Changes In Temporal Parameters Research Articles

Temporal changes of hydraulic properties of overburden aquifer induced by longwall mining in Ningtiaota coalfield, northwest China

Characterizing the mining induced temporal changes of hydraulic properties of the overburden aquifer is significant for groundwater resource protection. Conventional hydrogeological methods (e.g. hydraulic test, physical model test and numerical simulation) of determining hydraulic properties of the overburden aquifer cannot quantitatively analyze the temporal changes of the hydraulic properties induced by mining disturbances. This paper demonstrates a quantitative determination for the temporal changes of parameters (compressibility, porosity and specific storage) in the overburden aquifer influenced by the mining processes, based on in-situ continuous measurements of groundwater level that was affected by earth tide, atmospheric loading and mining disturbances. The results showed that, when working face reached a certain distance (127 m from borehole J6 in this study), those parameters (compressibility, porosity and specific storage) of overburden aquifer began to show gradual decrease, with approximately up to two order of magnitudes. After the working face passed by the observation borehole J6, those properties of overburden aquifer recovered in about 80 days, which might reflect the characteristic of elastic deformation of the aquifer. Those findings of the mining induced parameters’ temporal changes could improve our understanding of the mining effects on aquifer system and could be meaningful in groundwater resource protection.

Effect of Single Dose of Radioiodine Therapy on Volume Reduction of Thyroid Gland in Hyperthyroidism

Introduction: Radioactive iodine therapy (RAIT) in patients with hyperthyroidism (HT) causes apoptosis of thyrocytes to bring about restoration of thyroid function. The aim of the study was to find the short term extent of reduction of thyroid gland volume (TGV) by non-invasive quantitative assessment using ultrasound imaging (USG).
 Patients and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on a group of patients who had received RAIT due to primary hyperthyroidism at National Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (NINMAS). Pre-therapy work up included hormone assay and baseline measurement of TGV by US before administration of appropriate fixed dose RAIT. Short term follow-up with hormone assay and serial measurements of TGV on two occasions were done at three and six months following the RAIT. Observed temporal changes of parameters were analyzed using appropriate statistics.
 Results: Total 117 patients with primary hyperthyroidism had received RAIT with diagnosis of diffuse toxic goiter in 86 patients, toxic multinodular goiter in 21 cases and single toxic nodular goiter in 10 cases. There was a decline of mean TGV from the baseline level of 24 ml to 14 ml at three months followed by a further decline to 9.1 ml at six months. Thus the volume reduction of thyroid gland was calculated to be 42% at three months and 62% at six months. The volume reduction was observed to be in a correlative trend with the normalization of hormone levels. The proportion of patients who showed persistent hyperthyroidism till the study end point was 23%.
 Conclusion: Single dose of radioactive iodine therapy resulted in reduction of TGV up to 62% till six months after RAIT while 23% patients showed persistent hyperthyroidism. The correlative trend of volume reduction with normalization of hormone levels indicates potentiality of TGV to emerge as an adjunct to conventional assessment of treatment efficacy following RAIT. 
 Bangladesh J. Nuclear Med. 21(2): 87-91, July 2018

Overground walking patterns after chronic incomplete spinal cord injury show distinct response patterns to unloading

BackgroundBody weight support (BWS) is often provided to incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) patients during rehabilitation to enable gait training before full weight-bearing is recovered. Emerging robotic devices enable BWS during overground walking, increasing task-specificity of the locomotor training. However, in contrast to a treadmill setting, there is little information on how unloading is integrated into overground locomotion. We investigated the effect of a transparent multi-directional BWS system on overground walking patterns at different levels of unloading in individuals with chronic iSCI (CiSCI) compared to controls.MethodsKinematics of 12 CiSCI were analyzed at six different BWS levels from 0 to 50% body weight unloading during overground walking at 2kmh− 1 and compared to speed-matched controls.ResultsIn controls, temporal parameters, single joint trajectories, and intralimb coordination responded proportionally to the level of unloading, while spatial parameters remained unaffected. In CiSCI, unloading induced similar changes in temporal parameters. CiSCI, however, did not adapt their intralimb coordination or single joint trajectories to the level of unloading.ConclusionsThe findings revealed that continuous, dynamic unloading during overground walking results in subtle and proportional gait adjustments corresponding to changes in body load. CiSCI demonstrated diminished responses in specific domains of gait, indicating that their altered neural processing impeded the adjustment to environmental constraints. CiSCI retain their movement patterns under overground unloading, indicating that this is a viable locomotor therapy tool that may also offer a potential window on the diminished neural control of intralimb coordination.

Evaluation of Movement of Wetting Front under Surface Point Source of Drip Irrigation in Vertisols

The knowledge of wetted width, depth and maximum wetted width beneath the surface of soil is required in design and management of an efficient drip irrigation system, which can largely be controlled by emitter discharge and time of irrigation. Temporal movement of wetting in horizontal and vertical directions under surface point source was studied in acrylic tank at 0.5 l.h-1, 1.0 l.h-1, 2.0 l.h-1 and 4.0 l.h-1 emitter discharges in vertisols. However, a constant volume was applied in each run. Power equation based models were developed using results obtained for temporal changes in parameters of wetting geometry like the horizontal surface wetting width (Bs ), maximum wetting depth (d), maximum horizontal wetting width (B) at high value of correlation. The maximum wetted radius at the soil surface as well as beneath the soil surface increased with the increase in emitter discharge rate. The maximum wetting radius at soil surface was found to be 113 mm, 115 mm, 132 mm and 134 mm at discharge rate of 0.5 l.h-1, 1.0 l.h-1, 2.0 l.h-1 and 4.0 l.h-1, respectively. The maximum wetted depth did not increase with increase in emitter discharge rate. It covered distance of 133 mm, 119 mm, 119 mm and 119 mm with emitter discharge rates of 0.5 l.h-1, 1.0 l.h-1, 2.0 l.h-1 and 4.0 l.h-1, respectively.

Probabilistic aftershock hazard analysis, two case studies in West and Northwest Iran

Aftershock hazard maps contain the essential information for search and rescue process, and re-occupation after a main-shock. Accordingly, the main purposes of this article are to study the aftershock decay parameters and to estimate the expected high-frequency ground motions (i.e., Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA)) for recent large earthquakes in the Iranian plateau. For this aim, the Ahar-Varzaghan doublet earthquake (August 11, 2012; M N =6.5, M N =6.3), and the Ilam (Murmuri) earthquake (August 18, 2014 ; M N =6.2) have been selected. The earthquake catalogue has been collected based on the Gardner and Knopoff (Bull Seismol Soc Am 64(5), 1363-1367, 1974) temporal and spatial windowing technique. The magnitude of completeness and the seismicity parameters (a, b) and the modified Omori law parameters (P, K, C) have been determined for these two earthquakes in the 14, 30, and 60 days after the mainshocks. Also, the temporal changes of parameters (a, b, P, K, C) have been studied. The aftershock hazard maps for the probability of exceedance (33%) have been computed in the time periods of 14, 30, and 60 days after the Ahar-Varzaghan and Ilam (Murmuri) earthquakes. For calculating the expected PGA of aftershocks, the regional and global ground motion prediction equations have been utilized. Amplification factor based on the site classes has also been implied in the calculation of PGA. These aftershock hazard maps show an agreement between the PGAs of large aftershocks and the forecasted PGAs. Also, the significant role of b parameter in the Ilam (Murmuri) probabilistic aftershock hazard maps has been investigated.

The reproductive strategy and the vibrational duet of the leafhopper Empoasca vitis.

The recent description of a new vibrational mating disruption method to control the leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus Ball opened questions about its possible application to other leafhopper pests. Since the prerequisite for the method's successful application is a deep knowledge of the species mating behavior and the exact role of associated signals, we conducted behavioral assays on the green leafhopper Empoasca vitis Göthe, a pest of grapevine and other crops in Europe and Asia. Laser vibrometer recordings of single and paired individuals (male and female) during a 24-h period enabled us to detect and describe 2 male and 1 female signal. The pair formation starts when the female replies to a male call and a duet is established, then it continues through 2 different behavioral stages: Location and Courtship. The proper courtship begins only when the male locates the female. The latter is characterized by a significant change in temporal parameters that regards both the signals and the duet structure. Although the male calling activity and the female replying rate were the same during the 24 h, a lower number of matings was recorded during the night. We discuss the possible role of vision and of the species ecology as factors of reproductive success and mating strategy. Our conclusion is that the mechanical mating disruption technique seems feasible for future application to this species.

EVALUATING THE TREND OF CHANGES IN GROUNDWATER QUALITY PARAMETERS (CASE STUDY: JIROFT PLAIN)

In recent decades, population growth and development of agriculture, indiscriminate increase and exacerbate the decline in the quality of groundwater resources in most parts of the country. Thus, given the importance of this research to study the spatial and temporal changes in parameters of calcium, magnesium, pH, chloride, sodium sulfate and water in Jiroft discussed. The data from 40 wells in the region of Kerman province in 2002 - 2012 water harvesting and qualitative analysis had been done on it was used. In this regard, after normalizing the data to evaluate the accuracy of different geostatistical methods including the kriging and inverse distance weighted, and then map the spatial zoning in the software quality parameters ArcGIS9.3 was prepared using the best method of interpolation. The results showed that the amount of calcium, pH and chlorine in the water and magnesium, and sodium sulfate also has declined. But the quality of groundwater resources Jiroft in general in 2012 compared to 2002, decreased and the process of change if they do go to the South and West Water quality is reduced. Keyword: Modeling, Jiroft plains, groundwater, spatial changes, interpolation.

Association of early changes in 1H MRSI parameters with survival for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma receiving a multimodality treatment regimen.

The heterogeneous biology of glioblastoma (GBM) emphasizes the need for imaging methods to assess tumor burden and assist in evaluating individual patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate early changes in metrics from 3D 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) data, compare them with anatomic lesion volumes, and determine whether they were associated with survival for patients with newly diagnosed GBM receiving a multimodality treatment regimen. Serial MRI and MRSI scans provided estimates of anatomic lesion volumes and levels of choline, creatine, N-acetylaspartate, lactate, and lipid. The association of metrics derived from these data with survival was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models with adjustments for age, Karnofsky performance score, and extent of resection. Temporal changes in parameters were evaluated using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. Anatomic lesion volumes at the post-radiotherapy (RT) scan, metabolic lesion volume at mid-RT and post-RT scans, as well as metrics describing levels of choline, lactate, and lipid were associated with overall survival. There was a significant reduction in the enhancing lesion volume, increase in T2 lesion volume from mid-RT to post-RT, and decrease in parameters describing metabolite levels during these early time points. The MRSI data provided metrics that described the effects of treatment on the metabolic lesion burden and were associated with overall survival. This suggests that adding these parameters to standard assessments of changes in anatomic lesion volumes could contribute to making early decisions about the efficacy of such combination therapies.

Changes in temporal parameters during performance of the Step Test in older adults

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the changes in the temporal parameters measured during the performance of the Step Test, to evaluate the relationship between age and these measurements and to determine their relationships to aerobic endurance, muscular strength and mobility in a sample of older adults. Eighty-eight older adults (mean age=73.0 years, SD=5.4) participated in the study. During the Step Test, we collected measurements of the following temporal parameters using the Optojump system: step number, support time and executive time. We also evaluated the performance of the Six-Minute Walk Test, the 30-Second Chair Rise Test and the Timed Up and Go Test. We observed a significant decrease in the step number and an increase in the support time and executive time (p=.001) during each minute of the test. The results revealed that the relationship between age and Step Test performance was attenuated when we controlled for potential confounding variables. Controlling for age, gender and BMI, variance in support time during the Step Test was accounted for by variance in 30-Second Chair Rise Test performance (partial r=−.224). Moreover, variance in executive time was accounted for by variance in 30-Second Chair Rise Test (partial r=.234) and Timed Up and Go Test performance (partial r=−.259). Understanding the factors that are associated with the performance of the Step Test may provide new insights into the development of specific intervention programmes for older adults.

Assessment of spatio-temporal changes in characteristics of industrial waste water in Dehradun region of Uttarakhand

Spatial and temporal changes in the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), TDS, TSS, BOD, COD and concentration of toxic metals viz. cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) were assessed in the waste water contaminated with untreated or inadequately pretreated industrial effluents from pharmaceutical industries located in Selaqui area and sugar industry and distillery located in Doiwala area of Dehradun. Four effluent samples A, B, C, D collected from manufacturing and processing industries located in the study area and two ground water samples E1 & E2 contiguous to Selaqui industrial hub and Doiwala industrial stretch respectively, were analyzed using standard physico-chemical methods. In order to delimit the temporal changes in parameters, samples were collected in three batches at three consecutive seasons of a year. Analyses at STP condition revealed that pH values of ground water samples remained fairly unchanged at 7.01 + 0.14 & 6.98 + 0.04 for E1 & E2 respectively, for two regional variations and three seasonal variations. EC (mmho/cm) varied non-uniformly with highest value of 0.479 observed for sample A in batch 1 whereas lowest value of 0.122 recorded for sample D in batch 3. TDS in effluents of distillery and sugar industry were found to be 3-6 folds higher than the same for effluents from pharmaceutical industries across all seasons. BOD and COD values for the effluents of distillery and sugar industries were recorded unexpectedly higher than corresponding values in effluents from pharmaceutical industries in all the three batches. TSS was very high in the range of 1500 to 4500 mg/l in all the effluent samples except the ground water samples. Highest concentration of heavy metal detected was iron with concentration of 10.80 mg/l. Cr, Pb, Cd and Ni were found to be above the permissible limit recommended by WHO standards. A plausible analysis is made to interpret the wide range variation of the parameters in the light of spatial and temporal change aspects and necessary pretreatment measures to bring down the magnitude of contamination within consent level are suggested.

TU‐A‐116‐06: Pre and Post‐Treatment Temporal Parametric Analysis of Neurovascular Disease Using Gamma Variate Fitting of Time Density Curves From DSA Sequences

Purpose: To calculate temporal parameters of contrast flow, using digital subtraction angiography (DSA), and provide parametric imaging (PI) of pre‐and post‐treated neurovascular lesions to aid neuro‐interventionalists decision. Methods: We developed a program to evaluate changes in contrast flow before and after treatment of neurovascular lesions. The program records each pixel value in a DSA sequence and fits the data with a gamma‐variate function. Using the function we calculate parameters such as mean‐transit‐time (MTT), bolus‐arrival‐time (BAT) and time‐to‐peak (TTP) and generate PIs for each quantity. The program was used for pre and post‐treatment parametric calculations for four representative neurovascular lesions: ischemic stroke, intracranial stenosis, arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and intracranial aneurysm treated with a flow diverter. Finally we compared the pre and post‐treatment PIs for changes in temporal parameters of the contrast flow. Results: Processing times for a typical DSA acquisition at 10 frames per second were between 15 and 20 minutes. In the ischemic stroke and intracranial stenosis cases we observed increased flow after clot removal and balloon angioplasty respectively, BAT decreased by 2x while MTT and TTP decreased 1.5x as compared with the pre‐treatment PI. For the AVM the venous arrival time increased three times after glue embolization, indicating decreased flow through the AVM. For the aneurysm treatment the MTT in the aneurysm dome was 5x larger compared with the pretreatment run indicating a reduced flow in the aneurysm. Conclusion: Pre and post‐treatment PIs showed significant differences, indicating reestablished flow for ischemic stroke and intracranial stenosis and decreased flow for the AVM and intracranial aneurysm. Execution time can be decreased significantly if software and hardware is optimized. This kind of information could be a very useful tool for treatment assistance during intracranial minimally invasive procedures in the angiographic suites where CT‐perfusion is not immediately available. Support NIH‐2R01EB002873; Support from NIH Grant 2R01EB002873

Abstract 18670: Histological Analysis of Neointimal Characteristics in Drug-eluting and Bare Metal Stents Implanted in Human Coronary Arteries: Autopsy Study

Background: The histological characteristics of neointima in DES and BMS has not been fully investigated. Methods and Results: From our autopsy registry, 15 coronary segments with DES showing restenosis (>75% cross-sectional narrowing within the stent) and 15 restenotic BMS lesions with matched implant duration were selected. The coronary segments were processed at 3-4 mm intervals and assessed histologically at the section with the severest narrowing. The implant duration were similar in DES (361 days) and BMS (330 days). Atherosclerotic change within stent (neoatherosclerosis) was seen in 5 of DES lesions (33%) and 1 of BMS lesions (7%). Cells in neointima around lumen mainly consisted of SMC where DES showed lower cellularity than BMS (904 vs. 1409 cells/mm 2 , p=0.014). However, α-SMA positive area were equivalent in both stent groups (DES 9.5 %, BMS 10.5 %, p=0.66), suggesting the phenotype difference of SMC with varying levels of actin expression. Percent area occupied by collagen was lower in DES (22.8%) than in BMS (33.2%) (p=0.14) with the latter showing more mature feature (Collagen score: DES 1.0 vs. BMS 1.4, p=0.022). On the contrary, % area of proteoglycan-rich ECM was predominate in DES (69.3%) as compared to BMS (48.0%) (p=0.032). Macrophage and T-lymphocyte infiltration was observed in both stent groups and frequently accompanied by microcapillaries. The number of macrophages identified in BMS (224 /mm 2 ) was slightly higher than in DES (316 /mm 2 ) (p=0.15). T-lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in BMS (312 /mm 2 ) than in BMS (545 /mm 2 ) (p=0.047). The temporal changes of parameters above are summarized in the figure. Conclusion: The histopathological difference of neointimal characteristics in DES and BMS might be associated with the incidence of late events attributed to neoatherosclerosis or thrombosis. Targeting for modification of SMC phenotype or ECM after stenting will be of use for newer DES to improve long-term clinical outcome.

Search behaviour of two hemipteran species using vibrational communication

Abstract The ability of conspecifics to recognize and locate each other in the environment depends on the efficiency of intraspecific communication. We compared the mate searching strategies of southern green stinkbug Nezara viridula (male searches for a continuously calling female) and the leafhopper Aphrodes makarovi (partners form a precisely coordinated duet). Males of both species were tested on plants in playback experiments. One leaf was vibrated with unaltered conspecific female signals or with various conspecific signals using modified temporal parameters. The results showed that the onset of searching was faster in A. makarovi than in N. viridula. Changes in temporal parameters of female replies had negative effect on the searching behaviour of A. makarovi. Males located the source of longer female replies faster than the short female call and they failed to locate the source of a female reply with temporal parameters outside the species-specific values. In contrast, in N. viridula, searching males successfully located also the source of a female song with parameters outside the species-specific values. The results are discussed with regard to male behavioural strategies in species with different vibrational communication systems and different male mating investment.

Gait outcome following outpatient physiotherapy based on the Bobath concept in people post stroke

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to characterize the gait cycle of patients with hemiplegia before and after a period of outpatient physiotherapy based on the Bobath concept.Methods. Nine patients, at least 6 weeks post stroke and recently discharged from a stroke unit, were measured before and after a period of outpatient physiotherapy (mean duration = 17.4 weeks). Therapy was documented using a treatment checklist for each patient. The primary outcome measures were a number of gait variables related to the therapists' treatment hypothesis, recorded during the gait cycle using the CODA motion analysis system. Other secondary outcome measures were the Motor Assessment Scale, Modified Ashworth Scale, subtests of the Sodring Motor Evaluation Scale, the Step test, a 10-m walk test, the Barthel Index and the London Handicap Score.Results. Recovery of more normal gait patterns in the gait cycle (using motion analysis) did not occur. Significant changes in temporal parameters (loading response, single support time) for both legs, in one kinematic (dorsiflexion during stance) and one kinetic variable on the unaffected side (hip flexor moment), and most of the clinical measures of impairment, activity and participation (with the exception of the Modified Ashworth Scale and the 10-m walk) were noted.Conclusions. Study findings did not support the hypothesis that the Bobath approach restored more normal movement patterns to the gait cycle. Further research is required to investigate the treatment techniques that are effective at improving walking ability in people after stroke.

Modeling Parametric Evolution in a Random Utility Framework

Random utility models have become standard econometric tools, allowing parameter inference for individual-level categorical choice data. Such models typically presume that changes in observed choices over time can be attributed to changes in either covariates or unobservables. We study how choice dynamics can be captured more faithfully by also directly modeling temporal changes in parameters, using a vector autoregressive process and Bayesian estimation. This approach offers a number of advantages for theorists and practitioners, including improved forecasts, prediction of long-run parameter levels, and correction for potential aggregation biases. We illustrate the method using choices for a common supermarket good, where we find strong support for parameter dynamics.

Rectus femoris transfer for children with cerebral palsy: long-term outcome.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of rectus femoris transfer in cerebral palsy children with stiff-knee gait. Thirty-eight affected limbs in 24 children were evaluated preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively by gait analysis, with 26 limbs in 18 patients having final study, averaging 4.6 years postoperatively. Functional ambulatory status was evaluated based on Hoffer's criteria on ambulation. There were statistically significant improvements of 9.8 degrees in maximum swing-phase knee flexion and 7.0 degrees in total range of knee motion at 1 year, with a small loss of knee extension in stance. At final gait analysis, the improvement in the swing-phase knee flexion was maintained, but improvement in total range of knee motion was decreased. There were no significant changes in temporal parameters. Improvement in swing-phase knee flexion and foot clearance after rectus femoris transfer was associated with loss of knee extension at long-term follow-up. Hamstring lengthening in patients who develop excessive stance-phase knee flexion may be necessary.

Rectus Femoris Transfer for Children With Cerebral Palsy: Long-Term Outcome

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of rectus femoris transfer in cerebral palsy children with stiff-knee gait. Thirty-eight affected limbs in 24 children were evaluated preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively by gait analysis, with 26 limbs in 18 patients having final study, averaging 4.6 years postoperatively. Functional ambulatory status was evaluated based on Hoffer's criteria on ambulation. There were statistically significant improvements of 9.8° in maximum swing-phase knee flexion and 7.0° in total range of knee motion at 1 year, with a small loss of knee extension in stance. At final gait analysis, the improvement in the swing-phase knee flexion was maintained, but improvement in total range of knee motion was decreased. There were no significant changes in temporal parameters. Improvement in swing-phase knee flexion and foot clearance after rectus femoris transfer was associated with loss of knee extension at long-term follow-up. Hamstring lengthening in patients who develop excessive stance-phase knee flexion may be necessary.

The Effects of Type I Antiarrhythmic Drugs on the Signal-Averaged Electrocardiogram in Patients with Malignant Ventricular Arrhythmias

The effects of type I antiarrhythmic drugs on the signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG) were analyzed in 58 patients with inducible sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. SAECGs were acquired before and after drug therapy. A total of 99 drug trials were analyzed (mean 1.7 per patient). Analysis of temporal domain parameters included the duration of the QRS complex (QRSD), the high frequency total duration of the filtered QRS complex (HFTD), the duration of the signal under 40 microV (D40), initial QRS (HFTD minus D40), and the root mean square amplitude (RMSA) of the terminal 40 msec of the QRS signal. Changes in temporal parameters failed to predict drug efficacy. There were, however, type-specific drug effects on the SAECG. With the exception of type IB drugs, all drugs increased the QRSD, HFTD, and D40. Type IC drugs caused more prolongation of the QRSD and HFTD than type IA, IB, and the combination of IA+IB drugs. Prolongation of the HFTD was related to prolongation of the late potential and the initial portion of the QRS complex. A preferential effect of these drugs on the late potential was not observed. Type IC drugs also caused more prolongation of ventricular tachycardia cycle length than type IA or IB drugs. However, the increase in ventricular tachycardia cycle length did not correlate with a change in the SAECG. In summary, type I antiarrhythmic drugs cause a global slowing of ventricular activation. Although analysis of the SAECG following drug therapy was not useful for predicting drug efficacy, drug induced changes in the SAECG may be helpful for categorizing antiarrhythmic agents.