Absolute Ratio Research Articles

Abstract 13: Risk of Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: A Population Based Analysis using a Cohort-Cross Over Design

Introduction: While there is a documented increased risk of thrombotic events; little is known regarding the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) during pregnancy / postpartum period (PP). We explore the risk of ICH in PP utilizing a cohort crossover design in which patients serve as their own control. Methods: We utilized State Inpatient Databases for NY, FL (2005 - 2014) and CA (2005 - 2011), and identified patients with labor/delivery diagnoses using validated ICD-9 codes. The cohort crossover design included a 64wk case period (40wk pregnancy/labor/delivery, 24wk postpartum), followed by a 52wk interim period, and a 64wk crossover period. We excluded patients who were ≤ 12yr, missing linkage information, admitted for false labor, or had a prior ICH. Subsequent pregnancies were not included. We compared the rate of ICH during case and crossover periods and report absolute risk difference and rate ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) estimated using conditional Poisson regression. Results: Over 3.3 million deliveries were identified, with 238 patients experiencing ICH during the case period. Those who died during the case / interim period or were in PP during the crossover period were removed from analyses. The overall rate of ICH during case vs. crossover period was 8.1 vs 2.5 per 100,000 deliveries / patients, resulting in an absolute risk difference and rate ratio (CI) of 5.5 (4.3 - 6.8) and 3.2 (2.4 - 4.2) respectively. During the case period, the majority of ICH occurred during the 3 rd trimester and the first 12wks postpartum (Figure). Patients experiencing ICH during PP were more likely to be Black or Asian (compared to White), and had a history of hypertension, diabetes, coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, or substance abuse (Table). Conclusion: Pregnancy confers a significantly higher risk of ICH that peaks during the 3 rd trimester and continues into early postpartum. Further investigation is warranted to characterize individuals at a greater risk of ICH during PP.

Elucidating the pathogenesis of esophageal adenocarcinoma through meta-analysis of public data.

71 Background: Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It commonly arises in the setting of reflux disease and Barett’s esophagus. It remains incurable and holds a poor prognosis. Dissecting the genetic signature of EAC can pave new therapeutic avenues. Methods: We employed our Search Tag Analyze Resource (STARGEO) platform to conduct meta-analysis using the National Center for Biotechnology’s (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). We tagged 151 tumor samples from EAC patients and 62 normal esophageal samples as a control. We then analyzed the signature in Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, restricting genes that showed statistical significance (p < 0.05) and an absolute experimental log ratio greater than 0.15 between tumor and control. Results: Our analysis revealed granulocyte adhesion and diapedesis and FXR/RXR signaling as top canonical pathways. TGFB1, TNF, and beta-estradiol were top upstream regulators with predicted activation. TGFB1 and TNF expression have been correlated with poor prognosis in EAC. Also, beta-estradiol has tumorigenic activity in several cancers but has not been investigated in EAC. Among the top upregulated genes were oncogenic genes such as tetraspanin 8, the antiapoptotic factor OLFM4, and the protease cathepsin E (CTSE). SPINK1, a trypsin inhibitor with recently suggested role in cancer, and the choline transporter SLC44A4, a drug target for pancreatic cancer, were also upregulated. The most downregulated genes included alcohol dehydrogenase 7, associated with EAC in alcohol-drinkers, and the pro-apoptotic gene CRCT1. We also found downregulation of the serine peptidase inhibitor SPINK7. SPINK7 is involved in maintaining epithelial-barrier integrity and is implicated in eosinophilic esophagitis pathogenesis. Lastly, there was downregulation of the candidate tumor suppressor gene transglutaminase 3. Conclusions: Despite screening efforts, EAC incidence and mortality continues to increase as does the need for better treatment. This meta-analysis defines the significant gene expression changes within causal disease processes to provide markers for detection, prognostic insight, and therapeutic value for EAC.

Abstract TP212: Stroke Risk Following Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Introduction: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as stress cardiomyopathy, is an increasingly recognized cause of left ventricular dysfunction after acute brain injury. Previously considered a benign disease, recent small, single-center case series suggest that Takotusubo cardiomyopathy may be a risk factor for ischemic stroke. The strength and temporal profile of this association remain uncertain. Methods: We performed a cohort-crossover study using administrative claims data on all emergency department visits and acute care hospitalizations from 2005-2015 in California New York, and Florida. We identified patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy using a previously validated International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis code. We excluded patients with a prior or concomitant stroke diagnosis. We compared the risk of ischemic stroke in the first year after Takotsubo cardiomyopathy to the risk of ischemic stroke in the second year after. The absolute risk increase and odds ratio (OR) were calculated using McNemar’s test for matched data. Results: Among 5,283 patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (mean age, 67 years; 92% female), we identified 49 ischemic strokes during the year after Takotsubo cardiomyopathy versus 19 ischemic strokes in the control period 2 years later. The risk of stroke was significantly higher in the year after Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (absolute increase, 0.6%; 95% CI, 0.2%-0.9%) (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.5-4.6) as compared to the control period. Conclusion: We found a heightened risk of ischemic stroke in the year after a diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, although the absolute risk increase was small.

The optimal absolute ratio for online bin packing

We present an online bin packing algorithm with absolute competitive ratio 5/3, which is optimal.

A General Empirical Energy Consumption Model for Computer Numerical Control Milling Machine

Energy consumption of computer numerical control (CNC) machines is significant and various empirical models have been developed to model the specific energy consumption (SEC) of CNC machines. However, most of the models are developed for specific machines and hence have limited applications in manufacturing industry. In this research, a general empirical SEC model for milling machine at certain power level is developed based on actual cutting experimental data. In this model, stand-by power and spindle power are used in the SEC model for the first time. The material removal rate (MRR) is used to represent the cutting parameter. The proposed model is fitted by the regression analysis and validated using experimental data. Results show that the proposed model can be applied on various milling machines with an average absolute residual ratio of 6%. The model is also validated through a series of cutting experiments on a machine center, with an accuracy of 91.5%, for the SEC calculation.

Correction: Preparation and characterization of primary magnesium mixtures for the ab initio calibration of absolute magnesium isotope ratio measurements

Correction for ‘Preparation and characterization of primary magnesium mixtures for the ab initio calibration of absolute magnesium isotope ratio measurements’ by Björn Brandt et al., J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2016, 31, 179–196.

Morphometric parameters ofConvallaria majalis L. in the conditions of different phytocenoses in the Yampil district of Sumy region

Introduction . There is a decrease in the populations of many species, which prompts us to find directions and ways of regulating the mechanisms of development of natural phytocenoses as a result of radical changes in natural ecosystems. As a part of the forest phytocenoses, C . majalis undergoes significant anthropogenic effects and requires detailed study and development of measures for the preservation and reproduction of its populations. The issues of changing the morphometric parameters, depending on the forest site type and the stand density, remain poorly studied. The study of morphological parameters C . majalis allows to interfere purposefully in the processes of growth and development of plants, to use more fully the natural properties of plants, to preserve and reproduce the population and increase its productivity. Purpose . To estimate dimensional sizes of C. majalis plants and to determine their morphometric features in different forest phytocenoses in Yampil district of Sumy region. Methods of research. We made a morphometric analysis to determine the dimensional parameters of plants of the researched species. For this purpose, a number of static metric and static alometric parameters were evaluated in the studied cenopopulations. Based on the generally accepted approaches of morphometric analysis, such parameters from the number of static metric parameters were determined, in particular, the height of the main shoot (H), the diameter of the main shoot (D), the number of leaves (NL), and the buds (B), the total weight of the plant (W), of all leaves (WL) and of one leaf (W1L), total weight of generative organs (Wg) and total area of leaf surface(A). We estimated leaf area ratio (LAR=A/W), leaf weight ratio (LWR=WL/W), heartwood ratio (HWR=H/W), height diameter ratio (HDR=H/D), absolute diameter ratio (ADR=A/D); specific leaf area (SLA=A/WL) and reproductive effort: (RE1=(Wg / W) x 100%, RE2=(Wg / A) x 100%) from static alometric parameters. Results . Each of the morpho-parameters has its own specific features regarding changes in values upon transition from one cenopopulation to another. At the same time, the greatest values of four (the weight of one leaf (W 1 L =2,03 + 0,030 g), the weight of all leaves ( WL =4,06 + 0,03 g); the diameter of the main shoots (D=0,5 + 0,01 mm) and the number of buds ( B =3,1 + 0,04 pieces)) of the nine static metric parameters that were evaluated in C . majalis are recorded in the Pinetum ( sylvestris ) coryloso ( avellanae )– urticosum ( dioici ) population. Plants from this group are also differed from the largest values of three of the eight evaluated static alometric parameters, such as: leaf area ratio ( (LAR=15,2 + 0,35 cm 2 / g) and the parameter of the reproductive effort ( (RE1=69,9 + 7,88%, RE2=4,6 + 0,53%). At the same time, plants from this group have comparatively low indicator of such a morpho-parameter as heartwood ratio ( HWR = 4,24 + 0,054 cm/g), with the values of this characteristic in the researched populations within the range of 4,03-6,07 cm/g. It was registered the lowest values of the four static parameters (height of the main shoot ( H =29,7 + 1,04 cm), the diameter of the main shoot ( D =0,3 + 0,015 mm), number of buds ( B =2,5 + 0,12 pieces.), weight of generative organs ( Wg =0,3 + 0,03 g)) and of three alometric parameters ( heartwood ratio (HWR=4,0 + 0,150 cm/g), parameter of reproductive effort (RE1=4,5 + 0,47 %, RE2=0,32 + 0,039 %), at the same time, they have the highest values - height diameter ratio (HDR =111,2 + 5,28 cm/cm) and absolute diameter ratio (ADR=404,9+35,19 см2/см) in the cenopopulation of Querceto ( roboris )− Tilietum ( cordatae ) fragariosum ( vescae ) . Originality . We are able to distinguish more clearly the features of ecological-cenotic optimum, to estimate the resource potential of C. majalis and to propose scientifically grounded approaches for the rational use of available stocks of valuable medicinal raw materials in the research area on the basis of the obtained quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the cenopopulations of the researched species. Conclusions. Plants of C. majalis show a rather diverse nature of changes in the magnitude of morphological parameters relative to the group in which they grow. Formation of plants C. majalis in the group Querceto (roboris)−Tilietum (cordatae) fragariosum (vescae),), is characterized by the smallest static metric and alometric parameters indicating the proximity of places to ecological-cenotic stress conditions. Conversely, the presence in Pinetum ( sylvestris ) coryloso ( avellanae ) – urticosum ( dioici ) of large-sized individuals, which are also distinguished by the highest values of a number, static metric and alometric parameters, indicates the proximity of this location to the ecological-cenotic optimum.

Experimental Study of Heat Transfer Characteristics of Al2O3 and CuO Nanofluids for Machining Application

Abstract In thermal engineering applications, the nanofluids are used to enhance the heat transfer performance. Recently traditional cutting fluids are gradually being replaced by the nanofluid due to growing need of green manufacturing and environmental friendly process. This paper presents the experimental study of water based Al2O3 and CuO nanofluids at different volume % concentrations such as 0.05%, 0.15%, 0.3%, 0.5% and 1% for heat transfer application. The thermal conductivity and viscosity of nanofluids are considered together for heat transfer performance. The result shows that thermal conductivity ratio is enhanced by 19.74% and 36.21% for Al2O3 and CuO nanofluids at 1 vol. % concentration respectively. Similarly absolute viscosity ratio is increased by 29.77% and 48.71%. The better heat transfer fluid is obtained for machining application at optimal values 0.30 vol. % concentration of Al2O3 and 0.15 vol. %concentrations of CuO nanofluid for combined consideration of thermal conductivity and viscosity. It is also observed that after 0.50 vol. % concentration the viscosity of nanofluid increases largely which affects on thermal conductivity of nanofluid and gives the poor thermal performance. The performance of Nanofluid MQL process for machining performance is also reviewed.

Expert judgments for performance shaping Factors’ multiplier design in human reliability analysis

Human reliability analysis (HRA) still heavily relies on expert judgments to generate reliability data. There exists a widely recognized need to validate and justify the reliability data obtained from expert judgments. For demonstrating such effort, we provide a template of how we base expert elicitations and empirical studies to derive the multipliers of performance shaping factors (PSFs). We applied two expert judgment techniques—absolute probability judgment (APJ) and ratio magnitude estimation (RME)—to update the PSF multiplier design in Standardized Plant Analysis of Risk-Human Reliability Analysis (SPAR-H). Licensed operators (N = 17) from a nuclear power plant were recruited. It is found that APJ and RME have acceptable inter-rater reliability and convergent validity between them. The multipliers estimated by APJ and RME were compared with those from empirical studies in the human performance literature. Certain consistencies between these heterogeneous data sources were found. Combining these heterogeneous data, we suggested the multiplier design of PSFs for SPAR-H. We also bridged the relationship between every PSF and its psychological mechanism to trigger human errors. Our work might suggest the appropriateness of expert elicitations in generating useful data for HRA, and strengthen the empirical and psychological foundations of PSF-based HRA methods.

Performance of 12 reference evapotranspiration estimation methods compared with the Penman–Monteith method and the potential influences in northeast China

Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is an important factor for agricultural activity and water management. Its estimation methods have significant regional differences. The Penman–Monteith (P‐M) method, which is recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has been widely accepted, but it requires a large amount of data. This study analysed the performance of 12 ET0 estimation methods in different sub‐regions and periods by comparing them with the FAO P‐M method. Northeastern China was divided into eight sub‐regions according to their terrains and climates. Meteorological data obtained from 126 stations in these sub‐regions between the 1950s and 2014 were used to calculate the ET0 values. The performances were identified via four indices: root mean squared error, mean absolute error, average ratio and Spearman's correlation co‐efficient. The optimal method for agricultural areas was then modified by using linear regression analysis. The results are as follows: the Valiantzas2, Romanenko2 and H‐Makkink methods are recommended as alternative methods during the crop‐growing period, whereas the Turc and Hargreaves–Samani methods can generate significant biases. The Valiantzas2 and H‐Makkink methods are the optimal ones for estimating ET0 values in agricultural areas. Based on the outputs from the FAO P‐M method, ET0 values are most sensitive to temperature, accounting for 59.5%. Other methods that provide similar results can be considered as alternatives. Finally, the modified equation can provide the most accurate results, but drought events also affect the accuracy of the modified method.

In vivo evidence for decreased scyllo-inositol levels in the supplementary motor area of patients with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: A proton MR spectroscopy study

IntroductionSeveral structural and functional neuroimaging studies have shown that the Supplementary Motor Area (SMA) is affected by tau pathology in patients with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). The aim of the study was to investigate the biochemical profile of SMA in PSP patients, using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). MethodsSixteen PSP patients and 18 healthy controls participated in this study. 1H-MRS was performed by using a Point RESolving Spectroscopy (PRESS) single-voxel sequence implemented on a 3-T scanner. A voxel of 25 × 25 × 15 mm involving the right and left SMA was acquired in all subjects. Peak areas of N-acetyl-aspartate + N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAA), creatine with phosphocreatine (Cr), glycerophosphocholine + phosphocholine (Cho), glutamate + glutamine (Glx), glutathione (GSH), myo-Inositol (mI) and Scyllo-Inositol (Scyllo) were calculated using a version 6.3-1K of the fitting program LCModel. Comparative analysis was performed on both absolute concentrations and ratio values relative to Cr. ResultsPSP patients showed a significant decrease in Scyllo concentration and Scyllo/Cr ratio values in SMA, compared to controls, whereas no difference between groups was found for the other ratio values. Of note, the attention and working memory functions were positively related to Scyllo and Scyllo/Cr values in PSP patients. ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that Scyllo and Scyllo/Cr were significantly reduced in the SMA of PSP patients. Because Scyllo seems to be able to protect against formation of toxic fibrils of amyloid-beta fragments and tau oligomers deposition, these preliminary findings may open new perspectives to investigate Scyllo as a new potential disease-modifying therapy for PSP.

Leukocyte Subtypes As Predictors for Venous Thromboembolism in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Introduction: Venous thromboembolic events (VTE) are a frequent complication of patients diagnosed with diffuse large B -cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Development of VTE portends poor prognosis. Previous studies have identified use of anthracyclines, advanced stage at presentation, obesity, and development of neutropenia and anemia after first cycle of chemotherapy as risk factors for VTE. Recent studies suggest leukocyte subpopulations may affect the risk of VTE; elevated neutrophil and monocyte counts have been associated with increased risk of VTE in solid malignancy patients. The role of leukocyte subpopulations in VTE risk in DLBCL patients has not yet been evaluated. We conducted a retrospective study to identify risk factors for VTE and specifically address the role of leukocytes and their subtypes in VTE risk assessment in DLBCL.Methods: We accessed the Stem Cell Transplant and Hematologic Malignancies database of University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center for DLBCL patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2016. Information collected included demographic characteristics, baseline laboratory and disease information, as well as treatment details. Patient records were reviewed for the presence of VTE, including radiographic confirmation. Progression free survival and overall survival were calculated from time of diagnosis using Kaplan Meier methodology, comparisons were done with log rank. Cumulative incidence of VTE was calculated considering death as competing risk. Univariate Cox regression analysis was conducted for baseline characteristics, risk factors and baseline laboratory parameters. Variables with a univariate p value lower than 0.1 were included in multivariate Cox regression. All analyses were performed using XLSTAT (Addinsoft, NY).Results: A total of 542 patients were included in the study. Baseline characteristics are described in Table 1. At a median follow up of 48 months, 93 patients developed VTE, with 1 and 2 -year cumulative incidence of VTE of 13.5% (95% CI 10.9-16.8) and 20.5% (95% CI 17.3-24.3). In subsequent years, VTE risk increased more modestly, reaching 23.6% at 4 years (95% CI 20.2-27.7). Eighty percent of VTE occurred in patients with active disease. Sixteen percent of VTE were pulmonary embolism (PE), 53% were lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and 31% upper extremity DVTs. Approximately 55% of upper extremity DVTs were line - related.On univariate analysis (table 2), the risk factors with statistically significant odds for increased hazard of VTE included previous history of VTE, albumin less than 3 gm/dl, leukocyte count greater than 11,000/mcl, hemoglobin less than 12 gm/dl, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), ANC to absolute lymphocyte ratio (ANC: ALC) higher than 2.5 and presence of bulky disease at the time of diagnosis. In multivariate analysis, BMI > 35, bulky disease and ANC/ALC ratio ≥ 2.5 remained statistically significant risk factors for development of VTE.Presence of VTE at any time after DLBCL diagnosis was also associated with worse overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) rates. Patients with VTE after diagnosis had an estimated 4 - year OS of 50.6 % (95% CI 39.7-61.6) vs. 71.3% (95% CI 66.9-75.7) in patients without VTE (p<0.0001) (figure 1). Four-year PFS estimates were 37.5% (95 % CI 27.1-48) and 60% (95 % CI 55.3-64.7), respectively (p<0.0001) (figure 2).Conclusion: VTE is a frequent complication in DLBCL patients and is associated with increased mortality and risk of progressive disease. The first 24 months after DLBCL diagnosis appear to be the time of highest VTE risk, likely a consequence of active disease, treatment and other risk factors such as indwelling catheters. Leukocyte subpopulations appear to have a correlation with VTE risk; the ANC: ALC ratio is a measure of systemic inflammatory response, and in DLBCL patients, a ratio above 2.5 is correlated with increased risk of VTE. Incorporation of this laboratory measurement to currently available VTE risk assessment tools may help more precisely identify the at highest risk of VTE. DisclosuresMalek:Takeda: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Tomlinson:Foundation Medicine: Consultancy. Caimi:Kite Pharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; ADC Therapeutics: Research Funding; Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Genentech: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Meta-Analysis Illustrates Role of Interferon-γ Signaling in Multiple Myeloma Pathogenesis

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal B cell neoplasia that comes from growth of malignant B cells in the bone marrow. Stromal cells, including inflammatory cells, in the bone marrow enable MM persistence and growth. MM is characterized by an uncoordinated cytokine system with an increase in proinflammatory cytokines. While proinflammatory cytokines are essential in mounting an anti-tumor response, they can also drive cancer progression. Ultimately, it is the effects of the cytokine milieu in the immune microenvironment that help determine MM development. While the role of IFNγ in MM remains mixed and unclear, our analysis suggests IFNγ plays an oncogenic role in MM and offers other insights to MM pathology.Methods: The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GEO is an open database of more than 2 million samples of functional genomics experiments. The Search Tag Analyze Resource for GEO (STARGEO) platform allows for meta-analysis of genomic signatures of disease and tissue. We employed the STARGEO platform to search the Gene Expression Omnibus and performed meta-analysis on 517 peripheral blood samples from multiple myeloma patients using 97 healthy peripheral blood samples as a control. We then analyzed the signature in Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to help define the genomic signature of MM and identify disease pathways. We analyzed genes that showed statistical significance disease and control samples (p<0.05) and an absolute experimental log ratio of at least 0.1.Results: We identified IFNγ signaling, primary immunodeficiency signaling, B cell development, and antigen presentation as the top canonical pathways. Top regulators included IFNγ, TNF, the oncogenic transcription regulator SMARC4, and CNOT7 (with predicted inhibition). We found inhibition of Wnt-signaling through stark upregulation of DKK1 (correlated with osteolytic lesions in MM) and the Wnt-binding protein antagonist FRZB. We also noted increased B cell survival through upregulation of the ADP-ribonyltransferase and B cell survival regulator PAPR14 and CPEB4, a gene required for cell cycle progression. Additionally, apoptotic signaling was diminished through downregulation of CNOT7 (limits B cell proliferation), genes involved in lysosomal disruption during apoptosis such as cathepsin H and lysozymes, the apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein BNIP3, and the pattern recognition receptor NOD2 (involved in autophagy). B cell development was impaired through downregulation of essential genes such as BLNK, a linker protein involved in B cell receptor signaling. Epigenetic changes were reflected by upregulation of the histone genes such as histone 1 genes HIST1H1C/1H2BD. Among histone 1's related pathways are E2F-mediated DNA replication and hypoxia-independent gene expression. Additionally, we found upregulation of tumorigenic genes such as neuron derived neurotrophic factor, NDNF, and hepatocyte growth factor, HGF, which has yet to be described in MM. Interestingly, pathway analysis demonstrated that this diverse set of disease processes are downstream of IFNγ signaling (see figure 1).Conclusion: MM pathogenesis reflects several disease processes that remain largely obscure. Our analysis clarifies the role of several mechanisms in MM such as inhibition of Wnt-signaling, defective B cell apoptosis, increased proliferation, loss of epigenetic integrity, and impaired B cell development. Activation of the antigen presentation pathway in our analysis may seem paradoxical to MM progression but recent evidence illustrates increased antigen presentation to T-regulatory cells, leading to immune tolerance. Most importantly, we are beginning to clarify the multifactorial, oncogenic qualities of IFNγ signaling in MM and are working to validate these results with analysis of our patient samples. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Distinguishing adrenal adenomas from non-adenomas with multidetector CT: evaluation of percentage washout values at a short time delay triphasic enhanced CT.

To retrospectively evaluate the diagnostic values of absolute percentage washout ratio (APW) and relative percentage washout ratio (RPW) obtained from a short time delay triphasic enhanced CT in distinguishing adenomas from non-adenomas. The study population consisted of 116 patients (58 males and 58 females; mean age, 52 years; age range, 23-89 years) with 116 adrenal masses from 2010 to 2016. Absolute attenuation values in each phase of CT were measured, and then the APW and RPW were calculated. The APW and RPW receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the strength of the tests. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated for APW and RPW. Significant differences were observed in APW and RPW values between the adenoma and non-adenoma groups (p < 0.001). Areas under the ROC curve were 0.822 (95% confidence interval: 0.730, 0.914) and 0.913 (95% confidence interval: 0.851, 0.975) for the APW and RPW tests, respectively. The RPW (≥30%) criterion showed the best accuracy (86%), with 85% sensitivity and 90% specificity, followed by the APW (≥32%) criterion, with 81% accuracy, 85% sensitivity, and 69% specificity. The APW and RPW values from a short time delay triphasic enhanced CT were efficient and helpful in differentiating adenomas from non-adenomas, and could provide comparable diagnostic results to the previous reported longer delayed dedicated adrenal CT protocols. The washout ratio from a short time delay triphasic enhanced CT could help in differentiating adenomas from non-adenomas without the dedicated adrenal CT.

MACHINE-BUILDING ENTERPRISES FINANCIAL RISKS MINIMIZATION MODELS BUILDING

The article is based on a financial condition indicators system, which assesses the financial risk of the enterprise, and their grouping according to the nature of the impact on the enterprise financial position. The following financial risks groups have been identified: the inappropriate capital structure, inefficient financial activity, liquidity decline, ineffective operating activities, the imbalances in cash flows and ineffective investment activities risks. Each group of indicators is selected by the "center of gravity"one representative method to construct a model for assessing the financial risk in the enterprise level. It is determined that representative indicators in identifying the financial risk in an enterprise level are: coefficient of autonomy, coefficient of turnover of capital, absolute liquidity ratio, return on sales, net cash flow ratio, total return on investment.At the next stage of constructing a model for enterprise financial risks minimizing using expert method, representative indicators are measured according to their informativity for assessing financial risk at the enterprise. Taking into account the indicators significance, a machine-building enterprises assessment financial risk model was constructed on the basis of the enterprise financial risk level indicators-representatives additive convolution with their significance weight coefficients correction.The functional dependencies between the indicators are determined given the direct and inverse nature of the link between the indicators that characterize the machine-building enterprises financial risk, using correlation-regression analysis. An optimization model for machine-building enterprises financial risks minimizing was built on the principle of limiting financial risks. Optimizing the model means getting the maximum integral index value of the financial risk neutralization level. To this end, the Kuhn-Tucker theorem is used. As a result of model optimization it was revealed that from the point of view the financial risks at machine-building enterprises level minimizing, the optimum values of financial indicators are: for the coefficient of autonomy — 0.41; for the capital turnover coefficient — 31,0; for the coefficient of absolute liquidity — 0,45; for a profitability ratio of sales — 0,29; for the coefficient of sufficiency of net cash flow — 0,60; for the coefficient of total return on investment — 0,28. The established norms of financial indicators provide financial risk minimization at machine-building enterprises.

Limits for Resolving Isobaric Tandem Mass Tag Reporter Ions Using Phase-Constrained Spectrum Deconvolution.

A popular method for peptide quantification relies on isobaric labeling such as tandem mass tags (TMT), which enables multiplexed proteome analyses. Quantification is achieved by reporter ions generated by fragmentation in a tandem mass spectrometer. However, with higher degrees of multiplexing, the smaller mass differences between the reporter ions increase the mass resolving power requirements. This contrasts with faster peptide sequencing capabilities enabled by lowered mass resolution on Orbitrap instruments. It is therefore important to determine the mass resolution limits for highly multiplexed quantification when maximizing proteome depth. Here, we defined the lower boundaries for resolving TMT reporter ions with 0.0063 Da mass differences using an ultra-high-field Orbitrap mass spectrometer. We found the optimal method depends on the relative ratio between closely spaced reporter ions and that 64 ms transient acquisition time provided sufficient resolving power for separating TMT reporter ions with absolute ratio changes up to 16-fold. Furthermore, a 32 ms transient processed with phase-constrained spectrum deconvolution provides >50% more identifications with >99% quantified but with a slight loss in quantification precision and accuracy. These findings should guide decisions on what Orbitrap resolution settings to use in future proteomics experiments, relying on isobaric TMT reporter ion quantification.

GROWTH ANALYSIS OF HYBRID Eucalyptus urograndis (E. grandis x E. urophylla) IN RESPONSE TO SIMULATED DRIFT OF AUXINIC HERBICIDES

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate growth rates of E. urograndis under application of triclopyr and fluroxipyr+triclopyr herbicides. Was used a randomized block design with four replications in a factorial design (3x2x5), corresponding to herbicides (triclopyr and fluroxipyr+triclopyr), both with two doses (0.75 and 1.5% concentrations of 480 g and L-1 for triclopyr and 80+240 g and L-1 for fluroxipyr+triclopyr), plus one control (plants that did not receive herbicide application) and five evaluation dates at 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 days after application (DAA). At 45 days after seedlings transplant, applications were performed with pressurized carbon dioxide backpack sprayer, equipped with beak tip (XR 110.02) with spray volume of 200 L ha-1 and constant pressure of 35 kgf/cm2. Were evaluated: leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf area ratio (LAR), leaf weight ratio (LWR), absolute growth ratio (AGR), relative growth ratio (RGR) and net assimilatory ratio (NAR). The drift of triclopyr and fluroxipyr + triclopyr herbicide in the hybrid E. urograndis affect plant development in the beginning of the establishment. At 75 days after simulation drift of herbicides the plants showed characteristics of the symptoms of intoxication. It’s necessary to perform studies after 75 DAA to verify the complete recovery of the intoxication symptoms of E. urograndis hybrid plants resulting from the herbicide drift in the present study.

Recent progress in the commercialization of the Li Foil multi-wire proportional counter neutron detectors

The scarcity and rising cost of 3He gas has introduced a push in alternative neutron detector technologies. The Li foil multi-wire proportional counter (Li Foil MWPC) neutron detectors have shown promise as a 3He replacement technology. Large, gas-filled proportional counters with five layers of 75 µm thick 6Li foils have been built and characterized, yielding over 55% thermal neutron detection efficiency, with the possibility of increasing the efficiency above 70% with ten 96% enriched 6Li foil layers. Most recently, a backpack radiation detector (BRD) was fabricated, equipped with four Li Foil MWPC devices. The neutron sensitivity-to-weight ratio of the Li Foil MWPC devices was first optimized using MCNP6 by simulating the angular response to an ANSI-moderated-252Cf source positioned 1.5 m away from the devices. The simulated neutron sensitivity results were compared and benchmarked to that of the commercially-available Thermo-Fisher PackEye v. 1.0 that contains two 14 in. long, 2 in. diameter, 2.5 atm 3He tubes. The experimental efforts studied the performance of the Li Foil MWPCs in the backpack instrument configuration. Fabrication advancements were implemented to the Li Foil MWPC devices to increase the device manufacturability and improve the commercialization capabilities. These advancements included weight reduction, new hermetic sealing techniques, optimizing active area, and anode wire cost reduction. The Li Foil MWPC BRD was evaluated as a part of a PNNL test campaign for neutron sensitivity where 0.36 cps/ng of 252Cf at 1.5 m was measured. The gamma-ray rejection ratio (GRR) of the BRD was also evaluated, yielding a measured value of 3.1 × 10−8 for a 137Cs exposure rate of 50 mR/Hr. Further evaluations were performed under the PNNL test campaign including detector response to neutron sources of 252Cf, AmBe, AmLi and WGPu, detector angular response, and the gamma absolute rejection ratio in the presence of neutrons (GARRn).

Analysis of the absolute and the relative transmissibility on the centrifugal pump

In this paper, we proposed a new technique on the relative transmissibility which are generally only known as the absolute transmissibility or transmissibility. Relative transmissibility is ratio of the relative deflection amplitude of the isolator to the displacement amplitude imposed at the foundation. Absolute transmissibility is ratio of the vibration amplitude of the equipment to the vibration amplitude of the foundation. Centrifugal pump system which is supported by foundation in the form of A36 steel hollow rectangular has one degree of freedom. This method lead to calculate absolute and relative transmissibility ratio both normal pump and damage pump with variation of spring stiffnes and coefficient damping. Relative transmissibility is significant only in an isolator used to reduce vibration transmitted from a vibrating foundation. It is proven theoretically and experimentally that pump with the A36 steel as the foundation has relative transmissibility less than one, which means that system has a good isolation. The minimum value of spring stiffness which is used of isolation system to have a good isolation is 107 N/m. This research opens opportunities for industry in determining type of material used for machine foundation which is related to the value of spring stiffness.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for advanced esophageal cancer response assessment after concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

We aimed to evaluate the treatment response of patients with esophageal cancer after concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CRT) using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). This retrospective study included 59 patients with histologically confirmed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The patients underwent DCE-MRI before and 4 weeks after CRT. Patients with complete response were defined as the CR group; partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease patients were defined as the non-CR group. DCE-MRI parameters (Ktrans, Ve, and Kep) were measured and compared between pre- and post-CRT in the CR and non-CR groups, respectively. Pre-CRT and post-CRT parameters were used to calculate the absolute change and the ratio of change. DCE-MRI parameters were compared between the CR and non-CR groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to verify diagnostic performance. Patients with higher T-stage esophageal cancer might present with poorer response. After CRT, the Ktrans and Kep values significantly decreased in the CR group, whereas only Kep value decreased in the non-CR group. The post-Ktrans and post-Kep values were observed to be significantly lower in the CR group than in the non-CR group. The absolute change and ratio of change of both Ktrans and Kep were higher in the CR group than in the non-CR group. Based on ROC analysis, the ratio of change in Ktrans was the best parameter to assess treatment response (AUC= 0.840). DCE-MRI parameters are valuable in predicting and assessing concurrent CRT response for advanced esophageal cancer.