Coefficient Of Variation In Size Research Articles

A novel approach to evaluation of tumor response for advanced pulmonary adenocarcinoma using the intertumoral heterogeneity response score.

Treatment response and prognosis estimation in advanced pulmonary adenocarcinoma are challenged by the significant heterogeneity of the disease. The current Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria, despite providing a basis for solid tumor response evaluation, do not fully encompass this heterogeneity. To better represent these nuances, we introduce the intertumoral heterogeneity response score (THRscore), a measure built upon and expanding the RECIST criteria. This retrospective study included patients with 3-10 measurable advanced lung adenocarcinoma lesions who underwent first-line chemotherapy or targeted therapy. The THRscore, derived from the coefficient of variation in size for each measurable tumor before and 4-6weeks posttreatment, unveiled a correlation with patient outcomes. Specifically, a high THRscore was associated with shorter progression-free survival, lower tumor response rate, and a higher tumor mutation burden. These associations were further validated in an external cohort, confirming THRscore's effectiveness in stratifying patients based on progression risk and treatment response, and enhancing the utility of RECIST in capturing complex tumor behaviors in lung adenocarcinoma. These findings affirm the promise of THRscore as an enhanced tool for tumor response assessment in advanced lung adenocarcinoma, extending the RECIST criteria's utility.

Microfluidic fabrication and thermal properties of microencapsulated n-heptadecane with hexanediol diacrylate shell for thermal energy storage

An easy two-stage approach was proposed to prepare microencapsulated phase-change materials (MEPCMs) with n-heptadecane as the core and hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) polymer as the shell in a co-flowing microfluidic device. The micromorphology and chemical compositions of the MEPCMs were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The results showed that the shell of HDDA polymer was successfully fabricated upon n-heptadecane core. The obtained MEPCMs had regular spherical shape, smooth surface, and uniform particle size. The coefficient of variation in size was within the 2% limit. The thermal energy storage properties of the MEPCMs were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. The results revealed that the MEPCMs with HDDA shell had good phase-change performance, high thermal-storage capability. The thermogravimetric analysis and thermal cycling test consisted with 100 heating/cooling processes were conducted to investigate the thermal stability of the MEPCMs. The results showed that the HDDA shell of MEPCMs was able to provide good protection for the core material of n-heptadecane. The excellent thermal stability of the MEPMCs was confirmed by the absence of n-heptadecane leakage. These advantageous properties make the MEPCMs with HDDA shell potential materials for thermal energy storage applications.

Effect of dietary L-tryptophan on cannibalism, growth and survival of Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790) fry

The effect of L-tryptophan (TRP) supplemented diets at levels of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2% on cannibalism, survival and growth performance of Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790) fry was evaluated. Thirty days old seabass fry (mean weight: 0.31±0.16 g) were reared for 45 days in a recirculating aquaculture system. Results of the present experiment showed that L - tryptophan (TRP) supplementation from 0.5 to 2% in diet significantly (p<0.05) reduced cannibalism compared to control diet and did not affect growth performance. The lowest survival percentage (14%) was noticed in control group, whereas a higher survival percentage (33.33 to 39.80) was observed in TRP supplemented groups. Coefficient of size variation (%) ranged from 21.50 to 91.61 and decreased with increased level of TRP supplementation, Similar results were also obtained in size heterogeneity. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended to supplement 0.5% of TRP in larval diet to reduce cannibalism and improve survival of seabass fry.

Effect of early co-feeding and different weaning diets on the performance of cobia ( Rachycentron canadum) larvae and juveniles

Cobia ( Rachycentron canadum) is a very fast growing species. This can only be achieved if sufficient amounts of feed are provided from early larval development onwards. In this study, we examined the effects of early co-feeding and different co-feeding formulated diets on growth, survival and vitality of cobia larvae and juveniles. Two experiments were conducted to test the possibility of early co-feeding of the two formulated diets for cobia larvae (8–18 dph) and one experiment was conducted to compare the effect of three formulated diets for cobia juveniles (20–38 dph). During the larval stage, two formulated diets: Proton ® and an experimental diet (INVE, Belgium) were used along with live food from eight days post hatch (dph) and 13 dph compared to 18 dph as the control. Results from the study indicated that early co-feeding of Proton ® from eight dph had a significantly positive effect on growth ( P < 0.05), but not on survival and stress resistance in a salinity stress test ( P > 0.05) of cobia larvae. In the second trial, no significant difference ( P > 0.05) was detected between all treatments in terms of growth, vitality and survival. However, high mortality occurred in the treatment with the experimental diet as of 12 dph. The study suggested that early co-feeding of Proton ® to cobia larvae from eight dph is possible and research on the appropriate nutritional composition of weaning diets needs to be addressed. In the juvenile stage, three formulated diets, i.e. the experimental diet, Proton ® and NRD ® (INVE Aquaculture NV) were evaluated for growth performance and survival of early cobia juveniles (20–38 dph). The diets were manually introduced from 22 dph at a feeding frequency of every 2 h until satiation, while feeding of enriched EG Artemia was maintained until 30 dph. Average length and weight of the 38-dph juveniles fed the experimental diet were significantly higher ( P < 0.05) compared to larvae fed Proton ® and NRD ®. However, the coefficient of size variation as well as the cumulative stress index in a salinity challenge test was not significantly different ( P > 0.05). Survival in the Proton ® treatment was the lowest, while no significant difference was evident between the experimental diet and NRD ® treatments. The mortality rate of all three treatments had two peaks: one at the beginning of the experiment and one when live food feeding was discontinued. This result indicates that the nutritional requirements of cobia are age-dependent and prolongation of live food co-feeding during weaning may be necessary. The higher DHA/EPA ratio in the experimental diet can be a clue for the improvement of growth and survival of cobia during the weaning stage.

Effects of post-settlement mortality on size and parasite load in juvenile Diplodus vulgaris and D. sargus in the Mediterranean

This study explored how mortality processes influence life history traits of recently set- tled juvenile fishes (Diplodus vulgaris and D. sargus) in the Mediterranean. Mortality was estimated by measuring the decrease in abundance of a cohort from settlement to 4 mo post-settlement. Growth and parasite load were simultaneously measured over time to determine those phenotypes more sus- ceptible to mortality. Diplodus spp. juvenile mortality was between 71 and 81% over the 4 mo period. A decrease in the coefficient of variation in size over time suggests that mortality may influence growth of both Diplodus species. A decrease in parasite abundance of both Diplodus species 60 d after settlement suggests that fish with higher parasite loads may have been more susceptible to mor- tality. Overall, mortality did not act randomly in D. vulgaris and D. sargus cohorts, as the variance in both size and parasite abundance of recently settled juveniles was not comparable to that of the adult population; only larger, parasite-free individuals survived.

Effects of elevated CO2 on intra‐specific competition in Sinapis alba: an examination of the role of growth responses to red:far‐red ratio

Response of plants to elevated CO2 differs markedly between individually- and competitively-grown plants, both in terms of mean size and variation about the mean. Using Sinapis alba, we explored whether these contrasting effects are a consequence of the effect of competition on the red:far red (R:FR) light ratio. Plants were grown at both ambient and elevated (700 microl.l(-1)) CO2 in competitive stands, and as individuals at either a low (0.7) or high (1.25) R:FR ratio at a constant photosynthetic photon fluence rate. Elevated CO2 increased stand biomass by enhancing the growth of canopy dominants, but not the subordinates. As a consequence, elevated CO2 increased the coefficient of variation in size within the stands. Elevated CO2 did not enhance the growth of individually-grown plants at the low R:FR ratio, but did at the high R:FR ratio. Both the poor response of subordinate plants to elevated CO2 and the increased size inequalities of individuals within the stand can be explained in terms of the effect of the R:FR ratio on CO2 responsiveness. The effect of the R:FR ratio on CO2 response may be related to its effect on allocation patterns and nutrient uptake.

Impacts of Shading on Larval Traits of the Frog Litoria ewingii in a Commercial Forest, Tasmania, Australia

Removal of vegetation directly surrounding a breeding pond has the potential to significantly alter the environmental conditions experienced by larval amphibians during development and, therefore, may affect the life history of this and subsequent life stages. In this study, we investigated growth, development, and survivorship of Litoria ewingii as a result of different shading conditions in a commercially logged forest in Tasmania, Australia. We specifically investigated responses in two types of breeding ponds available to the species: permanent ponds, and smaller ephemeral ponds. Increased shading in permanent ponds resulted in reduced survival. Larval growth and development did not respond significantly to shading treatment in permanent ponds but were significantly affected by pond elevation. In ephemeral ponds, increased shading resulted in decreased developmental rate and a higher coefficient of variation for size at metamorphosis. Our findings suggest that the larval success of L. ewingii is not likely to be enhanced by vegetative buffer zones around permanent pond margins but may be enhanced by ensuring heterogeneity of shading conditions around ephemeral ponds.

Influence of feeding frequency on growth and size dispersion in Arctic charrSalvelinus alpinus(L.)

Dominance hierarchy formation in groups of fish is thought to be a major reason for the development of size heterogeneity. The objective of the current experiment was to examine the influence of different feeding frequencies on growth and changes in size distribution in groups of Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus (L.). The fish were fed equivalent excess rations continuously for 24 h a day, for 2 h twice a day (early morning and evening), for 2 h once a day in the morning or for 2 h once every other day also in the morning. Growth was measured by individual weighing of fish four times during the 130-day experiment. Coefficient of variation in size within rearing groups was used to assess size dispersion and the possible development of hierarchies within the groups. Feeding frequency did not influence variation in size within groups, and there were no signs of hierarchy formation.

Corneal endothelial function after extracapsular cataract extraction and phacoemulsification

Purpose: To compare the morphology and function of the corneal endothelium in the early postoperative period after extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and phacoemulsification.Setting: University Eye Clinic of Trieste, Italy.Methods: In this prospective, randomized study of patients scheduled for cataract surgery, 40 patients were divided into two groups of 20 patients each. Group 1 had ECCE and Group 2, phacoemulsification; both had capsular bag intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Preoperatively and 7 and 30 days postoperatively, a complete ophthalmological examination, endothelial specular microscopy, ultrasonic pachymetry, and anterior segment fluorophotometry were done. Visual acuity, endothelial cell density, cell size variation coefficient, corneal thickness, endothelial permeability coefficient, and endothelial pump function were studied.Results: Visual acuity was better 7 days after phacoemulsification than after ECCE, but no differences were observed after 30 days. No significant differences in postoperative loss of endothelial cells were found between the two groups. Coefficient of variation in size, corneal thickness, and endothelial permeability significantly increased in both groups 7 days postoperatively, but only in the ECCE group 30 days postoperatively; the differences between the two groups were statistically significant. Endothelial pump function significantly increased after 7 days in only the phacoemulsification group.Conclusions: Functional endothelial failure occurred in the early period after ECCE. Phacoemulsification seemed to minimize postoperative functional damage to the endothelium.

Considerations of stock structure of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) in the Indian Ocean based on fishery data

ABSTRACTYellowfin stock structure in the Indian Ocean was studied by using industrial tuna longline fishery data. Three types of test variables were used to detect stock structure, i.e., CPUE, age‐specific CPUE, and coefficient of variation for size. Time‐series data of test variables were compiled for six sub‐areas that were arranged by dividing the whole region systematically along longitude lines every 20 degrees. Then time‐series data were smoothed by moving averages, and regressed by simple models. Patterns of time‐series trends were graphically and statistically compared to classify homogeneous sub‐area groups. Two assumptions were (a) that homogeneous stocks exist longitudinally and overlap in adjacent waters, and (b) that test variables within homogeneous sub‐area groups are equally affected, and hence patterns of the time‐series trends are similar. After graphical screening for significant sub‐area groups, analysis of covariance was applied to test homogeneity of regression parameters representing patterns of the time‐series trends. By classifying homogeneous sub‐area groups, stock structures were determined at the P &lt;0.05 and P &lt;0.50 levels. The P&lt;0.50 level was recognized as a useful criterion for ‘weak’ test variables since masked or vague structures at the P &lt;0.05 level were likely cleared at this level in many cases. Results of this study and past stock structure studies were reviewed and compared. It was concluded that there are two major and two minor stocks of yellowfin tuna. The two major stocks (the western and the eastern) are located at 40o‐90oE and 70o‐130oE respectively. The minor stocks are the far western and the far eastern stocks (the latter possibly being a part of the Pacific stock), which are located westward of 40oE and eastward of 110oE respectively. Neighboring stocks are intermingled in adjacent waters.

Larval and postlarval growth of individually reared specimens of the common shore crab Carcinus maenas (L.)

Specimens of Carcinus maenas (L.) from the Isle of Man were reared individually at 15 and 20 °C under controlled conditions from hatching to the puberty moult. Survival was monitored and for every specimen the size and duration of each instar was recorded. Survival with time was better at 15 ° C but survival to a given instar was higher at 20 ° C. Survival was generally good, until heavy mortality followed the puberty moult. The puberty moult was consistently the 11th postlarval moult at 15 °C and the 12th at 20 ° C. The intermoult period was shorter at the higher temperature and the growth rate higher. The moult increment was slightly larger at 15 °C, so following the puberty moult specimens were larger than at 20 °C, despite having had one fewer moult. The coefficient of variation in size did not increase through the sequence of larval instars but increased steadily through the postlarval sequence.

Use of catchability equations for population estimation of marron, Cherax tenuimanus (Smith) (Decapoda : Parastacidae)

Marron in a 0 .01-ha hatchery pond were sampled after sunset on 14 occasions over 2 years in a standardized manner using baited drop nets. An inventory of the total population was taken after each sampling by draining the pond. Variation in catchability. p, was analysed by linear logit models of p/(1 - p) using the likelihood ratio χ2- statistic G2 as a measure of goodness of fit. A reduction in G2 of 83% was produced by inclusion of water temperature. T� (C); relative position of marron in the size distribution, S (rather than absolute size); and a between-years factor, Y. The following catchability equation was calculated: In[pI/(l-pI)] = -5.40 +0.523S-0.246S2 +0.220T+1.40Y. The catchability equation was then applied to drop-net catch numbers from stocks of marron of 2-2+ years old in 10 0.1-ha farm dams. Estimated cohort numbers were compared with 'true' values obtained by independent removal of the stocks by seining. Agreement was improved by adjusting these estimates for differences in Secchi disk values, D. between dams (because daytime sampling was pursued and illuminance markedly influences catch rates) and in coefficient of size variation, V, The latter was negatively correlated with catchability and appeared to reflect the intensity of size dominance in feeding competition. A catchability equation. including these additional factors, was calculated: In[pI/(l -pI)] = -0.081 +0.664S -0.214S2 +0,284T -0.668ln D - 19.5V. Compared with other methods of estimation in which equal catchability is assumed, this method takes into consideration variation in catchability, requires no marking of individuals, and needs only one sampling occasion to obtain an estimate of crayfish numbers. Because of dependence of catchability on size of marron, sample means over estimated mean individual body weight by 13-48%. The catchability equation was also used to correct for this bias.

ブリの成長と年令に関する研究-I

The present paper is the first installment of the author's work on the age estimation of the yellow tail, Seriola quinqueradiata T. & S., dealing with a fundamental character of the vertebra in estimating the age of the fish. The author has used for his experiments two different groups of 20 fishes measuring 20cm and 80cm in fork length, respectively, which were caught in Wakasa Bay during the period between July, 1957 and January, 1958. The vertebral column of the fish consists of 11 abdominal, and 13 caudal, vertebrae, generally 24 in all. Each centrum of the column is measured in three parts, as shown in Fig. 1. The results obtained are as follows: 1) In Table 1 are shown the mean and coefficient of variation (C. V.) of the length of those three parts (T, R and D) of each centrum in the 20 fishes measuring 80cm in fork length. As is seen in Table 1, there is no marked difference in coefficient of variation (C. V.) in the sequence of centra, excepting the first and the last several ones which vary considerably. The relative size of each centrum is represented by the ratio of its longitudinal length (T) to that of the first centrum, the ratio being given in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, it is obvious to us that the centra from the 7th to the 20th vertebra are larger in T and R than those of the rest, particularly so in those of the four caudal vertebrae from the 15th to the 18th, and that there is no marked difference in D among the centra, excepting those of the few smaller vertebrae at the caudal end. 2) Significant difference is seen in the growth-rate of the centrum in the sequence of the vertebra, as shown in Fig. 3. The growth-rate of the centra of the first and the last two or three vertebrae is lower than the average value of all the 24 vertebrae, but the value of the centra in the middle part of the column is higher than the average value, the value of the seven centra from the 13th to the 19th vertebra being especially higher. 3) In order to clarify the degree of similarity in the mode of ring formation among the centra of the fish, the author has examined by means of F-distribution method whether the relation between R and γi is linear or not, and found that the linearity between the two is efficient enough to be a means for the age estimation of the fish. An example of the relation is shown in Fig. 4, in which the last three vertebrae are excluded on account of their being small in size and indistinct in ring mark. From those interesting facts mentioned above, we may conclusively say that, in estimating the age of a fish in general through its vertebrae, we have to examine as many centra as possible. If it is found very difficult to do so in case of the yellow-tail, those vertebrae from the 15th to the 18th had better be used for the purpose, because they have the following characters, not only advantageous but also necessary for the work of this kind: 1) clear ring mark, 2) large centrum, 3) small coefficient of variation in size of centrum, 4) high growth. rate of centrum, and 5) great similarity of ring mark among the centra.

The Climatic Influences upon the Pollen Development of the Italian Hemp

1. The microsporogenesis of the Italian hemp, grown up under Moscow and Caucasia conditions has been investigated. 2. The Italian hemp cultivated in Caucasia had with a very few exceptions, a quite normal course of pollen development. 3. The same hemp grown up in Moscow district showed a large number of different irregularities during the microsporogenesis. The most striking of them were: fusion of the nuclei in the archesporial tissue, in prophases and in the first and second telophases, failure of conjugation of chromosomes, formation of the restitution-nuclei in the first and second divisions etc. 4. The young pollen grains of the Italian hemp in Caucasia had regular round forms and a small coefficient of variation in size. 5. The young pollen of the Italian hemp in Moscow district had a great number of deformed, gigantic, dwarfish, polynuclear etc. grains. 6. As all the conditions, except the climatic ones, were the same in the both cases, we find that such a difference in the course of microsporogenesis may only be attributed to climatic influences.

The climatic influences upon the pollen development of the Italian hemp

1. The microsporogenesis of the Italian hemp, grown up under Moscow and Caucasia conditions has been investigated. 2. The Italian hemp cultivated in Caucasia had with a very few exceptions, a quite normal course of pollen development. 3. The same hemp grown up in Moscow district showed a large number of different irregularities during the microsporogenesis. The most striking of them were: fusion of the nuclei in the archesporial tissue, in prophases and in the first and second telophases, failure of conjugation of chromosomes, formation of the restitution-nuclei in the first and second divisions etc. 4. The young pollen grains of the Italian hemp in Caucasia had regular round forms and a small coefficient of variation in size. 5. The young pollen of the Italian hemp in Moscow district had a great number of deformed, gigantic, dwarfish, polynuclear etc. grains. 6. As all the conditions, except the climatic ones, were the same in the both cases, we find that such a difference in the course of microsporogenesis may only be attributed to climatic influences.