Correct Interpretation Research Articles

Bounding program benefits when participation is misreported

Instrumental variables (IV) are commonly used to estimate treatment effects in case of noncompliance. However, program participation is often misreported in survey data and standard techniques are not sufficient to point identify and consistently estimate the effects of interest. In this paper, we show that the identifiable IV estimand that ignores treatment misclassification is a weighted average of local average treatment effects with weights that can also be negative. This is troublesome because it may fail to deliver a correct causal interpretation, and this is true even if all the weights are non-negative. Therefore, we provide three IV strategies to bound the program benefits when both noncompliance and misreporting are present. We demonstrate the gain of identification power achieved by leveraging multiple exogenous variations when discrete or multiple-discrete IVs are available. At last, we use our new Stata command, ivbounds, to study the benefits of participating in the 401(k) pension plan on savings.

Structure and interpretation of the anomalous magnetic field of the South Turgay petroleum region

Purpose. Study on the deep structure of the South Turgay petroleum region to assess the influence of magnetic causative masses on the processes of generation, migration, accumulation and conservation of hydrocarbon (HC) accumulations, taking into account the evolution of rift development modes of the same sedimentary basin. Methodology. The combination of regional magnetometry data is applied with deep drilling data using a priori data on historical-geological, structural-formation, reservoir qualities and other factors. With the complex spatial anisotropy of the geomagnetic field and the distribution of magnetization of rocks in the Earth’s crust, the physical prerequisites of magnetic survey data provide quite correct geological interpretation of the results obtained. Findings. Classification and zoning of geomagnetic field anomalies by their morphology, intensity values, gradient and size was conducted, which made it possible to perform identification and geological forecast of magnetically causative bodies and determine their qualitative (structural) features.Various degrees of magnetization of different-age rocks of the South Torgay Petroleum region, as well as their relative location, structure, and depths of occurrence were established. It was revealed that the sedimentary cover and the upper part of the basement here are composed of low-magnetic and non-magnetic formations, and the upper edges of the magnetically disturbing masses lie at different depths in the consolidated crust, but, in general, deeper than the intervals of the section penetrated by deep drilling. Originality. The genetic, historical, geological, and tectonic-magmatic features of the South Torgay basin differ sharply from those of the adjacent Lower Syrdariya arch and Shu-Sarysu Depression. At the present stage of evolution, South Torgay sedimentary basin has a significant endogenous warming of the lithosphere in contrast to the adjacent Lower Syrdariya arch and Shu-Sarysu depression. To some extent, it indicates the inheritance in the regime of development of the South Turgay sedimentary basin from the Paleozoic and Mesozoic stages of rifting. Practical value. The depth of occurrence of magnetically causative objects significantly expand the stratigraphic interval of sediments that can be involved in the exploration process. The inherited mode of rift evolution of the basin suggests a favorable combination for the formation of a wide range of hydrocarbon traps, oil and gas source rocks, migration pathways, accumulation and preservation of HC accumulations.

The use of creative case studies to explore non-verbal and non-ambulant children and young people’s well-being

Background and purposeThe aim of this paper is to describe and critically analyse creative research methods, exploring how these can offer ways to enable non-verbal and non-ambulant children and young people with cerebral palsy, to express their views about their well-being. The context of this research explored their choices for recreational activities, seeking to understand how their level of participation impacted upon their well-being. MethodsA qualitative comparative case study design was chosen comprising of two interviews, using photographs and diaries to elicit discussion, supported by observations. These observations provided evidence of well-being indicators that were interpreted by the researcher, alongside their parents. Seven participants volunteered, aged nine to sixteen years. Data were analysed utilising Braun and Clark’s six stages. Firstly, each case’s data sources were coded, themes identified, then across cases comparisons, arriving at three final themes. Triangulation of data sources which made up each case, enhanced the trustworthiness in this study. ResultsObservations were key to providing insight into their well-being. Interpretation of this rich data, supported by their parents, revealed that the participants could self-advocate, as shown by their intentional behaviours, to choose their level of participation. DiscussionThe researcher’s ability to be creative in the data collection methods is original in physiotherapy. It was important to work in partnership with parents, to ensure the correct interpretation of their intentional behaviours from the observations. The diaries and photographs added a unique contribution to knowledge, which enabled the non-verbal participants inclusion, empowering them to express their well-being. Study registrationThis study is registered with the International Study + Clinical Trials Network Register (ISRCTN) Number:42717948. Contribution of paper•This creative approach to a qualitative case study design has offered a new way to explore the well-being of participants who would not be able to carry out a typical interview. In this case it was with non-verbal and non-ambulant children and young people with complex cerebral palsy. The data has illustrated how they can be empowered to indicate their well-being, as their own advocates. It is important this work continues to provide deeper insight into this under-reported group. Physiotherapists should consider how they can include other non-verbal populations in research.•Physiotherapists who work with non-verbal children and young people with complex disabilities, need to find a way to hear their voices. A creative qualitative case study design offers this flexibility and should be considered as an authentic method for data collection in future studies. Children and young people with complex disabilities deserve to see themselves represented in research.•Physiotherapists are unlikely to work alone to achieve advocacy on behalf of non-verbal populations. Teamwork with designers, illustrators and town planners can contribute to move this agenda forwards. This can then increase the choices and opportunities for disabled children to enhance their well-being.

Ultrasonic Non-Contact Air-Coupled Technique for the Assessment of Composite Sandwich Plates Using Antisymmetric Lamb Waves

This paper describes the design and implementation of an ultrasonic non-contact air-coupled technique (UNCACT) using antisymmetric Lamb waves (ALW) for NDT assessments in novel composite sandwich plates of a car body shell. This technique is complemented with a C-Scan image implementation using guided waves. The finite element method (FEM) was developed using Comsol 6.1 for the interpretation of the several wave modes presented in the experiments, including the ALW mode. This FEM model is indispensable for the correct interpretation of the received signals and contributes to a better implementation of this technology. This is a novel contribution building upon previously reported work. Additionally, the phase velocity method (PVM) was applied for the verification of the ALW mode in the portion of the RF signal necessary for the C-Scan image.

Deep learning based solution of nonlinear partial differential equations arising in the process of arterial blood flow

The present work introduces a deep learning approach to describe the perturbations of the pressure and radius in arterial blood flow. A mathematical model for the simulation of viscoelastic arterial flow is developed based on the assumption of long wavelength and large Reynolds number. Then, the reductive perturbation method is used to derive nonlinear evolutionary equations describing the resistance of the medium, the elastic properties, and the viscous properties of the wall. Using automatic differentiation, the solutions of nonlinear evolutionary equations at different time scales are represented using state-of-the-art physics-informed deep neural networks that are trained on a limited number of data points. The optimal neural network architecture for solving the nonlinear partial differential equations is found by employing Bayesian Hyperparameter Optimization. The proposed technique provides an alternate approach to avoid time-consuming numerical discretization methods such as finite difference or finite element for solving higher order nonlinear partial differential equations. Additionally, the capability of the trained model is demonstrated through graphs, and the solutions are also validated numerically. The graphical illustrations of pulse wave propagation can provide the correct interpretation of cardiovascular parameters, leading to an accurate diagnosis and successful treatment. Thus, the findings of this study could pave the way for the rapid development of emerging medical machine learning applications.

Thromboprophylaxis in atrial fibrillation: correct interpretation and effective use of CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores

Thromboprophylaxis is one of the most important aspects of atrial fibrillation (AF) management as irregular atrial contractions foster formation of blood clots that may result in ischemic stroke. Strokes caused by AF are relatively large and often lead to death or sever disability, but they may be avoided with appropriate anticoagulation therapy. Unfortunately, the risk factors for stroke overlap with risk factors for bleeding, creating a genuine challenge for clinicians seeking to strike a balance in preventing these two types of complications. This is why risk assessment scores CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED have been developed. While their role to optimize the anticoagulation therapy was confirmed in multiple studies, the misinterpretation of the criteria within these scores and their inappropriate application can result in suboptimal treatment and needlessly expose patients to the risk of stroke, hemorrhage, or both. This review aims to present appropriate interpretation of CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores and discuss how anticoagulation therapy of AF patients should be guided by those two scores.

Challenges With the Use of Digital Sham: Systematic Review and Recommendations.

Digital therapeutics (DTx) are software-based products that prevent, manage, or treat a medical condition and are delivered through a smartphone app, web application, or wearable device. Clinical trials assessing DTx pose challenges, foremost among which is designing appropriate digital shams (or digital placebos), which should ideally mimic DTx (in terms of design, components, and duration of treatment) while omitting the active principle or component. The objective of our review was to understand how digital shams are being used in clinical research on DTx in neuroscience, which is the most common therapy area for DTx. We conducted a systematic literature review of DTx in neuroscience (including neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric disorders) with a focus on controlled clinical trials involving digital shams. Studies were identified from trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov, the European Union Clinical Trials Register, and Trial Trove) and through structured searches in MEDLINE and Embase (both via the Embase website) and were limited to articles in English published from 2010 onward. These were supplemented by keyword-based searches in PubMed, Google, and Google Scholar and bibliographic searches. Studies assessing DTx in neuroscience (including neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric disorders) were included. Details related to the publication, DTx, comparator, patient population, and outcomes were extracted and analyzed. Our search criteria identified 461 neuroscience studies involving 213 unique DTx. Most DTx were extended reality based (86/213, 40.4%) or mobile device based (56/213, 26.3%); 313 were comparative, of which 68 (21.7%) used shams. The most common therapeutic areas assessed in these studies were stroke (42/213, 19.7%), depression (32/213, 15%), and anxiety (24/213, 11.3%). The most common treatments were cognitive behavioral therapy or behavioral therapy (67/213, 32.4%), physical rehabilitation (60/213, 28.2%), and cognitive training (41/213, 19.2%). We identified the following important issues related to the use of digital shams in neuroscience: shams were not validated before use in studies, they varied widely in design (from being nearly identical to the DTx to using different software programs altogether), and the level of patient engagement or satisfaction with the sham and the impact of the sham on study outcomes were infrequently reported. Digital shams are critical for the clinical development of DTx in neuroscience. Given the importance of sham controls in evaluating DTx efficacy, we provide recommendations on the key information that should be reported in a well-designed DTx trial and propose an algorithm to allow the correct interpretation of DTx study results. Sham-controlled studies should be routinely used in DTx trials-in early-phase studies-to help identify DTx active components and-in late-phase studies-to confirm the efficacy of DTx. The use of shams early in development will ensure that the appropriate sham control is used in later confirmatory trials.

За проложните жития на Константин-Кирил и Методий

The article focuses on three prologue texts dedicated to the Slavic first teachers Constantine-Cyril the Philosopher and Methodius. The earliest of them is the Prologue Life of the Two Brothers, which probably arose in the 10th century and is preserved in three complete texts, the last of which was discovered and published by prof. Rumyana Pavlova. The contribution of R. Pavlova to the correct interpretation of a basic passage of the work is highlighted. The second part of the study provides information about new copies of the Prologue Lives of the two brothers, which became known thanks to digitized manuscripts and library inventories on the website of the Russian State Library.

Preclinical study of CD19 detection methods post tafasitamab treatment.

Several CD19 targeted antibody-based therapeutics are currently available for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), including the Fc-modified antibody immunotherapy tafasitamab. This therapeutic landscape warrants the evaluation of potential sequencing approaches. Prior to a subsequent CD19-targeted therapy, CD19 expression on tafasitamab-treated patient biopsy samples may be assessed. However, no standardized methods for its detection are currently available. In this context, selecting a tafasitamab-competing CD19 detection antibody for immunohistochemistry (IHC) or flow cytometry (FC) may lead to misinterpreting epitope masking by tafasitamab as antigen loss or downregulation. We analyzed a comprehensive panel of commercially available CD19 detection antibody clones for IHC and FC using competition assays on tafasitamab pre-treated cell lines. To remove bound tafasitamab from the cell surface, an acidic dissociation protocol was used. Antibody affinities for CD19 were measured using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) or Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI). While CD19 was successfully detected on tafasitamab pre-treated samples using all 7 tested IHC antibody clones, all 8 tested FC antibody clones were confirmed to compete with tafasitamab. An acidic dissociation was demonstrated essential to circumvent CD19 masking by tafasitamab and avoid false negative FC results. The current study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate CD19 detection tools and techniques for correct interpretation of CD19 expression. The findings presented herein can serve as a guideline to investigators and may help navigate treatment strategies in the clinical setting.

Digital Addiction and Financial Literacy: A Study on University Students

Addiction, basically two groups are examined. The first is piracy of individuals, and the second is psychological theft. Examination as the use bodies of substances related to external factors constantly get used to these substances, depending on external factors, and undesirable results may occur when these components cannot be taken into the body. Traditional habitual hacking, which is described as digital addiction, brings with it an interest in technological devices and a lack of access to them. Digital components guide the spirits that feed the conflict in case the higher units cannot access the relevant devices, and tolerance for guests and other children is observed. Financial literacy, which is the other variable of the research, defines the limits of being able to make effective decisions about the management of money. This concept, which can also be defined as the act of saving information, does not include intelligent action in details such as investment, budget, debt, portfolio diversification. Financial literacy can also be interpreted as making behavioral decisions such as making financial plans, saving and spending results. Financially literate people are well versed in money management and are well acquainted with the economic processes of saving. This concept, which is considered important of financial resources in crisis environments, is evaluated as individuals' correct interpretation of their financial resources and acting in this context. The increase in the concept of financial literacy has revealed economic fluctuations. As a matter of fact, it is seen that countries and societies with high financial information have high savings. These countries are generally the ones that have learned lessons from the financial crises.
 The aim of the research is to determine whether digital addiction has an effect on financial literacy. In this context, university students were selected as a sample in the study, and a face-to-face survey was applied to 372 university students. Digital addiction scale and financial literacy scale were used as data collection tools in the research. Both of the research scales are in five-point Likert type. The research data were analyzed by the SPSS 26 program, correlation and regression analyzes were carried out between the two related variables that constitute the subject of the study. When the results of the analysis were examined, it was determined that digital addiction did not have a significant relationship on financial literacy. At the same time, within the scope of testing the research hypothesis, it was determined that digital addiction did not have any significant effect on financial literacy.

Antecedents and consequences of corporate social responsibility: a test of multilevel mediating processes

PurposeDrawing on social exchange theory and traditional Chinese leadership theory, this research examines employees' perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) using a multilevel mediation model. It also examines the possibility that meaningful work mediates the relationship between perceived CSR and work engagement.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were collected from 605 employees of 103 departments across 35 companies in Taiwan. Multilevel path models and hypotheses were tested using Mplus structural-equation modeling software.FindingsThe results show that department-level CSR perceptions were positively related to employee-level work engagement and that CSR was a mediating factor between department managers' moral leadership and employee-level work engagement. Additionally, meaningful work played a cross-level mediating role between CSR perceptions and work engagement.Practical implicationsFor organizational managers, these findings imply that enterprises should practice CSR and guide their employees in its correct interpretation. They also reinforce the idea that department leaders should behave ethically, because this will encourage their employees to develop positive perceptions of the company's CSR implementation and thus to be more engaged in their work. Lastly, incorporating CSR programs into training materials and encouraging employees to actively participate in such programs' development, deployment and evaluation should help make work meaningful for employees and further enhance their engagement with it.Originality/valueThis study explains how a cross-level mechanism connects department-level moral leadership to employee-level work engagement in a Chinese cultural context.

Three-dimensional photoinduced force microscopy reveals artifacts from photothermal tip vibrations

Photoinduced force microscopy (PiFM) is a technique for nanoscale characterization of optically active materials. For correct data analysis, it is important to understand and recognize potential artifacts. In this study, we provide a Fourier-based framework for the different origins of the photoinduced force, including the photothermal motion of the atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip in PiFM measurements. We use individual gold nanoparticles as a model system to explore such tip-related phenomena and to demonstrate the benefits of three-dimensional analysis of the photoinduced force. Comparison of the in-phase heterodyne PiFM signal and the derivative of the tip–sample interaction, ∂⟨kts⟩/∂zc, directly reveals a photothermal origin for the PiFM signal in our experiments. Furthermore, we observe a lateral photothermal vibration of the tip apex induced by tip asymmetry. This lateral vibration emphasizes the importance of considering the motion of the AFM tip during data analysis. The improved lateral resolution conferred by ∂⟨kts⟩/∂zc can lead to misinterpretation. Our findings highlight that meticulous data analysis is required to ensure the correct interpretation of PiFM data.

Neutron dose assessment in laser-generated ultra-short pulsed fields.

ELI Beamlines is one of the pillars of the Extreme Light Infrastructure European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ELI ERIC), the European project aiming at building the next generation of high power lasers for fundamental research and industrial applications. Several high-power lasers are hosted by the ELI Beamlines facility. Even at a power lower than the nominal one, when interacting with a target, the laser can generate mixed ionizing radiation fields of unique nature. One of the major laser systems, High-repetition-rate advanced petawatt laser system (HAPLS) was already used in commissioning experiments. Detecting the neutrons generated during these experiments has been a challenging task, since certain difficulties were faced. First, the experimental conditions were frequently altered during the commissioning phase (such as laser beam parameters, experimental geometry or target type). Next, the extremely short duration of the ionizing radiation pulse generated by the laser (~10-14s) complicated the correct interpretation of the data provided by the detectors designed and calibrated in standard fields. Here, one commissioning experiment is described, together with the means of addressing the problem of the detection of the ionizing radiation and the lessons learned in this endeavour.

Judge’s discretion in ensuring human rights and freedoms: the significance of the legal position

The article is devoted to the analysis of the judge’s discretion in ensuring human rights and freedoms and the study of the significance of the legal position of the Supreme Court. It has been established that the purpose of the Supreme Court as the highest judicial institution in Ukraine is, first of all, the formation of a justified legal position regarding the application by all courts in the further work of a specific norm of substantive law or compliance with a norm of procedural law that was incorrectly used, and thus directing practice into a unified and proper enforcement. The legal positions of the Supreme Court have a more complex nature, as there is a clear awareness of the tasks of this body as a key subject in the formation of the unity of national judicial practice. The legal literature was studied, which currently discusses the problem of deviating from the legal positions expressed earlier, whereas it is at the level of higher courts that the problem of unanimous application of legal norms by courts in similar legal relations should be resolved. The institution of departure from the pre-legal position is quite an interesting phenomenon and become widely in recent years, and this problem is connected, perhaps, with the reform of procedural legislation. It was established that a massive departure from previous legal positions violates the standards of consistency of judicial practice, and the requirement of legal certainty appeals precisely to the standards of consistency of judicial practice, according to which courts must make similar decisions in similar cases under the same factual conditions. Constancy of judicial practice means that a series of previously adopted and agreed court decisions is a convincing proof of the correct interpretation of the legal norm. Since the legislator has not establish the binding nature of previously adopted resolutions of the Supreme Court of Ukraine, however, the possibility of deviating from them is provided only to the court of cassation instance of the Supreme Court. Deviating from the legal position, the court must provide a serious and convincing argument, since there has to be valid and reasonable grounds for a different application of the law’s prescription in the same (or similar) situation with a similar legal structure. It was concluded that the principles that are guided by judges when making each specific decision and forming the corresponding legal position, namely the principles of the rule of law, justice and legality, are of particular importance.

Osteology of the Hamadryas Baboon (Papio hamadryas).

Besides living as a free-ranging primate in the horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, the hamadryas baboon has an important place in zoos and can be found in biomedical research centers worldwide. To be valuable as a non-human primate laboratory model for man, its anatomy should be portrayed in detail, allowing for the correct interpretation and translation of obtained research results. Reviewing the literature on the use of the baboon in biomedical research revealed that very limited anatomical works on this species are available. Anatomical atlases are incomplete, use archaic nomenclature and fail to provide high-definition color photographs. Therefore, the skeletons of two male hamadryas baboons were prepared by manually removing as much soft tissues as possible followed by maceration in warm water to which enzyme-containing washing powder was added. The bones were bleached with hydrogen peroxide and degreased by means of methylene chloride. Photographs of the various bones were taken, and the anatomical structures were identified using the latest version of the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria. As such, the present article shows 31 annotated multipanel figures. The skeleton of the hamadryas baboon generally parallels the human skeleton, but some remarkable differences have been noticed. If these are taken into consideration when evaluating the results of experiments using the hamadryas baboon, justified conclusions can be drawn.

Chemical significance of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy binding energy shifts: A Perspective

The principal intent of this Perspective is to review the mechanisms that are responsible for the shifts of binding energies, ΔBE, observed in x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements and so to relate the shifts to the electronic structure and the chemical bonding in the systems studied. To achieve this goal, several theoretical considerations are necessary beyond just the calculation of XPS BEs. Though briefly discussed here, we are not primarily interested in absolute values of BE or quantitation using relative intensities. Within the molecular orbital (MO) theory framework, it is shown that the analysis of orbital properties is critical for the correct interpretation of XPS. In particular, rigorous definitions are given for the initial state and final state contributions to BEs and to BE shifts, ΔBE. It is first shown how the BEs of core levels are related to the electronic structure by consideration of the BEs for a model atomic system to establish the origins and magnitudes of BE shifts. The mechanisms established for the model system are then applied to a review of XPS measurements and MO theory on a set of real examples. An important focus of the paper is to demonstrate that, in many cases, initial state mechanisms allow for a definitive interpretation of the XPS BE shifts and that an important role of theory is to provide qualitative explanations rather than quantitative agreement with XPS measurements. The mechanisms established are a guide to the interpretation of XPS measurements and consideration of these mechanisms may suggest additional calculations that would be useful. It is concluded that there is still a bright future for the coupling of ab initio MO theory with XPS measurements.

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvic floor: clinical application

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvic floor plays akey role in imaging complex pelvic floor dysfunction. The simultaneous detection of multiple findings in acomplex anatomic setting renders correct analysis and clinical interpretation challenging. The most important aspects (anatomy of the pelvic floor, three compartment model, morphological and functional analysis, reporting) for asuccessful clinical use of dynamic MRI of the pelvic floor are summarized. Review of the scientific literature on dynamic pelvic MR imaging with special consideration of the joint recommendations provided by the expert panel of ESUR/ESGAR in 2016. The pelvic floor is acomplex anatomic structure, mainly formed by the levator ani muscle, the urethral support system and the endopelvic fascia. Firstly, morphological changes of these structures are analysed on the static sequences. Secondly, the functional analysis using the three compartment model is performed on the dynamic sequences during squeezing, straining and defecation. Pelvic organ mobility, pelvic organ prolapse, the anorectal angle and pelvic floor relaxation are measured and graded. The diagnosis of cystoceles, enteroceles, rectoceles, the uterovaginal as well as anorectal decent, intussusceptions and dyssynergic defecation should be reported using astructured report form. Acomprehensive analysis of all morphological and functional findings during dynamic MRI of the pelvic floor can provide information missed by other imaging modalities and hence alter therapeutic strategies.

The Determination of Mitochondrial Mass Is a Prerequisite for Accurate Assessment of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells' Oxidative Metabolism.

Mitochondria are responsible for ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation in cells. However, there are limited data on the influence of mitochondrial mass (MM) in the adequate assessment of cellular stress assay (CSA) results in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine MM in PBMCS and assess its influence on the results of CSA measurements. Blood samples were collected and sent to the laboratory for MM and CSA measurements during different seasons of the year. The mitochondrial mass was determined based on the mtDNA:nDNA ratio in PBMCs using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). CSA was measured using Seahorse technology. The MM was significantly lower during summer and autumn compared to winter and spring (p < 0.0001). On the contrary, we found that the maximal respiration per mitochondrion (MP) was significantly higher in summer and autumn compared to winter and spring (p < 0.0001). The estimated effect of MM on mitochondrial performance was -0.002 pmol/min/mitochondrion (p < 0.0001) and a correlation coefficient (r) of -0.612. Similarly, MM was negatively correlated with maximal respiration (r = -0.12) and spare capacity (in % r = -0.05, in pmol/min r = -0.11). In conclusion, this study reveals that MM changes significantly with seasons and is negatively correlated with CSA parameters and MP. Our findings indicate that the mitochondrial mass is a key parameter for determination of mitochondrial fitness. Therefore, we recommend the determination of MM during the measurement of CSA parameters for the correct interpretation and assessment of mitochondrial function.

Aspects Regarding the Effects of Some Influence Factors on the Uncertainty Budget of Optical Emission Spectrochemical Tests with Excitation by Spark or Electric Arc

Abstract In this work, a number of significant factors are highlighted that affect the optical emission spectrochemical tests with spark or electric arc excitation on stainless steels with multiple synergistic purposes such as: acquiring new knowledge, increasing the amount of information obtained about the material, increasing the efficiency and quality of the tests, the characterization of special purpose alloys and the assessment of their compliance with the specified requirements. In this direction, it requires both knowledge of testing methods (theoretical basis, test method, procedure related to the method, quality assurance testing) and the characteristics of the investigated materials. These aspects are necessary for the analysis of the test system and the most correct preliminary interpretation of the experimental results.

Comparison of positional artifacts in myocardial perfusion imaging in supine and semi-reclining position using dedicated D-SPECT cardiac camera: validation using CT based attenuation correction

BackgroundSoft-tissue attenuation remains a major limitation of SPECT-MPI which interferes with the diagnosis of CAD. The current study aims to evaluate the pattern of attenuation artifacts in supine and semi-reclining positions on CZT cardiac camera and their interaction with gender, BMI and stress protocols. MethodsWe prospectively analysed 150 patients acquired in supine and semi-reclining positions on CZT camera. The images were evaluated for severity and extent of defect using 17-segment model. An additional CT scan was acquired to generate AC image in the first 50 patients studied to assist investigator learning for comparison of artifact vs true defects in the two SPECT systems. The defects present in one position or showing change in severity within two positions were considered as positional artifacts and further validated using CTAC supine image. ResultsIn overall analysis, higher extent and severity of positional artifacts were observed more in semi-reclining position affecting the apex, apico-inferior, inferolateral and inferoseptal segments. Females showed more positional artifacts than males with inferior wall attenuation in the semireclining position and anterior wall attenuation in the supine position. A positive correlation of the extent and severity of positional artifacts was noted with an increasing BMI. In patients with BMI > 30, mid inferior and inferolateral segments were most affected followed by anterior wall segments. Highest correction of artifactual perfusion defects by CTAC was noted in inferior wall followed by inferolateral segments. ConclusionThe incidence of positional artifacts was greater in semi-reclining position in females, higher BMI groups and adenosine stress subsets. Knowledge of the pattern of positional artifacts appears to be a reliable alternative of CTAC for correct interpretation of myocardial perfusion images.