6-O.Shape®, 7-P.Next®, 8-Reciproc®, 9-Revo-S® and 10-Wave-One-Gold®) cut into 3 cross sections using an ultrafine cutting disc. They were photographed under a stereo microscope and preinstrumentation analyses were made before rebuilding the teeth with# 10 K- File and epoxy glue. A glide path was created with #10 and #15 K files and each group was instrumented using rotary or reciprocating systems. Cutting areas, root canal anatomy preservation and non-instrumented areas were analyzed using the AutoCAD 2015 Levene's test, the Welch´s test, and the Games-Howell´s test. The Pearson’s chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis. Results Levene's test showed no equality of variances (P<0.05), therefore Welch´s and Games-Howell's tests were applied to cutting areas, showing significant differences in all thirds and overall (P<0.05). No differences in root canal anatomy preservation were observed (P>0.05). In non-instrumented areas, significant differences were found (P<0.05) in middle third being better in Reciproc®, Neoniti® and WaveOneGold®, and in apical thirds being higher P.Next®, Reciproc®, HyflexEDM®, Neoniti® and WaveOneGold®. Conclusions In cutting area, P.Next® and Reciproc® were superior in coronal third, Neoniti® and Hyflex EDM® medially and apically and Neoniti® and Reciproc® overall. Regarding the root canal anatomy preservation, all systems were similar. For non-instrumented areas, all systems achieved similar results coronally, but Reciproc®, Neoniti® and Wave One Gold® were superior in middle third and P.Next®, Reciproc®, Hyflex EDM®, Neoniti® and Wave One Gold® were superior in apically. PMID:29225361

The hospital anxiety and depression rating scale: A cross-sectional study of psychometrics and case finding abilities in general practice

PubMed Central

Olssøn, Ingrid; Mykletun, Arnstein; Dahl, Alv A

2005-01-01

Background General practitioners' (GPs) diagnostic skills lead to underidentification of generalized anxiety disorders (GAD) and major depressive episodes (MDE). Supplement of brief questionnaires could improve the diagnostic accuracy of GPs for these common mental disorders. The aims of this study were to examine the usefulness of The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Rating Scale (HADS) for GPs by: 1) Examining its psychometrics in the GPs' setting; 2) Testing its case-finding properties compared to patient-rated GAD and MDE (DSM-IV); and 3) Comparing its case finding abilities to that of the GPs using Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) rating. Methods In a cross-sectional survey study 1,781 patients in three consecutive days in September 2001 attended 141 GPs geographically spread in Norway. Sensitivity, specificity, optimal cut off score, and Area under the curve (AUC) for the HADS and the CGI-S were calculated with Generalized Anxiety Questionnaire (GAS-Q) as reference standard for GAD, and Depression Screening Questionnaire (DSQ) for MDE. Results The HADS-A had optimal cut off ≥8 (sensitivity 0.89, specificity 0.75), AUC 0.88 and 76% of patients were correctly classified in relation to GAD. The HADS-D had by optimal cut off ≥8 (sensitivity 0.80 and specificity 0.88) AUC 0.93 and 87% of the patients were correctly classified in relation to MDE. Proportions of the total correctly classified at the CGI-S optimal cut-off ≥3 were 83% of patients for GAD and 81% for MDE. Conclusion The results indicate that addition of the patients' HADS scores to GPs' information could improve their diagnostic accuracy of GAD and MDE. PMID:16351733

Comparison of interferon-γ release assay to two cut-off points of tuberculin skin test to detect latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in primary health care workers.

PubMed

de Souza, Fernanda Mattos; do Prado, Thiago Nascimento; Pinheiro, Jair dos Santos; Peres, Renata Lyrio; Lacerda, Thamy Carvalho; Loureiro, Rafaela Borge; Carvalho, Jose Américo; Fregona, Geisa; Dias, Elias Santos; Cosme, Lorrayne Beliqui; Rodrigues, Rodrigo Ribeiro; Riley, Lee Wood; Maciel, Ethel Leonor Noia

2014-01-01

An interferon-γ release assay, QuantiFERON-TB (QFT) test, has been introduced an alternative test for the diagnosis of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Here, we compared the performance of QFT with tuberculin skin test (TST) measured at two different cut-off points among primary health care work (HCW) in Brazil. A cross-sectional study was carried out among HCWs in four Brazilian cities with a known history of high incidence of TB. Results of the QFT were compared to TST results based on both ≥5 mm and ≥10 mm as cut-off points. We enrolled 632 HCWs. When the cut-off value of ≥10 mm was used, agreement between QFT and TST was 69% (k = 0.31), and when the cut-off of ≥5 mm was chosen, the agreement was 57% (k = 0.22). We investigated possible factors of discordance of TST vs QFT. Compared to the TST-/QFT- group, risk factors for discordance in the TST+/QFT- group with TST cut-off of ≥5 mm included age between 41-45 years [OR = 2.70; CI 95%: 1.32-5.51] and 46-64 years [OR = 2.04; CI 95%: 1.05-3.93], BCG scar [OR = 2.72; CI 95%: 1.40-5.25], and having worked only in primary health care [OR = 2.30; CI 95%: 1.09-4.86]. On the other hand, for the cut-off of ≥10 mm, BCG scar [OR = 2.26; CI 95%: 1.03-4.91], being a household contact of a TB patient [OR = 1.72; CI 95%: 1.01-2.92] and having had a previous TST [OR = 1.66; CI 95%: 1.05-2.62], were significantly associated with the TST+/QFT- group. No statistically significant associations were found among the TST-/QFT+ discordant group with either TST cut-off value. Although we identified BCG vaccination to contribute to the discordance at both TST cut-off measures, the current Brazilian recommendation for the initiation of LTBI treatment, based on information gathered from medical history, TST, chest radiograph and physical examination, should not be changed.

Memory Binding Test Predicts Incident Dementia: Results from the Einstein Aging Study.

PubMed

Mowrey, Wenzhu B; Lipton, Richard B; Katz, Mindy J; Ramratan, Wendy S; Loewenstein, David A; Zimmerman, Molly E; Buschke, Herman

2018-01-01

The Memory Binding Test (MBT) demonstrated good cross-sectional discriminative validity and predicted incident aMCI. To assess whether the MBT predicts incident dementia better than a conventional list learning test in a longitudinal community-based study. As a sub-study in the Einstein Aging Study, 309 participants age≥70 initially free of dementia were administered the MBT and followed annually for incident dementia for up to 13 years. Based on previous work, poor memory binding was defined using an optimal empirical cut-score of≤17 on the binding measure of the MBT, Total Items in the Paired condition (TIP). Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess predictive validity adjusting for covariates. We compared the predictive validity of MBT TIP to that of the free and cued selective reminding test free recall score (FCSRT-FR; cut-score:≤24) and the single list recall measure of the MBT, Cued Recalled from List 1 (CR-L1; cut-score:≤12). Thirty-five of 309 participants developed incident dementia. When assessing each test alone, the hazard ratio (HR) for dementia was significant for MBT TIP (HR = 8.58, 95% CI: (3.58, 20.58), p < 0.0001), FCSRT-FR (HR = 4.19, 95% CI: (1.94, 9.04), p = 0.0003) and MBT CR-L1 (HR = 2.91, 95% CI: (1.37, 6.18), p = 0.006). MBT TIP remained a significant predictor of dementia (p = 0.0002) when adjusting for FCSRT-FR or CR-L1. Older adults with poor memory binding as measured by the MBT TIP were at increased risk for incident dementia. This measure outperforms conventional episodic memory measures of free and cued recall, supporting the memory binding hypothesis.

Slant Path Low Visibility Atmospheric Conditions.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

situation. a) An optical propagation slant test path , of a length over which infrared transmissometer measurements can be made that are in a magnitude...transmission measure - ments which are close to 100% and therefore do not accurately relate to absolute transmissivity. A path which is too long will result in...is available for measurement of backscatter cross section along the chosen transmissometer path . 3. Rough Cross Cut of the Works unde Contract in

Shared Resources: Sharing Right-Of-Way For Telecommunications, Identification, Review And Analysis Of Legal And Institutional Issues, Final Report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-09-01

Commercial Vehicle Administrative (CVO) Processes Cross-Cutting report summarizes and interprets the results of several Field Operational Tests (FOTs) conducted to evaluate systems that increase the efficiency of commercial vehicle administrative pro...

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasar, Serdar; Yilmaz, Ali Osman

2017-04-01

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

Assessment of the functional significance of coronary lesions using a monorail catheter.

PubMed

Briguori, C; Nishida, T; Adamian, M; Anzuini, A; Corvaja, N; Carlino, M; Colombo, A

2001-04-01

Myocardial fractional flow reserve (FFR) < 0.75 is a reliable index of a functionally severe coronary stenosis. FFR is best assessed by a sensor-tipped pressure monitoring guidewire (PW). The purpose of this study was to assess whether a multifunctional probing catheter (MFP), a 3 French dual-lumen monorail catheter, can be used to accurately measure intracoronary pressure and FFR. In 35 lesions (35 patients; learning group), we calculated FFR by both PW (FFRPW) and MFP (FFRMFP). Using ROC analysis, the FFRMFP value of 0.65 had the highest sensitivity with the FFRPW < 0.75. FFRMFP cut-off (0.65) was tested in 40 patients (testing group). In all cases, lumen diameter was documented by an intracoronary ultrasound examination. In the learning group, the FFRPW was 0.82 +/- 0.17 and FFRMFP was 0.70 +/- 0.23 (r = 0.88; p < 0.001). The FFRMFP cut-off value (0.65) correctly predicted the FFRPW in 37/40 cases in the testing group. In the 3 discordant cases, FFR was critical (< 0.65) by MFP and normal (> 0.75) by PW. In all these cases, minimal lumen cross-sectional area was < 2.8 mm2. When FFRMFP is > 0.65, FFRPW is always > 0.75. These data demonstrate that even with larger cross-sectional area than a pressure wire, the MFP catheter can easily and reliably be used to assess the functional severity of coronary stenosis.

Intelligent transportation systems at highway-rail intersections : a cross-cutting study : improving safety and mobility at highway-rail grade crossings

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-12-01

In 1997, the ITS Joint Program Office (JPO) at the Federal Highway Administration commissioned a study to identify projects being conducted in the U.S. that used Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) at highway-rail grade crossings, including not ...

Laser cutting eliminates nucleic acid cross-contamination in dried-blood-spot processing.

PubMed

Murphy, Sean C; Daza, Glenda; Chang, Ming; Coombs, Robert

2012-12-01

Dried blood spots (DBS) are useful for molecular assays but are prone to false positives from cross-contamination. In our malaria DBS assay, cross-contamination was encountered despite cleaning techniques suitable for HIV-1. We therefore developed a contact-free laser cutting system that effectively eliminated cross-contamination during DBS processing.

Flux cutting in high- T c superconductors

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

Vlasko-Vlasov, V.; Koshelev, A.; Glatz, A.

We performed magneto-optical study of flux distributions in a YBCO crystal under various applied crossed- field orientations to elucidate the complex nature of magnetic flux cutting in superconductors. Our study reveals unusual vortex patterns induced by the interplay between flux-cutting and vortex pinning. We observe strong flux penetration anisotropy of the normal flux B⊥ in the presence of an in-plane field H|| and associate the modified flux dynamics with staircase structure of tilted vortices in YBCO and the flux-cutting process. We demonstrate that flux-cutting can effectively delay vortex entry in the direction transverse to H||. Finally, we elucidate details ofmore » the vortex-cutting and reconnection process using time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau simulations.« less

Design and cold test of S-BAND cavity BPM for HLS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Qing; Sun, BaoGen; Jia, QiKa; He, DuoHui; Fang, Jia

2011-12-01

An S-band cavity BPM is designed for a new injector in National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory. A re-entrant position cavity is tuned to the TM110 mode as position cavity. Cut-through waveguides are used as pickups to suppress the monopole signal. Theoretical resolution of this design is 31 nm. A prototype cavity BPM system is manufactured for off-line cold tests. The wire scanning method is used to calibrate the BPM and estimate the performance of the on-line BPM system. A cross-talk problem has been detected during the cold test. Racetrack cavity BPM design can be used to suppress the cross-talk. With the nonlinear effect being ignored, transform matrix can be used to correct cross-talk. Analysis of cold test results shows that the position resolution of prototype BPM is better than 3 μm.

Distinct cut task strategy in Australian football players with a history of groin pain.

PubMed

Edwards, Suzi; Brooke, Hiram C; Cook, Jill L

2017-01-01

This study aimed to explore the differences in the magnitude of movement variability and strategies utilized during an unanticipated cut task between players with and without a history of groin pain. Cross-sectional design. Biomechanics laboratory. Male Australian football players with (HISTORY; n = 7) or without (CONTROL; n = 10) a history of groin pain. Three-dimensional ground reaction forces (GRF) and kinematics were recorded during 10 successful trials of an unanticipated cut task, and isokinetic hip adduction and abduction strength. Between-group differences were determined using independent-samples t-tests and the coefficient of variation (CV). Key substantial between-group differences identified were that the HISTORY group displayed decreased knee flexion and hip internal rotation, increased knee internal rotation and T12-L1 right rotation, and higher GRFs during the cut task. They also utilized three invariant systems (ankle, knee and T12-L1 joints), while being connected by a segment (hip and L5-S1 joints) that displayed increased lumbopelvic movement during the cut task, and decreased adductor muscle strength. This identifies the need for clinical management of the lower limb and thoracic segment to improve functional movement patterns in athletes with a history of a groin injury. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Laser Cutting Eliminates Nucleic Acid Cross-Contamination in Dried-Blood-Spot Processing

PubMed Central

Daza, Glenda; Chang, Ming; Coombs, Robert

2012-01-01

Dried blood spots (DBS) are useful for molecular assays but are prone to false positives from cross-contamination. In our malaria DBS assay, cross-contamination was encountered despite cleaning techniques suitable for HIV-1. We therefore developed a contact-free laser cutting system that effectively eliminated cross-contamination during DBS processing. PMID:23052309

Cross-border health and productivity effects of alcohol policies.

PubMed

Johansson, Per; Pekkarinen, Tuomas; Verho, Jouko

2014-07-01

This paper studies the cross-border health and productivity effects of alcohol taxes. We estimate the effect of a large cut in the Finnish alcohol tax on mortality, alcohol-related illnesses and work absenteeism in Sweden. This tax cut led to large differences in the prices of alcoholic beverages between these two countries and to a considerable increase in cross-border shopping. The effect is identified using differences-in-differences strategy where changes in these outcomes in regions near the Finnish border are compared to changes in other parts of northern Sweden. We use register data where micro level data on deaths, hospitalisations and absenteeism is merged to population-wide micro data on demographics and labour market outcomes. Our results show that the Finnish tax cut did not have any clear effect on mortality or alcohol-related hospitalisations in Sweden. However, we find that workplace absenteeism increased by 9% for males and by 15% for females near the Finnish border as a result of the tax cut. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multistate outbreak of listeriosis caused by imported cheese and evidence of cross-contamination of other cheeses, USA, 2012.

PubMed

Heiman, K E; Garalde, V B; Gronostaj, M; Jackson, K A; Beam, S; Joseph, L; Saupe, A; Ricotta, E; Waechter, H; Wellman, A; Adams-Cameron, M; Ray, G; Fields, A; Chen, Y; Datta, A; Burall, L; Sabol, A; Kucerova, Z; Trees, E; Metz, M; Leblanc, P; Lance, S; Griffin, P M; Tauxe, R V; Silk, B J

2016-10-01

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can cause bacteraemia, meningitis, and complications during pregnancy. In July 2012, molecular subtyping identified indistinguishable L. monocytogenes isolates from six patients and two samples of different cut and repackaged cheeses. A multistate outbreak investigation was initiated. Initial analyses identified an association between eating soft cheese and outbreak-related illness (odds ratio 17·3, 95% confidence interval 2·0-825·7) but no common brand. Cheese inventory data from locations where patients bought cheese and an additional location where repackaged cheese yielded the outbreak strain were compared to identify cheeses for microbiological sampling. Intact packages of imported ricotta salata yielded the outbreak strain. Fourteen jurisdictions reported 22 cases from March-October 2012, including four deaths and a fetal loss. Six patients ultimately reported eating ricotta salata; another reported eating cheese likely cut with equipment also used for contaminated ricotta salata, and nine more reported eating other cheeses that might also have been cross-contaminated. An FDA import alert and US and international recalls followed. Epidemiology-directed microbiological testing of suspect cheeses helped identify the outbreak source. Cross-contamination of cheese highlights the importance of using validated disinfectant protocols and routine cleaning and sanitizing after cutting each block or wheel.

Simulation of cross-contamination and decontamination of Campylobacter jejuni during handling of contaminated raw vegetables in a domestic kitchen.

PubMed

Chai, Lay-Ching; Lee, Hai-Yen; Ghazali, Farinazleen Mohd; Abu Bakar, Fatimah; Malakar, Pradeep Kumar; Nishibuchi, Mitsuaki; Nakaguchi, Yoshitsugu; Radu, Son

2008-12-01

Campylobacter jejuni was found to occur at high prevalence in the raw salad vegetables examined. Previous reports describe cross-contamination involving meat; here we investigated the occurrence of cross-contamination and decontamination events in the domestic kitchen via C. jejuni-contaminated vegetables during salad preparation. This is the first report concerning quantitative cross-contamination and decontamination involving naturally contaminated produce. The study was designed to simulate the real preparation of salad in a household kitchen, starting with washing the vegetables in tap water, then cutting the vegetables on a cutting board, followed by slicing cucumber and blanching (heating in hot water) the vegetables in 85 degrees C water. Vegetables naturally contaminated with C. jejuni were used throughout the simulation to attain realistic quantitative data. The mean of the percent transfer rates for C. jejuni from vegetable to wash water was 30.1 to 38.2%; from wash water to cucumber, it was 26.3 to 47.2%; from vegetables to cutting board, it was 1.6 to 10.3%; and from cutting board to cucumber, it was 22.6 to 73.3%. The data suggest the wash water and plastic cutting board as potential risk factors in C. jejuni transmission to consumers. Washing of the vegetables with tap water caused a 0.4-log reduction of C. jejuni attached to the vegetables (most probable number/gram), while rapid blanching reduced the number of C. jejuni organisms to an undetectable level.

The cut-off values of anthropometric variables for predicting mild cognitive impairment in Malaysian older adults: a large population based cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Won, Huiloo; Abdul, Manaf Zahara; Mat Ludin, Arimi Fitri; Omar, Mohd Azahadi; Razali, Rosdinom; Shahar, Suzana

2017-01-01

Older adults are at risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and simple anthropometric measurements can be used to screen for this condition. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the cut-off values of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) for predicting the risk of MCI in older Malaysian adults. A total of 2,240 Malaysian older adults aged ≥60 years were recruited using multistage random sampling in a population based cross-sectional study. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the cut-off values of BMI and WC with optimum sensitivity and specificity for the detection of MCI. Age, gender, years of education, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, depression, and medical conditions were used as confounding factors in this analysis. A BMI cut-off value of 26 kg/m 2 (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.725; sensitivity 90.5%; specificity 38.8%) was appropriate in identifying the risk of getting MCI in both men and women. The optimum WC cut-offs for likelihood of MCI were 90 cm (AUC 0.745; sensitivity 78.0%; specificity 59.8%) for men and 82 cm (AUC 0.714; sensitivity 84.3%; specificity 49.7%) for women. The optimum calf circumference (CC) cut-off values for identifying MCI were 29 cm (AUC 0.731; sensitivity 72.6%; specificity 61.1%) for men and 26 cm (AUC 0.598; sensitivity 79.1%; specificity 45.3%) for women. The cut-off values could be advocated and used as part of the screening of MCI among older Malaysian adults. There is a need to further determine the predictive values of these cut-off points on outcomes through longitudinal study design.

Annual Cybersecurity & Resilience Workshop | Energy Systems Integration

Science.gov Websites

architecture for DER. Cross-Cutting Panels and Breakout Sessions Workshop attendees participated in three cross , business, and policy perspective. The below videos showcase one of the three cross-cutting panel Architecture: Toward a Buildable Architecture Supporting Fractal Microgrids Toby Considine, President, TC9 Inc

An investigation of the use of discriminant analysis for the classification of blade edge type from cut marks made by metal and bamboo blades.

PubMed

Bonney, Heather

2014-08-01

Analysis of cut marks in bone is largely limited to two dimensional qualitative description. Development of morphological classification methods using measurements from cut mark cross sections could have multiple uses across palaeoanthropological and archaeological disciplines, where cutting edge types are used to investigate and reconstruct behavioral patterns. An experimental study was undertaken, using porcine bone, to determine the usefulness of discriminant function analysis in classifying cut marks by blade edge type, from a number of measurements taken from their cross-sectional profile. The discriminant analysis correctly classified 86.7% of the experimental cut marks into serrated, non-serrated and bamboo blade types. The technique was then used to investigate a series of cut marks of unknown origin from a collection of trophy skulls from the Torres Strait Islands, to investigate whether they were made by bamboo or metal blades. Nineteen out of twenty of the cut marks investigated were classified as bamboo which supports the non-contemporaneous ethnographic accounts of the knives used for trophy taking and defleshing remains. With further investigation across a variety of blade types, this technique could prove a valuable tool in the interpretation of cut mark evidence from a wide variety of contexts, particularly in forensic anthropology where the requirement for presentation of evidence in a statistical format is becoming increasingly important. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

76 FR 36908 - Draft Competition Rules for a Global Appliance Efficiency Award for Televisions

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-23

... solicitation of comments. SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is working with partner governments... program can be directed to: Mr. Arne Jacobson, Senior Advisor, DOE Office of Policy and International... working groups, covering standards and test procedures, awards, procurement, incentives, and cross-cutting...

The use of atlas registration and graph cuts for prostate segmentation in magnetic resonance images

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

Korsager, Anne Sofie, E-mail: asko@hst.aau.dk; Østergaard, Lasse Riis; Fortunati, Valerio

2015-04-15

Purpose: An automatic method for 3D prostate segmentation in magnetic resonance (MR) images is presented for planning image-guided radiotherapy treatment of prostate cancer. Methods: A spatial prior based on intersubject atlas registration is combined with organ-specific intensity information in a graph cut segmentation framework. The segmentation is tested on 67 axial T{sub 2}-weighted MR images in a leave-one-out cross validation experiment and compared with both manual reference segmentations and with multiatlas-based segmentations using majority voting atlas fusion. The impact of atlas selection is investigated in both the traditional atlas-based segmentation and the new graph cut method that combines atlas andmore » intensity information in order to improve the segmentation accuracy. Best results were achieved using the method that combines intensity information, shape information, and atlas selection in the graph cut framework. Results: A mean Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 0.88 and a mean surface distance (MSD) of 1.45 mm with respect to the manual delineation were achieved. Conclusions: This approaches the interobserver DSC of 0.90 and interobserver MSD 0f 1.15 mm and is comparable to other studies performing prostate segmentation in MR.« less

Derivation & validation of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) cut-off value as a diagnostic test for type 2 diabetes in south Indian population

PubMed Central

Mohan, Alladi; Reddy, S. Aparna; Sachan, Alok; Sarma, K.V.S.; Kumar, D. Prabath; Panchagnula, Mahesh V.; Rao, P.V.L.N. Srinivasa; Kumar, B. Siddhartha; Krishnaprasanthi, P.

2016-01-01

Background & Objectives: Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) has been in use for more than a decade, as a diagnostic test for type 2 diabetes. Validity of HbA1c needs to be established in the ethnic population in which it is intended to be used. The objective of this study was to derive and validate a HbA1c cut-off value for the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in the ethnic population of Rayalaseema area of south India. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, consecutive patients suspected to have type 2 diabetes underwent fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2 h post-load plasma glucose (2 h-PG) measurements after a 75 g glucose load and HbA1c estimation. They were classified as having diabetes as per the American Diabetes Association criteria [(FPG ≥7 mmol/l (≥126 mg/dl) and/or 2 h-PG ≥11.1 mmol/l (≥200 mg/dl)]. In the training data set (n = 342), optimum cut-off value of HbA1c for defining type 2 diabetes was derived by receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve method using oral glucose tolerance test results as gold standard. This cut-off was validated in a validation data set (n = 341). Results: On applying HbA1c cut-off value of >6.3 per cent (45 mmol/mol) to the training data set, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for diagnosing type 2 diabetes were calculated to be 90.6, 85.2, 80.8 and 93.0 per cent, respectively. When the same cut-off value was applied to the validation data set, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 88.8, 81.9, 74.0 and 92.7 per cent, respectively, although the latter were consistently smaller than the proportions for the training data set, the differences being not significant. Interpretation & conclusions: HbA1c >6.3 per cent (45 mmol/mol) appears to be the optimal cut-off value for the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes applicable to the ethnic population of Rayalaseema area of Andhra Pradesh state in south India. PMID:27934801

In vitro comparison of the cutting efficiency and temperature production of ten different rotary cutting instruments. Part II: electric handpiece and comparison with turbine.

PubMed

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

2009-05-01

The cutting behavior of dental rotary cutting instruments is influenced by the handpiece used. While the turbine handpiece has been extensively tested in previous studies, limited published information exists on the use of rotary cutting instruments with the electric handpiece system and on possible interactions between rotary cutting instruments and handpiece type. The purpose of this study was to examine the cutting performance of a wide selection of rotary cutting instruments tested with the electric handpiece and compare the results with those of the air-turbine handpiece (Part I), identifying possible interactions between handpiece type and rotary cutting instruments. Ten groups of rotary cutting instruments (n=30) designed for tooth preparation were selected: 9 diamond (7 multi-use, 2 disposable) and 1 carbide. Macor blocks (n=75) were used as a substrate, and 4 cuts were made on each specimen, using a new rotary cutting instrument each time, for a total of 300 cuts. The cuts were performed with an electric handpiece (Intramatic Lux K200), with the same methods used in the Part I study. To qualitatively evaluate the rotary cutting instrument surface characteristics, 1 specimen from each group was examined 3 times with a scanning electron microscope (SEM): before use, then after use, but before being cleaned and sterilized, and finally, after ultrasonic cleaning. To compare rotary cutting instrument performance between the turbine and electric handpieces, the data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA to study the main effects of the group of rotary cutting instruments, handpieces, and their interaction. For analysis of the significant main effect, 1-way ANOVA and Tukey's Studentized Range test were used (alpha=.05). Compared to the baseline temperature, all rotary cutting instruments showed a reduction of the temperature in the simulated pulp chamber when tested with the electric handpiece. The Great White Ultra (carbide bur) showed the highest rate of advancement (0.17 mm/s) and lowest applied load (108.35 g). Considering all rotary cutting instruments as a single group, the electric handpiece showed mean lower temperature (26.68 degrees C), higher rate of advancement (0.12 mm/s), and higher load (124.53 g) than the air-turbine handpiece (28.37 degrees C, 0.11 mm/s, and 121.7 g, respectively). Considering each single group of rotary cutting instruments, significant differences were found for the electric or air-turbine handpiece. The tested carbide bur showed greater cutting efficiency than the tested diamond rotary cutting instruments when used with the electric handpiece. The electric handpiece showed a higher cutting efficiency than the turbine, especially when used with the carbide bur, probably due to its greater torque.

Learning of Cross-Sectional Anatomy Using Clay Models

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oh, Chang-Seok; Kim, Ji-Young; Choe, Yeon Hyeon

2009-01-01

We incorporated clay modeling into gross anatomy and neuro-anatomy courses to help students understand cross-sectional anatomy. By making clay models, cutting them and comparing cut surfaces to CT and MR images, students learned how cross-sectional two-dimensional images were created from three-dimensional structure of human organs. Most students…

Surface self-potential patterns related to transmissive fracture trends during a water injection test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DesRoches, A. J.; Butler, K. E.; MacQuarrie, K. TB

2018-03-01

Variations in self-potential (SP) signals were recorded over an electrode array during a constant head injection test in a fractured bedrock aquifer. Water was injected into a 2.2 m interval isolated between two inflatable packers at 44 m depth in a vertical well. Negative SP responses were recorded on surface corresponding to the start of the injection period with strongest magnitudes recorded in electrodes nearest the well. SP response decreased in magnitude at electrodes further from the well. Deflation of the packer system resulted in a strong reversal in the SP signal. Anomalous SP patterns observed at surface at steady state were found to be aligned with dominant fracture strike orientations found within the test interval. Numerical modelling of fluid and current flow within a simplified fracture network showed that azimuthal patterns in SP are mainly controlled by transmissive fracture orientations. The strongest SP gradients occur parallel to hydraulic gradients associated with water flowing out of the transmissive fractures into the tighter matrix and other less permeable cross-cutting fractures. Sensitivity studies indicate that increasing fracture frequency near the well increases the SP magnitude and enhances the SP anomaly parallel to the transmissive set. Decreasing the length of the transmissive fractures leads to more fluid flow into the matrix and into cross-cutting fractures proximal to the well, resulting in a more circular and higher magnitude SP anomaly. Results from the field experiment and modelling provide evidence that surface-based SP monitoring during constant head injection tests has the ability to identify groundwater flow pathways within a fractured bedrock aquifer.

Test and study on mirror quality of ultra-precision diamond turning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Yanyan; Sun, Tao; Li, Zengqiang; Wu, Baosen

2014-09-01

Using the diamond turning lathe and mono crystalline diamond tool, the aluminum alloy of 2A12 was cut under different cutting parameters including cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut and the mirror surfaces were made. The surface roughness, micro hardness and residual stress of the mirror surface were tested by the surface profiler, the universal hardness tester and X-stress Robot. The influences of the cutting parameters on the mirror quality were studied. The research results have theoretical and practical significance to the selection of the optimal cutting parameters in ultraprecision diamond turning.

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

PubMed

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

2016-07-01

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

Experimental Study of Residual Stresses in Metal Parts Obtained by Selective Laser Melting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Protasov, C. E.; Safronov, V. A.; Kotoban, D. V.; Gusarov, A. V.

High local temperature gradients occur at additive manufacturing by selective laser melting of powder. This gives rise to undesirable residual stresses, deformations, and cracks. To understand how to control the formation of the residual stresses, a reliable method is necessary for measuring their distribution in the fabricated part. It is proposed to cut the part into thin plates and to reconstruct the residual stresses from the measured deformation of the plates. This method is tested on beams with square cross-section built from stainless steel. The beams were cut by electrical discharge machining and chemically etched. The obtained stress profile in vertical transversal direction slightly increases from the top to the bottom of the beam. This dependency is confirmed by numerical modeling. The measured stress profile agrees with the known results by other authors.

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

PubMed

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

2015-03-01

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

Measurement of fatigue accumulation in high-strength steels by microstructural examination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakagawa, Y. G.; Yoshizawa, H.; Lapides, M. E.

1990-07-01

Fatigue test bars fabricated from an SA508 class 3 low-carbon steel plate were cyclically deformed at 300 °C (constant low-cycle fatigue, total strain range Δɛ = 0.78 pct and 0.48 pct) to crack initiation (100 pct cumulative damage, CD) and to the factors 75, 50, and 25 pct CD. The test bars were cut perpendicular to the stress axis at the center of the gage length. The X-ray diffraction line-broadening (XRD) was performed on the cross sections created by the cuts. Thin foils (˜0.1-μm thick) were prepared from each cross section and used for the transmission electron microscope (TEM) and selected area diffraction (SAD) study. The half-value line breadth change measured by the XRD increased with the CD increase up to 50 pct, beyond which a significant reduction was observed for the 75 and 100 pct CD sample regardless of the incident X-ray beam angle. By the TEM, the undamaged material (0 pct CD) was characterized by high-angle boundaries, small carbide precipitates, and dislocation cell networks in grains. These characteristics did not show any appreciable changes in all of the samples with fatigue damage of the respective levels. Micro-orientation changes of the dislocation cells studied by the SAD of the foils and a statistical data analysis clearly demonstrated that the mean orientation difference in the cells and its standard deviation increased gradually as the CD increased.

Effects of Different Polarization Strategies on Laser Cutting with Direct Diode Lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodrigues, G. Costa; Duflou, J. R.

As Direct Diode Lasers are introduced as an emerging technology for laser cutting of metal sheets, new challenges arise. The relatively low beam quality remains a limitation to the maximum cutting speed. One way to balance this may be a strategic use of laser polarization in order to influence laser material interaction in the cutting kerf. In this paper the effects of cross-, linear-, radial- and azimuthal- laser beam polarization arrangements are studied with both Fusion and Flame cutting at an output power of approximately 750W. Different combinations of materials and thicknesses were cut and the maximum cutting speed and edge quality analyzed. It is found that at similar cutting edge quality, improvements in cutting speed can go up to 40% with an inert gas, such as Nitrogen, and up to 20% with a reactive gas, such as Oxygen, in agreement with analytical models for absorption previously developed by the authors.

Investigation of Performance Improvements Including Application of Inlet Guide Vanes to a Cross-flow Fan

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-01

25 Figure 17. IGV Cut Out from Fluid Domain...Figure 22. Installed IGVS as Viewed from the CFF Inlet.................................................30 Figure 23. Schematic of Turbine Test Rig (TTR...44 Figure 28. Close In View of Velocity Vector Plot Near IGVS for 6IGV Model..............45 Figure 29

Notification: CIGIE Purchase Card Cross-Cutting Project

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Project #OA-FY17-0088, December 20, 2016. The EPA OIG plans to participate in a Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) purchase card cross-cutting project led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture OIG.

Cross-Cutting public policy requirements applicable to federal grants

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

There are cross-cutting public policy requirements applicable to Federal grants, including those awarded by the EPA. Some of those requirements are included here because they have been part of appropriations acts for several years without change.

Cutting boards in Salmonella cross-contamination.

PubMed

Cliver, Dean O

2006-01-01

Cutting boards are commonly perceived as important fomites in cross-contamination of foods with agents such as Salmonella spp., despite the lack of supporting epidemiological data. A variety of woods and plastics have been used to make work surfaces for cutting. In general, wood is said to dull knives less than plastic, and plastic is seen as less porous than wood. Research to model the hypothetical cross-contamination has been done in a variety of ways and has yielded a variety of results. At least some of the work with knife-scarred plastic indicates that the surface is very difficult to clean and disinfect, although this may vary among the polymers used. High-density polyethylene, which is most used in commercial applications, has been shown to delaminate in response to knife scarring. Wood is intrinsically porous, which allows food juices and bacteria to enter the body of the wood unless a highly hydrophobic residue covers the surface. The moisture is drawn in by capillary action until there is no more free fluid on the surface, at which point immigration ceases. Bacteria in the wood pores are not killed instantly, but neither do they return to the surface. Destructive sampling reveals infectious bacteria for hours, but resurrection of these bacteria via knife edges has not been demonstrated. Small plastic cutting boards can be cleaned in a dishwasher (as can some specially treated wooden boards), but the dishwasher may distribute the bacteria onto other food-contact surfaces. Most small wooden boards (i.e., those with no metal joiners in them) can be sterilized in a microwave oven, but this should be unnecessary if accumulation of food residues is prevented. However, 2 epidemiological studies seem to show that cutting board cleaning habits have little influence on the incidence of sporadic salmonellosis. Further, one of these studies indicated that use of plastic cutting boards in home kitchens is hazardous, whereas use of wooden cutting boards is not.

Comparison of the prevalence of sarcopenia using skeletal muscle mass index and calf circumference applying the European consensus definition in elderly Mexican women.

PubMed

Velazquez-Alva, Maria Consuelo; Irigoyen Camacho, Maria Esther; Lazarevich, Irina; Delgadillo Velazquez, Jaime; Acosta Dominguez, Patricia; Zepeda Zepeda, Marco A

2017-01-01

To compare the prevalence of sarcopenia using two indicators: skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and calf circumference (CC) used in the algorithm proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Mexican elderly women. This was a cross-sectional study. Lean body mass was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. To define sarcopenia, the SMI was obtained using a cut-off value of 5.5 kg/m 2 , and the CC cut-off was 31 cm. For gait speed and handgrip strength, the cut-off values were 0.8 m/s and 20 kg, respectively. A total of 137 women (mean age 73.8 ± 6.7 years) participated in the study. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 14.6% using SMI and 11.0% using CC (P = 0.009). Body mass index was associated with a lower probability of sarcopenia applying SMI or CC (OR 0.75, P = 0.002 for SMI and OR 0.71, P = 0.004 for CC). Sarcopenia evaluated either with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or CC was not associated with physical performance, such as five times chair stand test, timed up and go test and short physical performance battery. Additionally, SMI was not associated with physical performance, five times chair stand test (P = 0.775) and timed up-and-go test (P = 0.341). The prevalence of sarcopenia in active elderly women was low. A higher prevalence of sarcopenia was detected using SMI compared with CC. It is important to identify the best methods to assess skeletal muscle mass to obtain a reliable diagnosis of sarcopenia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 161-170. © 2015 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Multiple hydrothermal and metamorphic events in the Kidd Creek volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit, Timmins, Ontario: evidence from tourmalines and chlorites

USGS Publications Warehouse

Slack, J.F.; Coad, P.R.

1989-01-01

The tourmalines and chlorites record a series of multiple hydrothermal and metamorphic events. Paragenetic studies suggest that tourmaline was deposited during several discrete stages of mineralization, as evidence by brecciation and cross-cutting relationships. Most of the tourmalines have two concentric growth zones defined by different colours (green, brown, blue, yellow). Some tourmalines also display pale discordant rims that cross-cut and embay the inner growth zones and polycrystalline, multiple-extinction domains. Late sulphide veinlets (chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite) transect the inner growth zones and pale discordant rims of many crystals. The concentric growth zones are interpreted as primary features developed by the main ore-forming hydrothermal system, whereas the discordant rims, polycrystalline domains, and cross-cutting sulphide veinlets reflect post-ore metamorphic processes. Variations in mineral proportions and mineral chemistry within the deposit mainly depend on fluctuations in temperature, pH, water/rock ratios, and amounts of entrained seawater. -from Authors

Political science. Exposure to ideologically diverse news and opinion on Facebook.

PubMed

Bakshy, Eytan; Messing, Solomon; Adamic, Lada A

2015-06-05

Exposure to news, opinion, and civic information increasingly occurs through social media. How do these online networks influence exposure to perspectives that cut across ideological lines? Using deidentified data, we examined how 10.1 million U.S. Facebook users interact with socially shared news. We directly measured ideological homophily in friend networks and examined the extent to which heterogeneous friends could potentially expose individuals to cross-cutting content. We then quantified the extent to which individuals encounter comparatively more or less diverse content while interacting via Facebook's algorithmically ranked News Feed and further studied users' choices to click through to ideologically discordant content. Compared with algorithmic ranking, individuals' choices played a stronger role in limiting exposure to cross-cutting content. Copyright © 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Female high school biology students' biofilm-focused learning: The contributions of three instructional strategies to patterns in understanding and motivation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ales, Jo Dale Hill

2000-12-01

This exploratory study examined three instructional strategies used with female high school biology students. The relative contributions of the strategies to student understanding of microbiology and motivation in science were analyzed. The science education community targeted underachievement in science by implementing changes in content and practices (NRC, 1996). Research suggested that teachers facilitate learnirig environments based on human constructivism (Mintzes, Wandersee, & Novak, 1997) that is rooted in meaningful learning theory (Ausubel, Novak & Hanesian, 1978). Teachers were advised to use both visual and verbal instructional strategies (Paivio, 1983) and encourage students to construct understandings by connecting new experiences to prior knowledge. The American Society for Microbiology supports the study of microorganisms because of their prominence in the biosphere (ASK 1997). In this study, two participating teachers taught selected microbiology concepts while focused on the cutting edge science of biofilms. Biology students accessed digitized biofilm images on an ASM web page and adapted them into products, communicated with biofilm researchers, and adapted a professional-quality instructional video for cross-age teaching. The study revealed improvements in understanding as evidenced on a written test; however, differences in learnirig outcomes were not significant. Other data, including student journal reflections, observations of student interactions, and student clinical interviews indicate that students were engaged in cutting edge science and adapted biofilm images in ways that increased understanding of microbiology (with respect to both science content and as a way of knowing) and motivation. An ASM CD-ROM of the images did not effectively enhance learning and this study provides insights into what could make it more successful. It also identifies why, in most cases, students' E-mail communication with biofilm researchers was unsuccessful. The positive experiences of successful students indicate that teacher management could maximize the benefits of experiencing cutting edge science this way. Cutting edge science can be used to make science more relevant to students, enhance science learning, and insure a more scientifically literate society. Cross-age teachers effectively adapted an instructional video, communicated science, and increased their understanding of selected microbiology concepts and self-confidence. They also increased or maintained their motivation to study science.

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

PubMed

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

2015-04-01

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

The Diagnostic Value of Urine Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) Antigen in Childhood Tuberculosis.

PubMed

Iskandar, Agustin; Nursiloningrum, Erlin; Arthamin, Maimun Zulhaidah; Olivianto, Ery; Chandrakusuma, Mas Slamet

2017-03-01

Diagnosis of Tuberculosis (TB) in children is difficult because the clinical presentation is not specific, the chest X-ray interpretation has low accuracy and sputum sample is difficult to obtain. Antigen detection test such as rapid urine LAM is a non-invasive alternative for diagnosing TB . Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) is the main component of M.tuberculosis cell wall. To determine the diagnostic value of urinary LAM antigen for diagnosis of childhood TB. In the present cross-sectional study, subjects were included using consecutive sampling method. All the children aged 0-14 years Suspected of pulmonary or extra pulmonary TB suffering from cough more than two weeks, fever without clear aetiology, loss of body weight or poor weight gain, fatigue, malaise, chronic lymph node enlargement, spine angulation, joint swelling and had history of contact with positive sputum smear adult TB patient were enrolled in the study. Pulmonary and extra pulmonary diagnosis was based on clinical presentation, Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), chest X-ray, Acid Fast Bacillus (AFB) staining and or sputum culture. Urinary LAM level was measured by using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Cut off value and Area Under the Curve (AUC) were determined using ROC statistical analysis (SPSS 21.0). Sensitivity and specificity was measured from 2x2 cross table. Out of 61 subjects suspected as TB, 49 (80.3%) were eventually diagnosed with TB. Of those diagnosed with TB, 21 (42.9%) were microbiologically confirmed cases either by sputum microscopy (34.7%) or culture (8.2%), whereas 28 subjects were unconfirmed cases (57.1%). The urinary LAM level was higher in subjects with TB (1.80+1.02) mg/l compared to non-TB group (0.46+0.3) mg/l; p<0.001(independent t-test). Urine LAM had 83% sensitivity and 85% specificity with cut off value 0.98 mg/l using microbiological and clinical confirmation as standard reference and 33% sensitivity and 60% specificity with cut off value 1.69 mg/l using microbiological confirmation only. Urinary LAM has good diagnostic value for childhood TB diagnosis.

The Diagnostic Value of Urine Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) Antigen in Childhood Tuberculosis

PubMed Central

Nursiloningrum, Erlin; Arthamin, Maimun Zulhaidah; Olivianto, Ery; Chandrakusuma, Mas Slamet

2017-01-01

Introduction Diagnosis of Tuberculosis (TB) in children is difficult because the clinical presentation is not specific, the chest X-ray interpretation has low accuracy and sputum sample is difficult to obtain. Antigen detection test such as rapid urine LAM is a non-invasive alternative for diagnosing TB . Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) is the main component of M.tuberculosis cell wall. Aim To determine the diagnostic value of urinary LAM antigen for diagnosis of childhood TB. Materials and Methods In the present cross-sectional study, subjects were included using consecutive sampling method. All the children aged 0-14 years Suspected of pulmonary or extra pulmonary TB suffering from cough more than two weeks, fever without clear aetiology, loss of body weight or poor weight gain, fatigue, malaise, chronic lymph node enlargement, spine angulation, joint swelling and had history of contact with positive sputum smear adult TB patient were enrolled in the study. Pulmonary and extra pulmonary diagnosis was based on clinical presentation, Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), chest X-ray, Acid Fast Bacillus (AFB) staining and or sputum culture. Urinary LAM level was measured by using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Cut off value and Area Under the Curve (AUC) were determined using ROC statistical analysis (SPSS 21.0). Sensitivity and specificity was measured from 2x2 cross table. Results Out of 61 subjects suspected as TB, 49 (80.3%) were eventually diagnosed with TB. Of those diagnosed with TB, 21 (42.9%) were microbiologically confirmed cases either by sputum microscopy (34.7%) or culture (8.2%), whereas 28 subjects were unconfirmed cases (57.1%). The urinary LAM level was higher in subjects with TB (1.80+1.02) mg/l compared to non-TB group (0.46+0.3) mg/l; p<0.001(independent t-test). Urine LAM had 83% sensitivity and 85% specificity with cut off value 0.98 mg/l using microbiological and clinical confirmation as standard reference and 33% sensitivity and 60% specificity with cut off value 1.69 mg/l using microbiological confirmation only. Conclusion Urinary LAM has good diagnostic value for childhood TB diagnosis. PMID:28511392

A new device to test cutting efficiency of mechanical endodontic instruments.

PubMed

Giansiracusa Rubini, Alessio; Plotino, Gianluca; Al-Sudani, Dina; Grande, Nicola M; Sonnino, Gianpaolo; Putorti, Ermanno; Cotti, Elisabetta; Testarelli, Luca; Gambarini, Gianluca

2014-03-06

The purpose of the present study was to introduce a new device specifically designed to evaluate the cutting efficiency of mechanically driven endodontic instruments. Twenty new Reciproc R25 (VDW, Munich, Germany) files were used to be investigated in the new device developed to test the cutting ability of endodontic instruments. The device consists of a main frame to which a mobile plastic support for the hand-piece is connected and a stainless-steel block containing a Plexiglas block against which the cutting efficiency of the instruments was tested. The length of the block cut in 1 minute was measured in a computerized program with a precision of 0.1mm. The instruments were activated by using a torque-controlled motor (Silver Reciproc; VDW, Munich, Germany) in a reciprocating movement by the "Reciproc ALL" program (Group 1) and in counter-clockwise rotation at 300 rpm (Group 2). Mean and standard deviations of each group were calculated and data were statistically analyzed with a one-way ANOVA test (P<0.05). Reciproc in reciprocation (Group 1) mean cut in the Plexiglas block was 8.6 mm (SD=0.6 mm), while Reciproc in rotation mean cut was 8.9 mm (SD=0.7 mm). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups investigated (P>0.05). The cutting testing device evaluated in the present study was reliable and easy to use and may be effectively used to test cutting efficiency of both rotary and reciprocating mechanical endodontic instruments.

CLustre: semi-automated lineament clustering for palaeo-glacial reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Mike; Anders, Niels; Keesstra, Saskia

2016-04-01

Palaeo glacial reconstructions, or "inversions", using evidence from the palimpsest landscape are increasingly being undertaken with larger and larger databases. Predominant in landform evidence is the lineament (or drumlin) where the biggest datasets number in excess of 50,000 individual forms. One stage in the inversion process requires the identification of lineaments that are generically similar and then their subsequent interpretation in to a coherent chronology of events. Here we present CLustre, a semi-authomated algorithm that clusters lineaments using a locally adaptive, region growing, method. This is initially tested using 1,500 model runs on a synthetic dataset, before application to two case studies (where manual clustering has been undertaken by independent researchers): (1) Dubawnt Lake, Canada and (2) Victoria island, Canada. Results using the synthetic data show that classifications are robust in most scenarios, although specific cases of cross-cutting lineaments may lead to incorrect clusters. Application to the case studies showed a very good match to existing published work, with differences related to limited numbers of unclassified lineaments and parallel cross-cutting lineaments. The value in CLustre comes from the semi-automated, objective, application of a classification method that is repeatable. Once classified, summary statistics of lineament groups can be calculated and then used in the inversion.

Grading technologies for the manufacture of innovative cutting blades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rostek, Tim; Homberg, Werner

2018-05-01

Cutting blades for harvesting applications are used in a variety of agricultural machines. These parts are in contact with highly abrasive lawn clippings and often wear out within hours which results in high expensive re-sharpening maintenance. This paper relates to manufacturing techniques enhancing the durability of cutting blades based on a structural analysis of the prevailing wear mechanisms containing chipping and abrasive wear. Each mechanism results in specific demands on the cutting edge's mechanical characteristics. The design of evaluation methods respectively is one issue of the paper. This is basis for approaches to improve the cutting edge performance on purpose. On option to improve abrasive wear resistance and, thus, service life is the application of locally graded steel materials as semi-finished products for self-sharpening cutting blades. These materials comprise a layered structure consisting of a hard, wear resistant layer and a relatively softer layer which is lesser wear resistant. As the cutting blade is subjected to wear conditions, the less wear resistant layer wears faster than the relatively more wear resistant harder layer revealing a durable cross section of the cutting edge and, thus, cutting performance. Anyways, chipping is another key issue on the cutting edge's lifetime. Here, the cutting edges cross section by means of geometry and grind respectively as well as its mechanical properties matter. FEM analysis reveal innovative options to optimize the cross section of the blade as well as thermomechanical strengthening add further strength to reduce chipping. This paper contains a comprehensive strategy to improve cutting blades with use of innovative manufacturing technologies which apply application-specific graded mechanical characteristics and, thus, significantly improved performance characteristics.

How malleable is categorization by race? Evidence for competitive category use in social categorization.

PubMed

Klauer, Karl Christoph; Hölzenbein, Fabian; Calanchini, Jimmy; Sherman, Jeffrey W

2014-07-01

We contrast 3 theoretical viewpoints concerning the factors affecting social categorization by race: (a) the classical theory of social categorization highlighting the role of a priori accessibility and situational factors, (b) the classical theory augmented by a principle of competitive category use, and (c) competition between race (but not gender) and coalition with race (but not gender) encoded only as a proxy to coalition. Study 1 documents a confound that renders important portions of previous research difficult to interpret. In Studies 2 and 3, race categorization was stronger than categorization by more weakly accessible categories when situational support in terms of topic relevance was comparable across categories. A situational focus on race further increased race categorization. Race categorization was reduced in the presence of strongly cued cross-cutting coalitions. Race categorization also was depressed when situational factors promoted comparative processing of cross-cutting categories while cues to potential coalitional divisions were held constant (Study 4). Accessibility, topic relevance, and cuing cross-cutting coalitions had the same effects on gender categorization as found for race categorization (Study 5). Taken together, the results suggest that classical theories of social categorization have to be augmented by a principle of competitive category use that is not limited to a competition between race and coalition.

The cut-off values of anthropometric variables for predicting mild cognitive impairment in Malaysian older adults: a large population based cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

Won, Huiloo; Abdul, Manaf Zahara; Mat Ludin, Arimi Fitri; Omar, Mohd Azahadi; Razali, Rosdinom; Shahar, Suzana

2017-01-01

Purpose Older adults are at risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and simple anthropometric measurements can be used to screen for this condition. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the cut-off values of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) for predicting the risk of MCI in older Malaysian adults. Methods A total of 2,240 Malaysian older adults aged ≥60 years were recruited using multistage random sampling in a population based cross-sectional study. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the cut-off values of BMI and WC with optimum sensitivity and specificity for the detection of MCI. Age, gender, years of education, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, depression, and medical conditions were used as confounding factors in this analysis. Results A BMI cut-off value of 26 kg/m2 (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.725; sensitivity 90.5%; specificity 38.8%) was appropriate in identifying the risk of getting MCI in both men and women. The optimum WC cut-offs for likelihood of MCI were 90 cm (AUC 0.745; sensitivity 78.0%; specificity 59.8%) for men and 82 cm (AUC 0.714; sensitivity 84.3%; specificity 49.7%) for women. The optimum calf circumference (CC) cut-off values for identifying MCI were 29 cm (AUC 0.731; sensitivity 72.6%; specificity 61.1%) for men and 26 cm (AUC 0.598; sensitivity 79.1%; specificity 45.3%) for women. Conclusion The cut-off values could be advocated and used as part of the screening of MCI among older Malaysian adults. There is a need to further determine the predictive values of these cut-off points on outcomes through longitudinal study design. PMID:28223785

Muscle Activation During Side-Step Cutting Maneuvers in Male and Female Soccer Athletes

PubMed Central

Hanson, Ashley M; Padua, Darin A; Troy Blackburn, J; Prentice, William E; Hirth, Christopher J

2008-01-01

Context: Female soccer athletes are at greater risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury than males. Sex differences in muscle activation may contribute to the increased incidence of ACL injuries in female soccer athletes. Objective: To examine sex differences in lower extremity muscle activation between male and female soccer athletes at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I level during 2 side-step cutting maneuvers. Design: Cross-sectional with 1 between-subjects factor (sex) and 2 within-subjects factors (cutting task and phase of contact). Setting: Sports medicine research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty males (age = 19.4 ± 1.4 years, height = 176.5 ± 5.5 cm, mass = 74.6 ± 6.0 kg) and 20 females (age = 19.8 ± 1.1 years, height = 165.7 ± 4.3 cm, mass = 62.2 ± 7.2 kg). Intervention(s): In a single testing session, participants performed the running-approach side-step cut and the box-jump side-step cut tasks. Main Outcome Measure(s): Surface electromyographic activity of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, medial hamstrings, lateral hamstrings, gluteus medius, and gluteus maximus was recorded for each subject. Separate mixed-model, repeated-measures analysis of variance tests were used to compare the dependent variables across sex during the preparatory and loading contact phases of each cutting task. Results: Females displayed greater vastus lateralis activity and quadriceps to hamstrings coactivation ratios during the preparatory and loading phases, as well as greater gluteus medius activation during the preparatory phase only. No significant differences were noted between the sexes for muscle activation in the other muscles analyzed during each task. Conclusions: The quadriceps-dominant muscle activation pattern observed in recreationally active females is also present in female soccer athletes at the Division I level when compared with similarly trained male soccer athletes. The relationship between increased quadriceps activation and greater incidence of noncontact ACL injury in female soccer athletes versus males requires further study. PMID:18345337

Molecular markers reliably predict post-harvest decay of fresh-cut lettuce in modified atmosphere packaging

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Fresh-cut lettuce is popular, but highly perishable product. Genetic studies of two bi-parental populations derived from crossing parents with rapid and slow rates of decay showed that the decay rate is heritable (broad spectrum heritability H2 of 0.56 – 0.87). The major genetic determinant of the d...

Immune defense in leaf-cutting ants: a cross-fostering approach.

PubMed

Armitage, Sophie A O; Broch, Jens F; Marín, Hermogenes Fernández; Nash, David R; Boomsma, Jacobus J

2011-06-01

To ameliorate the impact of disease, social insects combine individual innate immune defenses with collective social defenses. This implies that there are different levels of selection acting on investment in immunity, each with their own trade-offs. We present the results of a cross-fostering experiment designed to address the influences of genotype and social rearing environment upon individual and social immune defenses. We used a multiply mating leaf-cutting ant, enabling us to test for patriline effects within a colony, as well as cross-colony matriline effects. The worker's father influenced both individual innate immunity (constitutive antibacterial activity) and the size of the metapleural gland, which secretes antimicrobial compounds and functions in individual and social defense, indicating multiple mating could have important consequences for both defense types. However, the primarily social defense, a Pseudonocardia bacteria that helps to control pathogens in the ants' fungus garden, showed a significant colony of origin by rearing environment interaction, whereby ants that acquired the bacteria of a foster colony obtained a less abundant cover of bacteria: one explanation for this pattern would be co-adaptation between host colonies and their vertically transmitted mutualist. These results illustrate the complexity of the selection pressures that affect the expression of multilevel immune defenses. © 2011 The Author(s). Evolution© 2011 The Society for the Study of Evolution.

Consequences of dramatic reductions in state tobacco control funds: Florida, 1998-2000.

PubMed

Niederdeppe, J; Farrelly, M C; Hersey, J C; Davis, K C

2008-06-01

This study assessed whether dramatic funding reductions to the Florida Tobacco Control Program (FTCP) influenced trends in recall of the Florida "truth" anti-smoking media campaign, anti-industry attitudes and non-smoking intentions among Florida teens. We used an interrupted time series technique to test for differences in the rates of change in Florida "truth" recall, anti-industry beliefs and non-smoking intentions before and after the FTCP budget cuts using the Florida Anti-tobacco Media Evaluation (FAME) survey, a repeated cross-sectional telephone survey of Florida teens. Recall of the Florida "truth" anti-smoking campaign, anti-industry attitudes, and non-smoking intentions increased dramatically between April 1998 and May 1999. Florida "truth" recall declined after FTCP budget cuts in June 1999. Anti-industry beliefs and non-smoking intentions plateaued or began to decline after the budget cuts. The launch of the national "truth" campaign in February 2000 may have offset otherwise deleterious effects of the budget cuts on anti-industry beliefs, but not smoking intentions. Reductions in tobacco control funding have immediate effects on programme exposure and cognitive precursors to smoking initiation. There is a critical need to maintain and enhance funding for state tobacco control programmes to continue nationwide progress in preventing youth from initiating cigarette smoking.

Validation and adaptation of the Norwegian version of Hayes Ability Screening Index for intellectual difficulties in a psychiatric sample.

PubMed

Søndenaa, Erik; Nygård, Øyvind; Nøttestad, Jim Aage; Linaker, Olav Martin

2011-02-01

Intellectual disabilities (ID) among psychiatric patients have traditionally been neglected. A lack of convenient instruments and competency in ID may have worsened the conditions and treatment availability for these patients. Validation and adaptation of a screening instrument for ID (Hayes Ability Screening Index; HASI) in a psychiatric hospital setting. This is a cross-sectional study of 50 psychiatric patients in two Norwegian psychiatric hospitals comparing results of the HASI with the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI). The HASI correlated well with the standard IQ test used (r= 0.67, P< 0.001). At a stated cut-off score of 85, the HASI had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 34%. The HASI is a valid and time-saving screening instrument for ID among psychiatric patients. The prescribed cut-off score, however, resulted in a large number of false positives.

Getting More Out of Less – A Quantitative Serological Screening Tool for Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Influenza A Hemagglutinin-Types in Chickens

PubMed Central

Freidl, Gudrun S.; de Bruin, Erwin; van Beek, Janko; Reimerink, Johan; de Wit, Sjaak; Koch, Guus; Vervelde, Lonneke; van den Ham, Henk-Jan; Koopmans, Marion P. G.

2014-01-01

Current avian influenza surveillance in poultry primarily targets subtypes of interest for the veterinary sector (H5, H7). However, as virological and serological evidence suggest, surveillance of additional subtypes is important for public health as well as for the poultry industry. Therefore, we developed a protein microarray enabling simultaneous identification of antibodies directed against different HA-types of influenza A viruses in chickens. The assay successfully discriminated negative from experimentally and naturally infected, seropositive chickens. Sensitivity and specificity depended on the cut-off level used but ranged from 84.4% to 100% and 100%, respectively, for a cut off level of ≥1∶40, showing minimal cross reactivity. As this testing platform is also validated for the use in humans, it constitutes a surveillance tool that can be applied in human-animal interface studies. PMID:25248105

A comparison of cell-free placental messenger ribonucleic acid and color Doppler ultrasound for the prediction of placental invasion in patients with placenta accreta

PubMed Central

Naghshineh, Elham; Khorvash, Elahe; Kamali, Sara

2015-01-01

Background: The aim of the present study was to comparison between cell-free placental messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and Doppler ultrasound for the prediction of placental invasion in women with placenta accreta. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50 pregnant women at risk for placenta accreta underwent color Doppler and assessment of cell-free placental mRNA. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was used for measurement of cell-free placental mRNA in maternal plasma. Based on the findings at cesarean delivery and histological examination, patients were divided into two groups of women with and without placenta accrete. To compare of the mean of mRNA levels between the two groups we used independent t-test and to compare of the mean of age and gestational age at sonography we used Mann-Whitney test. For determination of sensitivity and specificity and the cut-off point of mRNA levels we used the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: A total of 50 women with a mean age of 30.24 ± 4.905 years entered the study and 12 (24%) patients were diagnosed with placenta accreta. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of Doppler ultrasound were 83.3%, 78.9%, 56% and 94%, respectively. Results of our study showed if we consider a cut-off point equal to 3.325, with sensitivity and specificity of 0.917 and 0.789, respectively and the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of mRNA with were cut-off point of 3.325 were 91.7%, 78.9%, 57.9% and 96.8%, respectively. Conclusions: Cell-free mRNA is an acceptable, easy made, functional test with sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV more than Doppler ultrasound for diagnosis and prediction of incidence of placenta accrete and we recommend the use of cell-free mRNA test for diagnosis of placenta accreta. PMID:25709996

A comparison of cell-free placental messenger ribonucleic acid and color Doppler ultrasound for the prediction of placental invasion in patients with placenta accreta.

PubMed

Naghshineh, Elham; Khorvash, Elahe; Kamali, Sara

2015-01-01

The aim of the present study was to comparison between cell-free placental messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and Doppler ultrasound for the prediction of placental invasion in women with placenta accreta. In this cross-sectional study, 50 pregnant women at risk for placenta accreta underwent color Doppler and assessment of cell-free placental mRNA. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was used for measurement of cell-free placental mRNA in maternal plasma. Based on the findings at cesarean delivery and histological examination, patients were divided into two groups of women with and without placenta accrete. To compare of the mean of mRNA levels between the two groups we used independent t-test and to compare of the mean of age and gestational age at sonography we used Mann-Whitney test. For determination of sensitivity and specificity and the cut-off point of mRNA levels we used the receiver operating characteristic curve. A total of 50 women with a mean age of 30.24 ± 4.905 years entered the study and 12 (24%) patients were diagnosed with placenta accreta. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of Doppler ultrasound were 83.3%, 78.9%, 56% and 94%, respectively. Results of our study showed if we consider a cut-off point equal to 3.325, with sensitivity and specificity of 0.917 and 0.789, respectively and the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of mRNA with were cut-off point of 3.325 were 91.7%, 78.9%, 57.9% and 96.8%, respectively. Cell-free mRNA is an acceptable, easy made, functional test with sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV more than Doppler ultrasound for diagnosis and prediction of incidence of placenta accrete and we recommend the use of cell-free mRNA test for diagnosis of placenta accreta.

Construction of a standard test assembly for controlled laser studies in tissues: Preliminary study on human bone material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beer, Franziska; Passow, Harald

2008-02-01

The aim of the study is the construction of a test assembly, which facilitates objective, comparative studies on the cutting performance of lasers in hard tissue. To ensure the applicability of our own construction for the reproducible performance of laser incisions in hard tissue, eleven freshly extracted blocks (2×1.5cm2) of human bone were prepared with a Er,Cr:YSGG laser by using a handheld handpiece, respectively, using the constructed device for a standardized cutting. A total of 44 cuts were executed. The specimen were then histologically evaluated. The standard test assembly met the requirements concerning the provision of objective results. The findings of the histological evaluation prove the reproducibility of the results. The standard test assembly presented in this paper facilitates comparative studies of different laser systems by reducing subjective influence on the preparation to a minimum. The results of this preliminary study show that the precision of the guiding instrument for laser cutting reduces the error of cut width by 50-fold, from 50to1μm.

Investigation into the Effects of Textural Properties on Cuttability Performance of a Chisel Tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tumac, Deniz; Copur, Hanifi; Balci, Cemal; Er, Selman; Avunduk, Emre

2018-04-01

The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of textural properties of stones on cutting performance of a standard chisel tool. Therewithal, the relationships between textural properties and cutting performance parameters and physical and mechanical properties were statistically analyzed. For this purpose, physical and mechanical property tests and mineralogical and petrographic analyses were carried out on eighteen natural stone samples, which can be grouped into three fundamentally different geological origins, i.e., metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary. Then, texture coefficient analyses were performed on the samples. To determine the cuttability of the stones; the samples were cut with a portable linear cutting machine using a standard chisel tool at different depths of cut in unrelieved (non-interactive) cutting mode. The average and maximum forces (normal and cutting) and specific energy were measured, and the obtained values were correlated with texture coefficient, packing weighting, and grain size. With reference to the relation between depth of cut and cutting performance of the chisel tool for three types of natural stone groups, specific energy decreases with increasing depth of cut, and cutting forces increase in proportion to the depth of cut. The same is observed for the relationship between packing weighting and both of specific energy and cutter forces. On the other hand, specific energy and the forces decrease while grain size increases. Based on the findings of the present study, texture coefficient has strong correlation with specific energy. Generally, the lower depth of cut values in cutting tests shows higher and more reliable correlations with texture coefficient than the increased depth of cut. The results of cutting tests show also that, at a lower depth of cut (less than 1.5 mm), even stronger correlations can be observed between texture coefficient and cutting performance. Experimental studies indicate that cutting performance of chisel tools can be predicted based on texture coefficients of the natural stones.

Process for Selecting System Level Assessments for Human System Technologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watts, James; Park, John

2006-01-01

The integration of many life support systems necessary to construct a stable habitat is difficult. The correct identification of the appropriate technologies and corresponding interfaces is an exhaustive process. Once technologies are selected secondary issues such as mechanical and electrical interfaces must be addressed. The required analytical and testing work must be approached in a piecewise fashion to achieve timely results. A repeatable process has been developed to identify and prioritize system level assessments and testing needs. This Assessment Selection Process has been defined to assess cross cutting integration issues on topics at the system or component levels. Assessments are used to identify risks, encourage future actions to mitigate risks, or spur further studies.

A new device to test cutting efficiency of mechanical endodontic instruments

PubMed Central

Rubini, Alessio Giansiracusa; Plotino, Gianluca; Al-Sudani, Dina; Grande, Nicola M.; Putorti, Ermanno; Sonnino, GianPaolo; Cotti, Elisabetta; Testarelli, Luca; Gambarini, Gianluca

2014-01-01

Background The purpose of the present study was to introduce a new device specifically designed to evaluate the cutting efficiency of mechanically driven endodontic instruments. Material/Methods Twenty new Reciproc R25 (VDW, Munich, Germany) files were used to be investigated in the new device developed to test the cutting ability of endodontic instruments. The device consists of a main frame to which a mobile plastic support for the hand-piece is connected and a stainless-steel block containing a Plexiglas block against which the cutting efficiency of the instruments was tested. The length of the block cut in 1 minute was measured in a computerized program with a precision of 0.1mm. The instruments were activated by using a torque-controlled motor (Silver Reciproc; VDW, Munich, Germany) in a reciprocating movement by the “Reciproc ALL” program (Group 1) and in counter-clockwise rotation at 300 rpm (Group 2). Mean and standard deviations of each group were calculated and data were statistically analyzed with a one-way ANOVA test (P<0.05). Results Reciproc in reciprocation (Group 1) mean cut in the Plexiglas block was 8.6 mm (SD=0.6 mm), while Reciproc in rotation mean cut was 8.9 mm (SD=0.7 mm). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups investigated (P>0.05). Conclusions The cutting testing device evaluated in the present study was reliable and easy to use and may be effectively used to test cutting efficiency of both rotary and reciprocating mechanical endodontic instruments. PMID:24603777

The Usefulness of Homeostatic Measurement Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) for Detection of Glucose Intolerance in Thai Women of Reproductive Age with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

PubMed

Wongwananuruk, Thanyarat; Rattanachaiyanont, Manee; Leerasiri, Pichai; Indhavivadhana, Suchada; Techatraisak, Kitirat; Angsuwathana, Surasak; Tanmahasamut, Prasong; Dangrat, Chongdee

2012-01-01

Objectives. To study the cut-off point of Homeostatic Measurement Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) as a screening test for detection of glucose intolerance in Thai women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Study Design. Cross-sectional study. Setting. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital. Subject. Two hundred and fifty Thai PCOS women who attended the Gynecologic Endocrinology Unit, during May 2007 to January 2009. Materials and Methods. The paitents were interviewed and examined for weight, height, waist circumference, and blood pressure. Venous blood samples were drawn twice, one at 12-hour fasting and the other at 2 hours after glucose loading. Results. The prevalence of glucose intolerance in Thai PCOS women was 20.0%. The mean of HOMA-IR was 3.53  ±  7.7. Area under an ROC curve for HOMA-IR for detecting glucose intolerance was 0.82. Using the cut-off value of HOMA-IR >2.0, there was sensitivity at 84.0%, specificity at 61.0%, positive predictive value at 35.0%, negative predictive value at 93.8%, and accuracy at 65.6%. Conclusion. HOMA-IR >2.0 was used for screening test for glucose intolerance in Thai PCOS women. If the result was positive, a specific test should be done to prove the diagnosis.

Chlorine stabilizer T-128 enhances efficacy of chlorine against cross-contamination by E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella in fresh-cut lettuce processing.

PubMed

Nou, Xiangwu; Luo, Yaguang; Hollar, LaVonda; Yang, Yang; Feng, Hao; Millner, Patricia; Shelton, Daniel

2011-04-01

During fresh-cut produce processing, organic materials released from cut tissues can rapidly react with free chlorine in the wash solution, leading to the potential survival of foodborne bacterial pathogens, and cross-contamination when the free chlorine is depleted. A reported chlorine stabilizer, T-128, has been developed to address this problem. In this study, we evaluated the ability of T-128 to stabilize free chlorine in wash solutions in the presence of high organic loads generated by the addition of lettuce extract or soil. Under conditions used in this study, T-128 significantly (P<0.001) decreased the rate of free chlorine depletion at the presence of soil. T-128 also slightly decreased the rate of free chlorine depletion caused by the addition of lettuce extract in wash solution. Application of T-128 significantly reduced the survival of bacterial pathogens in wash solutions with high organic loads and significantly reduced the potential of cross-contamination, when contaminated and uncontaminated produce were washed together. However, T-128 did not enhance the efficacy of chlorinated wash solutions for microbial reduction on contaminated iceberg lettuce. Evaluation of several produce quality parameters, including overall visual appearance, package headspace O2 and CO2 composition, and lettuce electrolyte leakage, during 15 d of storage indicated that iceberg lettuce quality and shelf life were not negatively impacted by washing fresh-cut lettuce in chlorine solutions containing 0.1% T-128.   Reported chlorine stabilizer is shown to enhance chlorine efficacy against potential bacterial cross-contamination in the presence of high organic loads without compromising product quality and shelf life.

The cross-cut statistic and its sensitivity to bias in observational studies with ordered doses of treatment.

PubMed

Rosenbaum, Paul R

2016-03-01

A common practice with ordered doses of treatment and ordered responses, perhaps recorded in a contingency table with ordered rows and columns, is to cut or remove a cross from the table, leaving the outer corners--that is, the high-versus-low dose, high-versus-low response corners--and from these corners to compute a risk or odds ratio. This little remarked but common practice seems to be motivated by the oldest and most familiar method of sensitivity analysis in observational studies, proposed by Cornfield et al. (1959), which says that to explain a population risk ratio purely as bias from an unobserved binary covariate, the prevalence ratio of the covariate must exceed the risk ratio. Quite often, the largest risk ratio, hence the one least sensitive to bias by this standard, is derived from the corners of the ordered table with the central cross removed. Obviously, the corners use only a portion of the data, so a focus on the corners has consequences for the standard error as well as for bias, but sampling variability was not a consideration in this early and familiar form of sensitivity analysis, where point estimates replaced population parameters. Here, this cross-cut analysis is examined with the aid of design sensitivity and the power of a sensitivity analysis. © 2015, The International Biometric Society.

A Performance Comparison Study of Uncoated and TiAlN Coated Carbide End Mill on Machining of the Al-35Zn Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bayraktar, S.; Hekimoglu, A. P.; Turgut, Y.; Haciosmanoglu, M.

2018-01-01

In this study, Al-35Zn alloy was produced by permanent mold casting. To investigate the cutting performance of uncoated and TiAlN coated carbide end mills on this alloy, a series of tests were carried out in the CNC vertical machining center at a constant cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. The results obtained from the tests showed that uncoated carbide end mill have lower cutting force and surface roughness than TiAlN coated carbide end mill. These observations are discussed in terms of the alloys properties, cutting tool surfaces, and friction and wear behavior between the cutting tool and the material.

Machining process influence on the chip form and surface roughness by neuro-fuzzy technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anicic, Obrad; Jović, Srđan; Aksić, Danilo; Skulić, Aleksandar; Nedić, Bogdan

2017-04-01

The main aim of the study was to analyze the influence of six machining parameters on the chip shape formation and surface roughness as well during turning of Steel 30CrNiMo8. Three components of cutting forces were used as inputs together with cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut. It is crucial for the engineers to use optimal machining parameters to get the best results or to high control of the machining process. Therefore, there is need to find the machining parameters for the optimal procedure of the machining process. Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was used to estimate the inputs influence on the chip shape formation and surface roughness. According to the results, the cutting force in direction of the depth of cut has the highest influence on the chip form. The testing error for the cutting force in direction of the depth of cut has testing error 0.2562. This cutting force determines the depth of cut. According to the results, the depth of cut has the highest influence on the surface roughness. Also the depth of cut has the highest influence on the surface roughness. The testing error for the cutting force in direction of the depth of cut has testing error 5.2753. Generally the depth of cut and the cutting force which provides the depth of cut are the most dominant factors for chip forms and surface roughness. Any small changes in depth of cut or in cutting force which provide the depth of cut could drastically affect the chip form or surface roughness of the working material.

An Experimental Study of Cutting Performances of Worn Picks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dogruoz, Cihan; Bolukbasi, Naci; Rostami, Jamal; Acar, Cemil

2016-01-01

The best means to assess rock cuttability and efficiency of cutting process for using mechanical excavation is specific energy (SE), measured in full-scale rock cutting test. This is especially true for the application of roadheaders, often fitted with drag-type cutting tools. Radial picks or drag bits are changed during the operation as they reach a certain amount of wear and become blunt. In this study, full-scale cutting tests in different sedimentary rock types with bits having various degree of wear were used to evaluate the influence of bit wear on cutting forces and specific energy. The relationship between the amount of wear as represented by the size of the wear flats at the tip of the bit, and cutting forces as well as specific energy was examined. The influence of various rock properties such as mineral content, uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength, indentation index, shore hardness, Schmidt hammer hardness, and density with required SE of cutting using different levels of tool wear was also studied. The preliminary analysis of the data shows that the mean cutting forces increase 2-3 times and SE by 4-5 times when cutting with 4 mm wear flat as compared to cutting with new or sharp wedge shape bits. The grain size distribution of the muck for cutting different rock types and different level of bit wear was analyzed and discussed. The best fit prediction models for SE based on statistical analysis of laboratory test results are introduced. The model can be used for estimating the performance of mechanical excavators using radial tools, especially roadheaders, continuous miners and longwall drum shearers.

Age- and Gender-Specific Normative Information from Children Assessed with a Dichotic Words Test.

PubMed

Moncrieff, Deborah

2015-01-01

The most widely used assessment in the clinical auditory processing disorder (APD) battery is the dichotic listening test. New tests with normative information are helpful for assessment and cross-check of results for reliable diagnosis. The Dichotic Words Test was developed for use in the clinical test battery for diagnosis of APD. The test stimuli were common single syllable words matched for average root-mean-square amplitude and each pair was temporally aligned at both onset and offset. The study was conducted to collect performance results from typically developing children to create normative information for the test. The study follows a cross-sectional design. Typically developing children (n = 416) between the ages of 5 and 12 yr were recruited from schools in the community. There were 217 males and 199 females in the study sample. Only children who passed a hearing screening were eligible to participate. Scores for each ear were recorded during administration of the first free recall version of the test. Ear advantages based on results recorded for left and right ears were used to measure prevalence of right, left, and no ear advantages. Results for each listener's dominant and non-dominant ears and the absolute difference between them were put into the data analysis. Results were analyzed for normality and because no results were normally distributed, all further analyses were done with nonparametric statistical tests. Normative data for dominant and non-dominant ear scores and ear advantages were determined at the 95% confidence interval through bootstrapping methods with 1,000 samples. Children were divided into four age groups based on results in their dominant ears. Females generally performed better than males and the prevalence of a right-ear advantage was ∼60% across all children tested. Normative lower-bound cut-off scores were established for males and females within each age group for dominant and non-dominant ear scores. Normative upper-bound cut-off scores were established for males and females within each age group for ear advantage scores. Normative information specific to age group and gender will be useful in clinical assessment for APD. Prevalence of left-ear advantage results in the sample may have been partly due to uncontrolled influences of voice-onset time in arranging the dichotic pairs. American Academy of Audiology.

Validation of patient health questionnaire (PHQ) for major depression in Chinese outpatients with multiple somatic symptoms: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Xiong, Nana; Fritzsche, Kurt; Wei, Jing; Hong, Xia; Leonhart, Rainer; Zhao, Xudong; Zhang, Lan; Zhu, Liming; Tian, Guoqing; Nolte, Sandra; Fischer, Felix

2015-03-15

Despite the high co-morbidity of depressive symptoms in patients with multiple somatic symptoms, the validity of the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) has not yet been investigated in Chinese patients with multiple somatic symptoms. The multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in ten outpatient departments located in four cities in China. The psychometric properties of the PHQ-9 were examined by confirmative factor analysis (CFA). Criterion validation was undertaken by comparing results with depression diagnoses obtained from the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) as the gold standard. Overall, 491 patients were recruited of whom 237 had multiple somatic symptoms (SOM+ group, PHQ-15≥10). Cronbach׳s α of the PHQ-9 was 0.87, 0.87, and 0.90 for SOM+ patients, SOM- patients, and total sample respectively. All items and the total score were moderately correlated. The factor models of PHQ-9 tested by CFA yielded similar diagnostic performance when compared to sum score estimation. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis based on unidimensional model showed similar psychometric properties over the groups with low and high somatic symptom burden. The optimal cut-off point to detect depression in Chinese outpatients was 10 for PHQ-9 (sensitivity=0.77, specificity=0.76) and 3 for PHQ-2 (sensitivity=0.77, specificity=0.74). Potential selection bias and nonresponse bias with applied sampling method. PHQ-9 (cut-off point=10) and PHQ-2 (cut-off point=3) were reliable and valid to detect major depression in Chinese patients with multiple somatic symptoms. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Factors Associated with the Risk of Falls of Nursing Home Residents Aged 80 or Older.

PubMed

Álvarez Barbosa, Francisco; Del Pozo-Cruz, Borja; Del Pozo-Cruz, Jesús; Alfonso-Rosa, Rosa M; Sañudo Corrales, Borja; Rogers, Michael E

2016-01-01

Falls are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in older and represents one of the major and most costly public health problems worldwide. Evaluate the influences of lower limb muscle performance, static balance, functional independence and quality of life on fall risk as assessed with the timed up and go (TUG) test. Cross-sectional study. Fifty-two residents aged 80 or older were assessed and distributed in one of the two study groups (no risk of falls; risk of falls) according to the time to complete the TUG test. A Kistler force platform and linear transducer was used to determinate lower limb muscle performance. Postural Stability (static balance) was measured by recording the center of pressure. The EuroQol-5 dimension was used to assess Health-related quality of life and the Barthel index was used to examine functional status. Student's t-test was performed to evaluate the differences between groups. Correlations between variables were analyzed using Spearman or Pearson coefficient. ROC (receiver operating charasteristic) analysis was used to determine the cut-off points related to a decrease in the risk of a fall. Participants of no-fall risk group showed better lower limb performance, quality of life, and functional status. Cut-off points were determined for each outcome. Risk of falls in nursing home residents over the age of 80 is associated with lower limb muscle performance, functional status, and quality of Life. Cut-off points can be used by clinicians when working toward fall prevention and could help in determining the optimal lower limb muscle performance level for preventing falls. © 2015 Association of Rehabilitation Nurses.

Cross-cultural difference and validation of the Chinese version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment in older adults residing in Eastern China: preliminary findings.

PubMed

Hu, Jian-bo; Zhou, Wei-hua; Hu, Shao-hua; Huang, Man-li; Wei, Ning; Qi, Hong-li; Huang, Jin-wen; Xu, Yi

2013-01-01

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-C) and assess cross-cultural differences in a community-based cohort residing in the Eastern China. The study included 72 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), 84 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 146 cognitively normal controls. Sensitivities and specificities were calculated using the recommended cut-off scores. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to determine optimal sensitivity and specificity. Criterion validity, inter-rater, test-retest reliability and internal consistencies of the MoCA-C were examined, and clinical observations made. The influence of age, education level and gender on MoCA score was examined. Using the recommended cut-off score of 26, the area under the ROC (AUC) for predicting MCI groups using the MoCA-C was 0.930 (95%CI: 0.894; 0.965). The MoCA-C demonstrated 92% sensitivity and 85% specificity in screening for MCI. Cultural differences from the original MoCA affected the test response rate. The MoCA-C appears to have utility as a cognitive screen for early detection of AD and for MCI and warrants further investigation regarding its applicability in primary care settings in elderly Chinese people. It will be necessary to revise the contents of the questionnaire to account for by local characteristics. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

New wash aid T-128 improves efficacy of chlorine against cross contamination by bacterial pathogens in fresh-cut lettuce processing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Chlorinated water is widely used as the primary anti-microbial intervention during fresh-cut produce processing. Free chlorine in chlorinated water can provide effective reduction of potential contaminations by microbial pathogens, and, more importantly, effectively prevent cross contamination of p...

76 FR 55364 - Request for Information: Technical Inputs and Assessment Capacity Related to Regional, Sectoral...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-07

..., and Cross-Cutting Assessments for the 2013 U.S. National Climate Assessment (NCA) Report and the... Climate Assessment (NCA) regional, sectoral, and cross-cutting topics proposed for the 2013 NCA report and... report outline, and information about the National Climate Assessment Development and Advisory Committee...

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

PubMed

Huang, Jen-Ching; Weng, Yung-Jin

2014-01-01

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

Cross Cutting Structural Design for Exploration Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Semmes, Edmund B.

2007-01-01

The challenge of our new National Space Policy and NASA's Vision for Space Exploration (VSE) is keyed to the development of more effective space access and transportation systems. Optimizing in-space systems through innovative cross cutting structural designs that reduce mass, combine functional requirements and improve performance can significantly advance spacecraft designs to meet the ever growing demands of our new National Space Policy. Dependence on limited structural designs is no longer an option. We must create robust materials, forms, function and evolvable systems. We must advance national policy objectives in the design, development, test and operation of multi-billion dollar new generation crew capsules by enabling them to evolve in meeting the requirements of long duration missions to the moon and mars. This paper discusses several current issues and major design drivers for consideration in structural design of advanced spacecraft systems. Approaches to addressing these multifunctional requirements is presented as well as a discussion on utilizing Functional Analysis System Technique (FAST) in developing cross cutting structural designs for future spacecraft. It will be shown how easy it is to deploy such techniques in any conceptual architecture definition or ongoing preliminary design. As experts in merging mission, safety and life support requirements of the frail human existence into robust vehicle and habitat design, we will conquer the final frontier, harness new resources and develop life giving technologies for mankind through more innovative designs. The rocket equation tells us that a reduction in mass optimizes our propulsive results. Primary and secondary structural elements provide for the containment of gases, fluids and solids; translate and sustain loads/impacts; conduct/radiate thermal energy; shield from the harmful effects of radiation; provide for grounding/bonding of electrical power systems; compartmentalize operational functions; and provide physical interface with multiple systems. How can we redefine, combine, substitute, rearrange and otherwise modify our structural systems to reduce mass? New technologies will be needed to fill knowledge gaps and propagate new design methods. Such an integrated process is paramount in maintaining U.S. leadership and in executing our national policy goals. The cross cutting process can take many forms, but all forms will have a positive affect on the demanding design environment through initial radical thinking. The author will illustrate such cross cutting results achievable through a formal process called FAST. The FAST example will be used to show how a multifunctional structural system concept for long duration spacecraft might be generated.

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

PubMed

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

2016-10-01

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

Can the CAMCOG be a good cognitive test for patients with Alzheimer's disease with low levels of education?

PubMed

Aprahamian, Ivan; Martinelli, José Eduardo; Cecato, Juliana; Izbicki, Rafael; Yassuda, Mônica Sanches

2011-02-01

The Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG) is a useful test in screening for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the interpretation of CAMCOG cut-off scores is problematic and reference values are needed for different educational strata. Given the importance of earlier diagnoses of mild dementia, new cut-off values are required which take into account patients with low levels of education. This study aims to evaluate whether the CAMCOG can be used as an accurate screening test among AD patients and normal controls with different educational levels. Cross-sectional assessment was undertaken of 113 AD and 208 elderly controls with heterogeneous educational levels (group 1: 1-4 years; group 2: 5-8 years; and group 3: ≥ 9 years) from a geriatric clinic. submitted to a thorough diagnostic evaluation for AD including the Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorders of the Elderly (CAMDEX). Controls had no cognitive or mood complaints. Sensitivity (SE) and specificity (SP) for the CAMCOG in each educational group was assessed with receiver-operator-characteristic (ROC) curves. CAMCOG mean values were lower when education was reduced in both diagnostic groups (controls - group 1: 87; group 2: 91; group 3: 96; AD - group 1: 63; group 2: 62; group 3: 77). Cut-off scores for the three education groups were 79, 80 and 90, respectively. SE and SP varied among the groups (group 1: 88.1% and 83.5%; group 2: 84.6% and 96%; group 3: 70.8% and 90%). The CAMCOG can be used as a cognitive test for patients with low educational level with good accuracy. Patients with higher education showed lower scores than previously reported.

Initial contamination of chicken parts with Salmonella at retail and cross-contamination of cooked chicken with Salmonella from raw chicken during meal preparation.

PubMed

Oscar, T P

2013-01-01

The current study was undertaken to acquire data on contamination of chicken parts with Salmonella at retail and to acquire data on cross-contamination of cooked chicken with Salmonella from raw chicken during meal preparation. Whole raw chickens (n = 31) were obtained from local retail stores and cut into two wings, two breasts without skin or bones, two thighs, and two drumsticks. Data for cross-contamination were obtained by cutting up a sterile, cooked chicken breast with the same board and knife used to cut up the raw chicken. The board, knife, and latex gloves used by the food handler were not rinsed or washed before cutting up the sterile, cooked chicken breast, thus providing a worst-case scenario for cross-contamination. Standard curves for the concentration of Salmonella bacteria in 400 ml of buffered peptone water after 6 h of incubation of chicken parts as a function of the initial log number of Salmonella bacteria inoculated onto chicken parts were developed and used to enumerate Salmonella bacteria. Standard curves were not affected by the type of chicken part but did differ (P < 0.05) among the five isolates of Salmonella examined. Consequently, Salmonella bacteria were enumerated on naturally contaminated chicken parts using a standard curve developed with the serotype of Salmonella that was isolated from the original sample. The prevalence of contamination was 3 % (4 of 132), whereas the incidence of cross-contamination was 1.8 % (1 of 57). The positive chicken parts were a thigh from chicken 4, which contained 3 CFU of Salmonella enterica serotype Kentucky, and both wings, one thigh, and one cooked breast portion from chicken 15, which all contained 1 CFU of serotype 8,20:-:z(6). These results indicated that the poultry industry is providing consumers in the studied area with chicken that has a low prevalence and low number of Salmonella bacteria at retail and that has a low incidence and low level of cross-contamination of cooked chicken with Salmonella from raw chicken during meal preparation under a worst-case scenario.

Does a conservative tibial cut in conventional total knee arthroplasty violate the deep medial collateral ligament?

PubMed

Maes, Michael; Luyckx, Thomas; Bellemans, Johan

2014-11-01

Based on the anatomy of the deep medial collateral ligament (MCL), it was hypothesized that at least part of its cross-sectional insertion area is jeopardized while performing a standard tibial cut in conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study was to determine whether it is anatomically possible to preserve the tibial deep MCL insertion during conventional TKA. Thirty-three unpaired cadaveric knee specimens were used for this study. Knees with severe varus/valgus deformity or damage to the medial structures of the knee were excluded. In the first part of the study, the dimensions of the tibial insertion of the deep MCL and its relationship to the joint line were recorded. Next, the cross-sectional area of the deep MCL insertion was determined using calibrated digital photographic analysis. In the second part, the effect of a standard 9-mm 3° sloped tibial cut on the structural integrity of the deep MCL cross-sectional insertion area was determined using conventional instrumentation. The proximal border of the deep MCL insertion site on the tibia was located on average 4.7 ± 1.2 mm distally to the joint line. After performing a standard 9-mm 3° sloped tibial cut, on average 54% of the deep MCL insertion area was resected. In 29% of the cases, the deep MCL insertion area was completely excised. The deep MCL cannot routinely be preserved in conventional TKA. The deep MCL insertion is at risk and may be jeopardized in case of a tibial cut 9 mm below the native joint line. As the deep MCL is a distinct medial stabilizer and plays an important role in rotational stability, this may have implications in future designs of both unicondylar and total knee arthroplasty, but further research is necessary.

In vitro comparison of the cutting efficiency and temperature production of 10 different rotary cutting instruments. Part I: Turbine.

PubMed

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

2009-04-01

Standards to test the cutting efficiency of dental rotary cutting instruments are either nonexistent or inappropriate, and knowledge of the factors that affect their cutting performance is limited. Therefore, rotary cutting instruments for crown preparation are generally marketed with weak or unsupported claims of superior performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the cutting behavior of a wide selection of rotary cutting instruments under carefully controlled and reproducible conditions with an air-turbine handpiece. Ten groups of rotary cutting instruments (n=30) designed for tooth preparation were selected: 9 diamond rotary cutting instruments (7 multi-use, 2 disposable) and 1 carbide bur. One bur per group was imaged with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at different magnifications. Macor blocks (n=75) were used as a substrate, and 4 cuts were made on each specimen, using a new rotary cutting instrument each time, for a total of 300 cuts. The cuts were performed with an air-turbine handpiece (Midwest Quiet Air). A computer-controlled, custom-made testing apparatus was used to monitor all sensors and control the cutting action. The data were analyzed to compare the correlation of rotary cutting instrument type, grit, amount of pressure, cutting rate, revolutions per minute (rpm), temperature, and type of handpiece, using 1-way ANOVA and Tukey's Studentized Range test (alpha=.05). Compared to the baseline temperature, all rotary cutting instruments showed a reduction of temperature in the simulated pulp chamber. The Great White Ultra (carbide bur) showed a significantly higher rate of advancement (0.15 mm/s) and lower applied load (106.46 g) and rpm (304,375.97). Tooth preparation with an adequate water flow does not cause harmful temperature changes in the pulp chamber, regardless of rotary cutting instrument type. The tested carbide bur showed greater cutting efficiency than all diamond rotary cutting instruments.

Evaluation of the Double Agar Gel Immunodiffusion Test and of the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay in the Diagnosis and Follow-Up of Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis

PubMed Central

de Azevedo, Priscila Zacarias; Sylvestre, Tatiane Fernanda; Cavalcante, Ricardo de Souza; de Carvalho, Lídia Raquel; Moris, Daniela Vanessa; de Oliveira, Maria Luiza Cotrim Sartor; Mendes, Rinaldo Poncio

2015-01-01

The diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) depends on the radiologic image and the identification of specific antibodies. The present study aimed to evaluate accuracy parameters of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and of the determination of serum galactomannan level in the diagnosis of patients with CPA, comparing these results with the double agar gel immunodiffusion (DID) test. In addition, the prevalence of cross-reactivity and the serological progression after treatment were evaluated by comparing DID and ELISA. Six study groups were formed: G1: 22 patients with CPA, 17 of whom had Aspergillus fungus ball, one chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA) and four chronic fibrosing pulmonary aspergillosis (CFPA); G2: 28 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB); G3: 23 patients with histoplasmosis (HST); G4: 50 patients with paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM); G5: 20 patients with cryptococcosis (CRC); and G6: 200 healthy controls. Serum antibodies were measured by DID and ELISA, with two antigen preparations—Aspergillus fumigatus (DID1, ELISA1) and a pool of A. fumigatus, A. flavus and A. niger antigens (DID2, ELISA2). The Platélia Aspergillus Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) kit was used to measure galactomannan. The cut-off points of ELISA were determined for each antigen preparation and for the 95% and 99% confidence intervals. Despite the low sensitivity, DID was the technique of choice due to its specificity, positive and negative predictive values and positive likelihood ratio–especially with the antigen pool and due to the low frequency of cross-reactivity. ELISA1 and a 0.090 cut-off showed high sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value, but a high frequency of cross-reactivity with CRC. The best degree of agreement was observed between ELISA1 and ELISA2. The detection of serum galactomannan showed high sensitivity, comparable to ELISA2. The immunodiffusion test showed an excellent relationship with the progression after treatment, which made it the reaction of choice for patient follow-up. PMID:26271000

From the γ γ →p p ¯ reaction to the production of p p ¯ pairs in ultraperipheral ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions at the LHC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kłusek-Gawenda, Mariola; Lebiedowicz, Piotr; Nachtmann, Otto; Szczurek, Antoni

2017-11-01

In this paper we consider the production of proton-antiproton pairs in two-photon interactions in electron-positron and heavy-ion collisions. We try to understand the dependence of the total cross section on the photon-photon c.m. energy as well as corresponding angular distributions measured by the Belle Collaboration for the γ γ →p p ¯ process. To understand the Belle data we include the proton-exchange, the f2(1270 ) and f2(1950 ) s -channel exchanges, as well as the hand-bag mechanism. The helicity amplitudes for the γ γ →f2→p p ¯ process are written explicitly based on a Lagrangian approach. The parameters of vertex form factors are adjusted to the Belle data. Having described the angular distributions for the γ γ →p p ¯ process we present first predictions for the ultraperipheral, ultrarelativistic, heavy-ion reaction P208bP208b→P208bP208bp p ¯ . Both, the total cross section and several differential distributions for experimental cuts corresponding to the ALICE, ATLAS, CMS, and LHCb experiments are presented. We find the total cross section 100 μ b for the ALICE cuts, 160 μ b for the ATLAS cuts, 500 μ b for the CMS cuts, and 104 μ b taking into account the LHCb cuts. This opens a possibility to study the γ γ →p p ¯ process at the LHC.

Validation of tool mark analysis of cut costal cartilage.

PubMed

Love, Jennifer C; Derrick, Sharon M; Wiersema, Jason M; Peters, Charles

2012-03-01

This study was designed to establish the potential error rate associated with the generally accepted method of tool mark analysis of cut marks in costal cartilage. Three knives with different blade types were used to make experimental cut marks in costal cartilage of pigs. Each cut surface was cast, and each cast was examined by three analysts working independently. The presence of striations, regularity of striations, and presence of a primary and secondary striation pattern were recorded for each cast. The distance between each striation was measured. The results showed that striations were not consistently impressed on the cut surface by the blade's cutting edge. Also, blade type classification by the presence or absence of striations led to a 65% misclassification rate. Use of the classification tree and cross-validation methods and inclusion of the mean interstriation distance decreased the error rate to c. 50%. © 2011 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Whole-leaf sanitizing wash improves chlorine efficacy for microbial reduction and prevents pathogen cross contamination during fresh-cut lettuce processing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Currently, nearly all fresh-cut lettuce processing facilities in the United States use chlorinated water or other sanitizer solutions for microbial reduction after lettuce is cut. It is believed that freshly cut lettuce releases significant amounts of organic matters that negatively impact the effec...

The influence of cutting speed and cutting initiation location in specimen preparation for the microtensile bond strength test.

PubMed

Abreu, Celina Wanderley; Santosb, Jarbas F; Passos, Sheila Pestana; Michida, Silvia Masae; Takahashi, Fernando Eidi; Bottino, Marco Antonio

2011-06-01

This study evaluated the effect of cutting initiation location and cutting speed on the bond strength between resin cement and feldspathic ceramic. Thirty-six blocks (6.4 x 6.4 x 4.8 mm) of ceramic (Vita VM7) were produced. The ceramic surfaces were etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid gel for 60 s and then silanized. Each ceramic block was placed in a silicon mold with the treated surface exposed. A resin cement (Variolink II) was injected into the mold over the treated surface and polymerized. The resin cement-ceramic blocks were divided into two groups according to experimental conditions: a) cutting initiation location - resin cement, ceramic and interface; and b) cutting speed - 10,000, 15,000, and 20,000 rpm. The specimens were sectioned to achieve non-trimmed bar specimens. The microtensile test was performed in a universal testing machine (1 mm/min). The failure modes were examined using an optical light microscope and SEM. Bond strength results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Significant influences of cutting speed and initiation location on bond strength (p < 0.05) were observed. The highest mean was achieved for specimens cut at 15,000 rpm at the interface (15.12 ± 5.36 MPa). The lowest means were obtained for specimens cut at the highest cutting speed in resin cement (8.50 ± 3.27 MPa), and cut at the lowest cutting speed in ceramic (8.60 ± 2.65 MPa). All groups showed mainly mixed failure (75% to 100%). The cutting speed and initiation location are important factors that should be considered during specimen preparation for microtensile bond strength testing, as both may influence the bond strength results.

Cutting Diameter Influences Early Survival and Growth of Several Populus Clones

Treesearch

Donald Dickmann; Howard Phipps; Daniel Netzer

1980-01-01

The effects of cutting diameter on early survival and growth of several Populus clones were studied in field tests in Wisconsin and Michigan. Generally, large diameter cuttings survived and grew better than small diameter cuttings. Response differences among clones were evident.

Self-cutting blades and their influence on primary stability of tapered dental implants in a simulated low-density bone model: a laboratory study.

PubMed

Kim, Duck-Rae; Lim, Young-Jun; Kim, Myung-Joo; Kwon, Ho-Beom; Kim, Sung-Hun

2011-11-01

This study tested the hypothesis that there would be differences in primary stability due to the presence of self cutting blades. We investigated the effect of a self-cutting blade implant design on the primary stability of tapered dental implants in a simulated low-density bone model. Implant fixtures with 2 different designs, one with self-cutting blades and the other without self-cutting blades, were fabricated in the same implant system. Insertion torque, resonance frequency analysis, reverse torque, and pull-out and push-in tests were evaluated in grade no. 10 solid rigid polyurethane foam. All 5 assessments of the group without self-cutting blades were significantly higher than those of the self-cutting group (P < .001). The implants without self-cutting blades create a lateral compression with increased contact surface area and consequently improve the primary stability in a simulated low-density bone model. Copyright © 2011 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Research on tool wearing on milling of TC21 titanium alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guilin, Liu

2017-06-01

Titanium alloys are used in aircraft widely, but the efficiency is a problem for machining titanium alloy. In this paper, the cutting experiment of TC21 titanium alloy was studied. Cutting parameters and test methods for TC21 titanium alloy were designed. The wear behavior of TC21 titanium alloy was studied based on analysis of orthogonal test results. It provides a group of cutting parameters for TC21 titanium alloy processing.

Machine-learning identification of galaxies in the WISE × SuperCOSMOS all-sky catalogue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krakowski, T.; Małek, K.; Bilicki, M.; Pollo, A.; Kurcz, A.; Krupa, M.

2016-11-01

Context. The two currently largest all-sky photometric datasets, WISE and SuperCOSMOS, have been recently cross-matched to construct a novel photometric redshift catalogue on 70% of the sky. Galaxies were separated from stars and quasars through colour cuts, which may leave imperfections because different source types may overlap in colour space. Aims: The aim of the present work is to identify galaxies in the WISE × SuperCOSMOS catalogue through an alternative approach of machine learning. This allows us to define more complex separations in the multi-colour space than is possible with simple colour cuts, and should provide a more reliable source classification. Methods: For the automatised classification we used the support vector machines (SVM) learning algorithm and employed SDSS spectroscopic sources that we cross-matched with WISE × SuperCOSMOS to construct the training and verification set. We performed a number of tests to examine the behaviour of the classifier (completeness, purity, and accuracy) as a function of source apparent magnitude and Galactic latitude. We then applied the classifier to the full-sky data and analysed the resulting catalogue of candidate galaxies. We also compared the resulting dataset with the one obtained through colour cuts. Results: The tests indicate very high accuracy, completeness, and purity (>95%) of the classifier at the bright end; this deteriorates for the faintest sources, but still retains acceptable levels of 85%. No significant variation in the classification quality with Galactic latitude is observed. When we applied the classifier to all-sky WISE × SuperCOSMOS data, we found 15 million galaxies after masking problematic areas. The resulting sample is purer than the one produced by applying colour cuts, at the price of a lower completeness across the sky. Conclusions: The automatic classification is a successful alternative approach to colour cuts for defining a reliable galaxy sample. The identifications we obtained are included in the public release of the WISE × SuperCOSMOS galaxy catalogue. The public release of the WISE × SuperCOSMOS galaxy catalogue is available from http://ssa.roe.ac.uk/WISExSCOS

Polymorphisms in the AOX2 gene are associated with the rooting ability of olive cuttings.

PubMed

Hedayati, Vahideh; Mousavi, Amir; Razavi, Khadijeh; Cultrera, Nicolò; Alagna, Fiammetta; Mariotti, Roberto; Hosseini-Mazinani, Mehdi; Baldoni, Luciana

2015-07-01

Different rooting ability candidate genes were tested on an olive cross progeny. Our results demonstrated that only the AOX2 gene was strongly induced. OeAOX2 was fully characterised and correlated to phenotypical traits. The formation of adventitious roots is a key step in the vegetative propagation of trees crop species, and this ability is under strict genetic control. While numerous studies have been carried out to identify genes controlling adventitious root formation, only a few loci have been characterised. In this work, candidate genes that were putatively involved in rooting ability were identified in olive (Olea europaea L.) by similarity with orthologs identified in other plant species. The mRNA levels of these genes were analysed by real-time PCR during root induction in high- (HR) and low-rooting (LR) individuals. Interestingly, alternative oxidase 2 (AOX2), which was previously reported to be a functional marker for rooting in olive cuttings, showed a strong induction in HR individuals. From the OeAOX2 full-length gene, alleles and effective polymorphisms were distinguished and analysed in the cross progeny, which were segregated based on rooting. The results revealed a possible correlation between two single nucleotide polymorphisms of OeAOX2 gene and rooting ability.

A study examining the effects of water-miscible cutting fluids for end milling process of carbon fiber reinforced plastic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anan, Ruito; Matsuoka, Hironori; Ono, Hajime; Ryu, Takahiro; Nakae, Takashi; Shuto, Schuichi; Watanabe, Suguru; Sato, Yuta

2017-04-01

This study examined the improvements to the tool life and finished surface roughness by using water-miscible cutting fluids in carbon fiber reinforced plastics end milling. In cutting tests, it was found that the use of emulsion type, soluble type, and solution type cutting fluids improved tool life compared with the case of dry cutting. Specifically, significant differences in tool life were observed at a high cutting speed of 171 m/min. In addition, the finished surface exhibited a low level of roughness when the solution type cutting fluid was used, regardless of the cutting speed.

Cross-Grain Knife Planing Improves Surface Quality and Utilization of Aspen

Treesearch

Harold A. Stewart

1971-01-01

Aspen at 6 percent moisture content was planed parallel to the grain and across the grain on a cabinet planer with a 25? rake angle, 1/16- and 1/32-inch depth of cut, and 20 knife marks per inch. Aspen was also cross-grain knife planed with a 45? rake angle, 1/32-, 1/16-, and 1/8-inch depths of cut, and 20, 10, 5, and 2.5 knife marks per inch. Cross-grain knife...

77 FR 71825 - Notice of Temporary Restriction of Vehicle Use and Temporary Closure to Tree Cutting and Wood...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-04

... to Tree Cutting and Wood Harvesting on Public Land in Douglas County, NV AGENCY: Bureau of Land... a temporary closure to wood harvesting and/or tree cutting on public land within the Topaz Ranch... temporary restriction of cross-country vehicle travel and a temporary closure to tree cutting and wood...

The Generation Rate of Respirable Dust from Cutting Fiber Cement Siding Using Different Tools

PubMed Central

Qi, Chaolong; Echt, Alan; Gressel, Michael G

2017-01-01

This article describes the evaluation of the generation rate of respirable dust (GAPS, defined as the mass of respirable dust generated per unit linear length cut) from cutting fiber cement siding using different tools in a laboratory testing system. We used an aerodynamic particle sizer spectrometer (APS) to continuously monitor the real-time size distributions of the dust throughout cutting tests when using a variety of tools, and calculated the generation rate of respirable dust for each testing condition using the size distribution data. The test result verifies that power shears provided an almost dust-free operation with a GAPS of 0.006 gram meter−1 (g m−1) at the testing condition. For the same power saws, the cuts using saw blades with more teeth generated more respirable dusts. Using the same blade for all four miter saws tested in this study, a positive linear correlation was found between the saws’ blade rotating speed and its dust generation rate. In addition, a circular saw running at the highest blade rotating speed of 9068 RPM generated the greatest amount of dust. All the miter saws generated less dust in the ‘chopping mode’ than in the ‘chopping and sliding’ mode. For the tested saws, GAPS consistently decreased with the increases of the saw cutting feed rate and the number of board in the stack. All the test results point out that fewer cutting interactions between the saw blade’s teeth and the siding board for a unit linear length of cut tend to result in a lower generation rate of respirable dust. These results may help guide optimal operation in practice and future tool development aimed at minimizing dust generation while producing a satisfactory cut. PMID:28395343

The Generation Rate of Respirable Dust from Cutting Fiber Cement Siding Using Different Tools.

PubMed

Qi, Chaolong; Echt, Alan; Gressel, Michael G

2017-03-01

This article describes the evaluation of the generation rate of respirable dust (GAPS, defined as the mass of respirable dust generated per unit linear length cut) from cutting fiber cement siding using different tools in a laboratory testing system. We used an aerodynamic particle sizer spectrometer (APS) to continuously monitor the real-time size distributions of the dust throughout cutting tests when using a variety of tools, and calculated the generation rate of respirable dust for each testing condition using the size distribution data. The test result verifies that power shears provided an almost dust-free operation with a GAPS of 0.006 g m-1 at the testing condition. For the same power saws, the cuts using saw blades with more teeth generated more respirable dusts. Using the same blade for all four miter saws tested in this study, a positive linear correlation was found between the saws' blade rotating speed and its dust generation rate. In addition, a circular saw running at the highest blade rotating speed of 9068 rpm generated the greatest amount of dust. All the miter saws generated less dust in the 'chopping mode' than in the 'chopping and sliding' mode. For the tested saws, GAPS consistently decreased with the increases of the saw cutting feed rate and the number of board in the stack. All the test results point out that fewer cutting interactions between the saw blade's teeth and the siding board for a unit linear length of cut tend to result in a lower generation rate of respirable dust. These results may help guide optimal operation in practice and future tool development aimed at minimizing dust generation while producing a satisfactory cut. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The British Occupational Hygiene Society 2017.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-06-01

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

Sixty-Five Years of University Education in Nigeria: Some Key Cross Cutting Issues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ejoigu, Aloy; Sule, Sheidu

2012-01-01

This paper traces briefly the history and development of university education in Nigeria from one university in 1948 to a total of 118 universities as at the time of writing the paper. Besides the chronicle, the paper examines some cross-cutting issues that tend to scuttle the otherwise good intentions and robust programme initiatives of the…

The effect of childhood sexual abuse on adolescent pregnancy: an integrative research review.

PubMed

Francisco, Melissa A; Hicks, Kasey; Powell, Julianne; Styles, Kristin; Tabor, Jessica L; Hulton, Linda J

2008-10-01

This study aims to describe the current research literature on the relationship of childhood sexual abuse and adolescent pregnancy and highlight the potential cross-cutting risk factors. Thirteen articles were identified as the basis of this review using Cooper's methodology (1998) for synthesizing research. Articles were categorized according to the levels of evidence proposed by Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt (2005). The majority of the studies identified a relationship between childhood sexual abuse and adolescent pregnancy (n=9). Cross-cutting risk factors included female gender, younger age, substance use/abuse, family constellation, parent-child conflict, and mother disengagement. Strategies for nurses to identify pregnant and parenting adolescents who have been sexually victimized are important for early intervention. Resiliency factors of young people who report positive outcomes are highlighted.

Microwave interferometer controls cutting depth of plastics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heisman, R. M.; Iceland, W. F.

1969-01-01

Microwave interferometer system controls the cutting of plastic materials to a prescribed depth. The interferometer is mounted on a carriage with a spindle and cutting tool. A cross slide, mounted on the carriage, allows the interferometer and cutter to move toward or away from the plastic workpiece.

Machinability evaluation of titanium alloys.

PubMed

Kikuchi, Masafumi; Okuno, Osamu

2004-03-01

In the present study, the machinability of titanium, Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-6A1-7Nb, and free-cutting brass was evaluated using a milling machine. The metals were slotted with square end mills under four cutting conditions. The cutting force and the rotational speed of the spindle were measured. The cutting forces for Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-7Nb were higher and that for brass was lower than that for titanium. The rotational speed of the spindle was barely affected by cutting. The cross sections of the Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-7Nb chips were more clearly serrated than those of titanium, which is an indication of difficult-to-cut metals. There was no marked difference in the surface roughness of the cut surfaces among the metals. Cutting force and the appearance of the metal chips were found to be useful as indices of machinability and will aid in the development of new alloys for dental CAD/CAM and the selection of suitable machining conditions.

RISK FACTORS FOR SLOW GAIT SPEED: A NESTED CASE-CONTROL SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF THE MEXICAN HEALTH AND AGING STUDY.

PubMed

Pérez-Zepeda, M U; González-Chavero, J G; Salinas-Martinez, R; Gutiérrez-Robledo, L M

2015-01-01

Physical performance tests play a major role in the geriatric assessment. In particular, gait speed has shown to be useful for predicting adverse outcomes. However, risk factors for slow gait speed (slowness) are not clearly described. To determine risk factors associated with slowness in Mexican older adults. A two-step process was adopted for exploring the antecedent risk factors of slow gait speed. First, the cut-off values for gait speed were determined in a representative sample of Mexican older adults. Then, antecedent risk factors of slow gait speed (defined using the identified cut-points) were explored in a nested, cohort case-control study. One representative sample of a cross-sectional survey for the first step and the Mexican Health and Aging Study (a cohort characterized by a 10-year follow-up). A 4-meter usual gait speed test was conducted. Lowest gender and height-stratified groups were considered as defining slow gait speed. Sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, psychological and health-care related variables were explored to find those associated with the subsequent development of slow gait speed. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were performed. In the final model, age, diabetes, hypertension, and history of fractures were associated with the development of slow gait speed. Early identification of subjects at risk of developing slow gait speed may halt the path to disability due to the robust association of this physical performance test with functional decline.

Technological capabilities of increasing surface quality of workpieces made of titanium alloy VT22 and stability of surface grinding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soler, Ya I.; Salov, V. M.; Mai, D. S.

2018-03-01

Surface grinding of flat workpieces made of alloy VT22 was conducted by the periphery of a highly porous wheel (HPW) from cubic boron nitride CBN30 B107 100 OV K27 КF40 with three processing techniques (ij). They are 10 - cross-feed per stroke, HPW cutting into a workpiece changes alternately from up to down; 12 – cross-feed per double stroke during the up HPW cutting-in at the working stroke; 22 – cross-feed per double stroke during the down HPW cutting-in at the working stroke. With the involvement of artificial neural network models, it was revealed that to improve the quality of surfaces and stability of its formation, grinding should be conducted if ij = 12.

Combination of the non-invasive tests for the diagnosis of endometriosis.

PubMed

Nisenblat, Vicki; Prentice, Lucy; Bossuyt, Patrick M M; Farquhar, Cindy; Hull, M Louise; Johnson, Neil

2016-07-13

About 10% of women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis, a costly chronic disease causing pelvic pain and subfertility. Laparoscopy is the gold standard diagnostic test for endometriosis, but is expensive and carries surgical risks. Currently, there are no non-invasive tests available in clinical practice to accurately diagnose endometriosis. This review assessed the diagnostic accuracy of combinations of different non-invasive testing modalities for endometriosis and provided a summary of all the reviews in the non-invasive tests for endometriosis series. To estimate the diagnostic accuracy of any combination of non-invasive tests for the diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis (peritoneal and/or ovarian or deep infiltrating) compared to surgical diagnosis as a reference standard. The combined tests were evaluated as replacement tests for diagnostic surgery and triage tests to assist decision-making to undertake diagnostic surgery for endometriosis. We did not restrict the searches to particular study designs, language or publication dates. We searched CENTRAL to July 2015, MEDLINE and EMBASE to May 2015, as well as the following databases to April 2015: CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, LILACS, OAIster, TRIP, ClinicalTrials.gov, DARE and PubMed. We considered published, peer-reviewed, randomised controlled or cross-sectional studies of any size, including prospectively collected samples from any population of women of reproductive age suspected of having one or more of the following target conditions: ovarian, peritoneal or deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). We included studies comparing the diagnostic test accuracy of a combination of several testing modalities with the findings of surgical visualisation of endometriotic lesions. Three review authors independently collected and performed a quality assessment of the data from each study by using the QUADAS-2 tool. For each test, the data were classified as positive or negative for the surgical detection of endometriosis and sensitivity and specificity estimates were calculated. The bivariate model was planned to obtain pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity whenever sufficient data were available. The predetermined criteria for a clinically useful test to replace diagnostic surgery were a sensitivity of 0.94 and a specificity of 0.79 to detect endometriosis. We set the criteria for triage tests at a sensitivity of 0.95 and above and a specificity of 0.50 and above, which 'rules out' the diagnosis with high accuracy if there is a negative test result (SnOUT test), or a sensitivity of 0.50 and above and a specificity of 0.95 and above, which 'rules in' the diagnosis with high accuracy if there is a positive result (SpIN test). Eleven eligible studies included 1339 participants. All the studies were of poor methodological quality. Seven studies evaluated pelvic endometriosis, one study considered DIE and/or ovarian endometrioma, two studies differentiated endometrioma from other ovarian cysts and one study addressed mapping DIE at specific anatomical sites. Fifteen different diagnostic combinations were assessed, including blood, urinary or endometrial biomarkers, transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and clinical history or examination. We did not pool estimates of sensitivity and specificity, as each study analysed independent combinations of the non-invasive tests.Tests that met the criteria for a replacement test were: a combination of serum IL-6 (cut-off >15.4 pg/ml) and endometrial PGP 9.5 for pelvic endometriosis (sensitivity 1.00 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91 to 1.00), specificity 0.93 (95% CI, 0.80, 0.98) and the combination of vaginal examination and transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) for rectal endometriosis (sensitivity 0.96 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.99), specificity 0.98 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.00)). Tests that met the criteria for SpIN triage tests for pelvic endometriosis were: 1. a multiplication of urine vitamin-D-binding protein (VDBP) and serum CA-125 (cut-off >2755) (sensitivity 0.74 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.84), specificity 0.97 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.00)) and 2. a combination of history (length of menses), serum CA-125 (cut-off >35 U/ml) and endometrial leukocytes (sensitivity 0.61 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.69), specificity 0.95 (95% CI 0.91 to 0.98)). For endometrioma, the following combinations qualified as SpIN test: 1. TVUS and either serum CA-125 (cut-off ≥25 U/ml) or CA 19.9 (cut-off ≥12 U/ml) (sensitivity 0.79 (95% CI 0.64 to 0.91), specificity 0.97 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.00)); 2. TVUS and serum CA 19.9 (cut-off ≥12 U/ml) (sensitivity 0.54 (95% CI 0.37 to 0.70), specificity 0.97 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.0)); 3-4. TVUS and serum CA-125 (cut-off ≥20 U/ml or cut-off ≥25 U/ml) (sensitivity 0.69 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.85), specificity 0.96 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.99)); 5. TVUS and serum CA-125 (cut-off ≥35 U/ml) (sensitivity 0.52 (95% CI 0.33 to 0.71), specificity 0.97 (95% CI 0.90 to 1.00)). A combination of vaginal examination and TVUS reached the threshold for a SpIN test for obliterated pouch of Douglas (sensitivity 0.87 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.96), specificity 0.98 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.00)), vaginal wall endometriosis (sensitivity 0.82 (95% CI 0.60 to 0.95), specificity 0.99 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.0)) and rectovaginal septum endometriosis (sensitivity 0.88 (95% CI 0.47 to 1.00), specificity 0.99 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.00)).All the tests were evaluated in individual studies and displayed wide CIs. Due to the heterogeneity and high risk of bias of the included studies, the clinical utility of the studied combination diagnostic tests for endometriosis remains unclear. None of the biomarkers evaluated in this review could be evaluated in a meaningful way and there was insufficient or poor-quality evidence. Laparoscopy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of endometriosis and using any non-invasive tests should only be undertaken in a research setting.

Depression screening via a smartphone app: cross-country user characteristics and feasibility.

PubMed

BinDhim, Nasser F; Shaman, Ahmed M; Trevena, Lyndal; Basyouni, Mada H; Pont, Lisa G; Alhawassi, Tariq M

2015-01-01

Smartphone applications (apps) have the potential to be valuable self-help interventions for depression screening. However, information about their feasibility and effectiveness and the characteristics of app users is limited. The aim of this study is to explore the uptake, utilization, and characteristics of voluntary users of an app for depression screening. This was a cross-sectional study of a free depression screening smartphone app that contains the demographics, patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), brief anxiety test, personalized recommendation based on the participant's results, and links to depression-relevant websites. The free app was released globally via Apple's App Store. Participants aged 18 and older downloaded the study app and were recruited passively between September 2012 and January 2013. 8241 participants from 66 countries had downloaded the app, with a response rate of 73.9%. While one quarter of the participants had a previous diagnosis of depression, the prevalence of participants with a higher risk of depression was 82.5% and 66.8% at PHQ-9 cut-off 11 and cut-off 15, respectively. Many of the participants had one or more physical comorbid conditions and suicidal ideation. The cut-off 11 (OR: 1.4; 95% CI 1.2 to 1.6), previous depression diagnosis (OR: 1.3; 95% CI1.2 to 1.5), and postgraduate educational level (OR: 1.2; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.5) were associated with completing the PHQ-9 questionnaire more than once. Smartphone apps can be used to deliver a screening tool for depression across a large number of countries. Apps have the potential to play a significant role in disease screening, self-management, monitoring, and health education, particularly among younger adults. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Medical Informatics Association. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.comFor numbered affiliations see end of article.

Performance of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score and a Simplified Finnish Diabetes Risk Score in a Community-Based, Cross-Sectional Programme for Screening of Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Dysglycaemia in Madrid, Spain: The SPREDIA-2 Study.

PubMed

Salinero-Fort, M A; Burgos-Lunar, C; Lahoz, C; Mostaza, J M; Abánades-Herranz, J C; Laguna-Cuesta, F; Estirado-de Cabo, E; García-Iglesias, F; González-Alegre, T; Fernández-Puntero, B; Montesano-Sánchez, L; Vicent-López, D; Cornejo-Del Río, V; Fernández-García, P J; Sánchez-Arroyo, V; Sabín-Rodríguez, C; López-López, S; Patrón-Barandio, P; Gómez-Campelo, P

2016-01-01

To evaluate the performance of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) and a simplified FINDRISC score (MADRISC) in screening for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (UT2DM) and dysglycaemia. A population-based, cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out with participants with UT2DM, ranged between 45-74 years and lived in two districts in the north of metropolitan Madrid (Spain). The FINDRISC and MADRISC scores were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve method (ROC-AUC). Four different gold standards were used for UT2DM and any dysglycaemia, as follows: fasting plasma glucose (FPG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), HbA1c, and OGTT or HbA1c. Dysglycaemia and UT2DM were defined according to American Diabetes Association criteria. The study population comprised 1,426 participants (832 females and 594 males) with a mean age of 62 years (SD = 6.1). When HbA1c or OGTT criteria were used, the prevalence of UT2DM was 7.4% (10.4% in men and 5.2% in women; p<0.01) and the FINDRISC ROC-AUC for UT2DM was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.69-0.74). The optimal cut-off point was ≥13 (sensitivity = 63.8%, specificity = 65.1%). The ROC-AUC of MADRISC was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.72-0.81) with ≥13 as the optimal cut-off point (sensitivity = 84.8%, specificity = 54.6%). FINDRISC score ≥12 for detecting any dysglycaemia offered the best cut-off point when HbA1c alone or OGTT and HbA1c were the criteria used. FINDRISC proved to be a useful instrument in screening for dysglycaemia and UT2DM. In the screening of UT2DM, the simplified MADRISC performed as well as FINDRISC.

Advanced parking management systems : a cross-cutting study : taking the stress out of parking

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-01-01

This study examines advanced parking management systems (APMSs) in three venues: airports, central business districts, and transit park-and-ride locations. Specifically, the systems examined in this study provide directional and space availability in...

Validation of Accelerometer Prediction Equations in Children with Chronic Disease.

PubMed

Stephens, Samantha; Takken, Tim; Esliger, Dale W; Pullenayegum, Eleanor; Beyene, Joseph; Tremblay, Mark; Schneiderman, Jane; Biggar, Doug; Longmuir, Pat; McCrindle, Brian; Abad, Audrey; Ignas, Dan; Van Der Net, Janjaap; Feldman, Brian

2016-02-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the criterion validity of existing accelerometer-based energy expenditure (EE) prediction equations among children with chronic conditions, and to develop new prediction equations. Children with congenital heart disease (CHD), cystic fibrosis (CF), dermatomyositis (JDM), juvenile arthritis (JA), inherited muscle disease (IMD), and hemophilia (HE) completed 7 tasks while EE was measured using indirect calorimetry with counts determined by accelerometer. Agreement between predicted EE and measured EE was assessed. Disease-specific equations and cut points were developed and cross-validated. In total, 196 subjects participated. One participant dropped out before testing due to time constraints, while 15 CHD, 32 CF, 31 JDM, 31 JA, 30 IMD, 28 HE, and 29 healthy controls completed the study. Agreement between predicted and measured EE varied across disease group and ranged from (ICC) .13-.46. Disease-specific prediction equations exhibited a range of results (ICC .62-.88) (SE 0.45-0.78). In conclusion, poor agreement was demonstrated using current prediction equations in children with chronic conditions. Disease-specific equations and cut points were developed.

Distribution of fatty acids and phospholipids in different table cuts and co-products from New Zealand pasture-fed Wagyu-dairy cross beef cattle.

PubMed

Bermingham, Emma N; Reis, Mariza Gomes; Subbaraj, Arvind K; Cameron-Smith, David; Fraser, Karl; Jonker, Arjan; Craigie, Cameron R

2018-06-01

Wagyu beef products are marketed as luxury goods to discerning consumers and the lipid content and composition are important drivers of wagyu product value. Wagyu beef is an extensively marbled meat product, well characterised for its tenderness and flavour. In New Zealand, pasture-fed Wagyu-dairy beef production is increasing to meet demand for ultra-premium meat products. Important for these characteristics is the composition of lipid species and their distribution across the carcass. The aim of this study was to analyse the distribution of fatty acids and phospholipids in 26 table cuts, nine co-products and three fat deposits of carcasses from New Zealand pasture-fed Wagyu-dairy cross beef carcasses (n = 5). Phospholipid and fatty acid levels varied across different cuts of the carcass, but typically cuts with high levels of phospholipids also had high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and low levels of saturated fatty acids. This work will be used in the future to examine the potential health aspects of pasture-fed Wagyu beef. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Guidelines To Validate Control of Cross-Contamination during Washing of Fresh-Cut Leafy Vegetables.

PubMed

Gombas, D; Luo, Y; Brennan, J; Shergill, G; Petran, R; Walsh, R; Hau, H; Khurana, K; Zomorodi, B; Rosen, J; Varley, R; Deng, K

2017-02-01

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires food processors to implement and validate processes that will result in significantly minimizing or preventing the occurrence of hazards that are reasonably foreseeable in food production. During production of fresh-cut leafy vegetables, microbial contamination that may be present on the product can spread throughout the production batch when the product is washed, thus increasing the risk of illnesses. The use of antimicrobials in the wash water is a critical step in preventing such water-mediated cross-contamination; however, many factors can affect antimicrobial efficacy in the production of fresh-cut leafy vegetables, and the procedures for validating this key preventive control have not been articulated. Producers may consider three options for validating antimicrobial washing as a preventive control for cross-contamination. Option 1 involves the use of a surrogate for the microbial hazard and the demonstration that cross-contamination is prevented by the antimicrobial wash. Option 2 involves the use of antimicrobial sensors and the demonstration that a critical antimicrobial level is maintained during worst-case operating conditions. Option 3 validates the placement of the sensors in the processing equipment with the demonstration that a critical antimicrobial level is maintained at all locations, regardless of operating conditions. These validation options developed for fresh-cut leafy vegetables may serve as examples for validating processes that prevent cross-contamination during washing of other fresh produce commodities.

Effect of baffle spacing and baffle cut on thermal-hydraulic characteristics of the fluid flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chernyateva, R. R.

2018-01-01

This article presents the results of investigations of the influence of baffle spacing and baffle cut on the size of dead zone formed near the cross baffles using numerical simulation methods. It is showed the structure of an additional baffle plate which can be used to reduce the dead zone and smoother flow distribution over the cross section.

The cost and impact of the interim federal health program cuts on child refugees in Canada.

PubMed

Evans, Andrea; Caudarella, Alexander; Ratnapalan, Savithiri; Chan, Kevin

2014-01-01

On June 30, 2012, Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) funding was cut for refugee claimant healthcare. The potential financial and healthcare impacts of these cuts on refugee claimants are unknown. We conducted a one-year retrospective chart review spanning 6 months before and after IFHP funding cuts at The Hospital for Sick Children, a tertiary care children's hospital in Toronto. We analyzed emergency room visits characteristics, admission rates, reasons for admission, and financial records including billing from Medavie Blue Cross. There were 173 refugee children visits to the emergency room in the six months before and 142 visits in the six months after funding cuts. The total amount billed to the IFHP program during the one-year of this study was $131,615. Prior to the IFHP cuts, 46% of the total emergency room bills were paid by IFHP compared to 7% after the cuts (p<0.001). After the cuts to the IFHP, The Hospital for Sick Children was unable to obtain federal health coverage for the vast majority of refugee claimant children registered under the IFHP. This preliminary analysis showed that post-IFHP cuts healthcare costs at the largest tertiary pediatric institution in the country increased.

Airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine in 7-year-old children: sensitivity and specificity for pediatric allergist-diagnosed asthma.

PubMed

Carlsten, Chris; Dimich-Ward, Helen; Ferguson, Alexander; Becker, Allan; Dybuncio, Anne; Chan-Yeung, Moira

2011-02-01

The operating characteristics of PC(20) values used as cut-offs to define airway hyperresponsiveness, as it informs the diagnosis of asthma in children, are poorly understood. We examine data from a unique cohort to inform this concern. Determine the sensitivity and specificity of incremental PC(20) cut-offs for allergist-diagnosed asthma. Airway reactivity at age 7 was assessed in children within a birth cohort at high risk for asthma; PC(20) for methacholine was determined by standard technique including interpolation. The diagnosis of asthma was considered by the pediatric allergist without knowledge of the methacholine challenge results. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated using a cross-tabulation of asthma diagnosis with incremental PC(20) cut-off values, from 1.0 to 8.0 mg/ml, and plotted as receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. The "optimal" cut-off was defined as that PC(20) conferring maximal value for sensitivity plus specificity while the "balanced" cut-off was defined as that PC(20) at which sensitivity and specificity were most equal. 70/348 children (20.1%) were diagnosed with asthma. The optimal and balanced PC(20) cut-offs, both for all children and for females alone, were respectively 3 mg/ml (sensitivity 80.0%, specificity 49.1%) and 2 mg/ml (sensitivity 63.1%, specificity 64.7%). For males alone, the "optimal" and "balanced" PC(20) cut-offs were both 2 mg/ml. For this cohort of 7-year olds at high risk for asthma, methacholine challenge testing using a cut-off value of PC(20) 3 mg/ml conferred the maximal sum of specificity plus sensitivity. For contexts in which higher sensitivity or specificity is desired, other cut-offs may be preferred. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Obtaining Cross-Sections of Paint Layers in Cultural Artifacts Using Femtosecond Pulsed Lasers

PubMed Central

Harada, Takaaki; Spence, Stephanie; Margiolakis, Athanasios; Deckoff-Jones, Skylar; Ploeger, Rebecca; Shugar, Aaron N.; Hamm, James F.; Dani, Keshav M.; Dani, Anya R.

2017-01-01

Recently, ultrafast lasers exhibiting high peak powers and extremely short pulse durations have created a new paradigm in materials processing. The precision and minimal thermal damage provided by ultrafast lasers in the machining of metals and dielectrics also suggests a novel application in obtaining precise cross-sections of fragile, combustible paint layers in artwork and cultural heritage property. Cross-sections of paint and other decorative layers on artwork provide critical information into its history and authenticity. However, the current methodology which uses a scalpel to obtain a cross-section can cause further damage, including crumbling, delamination, and paint compression. Here, we demonstrate the ability to make controlled cross-sections of paint layers with a femtosecond pulsed laser, with minimal damage to the surrounding artwork. The femtosecond laser cutting overcomes challenges such as fragile paint disintegrating under scalpel pressure, or oxidation by the continuous-wave (CW) laser. Variations in laser power and translational speed of the laser while cutting exhibit different benefits for cross-section sampling. The use of femtosecond lasers in studying artwork also presents new possibilities in analyzing, sampling, and cleaning of artwork with minimal destructive effects. PMID:28772468

Obtaining Cross-Sections of Paint Layers in Cultural Artifacts Using Femtosecond Pulsed Lasers.

PubMed

Harada, Takaaki; Spence, Stephanie; Margiolakis, Athanasios; Deckoff-Jones, Skylar; Ploeger, Rebecca; Shugar, Aaron N; Hamm, James F; Dani, Keshav M; Dani, Anya R

2017-01-26

Recently, ultrafast lasers exhibiting high peak powers and extremely short pulse durations have created a new paradigm in materials processing. The precision and minimal thermal damage provided by ultrafast lasers in the machining of metals and dielectrics also suggests a novel application in obtaining precise cross-sections of fragile, combustible paint layers in artwork and cultural heritage property. Cross-sections of paint and other decorative layers on artwork provide critical information into its history and authenticity. However, the current methodology which uses a scalpel to obtain a cross-section can cause further damage, including crumbling, delamination, and paint compression. Here, we demonstrate the ability to make controlled cross-sections of paint layers with a femtosecond pulsed laser, with minimal damage to the surrounding artwork. The femtosecond laser cutting overcomes challenges such as fragile paint disintegrating under scalpel pressure, or oxidation by the continuous-wave (CW) laser. Variations in laser power and translational speed of the laser while cutting exhibit different benefits for cross-section sampling. The use of femtosecond lasers in studying artwork also presents new possibilities in analyzing, sampling, and cleaning of artwork with minimal destructive effects.

Accuracy estimation of an indirect ELISA for the detection of West Nile Virus antibodies in wild birds using a latent class model.

PubMed

Tamba, Marco; Caminiti, Antonino; Prosperi, Alice; Desprès, Philippe; Lelli, Davide; Galletti, Giorgio; Moreno, Ana; Paternoster, Giulia; Santi, Annalisa; Licata, Elio; Lecollinet, Sylvie; Gelmini, Luca; Rugna, Gianluca; Procopio, Anna; Lavazza, Antonio

2017-10-01

West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV), genus Flavivirus, are members of the Japanese encephalitis virus antigenic complex, and are maintained primarily in an enzootic cycle between mosquitoes and birds. WNV is zoonotic, and poses a threat to public health, especially in relation to blood transfusion. Serosurveillance of wild birds is suitable for early detection of WNV circulation, although concerns remain to be addressed as regards i) the type of test used, whether ELISA, virus neutralization test (VNT), plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), ii) the reagents (antigens, revealing antibodies), iii) the different bird species involved, and iv) potential cross-reactions with other Flaviviruses, such as USUV. The authors developed an indirect IgG ELISA with pan-avian specificity using EDIII protein as antigen and a monoclonal antibody (mAb 1A3) with broad reactivity for avian IgG. A total of 140 serum samples were collected from juvenile European magpies (Pica pica) in areas where both WNV and USUV were co-circulating. The samples were then tested using this in-house ELISA and VNT in parallel. Estimation of test accuracy was performed using different Bayesian two latent class models. At a cut-off set at an optical density percentage (OD%) of 15, the ELISA showed a posterior median of diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) of 88% (95%PCI: 73-99%) and a diagnostic specificity (DSp) of 86% (95%PCI: 68-99%). At this cut-off, ELISA and VNT (cut-off 1/10) performances were comparable: DSe=91% (95%PCI: 79-99%), and DSp=77% (95%PCI: 59-98%). With the cut-off increased to 30 OD%, the ELISA DSe dropped to 78% (95%PCI: 52-99%), and the DSp rose to 94% (95%PCI: 83-100%). In field conditions, the cut-off that yields the best accuracy for the ELISA appears to correspond to 15 OD%. In areas where other Flaviviruses are circulating, however, it might be appropriate to raise the cut-off to 30 OD% in order to achieve higher specificity and reduce the detection of seropositive birds infected by other Flaviviruses, such as USUV. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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

PubMed

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

2012-01-01

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

Optimal Cut-Offs of Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) to Identify Dysglycemia and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A 15-Year Prospective Study in Chinese

PubMed Central

Lee, C. H.; Shih, A. Z. L.; Woo, Y. C.; Fong, C. H. Y.; Leung, O. Y.; Janus, E.; Cheung, B. M. Y.; Lam, K. S. L.

2016-01-01

Background The optimal reference range of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in normal Chinese population has not been clearly defined. Here we address this issue using the Hong Kong Cardiovascular Risk Factor Prevalence Study (CRISPS), a prospective population-based cohort study with long-term follow-up. Material & Methods In this study, normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were defined according to the 1998 World Health Organization criteria. Dysglycemia referred to IFG, IGT or T2DM. This study comprised two parts. Part one was a cross-sectional study involving 2,649 Hong Kong Chinese subjects, aged 25–74 years, at baseline CRISPS-1 (1995–1996). The optimal HOMA-IR cut-offs for dysglycemia and T2DM were determined by the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Part two was a prospective study involving 872 subjects who had persistent NGT at CRISPS-4 (2010–2012) after 15 years of follow-up. Results At baseline, the optimal HOMA-IR cut-offs to identify dysglyceia and T2DM were 1.37 (AUC = 0.735; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.713–0.758; Sensitivity [Se] = 65.6%, Specificity [Sp] = 71.3%] and 1.97 (AUC = 0.807; 95% CI = 0.777–0.886; Se = 65.5%, Sp = 82.9%) respectively. These cut-offs, derived from the cross-sectional study at baseline, corresponded closely to the 75th (1.44) and 90th (2.03) percentiles, respectively, of the HOMA-IR reference range derived from the prospective study of subjects with persistent NGT. Conclusions HOMA-IR cut-offs, of 1.4 and 2.0, which discriminated dysglycemia and T2DM respectively from NGT in Southern Chinese, can be usefully employed as references in clinical research involving the assessment of insulin resistance. PMID:27658115

Optimal Cut-Offs of Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) to Identify Dysglycemia and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A 15-Year Prospective Study in Chinese.

PubMed

Lee, C H; Shih, A Z L; Woo, Y C; Fong, C H Y; Leung, O Y; Janus, E; Cheung, B M Y; Lam, K S L

The optimal reference range of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in normal Chinese population has not been clearly defined. Here we address this issue using the Hong Kong Cardiovascular Risk Factor Prevalence Study (CRISPS), a prospective population-based cohort study with long-term follow-up. In this study, normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were defined according to the 1998 World Health Organization criteria. Dysglycemia referred to IFG, IGT or T2DM. This study comprised two parts. Part one was a cross-sectional study involving 2,649 Hong Kong Chinese subjects, aged 25-74 years, at baseline CRISPS-1 (1995-1996). The optimal HOMA-IR cut-offs for dysglycemia and T2DM were determined by the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Part two was a prospective study involving 872 subjects who had persistent NGT at CRISPS-4 (2010-2012) after 15 years of follow-up. At baseline, the optimal HOMA-IR cut-offs to identify dysglyceia and T2DM were 1.37 (AUC = 0.735; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.713-0.758; Sensitivity [Se] = 65.6%, Specificity [Sp] = 71.3%] and 1.97 (AUC = 0.807; 95% CI = 0.777-0.886; Se = 65.5%, Sp = 82.9%) respectively. These cut-offs, derived from the cross-sectional study at baseline, corresponded closely to the 75th (1.44) and 90th (2.03) percentiles, respectively, of the HOMA-IR reference range derived from the prospective study of subjects with persistent NGT. HOMA-IR cut-offs, of 1.4 and 2.0, which discriminated dysglycemia and T2DM respectively from NGT in Southern Chinese, can be usefully employed as references in clinical research involving the assessment of insulin resistance.

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

PubMed

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

2009-01-01

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

Metropolitan transportation management center : a case study : COMPASS : effectively managing traffic and incidents

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-10-01

The following case study provides a snapshot of the Downsview, Ontario transportation management center. It follows the outline provided in the companion document, Metropolitan Transportation Management Center Concepts of Operation - A Cross Cutting ...

The prevalence, predictors and associated health outcomes of high nicotine dependence using three measures among US smokers.

PubMed

Schnoll, Robert A; Goren, Amir; Annunziata, Kathy; Suaya, Jose A

2013-11-01

Using the Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence (FTND), the Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI) and the time-to-first-cigarette (TTFC), this study estimated prevalence, evaluated optimal scale cut-offs, identified predictors and assessed potential impact on health, productivity and health-care use of high nicotine dependence among US smokers. This cross-sectional study used 2011 National Health and Wellness Survey data (n = 50 000). Nicotine dependence, demographic data, measures of health, productivity and health-care use and health attitudes were assessed. The prevalence of high nicotine dependence ranged from 23% (TTFC < 5 minutes) to 63.6% (TTFC < 30 minutes). Based on diagnostic accuracy, the cut-offs for high nicotine dependence using HSI and TTFC varied according to FTND cut-off: if FTND > 4, then HSI > 3 and TTFC < 30 minutes represented optimal cut-offs; if FTND > 5, HSI > 4 and TTFC < 5 minutes represented optimal cut-offs. Across all measures, high nicotine dependence was related significantly to being male, single, age 45-64 years and Caucasian; lower education; lack of health insurance; under/unemployment; comorbid respiratory or cardiovascular disease, diabetes or psychiatric illness; and lower rates of exercise and concern for weight control. Controlling for demographic variables and comorbid physical and psychiatric illness, high nicotine dependence, measured by FTND, HSI or TTFC, was associated significantly with reduced mental and physical quality of life, reduced work-place productivity and more health-care use. High nicotine dependence is associated with lower quality of life, lower work productivity and higher health-care use. The Heaviness of Smoking Index and the time-to-first-cigarette can provide useful screening measures of nicotine dependence in clinical and research settings. © 2013 Society for the Study of Addiction.

Cutting efficiency of nickel-titanium rotary and reciprocating instruments after prolonged use.

PubMed

Gambarini, Gianluca; Giansiracusa Rubini, Alessio; Sannino, Giampaolo; Di Giorgio, Gianni; Di Giorgio, Fabrizio; Piasecki, Lucila; Al-Sudani, Dina; Plotino, Gianluca; Testarelli, Luca

2016-01-01

The aim of the present study was to compare the cutting efficiency of Twisted File instruments used in continuous rotation or TF Adaptive motion and evaluate if prolonged use significantly affected their cutting ability. 20 new NiTi instruments were used in the present study (TF tip size 35, 0.06 taper; Sybron-Endo, Orange, CA, USA), divided into 2 subgroups of 10 instruments each, depending on which movement was selected on the endodontic motor. Group 1: TF instruments were activated using the program TF continuous rotation at 500 rpm and torque set at 2 N; Group 2: TF instruments were activated using the reciprocating TF Adaptive motion. Cutting efficiency was tested in a device developed to test the cutting ability of endodontic instruments. Each instrument cut 10 plastic blocks (10 uses) and the length of the surface cut in a plastic block after 1 min was measured in a computerized program with a precision of 0.1 mm. Maximum penetration depth was calculated after 1 use and after 10 uses, and mean and standard deviation (SD) of each group was calculated. Data were statistically analyzed with a one-way ANOVA test (P < 0.05). TF instruments used in continuous rotation (Group 1) cut a mean depth of 10.4 mm (SD = 0.6 mm) after the first use and 10.1 mm (SD 1.1 mm) after 10 uses, while TF instruments used with the Adaptive motion cut a mean depth of 9.9 mm (SD = 0.7 mm) after the first use and 9.6 mm (SD = 0.9 mm) after 10 uses. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups investigated (P > 0.05) nor between instruments after 1 or 10 uses. In conclusion, the TFA motion showed a lateral cutting ability similar to continuous rotation and all tested instruments exhibited the same cutting ability after prolonged use.

Serotypes and Pulsotypes diversity of Listeria monocytogenes in a beef-processing environment.

PubMed

Camargo, Anderson Carlos; Dias, Mariane Rezende; Cossi, Marcus Vinícius Coutinho; Lanna, Frederico Germano Piscitelli Alvarenga; Cavicchioli, Valéria Quintana; Vallim, Deyse Christina; Pinto, Paulo Sérgio de Arruda; Hofer, Ernesto; Nero, Luís Augusto

2015-04-01

Utensils and equipment from meat-processing facilities are considered relevant cross-contamination points of Listeria monocytogenes to foods, demanding tracking studies to identify their specific origins, and predict proper control. The present study aimed to detect L. monocytogenes in a beef-processing facility, investigating the diversity of serotypes and pulsotypes in order to identify the possible contamination routes. Surface samples from knives (n=26), tables (n=78), and employees hands (n=74) were collected before and during the procedures from a beef-processing facility, in addition to surface samples of end cuts: round (n=32), loin (n=30), and chuck (n=32). All samples were subjected to L. monocytogenes screening according ISO 11.290-1, and the obtained isolates were subjected to serotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Listeria spp. were identified in all processing steps, in 61 samples, and L. monocytogenes was detected in 17 samples, not being found only in knives. Eighty-five isolates were identified as L. monocytogenes, from serotypes 1/2c (n=65), 4b (n=13), and 1/2b (n=7), being grouped in 19 pulsotypes. Considering these results, cross-contamination among hands, tables, and beef cuts could be identified. The obtained data indicated the relevance of cross-contamination in the beef-processing facility, and the occurrence of serotypes 1/2b and 4b in beef cuts distributed for retail sale is a public health concern.

Testing Of Choiced Ceramics Cutting Tools At Irregular Interrupted Cut

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kyncl, Ladislav; Malotová, Šárka; Nováček, Pavel; Nicielnik, Henryk; Šoková, Dagmar; Hemžský, Pavel; Pitela, David; Holubjak, Jozef

2015-12-01

This article discusses the test of removable ceramic cutting inserts during machining irregular interrupted cut. Tests were performed on a lathe, with the preparation which simulated us the interrupted cut. By changing the number of plates mounted in a preparation it simulate us a regular or irregular interrupted cut. When with four plates it was regular interrupted cut, the remaining three variants were already irregular cut. It was examined whether it will have the irregular interrupted cutting effect on the insert and possibly how it will change life of inserts during irregular interrupted cut (variable delay between shocks).

Cutting efficiency of instruments with different movements: a comparative study.

PubMed

Tocci, Luigi; Plotino, Gianluca; Al-Sudani, Dina; Rubini, Alessio Giansiracusa; Sannino, Gianpaolo; Piasecki, Lucila; Putortì, Ermanno; Testarelli, Luca; Gambarini, Gianluca

2015-01-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cutting efficiency of two new reciprocating instruments, Twisted File Adaptive and WaveOne Primary. 10 new Twisted File Adaptive (TF Adaptive) (SybronEndo, Glendora, CA, USA) and 10 new WaveOne Primary files (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) were activated using a torque-controlled motor, respectively TFA motor (SybronEndo, Glendora, CA, USA) and Silver motor (VDW, Munich, Germany). The device used for the cutting test consisted on a mainframe to which a mobile plastic support for the hand-piece is connected and a stainless-steel block containing a Plexiglas block against which the cutting efficiency of the instruments was tested. The length of the block cut in 1 minute was measured in a computerized program with a precision of 0.1 mm. Mean and standard deviations of each group were calculated and data were statistically analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni t test (P < 0.05). TF Adaptive displayed significantly greater maximum penetration depth than WaveOne Primary (P < 0.05). In fact, TF Adaptive instruments (Group 1) cut the Plexiglas block to a mean depth of 8.7 (SD 0.5) mm, while WaveOne Primary instruments cut the Plexiglas block to a mean depth of 6.4 (SD 0.3) mm. Twisted File Adaptive instruments demonstrated statistically higher cutting efficiency than WaveOne instruments.

Cutting Efficiency of Instruments with Different Movements: a Comparative Study

PubMed Central

Plotino, Gianluca; Al-Sudani, Dina; Rubini, Alessio Giansiracusa; Sannino, Gianpaolo; Piasecki, Lucila; Putortì, Ermanno; Testarelli, Luca; Gambarini, Gianluca

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Objectives The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cutting efficiency of two new reciprocating instruments, Twisted File Adaptive and WaveOne Primary. Material and Methods 10 new Twisted File Adaptive (TF Adaptive) (SybronEndo, Glendora, CA, USA) and 10 new WaveOne Primary files (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) were activated using a torque-controlled motor, respectively TFA motor (SybronEndo, Glendora, CA, USA) and Silver motor (VDW, Munich, Germany). The device used for the cutting test consisted on a mainframe to which a mobile plastic support for the hand-piece is connected and a stainless-steel block containing a Plexiglas block against which the cutting efficiency of the instruments was tested. The length of the block cut in 1 minute was measured in a computerized program with a precision of 0.1 mm. Mean and standard deviations of each group were calculated and data were statistically analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni t test (P < 0.05). Results TF Adaptive displayed significantly greater maximum penetration depth than WaveOne Primary (P < 0.05). In fact, TF Adaptive instruments (Group 1) cut the Plexiglas block to a mean depth of 8.7 (SD 0.5) mm, while WaveOne Primary instruments cut the Plexiglas block to a mean depth of 6.4 (SD 0.3) mm. Conclusions Twisted File Adaptive instruments demonstrated statistically higher cutting efficiency than WaveOne instruments. PMID:25937877

Research on NC laser combined cutting optimization model of sheet metal parts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Z. Y.; Zhang, Y. L.; Li, L.; Wu, L. H.; Liu, N. B.

2017-09-01

The optimization problem for NC laser combined cutting of sheet metal parts was taken as the research object in this paper. The problem included two contents: combined packing optimization and combined cutting path optimization. In the problem of combined packing optimization, the method of “genetic algorithm + gravity center NFP + geometric transformation” was used to optimize the packing of sheet metal parts. In the problem of combined cutting path optimization, the mathematical model of cutting path optimization was established based on the parts cutting constraint rules of internal contour priority and cross cutting. The model played an important role in the optimization calculation of NC laser combined cutting.

Medical equipment bio-capability processes using the atmospheric plasma-sprayed titanium coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rezaei, F.; Saviz, S.; Ghoranneviss, M.

2017-12-01

Antibacterial surfaces such as titanium coatings are able to have capability in the human body environment. In this study, titanium coatings are deposited on the 316 stainless steel substrates by a handmade plasma spray system. Some mechanical, chemical properties and microstructure of the created titanium layer are determined to evaluate the quality of coating. The XRD, SEM, adhesion tests from cross cut and corrosion test by potentiodynamic are used. During the different stages, some of the parameters are changed in different samples to achieve the best quality in the coating. It is shown that by increasing the spray time, the production of nanoparticles begins. On the other hand, the best layers are created when the spray main gas flow rate has a certain amount.

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

PubMed

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

2017-01-01

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

Interaction specificity between leaf-cutting ants and vertically transmitted Pseudonocardia bacteria.

PubMed

Andersen, Sandra B; Yek, Sze Huei; Nash, David R; Boomsma, Jacobus J

2015-02-25

The obligate mutualism between fungus-growing ants and microbial symbionts offers excellent opportunities to study the specificity and stability of multi-species interactions. In addition to cultivating fungus gardens, these ants have domesticated actinomycete bacteria to defend gardens against the fungal parasite Escovopsis and possibly other pathogens. Panamanian Acromyrmex echinatior leaf-cutting ants primarily associate with actinomycetes of the genus Pseudonocardia. Colonies are inoculated with one of two vertically transmitted phylotypes (Ps1 or Ps2), and maintain the same phylotype over their lifetime. We performed a cross-fostering experiment to test whether co-adaptations between ants and bacterial phylotypes have evolved, and how this affects bacterial growth and ant prophylactic behavior after infection with Escovopsis. We show that Pseudonocardia readily colonized ants irrespective of their colony of origin, but that the Ps2 phylotype, which was previously shown to be better able to maintain its monocultural integrity after workers became foragers than Ps1, reached a higher final cover when grown on its native host than on alternative hosts. The frequencies of major grooming and weeding behaviors co-varied with symbiont/host combinations, showing that ant behavior also was affected when cuticular actinomycete phylotypes were swapped. These results show that the interactions between leaf-cutting ants and Pseudonocardia bear signatures of mutual co-adaptation within a single ant population.

Archived data management systems : a cross-cutting study : linking operations and planning data

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-12-01

This report examines five transportation agencies that have established and are operating successful ADMSs (Archived Data Management Systems), and one that is on the verge of becoming fully operational. This study discusses the design choices, operat...

Metropolitan transportation management center : a case study : Long Island INFORM : identifying incidents and informing travelers

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-10-01

The following case study provides a snapshot of Long Island's INFORM transportation management center. It follows the outline provided in the companion document, Metropolitan Transportation Management Center Concepts of Operation - A Cross Cutting St...

Innovation or Replication? Crossing and Criss-Crossing in Social Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Strathern, Marilyn

2014-01-01

What does it mean to find echoes of an innovatory moment in the past, or a discipline's cutting edge in another's worn down tool, or people in different fields quite unknown to one another following a similar intellectual trajectory over the same three or four years? A short case study of what looks uncannily like "independent invention"…

Cross-Cultural Applicability of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): A Systematic Review.

PubMed

O'Driscoll, Ciarán; Shaikh, Madiha

2017-01-01

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is widely used to screen for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). While there are many available versions, the cross-cultural validity of the assessment has not been explored sufficiently. We aimed to interrogate the validity of the MoCA in a cross-cultural context: in differentiating MCI from normal controls (NC); and identifying cut-offs and adjustments for age and education where possible. This review sourced a wide range of studies including case-control studies. In addition, we report findings for differentiating dementias from NC and MCI from dementias, however, these were not considered to be an appropriate use of the MoCA. The subject of the review assumes heterogeneity and therefore meta-analyses was not conducted. Quality ratings, forest plots of validated studies (sensitivity and specificity) with covariates (suggested cut-offs, age, education and country), and summary receiver operating characteristic curve are presented. The results showed a wide range in suggested cutoffs for MCI cross-culturally, with variability in levels of sensitivity and specificity ranging from low to high. Poor methodological rigor appears to have affected reported accuracy and validity of the MoCA. The review highlights the necessity for cross-cultural considerations when using the MoCA, and recognizing it as a screen and not a diagnostic tool. Appropriate cutoffs and point adjustments for education are suggested.

Ground-based measurements of inflight antenna patterns for imaging radar systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seifert, Pedro; Lentz, Harald; Zink, Manfred; Heel, Franz

1992-11-01

An approach is presented on how to determine the inflight antenna pattern in the cross-track direction for air- and spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems. In the 1991 Oberpfaffenhofen DC-8/E-SAR calibration campaign there was a good opportunity to test ground-based measurement equipment comprising 18 precision calibration receivers and nine polarimetric active radar calibrators (PARC's), all operating in C-band. These devices were designed and manufactured by the Institute of Navigation at the University of Stuttgart (INS). These instruments are capable of handling various pulse lengths, PRF's, and have a very high dynamic range. Together with precise internal clocks, these instruments are suitable for recording the actual radar transmit pulse shape for the later evaluation of the desired inflight antenna pattern. Lining up these devices in the cross-track direction, each receiver yields an azimuth cut of the three-dimensional antenna pattern. The elevation pattern was then obtained by time correlation of these azimuth cuts. Further results concerning pulse shapes, squint angles, and H-V pattern misalignment are presented.

Angle performance on optima MDxt

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

David, Jonathan; Kamenitsa, Dennis

2012-11-06

Angle control on medium current implanters is important due to the high angle-sensitivity of typical medium current implants, such as halo implants. On the Optima MDxt, beam-to-wafer angles are controlled in both the horizontal and vertical directions. In the horizontal direction, the beam angle is measured through six narrow slits, and any angle adjustment is made by electrostatically steering the beam, while cross-wafer beam parallelism is adjusted by changing the focus of the electrostatic parallelizing lens (P-lens). In the vertical direction, the beam angle is measured through a high aspect ratio mask, and any angle adjustment is made by slightlymore » tilting the wafer platen prior to implant. A variety of tests were run to measure the accuracy and repeatability of Optima MDxt's angle control. SIMS profiles of a high energy, channeling sensitive condition show both the cross-wafer angle uniformity, along with the small-angle resolution of the system. Angle repeatability was quantified by running a channeling sensitive implant as a regular monitor over a seven month period and measuring the sheet resistance-to-angle sensitivity. Even though crystal cut error was not controlled for in this case, when attributing all Rs variation to angle changes, the overall angle repeatability was measured as 0.16 Degree-Sign (1{sigma}). A separate angle repeatability test involved running a series of V-curves tests over a four month period using low crystal cut wafers selected from the same boule. The results of this test showed the angle repeatability to be <0.1 Degree-Sign (1{sigma}).« less

Body mass index as discriminator of the lean mass deficit and excess body fat in institutionalized elderly people.

PubMed

Barbosa, Maria Helena; Bolina, Alisson F; Luiz, Raíssa B; de Oliveira, Karoline F; Virtuoso, Jair S; Rodrigues, Rosalina A P; Silva, Larissa C; da Cunha, Daniel F; De Mattia, Ana Lúcia; Barichello, Elizabeth

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to identify the discriminating criterion for body mass index (BMI) in the prediction of low fat free mass and high body fat percentage according to sex among older people. Observational analytical study with cross-sectional design was used for this study. All institutionalized older people from the city of Uberaba (Minas Gerais, Brazil) who fit within the inclusion and exclusion criteria were approached. Sixty-five institutionalized older people were evaluated after signing a Free and Informed Consent Form. Descriptive and inferential statistical procedures were employed for the analysis, using Student's t-test and multiple linear regression. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to determine the BMI (kg/m(2)) cut-off points. The study complied with all the ethical norms for research involving human beings. In comparing the anthropometric measurements obtained via bioimpedance, elder male had higher mean height and body water volume than females. However, women had higher mean triceps skinfold and fat free mass than men. The BMI cut-off points, as discriminators of low fat free mass percentage and high body fat percentage in women, were ≤22.4 kg/m(2) and >26.6 kg/m(2), respectively; while for men they were ≤19.2 kg/m(2) and >23.8 kg/m(2). The results of this study indicate the need for multicenter studies aimed at suggesting BMI cut-off points for institutionalized older people, taking into account specific sex characteristics. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Application of laser spot cutting on spring contact probe for semiconductor package inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Dongkyoung; Cho, Jungdon; Kim, Chan Ho; Lee, Seung Hwan

2017-12-01

A packaged semiconductor has to be electrically tested to make sure they are free of any manufacturing defects. The test interface, typically employed between a Printed Circuit Board and the semiconductor devices, consists of densely populated Spring Contact Probe (SCP). A standard SCP typically consists of a plunger, a barrel, and an internal spring. Among these components, plungers are manufactured by a stamping process. After stamping, plunger connecting arms need to be cut into pieces. Currently, mechanical cutting has been used. However, it may damage to the body of plungers due to the mechanical force engaged at the cutting point. Therefore, laser spot cutting is considered to solve this problem. The plunger arm is in the shape of a rectangular beam, 50 μm (H) × 90 μm (W). The plunger material used for this research is gold coated beryllium copper. Laser parameters, such as power and elapsed time, have been selected to study laser spot cutting. Laser material interaction characteristics such as a crater size, material removal zone, ablation depth, ablation threshold, and full penetration are observed. Furthermore, a carefully chosen laser parameter (Etotal = 1000mJ) to test feasibility of laser spot cutting are applied. The result show that laser spot cutting can be applied to cut SCP.

Mammalian milk allergy: clinical suspicion, cross-reactivities and diagnosis.

PubMed

Järvinen, Kirsi M; Chatchatee, Pantipa

2009-06-01

Cow's milk allergy affects 2-3% of young children, the economic impact of which necessitates search for simple diagnostic tools and affordable milk substitutes. This review examines recent studies on the diagnosis of cow's milk allergy as well as on the allergenicity of milk from other mammalian species. Resolution of symptoms during strict milk avoidance and their re-appearance during the double-blind, placebo-controlled milk challenge remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of cow's milk allergy. Allergic eosinophilic esophagitis/gastroenteritis requires confirmatory endoscopic biopsy. There are increasing data in various populations on cut-off points based on positive predictive values for skin prick test and milk-specific IgE measurements to aid in the diagnosis of cow's milk allergy and to decrease the number of unnecessary food challenges. For non-IgE-mediated manifestations, noninvasive diagnostic tests are still largely lacking. The significant homology between milk from cow, sheep and goat results in clinical cross-reactivity. However, mare's or donkey's milk may be tolerated by some individuals. Data have been accumulating on the utility of diagnostic tools for mostly IgE-mediated milk allergy and allergenicity of milk from other mammalian species, although further studies are sought.

Does the moment of fiber post cutting influence on the retention to root dentin?

PubMed

Borges, Marcela G; Faria-e-Silva, André L; Santos-Filho, Paulo C F; Silva, Fernanda P; Martins, Luís R M; Menezes, Murilo de Sousa

2015-01-01

Despite several advantages associated with pre-fabricated glass-fiber posts, the coronal portion of these posts must be cut to allow their use in various clinical situations. However, cutting the cemented post can generate stress on the bonding interface and affect the bond strength. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect the of fiber post cutting on the bond strength of root canals. Sixty bovine incisor roots were included in resin cylinders with simulated periodontal ligaments. Glass-fiber posts were luted using regular resin cement RelyX ARC (3M ESPE) or self-adhesive cement RelyX Unicem (3M ESPE). The posts were cut prior to cementation, immediately after luting or after building up the core (n=10). After storage for 24 h, the samples were cut and subject to push-out testing using a mechanical testing machine (EMIC DL 2000). Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA (resin cement x moment of post cutting) and Tukey's post hoc test (α=0.05). The moment of fiber post cutting did not affect the bond strength when Unicem was used. However, the bond strength was reduced when ARC was used and when the post was cut immediately. In conclusion, the moment of fiber post cutting may affect the retention of root canal posts when a regular resin cement is used.

A comparison of the thermal and hydraulic performances between miniature pin fin heat sink and microchannel heat sink with zigzag flow channel together with using nanofluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duangthongsuk, Weerapun; Wongwises, Somchai

2018-05-01

In this study, a comparison of the convective heat transfer, pressure drop, and performance index characteristics of heat sinks with a miniature circular pin-fin inline arrangement (MCFHS) and a zigzag flow channel with single cross-cut structures (CCZ-HS) is presented. SiO2-water nanofluids with different particle concentrations are used as the coolant. The effects of the heat sink type, particle concentration and fluid flow rate on the thermal and hydraulic performances are evaluated. The testing conditions are performed at the wall heat fluxes of 10 to 60 kW/m2 and at a mass flow rate ranging from 0.18 to 0.6 kg/s. The dimension of heat sinks is equally designed at 28 × 33 mm. The heat transfer area of MCFHS and of CCZ-HS is 1430 and 1238 mm2, respectively. Similarly, the hydraulic diameter of the flow channel of MCFHS and of CCZ-HS is 1.2 and 1.0 mm, respectively. The measured data indicate that the cooling performances of CCZ-HS are about 24-55% greater than that of MCFHS. The effects of the channel diameter and single cross-cut of the flow channel are more dominant than the effects of the fin structure and heat transfer area.

Field Quality and Fabrication Analysis of HQ02 Reconstructed Nb3Sn Coil Cross Sections

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

Holik, Eddie Frank; Ambrosio, Giorgio; Carbonara, Andrea

2017-01-23

The US LHC Accelerator Research Program (LARP) quadrupole HQ02 was designed and fully tested as part of the low-beta quad development for Hi-Lumi LHC. HQ02’s design is well documented with full fabrication accounting along with full field analysis at low and high current. With this history, HQ02 is an excellent test bed for developing a methodology for measuring turn locations from magnet cross sections and comparing with CAD models and measured field. All 4 coils of HQ02 were cut in identical locations along the magnetic length corresponding to magnetic field measurement and coil metrology. A real-time camera and coordinate measuringmore » equipment was used to plot turn corners. Measurements include systematic and random displacements of winding blocks and individual turns along the magnetic length. The range of cable shifts and the field harmonic range along the length are in agreement, although correlating turn locations and measured harmonics in each cross section is challenging.« less

Plate forming and break down pizza box

DOEpatents

Pantisano, Frank; Devine, Scott M.

1992-01-01

A standard corrugated paper pizza box is provided with slit cuts cut through the top panel of the pizza box in a shape to form four circular serving plates with a beveled raised edge and cross slit cuts through the bottom panel of the pizza box separating the box into four essentially equal portions for easy disposal.

Validity of autorefractor based screening method for irregular astigmatism compared to the corneal topography- a cross sectional study.

PubMed

Galindo-Ferreiro, Alicia; De Miguel-Gutierrez, Julita; González-Sagrado, Manuel; Galvez-Ruiz, Alberto; Khandekar, Rajiv; Schellini, Silvana; Galindo-Alonso, Julio

2017-01-01

To present a method of screening for irregular astigmatism with an autorefractor and its determinants compared to corneal topography. This cross-sectional validity study was conducted in 2013 at an eye hospital in Spain. A tabletop autorefractor (test 1) was used to measure the refractive status of the anterior surface of the cornea at two corneal meridians of each eye. Then corneal topography (test 2) and Bogan's classification was used to group eyes into those with regular or no astigmatism (GRI) and irregular astigmatism (GRII). Test 1 provided a single absolute value for the greatest cylinder difference (Vr). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were plotted for the Vr values measured by test 1 for GRI and GRII eyes. On the basis a Vr value of 1.25 D as cut off, sensitivity, specificity were also calculated. The study sample was comprised of 260 eyes (135 patients). The prevalence of irregular astigmatism was 42% [95% confidence interval (CI): 36, 48]. Based on test 2, there were 151 eyes in GRI and 109 eyes in GRII. The median Vr was 0.75 D (25% quartile, 0.5 D) for GRI and 1.75 D (25% quartile, 1.25 D) for GRII. The area under curve was 0.171 for GRI and 0.83 for GRII. The sensitivity of test I was 78.1% and the specificity was 76.1%. A conventional autorefractor can be effective as a first level screening method to detect irregular corneal astigmatism in places where corneal topography facilities are not available.

Bovine Tuberculosis at the Wildlife-Livestock-Human Interface in Hamer Woreda, South Omo, Southern Ethiopia

PubMed Central

Tschopp, Rea; Aseffa, Abraham; Schelling, Esther; Berg, Stefan; Hailu, Elena; Gadisa, Endalamaw; Habtamu, Meseret; Argaw, Kifle; Zinsstag, Jakob

2010-01-01

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is endemic in cattle in the Ethiopian Highlands but no studies have been done so far in pastoralists in South Omo. This study assessed the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) at an intensive interface of livestock, wildlife and pastoralists in Hamer Woreda (South Omo), Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey including a comparative intradermal skin testing (CIDT) was conducted in 499 zebu cattle and 186 goats in 12 settlements. Sputum samples from 26 symptomatic livestock owners were cultured for TB. Fifty-one wildlife samples from 13 different species were also collected in the same area and tested with serological (lateral flow assay) and bacteriological (culture of lymph nodes) techniques. Individual BTB prevalence in cattle was 0.8% (CI: 0.3%–2%) with the >4 mm cut-off and 3.4% (CI: 2.1%–5.4%) with the >2 mm cut-off. Herd prevalence was 33.3% and 83% when using the >4 and the >2 mm cut-off respectively. There was no correlation between age, sex, body condition and positive reactors upon univariate analysis. None of the goats were reactors for BTB. Acid fast bacilli (AFB) were detected in 50% of the wildlife cultures, 79.2% of which were identified as Mycobacterium terrae complex. No M. bovis was detected. Twenty-seven percent of tested wildlife were sero-positive. Four sputum cultures (15.4%) yielded AFB positive colonies among which one was M. tuberculosis and 3 non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). The prevalence of M. avium-complex (MAC) was 4.2% in wildlife, 2.5% in cattle and 0.5% in goats. In conclusion, individual BTB prevalence was low, but herd prevalence high in cattle and BTB was not detected in goats, wildlife and humans despite an intensive contact interface. On the contrary, NTMs were highly prevalent and some Mycobacterium spp were more prevalent in specific species. The role of NTMs in livestock and co-infection with BTB need further research. PMID:20808913

Metropolitan transportation management center : a case study : Milwaukee MONITOR : addressing congestion while improving safety and air quality

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-10-01

The following case study provides a snapshot of Milwaukee's MONITOR transportation management center. It follows the outline provided in the companion document, Metropolitan Transportation Management Center Concepts of Operation - A Cross Cutting Stu...

Metropolitan Transportation Management Center : a case study : Houston TranStar maximizing safety and mobility for the public

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-10-01

The following case study provides a snapshot of Houston's TranStar transportation management center. It follows the outline provided in the companion document, Metropolitan Transportation Management Center Concepts of Operation - A Cross Cutting Stud...

Effects of catastrophic events on transportation system management and operations : cross cutting study

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-01-01

In order to provide a better understanding of how transportation is both affected and utilized in an emergency situation, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) commissioned a series of four case studies examining the effects of catastrophic event...

Study on boring hardened materials dryly by ultrasonic vibration cutter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jiangzhong; Zhang, Heng; Zhang, Yue

2011-05-01

It has been one of the difficulties that high-precision hole on hardened materials is machined. The supersonic vibration boring acoustic system in the lathe in which supersonic wave energy is applied on tool is introduced to create pulse power on the cutting process. The separation vibration cutting is achieved by the pulse force. The comparative tests on boring accuracy and surface quality are carried. The quality of surface machined by this method is compared to that by grinding. This cutting is the green cutting. The boring process system is stability. Under the condition that the cutting speed is less than or equal to 1/3 the tool vibration speed, the cutting force is pulse force and the Cutting energy is of high concentration in time, space and direction. The pulse energy effects on the cutting unit in less than one ten-thousandth second. Traditional cutting of irregular movement elastic compression are eliminated. The cutting force is greatly reduced. The cutting temperature is at room temperature. The tool life is greatly increased. Shape precision and surface quality is greatly improved. The regulations of the ultrasonic vibration boring dry cutting of hardened material are also summarized. The test results show that the ultrasonic vibration cutting tool boring is of very superior cutting mechanism and is a high-precision deep-hole machining of hardened materials, efficient cutting methods.

49 CFR 236.577 - Test, acknowledgement, and cut-in circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Test, acknowledgement, and cut-in circuits. 236.577 Section 236.577 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation (Continued) FEDERAL..., acknowledgement, and cut-in circuits. Test, acknowledgement, and cut-in circuits shall be tested at least once...

Study on the effectiveness of Extreme Cold Mist MQL system on turning process of stainless steel AISI 316

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jamaludin, A. S.; Hosokawa, A.; Furumoto, T.; Koyano, T.; Hashimoto, Y.

2018-03-01

Cutting process of difficult-to-cut material such as stainless steel, generates immensely excessive heat, which is one of the major causes related to shortening tool life and lower quality of surface finish. It is proven that application of cutting fluid during the cutting process of difficult-to-cut material is able to improve the cutting performance, but excessive application of cutting fluid leads to another problem such as increasing processing cost and environmental hazardous pollution of workplace. In the study, Extreme Cold Mist system is designed and tested along with various Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) systems on turning process of stainless steel AISI 316. In the study, it is obtained that, Extreme Cold Mist system is able to reduce cutting force up to 60N and improve the surface roughness of the machined surface significantly.

C[superscript 2] = BOK: Two Apparel Studies' Capstone Courses Incorporating the Body of Knowledge

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Kathleen R.; Apple, Laurie; Souhtward, Leigh

2014-01-01

Guided by the five cross-cutting themes of the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Body of Knowledge (BOK) two capstone courses (C[superscript 2]) in Apparel Studies were designed to help prepare students for careers, further study, or both.

RISK FACTORS FOR SLOW GAIT SPEED: A NESTED CASE-CONTROL SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF THE MEXICAN HEALTH AND AGING STUDY

PubMed Central

Pérez-Zepeda, M.U.; González-Chavero, J.G.; Salinas-Martinez, R.; Gutiérrez-Robledo, L.M.

2016-01-01

Background Physical performance tests play a major role in the geriatric assessment. In particular, gait speed has shown to be useful for predicting adverse outcomes. However, risk factors for slow gait speed (slowness) are not clearly described. Objectives To determine risk factors associated with slowness in Mexican older adults. Design A two-step process was adopted for exploring the antecedent risk factors of slow gait speed. First, the cut-off values for gait speed were determined in a representative sample of Mexican older adults. Then, antecedent risk factors of slow gait speed (defined using the identified cut-points) were explored in a nested, cohort case-control study. Setting, participants One representative sample of a cross-sectional survey for the first step and the Mexican Health and Aging Study (a cohort characterized by a 10-year follow-up). Measurements A 4-meter usual gait speed test was conducted. Lowest gender and height-stratified groups were considered as defining slow gait speed. Sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, psychological and health-care related variables were explored to find those associated with the subsequent development of slow gait speed. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were performed. Results In the final model, age, diabetes, hypertension, and history of fractures were associated with the development of slow gait speed. Conclusions Early identification of subjects at risk of developing slow gait speed may halt the path to disability due to the robust association of this physical performance test with functional decline. PMID:26889463

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

PubMed

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

2014-01-01

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

A conservative spectral method for the Boltzmann equation with anisotropic scattering and the grazing collisions limit

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

Gamba, Irene M.; ICES, The University of Texas at Austin, 201 E. 24th St., Stop C0200, Austin, TX 78712; Haack, Jeffrey R.

2014-08-01

We present the formulation of a conservative spectral method for the Boltzmann collision operator with anisotropic scattering cross-sections. The method is an extension of the conservative spectral method of Gamba and Tharkabhushanam [17,18], which uses the weak form of the collision operator to represent the collisional term as a weighted convolution in Fourier space. The method is tested by computing the collision operator with a suitably cut-off angular cross section and comparing the results with the solution of the Landau equation. We analytically study the convergence rate of the Fourier transformed Boltzmann collision operator in the grazing collisions limit tomore » the Fourier transformed Landau collision operator under the assumption of some regularity and decay conditions of the solution to the Boltzmann equation. Our results show that the angular singularity which corresponds to the Rutherford scattering cross section is the critical singularity for which a grazing collision limit exists for the Boltzmann operator. Additionally, we numerically study the differences between homogeneous solutions of the Boltzmann equation with the Rutherford scattering cross section and an artificial cross section, which give convergence to solutions of the Landau equation at different asymptotic rates. We numerically show the rate of the approximation as well as the consequences for the rate of entropy decay for homogeneous solutions of the Boltzmann equation and Landau equation.« less

Kitchen practices used in handling broiler chickens and survival of Campylobacter spp. on cutting surfaces in Kampala, Uganda.

PubMed

Wanyenya, Irene; Muyanja, Charles; Nasinyama, George William

2004-09-01

Cross-contamination during food preparation has been identified as an important factor associated with foodborne illnesses. Handling practices used during preparation of broiler chickens in 31 fast-food restaurants and 86 semisettled street stands (street vendors) were assessed by use of a standard checklist. These establishments used wood, plastic, or metal cutting surfaces during the preparation of broiler chickens. The survival of Campylobacter spp. on kitchen cutting surfaces was determined by inoculating approximately 10(6) CFU of Campylobacter jejuni onto sterile plastic, wooden, and metal cutting boards. The concentrations of the organisms were then assessed in triplicate on each type of cutting board over a 3-h period using standard microbiological methods for thermophilic Campylobacter spp. In 87% of food establishments, the same work area was used for preparation of raw and cooked chicken, and in 68% of these establishments the same cutting boards were used for raw and cooked chicken. None of the establishments applied disinfectants or sanitizers when washing contact surfaces. Campylobacter spp. survived on wooden and plastic but not on metal cutting boards after 3 h of exposure. The handling practices in food preparation areas, therefore, provide an opportunity for cross-contamination of Campylobacter spp. to ready-to-eat foods.

Azole susceptibility of Malassezia pachydermatis and Malassezia furfur and tentative epidemiological cut-off values.

PubMed

Cafarchia, Claudia; Iatta, Roberta; Immediato, Davide; Puttilli, Maria Rita; Otranto, Domenico

2015-09-01

This study aims to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) distribution and the epidemiological cut-off values (ECVs) of Malassezia pachydermatis and Malassezia furfur isolates for fluconazole (FLZ), itraconazole (ITZ), posaconazole (POS), and voriconazole (VOR). A total of 62 M. pachydermatis strains from dogs with dermatitis and 78 M. furfur strains from humans with bloodstream infections (BSI) were tested by a modified broth microdilution Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) method. ITZ and POS displayed lower MICs than VOR and FLZ, regardless of the Malassezia species. The MIC data for azoles of M. pachydermatis were four two-fold dilutions lower than those of M. furfur. Based on the ECVs, about 94% of Malassezia strains might be categorized within susceptible population for all azoles, except for FLZ, and azole cross-resistance was detected in association with FLZ in M. pachydermatis but not in M. furfur.The study proposes, for the first time, tentative azole ECVs for M. pachydermatis and M. furfur for monitoring the emergence of isolates with decreased susceptibilities and shows that the azole MIC distribution varied according to the Malassezia species tested, thus suggesting the usefulness of determining the susceptibility profile for effective treatment of each species. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The International Society for Human and Animal Mycology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Waist-to-Height Ratio: a simple, effective and practical screening tool for childhood obesity and metabolic syndrome.

PubMed

Zhou, Dan; Yang, Min; Yuan, Zhe-Ping; Zhang, Dan-Dan; Liang, Li; Wang, Chun-Lin; Zhang, Shuai; Zhu, Hong-Hong; Lai, Mao-De; Zhu, Yi-Min

2014-10-01

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of Waist-to-Height Ratio in early detection of obesity and metabolic syndrome in Chinese children and adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted in six cities in China in 2010 with 16,914 children and adolescents aged 7-17 years. Participants were randomly divided into the training and testing sets. Diagnostic values were estimated using sensitivity, specificity and areas under receiver operating characteristic curves. The coefficients of variation of Waist-to-Height Ratio among age groups were lower than that of body mass index and waist circumstance. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve of Waist-to-Height Ratio was 0.968 in boys and 0.949 in girls for general obesity evaluation, and 0.983 in boys and 0.984 in girls for central obesity. The optimal cut-offs of Waist-to-Height Ratio were 0.47 in boys and 0.45 in girls in the training set and validated in the testing set. For metabolic syndrome evaluation, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.858 and 0.825 in boys, 0.864 and 0.812 in girls under the suggested cut-offs. Waist-to-Height Ratio was a simple, effective and practical tool for mass screening childhood obesity and metabolic syndrome in China. It will have potential values in public health practice. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

3D modelling of the flow of self-compacting concrete with or without steel fibres. Part II: L-box test and the assessment of fibre reorientation during the flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deeb, R.; Kulasegaram, S.; Karihaloo, B. L.

2014-12-01

The three-dimensional Lagrangian particle-based smooth particle hydrodynamics method described in Part I of this two-part paper is used to simulate the flow of self-compacting concrete (SCC) with and without steel fibres in the L-box configuration. As in Part I, the simulation of the SCC mixes without fibres emphasises the distribution of large aggregate particles of different sizes throughout the flow, whereas the simulation of high strength SCC mixes which contain steel fibres is focused on the distribution of fibres and their orientation during the flow. The capabilities of this methodology are validated by comparing the simulation results with the L-box test carried out in the laboratory. A simple method is developed to assess the reorientation and distribution of short steel fibres in self-compacting concrete mixes during the flow. The reorientation of the fibres during the flow is used to estimate the fibre orientation factor (FOF) in a cross section perpendicular to the principal direction of flow. This estimation procedure involves the number of fibres cut by the section and their inclination to the cutting plane. This is useful to determine the FOF in practical image analysis on cut sections.

Association of fall history with the Timed Up and Go test score and the dual task cost: A cross-sectional study among independent community-dwelling older adults.

PubMed

Asai, Tsuyoshi; Oshima, Kensuke; Fukumoto, Yoshihiro; Yonezawa, Yuri; Matsuo, Asuka; Misu, Shogo

2018-05-21

To investigate the associations between fall history and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test (single-TUG test), TUG test while counting aloud backwards from 100 (dual-TUG test) and the dual-task cost (DTC) among independent community-dwelling older adults. This cross-sectional study included 537 older adults who lived independently in the community. Data on fall history in the previous year were obtained by self-administrated questionnaire. The single- and dual-TUG tests were carried out, and the DTC value was computed from these results. Associations between fall history and these TUG-related values were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models. The participants were divided into fall risk groups using the cut-off values of those significantly associated with falling, and the odds ratios (OR) were computed. Slower single-TUG test scores and lower DTC values were significantly associated with fall history after adjusting for potential confounders (single-TUG test score: OR 1.133, 95% CI 1.029-1.249; DTC value: OR 0.984, 95% CI 0.968-0.998). Older adults with slower single-TUG test scores and lower DTC values reported a fall history more often than those in other categories (OR compared with the lower-risk single-TUG and lower-risk DTC groups: 3.474, 95% CI 1.881-6.570). Slower single-TUG test scores and lower DTC values are associated with fall history among independent community-dwelling older adults. To some extent, dual task performance might provide added value for fall assessment, compared with administering the TUG test alone. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; ••: ••-••. © 2018 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Metropolitan transportation management center : a case study : Georgia NaviGAtor : accurate and timely information to navigate Georgia roads

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-10-01

The following case study provides a snapshot of Atlanta's NaviGAtor transportation management center. It follows the outline provided in the companion document, Metropolitan Transportation Management Center Concepts of Operation - A Cross Cutting Stu...

Stress Reconstruction Analysis of Wheel Saw Cut Tests and Evaluation of Reconstruction Procedure

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1993-09-01

The report is the fourth in a series of engineering studies on railroad vehicle wheel performance. The results of saw cut tests performed on one new and one used wheel designed for a fleet of multiple unit (MU) power cars are summarized and analyzed....

Automatic Vehicle Location successful transit applications : a cross-cutting study : improving service and safety

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-08-01

Belief in the value of AVL is substantiated by statements of benefits contained earlier in this study. Even so, none of the study agencies are making full use of the voluminous amount of AVL data automatically recorded by the system. Efforts to make ...

Natural infection of free-range chickens with the ascarid nematode Toxocara sp.

PubMed

Campos-da-Silva, Danielle R; da Paz, Jeanne S; Fortunato, Viviane R; Beltrame, Marcus A V; Valli, Luis C P; Pereira, Fausto E L

2015-11-01

Human toxocariasis may be acquired by eating raw chicken liver. However, there are no reports on the prevalence of natural infection of chickens with Toxocara. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of anti-Toxocara antibodies as indicators of natural infection with Toxocara, in free-range chickens from Espírito Santo State, Brazil. An ELISA test with secretory and excretory Toxocara canis antigens was used. Negative controls were 20 industrial chickens reared in a high hygiene standard environment. Positive control serum was from a chicken infected with embryonated eggs of T. canis. Sera were adsorbed with Ascaridia galli extract to reduce cross-reactivity. Cut-off was the mean plus four times the standard deviation of optical density (OD) in negative group. One hundred and fifty-seven sera from free-range chicken were investigated. Results showed 58.5% of the chickens were positive with ELISA test; 12.7% had OD over the positive control and may be considered as true infected chickens. The results between the cut-off and the positive control may include infections with low titers of antibodies or may represent serum scar of past infection or may be the result of cross-reaction with other nematodes rather than A. galli which is used for the adsorption of sera. In conclusion, high prevalence of Toxocara sp. antibodies demonstrates natural infection of free-range chickens from Espírito Santo State which may represent a risk of infection with this nematode in people who have the habit of eating raw or undercooked chicken meat or viscera. The results also suggest that chickens may be useful as sentinels to detect soil contaminated with Toxocara eggs.

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

PubMed

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

2015-10-01

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

U.S. Department of Agriculture: Improving Management of Cross-Cutting Agricultural Issues

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-03-01

Office HACCP Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point MBO management-by-objectives N&suLwc National Association of State and Land-Grant U...iiAccp to low -acid canned foods. As with canned foods, a successful HACCP system will require a joint effort by industry arnd gov- ernment. Several other...bacteria to protect strawberry and potato plants from frost was delayed for 4 years partly because of environmentalists’ opposition to the test. At the

A Mathematical Model for Pathogen Cross-Contamination Dynamics during the Postharvest Processing of Leafy Greens.

PubMed

Mokhtari, Amir; Oryang, David; Chen, Yuhuan; Pouillot, Regis; Van Doren, Jane

2018-01-08

We developed a probabilistic mathematical model for the postharvest processing of leafy greens focusing on Escherichia coli O157:H7 contamination of fresh-cut romaine lettuce as the case study. Our model can (i) support the investigation of cross-contamination scenarios, and (ii) evaluate and compare different risk mitigation options. We used an agent-based modeling framework to predict the pathogen prevalence and levels in bags of fresh-cut lettuce and quantify spread of E. coli O157:H7 from contaminated lettuce to surface areas of processing equipment. Using an unbalanced factorial design, we were able to propagate combinations of random values assigned to model inputs through different processing steps and ranked statistically significant inputs with respect to their impacts on selected model outputs. Results indicated that whether contamination originated on incoming lettuce heads or on the surface areas of processing equipment, pathogen prevalence among bags of fresh-cut lettuce and batches was most significantly impacted by the level of free chlorine in the flume tank and frequency of replacing the wash water inside the tank. Pathogen levels in bags of fresh-cut lettuce were most significantly influenced by the initial levels of contamination on incoming lettuce heads or surface areas of processing equipment. The influence of surface contamination on pathogen prevalence or levels in fresh-cut bags depended on the location of that surface relative to the flume tank. This study demonstrates that developing a flexible yet mathematically rigorous modeling tool, a "virtual laboratory," can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of individual and combined risk mitigation options. © 2018 The Authors Risk Analysis published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society for Risk Analysis.

Next-to-leading order γ γ + 2 - jet production at the LHC

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

Bern, Z.; Dixon, L. J.; Febres Cordero, F.

We present next-to-leading-order QCD predictions for cross sections and for a comprehensive set of distributions in γγ+2-jet production at the Large Hadron Collider. We consider the contributions from loop amplitudes for two photons and four gluons, but we neglect top quarks. We use BlackHat together with SHERPA to carry out the computation. We use a Frixione cone isolation for the photons. We study standard sets of cuts on the jets and the photons and also sets of cuts appropriate for studying backgrounds to Higgs-boson production via vector-boson fusion.

The sensitivity and specificity of thermometry and plethysmography in the assessment of hand-arm vibration syndrome.

PubMed

Thompson, Aaron; House, Ron; Manno, Michael

2008-05-01

Finger plethysmography and thermometry are objective measures used to assess the vascular aspect of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Research to date shows poor correlation between these tests and Stockholm Workshop Scale (SWS) vascular stage. Clinicians, researchers and compensation boards require objective means to diagnose and quantify HAVS. To define the specificity and sensitivity of thermometry and plethysmography using the SWS as the reference criterion. A secondary goal was to consider cut points for the tests optimizing sensitivity and specificity. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on HAVS patients seen at an occupational medicine specialty clinic. Plethysmography and thermometry were analyzed using SWS vascular stage as the outcome variable. Logistic regression controlled for age, smoking and time since last vibration exposure and use of vasoactive medications. The sensitivity and specificity of the combined tests were calculated using varying cut points. A total of 139 patients consented to participate in the study. Plethysmography stage 1 or greater showed the highest sensitivity (sensitivity 94% and specificity 15%). Specificity was optimized combining plethysmography stage 3 and thermometry stage 3 (specificity 98% and sensitivity 23%). Maximal diagnostic accuracy was achieved by plethysmography alone setting the criteria for a positive test as being stage 1 or greater (70%). Neither plethysmography nor thermometry either alone or in combination demonstrated sufficient sensitivity and specificity to serve as an objective correlate for SWS vascular stage. All combinations of plethysmography and thermometry showed a lower specificity than sensitivity indicating that the SWS may be less sensitive in detecting vascular pathology than the objective tests.

Novel Composites for Wing and Fuselage Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Suarez, J. A.; Buttitta, C.

1996-01-01

Design development was successfully completed for textile preforms with continuous cross-stiffened epoxy panels with cut-outs. The preforms developed included 3-D angle interlock weaving of graphite structural fibers impregnated by resin film infiltration (RFI) and shown to be structurally suitable under conditions requiring minimum acquisition costs. Design guidelines/analysis methodology for such textile structures are given. The development was expanded to a fuselage side-panel component of a subsonic commercial airframe and found to be readily scalable. The successfully manufactured panel was delivered to NASA Langley for biaxial testing. This report covers the work performed under Task 3 -- Cross-Stiffened Subcomponent; Task 4 -- Design Guidelines/Analysis of Textile-Reinforced Composites; and Task 5 -- Integrally Woven Fuselage Panel.

Temperature compensated cuts in LGT crystal microresonators using length extensional mode.

PubMed

Douchet, Gabrielle; Sthal, Fabrice; Bigler, Emmanuel; Bourquin, Roger

2009-02-01

In this letter, experimental investigation of frequency-temperature effects in langatate rectangular cross-section beams are presented. It is shown that a first-order temperature compensated cut exists for the first vibrating mode of length extension.

Research on cutting path optimization of sheet metal parts based on ant colony algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Z. Y.; Ling, H.; Li, L.; Wu, L. H.; Liu, N. B.

2017-09-01

In view of the disadvantages of the current cutting path optimization methods of sheet metal parts, a new method based on ant colony algorithm was proposed in this paper. The cutting path optimization problem of sheet metal parts was taken as the research object. The essence and optimization goal of the optimization problem were presented. The traditional serial cutting constraint rule was improved. The cutting constraint rule with cross cutting was proposed. The contour lines of parts were discretized and the mathematical model of cutting path optimization was established. Thus the problem was converted into the selection problem of contour lines of parts. Ant colony algorithm was used to solve the problem. The principle and steps of the algorithm were analyzed.

Incident management successful practices : a cross-cutting study : improving mobility and saving lives

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-01

Incident management is the process of managing multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional responses to highway traffic disruptions. Efficient and coordinated management of incidents reduces their adverse impacts on public safety, traffic conditions, and the ...

Metropolitan transportation management center concepts of operation : a cross-cutting study : improving transportation network efficiency

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-10-01

The implementor and operator of a regional transportation management center (TMC) face a challenging task. Operators of TMCsthe primary point of coordination for managing transportation resourcestypically control millions of dollars of intellig...

Metropolitan ITS integration : a cross-cutting study : working together to improve transportation

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-08-01

The purpose of this report is to inform transportation managers and decision-makers of the value of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) integration. The report is intended for operations and planning departments of transportation-related agencie...

Electronic credentialing for commercial vehicle operations : a cross-cutting analysis

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-06-10

This case study presents an analysis of how Maryland, Virginia, and Kentucky have used the Commercial Vehicle Information Systems & Networks (CVISN) Architecture to develop state CVISN systems designs for electronic credentialing. Focus is on the CVI...

Total and free cortisol levels during 1 μg, 25 μg, and 250 μg cosyntropin stimulation tests compared to insulin tolerance test: results of a randomized, prospective, pilot study.

PubMed

Peechakara, Seenia; Bena, James; Clarke, Nigel J; McPhaul, Michael J; Reitz, Richard E; Weil, Robert J; Recinos, Pablo; Kennedy, Laurence; Hamrahian, Amir H

2017-09-01

The appropriate cosyntropin dose during cosyntropin stimulation tests remains uncertain. We conducted a prospective, randomized pilot study to compare 1 μg IV low dose cosyntropin test, 25 μg IM medium dose cosyntropin test, and 250 μg IM standard dose cosyntropin test to evaluate secondary adrenal insufficiency. Insulin tolerance test was used as the gold standard. The study included patients with hypothalamic/pituitary disease (n  = 10) with at least one pituitary axis deficiency other than ACTH deficiency and controls (n  = 12). All tests were done in random order. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for total cortisol and serum free cortisol cut-off levels during cosyntropin stimulation tests. The median (range) age and F/M sex ratios for patients and controls were 54 years (23-62), 2/8, and 33 years (21-51), 6/6, respectively. The best total cortisol cut-off during low dose cosyntropin test, medium dose cosyntropin test, 30 min and 60 min standard dose cosyntropin test were 14.6 μg/dL (100% sensitivity & specificity), 18.7 μg/dL (100% sensitivity, 88% specificity), 16.1 (100% sensitivity & specificity), and 19.5 μg/dL (100% sensitivity & specificity), respectively. There was no difference in the ROC curve for cortisol values between the cosyntropin stimulation tests (p  > 0.41). Using a cortisol cut-off of 18 μg/dL during cosyntropin stimulation tests, only cortisol level at 30 min during standard dose cosyntropin test provided discrimination similar to insulin tolerance test. The best peak free cortisol cut-off levels were 1 μg/dL for insulin tolerance test, 0.9 μg/dL for low dose cosyntropin test, 0.9 μg/dL for medium dose cosyntropin test, and 0.9 μg/dL and 1.3 μg/dL for 30 min and 60 min standard dose cosyntropin test, respectively. All cosyntropin stimulation tests had excellent correlations with insulin tolerance test, when appropriate cut-offs were used. This pilot study does not suggest an advantage in using 25 μg cosyntropin dose during the cosyntropin stimulation test. A serum free cortisol cut-off of 0.9 μg/dL may be used as pass criterion during low dose cosyntropin test, standard dose cosyntropin test cosyntropin test, and 30 min standard dose cosyntropin test.

A comparison of cleat types during two football-specific tasks on FieldTurf.

PubMed

Queen, R M; Charnock, B L; Garrett, W E; Hardaker, W M; Sims, E L; Moorman, C T

2008-04-01

To examine the effect of different cleat plate configurations on plantar pressure during two tasks. Thirty-six athletes ran an agility course 5 times while wearing 4 different types of Nike Vitoria cleats: (1) bladed, (2) elliptical firm ground, (3) hard ground and (4) turf. Plantar pressure data were recorded during a side cut and a cross cut using Pedar-X insoles. Controlled laboratory study No history of lower extremity injury in the past 6 months, no previous foot or ankle surgery, not currently wearing foot orthotics and play a cleated sport at least twice a week. Total foot contact time, contact area, maximum force, peak pressure and the force-time integral (FTI) in the medial, middle and lateral regions of the forefoot were collected. A 1x4 ANOVA (alpha = 0.05) was performed on each dependent variable. A Bonferroni adjustment was conducted (alpha = 0.008). In the cross cut task, statistical differences between cleats were observed in three variables: total foot peak pressure, lateral forefoot FTI, and lateral forefoot normalised maximum force. In the side cut task, statistical differences between cleats were observed in 4 variables: total foot peak pressure, the medial and middle forefoot FTI, and the medial and middle forefoot normalised maximum force. Significant differences in forefoot loading patterns existed between cleat types. Based on the results of this study, it might be beneficial to increase the forefoot cushioning in cleats in an attempt to decrease loading in these regions of the foot.

Gender differences in plantar loading during three soccer-specific tasks.

PubMed

Sims, E L; Hardaker, W M; Queen, R M

2008-04-01

Examine the effect of gender on plantar loading during three football-specific tasks. Thirty-four athletes (17 men, 17 women) ran an agility course five times while wearing the Nike Vitoria hard ground cleat. Plantar loading data were recorded during a side cut, a cross-over cut and a forward acceleration task using Pedar-X insoles. Controlled laboratory study. No history of lower extremity injury in the past 6 months, no previous foot or ankle surgery, not currently wearing foot orthotics and play a cleated sport at least two times per week. Contact area, maximum force and the force-time integral (FTI) in the medial and lateral midfoot, medial, middle and lateral forefoot as well as the hallux. A univariate ANCOVA (alpha = 0.05) was performed on each dependent variable (covariate was course speed). Significant gender differences existed in the force and force-time integral beneath the lateral midfoot and forefoot during the cross-over cut task as well as in the middle forefoot during the side cut task with the men demonstrating an increased force. No significant differences existed in the loading on the medial side of the foot during any tasks. The results of this study indicate that the increase in plantar loading on the lateral portion of the midfoot and forefoot in men could be one possible explanation for the increased incidence of fifth metatarsal stress fractures in men. Gender differences in loading patterns need to be considered when comparing different movements as well as different footwear conditions.

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

PubMed Central

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

2016-01-01

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

A general equation to obtain multiple cut-off scores on a test from multinomial logistic regression.

PubMed

Bersabé, Rosa; Rivas, Teresa

2010-05-01

The authors derive a general equation to compute multiple cut-offs on a total test score in order to classify individuals into more than two ordinal categories. The equation is derived from the multinomial logistic regression (MLR) model, which is an extension of the binary logistic regression (BLR) model to accommodate polytomous outcome variables. From this analytical procedure, cut-off scores are established at the test score (the predictor variable) at which an individual is as likely to be in category j as in category j+1 of an ordinal outcome variable. The application of the complete procedure is illustrated by an example with data from an actual study on eating disorders. In this example, two cut-off scores on the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) scores are obtained in order to classify individuals into three ordinal categories: asymptomatic, symptomatic and eating disorder. Diagnoses were made from the responses to a self-report (Q-EDD) that operationalises DSM-IV criteria for eating disorders. Alternatives to the MLR model to set multiple cut-off scores are discussed.

Dual effectiveness of sodium chlorite for enzymatic browning inhibition and Escherichia coli inactivation on fresh-cut apples

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study investigated the dual effectiveness of sodium chlorite (SC) for browning inhibition and microbial inactivation on fresh-cut apples. The SC treatment exhibited a strong inhibition on browning reaction of fresh-cut Red Delicious apples during cold storage. Test results from examination of t...

Validity of Alternative Cut-Off Scores for the Back-Saver Sit and Reach Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Looney, Marilyn A.; Gilbert, Jennie

2012-01-01

The purpose of the study was to determine if currently used FITNESSGRAM[R] cut-off scores for the Back Saver Sit and Reach Test had the best criterion-referenced validity evidence for 6-12 year old children. Secondary analyses of an existing data set focused on the passive straight leg raise and Back Saver Sit and Reach Test flexibility scores of…

Cross-Cutting Faults

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

16 May 2005 This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows cross-cutting fault scarps among graben features in northern Tempe Terra. Graben form in regions where the crust of the planet has been extended; such features are common in the regions surrounding the vast 'Tharsis Bulge' on Mars.

Location near: 43.7oN, 90.2oW Image width: 3 km (1.9 mi) Illumination from: lower left Season: Northern Summer

Noise Hazard Evaluation Sound Level Data on Noise Sources

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-01-01

Saw, Root Woodworking 43-20-J 102 16. Construction Saw, DeWalt Industrial 2185A 96 17. Cross-Cut Sw, Automatic 1-H 94 18, Cross-Cut Saw, DeWalt 3561...Saw, GM Diehr 750 92 53. Rip Saw, Wabach Industrial 750 97 59. Rip Saw, Yates American B. 102 60. Router: Black & Decker 118 61. Ruuter, Rockwell 150B...13. Sander, Disk, National-Detroit Dual Action 100 14. Stapler , Senco Mll 94* 15. Stapling Gun, Bostich II 105* 16. Stapling Gun, Bostich III 104* 17

11. AERIAL VIEW OF CROSSCUT FACILITY, LOOKING NORTH. THE HYDRO ...

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

11. AERIAL VIEW OF CROSSCUT FACILITY, LOOKING NORTH. THE HYDRO PLANT CENTER SITS ON THE EDGE OF RAVINE WHICH IS ACTUALLY THE BEGINNING OF THE GRAND CANAL. THE CROSS-CUT STEAM PLANT IS THE LARGE WHITE BUILDING JUST WEST OF THE HYDRO PLANT, WITH THE TRANSMISSION SWITCHYARD IN BETWEEN. THE OTHER BUILDINGS ARE SALT RIVER PROJECT FABRICATION AND EQUIPMENT SHOPS Photographer unknown, August 22, 1958 - Cross Cut Hydro Plant, North Side of Salt River, Tempe, Maricopa County, AZ

Foreign Object Damage to Tires Operating in a Wartime Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-11-01

barriers were successfully overcome and the method of testing employed can now be confidently used for future test needs of this type. Data Analysis ...combined variable effects. Analysis consideration involved cut types, cut depths, number of cuts, cut/hit probabilities, tire failures, and aircraft...November 1988 with data reduction and analysis continuing into October 1989. All of the cutting tests reported in this report were conducted at the

The development and validation of a clinical prediction model to determine the probability of MODY in patients with young-onset diabetes.

PubMed

Shields, B M; McDonald, T J; Ellard, S; Campbell, M J; Hyde, C; Hattersley, A T

2012-05-01

Diagnosing MODY is difficult. To date, selection for molecular genetic testing for MODY has used discrete cut-offs of limited clinical characteristics with varying sensitivity and specificity. We aimed to use multiple, weighted, clinical criteria to determine an individual's probability of having MODY, as a crucial tool for rational genetic testing. We developed prediction models using logistic regression on data from 1,191 patients with MODY (n = 594), type 1 diabetes (n = 278) and type 2 diabetes (n = 319). Model performance was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, cross-validation and validation in a further 350 patients. The models defined an overall probability of MODY using a weighted combination of the most discriminative characteristics. For MODY, compared with type 1 diabetes, these were: lower HbA(1c), parent with diabetes, female sex and older age at diagnosis. MODY was discriminated from type 2 diabetes by: lower BMI, younger age at diagnosis, female sex, lower HbA(1c), parent with diabetes, and not being treated with oral hypoglycaemic agents or insulin. Both models showed excellent discrimination (c-statistic = 0.95 and 0.98, respectively), low rates of cross-validated misclassification (9.2% and 5.3%), and good performance on the external test dataset (c-statistic = 0.95 and 0.94). Using the optimal cut-offs, the probability models improved the sensitivity (91% vs 72%) and specificity (94% vs 91%) for identifying MODY compared with standard criteria of diagnosis <25 years and an affected parent. The models are now available online at www.diabetesgenes.org . We have developed clinical prediction models that calculate an individual's probability of having MODY. This allows an improved and more rational approach to determine who should have molecular genetic testing.

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

PubMed

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

1990-09-01

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

CHARACTERIZATION OF AORTIC TISSUE CUTTING PROCESS: EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION USING PORCINE ASCENDING AORTA

PubMed Central

Hu, Zhongwei; Sun, Wei; Zhang, Bi

2012-01-01

Understanding biomechanical responses during soft tissue cutting is important for developing surgical simulators and robot-assisted surgery with haptic feedback. The biomechanics involved in the aortic tissue cutting process is largely unknown. In this study, porcine ascending aorta was selected as a representative aortic tissue, and tissue cutting experiments were performed using a novel tissue cutting apparatus. The tissue cutting responses under various cutting conditions were investigated, including differing initial tissue lateral holding force and distance, cutting speed, cutter inclination angle, tissue anatomical orientation and thickness. The results from this study suggest that a “break-in” cutting force of about 4 – 12 N, a cutter “break-in” distance of 5 – 15 mm, and a continuous cutting force of 2 – 4 N were needed to cut through the porcine ascending aorta tissue. For all testing conditions investigated in this study, the cutting force vs. the cutter displacement curves exhibited similar characteristics. More importantly, this study demonstrated that tissue cutting involving one or more of the following conditions: a larger lateral holding force, a smaller lateral hold distance, a higher cutting speed or a larger inclination angle, could result in a smaller “break in” cutting force and a smaller “break-in” distance. In addition, it was found that the cutting force in the vessel longitudinal direction was larger than that in the circumferential direction. There was a strong correlation between the tissue thickness and the cutting force. The experimental results reported in this study could provide a basis for understanding the characteristic response of aortic tissue to scalpel cutting, and offer insight into the development of surgical simulators. PMID:23262306

[Screening for alcohol use by pregnant women of public health care in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil].

PubMed

Moraes, Claudia Leite; Reichenheim, Michael Eduardo

2007-10-01

To assess the prevalence of suspected cases of alcohol use during pregnancy in women seeking care in public health services. Cross-sectional study comprising 537 women randomly selected in public maternity hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil, from March to October 2000. A well-trained team of female interviewers used the instruments Cut-down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener (CAGE), Tolerance Cut-down, Annoyed, Eye-opener (T-ACE) and Tolerance Worry Eye-opener Annoyed Cut-down (TWEAK) to assess suspect cases of alcohol misuse. The Chi-square test was used in the analysis according to socioeconomic and demographic variables. About 40% of women informed having used any type of alcoholic beverage during pregnancy. Beer was the most frequently used drink (83.9%). Depending on the measurement instrument used, estimates of alcohol misuse varied from 7.3% to 26.1%. Suspected cases of alcohol abuse were more common among non-white, older and less educated women; those not living with a partner; those reporting use of tobacco and illicit drugs either by one or both partners in a couple; and those with little social support. High prevalence of suspected alcohol misuse and its overlapping with several risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes indicate this is an important issue of public health concern requiring continuous screening during prenatal care.

Complex fine-scale diffusion coating formed at low temperature on high-speed steel substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaus, A. S.; Pokorný, P.; Čaplovič, Ľ.; Sitkevich, M. V.; Peterka, J.

2018-04-01

A complex B-C-N diffusion coating was produced at 580 °C for 1 h on AISI M35 steel substrate and compared with a reference coating formed at 880 °C for 2.5 h. The surface and the cross-sections of the samples were subjected to detailed characterisation. The surface roughness, hardness, residual stresses and adhesion of the coatings were also evaluated together with cutting tests using drills on coated and uncoated samples while monitoring cutting force and torque. The surface of the steel treated at 580 °C revealed Fe2B, boron nitride and boron iron carbide, but FeB was noted to be absent. The 580 °C coating had the fine-scale microstructure, which resulted in the excellent adhesion and enhanced wear resistance, relative to reference samples that contained coarse borides. The results established that a complex fine-scale diffusion coating enhanced the wear resistance and reduces the cutting force and torque during drilling, thereby increasing the drill life by a factor of 2.2.

Bovine tuberculosis at a cattle-small ruminant-human interface in Meskan, Gurage region, Central Ethiopia.

PubMed

Tschopp, Rea; Bobosha, Kidist; Aseffa, Abraham; Schelling, Esther; Habtamu, Meseret; Iwnetu, Rahel; Hailu, Elena; Firdessa, Rebuma; Hussein, Jemal; Young, Douglas; Zinsstag, Jakob

2011-11-15

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is endemic in Ethiopian cattle. The aim of this study was to assess BTB prevalence at an intensive contact interface in Meskan Woreda (district) in cattle, small ruminants and suspected TB-lymphadenitis (TBLN) human patients. The comparative intradermal test (CIDT) was carried out for all animals involved in the cross-sectional study and results interpreted using a > 4 mm and a > 2 mm cut-off. One PPD positive goat was slaughtered and lymph nodes subjected to culture and molecular typing. In the same villages, people with lymphadenitis were subjected to clinical examination. Fine needle aspirates (FNA) were taken from suspected TBLN and analyzed by smear microscopy and molecular typing. A total of 1214 cattle and 406 small ruminants were tested for BTB. In cattle, overall individual prevalence (> 2 mm cut-off) was 6.8% (CI: 5.4-8.5%) with 100% herd prevalence. Only three small ruminants (2 sheep and 1 goat) were reactors. The overall individual prevalence in small ruminants (> 2 mm cut-off) was 0.4% (CI: 0.03-5.1%) with 25% herd prevalence. Cattle from owners with PPD positive small ruminants were all PPD negative. 83% of the owners kept their sheep and goats inside their house at night and 5% drank regularly goat milk.FNAs were taken from 33 TBLN suspected cases out of a total of 127 screened individuals with lymph node swellings. Based on cytology results, 12 were confirmed TBLN cases. Nine out of 33 cultures were AFB positive. Culture positive samples were subjected to molecular typing and they all yielded M. tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis was also isolated from the goat that was slaughtered. This study highlighted a low BTB prevalence in sheep and goats despite intensive contact with cattle reactors. TBLN in humans was caused entirely by M. tuberculosis, the human pathogen. M. tuberculosis seems to circulate also in livestock but their role at the interface is unknown.

Bovine tuberculosis at a cattle-small ruminant-human interface in Meskan, Gurage region, Central Ethiopia

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is endemic in Ethiopian cattle. The aim of this study was to assess BTB prevalence at an intensive contact interface in Meskan Woreda (district) in cattle, small ruminants and suspected TB-lymphadenitis (TBLN) human patients. Methods The comparative intradermal test (CIDT) was carried out for all animals involved in the cross-sectional study and results interpreted using a > 4 mm and a > 2 mm cut-off. One PPD positive goat was slaughtered and lymph nodes subjected to culture and molecular typing. In the same villages, people with lymphadenitis were subjected to clinical examination. Fine needle aspirates (FNA) were taken from suspected TBLN and analyzed by smear microscopy and molecular typing. Results A total of 1214 cattle and 406 small ruminants were tested for BTB. In cattle, overall individual prevalence (> 2 mm cut-off) was 6.8% (CI: 5.4-8.5%) with 100% herd prevalence. Only three small ruminants (2 sheep and 1 goat) were reactors. The overall individual prevalence in small ruminants (> 2 mm cut-off) was 0.4% (CI: 0.03-5.1%) with 25% herd prevalence. Cattle from owners with PPD positive small ruminants were all PPD negative. 83% of the owners kept their sheep and goats inside their house at night and 5% drank regularly goat milk. FNAs were taken from 33 TBLN suspected cases out of a total of 127 screened individuals with lymph node swellings. Based on cytology results, 12 were confirmed TBLN cases. Nine out of 33 cultures were AFB positive. Culture positive samples were subjected to molecular typing and they all yielded M. tuberculosis. M. tuberculosis was also isolated from the goat that was slaughtered. Conclusions This study highlighted a low BTB prevalence in sheep and goats despite intensive contact with cattle reactors. TBLN in humans was caused entirely by M. tuberculosis, the human pathogen. M. tuberculosis seems to circulate also in livestock but their role at the interface is unknown. PMID:22085784

Ceramic tools insert assesment based on vickers indentation methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Husni; Rizal, Muhammad; Aziz M, M.; Wahyu, M.

2018-05-01

In the interrupted cutting process, the risk of tool chipping or fracture is higher than continues cutting. Therefore, the selection of suitable ceramic tools for interrupted cutting application become an important issue to assure that the cutting process is running effectively. At present, the performance of ceramics tools is assessed by conducting some cutting tests, which is required time and cost consuming. In this study, the performance of ceramic tools evaluated using hardness tester machine. The technique, in general, has a certain advantage compare with the more conventional methods; the experimental is straightforward involving minimal specimen preparation and the amount of material needed is small. Three types of ceramic tools AS10, CC650 and K090 have been used, each tool was polished then Vickers indentation test were performed with the load were 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 kgf. The results revealed that among the load used in the tests, the indentation loads of 5 kgf always produce well cracks as compared with others. Among the cutting tool used in the tests, AS10 has produced the shortest crack length and follow by CC 670, and K090. It is indicated that the shortest crack length of AS10 reflected that the tool has a highest dynamic load resistance among others insert.

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

PubMed Central

Mohdnazri, Shah R; Keeble, Thomas R

2016-01-01

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

Development of Flexible Extremities Protection utilizing Shear Thickening Fluid/Fabric Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-19

absorption frequencies. With the addition of Gluta, the peak for each of the three bonds increased indicating that the total number of bonds (i.e., cross...fiber to be investigated a gage length of 127 mm. The fiber was clamped at one end and at a position of 127 mm at that end. A Celanese food ...general behavior of high performance fibers during cut resistance testing at normal incidence with a Celanese food processing blade. This data is the

Biomechanical factors associated with time to complete a change of direction cutting maneuver.

PubMed

Marshall, Brendan M; Franklyn-Miller, Andrew D; King, Enda A; Moran, Kieran A; Strike, Siobhán C; Falvey, Éanna C

2014-10-01

Cutting ability is an important aspect of many team sports, however, the biomechanical determinants of cutting performance are not well understood. This study aimed to address this issue by identifying the kinetic and kinematic factors correlated with the time to complete a cutting maneuver. In addition, an analysis of the test-retest reliability of all biomechanical measures was performed. Fifteen (n = 15) elite multidirectional sports players (Gaelic hurling) were recruited, and a 3-dimensional motion capture analysis of a 75° cut was undertaken. The factors associated with cutting time were determined using bivariate Pearson's correlations. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to examine the test-retest reliability of biomechanical measures. Five biomechanical factors were associated with cutting time (2.28 ± 0.11 seconds): peak ankle power (r = 0.77), peak ankle plantar flexor moment (r = 0.65), range of pelvis lateral tilt (r = -0.54), maximum thorax lateral rotation angle (r = 0.51), and total ground contact time (r = -0.48). Intraclass correlation coefficient scores for these 5 factors, and indeed for the majority of the other biomechanical measures, ranged from good to excellent (ICC >0.60). Explosive force production about the ankle, pelvic control during single-limb support, and torso rotation toward the desired direction of travel were all key factors associated with cutting time. These findings should assist in the development of more effective training programs aimed at improving similar cutting performances. In addition, test-retest reliability scores were generally strong, therefore, motion capture techniques seem well placed to further investigate the determinants of cutting ability.

Comparison of commercial ELISA tests for the detection of Toxoplasma antibodies in the meat juice of naturally infected pigs.

PubMed

Felin, Elina; Näreaho, Anu; Fredriksson-Ahomaa, Maria

2017-04-30

Toxoplasmosis is a globally distributed protozoal zoonosis. Pigs are considered an important reservoir of Toxoplasma gondii and pork a major infection source of human toxoplasmosis. ELISA methods are commonly used diagnostic tools for detecting Toxoplasma infections. They are also used for slaughterhouse-based serological monitoring of toxoplasmosis in pigs to identify positive farms. The methods used are non-standardised with varying sensitivity and specificity. In our study, four commercial ELISA tests for the detection of Toxoplasma antibodies in the meat juice of slaughter pigs were compared with a modified agglutination test (MAT) as a reference. The cut-off values of the ELISA tests provided by the manufacturer varied between 0.20 and 0.50, and clearly influenced prevalence. The sensitivity of tests I, II and III varied between 96.4 and 78.6. Sensitivity was unacceptably low (3.6) for test IV (cut-off=0.30). Tests I, II and III had the highest accuracy and the best agreement with the reference test when a cut-off of 0.30 was used. Test II and III showed very good agreement (K=0.92 and 0.84, respectively) with the MAT. A very strong correlation (Pearson correlation >0.89) was observed between the S/P values of tests I, II and III. Our results demonstrate that the test and cut-off value used influence the results of the apparent seroprevalence studies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determining the Optimal Number of Core Needle Biopsy Passes for Molecular Diagnostics.

PubMed

Hoang, Nam S; Ge, Benjamin H; Pan, Lorraine Y; Ozawa, Michael G; Kong, Christina S; Louie, John D; Shah, Rajesh P

2018-03-01

The number of core biopsy passes required for adequate next-generation sequencing is impacted by needle cut, needle gauge, and the type of tissue involved. This study evaluates diagnostic adequacy of core needle lung biopsies based on number of passes and provides guidelines for other tissues based on simulated biopsies in ex vivo porcine organ tissues. The rate of diagnostic adequacy for pathology and molecular testing from lung biopsy procedures was measured for eight operators pre-implementation (September 2012-October 2013) and post-implementation (December 2013-April 2014) of a standard protocol using 20-gauge side-cut needles for ten core biopsy passes at a single academic hospital. Biopsy pass volume was then estimated in ex vivo porcine muscle, liver, and kidney using side-cut devices at 16, 18, and 20 gauge and end-cut devices at 16 and 18 gauge to estimate minimum number of passes required for adequate molecular testing. Molecular diagnostic adequacy increased from 69% (pre-implementation period) to 92% (post-implementation period) (p < 0.001) for lung biopsies. In porcine models, both 16-gauge end-cut and side-cut devices require one pass to reach the validated volume threshold to ensure 99% adequacy for molecular characterization, while 18- and 20-gauge devices require 2-5 passes depending on needle cut and tissue type. Use of 20-gauge side-cut core biopsy needles requires a significant number of passes to ensure diagnostic adequacy for molecular testing across all tissue types. To ensure diagnostic adequacy for molecular testing, 16- and 18-gauge needles require markedly fewer passes.

Scale Drift in Equating on a Test That Employs Cut Scores. Research Report. ETS RR-07-34

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Puhan, Gautam

2007-01-01

The purpose of this study is to determine the extent of scale drift on a test that employs cut scores. It is essential to examine scale drift in a testing program using new forms that are often put on scale through a series of intermediate equatings (known as equating chains). This may cause equating error to accumulate to a point where scale…

The Danish test battery for auditory processing disorder evaluated with patient and control data.

PubMed

Raben Pedersen, Ellen

2018-06-10

This study evaluates the Danish test battery for auditory processing disorder (APD). The battery consists of four behavioural tests, two speech and two non-speech stimuli tests. The evaluation includes determination of: (1) new cut-off values (pass-fail criteria), (2) the sensitivity and the specificity of the entire test battery and (3) the failure rate of different test combinations. For each test in the battery, cut-off values were determined using the weighted Youden index. Applying the newly derived cut-off values, the distribution of failing specific test combinations was determined. A group of 112 children diagnosed with APD (57 boys, 55 girls, aged 6-16 years) and a control group containing 158 children without auditory problems (75 boys, 83 girls, aged 6-16 years). Cut-off values for different weights of the sensitivity and the specificity have been determined. Using the criterion that at least two tests have to be failed for APD to be suspected, the sensitivity and the specificity of the entire test battery were 95.3% and 91.6%, respectively. Some test combinations were found to have higher failure rates than others. Due to the high sensitivity and specificity the test battery has good predictive value in APD assessment.

Towards crack-free ablation cutting of thin glass sheets with picosecond pulsed lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Mingying; Eppelt, Urs; Hartmann, Claudia; Schulz, Wolfgang; Zhu, Jianqiang; Lin, Zunqi

2017-08-01

We investigated the morphology and mechanism of laser-induced damage in the ablation cutting of thin glass sheets with picosecond laser. Two kinds of damage morphologies observed on the cross-section of the cut channel, are caused by high-density free-electrons and the temperature accumulation, respectively. Notches and micro-cracks can be observed on the top surface of the sample near the cut edge. The surface micro-cracks were related to high energy free-electrons and also the heat-affected zone. Heat-affected-zone and visible-cracks free conditions of glass cutting were achieved by controlling the repetition rate and spatial overlap of laser pulses.

Multi-well sample plate cover penetration system

DOEpatents

Beer, Neil Reginald [Pleasanton, CA

2011-12-27

An apparatus for penetrating a cover over a multi-well sample plate containing at least one individual sample well includes a cutting head, a cutter extending from the cutting head, and a robot. The cutting head is connected to the robot wherein the robot moves the cutting head and cutter so that the cutter penetrates the cover over the multi-well sample plate providing access to the individual sample well. When the cutting head is moved downward the foil is pierced by the cutter that splits, opens, and folds the foil inward toward the well. The well is then open for sample aspiration but has been protected from cross contamination.

49 CFR 234.269 - Cut-out circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Cut-out circuits. 234.269 Section 234.269..., Inspection, and Testing Inspections and Tests § 234.269 Cut-out circuits. Each cut-out circuit shall be... of this section, a cut-out circuit is any circuit which overrides the operation of automatic warning...

49 CFR 234.269 - Cut-out circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Cut-out circuits. 234.269 Section 234.269..., Inspection, and Testing Inspections and Tests § 234.269 Cut-out circuits. Each cut-out circuit shall be... of this section, a cut-out circuit is any circuit which overrides the operation of automatic warning...

Developing Local Oral Reading Fluency Cut Scores for Predicting High-Stakes Test Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Grapin, Sally L.; Kranzler, John H.; Waldron, Nancy; Joyce-Beaulieu, Diana; Algina, James

2017-01-01

This study evaluated the classification accuracy of a second grade oral reading fluency curriculum-based measure (R-CBM) in predicting third grade state test performance. It also compared the long-term classification accuracy of local and publisher-recommended R-CBM cut scores. Participants were 266 students who were divided into a calibration…

Plans, Trains, and Automobiles: Big River Crossing Issues in a Small Community

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-01-01

This paper addresses cross-cutting topics associated with the replacement of a : regional Mississippi River crossing along the Great River Road. The breadth and : depth of issues define the ease with which transportation problems can be solved. : In ...

Psychometric goodness of the Mini Sleep Questionnaire.

PubMed

Natale, Vincenzo; Fabbri, Marco; Tonetti, Lorenzo; Martoni, Monica

2014-07-01

The current study was conducted to evaluate the psychometric properties and analyze the convergent validity of the Italian version of the Mini Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ). In addition, it was aimed to put forward cut-off values to be used in screening protocols. The MSQ was administered to 1830 participants (age range 18-87 years), of whom 1208 also completed the Sleep Disorder Questionnaire (age range 18-87 years). A subgroup of 187 (age range 18-71 years) participants was randomly chosen to test the test-retest reliability. A complete psychometric evaluation was performed on the MSQ. To study the validity of the tool, the Sleep Disorder Questionnaire was used as an external criterion to validate the MSQ. Using the Youden index, we calculated the cut-off values that performed best. Finally, we created receiver-operator curves to test the accuracy of each cut-off value identified. For the MSQ, Cronbach's alpha score was 0.77 while homogeneity was 0.26. Factorial analyses confirmed the presence of two dimensions: sleep (Cronbach's alpha 0.75; homogeneity 0.37) and wake (Cronbach's alpha 0.75; homogeneity 0.44). For each dimension, a cut-off value was identified (>16 and >14, respectively). Both cut-off values obtained an area under the curve higher than 0.80. Psychometric evaluation of the MSQ was satisfactory. The cut-off values analyzed in the present study showed good performance. On the whole, the results of this study suggest that the MSQ can be a useful screening tool. © 2014 The Authors. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences © 2014 Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Validity of the Male Depression Risk Scale in a representative Canadian sample: sensitivity and specificity in identifying men with recent suicide attempt.

PubMed

Rice, Simon M; Ogrodniczuk, John S; Kealy, David; Seidler, Zac E; Dhillon, Haryana M; Oliffe, John L

2017-12-22

Clinical practice and literature has supported the existence of a phenotypic sub-type of depression in men. While a number of self-report rating scales have been developed in order to empirically test the male depression construct, psychometric validation of these scales is limited. To confirm the psychometric properties of the multidimensional Male Depression Risk Scale (MDRS-22) and to develop clinical cut-off scores for the MDRS-22. Data were obtained from an online sample of 1000 Canadian men (median age (M) = 49.63, standard deviation (SD) = 14.60). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to replicate the established six-factor model of the MDRS-22. Psychometric values of the MDRS subscales were comparable to the widely used Patient Health Questionnaire-9. CFA model fit indices indicated adequate model fit for the six-factor MDRS-22 model. ROC curve analysis indicated the MDRS-22 was effective for identifying those with a recent (previous four-weeks) suicide attempt (area under curve (AUC) values = 0.837). The MDRS-22 cut-off identified proportionally more (84.62%) cases of recent suicide attempt relative to the PHQ-9 moderate range (53.85%). The MDRS-22 is the first male-sensitive depression scale to be psychometrically validated using CFA techniques in independent and cross-nation samples. Additional studies should identify differential item functioning and evaluate cross-cultural effects.

Study of PVD AlCrN Coating for Reducing Carbide Cutting Tool Deterioration in the Machining of Titanium Alloys.

PubMed

Cadena, Natalia L; Cue-Sampedro, Rodrigo; Siller, Héctor R; Arizmendi-Morquecho, Ana M; Rivera-Solorio, Carlos I; Di-Nardo, Santiago

2013-05-24

The manufacture of medical and aerospace components made of titanium alloys and other difficult-to-cut materials requires the parallel development of high performance cutting tools coated with materials capable of enhanced tribological and resistance properties. In this matter, a thin nanocomposite film made out of AlCrN (aluminum-chromium-nitride) was studied in this research, showing experimental work in the deposition process and its characterization. A heat-treated monolayer coating, competitive with other coatings in the machining of titanium alloys, was analyzed. Different analysis and characterizations were performed on the manufactured coating by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDXS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, the mechanical behavior of the coating was evaluated through hardness test and tribology with pin-on-disk to quantify friction coefficient and wear rate. Finally, machinability tests using coated tungsten carbide cutting tools were executed in order to determine its performance through wear resistance, which is a key issue of cutting tools in high-end cutting at elevated temperatures. It was demonstrated that the specimen (with lower friction coefficient than previous research) is more efficient in machinability tests in Ti6Al4V alloys. Furthermore, the heat-treated monolayer coating presented better performance in comparison with a conventional monolayer of AlCrN coating.

Study of PVD AlCrN Coating for Reducing Carbide Cutting Tool Deterioration in the Machining of Titanium Alloys

PubMed Central

Cadena, Natalia L.; Cue-Sampedro, Rodrigo; Siller, Héctor R.; Arizmendi-Morquecho, Ana M.; Rivera-Solorio, Carlos I.; Di-Nardo, Santiago

2013-01-01

The manufacture of medical and aerospace components made of titanium alloys and other difficult-to-cut materials requires the parallel development of high performance cutting tools coated with materials capable of enhanced tribological and resistance properties. In this matter, a thin nanocomposite film made out of AlCrN (aluminum–chromium–nitride) was studied in this research, showing experimental work in the deposition process and its characterization. A heat-treated monolayer coating, competitive with other coatings in the machining of titanium alloys, was analyzed. Different analysis and characterizations were performed on the manufactured coating by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDXS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Furthermore, the mechanical behavior of the coating was evaluated through hardness test and tribology with pin-on-disk to quantify friction coefficient and wear rate. Finally, machinability tests using coated tungsten carbide cutting tools were executed in order to determine its performance through wear resistance, which is a key issue of cutting tools in high-end cutting at elevated temperatures. It was demonstrated that the specimen (with lower friction coefficient than previous research) is more efficient in machinability tests in Ti6Al4V alloys. Furthermore, the heat-treated monolayer coating presented better performance in comparison with a conventional monolayer of AlCrN coating. PMID:28809266

Brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis prevalence in livestock from pastoralist communities adjacent to Awash National Park, Ethiopia.

PubMed

Tschopp, Rea; Bekele, Shiferaw; Moti, Tesfaye; Young, Douglas; Aseffa, Abraham

2015-06-15

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis (BTB) in local cattle and goat breeds of Oromo and Afar pastoralist communities living in two distinct parts around the Awash National Park. A questionnaire survey was carried out to assess information on husbandry, milk consumption habits, and on knowledge-attitude-practice regarding both diseases. Among a total of 771 animals from all sites tested by comparative intradermal tuberculin test (CIDT) none were BTB reactors with the >4mm cut-off. Using the >2mm cut-off, individual apparent prevalence was 0.9% (95%CI: 0.23-3.56%) in cattle and 0.7% (95%CI: 0.12-3.45%) in goats. Herd prevalence in Oromia and Afar sites was 0% and 66.7% respectively in goats and 16.7% and 50% in cattle. Among the 327 animals tested by enzyme linked immunoassay for brucellosis, 4.8% (95%CI: 1.2-17.1%) of cattle and 22.8% (95%CI: 5.98-29.5%) of goats were reactors. Highest individual prevalence of both diseases was found in Afar settlements with brucellosis being as high as 50%. Respondent ethnicity was the only risk factor for brucellosis positivity in goats in the univariable risk factor analysis. Knowledge about the diseases was poor. Raw goat milk was regularly consumed by women and children, putting them at risk for brucellosis. This study highlighted an increased prevalence gradient of BTB and brucellosis from West to East along the study sites with high brucellosis individual prevalence and abortion rates among Afar settlements in particular. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Pemberton Happiness Index: Validation of the Universal Portuguese version in a large Brazilian sample.

PubMed

Paiva, Bianca Sakamoto Ribeiro; de Camargos, Mayara Goulart; Demarzo, Marcelo Marcos Piva; Hervás, Gonzalo; Vázquez, Carmelo; Paiva, Carlos Eduardo

2016-09-01

The Pemberton Happiness Index (PHI) is a recently developed integrative measure of well-being that includes components of hedonic, eudaimonic, social, and experienced well-being. The PHI has been validated in several languages, but not in Portuguese. Our aim was to cross-culturally adapt the Universal Portuguese version of the PHI and to assess its psychometric properties in a sample of the Brazilian population using online surveys.An expert committee evaluated 2 versions of the PHI previously translated into Portuguese by the original authors using a standardized form for assessment of semantic/idiomatic, cultural, and conceptual equivalence. A pretesting was conducted employing cognitive debriefing methods. In sequence, the expert committee evaluated all the documents and reached a final Universal Portuguese PHI version. For the evaluation of the psychometric properties, the data were collected using online surveys in a cross-sectional study. The study population included healthcare professionals and users of the social network site Facebook from several Brazilian geographic areas. In addition to the PHI, participants completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Diener and Emmons' Positive and Negative Experience Scale (PNES), Psychological Well-being Scale (PWS), and the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS). Internal consistency, convergent validity, known-group validity, and test-retest reliability were evaluated. Satisfaction with the previous day was correlated with the 10 items assessing experienced well-being using the Cramer V test. Additionally, a cut-off value of PHI to identify a "happy individual" was defined using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve methodology.Data from 1035 Brazilian participants were analyzed (health professionals = 180; Facebook users = 855). Regarding reliability results, the internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.890 and 0.914) and test-retest (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.814) were both considered adequate. Most of the validity hypotheses formulated a priori (convergent and know-group) was further confirmed. The cut-off value of higher than 7 in remembered PHI was identified (AUC = 0.780, sensitivity = 69.2%, specificity = 78.2%) as the best one to identify a happy individual.We concluded that the Universal Portuguese version of the PHI is valid and reliable for use in the Brazilian population using online surveys.

Into the development of a model to assess beam shaping and polarization control effects on laser cutting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodrigues, Gonçalo C.; Duflou, Joost R.

2018-02-01

This paper offers an in-depth look into beam shaping and polarization control as two of the most promising techniques for improving industrial laser cutting of metal sheets. An assessment model is developed for the study of such effects. It is built upon several modifications to models as available in literature in order to evaluate the potential of a wide range of considered concepts. This includes different kinds of beam shaping (achieved by extra-cavity optical elements or asymmetric diode staking) and polarization control techniques (linear, cross, radial, azimuthal). A fully mathematical description and solution procedure are provided. Three case studies for direct diode lasers follow, containing both experimental data and parametric studies. In the first case study, linear polarization is analyzed for any given angle between the cutting direction and the electrical field. In the second case several polarization strategies are compared for similar cut conditions, evaluating, for example, the minimum number of spatial divisions of a segmented polarized laser beam to achieve a target performance. A novel strategy, based on a 12-division linear-to-radial polarization converter with an axis misalignment and capable of improving cutting efficiency with more than 60%, is proposed. The last case study reveals different insights in beam shaping techniques, with an example of a beam shape optimization path for a 30% improvement in cutting efficiency. The proposed techniques are not limited to this type of laser source, neither is the model dedicated to these specific case studies. Limitations of the model and opportunities are further discussed.

Study on Roadheader Cutting Load at Different Properties of Coal and Rock

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

The mechanism of cutting process of roadheader with cutting head was researched, and the influences of properties of coal and rock on cutting load were deeply analyzed. Aimed at the defects of traditional calculation method of cutting load on fully expressing the complex cutting process of cutting head, the method of finite element simulation was proposed to simulate the dynamic cutting process. Aimed at the characteristics of coal and rock which affect the cutting load, several simulations with different firmness coefficient were taken repeatedly, and the relationship between three-axis force and firmness coefficient was derived. A comparative analysis of cutting pick load between simulation results and theoretical formula was carried out, and a consistency was achieved. Then cutting process with a total cutting head was carried out on this basis. The results show that the simulation analysis not only provides a reliable guarantee for the accurate calculation of the cutting head load and improves the efficiency of the cutting head cutting test but also offers a basis for selection of cutting head with different geological conditions of coal or rock. PMID:24302866

Research of a smart cutting tool based on MEMS strain gauge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Y.; Zhao, Y. L.; Shao, YW; Hu, T. J.; Zhang, Q.; Ge, X. H.

2018-03-01

Cutting force is an important factor that affects machining accuracy, cutting vibration and tool wear. Machining condition monitoring by cutting force measurement is a key technology for intelligent manufacture. Current cutting force sensors exist problems of large volume, complex structure and poor compatibility in practical application, for these problems, a smart cutting tool is proposed in this paper for cutting force measurement. Commercial MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) strain gauges with high sensitivity and small size are adopted as transducing element of the smart tool, and a structure optimized cutting tool is fabricated for MEMS strain gauge bonding. Static calibration results show that the developed smart cutting tool is able to measure cutting forces in both X and Y directions, and the cross-interference error is within 3%. Its general accuracy is 3.35% and 3.27% in X and Y directions, and sensitivity is 0.1 mV/N, which is very suitable for measuring small cutting forces in high speed and precision machining. The smart cutting tool is portable and reliable for practical application in CNC machine tool.

Strength of the San Andreas Fault Zone: Insight From SAFOD Cuttings and Core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tembe, S.; Lockner, D. A.; Solum, J. G.; Morrow, C. A.; Wong, T.; Moore, D. E.

2005-12-01

Cuttings acquired during drilling of the SAFOD scientific hole near Parkfield, California offer a continuous physical record of the lithology across the San Andreas fault (SAF) zone and provide the only complete set of samples available for laboratory testing. Guided by XRD clay mineral analysis and velocity and gamma logs, we selected washed cuttings from depths spanning the main hole from 1.85 to 3.0 km true vertical depth. Cuttings were chosen to represent primary lithologic units as well as significant shear zones, including candidates for the currently active SAF. To determine frictional properties triaxial sliding tests were conducted on cylindrical granite blocks containing sawcuts inclined at 30° and filled with 1 mm-thick sample gouge layers. Tests were run at constant effective normal stresses of 10 and 40 MPa and constant pore pressure of 1 MPa. Samples were sheared up to 10.4 mm at room temperature and velocities of 1, 0.1 and 0.01 μm/s. Stable sliding behavior and overall strain hardening were observed in all tests. The coefficient of friction typically showed a modest decrease with increasing effective normal stress and mostly velocity strengthening was observed. Preliminary results yield coefficients of friction, μ, which generally fell into two clusters spanning the range of 0.45 to 0.8. The higher values of friction (~0.7 - 0.8) corresponded to quartzofeldspathic samples derived from granodiorites and arkoses encountered in the drill hole. Lower values of friction (0.45 - 0.55) were observed at depth intervals interpreted as shear zones based on enriched clay content, reduced seismic velocities and increased gamma radiation. Arguments for a weak SAF suggest coseismic frictional strength of μ = 0.1 to 0.2 yet the actual fault zone materials studied here appear consistently stronger. At least two important limitations exist for inferring in-situ fault strength from cuttings. (1) Clays and weak minerals are preferentially lost during drilling and therefore undersampled in the cuttings and (2) cuttings are mixed as they travel up the borehole. To test the validity of this approach sliding tests were conducted on core samples obtained from a prominent fault zone at 2.56 km (10062 ft measured depth). Coefficient of friction was measured to be 0.42-0.5, notably weaker than that for cuttings tested at this depth (~0.6) but similar to values obtained for other shear zones. This difference between core and cuttings from the equivalent depth is likely due to mixing, resulting in the averaging of mechanical properties over a 1 to 10 foot interval. Nevertheless, we find good agreement in the strength of materials obtained from shallow shear zones, an indication that some weak mineral phases are preserved in the cuttings. While our findings indicate that meaningful mechanical data can be derived from the cuttings, it should be noted that these observations do not represent an exhaustive study of SAF frictional strength. We continue to explore the effectiveness of the present technique by a variety of methods. For example, estimates of lost clay fractions determined from XRD analysis of unwashed cuttings can be used in the application of approximate mixing laws to correct friction measurements. In addition, comparisons of strength of cuttings and corresponding sidewall cores will help refine our results. While the analysis of cuttings provides the best fault zone strength data to date, unresolved questions show the importance of collecting continuous core in Phase 3 drilling planned for 2007.

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

PubMed

Al-Lawati, Jawad A; Jousilahti, Pekka

2008-01-01

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

Converging or Crossing Curves: Untie the Gordian Knot or Cut it? Appropriate Statistics for Non-Proportional Hazards in Decitabine DACO-016 Study (AML).

PubMed

Tomeczkowski, Jörg; Lange, Ansgar; Güntert, Andreas; Thilakarathne, Pushpike; Diels, Joris; Xiu, Liang; De Porre, Peter; Tapprich, Christoph

2015-09-01

Among patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the DACO-016 randomized study showed reduction in mortality for decitabine [Dacogen(®) (DAC), Eisai Inc., Woodcliff Lake, NJ, USA] compared with treatment choice (TC): at primary analysis the hazard ratio (HR) was 0.85 (95% confidence interval 0.69-1.04; stratified log-rank P = 0.108). With two interim analyses, two-sided alpha was adjusted to 0.0462. With 1-year additional follow-up the HR reached 0.82 (nominal P = 0.0373). These data resulted in approval of DAC in the European Union, though not in the United States. Though pre-specified, the log-rank test could be considered not optimal to assess the observed survival difference because of the non-proportional hazard nature of the survival curves. We applied the Wilcoxon test as a sensitivity analysis. Patients were randomized to DAC (N = 242) or TC (N = 243). One-hundred and eight (44.4%) patients in the TC arm and 91 (37.6%) patients in the DAC arm selectively crossed over to subsequent disease modifying therapies at progression, which might impact the survival beyond the median with resultant converging curves (and disproportional hazards). The stratified Wilcoxon test showed a significant improvement in median (CI 95%) overall survival with DAC [7.7 (6.2; 9.2) months] versus TC [5.0 (4.3; 6.3) months; P = 0.0458]. Wilcoxon test indicated significant increase in survival for DAC versus TC compared to log-rank test. Janssen-Cilag GmbH.

Laboratory evaluation of an optimised internet-based speech-in-noise test for occupational high-frequency hearing loss screening: Occupational Earcheck.

PubMed

Sheikh Rashid, Marya; Leensen, Monique C J; de Laat, Jan A P M; Dreschler, Wouter A

2017-11-01

The "Occupational Earcheck" (OEC) is a Dutch online self-screening speech-in-noise test developed for the detection of occupational high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL). This study evaluates an optimised version of the test and determines the most appropriate masking noise. The original OEC was improved by homogenisation of the speech material, and shortening the test. A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was performed in which the optimised OEC in five alternative masking noise conditions was evaluated. The study was conducted on 18 normal-hearing (NH) adults, and 15 middle-aged listeners with HFHL. The OEC in a low-pass (LP) filtered stationary background noise (test version LP 3: with a cut-off frequency of 1.6 kHz, and a noise floor of -12 dB) was the most accurate version tested. The test showed a reasonable sensitivity (93%), and specificity (94%) and test reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient: 0.84, mean within-subject standard deviation: 1.5 dB SNR, slope of psychometric function: 13.1%/dB SNR). The improved OEC, with homogenous word material in a LP filtered noise, appears to be suitable for the discrimination between younger NH listeners and older listeners with HFHL. The appropriateness of the OEC for screening purposes in an occupational setting will be studied further.

Rock Drilling Performance Evaluation by an Energy Dissipation Based Rock Brittleness Index

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munoz, H.; Taheri, A.; Chanda, E. K.

2016-08-01

To reliably estimate drilling performance both tool-rock interaction laws along with a proper rock brittleness index are required to be implemented. In this study, the performance of a single polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutter cutting and different drilling methods including PDC rotary drilling, roller-cone rotary drilling and percussive drilling were investigated. To investigate drilling performance by rock strength properties, laboratory PDC cutting tests were performed on different rocks to obtain cutting parameters. In addition, results of laboratory and field drilling on different rocks found elsewhere in literature were used. Laboratory and field cutting and drilling test results were coupled with values of a new rock brittleness index proposed herein and developed based on energy dissipation withdrawn from the complete stress-strain curve in uniaxial compression. To quantify cutting and drilling performance, the intrinsic specific energy in rotary-cutting action, i.e. the energy consumed in pure cutting action, and drilling penetration rate values in percussive action were used. The results show that the new energy-based brittleness index successfully describes the performance of different cutting and drilling methods and therefore is relevant to assess drilling performance for engineering applications.

Redundant via insertion in self-aligned double patterning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Youngsoo; Jung, Jinwook; Shin, Youngsoo

2017-03-01

Redundant via (RV) insertion is employed to enhance via manufacturability, and has been extensively studied. Self-aligned double patterning (SADP) process, brings a new challenge to RV insertion since newly created cut for each RV insertion has to be taken care of. Specifically, when a cut for RV, which we simply call RV-cut, is formed, cut conflict may occur with nearby line-end cuts, which results in a decrease in RV candidates. We introduce cut merging to reduce the number of cut conflicts; merged cuts are processed with stitch using litho-etch-litho-etch (LELE) multi-patterning method. In this paper, we propose a new RV insertion method with cut merging in SADP for the first time. In our experiments, a simple RV insertion yields 55.3% vias to receives RVs; our proposed method that considers cut merging increases that number to 69.6% on average of test circuits.

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

PubMed

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

2011-04-12

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

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

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

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

Screening for postdeployment conditions: development and cross-validation of an embedded validity scale in the neurobehavioral symptom inventory.

PubMed

Vanderploeg, Rodney D; Cooper, Douglas B; Belanger, Heather G; Donnell, Alison J; Kennedy, Jan E; Hopewell, Clifford A; Scott, Steven G

2014-01-01

To develop and cross-validate internal validity scales for the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI). Four existing data sets were used: (1) outpatient clinical traumatic brain injury (TBI)/neurorehabilitation database from a military site (n = 403), (2) National Department of Veterans Affairs TBI evaluation database (n = 48 175), (3) Florida National Guard nonclinical TBI survey database (n = 3098), and (4) a cross-validation outpatient clinical TBI/neurorehabilitation database combined across 2 military medical centers (n = 206). Secondary analysis of existing cohort data to develop (study 1) and cross-validate (study 2) internal validity scales for the NSI. The NSI, Mild Brain Injury Atypical Symptoms, and Personality Assessment Inventory scores. Study 1: Three NSI validity scales were developed, composed of 5 unusual items (Negative Impression Management [NIM5]), 6 low-frequency items (LOW6), and the combination of 10 nonoverlapping items (Validity-10). Cut scores maximizing sensitivity and specificity on these measures were determined, using a Mild Brain Injury Atypical Symptoms score of 8 or more as the criterion for invalidity. Study 2: The same validity scale cut scores again resulted in the highest classification accuracy and optimal balance between sensitivity and specificity in the cross-validation sample, using a Personality Assessment Inventory Negative Impression Management scale with a T score of 75 or higher as the criterion for invalidity. The NSI is widely used in the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs as a symptom-severity assessment following TBI, but is subject to symptom overreporting or exaggeration. This study developed embedded NSI validity scales to facilitate the detection of invalid response styles. The NSI Validity-10 scale appears to hold considerable promise for validity assessment when the NSI is used as a population-screening tool.

Blood biomarkers for the non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis.

PubMed

Nisenblat, Vicki; Bossuyt, Patrick M M; Shaikh, Rabia; Farquhar, Cindy; Jordan, Vanessa; Scheffers, Carola S; Mol, Ben Willem J; Johnson, Neil; Hull, M Louise

2016-05-01

About 10% of reproductive-aged women suffer from endometriosis, a costly chronic disease causing pelvic pain and subfertility. Laparoscopy is the gold standard diagnostic test for endometriosis, but is expensive and carries surgical risks. Currently, there are no non-invasive or minimally invasive tests available in clinical practice to accurately diagnose endometriosis. Although other reviews have assessed the ability of blood tests to diagnose endometriosis, this is the first review to use Cochrane methods, providing an update on the rapidly expanding literature in this field. To evaluate blood biomarkers as replacement tests for diagnostic surgery and as triage tests to inform decisions on surgery for endometriosis. Specific objectives include:1. To provide summary estimates of the diagnostic accuracy of blood biomarkers for the diagnosis of peritoneal, ovarian and deep infiltrating pelvic endometriosis, compared to surgical diagnosis as a reference standard.2. To assess the diagnostic utility of biomarkers that could differentiate ovarian endometrioma from other ovarian masses. We did not restrict the searches to particular study designs, language or publication dates. We searched CENTRAL to July 2015, MEDLINE and EMBASE to May 2015, as well as these databases to 20 April 2015: CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, LILACS, OAIster, TRIP, ClinicalTrials.gov, DARE and PubMed. We considered published, peer-reviewed, randomised controlled or cross-sectional studies of any size, including prospectively collected samples from any population of reproductive-aged women suspected of having one or more of the following target conditions: ovarian, peritoneal or deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). We included studies comparing the diagnostic test accuracy of one or more blood biomarkers with the findings of surgical visualisation of endometriotic lesions. Two authors independently collected and performed a quality assessment of data from each study. For each diagnostic test, we classified the data as positive or negative for the surgical detection of endometriosis, and we calculated sensitivity and specificity estimates. We used the bivariate model to obtain pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity whenever sufficient datasets were available. The predetermined criteria for a clinically useful blood test to replace diagnostic surgery were a sensitivity of 0.94 and a specificity of 0.79 to detect endometriosis. We set the criteria for triage tests at a sensitivity of ≥ 0.95 and a specificity of ≥ 0.50, which 'rules out' the diagnosis with high accuracy if there is a negative test result (SnOUT test), or a sensitivity of ≥ 0.50 and a specificity of ≥ 0.95, which 'rules in' the diagnosis with high accuracy if there is a positive result (SpIN test). We included 141 studies that involved 15,141 participants and evaluated 122 blood biomarkers. All the studies were of poor methodological quality. Studies evaluated the blood biomarkers either in a specific phase of the menstrual cycle or irrespective of the cycle phase, and they tested for them in serum, plasma or whole blood. Included women were a selected population with a high frequency of endometriosis (10% to 85%), in which surgery was indicated for endometriosis, infertility work-up or ovarian mass. Seventy studies evaluated the diagnostic performance of 47 blood biomarkers for endometriosis (44 single-marker tests and 30 combined tests of two to six blood biomarkers). These were angiogenesis/growth factors, apoptosis markers, cell adhesion molecules, high-throughput markers, hormonal markers, immune system/inflammatory markers, oxidative stress markers, microRNAs, tumour markers and other proteins. Most of these biomarkers were assessed in small individual studies, often using different cut-off thresholds, and we could only perform meta-analyses on the data sets for anti-endometrial antibodies, interleukin-6 (IL-6), cancer antigen-19.9 (CA-19.9) and CA-125. Diagnostic estimates varied significantly between studies for each of these biomarkers, and CA-125 was the only marker with sufficient data to reliably assess sources of heterogeneity.The mean sensitivities and specificities of anti-endometrial antibodies (4 studies, 759 women) were 0.81 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76 to 0.87) and 0.75 (95% CI 0.46 to 1.00). For IL-6, with a cut-off value of > 1.90 to 2.00 pg/ml (3 studies, 309 women), sensitivity was 0.63 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.75) and specificity was 0.69 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.82). For CA-19.9, with a cut-off value of > 37.0 IU/ml (3 studies, 330 women), sensitivity was 0.36 (95% CI 0.26 to 0.45) and specificity was 0.87 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.99).Studies assessed CA-125 at different thresholds, demonstrating the following mean sensitivities and specificities: for cut-off > 10.0 to 14.7 U/ml: 0.70 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.77) and 0.64 (95% CI 0.47 to 0.82); for cut-off > 16.0 to 17.6 U/ml: 0.56 (95% CI 0.24, 0.88) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.75, 1.00); for cut-off > 20.0 U/ml: 0.67 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.85) and 0.69 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.80); for cut-off > 25.0 to 26.0 U/ml: 0.73 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.79) and 0.70 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.77); for cut-off > 30.0 to 33.0 U/ml: 0.62 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.79) and 0.76 (95% CI 0.53 to 1.00); and for cut-off > 35.0 to 36.0 U/ml: 0.40 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.49) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.94).We could not statistically evaluate other biomarkers meaningfully, including biomarkers that were assessed for their ability to differentiate endometrioma from other benign ovarian cysts.Eighty-two studies evaluated 97 biomarkers that did not differentiate women with endometriosis from disease-free controls. Of these, 22 biomarkers demonstrated conflicting results, with some studies showing differential expression and others no evidence of a difference between the endometriosis and control groups. Of the biomarkers that were subjected to meta-analysis, none consistently met the criteria for a replacement or triage diagnostic test. A subset of blood biomarkers could prove useful either for detecting pelvic endometriosis or for differentiating ovarian endometrioma from other benign ovarian masses, but there was insufficient evidence to draw meaningful conclusions. Overall, none of the biomarkers displayed enough accuracy to be used clinically outside a research setting. We also identified blood biomarkers that demonstrated no diagnostic value in endometriosis and recommend focusing research resources on evaluating other more clinically useful biomarkers.

Standardized Testing Practices: Effect on Graduation and NCLEX® Pass Rates.

PubMed

Randolph, Pamela K

The use standardized testing in pre-licensure nursing programs has been accompanied by conflicting reports of effective practices. The purpose of this project was to describe standardized testing practices in one states' nursing programs and discover if the use of a cut score or oversight of remediation had any effect on (a) first time NCLEX® pass rates, (b) on-time graduation (OTG) or (c) the combination of (a) and (b). Administrators of 38 nursing programs in one Southwest state were sent surveys; surveys were returned by 34 programs (89%). Survey responses were compared to each program's NCLEX pass rate and on-time graduation rate; t-tests were conducted for significant differences associated with a required minimum score (cut score) and oversight of remediation. There were no significant differences in NCLEX pass or on-time graduation rates related to establishment of a cut score. There was a significant difference when the NCLEX pass rate and on-time graduation rate were combined (Outcome Index "OI") with significantly higher program outcomes (P=.02.) for programs without cut-scores. There were no differences associated with faculty oversight of remediation. The results of this study do not support establishment of a cut-score when implementing a standardized testing. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Iron aluminide knife and method thereof

DOEpatents

Sikka, Vinod K.

1997-01-01

Fabricating an article of manufacture having a Fe.sub.3 Al-based alloy cutting edge. The fabrication comprises the steps of casting an Fe.sub.3 Al-based alloy, extruding into rectangular cross section, rolling into a sheet at 800.degree. C. for a period of time followed by rolling at 650.degree. C., cutting the rolled sheet into an article having an edge, and grinding the edge of the article to form a cutting edge.

Cross validation of ROC generated thresholds for field assessed aerobic fitness related to weight status and cardiovascular disease risk in Portuguese young people.

PubMed

Duncan, Michael J; Vale, Susana; Santos, Maria Paula; Ribeiro, José Carlos; Mota, Jorge

2013-01-01

To examine the efficacy of aerobic fitness thresholds in predicting weight status and cardiovascular disease risk (CVD) in young people. A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted on 414 Portuguese young people (235 girls and 179 boys) aged 10-16 years (Mean age ± SD = 13.6 ± 1. 8 years). Height and mass were assessed to determine body mass index (BMI). The 20 m multistage shuttle-fitness test (MSFT) was used as an estimate of aerobic fitness. Capillary blood sampling was used to determine: total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-, and low-density lipoprotein. These were combined with measures of systolic blood pressure as z-scores and summed to create a CVD risk score. Analysis of covariance, controlling for sexual maturation, indicated a significant main effect for BMI as a result of fitness category (P = 0.0001). When applied to CVD risk data, there was no difference between "fit" and "unfit" groups (P = 0.136). Subsequent receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis indicated significant diagnostic accuracy of 20 mMSFT performance for boys and girls (both P = 0.0001) with subsequent cut-offs of estimated VO2 peak of 49.5 ml kg(-1) min(-1) for girls and 47.7 ml kg(-1) min(-1) for boys. When applied to BMI and CVD risk data, there was a significant main effect as a result of fitness category for BMI (P = 0.0001) and CVD risk score (P = 0.0001). Recently established cut-points proposed by Boddy et al. (Boddy et al. [2012]: PLoS One 7(9): e45755) show validity in distinguishing between weight status but not CVD risk in Portuguese young people. Alternative ROC generated cut points significantly predicted BMI and CVD risk in this sample. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

5. VIEW OF THE EASTERN BRIDGE ELEVATION, SHOWING CENTRAL CUT ...

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

5. VIEW OF THE EASTERN BRIDGE ELEVATION, SHOWING CENTRAL CUT AND MORTARED STONE PIER AND ASSOCIATED STEEL SUPERSTRUCTURE (CENTER), AND CANTILEVERED NORTHERN TRUSS SECTION (RIGHT). FACING NORTHWEST. - Coverts Crossing Bridge, Spanning Mahoning River along Township Route 372 (Covert Road), New Castle, Lawrence County, PA

Research gaps: adaptive management to cross-cutting issues

Treesearch

Jonathan W. Long; Carl Skinner; Malcolm North; Lenya Quinn-Davidson

2014-01-01

A number of studies undertaken by the Forest Service within the synthesis area have been designed and implemented to better understand both more immediate and long-term effects of treatments, including the Blacks Mountain Ecological Research Project (Oliver 2000); Goosenest Adaptive Management Area Project (Ritchie 2005); Long-Term Soil Productivity Study (Powers 2006...

Intelligent Transportation Systems In Work Zones: A Cross-Cutting Study

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-11-01

Work zones cause congestion, and result in more than 800 fatalities and 37,000 injuries in the U.S. every year. However, as our infrastructure ages, there is an increasing need for the maintenance and rehabilitation of our roadways, which means more ...

Communications for intelligent transportation systems, successful practices : a cross-cutting study : reaching cost-effective solutions through better decision-making techniques

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-11-01

In many intelligent transportation systems (ITS) implementations, the telecommunications solution was arrived at without the kind of rigorous examination that would have accompanied similarly significant and complex technical/business choices. The pu...

ITS applications for coordinating and improving human services transportation : a cross-cutting study : improving service for the transportation disadvantaged

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-08-01

Older adults, persons with disabilities, and individuals with lower incomes frequently do not have access to transportation or their access to transportation is limited. These populations, called "transportation disadvantaged," need flexible yet depe...

ITS architecture development : a cross-cutting study : electronic credentialing for commercial vehicle operations : building a framework for ITS integration

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-07-01

This report presents an examination of the process used in preparing electronic credentials for commercial vehicle operations in Kentucky Maryland, and Virginia. It describes the experience of using the Commercial Vehicle Information Systems & Networ...

Prospective Study of Optimal Obesity Index Cut-Off Values for Predicting Incidence of Hypertension in 18–65-Year-Old Chinese Adults

PubMed Central

Ren, Qian; Su, Chang; Wang, Huijun; Wang, Zhihong; Du, Wenwen; Zhang, Bing

2016-01-01

Background Overweight and obesity increase the risk of elevated blood pressure; most of the studies that serve as a background for the debates on the optimal obesity index cut-off values used cross-sectional samples. The aim of this study was to determine the cut-off values of anthropometric markers for detecting hypertension in Chinese adults with data from prospective cohort. Methods This study determines the best cut-off values for the obesity indices that represent elevated incidence of hypertension in 18–65-year-old Chinese adults using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) 2006–2011 prospective cohort. Individual body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist:hip ratio (WHR) and waist:stature ratio (WSR) were assessed. ROC curves for these obesity indices were plotted to estimate and compare the usefulness of these obesity indices and the corresponding values for the maximum of the Youden indices were considered the optimal cut-off values. Results Five-year cumulative incidences of hypertension were 21.5% (95% CI: 19.4–23.6) in men and 16.5% (95% CI: 14.7–18.2) in women, and there was a significant trend of increased incidence of hypertension with an increase in BMI, WC, WHR or WSR (P for trend < 0.001) in both men and women. The Youden index indicated that the optimal BMI, WC, WHR, WSR cut-off values were 23.53 kg/m2, 83.7 cm, 0.90, and 0.51 among men. The optimal BMI, WC, WHR, WSR cut-off values were 24.25 kg/m2, 79.9 cm, 0.85 and 0.52 among women. Conclusions Our study supported the hypothesis that the cut-off values for BMI and WC that were recently developed by the Working Group on Obesity in China (WGOC), the cut-off values for WHR that were developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), and a global WSR cut-off value of 0.50 may be the appropriate upper limits for Chinese adults. PMID:26934390

Benefaction studies on the Hasan Celebi magnetite deposit, Turkey

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pressler, Jean W.; Akar, Ali

1972-01-01

Bench-scale and semicontinuous tests were performed on surface, trench, and diamond drill core samples from the Hasan Celebi low-grade magnetite deposit to determine the optimum benefication procedures utilizing wet magnetic separation techniques. Composite core samples typically contain about 27 percent recoverable magnetite and require crushing and grinding through 1 mm in size to insure satisfactory separation of the gangue from the magnetite. Regrinding and cleaning the magnetite concentrate to 80 percent minus 150-mesh is necessary to obtain an optimum of 66 percent iron. Semicontinuous pilot-plant testing with the wet magnetic drum using the recycled middling technique indicates that as much as 83 percent of the acid-soluble iron can be recovered into a concentrate containing 66 percent iron, with minimum deleterious elements. This represents 27 weight percent of the original ore. Further tests will continue when the Maden Tetkik ve Arama Enstitusu (MTA) receives 24 tons of bulk sample from an exploratory drift and cross-cut now being driven through a section of the major reserve area.

Test-retest reliability and sensitivity to change of the dimensional anxiety scales for DSM-5.

PubMed

Knappe, Susanne; Klotsche, Jens; Heyde, Franziska; Hiob, Sarah; Siegert, Jens; Hoyer, Jürgen; Strobel, Anja; LeBeau, Richard T; Craske, Michelle G; Wittchen, Hans-Ulrich; Beesdo-Baum, Katja

2014-06-01

This article reports on the test-retest reliability and sensitivity to change of a set of brief dimensional self-rating questionnaires for social anxiety disorder (SAD-D), specific phobia (SP-D), agoraphobia (AG-D), panic disorder (PD-D), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-D), as well as a general cross-cutting anxiety scale (Cross-D), which were developed to supplement categorical diagnoses in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). The German versions of the dimensional anxiety scales were administered to 218 students followed up approximately 2 weeks later (Study 1) and 55 outpatients (23 with anxiety diagnoses) followed-up 1 year later (Study 2). Probable diagnostic status in students was determined by the DIA-X/M-CIDI stem screening-questionnaire (SSQ). In the clinical sample, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) diagnoses were assessed at Time 1 using the DIA-X/M-CIDI. At Time 2, the patient-version of the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale (CGI-I) was applied to assess change. Good psychometric properties, including high test-retest reliability, were found for the dimensional scales except for SP-D. In outpatients, improvement at Time 2 was associated with significant decrease in PD-D, GAD-D, and Cross-D scores. Discussion Major advantages of the scales include that they are brief, concise, and based on a consistent template to measure the cognitive, physiological, and behavioral symptoms of fear and anxiety. Further replication in larger samples is needed. Given its modest psychometric properties, SP-D needs refinement. Increasing evidence from diverse samples suggests clinical utility of the dimensional anxiety scales.

Vortex cutting in superconductors

DOE PAGES

Glatz, A.; Vlasko-Vlasov, V. K.; Kwok, W. K.; ...

2016-08-09

Vortex cutting and reconnection is an intriguing and still-unsolved problem central to many areas of classical and quantum physics, including hydrodynamics, astrophysics, and superconductivity. Here, in this paper, we describe a comprehensive investigation of the crossing of magnetic vortices in superconductors using time dependent Ginsburg-Landau modeling. Within a macroscopic volume, we simulate initial magnetization of an anisotropic high temperature superconductor followed by subsequent remagnetization with perpendicular magnetic fields, creating the crossing of the initial and newly generated vortices. The time resolved evolution of vortex lines as they approach each other, contort, locally conjoin, and detach, elucidates the fine details ofmore » the vortex-crossing scenario under practical situations with many interacting vortices in the presence of weak pinning. Finally, our simulations also reveal left-handed helical vortex instabilities that accompany the remagnetization process and participate in the vortex crossing events.« less

Vortex cutting in superconductors

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

Glatz, A.; Vlasko-Vlasov, V. K.; Kwok, W. K.

Vortex cutting and reconnection is an intriguing and still-unsolved problem central to many areas of classical and quantum physics, including hydrodynamics, astrophysics, and superconductivity. Here, in this paper, we describe a comprehensive investigation of the crossing of magnetic vortices in superconductors using time dependent Ginsburg-Landau modeling. Within a macroscopic volume, we simulate initial magnetization of an anisotropic high temperature superconductor followed by subsequent remagnetization with perpendicular magnetic fields, creating the crossing of the initial and newly generated vortices. The time resolved evolution of vortex lines as they approach each other, contort, locally conjoin, and detach, elucidates the fine details ofmore » the vortex-crossing scenario under practical situations with many interacting vortices in the presence of weak pinning. Finally, our simulations also reveal left-handed helical vortex instabilities that accompany the remagnetization process and participate in the vortex crossing events.« less

[Diagnostic rentability of close pleural biopsy: Tru-cut vs. Cope].

PubMed

Valdez-López, Héctor Glenn; Cano-Rodríguez, Alma Iris; Montemayor-Chapa, Mario; Castillo-Sánchez, Juan Francisco

2018-01-01

The prevalence of pleural effusion in Mexico is over 400 per 100 000 inhabitants. The etiology is infectious in 45.7% and neoplastic in 32.6%. Closed pleural biopsy sensibility is 48-70% in cancer and 50-59% in tuberculosis using Cope or Abrams needle. In 1989, Tru-cut needle biopsy was described in a small study for massive pleural effusions with a sensibility of 86%. Our Institute has a wide experience with this infrequently procedure with reliable results than using Cope needle. Diagnostic yield should be evaluated. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield of Tru-cut vs. standard Cope biopsy in the histopathological diagnosis of pleural effusion. Experimental, not blinded, analytical, cross-sectional study. We studied 44 patients (24 male and 20 female) with exudative pleural effusion over a period of 14 months. Every patient underwent four Tru-cut and four Cope needle biopsies. The diagnostic yield of both methods was compared. The mean age of patients was 61.4 ± 12.2 years. The diagnosis was achieved in 25 (57%) of patients using Tru-cut and 22 (50%) of patients using Cope's closed pleural biopsy. The diagnostic value was not significantly higher (p = 0.41). The most common diagnoses were adenocarcinoma (20.5%), mesothelioma (15.9%) and tuberculosis (15.9%). The diagnostic yield of Tru-cut needle biopsy is slightly higher than Cope pleural biopsy, very similar to that reported previously. The experience in this procedure is an advantage in our clinical practice.

Diamond- cBN alloy: A universal cutting material

DOE PAGES

Wang, Pei; He, Duanwei; Wang, Liping; ...

2015-09-08

Diamond and cubic boron nitride ( cBN) as conventional superhard materials have found widespread industrial applications, but both have inherent limitations. Diamond is not suitable for high-speed cutting of ferrous materials due to its poor chemical inertness, while cBN is only about half as hard as diamond. Because of their affinity in structural lattices and covalent bonding character, diamond and cBN could form alloys that can potentially fill the performance gap. However, the idea has never been demonstrated because samples obtained in the previous studies were too small to be tested for their practical performance. Here, we report the synthesismore » and characterization of transparent bulk diamond- cBN alloy compacts whose diameters (3 mm) are sufficiently large for them to be processed into cutting tools. The testing results show that the diamond- cBN alloy has superior chemical inertness over polycrystalline diamond and higher hardness than single crystal cBN. In conclusion, high-speed cutting tests on hardened steel and granite suggest that diamond- cBN alloy is indeed a universal cutting material.« less

Diamond-cBN alloy: A universal cutting material

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

Wang, Pei; High Pressure Science and Engineering Center and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada 89154; He, Duanwei, E-mail: duanweihe@scu.edu.cn

Diamond and cubic boron nitride (cBN) as conventional superhard materials have found widespread industrial applications, but both have inherent limitations. Diamond is not suitable for high-speed cutting of ferrous materials due to its poor chemical inertness, while cBN is only about half as hard as diamond. Because of their affinity in structural lattices and covalent bonding character, diamond and cBN could form alloys that can potentially fill the performance gap. However, the idea has never been demonstrated because samples obtained in the previous studies were too small to be tested for their practical performance. Here, we report the synthesis andmore » characterization of transparent bulk diamond-cBN alloy compacts whose diameters (3 mm) are sufficiently large for them to be processed into cutting tools. The testing results show that the diamond-cBN alloy has superior chemical inertness over polycrystalline diamond and higher hardness than single crystal cBN. High-speed cutting tests on hardened steel and granite suggest that diamond-cBN alloy is indeed a universal cutting material.« less

Diamond- cBN alloy: A universal cutting material

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

Wang, Pei; He, Duanwei; Wang, Liping

Diamond and cubic boron nitride ( cBN) as conventional superhard materials have found widespread industrial applications, but both have inherent limitations. Diamond is not suitable for high-speed cutting of ferrous materials due to its poor chemical inertness, while cBN is only about half as hard as diamond. Because of their affinity in structural lattices and covalent bonding character, diamond and cBN could form alloys that can potentially fill the performance gap. However, the idea has never been demonstrated because samples obtained in the previous studies were too small to be tested for their practical performance. Here, we report the synthesismore » and characterization of transparent bulk diamond- cBN alloy compacts whose diameters (3 mm) are sufficiently large for them to be processed into cutting tools. The testing results show that the diamond- cBN alloy has superior chemical inertness over polycrystalline diamond and higher hardness than single crystal cBN. In conclusion, high-speed cutting tests on hardened steel and granite suggest that diamond- cBN alloy is indeed a universal cutting material.« less

[Characteristics and mechanism of boat propeller injuries].

PubMed

Yu, Song; Shen, Yi-Wen; Xue, Ai-Min

2008-02-01

To summarize the characteristics and investigate the mechanisms of boat propeller injuries so as to explore the identification methods between boat propeller injuries and corpse dismemberment. More than 100 autopsy cases of boat propeller injuries were collected in a period between 1994 and 2005 in Huzhou district, Zhejiang province. The characteristics of injuries caused by propeller, including abrasion, wound, fracture and severed wound, and the characteristics of clothing, were retrospectively studied and summarized. The severed cross wound section of boat propeller injuries was compared with that caused by corpse dismemberment. The boat propeller injuries were resulted from high-speed propellers with enormous splitting power and mechanical cutting, while corpse dismemberment were resulted from cutting and dismembering the body with sharp instruments. Due to the different mechanisms, the different strength of force and recoil force, the severed wound cross section had different characteristics. Wounds caused by boat propeller injuries have their unique characteristics, distinguished from wounds of dismembered corpse.

A novel trapezoid fin pattern applicable for air-cooled heat sink

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chien-Hung; Wang, Chi-Chuan

2015-11-01

The present study proposed a novel step or trapezoid surface design applicable to air-cooled heat sink under cross flow condition. A total of five heat sinks were made and tested, and the corresponding fin patterns are (a) plate fin; (b) step fin (step 1/3, 3 steps); (c) 2-step fin (step 1/2, 2 steps); (d) trapezoid fin (trap 1/3, cutting 1/3 length from the rear end) and (e) trapezoid fin (trap 1/2, cutting 1/2 length from the rear end). The design is based on the heat transfer augmentation via (1) longer perimeter of entrance region and (2) larger effective temperature difference at the rear part of the heat sink. From the test results, it is found that either step or trapezoid design can provide a higher heat transfer conductance and a lower pressure drop at a specified frontal velocity. The effective conductance of trap 1/3 design exceeds that of plate surface by approximately 38 % at a frontal velocity of 5 m s-1 while retains a lower pressure drop of 20 % with its surface area being reduced by 20.6 %. For comparisons exploiting the overall thermal resistance versus pumping power, the resultant thermal resistance of the proposed trapezoid design 1/3, still reveals a 10 % lower thermal resistance than the plate fin surface at a specified pumping power.

76 FR 66913 - Procurement List Proposed Additions and Deletions

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-28

... of the Department of Defense, as aggregated by the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Hardware L... Tactical Vehicles NPA: Herkimer County Chapter, NYSARC, Herkimer, NY Contracting Activity: DEFENSE...: Products NSN: 7490-01-483-8984--Paper Shredder, Cross Cut NSN: 7490-01-483-8985--Paper Shredder, Strip Cut...

Estimating Linear Size and Scale: Body Rulers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Gail; Taylor, Amy; Broadwell, Bethany

2009-01-01

The National Science Education Standards emphasise the use of concepts and skills that cut across the science domains. One of these cross-cutting areas is measurement. Students should know measurement systems, units of measurement, tools and error in measurement as well as the importance of measurement to scientific endeavours. Even though…

Guidelines to validate control of cross-contamination during washing of fresh-cut leafy vegetables

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires food processors to implement and validate processes that will result in significantly minimizing or preventing the occurrence of hazards that are likely to occur in food production. During production of fresh-cut leafy vegetables, microbial contaminati...

133. View of rock cut at base of rough ridge ...

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

133. View of rock cut at base of rough ridge and roadway crossing unnamed viaduct on Grandfather Mountain with the Great Wall of China supporting the curve in the distance. Looking southeast. - Blue Ridge Parkway, Between Shenandoah National Park & Great Smoky Mountains, Asheville, Buncombe County, NC

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

PubMed Central

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

2015-01-01

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

Performance of p16INK4a ELISA as a primary cervical cancer screening test among a large cohort of HIV-infected women in western Kenya: a 2-year cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Wu, Tara J; Smith-McCune, Karen; Reuschenbach, Miriam; von Knebel Doeberitz, Magnus; Maloba, May; Huchko, Megan J

2016-09-13

A biomarker with increased specificity for cervical dysplasia compared with human papillomavirus (HPV) testing would be an attractive option for cervical cancer screening among HIV-infected women in resource-limited settings. p16(INK4a) has been explored as a biomarker for screening in general populations. A 2-year cross-sectional study. 2 large HIV primary care clinics in western Kenya. 1054 HIV-infected women in western Kenya undergoing cervical cancer screening as part of routine HIV care from October 2010 to November 2012. Participants underwent p16(INK4a) specimen collection and colposcopy. Lesions with unsatisfactory colposcopy or suspicious for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ (CIN2+; including CIN2/3 or invasive cervical cancer) were biopsied. Following biopsy, disease status was determined by histopathological diagnosis. We measured the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of p16(INK4a) ELISA for CIN2+ detection among HIV-infected women and compared them to the test characteristics of current screening methods used in general as well as HIV-infected populations. Average p16(INK4a) concentration in cervical samples was 37.4 U/mL. After colposcopically directed biopsy, 127 (12%) women were determined to have CIN2+. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.664 for p16(INK4a) to detect biopsy-proven CIN2+. At a p16(INK4a) cut-off level of 9 U/mL, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 89.0%, 22.9%, 13.6% and 93.8%, respectively. The overall p16(INK4a) positivity at a cut-off level of 9 U/mL was 828 (78.6%) women. There were 325 (30.8%) cases of correct p16(INK4a) prediction to detect or rule out CIN2+, and 729 (69.2%) cases of incorrect p16(INK4a) prediction. p16(INK4a) ELISA did not perform well as a screening test for CIN2+ detection among HIV-infected women due to low specificity. Our study contributes to the ongoing search for a more specific alternative to HPV testing for CIN2+ detection. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Performance of p16INK4a ELISA as a primary cervical cancer screening test among a large cohort of HIV-infected women in western Kenya: a 2-year cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

Wu, Tara J; Smith-McCune, Karen; Reuschenbach, Miriam; von Knebel Doeberitz, Magnus; Maloba, May; Huchko, Megan J

2016-01-01

Objective A biomarker with increased specificity for cervical dysplasia compared with human papillomavirus (HPV) testing would be an attractive option for cervical cancer screening among HIV-infected women in resource-limited settings. p16INK4a has been explored as a biomarker for screening in general populations. Design A 2-year cross-sectional study. Setting 2 large HIV primary care clinics in western Kenya. Participants 1054 HIV-infected women in western Kenya undergoing cervical cancer screening as part of routine HIV care from October 2010 to November 2012. Interventions Participants underwent p16INK4a specimen collection and colposcopy. Lesions with unsatisfactory colposcopy or suspicious for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ (CIN2+; including CIN2/3 or invasive cervical cancer) were biopsied. Following biopsy, disease status was determined by histopathological diagnosis. Primary and secondary outcome measures We measured the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of p16INK4a ELISA for CIN2+ detection among HIV-infected women and compared them to the test characteristics of current screening methods used in general as well as HIV-infected populations. Results Average p16INK4a concentration in cervical samples was 37.4 U/mL. After colposcopically directed biopsy, 127 (12%) women were determined to have CIN2+. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.664 for p16INK4a to detect biopsy-proven CIN2+. At a p16INK4a cut-off level of 9 U/mL, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 89.0%, 22.9%, 13.6% and 93.8%, respectively. The overall p16INK4a positivity at a cut-off level of 9 U/mL was 828 (78.6%) women. There were 325 (30.8%) cases of correct p16INK4a prediction to detect or rule out CIN2+, and 729 (69.2%) cases of incorrect p16INK4a prediction. Conclusions p16INK4a ELISA did not perform well as a screening test for CIN2+ detection among HIV-infected women due to low specificity. Our study contributes to the ongoing search for a more specific alternative to HPV testing for CIN2+ detection. PMID:27625065

Influence of shear cutting parameters on the fatigue behavior of a dual-phase steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paetzold, I.; Dittmann, F.; Feistle, M.; Golle, R.; Haefele, P.; Hoffmann, H.; Volk, W.

2017-09-01

The influence of the edge condition of car body and chassis components made of steel sheet on fatigue behavior under dynamic loading presents a major challenge for automotive manufacturers and suppliers. The calculated lifetime is based on material data determined by the fatigue testing of specimens with polished edges. Prototype components are often manufactured by milling or laser cutting, whereby in practice, the series components are produced by shear cutting due to its cost-efficiency. Since the fatigue crack in such components usually starts from a shear cut edge, the calculated and experimental determined lifetime will vary due to the different conditions at the shear cut edges. Therefore, the material data determined with polished edges can result in a non-conservative component design. The aim of this study is to understand the relationship between the shear cutting process and the fatigue behavior of a dual-phase steel sheet. The geometry of the shear cut edge as well as the depth and degree of work hardening in the shear affected zone can be adjusted by using specific shear cutting parameters, such as die clearance and cutting edge radius. Stress-controlled fatigue tests of unnotched specimens were carried out to compare the fatigue behavior of different edge conditions. By evaluating the results of the fatigue experiments, influential shear cutting parameters on fatigue behavior were identified. It was possible to assess investigated shear cutting strategies regarding the fatigue behavior of a high-strength steel DP800.

49 CFR 234.269 - Cut-out circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing Inspections and Tests § 234.269 Cut-out... overrides the operation of automatic warning systems. This includes both switch cut-out circuits and devices... 49 Transportation 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Cut-out circuits. 234.269 Section 234.269...

49 CFR 234.269 - Cut-out circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing Inspections and Tests § 234.269 Cut-out... overrides the operation of automatic warning systems. This includes both switch cut-out circuits and devices... 49 Transportation 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Cut-out circuits. 234.269 Section 234.269...

49 CFR 234.269 - Cut-out circuits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing Inspections and Tests § 234.269 Cut-out... overrides the operation of automatic warning systems. This includes both switch cut-out circuits and devices... 49 Transportation 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Cut-out circuits. 234.269 Section 234.269...

Satellite-based assessment of grassland yields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grant, K.; Siegmund, R.; Wagner, M.; Hartmann, S.

2015-04-01

Cutting date and frequency are important parameters determining grassland yields in addition to the effects of weather, soil conditions, plant composition and fertilisation. Because accurate and area-wide data of grassland yields are currently not available, cutting frequency can be used to estimate yields. In this project, a method to detect cutting dates via surface changes in radar images is developed. The combination of this method with a grassland yield model will result in more reliable and regional-wide numbers of grassland yields. For the test-phase of the monitoring project, a study area situated southeast of Munich, Germany, was chosen due to its high density of managed grassland. For determining grassland cutting robust amplitude change detection techniques are used evaluating radar amplitude or backscatter statistics before and after the cutting event. CosmoSkyMed and Sentinel-1A data were analysed. All detected cuts were verified according to in-situ measurements recorded in a GIS database. Although the SAR systems had various acquisition geometries, the amount of detected grassland cut was quite similar. Of 154 tested grassland plots, covering in total 436 ha, 116 and 111 cuts were detected using CosmoSkyMed and Sentinel-1A radar data, respectively. Further improvement of radar data processes as well as additional analyses with higher sample number and wider land surface coverage will follow for optimisation of the method and for validation and generalisation of the results of this feasibility study. The automation of this method will than allow for an area-wide and cost efficient cutting date detection service improving grassland yield models.

Iron aluminide knife and method thereof

DOEpatents

Sikka, V.K.

1997-08-05

Fabricating an article of manufacture having a Fe{sub 3}Al-based alloy cutting edge is discussed. The fabrication comprises the steps of casting an Fe{sub 3}Al-based alloy, extruding into rectangular cross section, rolling into a sheet at 800 C for a period of time followed by rolling at 650 C, cutting the rolled sheet into an article having an edge, and grinding the edge of the article to form a cutting edge. 1 fig.

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

PubMed

Bigler, Erin D

2014-01-01

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

A strategic approach for direct recovery and stabilization of Fusarium sp. ICT SAC1 cutinase from solid state fermented broth by carrier free cross-linked enzyme aggregates.

PubMed

Chaudhari, Sandeep A; Singhal, Rekha S

2017-05-01

The major hurdles in commercial exploitation of cutinase (having both esterolytic and lipolytic activities) with potent industrial applications are its high production cost, operational instability and reusability. Although commercially available in immobilized form, its immobilization process (synthesis of support/carrier) makes it expensive. Herein we tried to address multiple issues of production cost, stability, and reusability, associated with cutinase. Waste watermelon rinds, an agroindustrial waste was considered as a cheap support for solid state fermentation (SSF) for cutinase production by newly isolated Fusarium sp. ICT SAC1. Subsequently, carrier free cross-linked enzyme aggregates of cutinase (cut-CLEA) directly from the SSF crude broth were developed. All the process variables affecting CLEA formation along with the different additives were evaluated. It was found that 50% (w/v) of ammonium sulphate, 125μmol of glutaraldehyde, cross-linking for 1h at 30°C and broth pH of 7.0, yielded 58.12% activity recovery. All other additives (hexane, butyric acid, sodium dodecyl sulphate, Trition-X 100, Tween-20, BSA) evaluated presented negative results to our hypothesis. Kinetics and morphology studies confirmed the diffusive nature of cut-CLEA and BSA cut-CLEA. Developed CLEA showed better thermal, solvent, detergent and storage stability, making it more elegant and efficient for industrial biocatalytic process. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of repeated simulated clinical use and sterilization on the cutting efficiency and flexibility of Hyflex CM nickel-titanium rotary files.

PubMed

Seago, Scott T; Bergeron, Brian E; Kirkpatrick, Timothy C; Roberts, Mark D; Roberts, Howard W; Himel, Van T; Sabey, Kent A

2015-05-01

Recent nickel-titanium manufacturing processes have resulted in an alloy that remains in a twinned martensitic phase at operating temperature. This alloy has been shown to have increased flexibility with added tolerance to cyclic and torsional fatigue. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of repeated simulated clinical use and sterilization on cutting efficiency and flexibility of Hyflex CM rotary files. Cutting efficiency was determined by measuring the load required to maintain a constant feed rate while instrumenting simulated canals. Flexibility was determined by using a 3-point bending test. Files were autoclaved after each use according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Files were tested through 10 simulated clinical uses. For cutting efficiency, mean data were analyzed by using multiple factor analysis of variance and the Dunnett post hoc test (P < .05). For flexibility, mean data were analyzed by using Levene's Test of Equality of Error and a general linear model (P < .05). No statistically significant decrease in cutting efficiency was noted in groups 2, 5, 6, and 7. A statistically significant decrease in cutting efficiency was noted in groups 3, 4, 8, 9, and 10. No statistically significant decrease in flexibility was noted in groups 2, 3, and 7. A statistically significant decrease in flexibility was noted in groups 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 11. Repeated simulated clinical use and sterilization showed no effect on cutting efficiency through 1 use and no effect on flexibility through 2 uses. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Evaluation of Novel Large Cut-Off Ultrafiltration Membranes for Adenovirus Serotype 5 (Ad5) Concentration

PubMed Central

Peixoto, Cristina; Roederstein, Susanne; Schleuss, Tobias; Alves, Paula M.; Mota, José P. B.; Carrondo, Manuel J. T.

2014-01-01

The purification of virus particles and viral vectors for vaccine and gene therapy applications is gaining increasing importance in order to deliver a fast, efficient, and reliable production process. Ultrafiltration (UF) is a widely employed unit operation in bioprocessing and its use is present in several steps of the downstream purification train of biopharmaceuticals. However, to date few studies have thoroughly investigated the performance of several membrane materials and cut-offs for virus concentration/diafiltration. The present study aimed at developing a novel class of UF cassettes for virus concentration/diafiltration. A detailed study was conducted to evaluate the effects of (i) membrane materials, namely polyethersulfone (PES), regenerated cellulose (RC), and highly cross-linked RC (xRC), (ii) nominal cut-off, and (iii) UF device geometry at different production scales. The results indicate that the xRC cassettes with a cut-off of approximately 500 kDa are able to achieve a 10-fold concentration factor with 100% recovery of particles with a process time twice as fast as that of a commercially available hollow fiber. DNA and host cell protein clearances, as well as hydraulic permeability and fouling behavior, were also assessed. PMID:25546428

Full-Scale Linear Cutting Tests in Chongqing Sandstone to Study the Influence of Confining Stress on Rock Cutting Forces by TBM Disc Cutter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Yucong; Liu, Quansheng; Liu, Jianping; Peng, Xingxin; Kong, Xiaoxuan

2018-06-01

In order to study the influence of confining stress on rock cutting forces by tunnel boring machine (TBM) disc cutter, full-scale linear cutting tests are conducted in Chongqing Sandstone (uniaxial compressive strength 60.76 MPa) using five equal biaxial confining stressed conditions, i.e. 0-0, 5-5, 10-10, 15-15 and 20-20 MPa; disc cutter normal force, rolling force, cutting coefficient and normalized resultant force are analysed. It is found that confining stress can greatly affect disc cutter resultant force, its proportion in normal and rolling directions and its acting point for the hard Chongqing Sandstone and the confining stress range used in this study. For every confining stressed condition, as cutter penetration depth increases, disc cutter normal force increases with decreasing speed, rolling force and cutting coefficient both increase linearly, and acting point of the disc cutter resultant force moves downward at some extent firstly and then upward back to its initial position. For same cutter penetration depth, as confining stress increases, disc cutter normal force, rolling force, cutting coefficient and normalized resultant force all increase at some extent firstly and then decrease rapidly to very small values (quite smaller than those obtained under the non-stressed condition) after some certain confining stress thresholds. The influence of confining stress on rock cutting by TBM disc cutter can be generally divided into three stages as confining stress increases, i.e. strengthening effect stage, damaging effect stage and rupturing effect stage. In the former two stages (under low confining stress), rock remains intact and rock cutting forces are higher than those obtained under the non-stressed condition, and thus rock cutting by TBM disc cutter is restrained; in the last stage (under high confining stress), rock becomes non-intact and rock slabbing failure is induced by confining stress before disc cutting, and thus rock cutting by TBM disc cutter is facilitated. Meanwhile, some critical values of confining stress and cutter penetration depth are identified to represent the changes of rock cutting state. This study provides better understanding of the influence of confining stress on disc cutter performance and can guide to optimize the TBM operation under stressed condition.

Predictors of Frontal Plane Knee Moments During Side-Step Cutting to 45 and 110 Degrees in Men and Women: Implications for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury.

PubMed

Sigward, Susan M; Cesar, Guilherme M; Havens, Kathryn L

2015-11-01

To compare frontal plane knee moments, and kinematics and kinetics associated with knee valgus moments between cutting to 45 and 110 degrees, and to determine the predictive value of kinematics and ground reaction forces (GRFs) on knee valgus moments when cutting to these angles. Also, to determine whether sex differences exist in kinematics and kinetics when cutting to 45 and 110 degrees. Cross-sectional study. Laboratory setting. Forty-five (20 females) healthy young adult soccer athletes aged 16 to 23 years. Kinematic and kinetic variables were compared between randomly cued side-step cutting maneuvers to 45 and 110 degrees. Predictors of knee valgus moment were determined for each task. Kinematic variables: knee valgus angle, hip abduction, and internal rotation angles. Kinetic variables: vertical, posterior, and lateral GRFs, and knee valgus moment. Knee valgus moments were greater when cutting to 110 degrees compared with 45 degrees, and females exhibited greater moments than males. Vertical and lateral GRFs, hip internal rotation angle, and knee valgus angle explained 63% of the variance in knee valgus moment during cutting to 45 degrees. During cutting to 110 degrees, posterior GRF, hip internal rotation angle, and knee valgus angle explained 41% of the variance in knee valgus moment. Cutting tasks with larger redirection demands result in greater knee valgus moments. Similar factors, including shear GRFs, hip internal rotation, and knee valgus position contribute to knee valgus loading during cuts performed to smaller (45 degrees) and larger (110 degrees) angles. Reducing vertical and shear GRFs during cutting maneuvers may reduce knee valgus moments and thereby potentially reduce risk for anterior cruciate ligament injury.

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

PubMed Central

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

2000-01-01

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

Frequent attendance in primary care: comparison and implications of different definitions

PubMed Central

Luciano, Juan V; Fernández, Ana; Pinto-Meza, Alejandra; Luján, Leila; Bellón, Juan A; García-Campayo, Javier; Peñarrubia, María T; Fernández, Rita; Sanavia, Marta; Blanco, María E; Haro, Josep M; Palao, Diego J; Serrano-Blanco, Antoni

2010-01-01

Background The diversity of definitions of frequent attendance in the literature hampers comparison of their precision, validity, and associated factors. Aim To examine different definitions of frequent attendance in order to identify the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with frequent attendance in primary care, according to each definition. Design of study One-phase cross-sectional study. Setting Seventy-seven primary care centres in Catalonia, Spain. Method A total of 3815 primary care patients were interviewed between October 2005 and March 2006. Three definitions of frequent attendance were tested: (1) frequent attenders as the top 25% and the top 10% consulting patients; (2) frequent attenders as the top 25% and the top 10% consulting patients stratified by age and sex; and (3) frequent attenders as the top 25% and the top 10% consulting patients stratified by the presence of physical/mental conditions (patients with only mental disorders, with only chronic physical conditions, with comorbid conditions, and with no condition). Multilevel logistic regressions were used. Results The following factors were systematically related to frequent attender status: being on sick leave, being born outside of Spain, reporting mental health problems as the main reason for consulting, and having arthritis/rheumatism, or bronchitis. Major depression was related to frequent attendance in two of the three definitions. The factor ‘GP’ was related to frequent attendance when the top decile cut-off point was used. The models with a 10% cut-off point were more discriminative than those with a 25% cut-off point: the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for models with a 25% cut-off and a 10% cut-off ranged between 0.71 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.70 to 0.73) and 0.75 (95% CI = 0.74 to 0.77) and between 0.79 (95% CI = 0.78 to 0.81) and 0.85 (95% CI = 0.83 to 0.86), respectively. Conclusion The way frequent attendance is defined is of crucial importance. It is recommended that a more discriminative definition of frequent attendance is used (the top 10%). PMID:20132693

Prevalence of swallowing and speech problems in daily life after chemoradiation for head and neck cancer based on cut-off scores of the patient-reported outcome measures SWAL-QOL and SHI.

PubMed

Rinkel, Rico N; Verdonck-de Leeuw, Irma M; Doornaert, Patricia; Buter, Jan; de Bree, Remco; Langendijk, Johannes A; Aaronson, Neil K; Leemans, C René

2016-07-01

The objective of this study is to assess swallowing and speech outcome after chemoradiation therapy for head and neck cancer, based on the patient-reported outcome measures Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) and Speech Handicap Index (SHI), both provided with cut-off scores. This is a cross-sectional study. Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery of a University Medical Center. Sixty patients, 6 months to 5 years after chemoradiation for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) and SHI, both validated in Dutch and provided with cut-off scores. Associations were tested between the outcome measures and independent variables (age, gender, tumor stage and site, and radiotherapy technique, time since treatment, comorbidity and food intake). Fifty-two patients returned the SWAL-QOL and 47 the SHI (response rate 87 and 78 %, respectively). Swallowing and speech problems were present in 79 and 55 %, respectively. Normal food intake was noticed in 45, 35 % had a soft diet and 20 % tube feeding. Patients with soft diet and tube feeding reported more swallowing problems compared to patients with normal oral intake. Tumor subsite was significantly associated with swallowing outcome (less problems in larynx/hypopharynx compared to oral/oropharynx). Radiation technique was significantly associated with psychosocial speech problems (less problems in patients treated with IMRT). Swallowing and (to a lesser extent) speech problems in daily life are frequently present after chemoradiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Future prospective studies will give more insight into the course of speech and swallowing problems after chemoradiation and into efficacy of new radiation techniques and swallowing and speech rehabilitation programs.

Cross-cultural adaptation of a pre-school screening instrument: comparison of Korean and US populations.

PubMed

Heo, K H; Squires, J; Yovanoff, P

2008-03-01

Accurate and efficient developmental screening measures are critical for early identification of developmental problems; however, few reliable and valid tests are available in Korea as well as other countries outside the USA. The Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) was chosen for study with young children in Korea. The ASQ was translated into Korean and necessary cross-cultural adaptations were made. The translated version was then distributed and completed by 3220 parents of young children between the ages of 4 months and 5 years. Reliability was studied including domain correlations, internal consistency, and performance of identification cut-off scores for the Korean population. Rasch analyses including tests of Differential Item Functioning, contrasting Korean and US samples were also performed. In general, internal consistency of the Korean ASQ was high, with overall correlations 0.75 for communication, 0.85 for gross motor, 0.74 for fine motor, 0.72 for problem solving, and 0.65 for personal-social. Validity, including concurrent validity, also had strong evidence. Mean scores of children on the Korean translation of the ASQ and the US normative sample were generally similar. Rasch analyses indicated the majority of items functioned similarly across the Korean sample. In general, the ASQ was translated with cultural appropriateness in mind and functioned as a valid and reliable parent-completed screening test to assist in early identification of young children with developmental delays. Further research is needed to confirm these results with a larger and more diverse Korean sample.

40 CFR 53.53 - Test for flow rate accuracy, regulation, measurement accuracy, and cut-off.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., measurement accuracy, and cut-off. 53.53 Section 53.53 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION..., measurement accuracy, and cut-off. (a) Overview. This test procedure is designed to evaluate a candidate... measurement accuracy, coefficient of variability measurement accuracy, and the flow rate cut-off function. The...

A QMRA Model for Salmonella in Pork Products During Preparation and Consumption.

PubMed

Swart, A N; van Leusden, F; Nauta, M J

2016-03-01

As part of a quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA) food chain model, this article describes a model for the consumer phase for Salmonella-contaminated pork products. Three pork products were chosen as a proxy for the entire pork product spectrum: pork cuts, minced meat patties, and fermented sausages. For pork cuts cross-contamination is considered the most important process and therefore it is modeled in detail. For minced meat, both cross-contamination and undercooking are the relevant processes. For those commodities bacterial growth during transport and storage is also modeled. Fermented sausages are eaten raw and the production may be defective. Variability between consumers' behavior and the impact of variability between production processes at the farm and abattoir are taken into account. Results indicate that Salmonella levels on products may increase significantly during transport and storage. Heating is very efficient at lowering concentrations, yet cross-contamination plays an important role in products that remain contaminated. For fermented sausage it is found that drying is important for Salmonella reduction. Sensitivity analysis revealed that cross- contamination factors "knife cleaning" and "preparation of a salad" are important parameters for pork cuts. For minced meat cleaning of the board, salad consumption, refrigerator temperature, and storage time were significant. © 2015 Society for Risk Analysis.

Foreskin cutting beliefs and practices and the acceptability of male circumcision for HIV prevention in Papua New Guinea

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Male circumcision (MC) reduces HIV acquisition and is a key public health intervention in settings with high HIV prevalence, heterosexual transmission and low MC rates. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), where HIV prevalence is 0.8%, there is no medical MC program for HIV prevention. There are however many different foreskin cutting practices across the country’s 800 language groups. The major form exposes the glans but does not remove the foreskin. This study aimed to describe and quantify foreskin cutting styles, practices and beliefs. It also aimed to assess the acceptability of MC for HIV prevention in PNG. Methods Cross-sectional multicentre study, at two university campuses (Madang Province and National Capital District) and at two ‘rural development’ sites (mining site Enga Province; palm-oil plantation in Oro Province). Structured questionnaires were completed by participants originating from all regions of PNG who were resident at each site for study or work. Results Questionnaires were completed by 861 men and 519 women. Of men, 47% reported a longitudinal foreskin cut (cut through the dorsal surface to expose the glans but foreskin not removed); 43% reported no foreskin cut; and 10% a circumferential foreskin cut (complete removal). Frequency and type of cut varied significantly by region of origin (p < .001). Most men (72-82%) were cut between the ages of 10 – 20 years. Longitudinal cuts were most often done in a village by a friend, with circumferential cuts most often done in a clinic by a health professional. Most uncut men (71%) and longitudinal cut men (84%) stated they would remove their foreskin if it reduced the risk of HIV infection. More than 95% of uncut men and 97% of longitudinal cut men would prefer the procedure in a clinic or hospital. Most men (90%) and women (74%) stated they would remove the foreskin of their son if it reduced the risk of HIV infection. Conclusion Although 57% of men reported some form of foreskin cut only 10% reported the complete removal of the foreskin, the procedure on which international HIV prevention strategies are based. The acceptability of MC (complete foreskin removal) is high among men (for themselves and their sons) and women (for their sons). Potential MC services need to be responsive to the diversity of beliefs and practices and consider health system constraints. A concerted research effort to investigate the potential protective effects of longitudinal cuts for HIV acquisition is essential given the scale of longitudinal cuts in PNG. PMID:24015786

Experimental investigation of edge hardening and edge cracking sensitivity of burr-free parts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senn, Sergei; Liewald, Mathias

2018-05-01

This experimental study is focused on characterisation of edge hardening of sheet metal and remaining formability of differently prepared cutted edges. Edge cracking sensitivity of counter cutted, shear cutted, recutted and water-jet cutted components are compared and evaluated. Subsequently, edge hardening and hole expansion ratio were correlated for material HC420 LA with sheet thickness of t = 2 mm. As other studies show, the cutting edge surface quality influences the hole expansion ratio: a high clear cut surface increases formability of cutting edges, whereas micro cracks and rough surfaces result into a large fracture surface, which impact remaining formability noticeably. Thus, cutting edges with lower edge hardening behaviour in conjunction with a higher clear cut surface exhibit higher hole expansion ratios. Counter cutting and the recutting do show a similar effect on edge hardening. Using the hole expansion test, it was possible to prove that counter cutted components show a significantly lower edge cracking sensitivity in comparison to conventionally shear cutted components. The hole expansion ratio of counter cutted specimens looks balanced and is comparable to the hole expansion ratio measured from specimens with recutted or water jet cutted edges. The significant difference of the investigated cutting processes is characterized by size of clear cutting area. This area of recutted edges emerges larger than the area of counter cutted specimens, which evidently leads to an increased hole expansion ratio of recutted specimens compared to conventionally shear cutted ones. However, it is important to note that the hole expansion ratio of counter cutted and recutted specimens appear fairly balanced, but counter cutted samples indeed can be produced burr-free. Using counter cutting technology, it is possible to produce burr free surfaces with high edge formability.

Burnout in the staff of a chronic care hospital.

PubMed

Merino-Plaza, Maria Jose; Carrera-Hueso, Francisco Javier; Arribas-Boscá, Nuria; Martínez-Asensi, Amparo; Trull-Maravilla, Emilia; Fikri-Benbrahim, Narjis

2018-01-01

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of Burnout in a medium or long-stay hospital, to monitor its evolution and to highlight the importance of cut-off points used to avoid distortions in the interpretation of the results. METHODS Two cross-sectional studies (2013-2016) were carried out, applying the Spanish version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory to the staff of a chronic care hospital (n = 323). Result variables were: Burnout prevalence and a high degree of affectation of the subscales and predictor variables: sociodemographic characteristics and factors that trigger and modulate the syndrome. The association between variables was quantified using odds ratio. RESULTS The participation rate went from 31.5% to 39.3%. The professionals presented a mean level of Burnout in both moments, observing a lower degree of affectation of the depersonalization subscales and personal accomplishment in the 2016 cut-off. The average score of the subscales in 2016 was 21.5 for emotional fatigue, 4.7 for depersonalization and 41.7 for personal fulfillment, compared to the values of emotional fatigue = 21.6, depersonalization = 6.9 and personal fulfillment = 36.3 obtained in 2013. The emotional fatigue score was slightly higher than the mean value of the national studies (19.9), while the rest of the values were similar to the mean values of the studies considered. The prevalence of Burnout and the interpretation of the results varied significantly according to the cut-off points considered. In both studies, sociodemographic variables showed little significance, while social support and interpersonal relationships were associated with the degree of burnout among professionals. CONCLUSIONS Our prevalence of Burnout was similar to that of other studies consulted, although the emotional component is more marked in our environment. The interpretation of the results varied significantly according to the cut-off points applied, due to the cross-cultural differences.

Burnout in the staff of a chronic care hospital

PubMed Central

Merino-Plaza, Maria Jose; Carrera-Hueso, Francisco Javier; Arribas-Boscá, Nuria; Martínez-Asensi, Amparo; Trull-Maravilla, Emilia; Fikri-Benbrahim, Narjis

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of Burnout in a medium or long-stay hospital, to monitor its evolution and to highlight the importance of cut-off points used to avoid distortions in the interpretation of the results. METHODS Two cross-sectional studies (2013–2016) were carried out, applying the Spanish version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory to the staff of a chronic care hospital (n = 323). Result variables were: Burnout prevalence and a high degree of affectation of the subscales and predictor variables: sociodemographic characteristics and factors that trigger and modulate the syndrome. The association between variables was quantified using odds ratio. RESULTS The participation rate went from 31.5% to 39.3%. The professionals presented a mean level of Burnout in both moments, observing a lower degree of affectation of the depersonalization subscales and personal accomplishment in the 2016 cut-off. The average score of the subscales in 2016 was 21.5 for emotional fatigue, 4.7 for depersonalization and 41.7 for personal fulfillment, compared to the values of emotional fatigue = 21.6, depersonalization = 6.9 and personal fulfillment = 36.3 obtained in 2013. The emotional fatigue score was slightly higher than the mean value of the national studies (19.9), while the rest of the values were similar to the mean values of the studies considered. The prevalence of Burnout and the interpretation of the results varied significantly according to the cut-off points considered. In both studies, sociodemographic variables showed little significance, while social support and interpersonal relationships were associated with the degree of burnout among professionals. CONCLUSIONS Our prevalence of Burnout was similar to that of other studies consulted, although the emotional component is more marked in our environment. The interpretation of the results varied significantly according to the cut-off points applied, due to the cross-cultural differences. PMID:29723388

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

PubMed

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

2015-08-01

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

How do I manage and staff for intelligent transportation systems? : thinking outside the box : a cross-cutting study : maximizing project resources and advancing coordination

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-08-01

Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) projects often need staff with skills that are not resident in traditional transportation organizations. Therefore, project administrators must sometimes look beyond the usual staffing methods to fill these po...

Full road closure for work zone operations, a cross-cutting study : reducing congestion and crashes through full road closure for maintenance and construction.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-08-01

The objective of this report is to raise awareness among designers construction engineers, and managers of the applications and benefits of full road closure during rehabilitation and construction activities. Based on interviews with project personne...

Technology for pressure-instrumented thin airfoil models, phase 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wigley, D. A.

1985-01-01

A network of channels was chemically milled into one surface of a pair of matched plates having bond planes which were neither planar or profiled to match the contour of the trailing edge of a supercritical airfoil for testing in cryogenic wind tunnels. Vacuum brazing bonded the plates together to create a network of pressure passages without blockages or cross leaks. The greatest success was achieved with the smaller samples and planar bonding surfaces. In larger samples, problems were encountered due to warpage created by the relief of residual stresses. Successful bonds were formed by brazing A286, Nitronic 40 and 300 series stainless steels at 1065 C using AMS 4777B brazing alloy, but excessive grain growth occurred in samples of 200 grade 18 nickel maraging steels. Good bonds were obtained with maraging steel using a 47 percent Nickel-47 percent Palladium-6 percent Silicon alloy and brazing at 927 C. Electro-Discharge-Machining was an effective method of cutting profiled bond planes and airfoil contours. Orifices of good definition were obtained when the EDM wire cut passed through predrilled holes. Possible configurations for joints between small segments and the larger main wing were also studied.

Experiments and FE-simulations of stretch flanging of DP-steels with different shear cut edge quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sigvant, M.; Falk, J.; Pilthammar, J.

2017-09-01

Dual-Phase (DP) steels are today used in the automotive industry due to its large strength to weight ratio. However, the high strength of DP-steel does have a negative impact on the general formability in sheet metal forming. Unfavourable process conditions in the press shop will, on top of this, reduce the formability of DP-steels even more. This paper addresses the problem of edge fracture in stretch flanges in sheet metal parts made of DP-steel. The experimental part involves tests of ten different DP590 and DP780 steel grades with three different shear cut qualities. The influence on the fracture strain of the sample orientation of the shear cut are also studied by facing the burr away or towards the punch and testing samples with the cut edge parallel with the rolling direction and the transverse direction. The strains are measured with an ARAMIS system in each test, together with punch displacement and punch force. All tests are then simulated with AutoFormplus R7 and the results from these simulations are compared with the experimental results in order to find the appropriate failure strain for each combination of supplier, coating, thickness and shear cut quality.

Chapter 10: Peak Demand and Time-Differentiated Energy Savings Cross-Cutting Protocol. The Uniform Methods Project: Methods for Determining Energy Efficiency Savings for Specific Measures

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

Kurnik, Charles W; Stern, Frank; Spencer, Justin

Savings from electric energy efficiency measures and programs are often expressed in terms of annual energy and presented as kilowatt-hours per year (kWh/year). However, for a full assessment of the value of these savings, it is usually necessary to consider the measure or program's impact on peak demand as well as time-differentiated energy savings. This cross-cutting protocol describes methods for estimating the peak demand and time-differentiated energy impacts of measures implemented through energy efficiency programs.

Crossing the North Sea seems to make DCD disappear: cross-validation of Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 norms.

PubMed

Niemeijer, Anuschka S; van Waelvelde, Hilde; Smits-Engelsman, Bouwien C M

2015-02-01

The Movement Assessment Battery for Children has been revised as the Movement ABC-2 (Henderson, Sugden, & Barnett, 2007). In Europe, the 15th percentile score on this test is recommended for one of the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). A representative sample of Dutch and Flemish children was tested to cross-validate the UK standard scores, including the 15th percentile score. First, the mean, SD and percentile scores of Dutch children were compared to those of UK normative samples. Item standard scores of Dutch speaking children deviated from the UK reference values suggesting necessary adjustments. Except for very young children, the Dutch-speaking samples performed better. Second, based on the mean and SD and clinical relevant cut-off scores (5th and 15th percentile), norms were adjusted for the Dutch population. For diagnostic use, researchers and clinicians should use the reference norms that are valid for the group of children they are testing. The results indicate that there possibly is an effect of testing procedure in other countries that validated the UK norms and/or cultural influence on the age norms of the Movement ABC-2. It is suggested to formulate criterion-based norms for age groups in addition to statistical norms. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reproductive Disorders and Leptospirosis: A Case Study in a Mixed-Species Farm (Cattle and Swine).

PubMed

Mori, Marcella; Bakinahe, Raïssa; Vannoorenberghe, Philippe; Maris, Jo; de Jong, Ellen; Tignon, Marylène; Marin, Martine; Desqueper, Damien; Fretin, David; Behaeghel, Isabelle

2017-12-01

Animal leptospirosis, exempt in rodents, manifests as peculiar biology where the animal can function, simultaneously or not, as a susceptible host or reservoir. In the first case, clinical symptoms are likely. In the second case, infection is subclinical and manifestations are mild or absent. Mild clinical symptoms encompass reproductive failure in production animals for host-adapted Leptospira sp. serovars. This work presents a study on Leptospira sp. infection in a mixed-species (bovine and swine) farm with documented reproductive disorders in the cattle unit. A long calving interval (above 450 days) was the hallmark observed in cows. Some cows (2/26 tested) presented a high titre of antibodies against Leptospira sp. serogroup Sejroe, but the overall within-herd prevalence was low (11.5% and 7.7% for cut-off titres of 1:30 and 1:100, respectively). The in-herd prevalence of leptospirosis in the sow unit (determined for 113/140 animals) was high when using a lowered cut-off threshold (32.7% vs. 1.8% for cut-off titre of 1:30 and 1:100, respectively). In this unit, the most prevalent serogroup was Autumnalis. The final diagnostic confirmation of Leptospira sp. maintenance within the farm was obtained through detection by PCR of Leptospira sp. DNA in an aborted swine litter. Despite the fact that a common causative infective agent was diagnosed in both species, the direct link between the two animal units was not found. Factors such as drinking from the same water source and the use of manure prepared with the swine slurry might raise suspicion of a possible cross-contamination between the two units. In conclusion, this work suggests that leptospirosis be included in the differential diagnosis of reproductive disorders and spontaneous abortions in production animals and provides data that justify the use of a lowered threshold cut-off for herd diagnosis.

Reference Values and Utility of Serum Total Immunoglobulin E for Predicting Atopy and Allergic Diseases in Korean Schoolchildren

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

The present study aimed to investigate the distribution of total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in Korean schoolchildren and to evaluate its utility in the prediction of atopy and allergic diseases. A nationwide, cross-sectional survey was conducted in first grade students from randomly selected elementary and middle schools. Total IgE levels were measured by ImmunoCAP. Skin prick tests were performed for 18 common inhalant allergens to determine the presence of atopy. Children aged 12–13 years and parents of children aged 6–7 years were asked to complete questionnaire assessing allergic diseases. The cut-off levels of total IgE were determined by analyzing receiver operating characteristic curves. The median total IgE level was 86.7 kU/L (range: 1.5–4,523.1) in 3,753 children aged 6–7 years and 94.7 kU/L (range: 1.5–3,000.0) in 3,930 children aged 12–13 years. Total IgE concentrations were higher in children with atopy or allergic diseases than in those without (all P < 0.001). At the cut-off value of 127.7 kU/L, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) were 67.1%, 75.4%, 65.4%, and 76.7%, respectively, in elementary schoolchildren. At the cut-off value of 63.0 kU/L, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 81.9%, 66.6%, 75.0%, and 75.1%, respectively, in middle schoolchildren. PPV and NPV were ≥ 70% when cut-offs of 258.8 kU/L and 38.4 kU/L were used for the diagnosis of atopy in 6–7 year-olds and 12–13 year-olds, respectively. This nationwide population-based study provided the first normal reference ranges of total IgE in Korean schoolchildren. PMID:28378554

Whitebark pine diameter growth response to removal of competition

Treesearch

Robert E. Keane; Kathy L. Gray; Laura J. Dickinson

2007-01-01

Silvicultural cutting treatments may be needed to restore whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) forests, but little is known of the response of this species to removal of competition through prescribed burning or silvicultural cuttings. We analyzed stem cross-sections from 48 whitebark pine trees in Montana around which most of the competing vegetation...

Cutting efficiency of Reciproc and waveOne reciprocating instruments.

PubMed

Plotino, Gianluca; Giansiracusa Rubini, Alessio; Grande, Nicola M; Testarelli, Luca; Gambarini, Gianluca

2014-08-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cutting efficiency of 2 new reciprocating instruments, Reciproc and WaveOne. Twenty-four new Reciproc R25 and 24 new WaveOne Primary files were activated by using a torque-controlled motor (Silver Reciproc) and divided into 4 groups (n = 12): group 1, Reciproc activated by Reciproc ALL program; group 2, Reciproc activated by WaveOne ALL program; group 3, WaveOne activated by Reciproc ALL program; and group 4, WaveOne activated by WaveOne ALL program. The device used for the cutting test consisted of a main frame to which a mobile plastic support for the handpiece is connected and a stainless steel block containing a Plexiglas block (inPlexiglass, Rome, Italy) against which the cutting efficiency of the instruments was tested. The length of the block cut in 1 minute was measured in a computerized program with a precision of 0.1 mm. Means and standard deviations of each group were calculated, and data were statistically analyzed with 1-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni test (P < .05). Reciproc R25 displayed greater cutting efficiency than WaveOne Primary for both the movements used (P < .05); in particular, Reciproc instruments used with their proper reciprocating motion presented a statistically significant higher cutting efficiency than WaveOne instruments used with their proper reciprocating motion (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 movements for both instruments (P > .05). Reciproc instruments demonstrated statistically higher cutting efficiency than WaveOne instruments. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An experimental study of flank wear in the end milling of AISI 316 stainless steel with coated carbide inserts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Odedeyi, P. B.; Abou-El-Hossein, K.; Liman, M.

2017-05-01

Stainless steel 316 is a difficult-to-machine iron-based alloys that contain minimum of about 12% of chromium commonly used in marine and aerospace industry. This paper presents an experimental study of the tool wear propagation variations in the end milling of stainless steel 316 with coated carbide inserts. The milling tests were conducted at three different cutting speeds while feed rate and depth of cut were at (0.02, 0.06 and 01) mm/rev and (1, 2 and 3) mm, respectively. The cutting tool used was TiAlN-PVD-multi-layered coated carbides. The effects of cutting speed, cutting tool coating top layer and workpiece material were investigated on the tool life. The results showed that cutting speed significantly affected the machined flank wears values. With increasing cutting speed, the flank wear values decreased. The experimental results showed that significant flank wear was the major and predominant failure mode affecting the tool life.

Pore cross-section area on predicting elastic properties of trabecular bovine bone for human implants.

PubMed

Maciel, Alfredo; Presbítero, Gerardo; Piña, Cristina; del Pilar Gutiérrez, María; Guzmán, José; Munguía, Nadia

2015-01-01

A clear understanding of the dependence of mechanical properties of bone remains a task not fully achieved. In order to estimate the mechanical properties in bones for implants, pore cross-section area, calcium content, and apparent density were measured in trabecular bone samples for human implants. Samples of fresh and defatted bone tissue, extracted from one year old bovines, were cut in longitudinal and transversal orientation of the trabeculae. Pore cross-section area was measured with an image analyzer. Compression tests were conducted into rectangular prisms. Elastic modulus presents a linear tendency as a function of pore cross-section area, calcium content and apparent density regardless of the trabecular orientation. The best variable to estimate elastic modulus of trabecular bone for implants was pore cross-section area, and affirmations to consider Nukbone process appropriated for marrow extraction in trabecular bone for implantation purposes are proposed, according to bone mechanical properties. Considering stress-strain curves, defatted bone is stiffer than fresh bone. Number of pores against pore cross-section area present an exponential decay, consistent for all the samples. These graphs also are useful to predict elastic properties of trabecular samples of young bovines for implants.

Vegetative propagation of Cecropia obtusifolia (Cecropiaceae).

PubMed

LaPierre, L M

2001-01-01

Cecropia is a relatively well-known and well-studied genus in the Neotropics. Methods for the successful propagation of C. obtusifolia Bertoloni, 1840 from cuttings and air layering are described, and the results of an experiment to test the effect of two auxins, naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and indole butyric acid (IBA), on adventitious root production in cuttings are presented. In general, C. obtusifolia cuttings respond well to adventitious root production (58.3% of cuttings survived to root), but air layering was the better method (93% of cuttings survived to root). The concentration of auxins used resulted in an overall significantly lower quality of roots produced compared with cuttings without auxin treatment. Future experiments using Cecropia could benefit from the use of isogenic plants produced by vegetative propagation.

The Preparation and Properties of Thermo-reversibly Cross-linked Rubber Via Diels-Alder Chemistry.

PubMed

Polgar, Lorenzo Massimo; van Duin, Martin; Picchioni, Francesco

2016-08-25

A method for using Diels Alder thermo-reversible chemistry as cross-linking tool for rubber products is demonstrated. In this work, a commercial ethylene-propylene rubber, grafted with maleic anhydride, is thermo-reversibly cross-linked in two steps. The pending anhydride moieties are first modified with furfurylamine to graft furan groups to the rubber backbone. These pendant furan groups are then cross-linked with a bis-maleimide via a Diels-Alder coupling reaction. Both reactions can be performed under a broad range of experimental conditions and can easily be applied on a large scale. The material properties of the resulting Diels-Alder cross-linked rubbers are similar to a peroxide-cured ethylene/propylene/diene rubber (EPDM) reference. The cross-links break at elevated temperatures (> 150 °C) via the retro-Diels-Alder reaction and can be reformed by thermal annealing at lower temperatures (50-70 °C). Reversibility of the system was proven with infrared spectroscopy, solubility tests and mechanical properties. Recyclability of the material was also shown in a practical way, i.e., by cutting a cross-linked sample into small parts and compression molding them into new samples displaying comparable mechanical properties, which is not possible for conventionally cross-linked rubbers.

Extracting Cross-Sectional Clinical Images Based on Their Principal Axes of Inertia

PubMed Central

Fan, Yuzhou; Djuric, Marija; Li, Zhiyu; Antonijevic, Djordje; Milenkovic, Petar; Sun, Yueyang; Li, Ruining

2017-01-01

Cross-sectional imaging is considered the gold standard in diagnosing a range of diseases. However, despite its widespread use in clinical practice and research, no widely accepted method is available to reliably match cross-sectional planes in several consecutive scans. This deficiency can impede comparison between cross-sectional images and ultimately lead to misdiagnosis. Here, we propose and demonstrate a method for finding the same imaging plane in images obtained during separate scanning sessions. Our method is based on the reconstruction of a “virtual organ” from which arbitrary cross-sectional images can be extracted, independent of the axis orientation in the original scan or cut; the key is to establish unique body coordinates of the organ from its principal axes of inertia. To verify our method a series of tests were performed, and the same cross-sectional plane was successfully extracted. This new approach offers clinicians access, after just a single scanning session, to the morphology and structure of a lesion through cross-sectional images reconstructed along arbitrary axes. It also aids comparable detection of morphological and structural changes in the same imaging plane from scans of the same patient taken at different times—thus potentially reducing the misdiagnosis rate when cross-sectional images are interpreted. PMID:29410714

Extracting Cross-Sectional Clinical Images Based on Their Principal Axes of Inertia.

PubMed

Fan, Yuzhou; Luo, Liangping; Djuric, Marija; Li, Zhiyu; Antonijevic, Djordje; Milenkovic, Petar; Sun, Yueyang; Li, Ruining; Fan, Yifang

2017-01-01

Cross-sectional imaging is considered the gold standard in diagnosing a range of diseases. However, despite its widespread use in clinical practice and research, no widely accepted method is available to reliably match cross-sectional planes in several consecutive scans. This deficiency can impede comparison between cross-sectional images and ultimately lead to misdiagnosis. Here, we propose and demonstrate a method for finding the same imaging plane in images obtained during separate scanning sessions. Our method is based on the reconstruction of a "virtual organ" from which arbitrary cross-sectional images can be extracted, independent of the axis orientation in the original scan or cut; the key is to establish unique body coordinates of the organ from its principal axes of inertia. To verify our method a series of tests were performed, and the same cross-sectional plane was successfully extracted. This new approach offers clinicians access, after just a single scanning session, to the morphology and structure of a lesion through cross-sectional images reconstructed along arbitrary axes. It also aids comparable detection of morphological and structural changes in the same imaging plane from scans of the same patient taken at different times-thus potentially reducing the misdiagnosis rate when cross-sectional images are interpreted.

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

PubMed

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

2018-01-01

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

Accuracy in planar cutting of bones: an ISO-based evaluation.

PubMed

Cartiaux, Olivier; Paul, Laurent; Docquier, Pierre-Louis; Francq, Bernard G; Raucent, Benoît; Dombre, Etienne; Banse, Xavier

2009-03-01

Computer- and robot-assisted technologies are capable of improving the accuracy of planar cutting in orthopaedic surgery. This study is a first step toward formulating and validating a new evaluation methodology for planar bone cutting, based on the standards from the International Organization for Standardization. Our experimental test bed consisted of a purely geometrical model of the cutting process around a simulated bone. Cuts were performed at three levels of surgical assistance: unassisted, computer-assisted and robot-assisted. We measured three parameters of the standard ISO1101:2004: flatness, parallelism and location of the cut plane. The location was the most relevant parameter for assessing cutting errors. The three levels of assistance were easily distinguished using the location parameter. Our ISO methodology employs the location to obtain all information about translational and rotational cutting errors. Location may be used on any osseous structure to compare the performance of existing assistance technologies.

Mesoplasticity approach to studies of the cutting mechanism in ultra-precision machining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Rongbin W. B.; Wang, Hao; To, Suet; Cheung, Chi Fai; Chan, Chang Yuen

2014-03-01

There have been various theoretical attempts by researchers worldwide to link up different scales of plasticity studies from the nano-, micro- and macro-scale of observation, based on molecular dynamics, crystal plasticity and continuum mechanics. Very few attempts, however, have been reported in ultra-precision machining studies. A mesoplasticity approach advocated by Lee and Yang is adopted by the authors and is successfully applied to studies of the micro-cutting mechanisms in ultra-precision machining. Traditionally, the shear angle in metal cutting, as well as the cutting force variation, can only be determined from cutting tests. In the pioneering work of the authors, the use of mesoplasticity theory enables prediction of the fluctuation of the shear angle and micro-cutting force, shear band formation, chip morphology in diamond turning and size effect in nano-indentation. These findings are verified by experiments. The mesoplasticity formulation opens up a new direction of studies to enable how the plastic behaviour of materials and their constitutive representations in deformation processing, such as machining can be predicted, assessed and deduced from the basic properties of the materials measurable at the microscale.

Pulse Power Compression by Cutting a Dense Z-Pinch with a Laser Beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winterberg, F.

1999-07-01

A thin cut made through a z-pinch by an intense laser beam can become a magnetically insulated diode crossed by an intense ion beam. For larger cuts, the gap is crossed by an intense relativistic electron beam, stopped by magnetic bremsstrahlung resulting in a pointlike intense x-ray source. In either case, the impedance of the pinch discharge is increased, with the power delivered rising in the same pro-portion. A magnetically insulated cut is advantageous for three reasons: First, with the ion current com-parable to the Alfvèn ion current, the pinch instabilities are reduced. Second, with the energy deposit-ed into fast ions, a non-Maxwellian velocity distribution is established increasing<σ ν> value for nuclear fusion reactions taking place in the pinch discharge. Third, in a high density z-pinch plasma, the intense ion beam can launch a thermonuclear detonation wave propagating along the pinch discharge channel. For larger cuts the soft x-rays produced by magnetic bremsstrahlung can be used to drive a thermonuclear hohlraum target. Finally, the proposed pulse power compression scheme permits to use a cheap low power d.c. source charging a magnetic storage coil delivering the magnetically stored energy to the pinch discharge load by an exploding wire opening switch.

Variation in pin knot frequency in black walnut lumber cut from a small provenance/progeny test

Treesearch

Peter Y. S. Chen; Robert E. Bodkin; J. W. Van Sambeek

1995-01-01

This small study examined the frequency of knots (> 1 growth ring), pin knots (latent or suppressed buds), and pin knot clusters in 414 black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) lumber from 42 logs. 18 to 21 cm dbh, cut from a 14-year-old provenance/progeny test. Two boards from opposite sides of each log were analyzed for number of knots, pin knots, and...

Analysis of crossing path crashes

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-07-01

This report defines the problem of crossing path crashes in the United States. This crash type involves one moving vehicle that cuts across the path of another when their initial approach comes from either lateral or opposite directions and they typi...

Willingness to Provide a Hair Sample for Drug Testing among Electronic Dance Music Party Attendees.

PubMed

Palamar, Joseph J; Salomone, Alberto; Cleland, Charles M; Sherman, Scott

2018-04-25

Non-disclosure of drug use on surveys is common and many drug users unknowingly ingest adulterant or replacement drugs, which leads to underreporting of use of these drugs. Biological testing can complement survey research, and hair-testing is an appealing method as many drugs are detectable for months post-use. We examined willingness to donate a hair sample to be tested among those surveyed in a population at high risk for consuming adulterated drugs-electronic dance music (EDM) party attendees. We surveyed 933 adults entering EDM parties in New York City in 2017. Hair donation response rates and reasons for refusal were examined from this cross-sectional study. A third (n = 312; 33.4%) provided a hair sample. Lack of interest (21.0%), lack of time (19.8%), not wanting a lock of hair cut (17.7%), and disinterest in having hair cut in public (13.8%) were the main reported reasons for refusal. 4.7% refused because they could not receive results. Past-year drug users were more likely to fear identification than non-users (p<.001). Asian participants were at lower odds of providing a hair sample (aOR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.32-0.87), and those reporting past-year use of LSD (aOR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.11-2.35), opioids (nonmedical; aOR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.25-2.99), and/or methamphetamine (aOR = 3.43, 95% CI = 1.36-8.62) were at higher odds of providing a sample than non-users of these drugs. Only a third of participants provided a hair sample and we found individual-level differences regarding willingness to provide a sample. Factors contributing to refusal should be considered to increase response rates and generalizability of results.

Demirjian's stages and Cameriere's third molar maturity index to estimate legal adult age in Peruvian population.

PubMed

Quispe Lizarbe, Roselhy Juliana; Solís Adrianzén, Christian; Quezada-Márquez, Milushka Miroslava; Galić, Ivan; Cameriere, Roberto

2017-03-01

To compare the accuracy of Demirjian's stages (DS) and Cameriere's third molar maturity index cut-off value (I 3M <0.08) to estimate the age of majority on panoramic radiographs (OPTs) from the dental clinic of the Scientific University of the South (UCSUR), Lima, Peru. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted on the sample of 208 digital panoramic radiographs of patients aged 14-22years examined during 2015 in UCSUR. The left lower third molars were analyzed using Adobe Photoshop® CS6. An effectiveness of specific DS and I 3M <0.08 was evaluated by using accurate classification, sensitivity, specificity, positive (LR+) and negative (LR-) likelihood ratios and Bayes post-test probability (p). Only G and H stages were practical for classify adults and minors in the tested sample, while I 3M <0.08 showed the best performance in both sexes. For I 3M <0.08, the accurate classification, sensitivity and specificity were 0.96, 0.96, 0.96 and 0.90, 0.84 and 0.95 in males and females, respectively. Values of LR+, LR- and p were 24.96, 0.04, 0.97 and 15.68, 0.17, 0.95 in males and females, respectively. The specific cut-off value of third molar maturity index (I 3M <0.08) showed to be more accurate in discriminating adults and minors in Peruvian sample when a test with high sensitivity and specificity is required. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

43 CFR 3593.1 - Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

.... (d) When drilling on lands with potential for encountering high pressure oil, gas or geothermal... 43 Public Lands: Interior 2 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings...) EXPLORATION AND MINING OPERATIONS Bore Holes and Samples § 3593.1 Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings...

43 CFR 3593.1 - Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

.... (d) When drilling on lands with potential for encountering high pressure oil, gas or geothermal... 43 Public Lands: Interior 2 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings...) EXPLORATION AND MINING OPERATIONS Bore Holes and Samples § 3593.1 Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings...

43 CFR 3593.1 - Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

.... (d) When drilling on lands with potential for encountering high pressure oil, gas or geothermal... 43 Public Lands: Interior 2 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings...) EXPLORATION AND MINING OPERATIONS Bore Holes and Samples § 3593.1 Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings...

43 CFR 3593.1 - Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

.... (d) When drilling on lands with potential for encountering high pressure oil, gas or geothermal... 43 Public Lands: Interior 2 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings...) EXPLORATION AND MINING OPERATIONS Bore Holes and Samples § 3593.1 Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings...

Assessment of Slope Stability of Various Cut Slopes with Effects of Weathering by Using Slope Stability Probability Classification (SSPC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ersöz, Timur; Topal, Tamer

2017-04-01

Rocks containing pore spaces, fractures, joints, bedding planes and faults are prone to weathering due to temperature differences, wetting-drying, chemistry of solutions absorbed, and other physical and chemical agents. Especially cut slopes are very sensitive to weathering activities because of disturbed rock mass and topographical condition by excavation. During and right after an excavation process of a cut slope, weathering and erosion may act on this newly exposed rock material. These acting on the material may degrade and change its properties and the stability of the cut slope in its engineering lifetime. In this study, the effect of physical and chemical weathering agents on shear strength parameters of the rocks are investigated in order to observe the differences between weathered and unweathered rocks. Also, slope stability assessment of cut slopes affected by these weathering agents which may disturb the parameters like strength, cohesion, internal friction angle, unit weight, water absorption and porosity are studied. In order to compare the condition of the rock materials and analyze the slope stability, the parameters of weathered and fresh rock materials are found with in-situ tests such as Schmidt hammer and laboratory tests like uniaxial compressive strength, point load and direct shear. Moreover, slake durability and methylene blue tests are applied to investigate the response of the rock to weathering and presence of clays in rock materials, respectively. In addition to these studies, both rock strength parameters and any kind of failure mechanism are determined by probabilistic approach with the help of SSPC system. With these observations, the performances of the weathered and fresh zones of the cut slopes are evaluated and 2-D slope stability analysis are modeled with further recommendations for the cut slopes. Keywords: 2-D Modeling, Rock Strength, Slope Stability, SSPC, Weathering

Generation of segmental chips in metal cutting modeled with the PFEM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez Prieto, J. M.; Carbonell, J. M.; Cante, J. C.; Oliver, J.; Jonsén, P.

2018-06-01

The Particle Finite Element Method, a lagrangian finite element method based on a continuous Delaunay re-triangulation of the domain, is used to study machining of Ti6Al4V. In this work the method is revised and applied to study the influence of the cutting speed on the cutting force and the chip formation process. A parametric methodology for the detection and treatment of the rigid tool contact is presented. The adaptive insertion and removal of particles are developed and employed in order to sidestep the difficulties associated with mesh distortion, shear localization as well as for resolving the fine-scale features of the solution. The performance of PFEM is studied with a set of different two-dimensional orthogonal cutting tests. It is shown that, despite its Lagrangian nature, the proposed combined finite element-particle method is well suited for large deformation metal cutting problems with continuous chip and serrated chip formation.

Generation of segmental chips in metal cutting modeled with the PFEM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez Prieto, J. M.; Carbonell, J. M.; Cante, J. C.; Oliver, J.; Jonsén, P.

2017-09-01

The Particle Finite Element Method, a lagrangian finite element method based on a continuous Delaunay re-triangulation of the domain, is used to study machining of Ti6Al4V. In this work the method is revised and applied to study the influence of the cutting speed on the cutting force and the chip formation process. A parametric methodology for the detection and treatment of the rigid tool contact is presented. The adaptive insertion and removal of particles are developed and employed in order to sidestep the difficulties associated with mesh distortion, shear localization as well as for resolving the fine-scale features of the solution. The performance of PFEM is studied with a set of different two-dimensional orthogonal cutting tests. It is shown that, despite its Lagrangian nature, the proposed combined finite element-particle method is well suited for large deformation metal cutting problems with continuous chip and serrated chip formation.

Survival of Salmonella on refrigerated chicken carcasses and subsequent transfer to cutting board.

PubMed

Jiménez, S M; Tiburzi, M C; Salsi, M S; Moguilevsky, M A; Pirovani, M E

2009-06-01

To determine the effect of refrigeration time and temperature on Salmonella cell numbers on inoculated chicken carcasses and their transfer to a plastic cutting board. The survival of Salmonella on chicken skin and the transfer to a plastic cutting board when exposed to different refrigeration temperatures (2, 6 or 8 degrees C) for 9 days were the two main issues on which this work focused. Two scenarios were carried out to ascertain these effects: carcasses treated with a decontaminating acetic acid solution and untreated carcasses. All of the contaminated carcasses remained contaminated after 9 days of refrigeration. However, on untreated samples, while Salmonella numbers increased almost 1.5 log at 8 degrees C, the pathogen numbers decreased about 1 log at 2 and 6 degrees C. On acid-treated samples, cell numbers slightly decreased at all of the temperatures studied. Temperature did not affect salmonellae transfer to the cutting board, but time did. Acid decontamination increased cell numbers transferred to the cutting board compared with untreated samples. Proper refrigeration at low temperatures did not allow Salmonella numbers to rise, regardless of which carcasses had been, or had not been, acid treated. Despite the fact that the rate of transfer was not affected by temperature, the acid treatment detached Salmonella cells from the chicken skin and, therefore, the probability of greater cross-contamination should be studied further. The results of this study may provide better information about the refrigeration conditions for fresh chicken storage and also determine if these, along with acetic acid decontamination of broiler chicken, would affect the pathogen transfer to a cutting board.

High temperature and dynamic testing of AHSS for an analytical description of the adiabatic cutting process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winter, S.; Schmitz, F.; Clausmeyer, T.; Tekkaya, A. E.; F-X Wagner, M.

2017-03-01

In the automotive industry, advanced high strength steels (AHSS) are widely used as sheet part components to reduce weight, even though this leads to several challenges. The demand for high-quality shear cutting surfaces that do not require reworking can be fulfilled by adiabatic shear cutting: High strain rates and local temperatures lead to the formation of adiabatic shear bands (ASB). While this process is well suited to produce AHSS parts with excellent cutting surface quality, a fundamental understanding of the process is still missing today. In this study, compression tests in a Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar with an initial strain rate of 1000 s-1 were performed in a temperature range between 200 °C and 1000 °C. The experimental results show that high strength steels with nearly the same mechanical properties at RT may possess a considerably different behavior at higher temperatures. The resulting microstructures after testing at different temperatures were analyzed by optical microscopy. The thermo-mechanical material behavior was then considered in an analytical model. To predict the local temperature increase that occurs during the adiabatic blanking process, experimentally determined flow curves were used. Furthermore, the influence of temperature evolution with respect to phase transformation is discussed. This study contributes to a more complete understanding of the relevant microstructural and thermo-mechanical mechanisms leading to the evolution of ASB during cutting of AHSS.

Evaluation of the indirect fluorescent antibody test as a diagnostic tool for East Coast fever in eastern Zambia.

PubMed

Billiouw, M; Brandt, J; Vercruysse, J; Speybroeck, N; Marcotty, T; Mulumba, M; Berkvens, D

2005-02-28

Serological surveys using the schizont indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAt) are routinely carried out to monitor the Theileria parva infection prevalence. The present study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of the IFAt in eastern Zambia, where the transmission of T. parva is highly seasonal. The data set resulted from a sentinel herd (n = 105 animals) study carried out between 1995 and 2000 and was split into an epidemic period, during which the majority of the cattle became infected, and an endemic period with seasonal disease incidence in calves. In the epidemic period the T. parva seroprevalence followed closely the build up of the herd immunity. In the endemic period the seroprevalence fluctuates considerably although most of the animals had been infected. Overall, the diagnostic sensitivity of the IFA test was 55% at cut-off titre 1:40 and 28% at cut-off 1:160. The specificity of the test was 86 and 95%, respectively. A logistic regression model demonstrates that the sensitivity is significantly lower when the T. parva transmission is low (p < 0.01). The analysis of receiver operator characteristic curves classifies the test as moderately accurate (area under the curve, AUC = 0.79) during the epidemic period and less accurate in the endemic period (AUC = 0.63). Neonatal serology surveys yield a better estimate of the infection prevalence. The sensitivity of the neonatal test was 73% at cut-off titre 1:40 and 24% at cut-off 1:160.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: The Longitudinal Value of Local Cut Scores Using State Test Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Peter M.; Van Norman, Ethan R.; VanDerHeyden, Amanda

2017-01-01

We used existing reading (n = 1,498) and math (n = 2,260) data to evaluate state test scores for screening middle school students. In Phase 1, state test data were used to create a research-derived cut score that was optimal for predicting state test performance the following year. In Phase 2, those cut scores were applied with future cohorts.…

Association of Social Frailty With Both Cognitive and Physical Deficits Among Older People.

PubMed

Tsutsumimoto, Kota; Doi, Takehiko; Makizako, Hyuma; Hotta, Ryo; Nakakubo, Sho; Makino, Keitaro; Suzuki, Takao; Shimada, Hiroyuki

2017-07-01

Our objective was to investigate the association between social frailty and cognitive and physical function among older adults. This was a cross-sectional study. We examined community-dwelling adults in Japan. Participants comprised 4425 older Japanese people from the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Study of Geriatric Syndromes. Social frailty was defined by using responses to 5 questions (going out less frequently, rarely visiting friends, feeling unhelpful to friends or family, living alone, and not talking with someone every day). Participants showing none of these components were considered nonfrail; those showing 1 component were considered prefrail; and those showing 2 or more components were considered frail. To screen for cognitive deficits, we assessed memory, attention, executive function, and processing speed. Having 2 or more tests with age-adjusted scores of at least 1.5 standard deviations below the reference threshold was sufficient to be characterized as cognitively deficient. To screen for physical function deficits, we assessed walking speed (<1.0 m/s cut-off) and grip strength (<26 kg for men; <18 kg for women cut-off). Scoring below the cut-off point on 1 or more tests was sufficient to be characterized as physically deficient. The prevalence of social frailty was the following: nonfrailty, 64.1% (N = 2835); social prefrailty, 24.8% (N = 1097); social frailty, 11.1% (N = 493; P for trend < .001). All cognitive function tests (word list memory, Trail Making Test parts A and B, and the symbol digit-substitution task) significantly varied between social frailty groups; physical function (gait speed and grip strength) also varied between social frailty groups (all Ps for trend <.001). Referred to social nonfrailty, social frailty was independently associated with each cognitive deficit (odds ratio = 1.61, 95% confidence interval 1.13-2.30) and deficits in physical function (odds ratio = 1.99, 95% confidence interval 1.57-2.52) after adjusting for covariates. This study revealed that social frailty is associated with both cognitive and physical function among Japanese older adults. And social frailty status was also negatively associated with physical function. Further studies are needed to elucidate if a casual association exists between social frailty and cognitive and physical function. Copyright © 2017 AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of EMIT II, CEDIA, and DPC RIA assays for the detection of lysergic acid diethylamide in forensic urine samples.

PubMed

Wiegand, Russell F; Klette, Kevin L; Stout, Peter R; Gehlhausen, Jay M

2002-10-01

In an effort to determine a practical, efficient, and economical alternative for the use of a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the detection of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in human urine, the performance of two photometric immunoassays (Dade Behring EMIT II and Microgenics CEDIA) and the Diagnostics Products Corp. (DPC) RIA were compared. Precision, accuracy, and linearity of the 3 assays were determined by testing 60 replicates (10 for RIA) at 5 different concentrations below and above the 500-pg/mL LSD cut-off. The CEDIA and RIA exhibited better accuracy and precision than the EMIT II immunoassay. In contrast, the EMIT II and CEDIA demonstrated superior linearity r2 = 0.9809 and 0.9540, respectively, as compared with the RIA (r2 = 0.9062). The specificity of the three assays was assessed using compounds that have structural and chemical properties similar to LSD, common over-the-counter products, prescription drugs and some of their metabolites, and other drugs of abuse. Of the 144 compounds studied, the EMIT II cross-reacted with twice as many compounds as did the CEDIA and RIA. Specificity was also assessed in 221 forensic human urine specimens that previously screened positive for LSD by the EMIT II assay. Of these, only 11 tested positive by CEDIA, and 3 were positive by RIA. This indicated a comparable specificity performance between CEDIA and RIA. This also was consistent with a previously reported high false-positive rate of EMIT II (low specificity). Each of the immunoassays correctly identified LSD in 23 out of 24 human urine specimens that had previously been found to contain LSD by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry at a cut-off concentration of 200 pg/mL. The CEDIA exhibited superior precision, accuracy, and decreased cross-reactivity to compounds other than LSD as compared with the EMIT II assay and does not necessitate the handling of radioactive materials.

Root canal centering ability of rotary cutting nickel titanium instruments: A meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Gundappa, Mohan; Bansal, Rashmi; Khoriya, Sarvesh; Mohan, Ranjana

2014-01-01

Aim: To systematically review articles on canal centering ability of endodontic rotary cutting Nickel-Titanium (Ni-Ti) instruments and subject results to meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was initiated on canal centering ability of different rotary cutting Ni-Ti files such as Protaper, Hero Shaper, K3, Mtwo, Race, Wave One by selecting articles published in peer reviewed journals during 1991-2013 using “Pub Med” database. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established. A data was created by tabulating: Author name, publication year, sample size, number of experimental groups, methods to evaluate canal centering ability, instrument cross section, taper, tip design, rake angle, mean and standard deviation. The data generated was subjected to meta-analysis. Results: Maximum studies were found to be conducted on mesiobuccal canal of mandibular 1st molar with curvature ranging from 15-60°. The difference in canal centering ability of different rotary cutting Ni-Ti instruments was not statistically significant. Conclusion: All endodontic rotary cutting Ni-Ti instruments are capable of producing centered preparations. Protaper depicted the best centering ability. Computed tomography is an effective method of evaluating canal centering ability. PMID:25506134

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

PubMed

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

2010-08-01

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

How Business Cycles Affect the Healthcare Sector: A Cross-country Investigation.

PubMed

Cleeren, Kathleen; Lamey, Lien; Meyer, Jan-Hinrich; De Ruyter, Ko

2016-07-01

The long-term relationship between the general economy and healthcare expenditures has been extensively researched, to explain differences in healthcare spending between countries, but the midterm (i.e., business cycle) perspective has been overlooked. This study explores business cycle sensitivity in both public and private parts of the healthcare sector across 32 countries. Responses to the business cycle vary notably, both across spending sources and across countries. Whereas in some countries, consumers and/or governments cut back, in others, private and/or public healthcare buyers tend to spend more. We also assess long-term consequences of business cycle sensitivity and show that public cost cutting during economic downturns deflates the mortality rates, whereas private cut backs increase the long-term growth in total healthcare expenditures. Finally, multiple factors help explain variability in cyclical sensitivity. Private cost cuts during economic downturns are smaller in countries with a predominantly publicly funded healthcare system and more preventive public activities. Public cut backs during contractions are smaller in countries that rely more on tax-based resources rather than social health insurances. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An evaluation of uneven-aged cutting methods in even-aged oak-hickory stands in the Boston mountains of Arkansas

Treesearch

David L. Graney; Paul A. Murphy

1997-01-01

A test of group-selection and single-tree selection cutting methods was installed in 80-year-old even-aged oak-hickory stands in the Boston Mountains of northern Arkansas. Twenty-four 11-ac study plots were installed in well stocked stands representing north or east and south or west aspects. Stands between group openings were cut to residual basal areas of 65 and 85...

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

PubMed

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

2016-10-01

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

The effects of cutting parameters on cutting forces and heat generation when drilling animal bone and biomechanical test materials.

PubMed

Cseke, Akos; Heinemann, Robert

2018-01-01

The research presented in this paper investigated the effects of spindle speed and feed rate on the resultant cutting forces (thrust force and torque) and temperatures while drilling SawBones ® biomechanical test materials and cadaveric cortical bone (bovine and porcine femur) specimens. It also investigated cortical bone anisotropy on the cutting forces, when drilling in axial and radial directions. The cutting forces are only affected by the feed rate, whereas the cutting temperature in contrast is affected by both spindle speed and feed rate. The temperature distribution indicates friction as the primary heat source, which is caused by the rubbing of the tool margins and the already cut chips over the borehole wall. Cutting forces were considerably higher when drilling animal cortical bone, in comparison to cortical test material. Drilling direction, and therewith anisotropy, appears to have a negligible effect on the cutting forces. The results suggest that this can be attributed to the osteons being cut at an angle rather than in purely axial or radial direction, as a result of a twist drill's point angle. Copyright © 2017 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of a Numerical Model for Orthogonal Cutting. Discussion about the Sensitivity to Friction Problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

San Juan, M.; de la Iglesia, J. M.; Martín, O.; Santos, F. J.

2009-11-01

In despite of the important progresses achieved in the knowledge of cutting processes, the study of certain aspects has undergone the very limitations of the experimental means: temperature gradients, frictions, contact, etc… Therefore, the development of numerical models is a valid tool as a first approach to study of those problems. In the present work, a calculation model under Abaqus Explicit code is developed to represent the orthogonal cutting of AISI 4140 steel. A bidimensional simulation under plane strain conditions, which is considered as adiabatic due to the high speed of the material flow, is chosen. The chip separation is defined by means of a fracture law that allows complex simulations of tool penetration in the workpiece. The strong influence of friction on cutting is proved, therefore a very good definition of materials behaviour laws could be obtained, but an erroneous value of friction coefficient could notably reduce the reliability. Considering the difficulty of checking the friction models used in the simulation, from the tests carried out habitually, the most efficacious way to characterize the friction would be to combine simulation models with cutting tests.

Estimation of test characteristics of real-time PCR and bacterial culture for diagnosis of subclinical intramammary infections with Streptococcus agalactiae in Danish dairy cattle in 2012 using latent class analysis.

PubMed

Mahmmod, Yasser S; Toft, Nils; Katholm, Jørgen; Grønbæk, Carsten; Klaas, Ilka C

2013-05-01

The misdiagnosis of intramammary infections (IMI) with Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) could lead farmers to treat or cull animals unnecessarily. The objective of this field study was to estimate the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of real-time PCR at different cut-offs for cycle threshold (Ct) values against bacterial culture (BC) for diagnosis of S. agalactiae IMI using latent class analysis to avoid the assumption of a perfect reference test. A total of 614 dairy cows were randomly selected from 6 herds with bulk tank PCR Ct value ≤ 39 for S. agalactiae and S. aureus. At milk recording, 2456 quarter milk samples were taken aseptically for BC and the routinely taken cow level milk samples were analyzed by PCR. Results showed that 53 cows (8.6%) were positive for S. agalactiae IMI by BC. Sensitivity of PCR at cut-offs; ≤ 39, ≤ 37, ≤ 34, and ≤ 32, was 96.2%, 91.9%, 87.2% and 73.9%, while Se of BC was 25.7%, 29.9%, 59.9% and 72.1%. Specificity of PCR at cut-offs; ≤ 39, ≤ 37, ≤ 34, and ≤ 32, was 96.8%, 96.9%, 96.7%, and 97.22%, while Sp of BC was 99.7%, 99.5%, 99.2%, and 98.9%. The estimated prevalence of S. agalactiae IMI by PCR was higher than the apparent prevalence at the tested cut-offs, indicating under estimation of S. agalactiae IMI in the examined dairy cows. In conclusion, Se of PCR is always higher than Se of BC at all tested cut-offs. The lower cut-off, the more comparable becomes Se of PCR and Se of BC. The changes in Se in both PCR and BC at different Ct-value cut-offs may indicate a change in the definition of the latent infection. The similar Se of both tests at cut-off ≤ 32 may indicate high concentrations of S. agalactiae viable cells, representing a cow truly/heavily infected with S. agalactiae and thus easier to detect with BC. At cut-off ≤ 39 the latent definition of infection may reflect a more general condition of cows being positive for S. agalactiae. Our findings indicate that PCR Ct-value cut-offs should be chosen according to the underlying latent infection definition of interest. Latent class analysis proposes a useful alternative to classic test evaluation of diagnostic tests used for detection of S. agalactiae IMI in milk. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mindfulness predicts student nurses' communication self-efficacy: A cross-national comparative study.

PubMed

Sundling, Vibeke; Sundler, Annelie J; Holmström, Inger K; Kristensen, Dorte Vesterager; Eide, Hilde

2017-08-01

The aim of this study was to compare student nurses' communication self-efficacy, empathy, and mindfulness across two countries, and to analyse the relationship between these qualities. The study had a cross-sectional design. Data was collected from final year student nurses in Norway and Sweden. Communication self-efficacy, empathy, and mindfulness were reported by questionnaires; Clear-cut communication with patients, Jefferson Scale of Empathy, and Langer 14 items mindfulness scale. The study included 156 student nurses, 94 (60%) were Swedish. The mean communication self-efficacy score was 119 (95% CI 116-122), empathy score 115 (95% CI 113-117) and mindfulness score 79 (95% CI 78-81). A Mann-Whitney test showed that Swedish students scored significantly higher on communication self-efficacy, empathy, and mindfulness than Norwegian students did. When adjusted for age, gender, and country in a multiple linear regression, mindfulness was the only independent predictor of communication self-efficacy. The Swedish student nurses in this study scored higher on communication self-efficacy, empathy, and mindfulness than Norwegian students did. Student nurses scoring high on mindfulness rated their communication self-efficacy higher. A mindful learning approach may improve communication self-efficacy and possibly the effect of communication skills training. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

What's yours, mine, and ours : overcoming intellectual property rights issues : a cross-cutting study : facilitating private-sector participation and expediting deployment

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-08-01

Debate over the ownership and use of intellectual property developed jointly by the public and private sectors has caused delays in ITS deployment projects. While a fundamental business incentive of the private sector for investing in research and de...

Cutting force measurement of electrical jigsaw by strain gauges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazup, L.; Varadine Szarka, A.

2016-11-01

This paper describes a measuring method based on strain gauges for accurate specification of electric jigsaw's cutting force. The goal of the measurement is to provide an overall perspective about generated forces in a jigsaw's gearbox during a cutting period. The lifetime of the tool is affected by these forces primarily. This analysis is part of the research and development project aiming to develop a special linear magnetic brake for realizing automatic lifetime tests of electric jigsaws or similar handheld tools. The accurate specification of cutting force facilitates to define realistic test cycles during the automatic lifetime test. The accuracy and precision resulted by the well described cutting force characteristic and the possibility of automation provide new dimension for lifetime testing of the handheld tools with alternating movement.

Plantar loading during cutting while wearing a rigid carbon fiber insert.

PubMed

Queen, Robin M; Abbey, Alicia N; Verma, Ravi; Butler, Robert J; Nunley, James A

2014-01-01

Stress fractures are one of the most common injuries in sports, accounting for approximately 10% of all overuse injuries. Treatment of fifth metatarsal stress fractures involves both surgical and nonsurgical interventions. Fifth metatarsal stress fractures are difficult to treat because of the risks of delayed union, nonunion, and recurrent injuries. Most of these injuries occur during agility tasks, such as those performed in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. To examine the effect of a rigid carbon graphite footplate on plantar loading during 2 agility tasks. Crossover study. Laboratory. A total of 19 recreational male athletes with no history of lower extremity injury in the past 6 months and no previous metatarsal stress fractures were tested. Seven 45° side-cut and crossover-cut tasks were completed in a shoe with or without a full-length rigid carbon plate. Testing order between the shoe conditions and the 2 cutting tasks was randomized. Plantar-loading data were recorded using instrumented insoles. Peak pressure, maximum force, force-time integral, and contact area beneath the total foot, the medial and lateral midfoot, and the medial, middle, and lateral forefoot were analyzed. A series of paired t tests was used to examine differences between the footwear conditions (carbon graphite footplate, shod) for both cutting tasks independently (α = .05). During the side-cut task, the footplate increased total foot and lateral midfoot peak pressures while decreasing contact area and lateral midfoot force-time integral. During the crossover-cut task, the footplate increased total foot and lateral midfoot peak pressure and lateral forefoot force-time integral while decreasing total and lateral forefoot contact area. Although a rigid carbon graphite footplate altered some aspects of the plantar-pressure profile during cutting in uninjured participants, it was ineffective in reducing plantar loading beneath the fifth metatarsal.

Updated procedures for using drill cores and cuttings at the Lithologic Core Storage Library, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hodges, Mary K.V.; Davis, Linda C.; Bartholomay, Roy C.

2018-01-30

In 1990, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy Idaho Operations Office, established the Lithologic Core Storage Library at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The facility was established to consolidate, catalog, and permanently store nonradioactive drill cores and cuttings from subsurface investigations conducted at the INL, and to provide a location for researchers to examine, sample, and test these materials.The facility is open by appointment to researchers for examination, sampling, and testing of cores and cuttings. This report describes the facility and cores and cuttings stored at the facility. Descriptions of cores and cuttings include the corehole names, corehole locations, and depth intervals available.Most cores and cuttings stored at the facility were drilled at or near the INL, on the eastern Snake River Plain; however, two cores drilled on the western Snake River Plain are stored for comparative studies. Basalt, rhyolite, sedimentary interbeds, and surficial sediments compose most cores and cuttings, most of which are continuous from land surface to their total depth. The deepest continuously drilled core stored at the facility was drilled to 5,000 feet below land surface. This report describes procedures and researchers' responsibilities for access to the facility and for examination, sampling, and return of materials.

Dijet cross sections in photoproduction at HERA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Derrick, M.; Krakauer, D.; Magill, S.; Mikunas, D.; Musgrave, B.; Repond, J.; Stanek, R.; Talaga, R. L.; Zhang, H.; Ayad, R.; Bari, G.; Basile, M.; Bellagamba, L.; Boscherini, D.; Bruni, A.; Bruni, G.; Bruni, P.; Cara Romeo, G.; Castellini, G.; Chiarini, M.; Cifarelli, L.; Cindolo, F.; Contin, A.; Corradi, M.; Gialas, I.; Giusti, P.; Iacobucci, G.; Laurenti, G.; Levi, G.; Margotti, A.; Massam, T.; Nania, R.; Nemoz, C.; Palmonari, F.; Polini, A.; Sartorelli, G.; Timellini, R.; Garcia, Y. Zamora; Zichichi, A.; Bargende, A.; Crittenden, J.; Desch, K.; Diekmann, B.; Doeker, T.; Eckert, M.; Feld, L.; Frey, A.; Geerts, M.; Geitz, G.; Grothe, M.; Haas, T.; Hartmann, H.; Haun, D.; Heinloth, K.; Hilger, E.; Jakob, H.-P.; Katz, U. F.; Mari, S. M.; Mass, A.; Mengel, S.; Mollen, J.; Paul, E.; Rembser, Ch.; Schattevoy, R.; Schramm, D.; Stamm, J.; Wedemeyer, R.; Campbell-Robson, S.; Cassidy, A.; Dyce, N.; Foster, B.; George, S.; Gilmore, R.; Heath, G. P.; Heath, H. F.; Llewellyn, T. J.; Morgado, C. J. S.; Norman, D. J. P.; O'Mara, J. A.; Tapper, R. J.; Wilson, S. S.; Yoshida, R.; Rau, R. R.; Arneodo, M.; Iannotti, L.; Schioppa, M.; Susinno, G.; Bernstein, A.; Caldwell, A.; Cartiglia, N.; Parsons, J. A.; Ritz, S.; Sciulli, F.; Straub, P. B.; Wai, L.; Yang, S.; Zhu, Q.; Borzemski, P.; Chwastowski, J.; Eskreys, A.; Piotrzkowski, K.; Zachara, M.; Zawiejski, L.; Adamczyk, L.; Bednarek, B.; Jelén, K.; Kisielewska, D.; Kowalski, T.; Rulikowska-Zarȩbska, E.; Suszycki, L.; Zajaç, J.; Kotański, A.; Przybycień, M.; Bauerdick, L. A. T.; Behrens, U.; Beier, H.; Bienlein, J. K.; Coldewey, C.; Deppe, O.; Desler, K.; Drews, G.; Flasiński, M.; Gilkinson, D. J.; Glasman, C.; Göttlicher, P.; Große-Knetter, J.; Gutjahr, B.; Hain, W.; Hasell, D.; Heßling, H.; Hultschig, H.; Iga, Y.; Joos, P.; Kasemann, M.; Klanner, R.; Koch, W.; Köpke, L.; Kötz, U.; Kowalski, H.; Labs, J.; Ladage, A.; Löhr, B.; Löwe, M.; Lüke, D.; Mańczak, O.; Ng, J. S. T.; Nickel, S.; Notz, D.; Ohrenberg, K.; Roco, M.; Rohde, M.; Roldán, J.; Schneekloth, U.; Schulz, W.; Selonke, F.; Stilliaris, E.; Surrow, B.; Voß, T.; Westphal, D.; Wolf, G.; Youngman, C.; Zhou, J. F.; Grabosch, H. J.; Kharchilava, A.; Leich, A.; Mattingly, M.; Meyer, A.; Schlenstedt, S.; Wulff, N.; Bagbagli, G.; Pelfer, P.; Anzivino, G.; Maccarrone, G.; De Pasquale, S.; Votano, L.; Bamberger, A.; Eisenhardt, S.; Freidhof, A.; Söldner-Rembold, S.; Schroeder, J.; Trefzger, T.; Brook, N. H.; Bussey, P. J.; Doyle, A. T.; Fleck, J. I.; Saxon, D. H.; Utley, M. L.; Wilson, A. S.; Dannemann, A.; Holm, U.; Horstmann, D.; Neumann, T.; Sinkus, R.; Wick, K.; Badura, E.; Burow, B. D.; Hagge, L.; Lohrmann, E.; Mainusch, J.; Milewski, J.; Nakahata, M.; Pavel, N.; Poelz, G.; Schott, W.; Zetsche, F.; Bacon, T. C.; Butterworth, I.; Gallo, E.; Harris, V. L.; Hung, B. Y. H.; Long, K. R.; Miller, D. B.; Morawitz, P. P. O.; Prinias, A.; Sedgbeer, J. K.; Whitfield, A. F.; Mallik, U.; McCliment, E.; Wang, M. Z.; Wang, S. M.; Wu, J. T.; Zhang, Y.; Cloth, P.; Filges, D.; An, S. H.; Hong, S. M.; Nam, S. W.; Park, S. K.; Suh, M. H.; Yon, S. H.; Imlay, R.; Kartik, S.; Kim, H.-J.; McNeil, R. R.; Metcalf, W.; Nadendla, V. K.; Barreiro, F.; Cases, G.; Graciani, R.; Hernández, J. M.; Hervás, L.; Labarga, L.; del Peso, J.; Puga, J.; Terron, J.; de Trocóniz, J. F.; Smith, G. R.; Corriveau, F.; Hanna, D. S.; Hartmann, J.; Hung, L. W.; Lim, J. N.; Matthews, C. G.; Patel, P. M.; Sinclair, L. E.; Stairs, D. G.; St. Laurent, M.; Ullmann, R.; Zacek, G.; Bashkirov, V.; Dolgoshein, B. A.; Stifutkin, A.; Bashindzhagyan, G. L.; Ermolov, P. F.; Gladilin, L. K.; Golubkov, Y. A.; Kobrin, V. D.; Kuzmin, V. A.; Proskuryakov, A. S.; Savin, A. A.; Shcheglova, L. M.; Solomin, A. N.; Zotov, N. P.; Botje, M.; Chlebana, F.; Dake, A.; Engelen, J.; de Kamps, M.; Kooijman, P.; Kruse, A.; Tiecke, H.; Verkerke, W.; Vreeswijk, M.; Wiggers, L.; de Wolf, E.; van Woudenberg, R.; Acosta, D.; Bylsma, B.; Durkin, L. S.; Honscheid, K.; Li, C.; Ling, T. Y.; McLean, K. W.; Murray, W. N.; Park, I. H.; Romanowski, T. A.; Seidlein, R.; Bailey, D. S.; Blair, G. A.; Cashmore, R. J.; Cooper-Sarkar, A. M.; Daniels, D.; Devenish, R. C. E.; Harnew, N.; Lancaster, M.; Luffman, P. E.; Lindemann, L.; McFall, J. D.; Nath, C.; Noyes, V. A.; Quadt, A.; Uijterwaal, H.; Walczak, R.; Wilson, F. F.; Yip, T.; Abbiendi, G.; Bertolin, A.; Brugnera, R.; Carlin, R.; Dal Corso, F.; De Giorgi, M.; Dosselli, U.; Limentani, S.; Morandin, M.; Porocco, M.; Stanco, L.; Stroili, R.; Voci, C.; Bulmahn, J.; Butterworth, J. M.; Feild, R. G.; Oh, B. Y.; Whitmore, J. J.; D'Agostini, G.; Marini, G.; Nigro, A.; Tassi, E.; Hart, J. C.; McCubbin, N. A.; Prytz, K.; Shah, T. P.; Short, T. L.; Barberis, E.; Dubbs, T.; Heusch, C.; Van Hook, M.; Hubbard, B.; Lockman, W.; Rahn, J. T.; Sadrozinski, H. F.-W.; Seiden, A.; Biltzinger, J.; Seifert, R. J.; Walenta, A. H.; Zech, G.; Abramowicz, H.; Briskin, G.; Dagan, S.; Levy, A.; Hasegawa, T.; Hazumi, M.; Ishii, T.; Kuze, M.; Mine, S.; Nagasawa, Y.; Nakao, M.; Suzuki, I.; Tokushuku, K.; Yamada, S.; Yamazaki, Y.; Chiba, M.; Hamatsu, R.; Hirose, T.; Homma, K.; Kitamura, S.; Nakamitsu, Y.; Yamauchi, K.; Cirio, R.; Costa, M.; Ferrero, M. I.; Lamberti, L.; Maselli, S.; Peroni, C.; Sacchi, R.; Solano, A.; Staiano, A.; Dardo, M.; Bailey, D. C.; Bandyopadhyay, D.; Benard, F.; Brkic, M.; Crombie, M. B.; Gingrich, D. M.; Hartner, G. F.; Joo, K. K.; Levman, G. M.; Martin, J. F.; Orr, R. S.; Sampson, C. R.; Teuscher, R. J.; Catterall, C. D.; Jones, T. W.; Kaziewicz, P. B.; Lane, J. B.; Saunders, R. L.; Shulman, J.; Blankenship, K.; Kochocki, J.; Lu, B.; Mo, L. W.; Bogusz, W.; Charchuła, K.; Ciborowski, J.; Gajewski, J.; Grzelak, G.; Kasprzak, M.; Krzyżanowski, M.; Muchorowski, K.; Nowak, R. J.; Pawlak, J. M.; Tymieniecka, T.; Wróblewski, A. K.; Zakrzewski, J. A.; Żarnecki, A. F.; Adamus, M.; Eisenberg, Y.; Karshon, U.; Revel, D.; Zer-Zion, D.; Ali, I.; Badgett, W. F.; Behrens, B.; Dasu, S.; Fordham, C.; Foudas, C.; Goussiou, A.; Loveless, R. J.; Reeder, D. D.; Silverstein, S.; Smith, W. H.; Vaiciulis, A.; Wodarczyk, M.; Tsurugai, T.; Bhadra, S.; Cardy, M. L.; Fagerstroem, C.-P.; Frisken, W. R.; Furutani, K. M.; Khakzad, M.; Schmidke, W. B.; ZEUS Collaboration

1995-02-01

Dijet production by almost real photons has been studied at HERA with the ZEUS detector. Jets have been identified using the cone algorithm. A cut on xγOBS, the fraction of the photon energy participating in the production of the two jets of highest transverse energy, is used to define cross sections sensitive to the parton distributions in the proton and in the photon. The dependence of the dijet cross sections on pseudorapidity has been measured for xγOBS ⩾ 0.75 and xγOBS < 0.75. The former is sensitive to the gluon momentum density in the proton. The latter is sensitive to the ginon in the photon. The cross sections are corrected for detector acceptance and compared to leading order QCD calculations.

Cross-cutting Relationships of Surface Features on Europa

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

This image of Jupiter's moon Europa shows a very complex terrain of ridges and fractures. The absence of large craters and the low number of small craters indicates that this surface is geologically young. The relative ages of the ridges can be determined by using the principle of cross-cutting relationships; i.e. older features are cross-cut by younger features. Using this principle, planetary geologists are able to unravel the sequence of events in this seemingly chaotic terrain to unfold Europa's unique geologic history.

The spacecraft Galileo obtained this image on February 20, 1997. The area covered in this image is approximately 11 miles (18 kilometers) by 8.5 miles (14 kilometers) across, near 15 North, 273 West. North is toward the top of the image, with the sun illuminating from the right.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA manages the mission for NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, DC.

This image and other images and data received from Galileo are posted on the World Wide Web, on the Galileo mission home page at URL http://galileo.jpl.nasa.gov. Background information and educational context for the images can be found at URL http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/galileo/sepo

Development of a Tri-Axial Cutting Force Sensor for the Milling Process

PubMed Central

Li, Yingxue; Zhao, Yulong; Fei, Jiyou; Zhao, You; Li, Xiuyuan; Gao, Yunxiang

2016-01-01

This paper presents a three-component fixed dynamometer based on a strain gauge, which reduces output errors produced by the cutting force imposed on different milling positions of the workpiece. A reformative structure of tri-layer cross beams is proposed, sensitive areas were selected, and corresponding measuring circuits were arranged to decrease the inaccuracy brought about by positional variation. To simulate the situation with a milling cutter moving on the workpiece and validate the function of reducing the output errors when the milling position changes, both static calibration and dynamic milling tests were implemented on different parts of the workpiece. Static experiment results indicate that with standard loads imposed, the maximal deviation between the measured forces and the standard inputs is 4.87%. The results of the dynamic milling test illustrate that with identical machining parameters, the differences in output variation between the developed sensor and standard dynamometer are no larger than 6.61%. Both static and dynamic experimental results demonstrate that the developed dynamometer is suitable for measuring milling force imposed on different positions of the workpiece, which shows potential applicability in machining a monitoring system. PMID:27007374

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

PubMed

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

2016-01-01

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

Cosmetic Preservatives as Therapeutic Corneal and Scleral Tissue Cross-Linking Agents

PubMed Central

Babar, Natasha; Kim, MiJung; Cao, Kerry; Shimizu, Yukari; Kim, Su-Young; Takaoka, Anna; Trokel, Stephen L.; Paik, David C.

2015-01-01

Purpose. Previously, aliphatic β-nitroalcohols (BNAs) have been studied as a means to chemically induce tissue cross-linking (TXL) of cornea and sclera. There are a number of related and possibly more potent agents, known as formaldehyde releasers (FARs), that are in commercial use as preservatives in cosmetics and other personal care products. The present study was undertaken in order to screen such compounds for potential clinical utility as therapeutic TXL agents. Methods. A chemical registry of 62 FARs was created from a literature review and included characteristics relevant to TXL such as molecular weight, carcinogenicity/mutagenicity, toxicity, hydrophobicity, and commercial availability. From this registry, five compounds [diazolidinyl urea (DAU), imidazolidinyl urea (IMU), sodium hydroxymethylglycinate (SMG), DMDM hydantoin (DMDM), 5-Ethyl-3,7-dioxa-1-azabicyclo [3.3.0] octane (OCT)] were selected for efficacy screening using two independent systems, an ex vivo rabbit corneal cross-linking simulation setup and incubation of cut scleral tissue pieces. Treatments were conducted at pH 7.4 or 8.5 for 30 minutes. Efficacy was evaluated using thermal denaturation temperature (Tm), and cell toxicity was studied using the trypan blue exclusion method. Results. Cross-linking effects in the five selected FARs were pH and concentration dependent. Overall, the Tm shifts were in agreement with both cornea and sclera. By comparison with BNAs previously reported upon, the FARs identified in this study were significantly more potent but with similar or better cytotoxicity. Conclusions. The FARs, a class of compounds well known to the cosmetic industry, may have utility as therapeutic TXL agents. The compounds studied thus far show promise and will be further tested. PMID:25634979

A Test of the Exponential Distribution for Stand Structure Definition in Uneven-aged Loblolly-Shortleaf Pine Stands

Treesearch

Paul A. Murphy; Robert M. Farrar

1981-01-01

In this study, 588 before-cut and 381 after-cut diameter distributions of uneven-aged loblolly-shortleaf pinestands were fitted to two different forms of the exponential probability density function. The left truncated and doubly truncated forms of the exponential were used.

Comparison of cutting efficiency with different diamond burs and water flow rates in cutting lithium disilicate glass ceramic.

PubMed

Siegel, Sharon C; Patel, Tejas

2016-10-01

This study compared different diamond burs and different water flow rates on the cutting efficiency of sectioning through lithium disilicate glass ceramic. The authors used a standardized cutting regimen with 4 brands of diamond burs to section through lithium disilicate glass ceramic blocks. Twelve diamonds of each brand cut through the blocks in randomized order. In the first part of the study, the authors recorded sectioning rates in millimeters per minute for each diamond bur as a measure of cutting efficiency. In the second part of the study, the authors compared sectioning rates using only 1 brand of diamond bur, with 3 different water flow rates. The authors averaged and compared cutting rates of each brand of diamond bur and the cutting rates for each flow rate using an analysis of variance and determined the differences with a Tukey honest significant difference test. One diamond bur cut significantly slower than the other 3, and one diamond bur cut significantly faster than 2 of the others. The diamond bur cutting efficiency through lithium disilicate glass ceramic with a 20 mL/min water flow rate was significantly higher than 15 mL/min. There are differences in cutting efficiency between diamond burs when sectioning lithium disilicate glass ceramic. Use a minimum of 20 mL/min of water coolant flow when sectioning lithium disilicate glass ceramic with dental diamond burs to maximize cutting efficiency. Recommendations for specific diamond burs with a coarse grit and water flow rate of 20 mL/min can be made when removing or adjusting restorations made from lithium disilicate glass ceramic. Copyright © 2016 American Dental Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A comparison of mesial molar root canal preparations using two engine-driven instruments and the balanced-force technique.

PubMed

Imura, N; Kato, A S; Novo, N F; Hata, G; Uemura, M; Toda, T

2001-10-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two engine-driven, nickel-titanium instrument systems with hand files in the final shape of slight and moderately curved canals. A total of 72 mesial roots of extracted human mandibular molars were divided into three groups: ProFile .04 taper, Pow-R rotary systems, and Flex-R hand-filing technique. The roots were mounted and cross-sectioned at two different horizontal levels using a modified Bramante technique. Pre- and postinstrumented cross-sectional roots were imaged, recorded, and computer analyzed. Results showed that, at the middle third, in almost all groups, there was a tendency of cutting more toward the mesial side with only one exception: Pow-R cut more to the distal side (danger zone) (p < 0.02). At the apical third, Flex-R (p < 0.03) and ProFile (0.001) transported to the mesial side (danger zone) when the curvature increased. When the three techniques were compared analyzing each side and considering the two groups of curvature, at the middle third in the moderately curved-canal group, Flex-R cut statistically more than Pow-R toward the lingual side. The other comparisons showed no statistically significant difference. When the techniques were compared in relation with the degree of curvature, in the apical third, ProFile .04 cut statistically more toward the mesial side in the moderately curved canal group than in the slightly curved canal group. The other comparisons showed no statistically significant difference. Canal preparation time was shorter with hand instrumentation (p < .05) in a few instances.

A microtubule polymerase cooperates with the kinesin-6 motor and a microtubule cross-linker to promote bipolar spindle assembly in the absence of kinesin-5 and kinesin-14 in fission yeast

PubMed Central

Yukawa, Masashi; Kawakami, Tomoki; Okazaki, Masaki; Kume, Kazunori; Tang, Ngang Heok; Toda, Takashi

2017-01-01

Accurate chromosome segregation relies on the bipolar mitotic spindle. In many eukaryotes, spindle formation is driven by the plus-end–directed motor kinesin-5 that generates outward force to establish spindle bipolarity. Its inhibition leads to the emergence of monopolar spindles with mitotic arrest. Intriguingly, simultaneous inactivation of the minus-end–directed motor kinesin-14 restores spindle bipolarity in many systems. Here we show that in fission yeast, three independent pathways contribute to spindle bipolarity in the absence of kinesin-5/Cut7 and kinesin-14/Pkl1. One is kinesin-6/Klp9 that engages with spindle elongation once short bipolar spindles assemble. Klp9 also ensures the medial positioning of anaphase spindles to prevent unequal chromosome segregation. Another is the Alp7/TACC-Alp14/TOG microtubule polymerase complex. Temperature-sensitive alp7cut7pkl1 mutants are arrested with either monopolar or very short spindles. Forced targeting of Alp14 to the spindle pole body is sufficient to render alp7cut7pkl1 triply deleted cells viable and promote spindle assembly, indicating that Alp14-mediated microtubule polymerization from the nuclear face of the spindle pole body could generate outward force in place of Cut7 during early mitosis. The third pathway involves the Ase1/PRC1 microtubule cross-linker that stabilizes antiparallel microtubules. Our study, therefore, unveils multifaceted interplay among kinesin-dependent and -independent pathways leading to mitotic bipolar spindle assembly. PMID:29021344

Hadronic production of Bs(*) at the Tevatron and LHC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jia-Wei; Fang, Zhen-Yun; Chang, Chao-Hsi; Wu, Xing-Gang; Zhong, Tao; Yu, Yao

2009-06-01

We study the hadronic production of Bs and Bs* mesons within the fixed-flavor-number scheme, in which the dominant gluon-gluon fusion mechanism is dealt with by using the complete αs4 approach. Main theoretical uncertainties for Bs and Bs* production at the Tevatron and LHC are presented. It is found that when ms increases by steps of 0.1 GeV, the integrated cross section of Bs(*) decreases by 80%-100%. When mb increases by steps of 0.1 GeV, it changes by ˜10%, while the uncertainties caused by the parton distribution function and the factorization scale vary within the region of (1)/(5) to (1)/(3). Considering a possible kinematic cut on the transverse momentum and the rapidity cut for the detectors at the Tevatron and LHC, we also make estimations on the Bs and Bs* production with various kinematic cuts.

Comment on measuring the tt forward-backward asymmetry at ATLAS and CMS

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

Arguin, Jean-Francois; Ligeti, Zoltan; Freytsis, Marat

2011-10-01

We suggest a new possibility for ATLAS and CMS to explore the tt forward-backward asymmetry measured at the Tevatron, by attempting to reconstruct tt events, with one of the tops decaying semileptonically in the central region (|{eta}|<2.5) and the other decaying hadronically in the forward region (|{eta}|>2.5). For several models which give comparable Tevatron signals, we study the charge asymmetry at the LHC as a function of cuts on |{eta}| and on the tt invariant mass, m{sub tt}. We show that there is an interesting complementarity between cuts on |{eta}| and m{sub tt} to suppress the dominant and symmetric gg{yields}ttmore » rate, and different combinations of cuts enhance the distinguishing power between models. This complementarity is likely to hold in other new physics scenarios as well, which affect the tt cross section, so it motivates extending tt reconstruction to higher |{eta}|.« less

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

PubMed

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

2017-01-01

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

Prevalence and Antibiogram Assessment of Staphylococcus aureus in Beef at Municipal Abattoir and Butcher Shops in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

PubMed

Adugna, Feben; Pal, Mahendra; Girmay, Gebrerufael

2018-01-01

A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2013 to April 2014 to determine the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus from beef of Addis Ababa Abattoir and butcher shops in Addis Ababa. Seven hundred sixty-eight swab samples were taken from the abattoir and butcher carcasses using a systematic random sampling. One hundred twenty swab samples were also taken from hooks, cutting tables, and knives from the abattoir. Staphylococcus aureus positive isolates were taken for antibiotic susceptibility test. A questionnaire survey was conducted in the abattoir and butcher workers to assess the hygienic practice and possible risk factors regarding the contamination of meat. The prevalence of S. aureus in the abattoir, butcher, cutting table, hook, and knife was 9.4%, 19.8%, 15%, 15%, and 22.5%, respectively. The prevalence of S. aureus in the knife and butcher was found to be 2.8 (OR = 2.8, CI = 1.2-6.4) and 2.4 (OR = 2.4, CI = 1.6-3.6) times that of the abattoir results ( p < 0.01). The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was also conducted on 133 isolates of S. aureus using the disc diffusion susceptibility method. Bacitracin, neomycin, and methicillin were found to be 100% resistant to S. aureus . To avoid the presence of pathogenic Staphylococcus isolates, preventive measures using good hygienic practices during slaughtering and handling of the beef carcasses are recommended.

Prevalence and Antibiogram Assessment of Staphylococcus aureus in Beef at Municipal Abattoir and Butcher Shops in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

PubMed Central

Adugna, Feben; Pal, Mahendra

2018-01-01

Objective A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2013 to April 2014 to determine the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus from beef of Addis Ababa Abattoir and butcher shops in Addis Ababa. Seven hundred sixty-eight swab samples were taken from the abattoir and butcher carcasses using a systematic random sampling. One hundred twenty swab samples were also taken from hooks, cutting tables, and knives from the abattoir. Staphylococcus aureus positive isolates were taken for antibiotic susceptibility test. A questionnaire survey was conducted in the abattoir and butcher workers to assess the hygienic practice and possible risk factors regarding the contamination of meat. Results The prevalence of S. aureus in the abattoir, butcher, cutting table, hook, and knife was 9.4%, 19.8%, 15%, 15%, and 22.5%, respectively. The prevalence of S. aureus in the knife and butcher was found to be 2.8 (OR = 2.8, CI = 1.2–6.4) and 2.4 (OR = 2.4, CI = 1.6–3.6) times that of the abattoir results (p < 0.01). The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was also conducted on 133 isolates of S. aureus using the disc diffusion susceptibility method. Bacitracin, neomycin, and methicillin were found to be 100% resistant to S. aureus. To avoid the presence of pathogenic Staphylococcus isolates, preventive measures using good hygienic practices during slaughtering and handling of the beef carcasses are recommended. PMID:29854759

Urine Concentration and Pyuria for Identifying UTI in Infants.

PubMed

Chaudhari, Pradip P; Monuteaux, Michael C; Bachur, Richard G

2016-11-01

Varying urine white blood cell (WBC) thresholds have been recommended for the presumptive diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) among young infants. These thresholds have not been studied with newer automated urinalysis systems that analyze uncentrifuged urine that might be influenced by urine concentration. Our objective was to determine the optimal urine WBC threshold for UTI in young infants by using an automated urinalysis system, stratified by urine concentration. Retrospective cross-sectional study of infants aged <3 months evaluated for UTI in the emergency department with paired urinalysis and urine culture. UTI was defined as ≥50 000 colony-forming units/mL from catheterized specimens. Test characteristics were calculated across a range of WBC and leukocyte esterase (LE) cut-points, dichotomized into specific gravity groups (dilute <1.015; concentrated ≥1.015). Twenty-seven thousand infants with a median age of 1.7 months were studied. UTI prevalence was 7.8%. Optimal WBC cut-points were 3 WBC/high-power field (HPF) in dilute urine (likelihood ratio positive [LR+] 9.9, likelihood ratio negative [LR‒] 0.15) and 6 WBC/HPF (LR+ 10.1, LR‒ 0.17) in concentrated urine. For dipstick analysis, positive LE has excellent test characteristics regardless of urine concentration (LR+ 22.1, LR‒ 0.12 in dilute urine; LR+ 31.6, LR‒ 0.22 in concentrated urine). Urine concentration should be incorporated into the interpretation of automated microscopic urinalysis in young infants. Pyuria thresholds of 3 WBC/HPF in dilute urine and 6 WBC/HPF in concentrated urine are recommended for the presumptive diagnosis of UTI. Without correction of specific gravity, positive LE by automated dipstick is a reliably strong indicator of UTI. Copyright © 2016 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Triglycerides and glucose index: a useful indicator of insulin resistance.

PubMed

Unger, Gisela; Benozzi, Silvia Fabiana; Perruzza, Fernando; Pennacchiotti, Graciela Laura

2014-12-01

Insulin resistance assessment requires sophisticated methodology of difficult application. Therefore, different estimators for this condition have been suggested. The aim of this study was to evaluate the triglycerides and glucose (TyG) index as a marker of insulin resistance and to compare it to the triglycerides/HDL cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C), in subjects with and without metabolic syndrome (MS). An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on 525 adults of a population from Bahia Blanca, Argentina, who were divided into two groups: with MS (n=89) and without MS (n=436). The discriminating capacities for MS of the TyG index, calculated as Ln (TG [mg/dL] x glucose [mg/dL]/2), and the TG/HDL-C ratio were evaluated. Pre-test probability for MS was 30%. The mean value of the TyG index was higher in the group with MS as compared to the group without MS and its correlation with the TG/HDL-C ratio was good. The cut-off values for MS in the overall population were 8.8 for the TyG index (sensitivity=79%, specificity=86%), and 2.4 for the TG/HDL-C ratio (sensitivity=88%, specificity=72%). The positive likelihood ratios and post-test probabilities for these parameters were 5.8 vs 3.1 and 72% vs 58% respectively. The cut-off point for the TyG index was 8.8 in men and 8.7 in women; the respective values for TG/C-HDL were 3.1 in men and 2.2 in women. The TyG index was a good discriminant of MS. Its simple calculation warrants its further study as an alternative marker of insulin resistance. Copyright © 2014 SEEN. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Brief screening questionnaires to identify problem drinking during pregnancy: a systematic review.

PubMed

Burns, Ethel; Gray, Ron; Smith, Lesley A

2010-04-01

Although prenatal screening for problem drinking during pregnancy has been recommended, guidance on screening instruments is lacking. We investigated the sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of brief alcohol screening questionnaires to identify problem drinking in pregnant women. Electronic databases from their inception to June 2008 were searched, as well as reference lists of eligible papers and related review papers. We sought cohort or cross-sectional studies that compared one or more brief alcohol screening questionnaire(s) with reference criteria obtained using structured interviews to detect 'at-risk' drinking, alcohol abuse or dependency in pregnant women receiving prenatal care. Five studies (6724 participants) were included. In total, seven instruments were evaluated: TWEAK (Tolerance, Worried, Eye-opener, Amnesia, Kut down), T-ACE [Take (number of drinks), Annoyed, Cut down, Eye-opener], CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilt, Eye-opener], NET (Normal drinker, Eye-opener, Tolerance), AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test), AUDIT-C (AUDIT-consumption) and SMAST (Short Michigan Alcohol Screening Test). Study quality was generally good, but lack of blinding was a common weakness. For risk drinking sensitivity was highest for T-ACE (69-88%), TWEAK (71-91%) and AUDIT-C (95%), with high specificity (71-89%, 73-83% and 85%, respectively). CAGE and SMAST performed poorly. Sensitivity of AUDIT-C at score >or=3 was high for past year alcohol dependence (100%) or alcohol use disorder (96%) with moderate specificity (71% each). For life-time alcohol dependency the AUDIT at score >or=8 performed poorly. T-ACE, TWEAK and AUDIT-C show promise for screening for risk drinking, and AUDIT-C may also be useful for identifying alcohol dependency or abuse. However, their performance as stand-alone tools is uncertain, and further evaluation of questionnaires for prenatal alcohol use is warranted.

Assessment of under nutrition of Bangladeshi adults using anthropometry: can body mass index be replaced by mid-upper-arm-circumference?

PubMed

Sultana, Tania; Karim, Md Nazmul; Ahmed, Tahmeed; Hossain, Md Iqbal

2015-01-01

Body-mass-index (BMI) is widely accepted as an indicator of nutritional status in adults. Mid-upper-arm-circumference (MUAC) is another anthropometric-measure used primarily among children. The present study attempted to evaluate the use of MUAC as a simpler alternative to BMI cut-off <18.5 to detect adult undernutrition, and thus to suggest a suitable cut-off value. A cross-sectional study in 650 adult attendants of the patients of Dhaka-Hospital, of the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) was conducted during 2012. Height, weight and MUAC of 260 male and 390 female aged 19-60 years were measured. Curve estimation was done to assess the linearity and correlation of BMI and MUAC. Sensitivity and specificity of MUAC against BMI<18.5 was determined. Separate Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed for male and female. Area under ROC curve and Youden's index were generated to aid selection of the most suitable cut-off value of MUAC for undernutrition. A value with highest Youden's index was chosen for cut-off. Our data shows strong significant positive correlation (linear) between MUAC and BMI, for males r = 0.81, (p<0.001) and for females r = 0.828, (p<0.001). MUAC cut-off <25.1 cm in males (AUC 0.930) and <23.9 cm in females (AUC 0.930) were chosen separately based on highest corresponding Youden's index. These values best correspond with BMI cut-off for under nutrition (BMI <18.5) in either gender. MUAC correlates closely with BMI. For the simplicity and easy to remember MUAC <25 cm for male and <24 cm for female may be considered as a simpler alternative to BMI cut-off <18.5 to detect adult undernutrition.

Characterizing Dust from Cutting Corian®, a Solid-Surface Composite Material, in a Laboratory Testing System.

PubMed

Qi, Chaolong; Echt, Alan; Murata, Taichi K

2016-06-01

We conducted a laboratory test to characterize dust from cutting Corian(®), a solid-surface composite material, with a circular saw. Air samples were collected using filters and direct-reading instruments in an automatic laboratory testing system. The average mass concentrations of the total and respirable dusts from the filter samples were 4.78±0.01 and 1.52±0.01mg cm(-3), respectively, suggesting about 31.8% mass of the airborne dust from cutting Corian(®) is respirable. Analysis of the metal elements on the filter samples reveals that aluminum hydroxide is likely the dominant component of the airborne dust from cutting Corian(®), with the total airborne and respirable dusts containing 86.0±6.6 and 82.2±4.1% aluminum hydroxide, respectively. The results from the direct-reading instruments confirm that the airborne dust generated from cutting Corian(®) were mainly from the cutting process with very few particles released from the running circular saw alone. The number-based size distribution of the dusts from cutting Corian(®) had a peak for fine particles at 1.05 µm with an average total concentration of 871.9 particles cm(-3), and another peak for ultrafine particles at 11.8nm with an average total concentration of 1.19×10(6) particles cm(-3) The small size and high concentration of the ultrafine particles suggest additional investigation is needed to study their chemical composition and possible contribution to pulmonary effect. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society 2016.

Characterizing Dust from Cutting Corian®, a Solid-Surface Composite Material, in a Laboratory Testing System

PubMed Central

Qi, Chaolong; Echt, Alan; Murata, Taichi K

2016-01-01

We conducted a laboratory test to characterize dust from cutting Corian®, a solid-surface composite material, with a circular saw. Air samples were collected using filters and direct-reading instruments in an automatic laboratory testing system. The average mass concentrations of the total and respirable dusts from the filter samples were 4.78±0.01 and 1.52±0.01 mg cm−3, respectively, suggesting about 31.8% mass of the airborne dust from cutting Corian® is respirable. Analysis of the metal elements on the filter samples reveals that aluminum hydroxide is likely the dominant component of the airborne dust from cutting Corian®, with the total airborne and respirable dusts containing 86.0%±6.6% and 82.2%±4.1% aluminum hydroxide, respectively. The results from the direct-reading instruments confirm that the airborne dust generated from cutting Corian® were mainly from the cutting process with very few particles released from the running circular saw alone. The number-based size distribution of the dusts from cutting Corian® had a peak for fine particles at 1.05 µm with an average total concentration of 871.9 particles cm−3, and another peak for ultrafine particles at 11.8 nm with an average total concentration of 1.19×106 particles cm−3. The small size and high concentration of the ultrafine particles suggest additional investigation is needed to study their chemical composition and possible contribution to pulmonary effect. PMID:26872962

The impact of lowering the cut-off value on the sensitivity of the Platelia Elisa IgG (Bio-Rad) test for toxoplasmosis diagnosis

PubMed Central

Mouri, Oussama; Kendjo, Eric; Touafek, Feriel; Fekkar, Arnaud; Konte, Ousmane; Imbert, Sebastien; Courtin, Régis; Mazier, Dominique; Paris, Luc

2015-01-01

Determining specific immune status against Toxoplasma gondii is essential for assessing the risk of reactivation in immunocompromised patients or defining serological monitoring and appropriate prophylactic measures during pregnancy. In France, toxoplasmosis serological screening requires systematic testing for IgM and IgG antibodies. The Platelia Toxo IgG and IgM test (Bio-Rad) is one of the most widely used tests for anti-toxoplasmic antibody detection. We performed a study on 384 sera, including 123 IgG negative (<6 IU/mL) and 261 IgG equivocal (6–9 IU/mL) sera tested with Platelia Toxo IgG and collected during routine screening at Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France to determine the best-performing IgG titer cut-off value. Out of these 383 sera, 298 were IgM negative by Platelia Toxo IgM and 86 were IgM positive. All sera were also tested against Toxo IgG II LD BIO western blot test as confirmation. Our results indicated that an IgG titer cut-off value of ≥4.4 IU/mL for the Platelia Toxo IgG met the definition of positivity, a value significantly lower than that indicated by the manufacturers. In the presence of IgM antibodies, the IgG titer cut-off decreased significantly to a value ≥0.2 IU/mL. This latter cut-off also allowed adequate diagnosis of proven toxoplasmosis seroconversion in 76.7% of cases (33/43). Our findings may improve toxoplasmosis care by reducing therapeutic intervention time and eliminating the need for further serological monitoring. PMID:26187780

The impact of lowering the cut-off value on the sensitivity of the Platelia Elisa IgG (Bio-Rad) test for toxoplasmosis diagnosis.

PubMed

Mouri, Oussama; Kendjo, Eric; Touafek, Feriel; Fekkar, Arnaud; Konte, Ousmane; Imbert, Sebastien; Courtin, Régis; Mazier, Dominique; Paris, Luc

2015-01-01

Determining specific immune status against Toxoplasma gondii is essential for assessing the risk of reactivation in immunocompromised patients or defining serological monitoring and appropriate prophylactic measures during pregnancy. In France, toxoplasmosis serological screening requires systematic testing for IgM and IgG antibodies. The Platelia Toxo IgG and IgM test (Bio-Rad) is one of the most widely used tests for anti-toxoplasmic antibody detection. We performed a study on 384 sera, including 123 IgG negative (<6 IU/mL) and 261 IgG equivocal (6-9 IU/mL) sera tested with Platelia Toxo IgG and collected during routine screening at Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France to determine the best-performing IgG titer cut-off value. Out of these 383 sera, 298 were IgM negative by Platelia Toxo IgM and 86 were IgM positive. All sera were also tested against Toxo IgG II LD BIO western blot test as confirmation. Our results indicated that an IgG titer cut-off value of ≥4.4 IU/mL for the Platelia Toxo IgG met the definition of positivity, a value significantly lower than that indicated by the manufacturers. In the presence of IgM antibodies, the IgG titer cut-off decreased significantly to a value ≥0.2 IU/mL. This latter cut-off also allowed adequate diagnosis of proven toxoplasmosis seroconversion in 76.7% of cases (33/43). Our findings may improve toxoplasmosis care by reducing therapeutic intervention time and eliminating the need for further serological monitoring. © O. Mouri et al., published by EDP Sciences, 2015.

The MOVES (Motor tic, Obsessions and compulsions, Vocal tic Evaluation Survey): cross-cultural evaluation of the French version and additional psychometric assessment.

PubMed

Jalenques, Isabelle; Guiguet-Auclair, Candy; Derost, Philippe; Joubert, Pauline; Foures, Louis; Hartmann, Andreas; Muellner, Julia; Rondepierre, Fabien

2018-03-01

The Motor tic, Obsessions and compulsions, Vocal tic Evaluation Survey (MOVES) is a self-report scale suggested as a severity scale for tics and related sensory phenomena observed in Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) and recommended as a screening instrument by the Committee on Rating Scale Development of the International Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Society. To cross-culturally adapt a French version of the MOVES and to evaluate its psychometric properties. After the cross-cultural adaptation of the MOVES, we assessed its psychometric properties in 53 patients aged 12-16 years and in 54 patients aged 16 years and above: reliability and construct validity (relationships between items and scales), internal consistency and concurrent validity with the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) and the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS) or the auto-Yale-Brown scale. The results showed very good acceptability with response rates greater than 92%, good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.62 and 0.89) and good test-retest reliability (ICCs ranging from 0.59 to 0.91). Concurrent validity with the YGTSS, CY-BOCS and auto-Yale-Brown scales showed strong expected correlations. The cut-off points tested for diagnostic performance gave satisfactory values of sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. Our study provides evidence of the good psychometric properties of the French version of the MOVES. The cross-cultural adaptation of this specific instrument will allow investigators to include French-speaking persons with GTS aged 12 years and over in national and international collaboration research projects.

The effect of disk type and cutting speed on the micro-tensile bond strength of ceramic specimens to resin cement.

PubMed

Castro, Martha C C; Sadek, Fernanda T; Batitucci, Eduardo; Miranda, Mauro S

2014-01-01

The bond strength of dental materials has been evaluated by tensile testing of micro-specimens. The cutting process used to obtain specimens may influence the results. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of different types of diamond disks and cutting speeds on the bond strength of ceramic specimens and on specimen integrity. Lithium disilicate-based ceramic cubes were bonded with resin cement to composite resin cubes, according to the manufacturers' instructions. The ceramic/cement/resin blocks thus obtained were divided into two groups to be cut with Buehler(®) or Extec(®) disks and then sectioned at cutting speeds of 200 rpm and 400 rpm. The results showed that the bond strength values were affected by the cutting speed and disk/speed interaction (p<0.05). SEM analysis revealed better specimen properties when the blocks were cut at 200 rpm. It was concluded that ceramic specimens must be cut at low speeds.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency among Yemeni children residing in malaria-endemic areas of Hodeidah governorate and evaluation of a rapid diagnostic test for its detection.

PubMed

Abdul-Ghani, Rashad; Mahdy, Mohammed A K; Saif-Ali, Reyadh; Alkubati, Sameer A; Alqubaty, Abdulhabib R; Al-Mikhlafy, Abdullah A; Al-Eryani, Samira M; Al-Mekhlafi, Abdusalam M; Alhaj, Ali

2016-06-21

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, the most common genetic enzymopathy worldwide, is associated with an acute haemolytic anaemia in individuals exposed to primaquine. The present study aimed to determine G6PD deficiency among Yemeni children in malaria-endemic areas as well as to assess the performance of the CareStart™ G6PD rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for its detection. A cross-sectional study recruiting 400 children from two rural districts in Hodeidah governorate was conducted. Socio-demographic data and blood samples were collected and G6PD deficiency was qualitatively detected in fresh blood in the field using the CareStart™ G6PD RDT, while the enzymatic assay was used to quantitatively measure enzyme activity. Performance of the CareStart™ G6PD RDT was assessed by calculating its sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) against the reference enzymatic assay. The ranges of enzyme activity were 0.14-18.45 and 0.21-15.94 units/g haemoglobin (U/gHb) for males and females, respectively. However, adjusted male median G6PD activity was 5.0 U/gHb. Considering the adjusted male median as representing 100 % normal enzyme activity, the prevalence rates of G6PD deficiency were 12.0 and 2.3 % at the cut-off activities of ≤60 and ≤10 %, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that gender, district of residence and consanguinity between parents were independent risk factors for G6PD deficiency at the cut-off activity of ≤30 % of normal. The CareStart™ G6PD RDT showed 100 % sensitivity and NPV for detecting G6PD deficiency at the cut-off activities of ≤10 and ≤20 % of normal activity compared to the reference enzymatic method. However, it showed specificity levels of 90.0 and 95.4 % as well as positive/deficient predictive values (PPVs) of 18.0 and 66.0 % at the cut-off activities of ≤10 and ≤20 %, respectively, compared to the reference method. G6PD deficiency with enzyme activity of ≤60 % of normal is prevalent among 12.0 % of children residing in malaria-endemic areas of Hodeidah governorate, with 2.3 % having severe G6PD deficiency. Gender, district of residence and consanguinity between parents are significant independent predictors of G6PD deficiency at the cut-off activity of ≤30 % of normal among children in malaria-endemic areas of Hodeidah. The CareStart™ G6PD RDT proved reliable as a point-of-care test to screen for severely G6PD-deficient patients, with 100 % sensitivity and NPV, and it can be used for making clinical decisions prior to the administration of primaquine in malaria elimination strategies.

Ultrasound versus liver function tests for diagnosis of common bile duct stones.

PubMed

Gurusamy, Kurinchi Selvan; Giljaca, Vanja; Takwoingi, Yemisi; Higgie, David; Poropat, Goran; Štimac, Davor; Davidson, Brian R

2015-02-26

Ultrasound and liver function tests (serum bilirubin and serum alkaline phosphatase) are used as screening tests for the diagnosis of common bile duct stones in people suspected of having common bile duct stones. There has been no systematic review of the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and liver function tests. To determine and compare the accuracy of ultrasound versus liver function tests for the diagnosis of common bile duct stones. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, BIOSIS, and Clinicaltrials.gov to September 2012. We searched the references of included studies to identify further studies and systematic reviews identified from various databases (Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Health Technology Assessment, Medion, and ARIF (Aggressive Research Intelligence Facility)). We did not restrict studies based on language or publication status, or whether data were collected prospectively or retrospectively. We included studies that provided the number of true positives, false positives, false negatives, and true negatives for ultrasound, serum bilirubin, or serum alkaline phosphatase. We only accepted studies that confirmed the presence of common bile duct stones by extraction of the stones (irrespective of whether this was done by surgical or endoscopic methods) for a positive test result, and absence of common bile duct stones by surgical or endoscopic negative exploration of the common bile duct, or symptom-free follow-up for at least six months for a negative test result as the reference standard in people suspected of having common bile duct stones. We included participants with or without prior diagnosis of cholelithiasis; with or without symptoms and complications of common bile duct stones, with or without prior treatment for common bile duct stones; and before or after cholecystectomy. At least two authors screened abstracts and selected studies for inclusion independently. Two authors independently collected data from each study. Where meta-analysis was possible, we used the bivariate model to summarise sensitivity and specificity. Five studies including 523 participants reported the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound. One studies (262 participants) compared the accuracy of ultrasound, serum bilirubin and serum alkaline phosphatase in the same participants. All the studies included people with symptoms. One study included only participants without previous cholecystectomy but this information was not available from the remaining studies. All the studies were of poor methodological quality. The sensitivities for ultrasound ranged from 0.32 to 1.00, and the specificities ranged from 0.77 to 0.97. The summary sensitivity was 0.73 (95% CI 0.44 to 0.90) and the specificity was 0.91 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.95). At the median pre-test probability of common bile duct stones of 0.408, the post-test probability (95% CI) associated with positive ultrasound tests was 0.85 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.91), and negative ultrasound tests was 0.17 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.33).The single study of liver function tests reported diagnostic accuracy at two cut-offs for bilirubin (greater than 22.23 μmol/L and greater than twice the normal limit) and two cut-offs for alkaline phosphatase (greater than 125 IU/L and greater than twice the normal limit). This study also assessed ultrasound and reported higher sensitivities for bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase at both cut-offs but the specificities of the markers were higher at only the greater than twice the normal limit cut-off. The sensitivity for ultrasound was 0.32 (95% CI 0.15 to 0.54), bilirubin (cut-off greater than 22.23 μmol/L) was 0.84 (95% CI 0.64 to 0.95), and alkaline phosphatase (cut-off greater than 125 IU/L) was 0.92 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.99). The specificity for ultrasound was 0.95 (95% CI 0.91 to 0.97), bilirubin (cut-off greater than 22.23 μmol/L) was 0.91 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.94), and alkaline phosphatase (cut-off greater than 125 IU/L) was 0.79 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.84). No study reported the diagnostic accuracy of a combination of bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase, or combinations with ultrasound. Many people may have common bile duct stones in spite of having a negative ultrasound or liver function test. Such people may have to be re-tested with other modalities if the clinical suspicion of common bile duct stones is very high because of their symptoms. False-positive results are also possible and further non-invasive testing is recommended to confirm common bile duct stones to avoid the risks of invasive testing.It should be noted that these results were based on few studies of poor methodological quality and the results for ultrasound varied considerably between studies. Therefore, the results should be interpreted with caution. Further studies of high methodological quality are necessary to determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and liver function tests.

A sensitive assay for urinary cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine shows more positive results and longer half-lives than those using traditional cut-offs.

PubMed

Nickley, Joyce; Pesce, Amadeo J; Krock, Kevin

2017-08-01

Cocaine is a common drug of abuse. To detect its use, a screening detection concentration for the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine is commonly set at 150 ng/mL and its confirmatory cut-off is set at 100 ng/mL. Studies have suggested that these cut-offs may be set too high, allowing some patients with this substance abuse problem to be missed or improperly monitored. With the advent of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technology it is possible to reliably detect and quantify lower concentrations of its metabolite benzoylecgonine as part of a larger drug panel. One purpose of the study was to establish if there was a significant increase in detection of cocaine use with a ten-fold more sensitive cut-off. A very sensitive dilute and shoot assay for benzoylecgonine was developed with a lower limit of quantitation of 5 ng/mL. Validation of the 5 ng/mL cut-off was achieved by plotting all the positive cocaine observations as a frequency distribution on a logarithmic scale. The number of positive results with measurable concentrations below the typical industry 100 ng/mL cut-off level but above the high sensitivity 5 ng/mL cut-off level was observed to be 51.9% of the observed positives. The lower cut-off also allowed a re-evaluation of the window of detection after cessation of use. It was observed to be between 17 and 22 days. © 2016 Precision Diagnostics, LLC. Drug Testing and Analysis published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2016 Precision Diagnostics, LLC. Drug Testing and Analysis published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Quantum cutting in nanoparticles producing two green photons

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

Lorbeer, C; Mudring, Anja -V

2014-01-01

A synthetic route to nanoscale NaGdF4:Ln is presented which allows for quantum cutting based on the Gd-Er-Tb system. This shows, that cross-relaxation and other energy transfer processes necessary for multiphoton emission can be achieved in nanoparticles even if the large surface and the potentially huge amount of killer traps would suggest a lack of subsequent emission.

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

PubMed

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

2000-01-01

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

Design and Characterization of the UTIAS Anechoic Wind Tunnel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chow, Derrick H. F.

The anechoic open-jet wind tunnel facility at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies was updated and characterized to meet the needs of current and future aeroacoustic experiments. The wind tunnel inlet was resurfaced and flow-conditioning screens were redesigned to improve the freestream turbulence intensity to below 0.4% in the test section. The circular nozzle was replaced with a square secondary contraction that increased the maximum test section velocity to 75 m/s and improved flow uniformity to over 99% across a usable cross-sectional area of 500 mm x 500 mm. Acoustic baffles were installed in front of the wind tunnel inlet and foam wedges were installed in the anechoic chamber. The overall background sound pressure levels in the chamber were improved by 8-18 db over the range of operational freestream velocities. The anechoic chamber cut-off frequency is 170 Hz and the reverberation time for a 60 dB sound power decay is 0.032 s.

Microtensile bond strength of composite resin to human enamel prepared using erbium: Yttrium aluminum garnet laser.

PubMed

Delfino, Carina Sinclér; Souza-Zaroni, Wanessa Christine; Corona, Silmara Aparecida Milori; Palma-Dibb, Regina Guenka

2007-02-01

The Erbium: Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) laser used for preparation of cavity can alter the substrate and it could influence the bond strength of enamel. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of Er:YAG laser's energy using microtensile bond test. Three groups were obtained (cavity preparation) and each group was divided into two subgroups (adhesive system). After that the adhesive protocol was performed, sections with a cross-sectional area of 0.8 mm2 (+/-0.2 mm2) were obtained. The specimens were mounted in a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min). Statistical analysis showed a decrease in bond strength for lased groups (p < 0.01) and when the total-etching adhesive system was used the laser 300 mJ subgroup showed higher bond strength compared to the laser 250 mJ (p < 0.01). It was concluded that the cavities prepared using laser appear less receptive to adhesive procedures than conventional bur-cut cavities. Copyright 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Strength of One-Piece Solid, Build-Up and Laminated Wood Airplane Wing Beams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nelson, John H

1920-01-01

The purpose of this report is to summarize the results of all wood airplane wing beams tested to date in the Bureau of Standards Laboratory in order that the various kinds of wood and methods of construction may be compared. All beams tested were of an I section and the majority were somewhat similar in size and cross section to the front wing beam of the Curtiss JN-4 machine. Construction methods may be classed as (1) solid beams cut from solid stock; (2) three-piece beams, built up of three pieces, web and flanges glued together by a tongue-and-groove joint and (3) laminated beams built up of thin laminations of wood glued together.

Comparative Assessment of Cutting Inserts and Optimization during Hard Turning: Taguchi-Based Grey Relational Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venkata Subbaiah, K.; Raju, Ch.; Suresh, Ch.

2017-08-01

The present study aims to compare the conventional cutting inserts with wiper cutting inserts during the hard turning of AISI 4340 steel at different workpiece hardness. Type of insert, hardness, cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut are taken as process parameters. Taguchi’s L18 orthogonal array was used to conduct the experimental tests. Parametric analysis carried in order to know the influence of each process parameter on the three important Surface Roughness Characteristics (Ra, Rz, and Rt) and Material Removal Rate. Taguchi based Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) used to optimize the process parameters for individual response and multi-response outputs. Additionally, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) is also applied to identify the most significant factor.

The role of urinary fractionated metanephrines in the diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma

PubMed Central

Jeyaraman, Kanakamani; Natarajan, Vasanthi; Thomas, Nihal; Jacob, Paul Mazhuvanchary; Nair, Aravindan; Shanthly, Nylla; Oommen, Regi; Varghese, Gracy; Joseph, Fleming Jude; Seshadri, Mandalam Subramaniam; Rajaratnam, Simon

2013-01-01

Background & objectives: Plasma and urinary metanephrines are used as screening tests for the diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma. The recommended cut-off levels are not standardized. This study was conducted to identify a cut-off level for 24 h urinary fractionated metanephrines viz. metanephrine (uMN) and normetanephrine (uNMN) using enzyme immunoassay for the diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma. Methods: Consecutive patients suspected to have phaeochromocytoma were included in the study. uMN and uNMN in 24 h urinary sample were measured using a commercial ELISA kit. Results: Overall, 72 patients were included over a period of 18 months. Twenty patients had histopathologically confirmed phaeochromocytoma and in 52 patients phaeochromocytoma was ruled out. Using the upper limit of normal stated by the assay manufacturer as the cut-off, uMN >350 μg/day had a low sensitivity and uNMN >600 μg/day had a poor specificity. By increasing the cut-off value of uNMN to twice the upper limit, specificity increased significantly without much loss in sensitivity. Combining uMN and uNMN using a cut-off twice the upper limit improved the diagnostic performance - sensitivity (95%); specificity (92.3%); positive predictive value (PPV - 82.6%); negative predictive value (NPV - 98%). In subsets of patients with a variable pretest probability for phaeochromocytoma, the PPV correlates well with the occurred of these tumors decreased, while the NPV remained at 100 per cent. Interpretation & conclusions: ELISA is a simple and reliable method for measuring uMN and uNMN. The test has a good NPV and can be used as an initial screening test for ruling out phaeochromocytoma. Each hospital will have to define the cut-off value for the assay being used, choosing a proper control population. PMID:23563375

The role of urinary fractionated metanephrines in the diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma.

PubMed

Jeyaraman, Kanakamani; Natarajan, Vasanthi; Thomas, Nihal; Jacob, Paul Mazhuvanchary; Nair, Aravindan; Shanthly, Nylla; Oommen, Regi; Varghese, Gracy; Joseph, Fleming Jude; Seshadri, Mandalam Subramaniam; Rajaratnam, Simon

2013-02-01

Plasma and urinary metanephrines are used as screening tests for the diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma. The recommended cut-off levels are not standardized. This study was conducted to identify a cut-off level for 24 h urinary fractionated metanephrines viz. metanephrine (uMN) and normetanephrine (uNMN) using enzyme immunoassay for the diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma. Consecutive patients suspected to have phaeochromocytoma were included in the study. uMN and uNMN in 24 h urinary sample were measured using a commercial ELISA kit. Overall, 72 patients were included over a period of 18 months. Twenty patients had histopathologically confirmed phaeochromocytoma and in 52 patients phaeochromocytoma was ruled out. Using the upper limit of normal stated by the assay manufacturer as the cut-off, uMN >350 μg/day had a low sensitivity and uNMN >600 μg/day had a poor specificity. By increasing the cut-off value of uNMN to twice the upper limit, specificity increased significantly without much loss in sensitivity. Combining uMN and uNMN using a cut-off twice the upper limit improved the diagnostic performance - sensitivity (95%); specificity (92.3%); positive predictive value (PPV - 82.6%); negative predictive value (NPV - 98%). In subsets of patients with a variable pretest probability for phaeochromocytoma, the PPV correlates well with the occurred of these tumors decreased, while the NPV remained at 100 per cent. ELISA is a simple and reliable method for measuring uMN and uNMN. The test has a good NPV and can be used as an initial screening test for ruling out phaeochromocytoma. Each hospital will have to define the cut-off value for the assay being used, choosing a proper control population.

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

PubMed Central

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

2015-01-01

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

Cutting efficiency of a mid-infrared laser on human enamel.

PubMed

Levy, G; Koubi, G F; Miserendino, L J

1998-02-01

In this study, the cutting ability of a newly developed dental laser was compared with a dental high-speed handpiece and rotary bur for removal of enamel. Measurements of the volume of tissue removed, energy emitted, and time of exposure were used to quantify the ablation rate (rate of tissue removal) for each test group and compared. Cutting efficiency (mm3/s) of the laser was calculated based on the mean volume of tissue removed per pulse (mm3/pulse) and unit energy expended (mm3/J) over the range of applied powers (2, 4, 6, and 8 W). The specimens were then examined by light microscopy and scanning electron micrographs for qualitative analysis of the amount of remaining debris and the presence of the smear layer on the prepared enamel surface. Calculations of the cutting efficiency of the laser over the range of powers tested revealed a linear relationship with the level of applied power. The maximum average rate of tissue removal by the laser was 0.256 mm3/s at 8 W, compared with 0.945 mm3/s by the dental handpiece. Light microscopy and scanning electron micrograph examinations revealed a reduction in the amount of remaining debris and smear layer in the laser-prepared enamel surfaces, compared with the conventional method. Based on the results of this study, the cutting efficiency of the high-speed handpiece and dental bur was 3.7 times greater than the laser over the range of powers tested, but the laser appeared to create a cleaner enamel surface with minimal thermal damage. Further modifications of the laser system are suggested for improvement of laser cutting efficiency.

A Comparative Study of the Retentive Strengths of Commercial and Indigenously Developed Luting Cements using Both Lathe-cut and Clinically Simulated Specimens.

PubMed

Mathew, Joe; Kurian, Byju P; Philip, Biju; Mohammed, Sunil; Menon, Preetha; Raj, Rajan S

2016-08-01

Superior adhesive strength in luting agents is of paramount significance in fixed partial denture success. In this in vitro study five cements were tested for retentive qualities, using both lathe-cut and hand-prepared specimens. A total of 104 freshly extracted tooth specimens were prepared. Seventy of them were lathe-cut and 30 specimens were hand-prepared to simulate clinical conditions. Five different cements were tested, which included a compomer, a composite, a zinc phosphate, and 2 glass-ionomer luting cements. Of the 5, 2 trial cements were indigenously developed by Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum, India - a glass-ionomer cement (Chitra GIC) and a chemical-cure composite (Chitra CCC). All cements were compared within each group and between groups (lathe-prepared and hand-prepared). GC Fuji 1 (GC America) exhibited superior retentive strengths in both lathe-cut and hand-prepared specimens, whereas the compomer cement displayed the lowest values when tested. In lathe-cut specimens, statistical analysis showed no significant difference between GC Fuji 1 and indigenously developed Chitra CCC. Both Chitra CCC and GC Fuji 1 have comparable strengths in lathe-cut samples, making Chitra CCC a potential luting agent. Statistical analysis reveals that all cements, except GC Fuji 1, exhibited a significant decrease in strength due to the change in design uniformity. The chemical bonding of GC Fuji 1 proves to be quite strong irrespective of shape and precision of the tooth crown. The indigenously developed Chitra GIC and Chitra CCC showed promising results to be used as a potential luting agent.

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

Yuuichi Tooya; Tadahiro Washiya; Kenji Koizumi

Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has been leading feasibility study on commercialized fast reactor cycle systems in Japan. In this study, we have proposed a new disassembly technology by mechanical disassembly system that consists of a mechanical cutting step and a wrapper tube pulling step. In the mechanical disassembly system, high durability mechanical tool grinds the wrapper tube (Slit-cut (S/C) operation in circle direction), and then the wrapper tube is pulled out and removed from the fuel assembly. Then the fuel pins are cut (Crop-cut (C/C) operation at entrance nozzle side) and the entrance nozzle is removed. The fuel pinsmore » are transported to the shearing device in next process. The Fundamental tests were carried out with simulated FBR fuel pins and wrapper tube, and cutting performance and wrapper tube pulling performance has been confirmed by engineering scale. As results, we established an efficient disassembly procedure and the fundamental design of mechanical disassembly system. (authors)« less

Early language screening in city and Hackney: the concurrent validity of a measure designed for use with 2 1/2-year-olds.

PubMed

Law, J

1994-01-01

This paper reports data relating to the development of a screening test for language impairment in 2 1/2-year-old children. The screening test itself has previously been described. The results of a pilot study and a larger community study are reported. In all, 34 children were included in the pilot study and 1015 in the community study. The reference test selected was the Reynell Developmental Language Scales and the cut-off adopted 1.5 standard deviations below the mean for either the expressive or the receptive scale of the test concerned. The pass mark on the screening test was ascertained using receiver operating characteristics (ROC). The validity is reported given the cut-off identified. The specificity, sensitivity and both positive and negative predictive abilities are reported for both the pilot and the subsequent study. The application of the test is discussed in the context of the current debate about early identification.

Commissioning a hobby cutting device for radiochromic film preparation.

PubMed

Zolfaghari, Somayeh; Francis, Kirby E; Kairn, Tanya; Crowe, Scott B

2017-06-01

In addition to a high spatial resolution and well characterised dose response, one of the major advantages of radiochromic film as a dosimeter is that sheets of film can be cut into pieces suitable for use as calibration films, and for in vivo and phantom measurements. The cutting of film is typically done using scissors or a guillotine, and this process can be time-consuming, limited in precision, requires extensive handling and does not allow holes to be cut from the film without cutting from an existing edge. This study investigated the use of a Brother ScanNCut hobby cutting system for EBT3 film preparation. The optimal operating parameters (blade size, pressure, speed) that resulted in precise cuts with minimal delamination at cut edges were identified using test cutting patterns. These parameters were then used to cut a large film insert for a stereotactic head phantom for comparison against an insert cut with scissors. While the hobby cutting system caused a wider region of delamination at the film edge (1.8 mm) compared to scissors (1 mm), the hobby cutting system was found to be able to produce reproducible cuts more efficiently and more accurately than scissors. The use of the hobby cutting system is recommended for complex phantom inserts (containing sharp corners or holes for alignment rods) or in situations where large numbers of film pieces need to be prepared.

Experimental Analysis of the Influence of Drill Point Angle and Wear on the Drilling of Woven CFRPs

PubMed Central

Feito, Norberto; Díaz-Álvarez, José; Díaz-Álvarez, Antonio; Cantero, José Luis; Miguélez, María Henar

2014-01-01

This paper focuses on the effect of the drill geometry on the drilling of woven Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer composite (CFRPs). Although different geometrical effects can be considered in drilling CFRPs, the present work focuses on the influence of point angle and wear because they are the important factors influencing hole quality and machining forces. Surface quality was evaluated in terms of delamination and superficial defects. Three different point angles were tested representative of the geometries commonly used in the industry. Two wear modes were considered, being representative of the wear patterns commonly observed when drilling CFRPs: flank wear and honed cutting edge. It was found that the crossed influence of the point angle and wear were significant to the thrust force. Delamination at the hole entry and exit showed opposite trends with the change of geometry. Also, cutting parameters were checked showing the feed’s dominant influence on surface damage. PMID:28788675

Using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale to Screen for Depression in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

PubMed Central

Julian, Laura J.; Gregorich, Steven E.; Tonner, Chris; Yazdany, Jinoos; Trupin, Laura; Criswell, Lindsey A.; Yelin, ED; Katz, Patricia P.

2013-01-01

Objective Identifying persons with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at risk for depression would facilitate the identification and treatment of an important comorbidity conferring additional risk for poor outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of a brief screening measure, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), in detecting mood disorders in persons with SLE. Methods This cross-sectional study examined 150 persons with SLE. Screening cut points were empirically derived using threshold selection methods, and receiver operating characteristic curves were estimated. The empirically derived cut points of the CES-D were used as the screening measures and were compared to other commonly used CES-D cut points in addition to other commonly used methods to screen for depression. Diagnoses of major depressive disorder or other mood disorders were determined using a “gold standard” structured clinical interview. Results Of the 150 persons with SLE, 26% of subjects met criteria for any mood disorder and 17% met criteria for major depressive disorder. Optimal threshold estimations suggested a CES-D cut score of 24 and above, which yielded adequate sensitivity and specificity in detecting major depressive disorder (88% and 93%, respectively) and correctly classified 92% of participants. To detect the presence of any mood disorder, a cut score of 20 and above was suggested, yielding sensitivity and specificity of 87% and correctly classifying 87%. Conclusion These results suggest the CES-D may be a useful screening measure to identify patients at risk for depression. PMID:21312347

Comparative analysis of anthropometric indices of obesity as correlates and potential predictors of risk for hypertension and prehypertension in a population in Nigeria.

PubMed

Ononamadu, Chimaobi James; Ezekwesili, Chinwe Nonyelum; Onyeukwu, Onyemaechi Faith; Umeoguaju, Uchenna Francis; Ezeigwe, Obiajulu Christian; Ihegboro, Godwin Okwudiri

Obesity is a well-established independent risk factor for hypertension and other cardiometabolic disorders. However, the best anthropometric index of obesity that predicts or associates strongly with hypertension and related conditions remains controversial and inconclusive. This study compared the performance of eight anthropometric indices of obesity: body mass index (BMI), ponderal index (PI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-height ratio (WHtR), body adiposity index (BAI) and conicity index (CI) as correlates and potential predictors of risk of hypertension and prehypertension in a Nigerian population, and also the possible effect of combining two or more indices in that regard. This church-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Anambra state, south-eastern Nigeria from 2012 to 2013. A total of 912 persons (436 male and 476 female) drawn randomly from three major cities (Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi) in the state participated in the study. Information on demography, medical history and lifestyle were obtained using a well-structured and validated questionnaire. The systolic/diastolic blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were taken by well-trained personnel. The resulting data were analysed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, Poisson regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The mean values of all the anthropometric indices studied increased from normotension, through prehypertension to hypertension in both genders. BMI, WC, HC and CI were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in females than males. All the anthropometric indices studied were significantly (p < 0.001 except for CI) correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. BMI, WHtR, WC and PI (with higher correlation coefficients for blood pressure) showed the best potential to predict hypertension and prehypertension in the study: BMI (cut-off = 24.49, AUC = 0.698; cut-off = 23.62, AUC = 0.659), WHtR (cut-off = 0.55, AUC = 0.682; cut-off = 0.5, AUC = 0.636), WC (cut-off = 91.44, AUC = 0.692; cut-off = 82.55, AUC = 0.645), PI (cut-off = 14.45, AUC = 0.670; cut-off = 13.69, AUC = 0.639), in males; and BMI (cut-off = 24.44, AUC = 0.622; cut-off = 28.01, AUC = 0.609), WHtR (cut-off = 0.51, AUC = 0.624; cut-off = 0.6, AUC = 0.572), WC ( cut-off = 96.62, AUC = 0.616; cut-off = 96.52, AUC = 0.584), PI ( cut-off = 16.38, AUC = 0.619; cut-off = 17.65, AUC = 0.599), in females for hypertension and prehypertension, respectively. In predicting hypertension risk, WC and WHtR did not significantly improve the performance of BMI in the models when included using our decision rule. Overall, CI had a very poor discriminatory power for both conditions in this study. BMI, WHtR, WC and PI emerged the best predictors of hypertension risk, and BMI, WC and PI of prehypertension risk in this study. The combination of high-performing anthropometric indices in a model did not improve their performance. Therefore we recommend the simultaneous but independent use of BMI and either WC or WHtR for predicting hypertension, and BMI and WC for prehypertension risk, bearing in mind that both types of index (abdominal and general obesity) account for different forms of obesity.

Comparative analysis of anthropometric indices of obesity as correlates and potential predictors of risk for hypertension and prehypertension in a population in Nigeria

PubMed Central

Ononamadu, Chimaobi James; Ihegboro, Godwin Okwudiri; Ezekwesili, Chinwe Nonyelum; Onyeukwu, Onyemaechi Faith; Umeoguaju,, Uchenna Francis; Ezeigwe, Obiajulu Christian

2017-01-01

Summary Background: Obesity is a well-established independent risk factor for hypertension and other cardiometabolic disorders. However, the best anthropometric index of obesity that predicts or associates strongly with hypertension and related conditions remains controversial and inconclusive. Objective: This study compared the performance of eight anthropometric indices of obesity: body mass index (BMI), ponderal index (PI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist–hip ratio (WHR), waist–height ratio (WHtR), body adiposity index (BAI) and conicity index (CI) as correlates and potential predictors of risk of hypertension and prehypertension in a Nigerian population, and also the possible effect of combining two or more indices in that regard. Methods: This church-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Anambra state, south-eastern Nigeria from 2012 to 2013. A total of 912 persons (436 male and 476 female) drawn randomly from three major cities (Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi) in the state participated in the study. Information on demography, medical history and lifestyle were obtained using a well-structured and validated questionnaire. The systolic/diastolic blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were taken by well-trained personnel. The resulting data were analysed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, Poisson regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: The mean values of all the anthropometric indices studied increased from normotension, through prehypertension to hypertension in both genders. BMI, WC, HC and CI were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in females than males. All the anthropometric indices studied were significantly (p < 0.001 except for CI) correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. BMI, WHtR, WC and PI (with higher correlation coefficients for blood pressure) showed the best potential potential to predict hypertension and prehypertension in the study: BMI (cut-off = 24.49, AUC = 0.698; cut-off = 23.62, AUC = 0.659), WHtR (cut-off = 0.55, AUC = 0.682; cut-off = 0.5, AUC = 0.636), WC (cut-off = 91.44, AUC = 0.692; cut-off = 82.55, AUC = 0.645), PI (cut-off = 14.45, AUC = 0.670; cut-off = 13.69, AUC = 0.639), in males; and BMI (cut-off = 24.44, AUC = 0.622; cut-off = 28.01, AUC = 0.609), WHtR (cut-off = 0.51, AUC = 0.624; cut-off = 0.6, AUC = 0.572), WC (cut-off = 96.62, AUC = 0.616; cut-off = 96.52, AUC = 0.584), PI (cut-off = 16.38, AUC = 0.619; cut-off = 17.65, AUC = 0.599), in females for hypertension and prehypertension, respectively. In predicting hypertension risk, WC and WHtR did not significantly improve the performance of BMI in the models when included using our decision rule. Overall, CI had a very poor discriminatory power for both conditions in this study. Conclusion: BMI, WHtR, WC and PI emerged the best predictors of hypertension risk, and BMI, WC and PI of prehypertension risk in this study. The combination of high-performing anthropometric indices in a model did not improve their performance. Therefore we recommend the simultaneous but independent use of BMI and either WC or WHtR for predicting hypertension, and BMI and WC for prehypertension risk, bearing in mind that both types of index (abdominal and general obesity) account for different forms of obesity. PMID:27701484

Double burden: a cross-sectional survey assessing factors associated with underweight and overweight status in Danang, Vietnam

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Many low- to middle-income countries are faced with an increasing prevalence of overweight/obesity while that for underweight remains high, a duality termed “double burden”; both are key risk factors for chronic diseases. This cross-sectional study assesses the prevalence and factors for underweight and overweight/obesity among adults in Danang, Vietnam, using WHO standard and suggested Asian-specific BMI cut-offs. Methods In 2010, 1713 residents age ≥35 years from 900 households in 6 of 56 urban, rural and mixed urban–rural communes in Danang were selected using multistage-cluster sampling methodology to participate; 1621 qualified adults enrolled. Participants completed a health survey based on WHO STEPwise Approach to Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance and additional questions on chest pain and stroke symptoms. Anthropometric and other measurements were conducted. Relative risk regression was used to identify independent risk factors for underweight or overweight/obesity according to WHO standard cut-offs and suggested Asian-specific cut-offs (<18.5 kg/m2 or 23–27.49 kg/m2; and ≥27.5 kg/m2). Results We observed 12.4% prevalence of underweight and 16.0% for overweight/obesity using WHO standard. The prevalence of overweight/obesity doubled (33.7%) when Asian-specific cut-offs were applied. For both definitions, rural communes had the highest prevalence of underweight while urban communes had the highest prevalence of overweight/obesity. Being underweight was associated with less urbanization. Factors independently associated with being underweight included older age, rural living, current smoking, and lower systolic pressure. Factors independently associated with Asian-specific BMI definition for being overweight/obese included older age, urbanization, higher systolic pressure, and diabetes. Age was not an independent factor with WHO standard cut-offs; however, myocarial infarction and diabetes showed strong associations. Conclusions The double burden of underweight and overweight/obesity observed in Danang is consistent with patterns found for large cities in Vietnam that are undergoing rapid economic growth and urbanization of lifestyle. Factors independently associated with underweight and overweight/obesity status by WHO standard and Asian-specific definitions include urbanization and modifiable lifestyle factors. Further studies are needed to define ethnic specific BMI cut-offs for Vietnam and to explore strategies to reduce the rising prevalence of overweight/obesity. PMID:23316727

The Usability of Noise Level from Rock Cutting for the Prediction of Physico-Mechanical Properties of Rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delibalta, M. S.; Kahraman, S.; Comakli, R.

2015-11-01

Because the indirect tests are easier and cheaper than the direct tests, the prediction of rock properties from the indirect testing methods is important especially for the preliminary investigations. In this study, the predictability of the physico-mechanical rock properties from the noise level measured during cutting rock with diamond saw was investigated. Noise measurement test, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) test, Brazilian tensile strength (BTS) test, point load strength (Is) test, density test, and porosity test were carried out on 54 different rock types in the laboratory. The results were statistically analyzed to derive estimation equations. Strong correlations between the noise level and the mechanical rock properties were found. The relations follow power functions. Increasing rock strength increases the noise level. Density and porosity also correlated strongly with the noise level. The relations follow linear functions. Increasing density increases the noise level while increasing porosity decreases the noise level. The developed equations are valid for the rocks with a compressive strength below 150 MPa. Concluding remark is that the physico-mechanical rock properties can reliably be estimated from the noise level measured during cutting the rock with diamond saw.

Testing of an actively damped boring bar featuring structurally integrated PZT stack actuators

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

Redmond, J.; Barney, P.

This paper summarizes the results of cutting tests performed using an actively damped boring bar to minimize chatter in metal cutting. A commercially available 2 inch diameter boring bar was modified to incorporate PZT stack actuators for controlling tool bending vibrations encountered during metal removal. The extensional motion of the actuators induce bending moments in the host structure through a two-point preloaded mounting scheme. Cutting tests performed at various speeds and depths of cuts on a hardened steel workpiece illustrate the bar`s effectiveness toward eliminating chatter vibrations and improving workpiece surface finish.

Rooting cuttings of shrub species for plantings in California wildlands

Treesearch

Eamor C. Nord; J. R. Goodin

1970-01-01

Selected shrub species are being studied in southern California for their possible fuel volume or slow burning characteristics. In propagation tests, five species-fourwing, Gardner's, Nuttall's, and allscale saltbushes; and creeping sage - rooted successfully from green tip and ripewood stem cuttings taken in spring and fall and placed under intermittent mist...

Utility of functional status for classifying community versus institutional discharges after inpatient rehabilitation for stroke.

PubMed

Reistetter, Timothy A; Graham, James E; Deutsch, Anne; Granger, Carl V; Markello, Samuel; Ottenbacher, Kenneth J

2010-03-01

To evaluate the ability of patient functional status to differentiate between community and institutional discharges after rehabilitation for stroke. Retrospective cross-sectional design. Inpatient rehabilitation facilities contributing to the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation. Patients (N=157,066) receiving inpatient rehabilitation for stroke from 2006 and 2007. Not applicable. Discharge FIM rating and discharge setting (community vs institutional). Approximately 71% of the sample was discharged to the community. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed that FIM total performed as well as or better than FIM motor and FIM cognition subscales in differentiating discharge settings. Area under the curve for FIM total was .85, indicating very good ability to identify persons discharged to the community. A FIM total rating of 78 was identified as the optimal cut point for distinguishing between positive (community) and negative (institution) tests. This cut point yielded balanced sensitivity and specificity (both=.77). Discharge planning is complex, involving many factors. Identifying a functional threshold for classifying discharge settings can provide important information to assist in this process. Additional research is needed to determine if the risks and benefits of classification errors justify shifting the cut point to weight either sensitivity or specificity of FIM ratings. Copyright 2010 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evidence for repetitive load in the trapezius muscle during a tapping task.

PubMed

Tomatis, L; Müller, C; Nakaseko, M; Läubli, T

2012-08-01

Many studies describe the trapezius muscle activation pattern during repetitive key-tapping focusing on continuous activation. The objectives of this study were to determine whether the upper trapezius is phasically active during supported key tapping, whether this activity is cross-correlated with forearm muscle activity, and whether trapezius activity depends on key characteristic. Thirteen subjects (29.7 ± 11.4 years) were tested. Surface EMG of the finger's extensor and flexor and of the trapezius muscles, as well as the key on-off signal was recorded while the subject performed a 2-min session of key tapping at 4 Hz. The linear envelopes obtained were cut into single tapping cycles extending from one onset to the next onset signal and subsequently time-normalized. Effect size between mean range and maximal standard deviation was calculated to determine as to whether a burst of trapezius muscle activation was present. Cross-correlation was used to determine the time-lag of the activity bursts between forearm and trapezius muscles. For each person the mean and standard deviation of the cross-correlations coefficient between forearm muscles and trapezius were determined. Results showed a burst of activation in the trapezius muscle during most of the tapping cycles. The calculated effect size was ≥0.5 in 67% of the cases. Cross-correlation factors between forearm and trapezius muscle activity were between 0.75 and 0.98 for both extensor and flexor muscles. The cross-correlated phasic trapezius activity did not depend on key characteristics. Trapezius muscle was dynamically active during key tapping; its activity was clearly correlated with forearm muscles' activity.

Study on design and cutting parameters of rotating needles for core biopsy.

PubMed

Giovannini, Marco; Ren, Huaqing; Cao, Jian; Ehmann, Kornel

2018-06-15

Core needle biopsies are widely adopted medical procedures that consist in the removal of biological tissue to better identify a lesion or an abnormality observed through a physical exam or a radiology scan. These procedures can provide significantly more information than most medical tests and they are usually performed on bone lesions, breast masses, lymph nodes and the prostate. The quality of the samples mainly depends on the forces exerted by the needle during the cutting process. The reduction of these forces is critical to extract high-quality tissue samples. The most critical factors that affect the cutting forces are the geometry of the needle tip and its motion while it is penetrating the tissue. However, optimal needle tip configurations and cutting parameters are not well established for rotating insertions. In this paper, the geometry and cutting forces of hollow needles are investigated. The fundamental goal of this study is to provide a series of guidelines for clinicians and surgeons to properly select the optimal tip geometries and speeds. Analytical models related to the cutting angles of several needle tip designs are presented and compared. Several needle tip geometries were manufactured from a 14-gauge cannula, commonly adopted during breast biopsies. The needles were then tested at different speeds and on different phantom tissues. According to these experimental measurements recommendations were formulated for rotating needle insertions. The findings of this study can be applied and extended to several biopsy procedures in which a cannula is used to extract tissue samples. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

New Mapping in the Sand Springs Range of Western Nevada Clarifies and Constrains Regional Deformation Sequences of the Luning-Fencemaker Thrust Belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czarnecki, S.; Jarvis, J.; Satterfield, J. I.

2016-12-01

The Sand Springs Range in western Nevada exposes Mesozoic through Cenozoic structures of the eastern Sierra Nevada, Luning-Fencemaker Thrust Belt (LFTB), Basin and Range province, and Walker Lane. A recent undergraduate geologic mapping project in the northern Sand Springs Range (nSSR) set out to map igneous intrusions in detail, specifically smaller intrusions which had not been a focus in previous work. This was accomplished using different techniques including mapping at a smaller scale (1:8000 vs. 1:24000), locating contacts and faults using handheld GPS, and focusing on relationships between metamorphic tectonites and igneous units. This revealed key cross-cutting relations between structures and diverse Triassic through Tertiary igneous rocks as well as distinctions between the nSSR and the surrounding LFTB assemblages. During our mapping we identified four metamorphic tectonite map units, Cretaceous granitoid and diorite plutons and sills, Tertiary rhyolite sills and dikes, and interbedded Tertiary basalt and ash flow tuff. The cross-cutting relations of these units overturn previously published sequences of events and constrain the timing of a deformation sequence which differs from the surrounding LFTB assemblages. We found that the nSSR contains three phases of deformation: a pre-LFTB syn-metamorphic event which achieved amphibolite facies that is not described elsewhere in the LFTB (D1), followed by two non-metamorphic folding and thrusting phases characteristic of the LFTB (D2 and D3). Our mapping provided four key timing constraints. First, D1 axial-planar cleavage (S1) deformed Triassic intrusions. Second, Cretaceous granitoid and diorite units cross-cut S1 foliation, D1 folds, and low-angle faults. Third, Cretaceous and Tertiary sills that locally terminate at a low-angle fault actually post-dated faulting. Fourth, cross-cutting relations showed a basaltic lava previously mapped as Jurassic is actually Tertiary. The large Sand Springs Pluton was the only intrusion mapped in detail during previous studies; but our mapping has demonstrated the importance of both small and large intrusions in understanding the overall structural history of a complex area. This project was supported by research grants from Angelo State University and the Southwest Section AAPG.

Food buying habits of people who buy wine or beer: cross sectional study.

PubMed

Johansen, Ditte; Friis, Karina; Skovenborg, Erik; Grønbaek, Morten

2006-03-04

To investigate whether people who buy wine buy healthier food items than those who buy beer. Cross sectional study. Supermarkets in Denmark. Data Information on number, type of item, and total charge from 3.5 million transactions over a period of six months. Wine buyers bought more olives, fruit and vegetables, poultry, cooking oil, and low fat cheese, milk, and meat than beer buyers. Beer buyers bought more ready cooked dishes, sugar, cold cuts, chips, pork, butter or margarine, sausages, lamb, and soft drinks than wine buyers. Wine buyers made more purchases of healthy food items than people who buy beer.

Tilting at wave beams: a new perspective on the St Andrew's Cross

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akylas, T. R.; Kataoka, T.; Ghaemsaidi, S. J.; Holzenberger, N.; Peacock, T.

2017-11-01

The generation of internal gravity waves by a vertically oscillating cylinder that is tilted to the horizontal in a stratified fluid of constant buoyancy frequency, is investigated theoretically and experimentally. This forcing arrangement leads to a variant of the classical St Andrew's Cross that has certain unique features: (i) radiation of wave beams is limited due to a lower cut-off frequency set by the cylinder tilt angle to the horizontal; (ii) the response is essentially three-dimensional, as end effects eventually come into play when the cut-off frequency is approached, however long a cylinder might be. These results follow from kinematic considerations and are also confirmed by laboratory experiments. The kinematic analysis, moreover, suggests a resonance phenomenon near the cut-off frequency, where viscous and nonlinear effects are likely to play an important part. This scenario is examined by an asymptotic model as well as experimentally. Supported in part by NSF Grant DMS-1512925.

Recommended aerobic fitness level for metabolic health in children and adolescents: a study of diagnostic accuracy.

PubMed

Adegboye, Amanda R A; Anderssen, Sigmund A; Froberg, Karsten; Sardinha, Luis B; Heitmann, Berit L; Steene-Johannessen, Jostein; Kolle, Elin; Andersen, Lars B

2011-07-01

To define the optimal cut-off for low aerobic fitness and to evaluate its accuracy to predict clustering of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents. Study of diagnostic accuracy using a cross-sectional database. European Youth Heart Study including Denmark, Portugal, Estonia and Norway. 4500 schoolchildren aged 9 or 15 years. Aerobic fitness was expressed as peak oxygen consumption relative to bodyweight (mlO(2)/min/kg). Risk factors included in the composite risk score (mean of z-scores) were systolic blood pressure, triglyceride, total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio, insulin resistance and sum of four skinfolds. 14.5% of the sample, with a risk score above one SD, were defined as being at risk. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to define the optimal cut-off for sex and age-specific distribution. In girls, the optimal cut-offs for identifying individuals at risk were: 37.4 mlO(2)/min/kg (9-year-old) and 33.0 mlO(2)/min/kg (15-year-old). In boys, the optimal cut-offs were 43.6 mlO(2)/min/kg (9-year-old) and 46.0 mlO(2)/min/kg (15-year-old). Specificity (range 79.3-86.4%) was markedly higher than sensitivity (range 29.7-55.6%) for all cut-offs. Positive predictive values ranged from 19% to 41% and negative predictive values ranged from 88% to 90%. The diagnostic accuracy for identifying children at risk, measured by the area under the curve (AUC), was significantly higher than what would be expected by chance (AUC >0.5) for all cut-offs. Aerobic fitness is easy to measure, and is an accurate tool for screening children with clustering of cardiovascular risk factors. Promoting physical activity in children with aerobic fitness level lower than the suggested cut-points might improve their health.

Prediction of sound radiation from different practical jet engine inlets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zinn, B. T.; Meyer, W. L.

1982-01-01

The computer codes necessary for this study were developed and checked against exact solutions generated by the point source method using the NASA Lewis QCSEE inlet geometry. These computer codes were used to predict the acoustic properties of the following five inlet configurations: the NASA Langley Bellmouth, the NASA Lewis JT15D-1 Ground Test Nacelle, and three finite hyperbolic inlets of 50, 70 and 90 degrees. Thirty-five computer runs were done for the NASA Langley Bellmouth. For each of these computer runs, the reflection coefficient at the duct exit plane was calculated as was the far field radiation pattern. These results are presented in both graphical and tabular form with many of the results cross plotted so that trends in the results verses cut-off ratio (wave number) and tangential mode number may be easily identified.

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

PubMed

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

2017-05-18

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

A cross sectional study on factors associated with harmful traditional practices among children less than 5 years in Axum town, north Ethiopia, 2013

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Every social grouping in the world has its own cultural practices and beliefs which guide its members on how they should live or behave. Harmful traditional practices that affect children are Female genital mutilation, Milk teeth extraction, Food taboo, Uvula cutting, keeping babies out of exposure to sun, and Feeding fresh butter to new born babies. The objective of this study was to assess factors associated with harmful traditional practices among children less than 5 years of age in Axum town, North Ethiopia. Methods Community based cross sectional study was conducted in 752 participants who were selected using multi stage sampling; Simple random sampling method was used to select ketenas from all kebelles of Axum town. After proportional allocation of sample size, systematic random sampling method was used to get the study participants. Data was collected using interviewer administered Tigrigna version questionnaire, it was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Descriptive statistics was calculated and logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. Results Out of the total sample size 50.7% children were females, the mean age of children was 26.28 months and majority of mothers had no formal education. About 87.8% mothers had performed at least one traditional practice to their children; uvula cutting was practiced on 86.9% children followed by milk teeth extraction 12.5% and eye borrows incision 2.4% children. Fear of swelling, pus and rapture of the uvula was the main reason to perform uvula cutting. Conclusion The factors associated with harmful traditional practices were educational status, occupation, religion of mothers and harmful traditional practices performed on the mothers. PMID:24952584

A cross sectional study on factors associated with harmful traditional practices among children less than 5 years in Axum town, north Ethiopia, 2013.

PubMed

Gebrekirstos, Kahsu; Abebe, Mesfin; Fantahun, Atsede

2014-06-21

Every social grouping in the world has its own cultural practices and beliefs which guide its members on how they should live or behave. Harmful traditional practices that affect children are Female genital mutilation, Milk teeth extraction, Food taboo, Uvula cutting, keeping babies out of exposure to sun, and Feeding fresh butter to new born babies. The objective of this study was to assess factors associated with harmful traditional practices among children less than 5 years of age in Axum town, North Ethiopia. Community based cross sectional study was conducted in 752 participants who were selected using multi stage sampling; Simple random sampling method was used to select ketenas from all kebelles of Axum town. After proportional allocation of sample size, systematic random sampling method was used to get the study participants. Data was collected using interviewer administered Tigrigna version questionnaire, it was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Descriptive statistics was calculated and logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. Out of the total sample size 50.7% children were females, the mean age of children was 26.28 months and majority of mothers had no formal education. About 87.8% mothers had performed at least one traditional practice to their children; uvula cutting was practiced on 86.9% children followed by milk teeth extraction 12.5% and eye borrows incision 2.4% children. Fear of swelling, pus and rapture of the uvula was the main reason to perform uvula cutting. The factors associated with harmful traditional practices were educational status, occupation, religion of mothers and harmful traditional practices performed on the mothers.

The use of piezosurgery in cranial surgery in children.

PubMed

Ramieri, Valerio; Saponaro, Gianmarco; Lenzi, Jacopo; Caporlingua, Federico; Polimeni, Antonella; Silvestri, Alessandro; Pizzuti, Antonio; Roggini, Mario; Tarani, Luigi; Papoff, Paola; Giancotti, Antonella; Castori, Marco; Manganaro, Lucia; Cascone, Piero; Piero, Cascone

2015-05-01

Piezosurgery is an alternative surgical technique, now widely tested, that uses ultrasounds for bone cutting. This device uses ultrasounds to section hard tissues without harming surrounding soft tissues. The authors analyzed their experience in craniomaxillofacial procedures with piezosurgery. A comparison between operation timing and complication rates between piezosurgery and traditional cutting instruments has been performed. A total of 27 patients were examined (15 females and 12 males; average age, of 5.5 months) affected by craniosynostosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of piezosurgery in pediatric craniofacial procedures. Piezoelectric device in this study has shown being a valid instrument for bone cutting in accurate procedures, because it allows performing a more precise and safer cutting, without the risk of harming surrounding tissues.

Reference intervals for plasma free metanephrines with an age adjustment for normetanephrine for optimized laboratory testing of phaeochromocytoma.

PubMed

Eisenhofer, Graeme; Lattke, Peter; Herberg, Maria; Siegert, Gabriele; Qin, Nan; Därr, Roland; Hoyer, Jana; Villringer, Arno; Prejbisz, Aleksander; Januszewicz, Andrzej; Remaley, Alan; Martucci, Victoria; Pacak, Karel; Ross, H Alec; Sweep, Fred C G J; Lenders, Jacques W M

2013-01-01

Measurements of plasma normetanephrine and metanephrine provide a useful diagnostic test for phaeochromocytoma, but this depends on appropriate reference intervals. Upper cut-offs set too high compromise diagnostic sensitivity, whereas set too low, false-positives are a problem. This study aimed to establish optimal reference intervals for plasma normetanephrine and metanephrine. Blood samples were collected in the supine position from 1226 subjects, aged 5-84 y, including 116 children, 575 normotensive and hypertensive adults and 535 patients in whom phaeochromocytoma was ruled out. Reference intervals were examined according to age and gender. Various models were examined to optimize upper cut-offs according to estimates of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in a separate validation group of 3888 patients tested for phaeochromocytoma, including 558 with confirmed disease. Plasma metanephrine, but not normetanephrine, was higher (P < 0.001) in men than in women, but reference intervals did not differ. Age showed a positive relationship (P < 0.0001) with plasma normetanephrine and a weaker relationship (P = 0.021) with metanephrine. Upper cut-offs of reference intervals for normetanephrine increased from 0.47 nmol/L in children to 1.05 nmol/L in subjects over 60 y. A curvilinear model for age-adjusted compared with fixed upper cut-offs for normetanephrine, together with a higher cut-off for metanephrine (0.45 versus 0.32 nmol/L), resulted in a substantial gain in diagnostic specificity from 88.3% to 96.0% with minimal loss in diagnostic sensitivity from 93.9% to 93.6%. These data establish age-adjusted cut-offs of reference intervals for plasma normetanephrine and optimized cut-offs for metanephrine useful for minimizing false-positive results.

Reference intervals for plasma free metanephrines with an age adjustment for normetanephrine for optimized laboratory testing of phaeochromocytoma

PubMed Central

Eisenhofer, Graeme; Lattke, Peter; Herberg, Maria; Siegert, Gabriele; Qin, Nan; Därr, Roland; Hoyer, Jana; Villringer, Arno; Prejbisz, Aleksander; Januszewicz, Andrzej; Remaley, Alan; Martucci, Victoria; Pacak, Karel; Ross, H Alec; Sweep, Fred C G J; Lenders, Jacques W M

2016-01-01

Background Measurements of plasma normetanephrine and metanephrine provide a useful diagnostic test for phaeochromocytoma, but this depends on appropriate reference intervals. Upper cut-offs set too high compromise diagnostic sensitivity, whereas set too low, false-positives are a problem. This study aimed to establish optimal reference intervals for plasma normetanephrine and metanephrine. Methods Blood samples were collected in the supine position from 1226 subjects, aged 5–84 y, including 116 children, 575 normotensive and hypertensive adults and 535 patients in whom phaeochromocytoma was ruled out. Reference intervals were examined according to age and gender. Various models were examined to optimize upper cut-offs according to estimates of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in a separate validation group of 3888 patients tested for phaeochromocytoma, including 558 with confirmed disease. Results Plasma metanephrine, but not normetanephrine, was higher (P < 0.001) in men than in women, but reference intervals did not differ. Age showed a positive relationship (P < 0.0001) with plasma normetanephrine and a weaker relationship (P = 0.021) with metanephrine. Upper cut-offs of reference intervals for normetanephrine increased from 0.47 nmol/L in children to 1.05 nmol/L in subjects over 60 y. A curvilinear model for age-adjusted compared with fixed upper cut-offs for normetanephrine, together with a higher cut-off for metanephrine (0.45 versus 0.32 nmol/L), resulted in a substantial gain in diagnostic specificity from 88.3% to 96.0% with minimal loss in diagnostic sensitivity from 93.9% to 93.6%. Conclusions These data establish age-adjusted cut-offs of reference intervals for plasma normetanephrine and optimized cut-offs for metanephrine useful for minimizing false-positive results. PMID:23065528

Tension Behaviour on the Connection of the Cold-Formed Cut-Curved Steel Channel Section

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sani, Mohd Syahrul Hisyam Mohd; Muftah, Fadhluhartini; Fakri Muda, Mohd; Siang Tan, Cher

2017-08-01

Cold-formed steel (CFS) are utilised as a non-structural and structural element in construction activity especially a residential house and small building roof truss system. CFS with a lot of advantages and some of disadvantages such as buckling that must be prevented for roof truss production are being studied equally. CFS was used as a top chord of the roof truss system which normally a slender section is dramatically influenced to buckling failure and instability of the structure. So, the curved section is produced for a top chord for solving the compression member of the roof truss. Besides, there are lacked of design and production information about the CFS curved channel section. In the study, the CFS is bent by using a cut-curved method because of ease of production, without the use of skilled labour and high cost machine. The tension behaviour of the strengthening method of cut-curved or could be recognised as a connection of the cut-curved section was tested and analysed. There are seven types of connection was selected. From the testing and observation, it is shown the specimen with full weld along the cut section and adds with flange element plate with two self-drilling screws (F7A) was noted to have a higher value of ultimate load. Finally, there are three alternative methods of connection for CFS cut-curved that could be a reference for a contractor and further design.

Immunoassay screening in urine for synthetic cannabinoids - an evaluation of the diagnostic efficiency.

PubMed

Franz, Florian; Angerer, Verena; Jechle, Hanna; Pegoro, Melanie; Ertl, Harald; Weinfurtner, Georg; Janele, David; Schlögl, Christian; Friedl, Matthias; Gerl, Stefan; Mielke, Reinhard; Zehnle, Ralf; Wagner, Matthias; Moosmann, Bjoern; Auwärter, Volker

2017-08-28

The abuse of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) as presumed legal alternative to cannabis poses a great risk to public health. For economic reasons many laboratories use immunoassays (IAs) to screen for these substances in urine. However, the structural diversity and high potency of these designer drugs places high demands on IAs regarding cross-reactivity of the antibodies used and detection limits. Two retrospective studies were carried out in order to evaluate the capability of two homogenous enzyme IAs for the detection of currently prevalent SCs in authentic urine samples. Urine samples were analyzed utilizing a 'JWH-018' kit and a 'UR-144' kit. The IA results were confirmed by an up-to-date liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) screening method covering metabolites of 45 SCs. The first study (n=549) showed an 8% prevalence of SCs use (LC-MS/MS analysis) among inpatients of forensic-psychiatric clinics, whereas all samples were tested negative by the IAs. In a second study (n=200) the combined application of both IAs led to a sensitivity of 2% and a diagnostic accuracy of 51% when applying the recommended IA cut-offs. Overall, 10 different currently prevalent SCs were detected in this population. The results can be explained by an insufficient cross-reactivity of the antibodies towards current SCs in combination with relatively high detection limits of the IAs. In light of the presented study data it is strongly recommended not to rely on the evaluated IA tests for SCs in clinical or forensic settings. For IA kits of other providers similar results can be expected.

Influence of oscillating and rotary cutting instruments with electric and turbine handpieces on tooth preparation surfaces.

PubMed

Geminiani, Alessandro; Abdel-Azim, Tamer; Ercoli, Carlo; Feng, Changyong; Meirelles, Luiz; Massironi, Domenico

2014-07-01

Rotary and nonrotary cutting instruments are used to produce specific characteristics on the axial and marginal surfaces of teeth being prepared for fixed restorations. Oscillating instruments have been suggested for tooth preparation, but no comparative surface roughness data are available. To compare the surface roughness of simulated tooth preparations produced by oscillating instruments versus rotary cutting instruments with turbine and electric handpieces. Different grit rotary cutting instruments were used to prepare Macor specimens (n=36) with 2 handpieces. The surface roughness obtained with rotary cutting instruments was compared with that produced by oscillating cutting instruments. The instruments used were as follows: coarse, then fine-grit rotary cutting instruments with a turbine (group CFT) or an electric handpiece (group CFE); coarse, then medium-grit rotary cutting instruments with a turbine (group CMT) or an electric handpiece (group CME); coarse-grit rotary cutting instruments with a turbine handpiece and oscillating instruments at a low-power (group CSL) or high-power setting (group CSH). A custom testing apparatus was used to test all instruments. The average roughness was measured for each specimen with a 3-dimensional optical surface profiler and compared with 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey honestly significant difference post hoc test for multiple comparisons (α=.05). Oscillating cutting instruments produced surface roughness values similar to those produced by similar grit rotary cutting instruments with a turbine handpiece. The electric handpiece produced smoother surfaces than the turbine regardless of rotary cutting instrument grit. Rotary cutting instruments with electric handpieces produced the smoothest surface, whereas the same instruments used with a turbine and oscillating instruments achieved similar surface roughness. Copyright © 2014 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparing cutting efficiencies of diamond burs using a high-speed electric handpiece.

PubMed

Chung, Evelyn M; Sung, Eric C; Wu, Ben; Caputo, Angelo A

2006-01-01

This study sought to compare the cutting efficiency of different diamond burs on initial use as well as during repeated use, alternating with sterilization. Long, round-end, tapered diamond burs with similar diameter, profile, and diamond coarseness (125-150 microm grit) were used. A high-torque, high-speed electric handpiece (set at 200,000 rpm) was utilized with a coolant flow rate of 25 mL/min. Burs were tested under a constant load of 170 g while cuts were made on a machinable ceramic substrate block. Each bur was subjected to five consecutive cuts for 30 seconds of continuous operation and the cutting depths were measured. All burs performed similarly on the first cut. Cutting efficiencies for three of the bur groups decreased significantly after the first cycle; however, by the fifth cycle, all bur groups performed similarly without any significant differences (p > 0.05). A scanning electron microscope revealed significant crystal loss after each use.

Efficacy of electrolysed oxidizing water in inactivating Vibrio parahaemolyticus on kitchen cutting boards and food contact surfaces.

PubMed

Chiu, T-H; Duan, J; Liu, C; Su, Y-C

2006-12-01

To determine the efficacy of electrolysed oxidizing (EO) water in inactivating Vibrio parahaemolyticus on kitchen cutting boards and food contact surfaces. Cutting boards (bamboo, wood and plastic) and food contact surfaces (stainless steel and glazed ceramic tile) were inoculated with V. parahaemolyticus. Viable cells of V. parahaemolyticus were detected on all cutting boards and food contact surfaces after 10 and 30 min, respectively, at room temperatures. Soaking inoculated food contact surfaces and cutting boards in distilled water for 1 and 3 min, respectively, resulted in various reductions of V. parahaemolyticus, but failed to remove the organism completely from surfaces. However, the treatment of EO water [pH 2.7, chlorine 40 ppm, oxidation-reduction potential 1151 mV] for 30, 45, and 60 s, completely inactivated V. parahaemolyticus on stainless steel, ceramic tile, and plastic cutting boards, respectively. EO water could be used as a disinfecting agent for inactivating V. parahaemolyticus on plastic and wood cutting boards and food contact surfaces. Rinsing the food contact surfaces with EO water or soaking cutting boards in EO water for up to 5 min could be a simple strategy to reduce cross-contamination of V. parahaemolyticus during food preparation.

Fracturing, fluid-rock interaction and mineralisation during the seismic cycle along the Alpine Fault

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, Jack N.; Toy, Virginia G.; Smith, Steven A. F.; Boulton, Carolyn

2017-10-01

The Alpine Fault has a <50 m wide geochemically distinct hanging-wall alteration zone. Using a combination of petrological and cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, we document the habitat and mineralising phases of macro- and micro-fractures within the alteration zone using samples derived from outcrop and the Deep Fault Drilling Project. Veins predominantly contain calcite, chlorite, K-feldspar or muscovite. Gouge-filled fractures are also observed and reflect filling from mechanical wear and chlorite mineralisation. CL imaging suggests that each calcite vein was opened and sealed in one episode, possibly corresponding to a single seismic cycle. The thermal stability of mineralising phases and their mutually cross-cutting relationships indicates a cyclic history of fracture opening and mineralisation that extends throughout the seismogenic zone. Cataclasites contain intragranular veins that are hosted within quartzofeldspathic clasts, as well as veins that cross-cut clasts and the surrounding matrix. Intragranular calcite veins formed prior to or during cataclasis. Cross-cutting veins are interpreted to have formed by fracturing of relatively indurated cataclasites after near-surface slip localisation within the Alpine Fault's principal slip zone gouges (PSZs). These observations clearly demonstrate that shear strain is most localised in the shallowest part of the seismogenic zone.

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

PubMed Central

Habibzadeh, Parham; Yadollahie, Mahboobeh

2016-01-01

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

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

PubMed

Kagee, Ashraf

2005-05-01

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

Rock Cutting Depth Model Based on Kinetic Energy of Abrasive Waterjet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oh, Tae-Min; Cho, Gye-Chun

2016-03-01

Abrasive waterjets are widely used in the fields of civil and mechanical engineering for cutting a great variety of hard materials including rocks, metals, and other materials. Cutting depth is an important index to estimate operating time and cost, but it is very difficult to predict because there are a number of influential variables (e.g., energy, geometry, material, and nozzle system parameters). In this study, the cutting depth is correlated to the maximum kinetic energy expressed in terms of energy (i.e., water pressure, water flow rate, abrasive feed rate, and traverse speed), geometry (i.e., standoff distance), material (i.e., α and β), and nozzle system parameters (i.e., nozzle size, shape, and jet diffusion level). The maximum kinetic energy cutting depth model is verified with experimental test data that are obtained using one type of hard granite specimen for various parameters. The results show a unique curve for a specific rock type in a power function between cutting depth and maximum kinetic energy. The cutting depth model developed here can be very useful for estimating the process time when cutting rock using an abrasive waterjet.

Rooting sitka spruce from southeast Alaska.

Treesearch

Donald L. Copes

1987-01-01

Rooting and shoot growth characteristics of 10-, 15-, and 20-year-old Sitka spruce cuttings were studied. Twigs from three branch orders were tested with or without 5000 parts per million indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) hormone treatment. Rooting success averaged 64 percent. The effect of ortet age on rooting success was not significant. Cuttings from first-order branch...

Removal of Viruses in Drinking Water- Ultrafiltration Module with a Cut Fiber, Dow Chemical Company - Dow Water & Process Solutions, SFD-2880 - Ultrafiltration Module

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this verification was a cut fiber challenge study for the Dow Chemical Company SFD-2880 UF membrane module. MS2 coliphage virus was the surrogate challenge organism. The challenge tests followed the requirements of the Department of Health Victoria (Australia) Dr...

Effects of Salinity and Confining Pressure on Hydration-Induced Fracture Propagation and Permeability of Mancos Shale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Shifeng; Sheng, James J.

2017-11-01

Low-salinity water imbibition was considered an enhanced recovery method in shale oil/gas reservoirs due to the resulting hydration-induced fractures, as observed at ambient conditions. To study the effect of confining pressure and salinity on hydration-induced fractures, time-elapsed computerized tomography (CT) was used to obtain cross-sectional images of shale cores. Based on the CT data of these cross-sectional images, cut faces parallel to the core axial in the middle of the core and 3D fracture images were also reconstructed. To study the effects of confining pressure and salinity on shale pore fluid flowing, shale permeability was measured with Nitrogen (N2), distilled water, 4% KCl solution, and 8% KCl solution. With confining pressures increased to 2 MPa or more, either in distilled water or in KCl solutions of different salinities, fractures were observed to close instead to propagate at the end of the tests. The intrinsic permeabilities of #1 and #2 Mancos shale cores were 60.0 and 7000 nD, respectively. When tested with distilled water, the permeability of #1 shale sample with 20.0 MPa confining pressure loaded, and #2 shale sample with 2.5 MPa confining pressure loaded, decreased to 0.45 and 15 nD, respectively. Using KCl can partly mitigate shale permeability degradation. Compared to 4% KCl, 8% KCl can decrease more permeability damage. From this point of view, high salinity KCl solution should be required for the water-based fracturing fluid.

Computer modeling of tank track elastomers

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

Lesuer, D.R.; Goldberg, A.; Patt, J.

Computer models of the T142, T156 and the British Chieftain tank tracks have been studied as part of a program to examine the tank-track-pad failure problem. The modeling is based on the finite element method with two different models being used to evaluate the thermal and mechanical response of the tracks. Modeling has enabled us to evaluate the influence of track design, elastomer formulation and operating scenario on the response of the track. the results of these analyses have been evaluated with experimental tests that quantify the extent of damage development in elastomers and thus indicate the likelihood of padmore » failure due to ''cutting and chunking.'' The primary characteristics influencing the temperatures achieved in the track are the heat-generation rate and the track geometry. The heat-generation rate is related to the viscoelastic material properties of the elastomer, track design and loading/operating scenario. For all designs and materials studied, stresses produced during contact with a flat roadway surface were not considered large enough to damage the pad. Operating scenarios were studied in which the track pad contacts rigid bars representing idealized obstacles in cross country terrain. A highly localized obstacle showed the possibility for subsurface mechanical damage to the track pad due to obstacle contact. Contact with a flat rigid bar produced higher tensile stresses that were near the damage thresholds for this material and thus capable of producing cutting and chunking failures.« less

Investigation of tool wear and surface roughness on machining of titanium alloy with MT-CVD cutting tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maity, Kalipada; Pradhan, Swastik

2018-04-01

In this study, machining of titanium alloy (grade 5) is carried out using MT-CVD coated cutting tool. Titanium alloys possess superior strength-to-weight ratio with good corrosion resistance. Most of the industries used titanium alloy for the manufacturing of various types of lightweight components. The parts made from Ti-6Al-4V largely used in aerospace, biomedical, automotive and marine sectors. The conventional machining of this material is very difficult, due to low thermal conductivity and high chemical reactivity properties. To achieve a good surface finish with minimum tool wear of cutting tool, the machining is carried out using MT-CVD coated cutting tool. The experiment is carried out using of Taguchi L27 array layout with three cutting variables and levels. To find out the optimum parametric setting desirability function analysis (DFA) approach is used. The analysis of variance is studied to know the percentage contribution of each cutting variables. The optimum parametric setting results calculated from DFA were validated through the confirmation test.

Diagnostic assessment without cut-offs: application of serology for the modelling of bovine digital dermatitis infection.

PubMed

Vink, W D; Jones, G; Johnson, W O; Brown, J; Demirkan, I; Carter, S D; French, N P

2009-11-15

Bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) is an epidermitis which is a leading cause of infectious lameness. The only recognized diagnostic test is foot inspection, which is a labour-intensive procedure. There is no universally recognized, standardized lesion scoring system. As small lesions are easily missed, foot inspection has limited diagnostic sensitivity. Furthermore, interpretation is subjective, and prone to observer bias. Serology is more convenient to carry out and is potentially a more sensitive indicator of infection. By carrying out 20 serological assays using lesion-associated Treponema spp. isolates, three serogroups were identified. The reliability of the tests was established by assessing the level of agreement and the concordance correlation coefficient. Subsequently, an ELISA suitable for routine use was developed. The benchmark of diagnostic test validation is conventionally the determination of the key test parameters, sensitivity and specificity. This requires the imposition of a cut-off point. For serological assays with outcomes on a continuous scale, the degree by which the test result differs from this cut-off is disregarded. Bayesian statistical methodology has been developed which enables the assay result also to be interpreted on a continuous scale, thereby optimizing the information inherent in the test. Using a cross-sectional study dataset carried out on 8 representative dairy farms in the UK, the probability of infection, P(I), of each individual animal was estimated in the absence of a 'Gold Standard' by modelling I as a latent variable which was determined by lesion status, L as well as serology, S. Covariate data (foot hygiene score and age) were utilized to estimate P(L) when no lesion inspection was performed. Informative prior distributions were elicited where possible. The model was utilized for predictive inference, by computing estimates of P(I) and P(L) independently of the data. A more detailed and informative analysis of the farm-level distribution of infection could thus be performed. Also, biases associated with the subjective interpretation of lesion status were minimized. Model outputs showed that young stock were unlikely to be infected, whereas cows tended to have high or low probabilities of being infected. Estimates of probability of infection were considerably higher for animals with lesions than for those without. Associations were identified between both covariates and probability of infection in cows, but not in the young stock. Under the condition that the model assumptions are valid for the larger population, the results of this work can be generalized by predictive inference.

Clinical performance of RNA and DNA based HPV testing in a colposcopy setting: Influence of assay target, cut off and age.

PubMed

Cuschieri, Kate; Cubie, Heather; Graham, Catriona; Rowan, Jennifer; Hardie, Alison; Horne, Andrew; Earle, Camille Busby; Bailey, Andrew; Crosbie, Emma J; Kitchener, Henry

2014-02-01

As HPV testing is used increasingly for cervical disease management, there is a demand to optimise the performance of HPV tests, particularly with respect to specificity. To compare the clinical performance of an HPV DNA and a RNA based test in women with cytological abnormalities. The influence of age and assay cut off on test performance was also assessed. A prospective comparison of the Hybrid Capture 2 test (HC2) and the Aptima HPV assay (AHPV) was performed within a colposcopy setting. Clinical sensitivity and specificity were determined for the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2 or worse. Both assays were >90% sensitive for the detection of CIN2+. AHPV was slightly more specific than HC2 [49.9% (46.8-53.1) vs 45.9% (42.8, 49.1), p<0.0001]. Raising HC2 cut off to 2 RLU did not improve specificity. A cut-off of 10 RLU increased specificity by approximately 10% - although this led to a reduction in sensitivity of 6.3% which equated to 24 missed cases of CIN2+. Both assays were more specific in women over 30 years of age, compared to women under 30 (p<0.001). Although AHPV was more specific than HC2 in the total cohort (p<0.001), we found this difference to be smaller than other studies. This could be attributed to different indications for colposcopic referral across different settings. This study also confirms the relatively poor specificity of commercial HPV assays in women under 30. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Phonon cross-plane transport and thermal boundary resistance: effect of heat source size and thermal boundary resistance on phonon characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, H.; Yilbas, B. S.

2016-09-01

Phonon cross-plane transport across silicon and diamond thin films pair is considered, and thermal boundary resistance across the films pair interface is examined incorporating the cut-off mismatch and diffusive mismatch models. In the cut-off mismatch model, phonon frequency mismatch for each acoustic branch is incorporated across the interface of the silicon and diamond films pair in line with the dispersion relations of both films. The frequency-dependent and transient solution of the Boltzmann transport equation is presented, and the equilibrium phonon intensity ratios at the silicon and diamond film edges are predicted across the interface for each phonon acoustic branch. Temperature disturbance across the edges of the films pair is incorporated to assess the phonon transport characteristics due to cut-off and diffusive mismatch models across the interface. The effect of heat source size, which is allocated at high-temperature (301 K) edge of the silicon film, on the phonon transport characteristics at the films pair interface is also investigated. It is found that cut-off mismatch model predicts higher values of the thermal boundary resistance across the films pair interface as compared to that of the diffusive mismatch model. The ratio of equilibrium phonon intensity due to the cut-off mismatch over the diffusive mismatch models remains >1 at the silicon edge, while it becomes <1 at the diamond edge for all acoustic branches.

Plantar Loading During Cutting While Wearing a Rigid Carbon Fiber Insert.

PubMed

Queen, Robin M; Abbey, Alicia N; Verma, Ravi; Butler, Robert J; Nunley, James A

2014-02-12

Context : Stress fractures are one of the most common injuries in sports, accounting for approximately 10% of all overuse injuries. Treatment of fifth metatarsal stress fractures involves both surgical and nonsurgical interventions. Fifth metatarsal stress fractures are difficult to treat because of the risks of delayed union, nonunion, and recurrent injuries. Most of these injuries occur during agility tasks, such as those performed in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. Objective : To examine the effect of a rigid carbon graphite footplate on plantar loading during 2 agility tasks. Design :  Crossover study. Setting : Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants : A total of 19 recreational male athletes with no history of lower extremity injury in the past 6 months and no previous metatarsal stress fractures were tested. Main Outcome Measure(s) :  Seven 45° side-cut and crossover-cut tasks were completed in a shoe with or without a full-length rigid carbon plate. Testing order between the shoe conditions and the 2 cutting tasks was randomized. Plantar-loading data were recorded using instrumented insoles. Peak pressure, maximum force, force-time integral, and contact area beneath the total foot, the medial and lateral midfoot, and the medial, middle, and lateral forefoot were analyzed. A series of paired t tests was used to examine differences between the footwear conditions (carbon graphite footplate, shod) for both cutting tasks independently (α = .05). Results : During the side-cut task, the footplate increased total foot and lateral midfoot peak pressures while decreasing contact area and lateral midfoot force-time integral. During the crossover-cut task, the footplate increased total foot and lateral midfoot peak pressure and lateral forefoot force-time integral while decreasing total and lateral forefoot contact area. Conclusions : Although a rigid carbon graphite footplate altered some aspects of the plantar- pressure profile during cutting in uninjured participants, it was ineffective in reducing plantar loading beneath the fifth metatarsal.

Plantar Loading During Cutting While Wearing a Rigid Carbon Fiber Insert

PubMed Central

Queen, Robin M.; Abbey, Alicia N.; Verma, Ravi; Butler, Robert J.; Nunley, James A.

2014-01-01

Context Stress fractures are one of the most common injuries in sports, accounting for approximately 10% of all overuse injuries. Treatment of fifth metatarsal stress fractures involves both surgical and nonsurgical interventions. Fifth metatarsal stress fractures are difficult to treat because of the risks of delayed union, nonunion, and recurrent injuries. Most of these injuries occur during agility tasks, such as those performed in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. Objective: To examine the effect of a rigid carbon graphite footplate on plantar loading during 2 agility tasks. Design:  Crossover study. Setting: Laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 19 recreational male athletes with no history of lower extremity injury in the past 6 months and no previous metatarsal stress fractures were tested. Main Outcome Measure(s):  Seven 45° side-cut and crossover-cut tasks were completed in a shoe with or without a full-length rigid carbon plate. Testing order between the shoe conditions and the 2 cutting tasks was randomized. Plantar-loading data were recorded using instrumented insoles. Peak pressure, maximum force, force-time integral, and contact area beneath the total foot, the medial and lateral midfoot, and the medial, middle, and lateral forefoot were analyzed. A series of paired t tests was used to examine differences between the footwear conditions (carbon graphite footplate, shod) for both cutting tasks independently (α = .05). Results: During the side-cut task, the footplate increased total foot and lateral midfoot peak pressures while decreasing contact area and lateral midfoot force-time integral. During the crossover-cut task, the footplate increased total foot and lateral midfoot peak pressure and lateral forefoot force-time integral while decreasing total and lateral forefoot contact area. Conclusions: Although a rigid carbon graphite footplate altered some aspects of the plantar-pressure profile during cutting in uninjured participants, it was ineffective in reducing plantar loading beneath the fifth metatarsal. PMID:24955620

In vitro assessment of cutting efficiency and durability of zirconia removal diamond rotary instruments.

PubMed

Kim, Joon-Soo; Bae, Ji-Hyeon; Yun, Mi-Jung; Huh, Jung-Bo

2017-06-01

Recently, zirconia removal diamond rotary instruments have become commercially available for efficient cutting of zirconia. However, research of cutting efficiency and the cutting characteristics of zirconia removal diamond rotary instruments is limited. The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess and compare the cutting efficiency, durability, and diamond rotary instrument wear pattern of zirconia diamond removal rotary instruments with those of conventional diamond rotary instruments. In addition, the surface characteristics of the cut zirconia were assessed. Block specimens of 3 mol% yttrium cation-doped tetragonal zirconia polycrystal were machined 10 times for 1 minute each using a high-speed handpiece with 6 types of diamond rotary instrument from 2 manufacturers at a constant force of 2 N (n=5). An electronic scale was used to measure the lost weight after each cut in order to evaluate the cutting efficiency. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate diamond rotary instrument wear patterns and machined zirconia block surface characteristics. Data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by the Mann-Whitney U test (α=.05). Zirconia removal fine grit diamond rotary instruments showed cutting efficiency that was reduced compared with conventional fine grit diamond rotary instruments. Diamond grit fracture was the most dominant diamond rotary instrument wear pattern in all groups. All machined zirconia surfaces were primarily subjected to plastic deformation, which is evidence of ductile cutting. Zirconia blocks machined with zirconia removal fine grit diamond rotary instruments showed the least incidence of surface flaws. Although zirconia removal diamond rotary instruments did not show improved cutting efficiency compared with conventional diamond rotary instruments, the machined zirconia surface showed smoother furrows of plastic deformation and fewer surface flaws. Copyright © 2016 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A new nanosecond UV laser at 355 nm: early results of corneal flap cutting in a rabbit model.

PubMed

Trost, Andrea; Schrödl, Falk; Strohmaier, Clemens; Bogner, Barbara; Runge, Christian; Kaser-Eichberger, Alexandra; Krefft, Karolina; Vogel, Alfred; Linz, Norbert; Freidank, Sebastian; Hilpert, Andrea; Zimmermann, Inge; Grabner, Günther; Reitsamer, Herbert A

2013-12-03

A new 355 nm UV laser was used for corneal flap cutting in an animal model and tested for clinical and morphologic alterations. Corneal flaps were created (Chinchilla Bastards; n = 25) with an UV nanosecond laser at 355 nm (150 kHz, pulse duration 850 ps, spot-size 1 μm, spot spacing 6 × 6 μm, side cut Δz 1 μm; cutting depth 130 μm) and pulse energies of 2.2 or 2.5 μJ, respectively. Following slit-lamp examination, animals were killed at 6, 12, and 24 hours after treatment. Corneas were prepared for histology (hematoxylin and eosin [HE], TUNEL-assay) and evaluated statistically, followed by ultrastructural investigations. Laser treatment was tolerated well, flap lift was easier at 2.5 μJ compared with 2.2 μJ. Standard HE at 24 hours revealed intact epithelium in the horizontal cut, with similar increase in corneal thickness at both energies. Irrespective of energy levels, TUNEL assay revealed comparable numbers of apoptotic cells in the horizontal and vertical cut at 6, 12, and 24 hours, becoming detectable in the horizontal cut as an acellular stromal band at 24 hours. Ultrastructural analysis revealed regular morphology in the epi- and endothelium, while in the stroma, disorganized collagen lamellae were detectable representing the horizontal cut, again irrespective of energy levels applied. This new UV laser revealed no epi- nor endothelial damage at energies feasible for corneal flap cutting. Observed corneal swelling was lower compared with existing UV laser studies, albeit total energy applied here was much higher. Observed loss of stromal keratinocytes is comparable with available laser systems. Therefore, this new laser is suitable for refractive surgery, awaiting its test in a chronic environment.

Early Adolescent Depressive Mood: Direct and Indirect Effects of Attributional Styles and Coping

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chan, Siu Mui

2012-01-01

The present study used a cross-sectional survey design to examine how adolescent depressive mood was related to attributional styles and coping strategies with a sample of 326 youths (aged 8-14 years). With the cutting point adopted in the West, 20.9% of the current sample reported depressive symptoms. Regression analysis results show that, with…

Business Study Abroad Tours for Non-Traditional Students: An Outcomes Assessment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peppas, Spero C.

2005-01-01

Globalization is here to stay and companies across the world are realizing the importance of having employees with a global mindset. As companies cut costs, many provide little or no on-the-job training to hone employees' cross-border skills. It is thus the task of colleges and universities to prepare students to function and excel in the new and…

Associated Υ+γ production at the LHC in the kt-factorization approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baranov, S. P.

2010-09-01

In the framework of the kt-factorization approach, the photon-associated production of Υ mesons at the present-day LHC conditions is studied. The differential cross sections and polarization parameters are calculated in the “helicity” and Collins-Soper systems. Special attention is paid to the effect of experimental cuts that can dramatically change the visible lepton angular distributions.

Associated ϒ + γ production at the LHC in the k-factorization approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baranov, S. P.

2011-05-01

In the framework of k-factorization approach, the photon-associated production of ϒ mesons at the present-day LHC conditions is studied. The differential cross sections and polarization parameters are calculated in the 'helicity' and Collins-Soper systems. Special attention is paid to the effect of experimental cuts that can dramatically change the visible lepton angular distributions.

The Context Dependency of the Self-Report Version of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ): A Cross-Sectional Study between Two Administration Settings

PubMed Central

Hoofs, H.; Jansen, N. W. H.; Mohren, D. C. L.; Jansen, M. W. J.; Kant, I. J.

2015-01-01

Background The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a screening instrument for psychosocial problems in children and adolescents, which is applied in “individual” and “collective” settings. Assessment in the individual setting is confidential for clinical applications, such as preventive child healthcare, while assessment in the collective setting is anonymous and applied in (epidemiological) research. Due to administration differences between the settings it remains unclear whether results and conclusions actually can be used interchangeably. This study therefore aims to investigate whether the SDQ is invariant across settings. Methods Two independent samples were retrieved (mean age = 14.07 years), one from an individual setting (N = 6,594) and one from a collective setting (N = 4,613). The SDQ was administered in the second year of secondary school in both settings. Samples come from the same socio-geographic population in the Netherlands. Results Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the SDQ was measurement invariant/equivalent across settings and gender. On average, children in the individual setting scored lower on total difficulties (mean difference = 2.05) and the psychosocial problems subscales compared to those in the collective setting. This was also reflected in the cut-off points for caseness, defined by the 90th percentiles, which were lower in the individual setting. Using cut-off points from the collective in the individual setting therefore resulted in a small number of cases, 2 to 3%, while ∼10% is expected. Conclusion The SDQ has the same connotation across the individual and collective setting. The observed structural differences regarding the mean scores, however, undermine the validity of the cross-use of absolute SDQ-scores between these settings. Applying cut-off scores from the collective setting in the individual setting could, therefore, result in invalid conclusions and potential misuse of the instrument. To correctly apply cut-off scores these should be retrieved from the applied setting. PMID:25886464

The Evolution of Gully Features in Acidalia Planitia

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-10-23

This observation image from NASA's Mars Reconnaisance Orbiter (MRO) captures details regarding the evolution of gully features observed in a crater in Acidalia Planitia. A Context Camera image provides context for these gullies showing an approximately 7-kilometer diameter crater in which we see that the gullies occur exclusively on the northern wall. This is unlike most of the observed gully sites in the northern Martian hemisphere, which typically have gullies on their pole-facing slopes. Another unique observation of this set of gullies is that they start mid-way down the crater's wall rather than cutting directly into the upper crater wall or rim. The younger, more recently active fans are generally rougher than the older, smoother fans that are located near the base of the slope. Consistent with this interpretation, are a number of observed superposition and cross-cutting relationships. The rougher fans are always superimposed over the older, smoother ones. Discontinuous fractures are observed to cross-cut only older features, while the most recently active portions of the gullies, in this case the channels or fans, are not cut by the fractures, but in some cases even superimpose them. This suggests that the fractures formed prior to the last phase of gully activity. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA22054

32 CFR 2001.47 - Destruction.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... prescribed by agency heads. The methods and equipment used to routinely destroy classified information include burning, cross-cut shredding, wet-pulping, melting, mutilation, chemical decomposition or...

Measurement of velocity distribution and turbulence in a special wind tunnel using a laser Doppler velocimeter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller, J.; Petersen, J. C.; Pilz, E.; Wiegand, H.

1981-06-01

The flow behavior in a jet mixing visualization chamber for turbulent fuel spray mixing with air under compression, e.g., at top dead center in diesel engines, was investigated with a laser Doppler velocimeter. The measurements were performed in two cuts in the profile perpendicular to the flow direction. The range of flow conditions in the measuring chamber was tested. The measurements were conducted with and without turbulence grids and shear flow grids behind the inlet nozzle. Wire grids did not enhance the turbulence in the measuring chamber. One of the tested shear flow grids produced shear flow as expected. A turbulence grid whose design was based on experimental results, produced a turbulence degree of up to 30% over the whole measuring cross section.

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

PubMed

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

2017-10-03

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

Comparison of screening questionnaires to identify psoriatic arthritis in a primary-care population: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Coates, L C; Savage, L; Waxman, R; Moverley, A R; Worthington, S; Helliwell, P S

2016-09-01

Many questionnaires are available for assessment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), but there is little evidence comparing them. To test the proposed CONTEST questionnaire, which was developed to identify patients with psoriasis who have undiagnosed PsA, and compare it with the validated Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST) questionnaire in a primary-care setting. A random sample of adult patients with psoriasis and no diagnosis of arthritis was identified from five general practice surgeries in Yorkshire, U.K. Consenting patients completed both questionnaires and were assessed by a dermatologist and rheumatologist. Diagnosis of PsA was made by the assessing rheumatologist. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis examined the sensitivity and specificity of potential cut points. In total 932 packs were sent to recruit 191 (20·5%) participants. Of these, 169 (88·5%) were confirmed to have current or previous psoriasis. Using physician diagnosis 17 (10·1%) were found to have previously undiagnosed PsA, while 90 (53·3%) had another musculoskeletal complaint and 62 (36·7%) had no musculoskeletal problems. Using ROC curve analysis, all of the questionnaires showed a significant ability to identify PsA. The area under the curve (AUC) for the CONTEST questionnaires was slightly higher than that of PEST (0·69 and 0·70 vs. 0·65), but there was no significant difference identified. Examining the sensitivities and specificities for the different cut points suggested that a PEST score ≥ 2 would perform better in this dataset, and the optimal scores for CONTEST and CONTEST plus joint manikin were 3 and 4, respectively. The accuracy of the questionnaires to identify PsA appeared similar, with a slightly higher AUC for the CONTEST questionnaires. The optimal cut points in this study appeared lower than in previous studies. © 2016 British Association of Dermatologists.

Teaching three-dimensional surgical concepts of inguinal hernia in a time-effective manner using a two-dimensional paper-cut.

PubMed

Mann, B D; Seidman, A; Haley, T; Sachdeva, A K

1997-06-01

Because inguinal hernia repair is difficult for third-year students to comprehend, a 2-dimensional paper-cut was developed to teach the concepts of inguinal hernia in a time-effective manner before students' observation of herniorrhaphy in the operating room. Using Adobe Illustrator 5.5 for MacIntosh, a 2-dimensional inexpensively printed paper-cut was created to allow students to perform their own simulated hernia repair before observing surgery. The exercise was performed using a no.15 scalpel or an iris scissors and was evaluated by comparing 10-question pre-tests and post-tests. Seventy-five students performed the exercise, most completing it within 15 minutes. The mean pre-test score was 7.4/10 and the mean post-test score was 9.1/10. Students performing the paper-cut reported better understanding when observing actual herniorrhaphy. A 2-dimensional paper-cut ("surgical origami") may be a time-effective method to prepare students for the observation of hernia repair.

Reliability and validity of the Dutch pediatric Voice Handicap Index.

PubMed

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

2017-05-01

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

Comparison of custom-moulded ankle orthosis with hinged joints and off-the-shelf ankle braces in preventing ankle sprain in lateral cutting movements.

PubMed

Lee, Winson C C; Kobayashi, Toshiki; Choy, Barton T S; Leung, Aaron K L

2012-06-01

A custom moulded ankle orthosis with hinged joints potentially offers a better control over the subtalar joint and the ankle joint during lateral cutting movements, due to total contact design and increase in material strength. To test the above hypothesis by comparing it to three other available orthoses. Repeated measures. Eight subjects with a history of ankle sprains (Grade 2), and 11 subjects without such history performed lateral cutting movements in four test conditions: 1) non-orthotic, 2) custom-moulded ankle orthosis with hinges, 3) Sport-Stirrup, and 4) elastic ankle sleeve with plastic support. A VICON motion analysis system was used to study the motions at the ankle and subtalar joints. The custom-moulded ankle orthosis significantly lowered the inversion angle at initial contact (p = 0.006) and the peak inversion angle (p = 0.000) during lateral cutting movements in comparison to non-orthotic condition, while the other two orthoses did not. The three orthoses did not affect the plantarflexion motions, which had been suggested by previous studies to be important in shock wave attenuation. The custom-moulded ankle orthosis with hinges could better control inversion and thus expected to better prevent ankle sprain in lateral cutting movements. Custom-moulded ankle orthoses are not commonly used in preventing ankle sprains. This study raises the awareness of the use of custom-moulded ankle orthoses which are expected to better prevent ankle sprains.

Reference centile curves for wrist circumference for Indian children aged 3-18 years.

PubMed

Khadilkar, Vaman; Chiplonkar, Shashi; Ekbote, Veena; Kajale, Neha; Mandlik, Rubina; Khadilkar, Anuradha

2018-01-26

Childhood obesity and its consequences have reached alarming proportions worldwide and in India. Wrist circumference is emerging as an easily measurable reproducible parameter for screening children at risk of obesity-related morbidities such as hypertension and insulin resistance. The objectives of this study were: (1) to compute age and gender-specific wrist circumference percentiles for 3-18-year-old apparently healthy Indian children and adolescents; (2) to assess the relationship of wrist circumference with measures of obesity and adiposity such as body mass index (BMI), fat percentage and blood pressure (BP) and (3) to suggest age and gender-specific cut-offs for wrist circumference percentile for the risk of hypertension in Indian children and adolescents. This was a cross-sectional study on samples of 10,199 3-18-year-old children (5703 boys) from randomly selected schools from five major cities in India. Height, weight, waist and wrist circumference and BP were recorded. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Wrist circumference percentiles were computed using the LMS method. The average wrist circumference of boys and girls was 10.4 cm and 10.0 cm at 3 years and increased to 15.1 cm and 13.9 cm, respectively, at 18 years. Compared to their Caucasian counterparts, Indian children's wrists were smaller. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis derived the 70th percentile of wrist circumference as the cut-off for identifying the risk of hypertension. Contemporary cross-sectional reference percentile curves for wrist circumference for 3-18-year-old Indian children are presented. The 70th percentile of the current study is proposed as the cut-off to screen children for cardiometabolic risk factors such as hypertension.

Effects of female genital mutilation/cutting on the sexual function of Sudanese women: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Rouzi, Abdulrahim A; Berg, Rigmor C; Sahly, Nora; Alkafy, Susan; Alzaban, Faten; Abduljabbar, Hassan

2017-07-01

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a cultural practice that involves several types of removal or other injury to the external female genitalia for nonmedical reasons. Although much international research has focused on the health consequences of the practice, little is known about sexual functioning among women with various types of FGM/C. To assess the impact of FGM/C on the sexual functioning of Sudanese women. This is a cross-sectional study conducted at Doctor Erfan and Bagedo Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Eligible women completed a survey and a clinical examination, which documented and verified women's type of FGM/C. The main outcome measure was female sexual function, as assessed by the Arabic Female Sexual Function Index. A total of 107 eligible women completed the survey and the gynecological examination, which revealed that 39% of the women had FGM/C Type I, 25% had Type II, and 36% had Type III. Reliability of self-report of the type of FGM/C was low, with underreporting of the extent of the procedure. The results showed that 92.5% of the women scored lower than the Arabic Female Sexual Function Index cut-off point for sexual dysfunction. The multivariable regression analyses showed that sexual dysfunction was significantly greater with more extensive type of FGM/C, across all sexual function domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) and overall. The study documents that a substantial proportion of women subjected to FGM/C experience sexual dysfunction. It shows that the anatomical extent of FGM/C is related to the severity of sexual dysfunction. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Aroma profile and volatiles odor activity along gold cultivar pineapple flesh.

PubMed

Montero-Calderón, Marta; Rojas-Graü, María Alejandra; Martín-Belloso, Olga

2010-01-01

Physicochemical attributes, aroma profile, and odor contribution of pineapple flesh were studied for the top, middle, and bottom cross-sections cut along the central axis of Gold cultivar pineapple. Relationships between volatile and nonvolatile compounds were also studied. Aroma profile constituents were determined by headspace solid-phase microextraction at 30 °C, followed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 20 volatile compounds were identified and quantified. Among them, esters were the major components which accounted for 90% of total extracted aroma. Methyl butanoate, methyl 2-methyl butanoate, and methyl hexanoate were the 3 most abundant components representing 74% of total volatiles in pineapple samples. Most odor active contributors were methyl and ethyl 2-methyl butanoate and 2,5-dimethyl 4-methoxy 3(2H)-furanone (mesifuran). Aroma profile components did not vary along the fruit, but volatile compounds content significantly varied (P < 0.05) along the fruit, from 7560 to 10910 μg/kg, from the top to the bottom cross-sections of the fruit, respectively. In addition, most odor-active volatiles concentration increased from the top to the bottom 3rd of the fruit, concurrently with soluble solids content (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA) differences attributed to fruitlets distinct degree of ripening. Large changes in SSC/TA ratio and volatiles content throughout the fruit found through this study are likely to provoke important differences among individual fresh-cut pineapple trays, compromising consumer perception and acceptance of the product. Such finding highlighted the need to include volatiles content and SSC/TA ratio and their variability along the fruit as selection criteria for pineapples to be processed and quality assessment of the fresh-cut fruit. © 2010 Institute of Food Technologists®

Baking Performance of Phosphorylated Cross-Linked Resistant Starch in Low-Moisture Bakery Goods

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Phosphorylated cross-linked resistant starch (RS) is a type 4 RS, which can be used for enhancing the benefits of dietary fiber. The baking performance of the RS was explored using wire-cut cookie baking and benchtop chemically-leavened cracker baking methods to produce low-moisture baked goods (coo...

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

Treesearch

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

2000-01-01

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

Stretchable Kirigami Polyvinylidene Difluoride Thin Films for Energy Harvesting: Design, Analysis, and Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Nan; Chen, Dajing; Wang, Dong; Huang, Shicheng; Trase, Ian; Grover, Hannah M.; Yu, Xiaojiao; Zhang, John X. J.; Chen, Zi

2018-02-01

Kirigami, a modified form of origami which includes cutting, has been used to improve material stretchability and compliance. However, this technique is, so far, underexplored in patterning piezoelectric materials towards developing efficient and mechanically flexible thin-film energy generators. Motivated by existing kirigami-based applications, we introduce interdigitated cuts to polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films to evaluate the effect on voltage generation and stretchability. Our results from theoretical analysis, numerical simulations, and experimental tests show that kirigami PVDF films exhibit an extended strain range while still maintaining significant voltage generation compared to films without cuts. Various cutting patterns are studied, and it is found that films with denser cuts have a larger voltage output. This kirigami design can enhance the properties of existing piezoelectric materials and help to integrate tunable PVDF generators into biomedical devices.

Comparative examination and validation of ELISA test systems for Salmonella typhimurium diagnosis of slaughtering pigs.

PubMed

Szabó, I; Scherer, K; Roesler, U; Appel, B; Nöckler, K; Hensel, A

2008-05-10

The most frequently isolated Salmonella serotype from pork in Germany is S. typhimurium, especially phagetype DT 104. The monitoring programs on Salmonella in swine are based on enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA) detecting antibodies in serum or meat juice. These serological results are used to classify swine herds in three categories to assess the hygienic status of farm regarding Salmonella infection in pigs. The object of this study was the comparative evaluation of four indirect Salmonella ELISA tests approved in Germany to detect Salmonella typhimurium infection of swine. Three tests (A-C) are based on LPS-antigen and directed against specific IgG-antibodies. The fourth test (D) bases on a whole-cell-lysate antigen and discriminates between Salmonella specific IgA-, IgM- and IgG-antibodies. In a longitudinal study sixteen 6 weeks old weaning pigs were orally infected with S. typhimurium DT 104. During an observation period of 138d clinical and bacteriological parameters were monitored and serum samples obtained at regular intervals as well as meat juice samples taken at slaughter were examined by the respective ELISA systems. Study results reveal that all tested ELISA systems are able to detect S. typhimurium infection in pigs in both sample matrices, blood serum and meat juice whereas test D showed the highest sensitivity to detect Salmonella antibodies in pigs. The sensitivity to detect Salmonella antibodies varied between tests A and C according to the used cut-off (test specific cut-off vs. recommended surveillance cut-off) resulting in a change of seroprevalence and hence may influence the Salmonella status of the farm.

Designing an efficient rectifying cut-wire metasurface for electromagnetic energy harvesting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oumbé Tékam, Gabin T.; Ginis, Vincent; Danckaert, Jan; Tassin, Philippe

2017-02-01

Electromagnetic energy harvesting, i.e., capturing energy from ambient microwave signals, may become an essential part in extending the battery lifetime of wearable devices. Here, we present a design of a microwave energy harvester based on a cut-wire metasurface with an integrated PN junction diode. The cut wire with a quasistatic electric-dipole moment is designed to have a resonance at 6.75 GHz, leading to a substantial cross-section for absorption. The external microwaves create a unidirectional current through the rectifying action of the integrated diode. Using an electrical-circuit model, we design the operating frequency and the resistive load of the cut wire. Subsequently, by optimizing our design using full-wave numerical simulations, we obtain an energy harvesting efficiency of 50% for incident power densities in agreement with the typical power density of WiFi signals. Finally, we study the effect of connecting adjacent unit cells of the metasurface in parallel by a thin highly inductive wire and we demonstrate that this allows for the collection of current from all individual cells, while the microwave resonance of the unit cell is not significantly altered, thus solving the wiring problem that arises in many nonlinear metamaterials.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among children aged 2-5 years in Bahrain: a comparison between two reference standards.

PubMed

Al-Raees, Ghada Y; Al-Amer, Maryam A; Musaiger, Abdulrahman O; D'Souza, Reshma

2009-01-01

A cross-sectional study was carried out on Bahraini preschoolers aged 2-5 years (354 males and 344 females) to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity using the World Health Organization and the International Obesity Task Force cut-off values. Weight and height were recorded and body mass index (BMI) was calculated to determine the proportion of overweight and obesity. Using the World Health Organization percentile cut-off values, overweight (12.3%) and obesity (8.4%) was higher in females between 2 and <4 years of age whereas, the proportion of both overweight (8.4%) and obesity (7.2%) were higher in males between 4 and <6 years of age. Relative to the International Obesity Task Force indicators, the World Health Organization cut-off values produced nearly a 2-fold increase in both overweight and obesity at most ages. It is therefore important to ensure that the same cut-off reference values are used to define overweight and obesity particularly in preschoolers. Shifting to the new World Health Organization child growth standards may have important implications for child health programmes.

Morphologie et cinématique d'une faille holocène dans les monts Péloritains (Sicile) ; implications géodynamiques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hippolyte, Jean-Claude; Bouillin, Jean-Pierre

1999-11-01

The recent fault system of eastern Sicily can be identified in the Peloritan Mountains, in particular where it cross-cuts carbonate ranges in areas preserved from strong torrential erosion. The scarp of the Mount Kalfa fault results from normal sinistral slip at a mean rate of 0.9 mm·yr -1 during the Würm to Present east-west extension. This normal fault belongs to the Apenninico-Calabro-Sicilian rift zone that cross-cuts the Tyrrhenian arc. Its Sicilian and Apenninic segments enable characterization of a Middle-Late Pleistocene change of the stress regime that could have occurred during a steepening without subduction of the Ionian slab (along Calabria) and its lateral detachment.