Tighter Criteria Research Articles

Martingale solutions and asymptotic behaviors for a stochastic cross-diffusion three-species food chain model with prey-taxis.

The stochastic food chain model is an important model within the field of ecological research. Since existing models are difficult to describe the influence of cross-diffusion and random factors on the evolution of species populations, this work is concerned with a stochastic cross-diffusion three-species food chain model with prey-taxis, in which the direction of predators' movement is opposite to the gradient of prey, i.e., a higher density of prey. The existence and uniqueness of martingale solutions are established in a Hilbert space by using the stochastic Galerkin approximation method, the tightness criterion, Jakubowski's generalization of the Skorokhod theorem, and the Vitali convergence theorem. Furthermore, asymptotic behaviors around the steady states of the stochastic cross-diffusion three-species food chain model in the time mean sense are investigated. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the results of our analysis.

Martingale solution of the stochastic Camassa–Holm equation with pure jump noise

We study the stochastic Camassa–Holm equation with pure jump noise. We establish the existence of the global martingale solution by the regularization method, the tightness criterion, the generalization of the Skorokhod theorem for nonmetric spaces and the stochastic renormalized formulations.

Exploring diverse maintenance and repair standards in the container industry: a comparative analysis of criteria and practices

The maintenance and repair standards have always been a problem in the container industry. Due to different preferences of criterias of different parties caused many conflicts. This paper examines the different types of criterias and standards for general purpose containers, and different areas of use of these criterias. The main reason of this paper is to be an explanatory element to define the differences of these criterias. The fundamental structural dimensional basis for an intermodal container is ISO container standards which defines the main structural features. Although it presents dimensional tolerances to a certain degree, it is nearly impossible to use these criterias for the operators and owners in day to day operations. As a result there have been various published maintenance and repair criterias, used by different parties partaking in the container industry. The different organizations and associations published standards suiting their own needs. Although there are lesser implemented criterias like Wind and Water Tight and Cargo Worth, the most known and most implemented criterias around the world are Unified Container Inspection and Repair Criteria, Common Interchange Criteria and IICL publications. While the Wind and Water Tight criteria is generally used for containers which are used as storage, the Cargo Worthy is used for the containers meet the minimum requirements for transport. The Unified Container Inspection Criteria is preferred by the shipping lines and operators, and the Common Interchange Criteria and IICL – 6 are preferred by lessors.

The role of magnetoencephalography in preoperative localization and postoperative outcome prediction in patients with posterior cortical epilepsy.

We aimed to explore the value of magnetoencephalography in the presurgical evaluation of patients with posterior cortex epilepsy. A total of 39 patients with posterior cortex epilepsy (PCE) and intact magnetoencephalography (MEG) images were reviewed from August 2019 to July 2022. MEG dipole clusters were classified into single clusters, multiple clusters, and scatter dipoles based on tightness criteria. The association of the surgical outcome with MEG dipole classifications was evaluated using Fisher's exact tests. Among the 39 cases, there were 24 cases of single clusters (61.5%), nine cases of multiple clusters (23.1%), and six cases of scattered dipoles (15.4%). Patients with single dipole clusters were more likely to become seizure-free. Among single dipole cluster cases (n = 24), complete MEG dipole resection yielded a more favorable surgical outcome than incomplete resection (83.3% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.007). Patients with concordant MRI and MEG findings achieved a significantly more favorable surgical outcome than discordant patients (66.7% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.044), especially in single dipole cluster patients (87.5% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.005). MEG can provide additional valuable information regarding surgical candidate selection, epileptogenic zone localization, electrode implantation schedule, and final surgical planning in patients with posterior cortex epilepsy.

Wobbling nature of gamma passing rate as a function of calibration field sizes in patient-specific quality assurance

Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the influence of calibration field size on the gamma passing rate (GPR) in patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA). Methods: Two independent detectors, PTW OCTAVIUS 4D (4DOCT) and Arc Check, were utilised in volumetric modulated arc therapy plans for 26 patients (14 with Arc Check and 12 with 4DOCT). Plans were administered using Varian Unique machine (with 4DOCT) and Varian TrueBeam (with Arc Check), each employing different calibration factors (CFs): 4 × 4, 6 × 6, 8 × 8, 10 × 10, 12 × 12 and 15 × 15 cm2 field sizes. Gamma analysis was conducted with 2%2mm, 2%3mm and 3%3mm gamma criteria. Results: GPR exhibited variations across different CFs. GPR demonstrated an increasing trend below 10 × 10 cm² CFs, while it displayed a decreasing trend above 10 × 10 cm². Both detectors exhibited similar GPR patterns. The correlation between 4DOCT and Arc Check was strong in tighter criteria (2%2mm) with an R² value of 0·9957, moderate criteria (2%3mm) with an R² value of 0·9868, but reduced in liberal criteria (3%3mm) with an R² value of 0·4226. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that calibration field sizes significantly influence GPR in PSQA. This study recommends the plan specific calibration field must obtain to calibrate the QA devices for modulated plans.

Features of obtaining a vacuum-dense weakly conductive ceramics based on barium aluminate

Ceramics based on barium aluminate with additives of iron (III) oxide and lithium hydroxide were obtained by solid-phase synthesis. It has been established that high-temperature treatment in an oxidizing medium contributes to the production of vacuum-dense samples that meet the «absolutely impermeable» tightness criterion, with a density of 3,75 g/cm3 , with a compressive strength limit of 597,1 MPa and a specific electrical conductivity in the range of 1,50·10‒7‒1,05·10‒4 Cm/ cm (at 90‒300 °C).

Genome-Wide Association Study of Gallstone Disease Identifies Novel Candidate Genomic Variants in a Latino Community of Southwest USA.

Gallstone disease (GSD) is a prevalent health condition that impacts many adults and is associated with presence of stones in gallbladder cavity that results in inflammation, pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. Several genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in the past have identified genes associated with GSD but only a few were focused on Latino population. To identify genetic risk factors for GSD in Latino population living in the Southwest USA we used self-reported clinical history, physical and lab measurements data in Sangre Por Salud (SPS) cohort and identified participants with and without diagnosis of GSD. We performed a GWAS on this phenotype using GSD cases matched to normal controls based on a tight criterion. We identified several novel loci associated with GSD as well as loci that were previously identified in past GWAS studies. The top 3 loci (MATN2, GPRIN3, GPC6) were strongly associated with GSD phenotype in our combined analysis and a sex stratified analysis results in females were closest to the overall results reflecting a general higher disease prevalence in females. The top identified variants in MATN2, GPRIN3, and GPC6 remain unchanged after local ancestry adjustment in SPS Latino population. Follow-up pathway enrichment analysis suggests enrichment of GO terms that are associated with immunological pathways; enzymatic processes in gallbladder, liver, and gastrointestinal tract; and GSD pathology. Our findings suggest an initial starting point towards better and deeper understanding of differences in gallstone disease pathology, biological mechanisms, and disease progression among Southwest US Latino population.

Dosimetric characteristics of 6MV flattening filter free and flattened beams among beam-matched linacs: a three-institutional study

BackgroundBeam matching is a concept in radiotherapy applied to clinics where more than one linac is employed to harmonise beam characteristics across linacs for allowing patients interchange without replanning. In view of this, the current study analyzes and compares dosimetric characteristics of 6MV flattening filter free and flattened beams of three beam-matched linear accelerators (linacs) from three different clinics with the aim to evaluate the matching under tight criteria for gamma analysis.MethodsThree Elekta linacs from three different clinics were included. The linacs have the same collimator assembly, Elekta Agility. Beam data were collected during commissioning process using PTW dosimetry systems. Dose profiles and percentage depth doses (PDD) were analyzed using 1D gamma analysis (1 mm/1%) as well as the following parameters: depth of maximum dose, PDD10, flatness, unflattnes, symmetry, penumbra, output factors. Additionally, five stereotactic treatment plans were optimized in one clinic and calculated by all three planning systems (Monaco) for a dosimetric comparison.ResultsGamma analysis of dose profiles and PDDs showed clinically acceptable results of 96.3% passing rate for profiles and 100% passing rate for PDDs. All dosimetric parameters were in good agreement with the reference data. Furthermore, dosimetric comparisons between stereotactic treatment plans showed a maximum standard deviation of 0.48 Gy for the maximum dose to PTV, and a maximum standard deviation of 0.1 Gy for the dose to the organs at risk.ConclusionsAll three linacs showed a strong agreement between parameters and passed the gamma analysis using 1% DD/1mm DTA criteria. This study confirmed the matching between linacs, offering the possibility to interchange patients with no replanning.

Global martingale solutions to stochastic population-toxicant model with cross-diffusion

In this paper, we develop a stochastic population-toxicant model with cross-diffusion and study the local boundedness of strong solutions. The existence of global martingale solution is obtained in a Hilbert space by Galerkin approximation method, the tightness criterion and the energy estimation.

Functional Convergence of Berry’s Nodal Lengths: Approximate Tightness and Total Disorder

We consider Berry’s random planar wave model (J Phys A 10(12):2083–2092, 1977), and prove spatial functional limit theorems—in the high-energy limit—for discretized and truncated versions of the random field obtained by restricting its nodal length to rectangular domains. Our analysis is crucially based on a detailed study of the projection of nodal lengths onto the so-called second Wiener chaos, whose high-energy fluctuations are given by a Gaussian total disorder field indexed by polygonal curves. Such an exact characterization is then combined with moment estimates for suprema of stationary Gaussian random fields, and with a tightness criterion by Davydov and Zitikis (Ann Inst Stat Math 60(2):345–365, 2008).

Analysis of structural solutions of reinforced concrete tanks used in agricultural farms

The article presents the types of the most common underground or partially sunken tanks used on farms. The analyzed tanks were designed for the storage of zoonotic fertilizers. Solid or semi-liquid fertilizers should be stored in livestock premises in sealed tanks, protected from leakage into the ground. Basic static schemes of tanks and types of loads acting on tanks were considered. The durability and leak-tightness of the tanks were also addressed, and the insulation used to protect the walls and bottom plate of the tanks was discussed. A computational example presents the values of loads acting on the various elements of the tank at two computational schemes, and compares the results obtained by two computational methods, i.e., the separated plate method and the finite element method. The discrepancies in the obtained results were pointed out. Recommendations were formulated for the design of tanks in terms of meeting the tightness criterion. FEM calculations were made for two cases: with and without consideration of the soil stiffness.

Evaluating the effect of high-density measurement mode on patient-specific quality assurance for head and neck cancer with ArcCHECK.

The high-density measurement (HDm) mode of the ArcCHECK device can achieve a twofold resolution enhancement compared to the standard measurement (Sm) mode. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HDm on the gamma passing rate (GPR) for the patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) in head and neck cancer. We retrospectively evaluated 30 patients who underwent volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for head and neck cancer. Absolute gamma analysis was performed on Sm and HDm data. We also investigated correlations between the modulation complexity score for VMAT (MCSv) and differences in the GPR between the two measurement modes. The global GPR of Sm and HDm was 81.0% ± 8.4% and 82.6% ± 7.6% for the 2%/2 mm criterion, 94.0% ± 4.1% and 94.9% ± 3.6% for the 3%/2 mm criterion, and 96.6% ± 2.4% and 97.0% ± 2.4% for the 3%/3 mm criterion, respectively. HDm slightly improved GPR (p < 0.01) for the 2%/2 mm criterion. Differences in GPR between Sm and HDm for the 2%/2 mm, 3%/2 mm, and 3%/3 mm criteria were 1.6% ± 3.0%, 0.8% ± 2.0%, and 0.4% ± 1.2%, respectively. No correlation was identified between the MCSv and the difference in GPR between Sm and HDm. Despite an improvement in GPR with HDm, the difference in GPR between Sm and HDm was approximately 2% even when the tighter criteria were used. Moreover, the change in the GPR between Sm and HDm did not depend on plan complexity. Thus, the effect of HDm on GPR is limited for the PSQA in VMAT for head and neck cancer.

Using a fixed-jaw technique to achieve superior delivery accuracy and plan quality in single-isocenter multiple-target stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases

To quantify the influence of the minimum dynamic leaf gap (DLG) on delivery accuracy and plan quality and determine whether the fixed-jaw technique can be used to reduce the adverse effects of DLG in single-isocenter volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for multiple brain metastases (BMs). Twelve patients, each with two BMs, were enrolled in this study. For each patient, five simulated cases were generated by adjusting the intertarget distance (ITD; range, 1–5 cm). For each case, two single-isocenter VMAT SRS plans with and without the fixed-jaw technique were designed. For the plan without the fixed-jaw technique, the jaw positions were automatically set to cover two targets (AJ-VMAT). For the other plan, the jaw was fixed to cover one lesion when another lesion was irradiated (FJ-VMAT). Dosimetric parameters and delivery parameters of two plans were compared. FJ-VMAT plans achieved similar target conformity, lower dose spillages (V10%, V25%), and lower normal brain tissue (NBT) mean dose, and better gradient index than AJ-VMAT plans regardless of ITD but with more monitor units and longer beam-on time (P < 0.05). For ITD ≥2 cm, FJ-VMAT plans also yielded lower V50% and 12-Gy isodose volume for NBT compared to AJ-VMAT, and the reduction became more distinct as the ITD increased. In addition, FJ-VMAT generated a significantly higher gamma passing rate for each criterion (P < 0.05), especially for larger ITDs (≥2 cm) and tighter criteria (2%/1 mm) with a 4% improvement. Compared to conventional AJ-VMAT, FJ-VMAT could reduce the adverse effects from minimum DLG with superior delivery accuracy and plan quality in single-isocenter VMAT SRS for multiple BMs.

Histologic and Molecular Patterns in Responders and Non-responders With Chronic-Active Antibody-Mediated Rejection in Kidney Transplants.

IntroductionThere is no proven therapy for chronic-active antibody-mediated rejection (caABMR), the major cause of late kidney allograft failure. Histological and molecular patterns associated with possible therapy responsiveness are not known.MethodsBased on rigorous selection criteria this single center, retrospective study identified 16 out of 1027 consecutive kidney transplant biopsies taken between 2008 and 2016 with pure, unquestionable caABMR, without other pathologic features. The change in estimated GFR pre- and post-biopsy/treatment were utilized to differentiate subjects into responders and non-responders. Gene sets reflecting active immune processes of caABMR were defined a priori, including endothelial, inflammatory, cellular, interferon gamma (IFNg) and calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) related-genes based on the literature. Transcript measurements were performed in RNA extracted from stored, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples using NanoString™ technology. Histology and gene expression patterns of responders and non-responders were compared.ResultsA reductionist approach applying very tight criteria to identify caABMR and treatment response excluded the vast majority of clinical ABMR cases. Only 16 out of 139 cases with a written diagnosis of chronic rejection fulfilled the caABMR criteria. Histological associations with therapy response included a lower peritubular capillaritis score (p = 0.028) along with less glomerulitis. In contrast, no single gene discriminated responders from non-responders. Activated genes associated with NK cells and endothelial cells suggested lack of treatment response.ConclusionIn caABMR active microvascular injury, in particular peritubular capillaritis, differentiates treatment responders from non-responders. Transcriptome changes in NK cell and endothelial cell associated genes may further help to identify treatment response. Future prospective studies will be needed which include more subjects, who receive standardized treatment protocols to identify biomarkers for treatment response.Clinical Trial Registration[ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT03430414].

Implementing and evaluating a high-resolution diode array for patient-specific quality assurance of robotic brain stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy.

The purpose of the study was to introduce and evaluate a high‐resolution diode array for patient‐specific quality assurance (PSQA) of CyberKnife brain stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT). Thirty‐three intracranial plans were retrospectively delivered on the SRS MapCHECK using fixed cone, Iris, and multileaf collimator (MLC). The plans were selected to cover a range of sites from large tumor bed, single/multiple small brain metastases (METs) to trigeminal neuralgia. Fiducial tracking using the four fiducials embedded around the detector plane was used as image guidance. Results were analyzed before and after registration based on absolute dose gamma criterion of 1 mm distance‐to‐agreement and 0.5%–3% dose‐difference. Overall, the gamma passing rates (1 mm and 3% criterion) before registration for all the patients were above 90% for all three treatment modalities (96.8 ± 3.5%, the lowest passing rate of 90.4%), and were improved after registration (99.3 ± 1.5%). When tighter criteria (1 mm and 2%) were applied, the gamma passing rates after registration for all the cases dropped to 97.3 ± 3.2%. For trigeminal neuralgia cases, we applied 1 mm and 0.5% criterion and the passing rates dropped from 100 ± 0.0% to 98.5 ± 2.0%. The mean delivery time was 33.4 ± 11.7 min, 24.0 ± 4.9 min, and 17.1 ± 2.6 min for the fixed cone, Iris, and MLC, respectively. With superior gamma passing rates and reasonable quality assurance (QA) time, we believe the SRS MapCHECK could be a good option for routine PSQA for CyberKnife SRS/SRT.

Well-posedness for a stochastic 2D Euler equation with transport noise

We prove the existence of a unique global strong solution for a stochastic two-dimensional Euler vorticity equation for incompressible flows with noise of transport type. In particular, we show that the initial smoothness of the solution is preserved. The arguments are based on approximating the solution of the Euler equation with a family of viscous solutions which is proved to be relatively compact using a tightness criterion by Kurtz.

Martingale Solutions of the Stochastic 2D Primitive Equations with Anisotropic Viscosity

The stochastic 2D primitive equations with anisotropic viscosity are studied in this paper. The existence of the martingale solutions and pathwise uniqueness of the solutions are obtained. The proof is based on anisotropic estimates, the compactness method, tightness criteria and the Jakubowski version of the Skorokhod theorem for nonmetric spaces.

Multi-patch multi-group epidemic model with varying infectivity

This paper presents a law of large numbers result, as the size of the population tends to infinity, of SIR stochastic epidemic models, for a population distributed over $ L $ distinct patches (with migrations between them) and $ K $ distinct groups (possibly age groups). The limit is a set of Volterra-type integral equations, and the result shows the effects of both spatial and population heterogeneity. The novelty of the model is that the infectivity of an infected individual is infection age dependent. More precisely, to each infected individual is attached a random infection-age dependent infectivity function, such that the various random functions attached to distinct individuals are i.i.d.The proof involves a novel construction of a sequence of i.i.d. processes to invoke the law of large numbers for processes in $ {\bf {D}} $, by using the solution of a MacKean-Vlasov type Poisson-driven stochastic equation (as in the propagation of chaos theory). We also establish an identity using the Feynman-Kac formula for an adjoint backward ODE. The advantage of this approach is that it assumes much weaker conditions on the random infectivity functions than our earlier work for the homogeneous model in [20], where standard tightness criteria for convergence of stochastic processes were employed. To illustrate this new approach, we first explain the new proof under the weak assumptions for the homogeneous model, and then describe the multipatch-multigroup model and prove the law of large numbers for that model.

Hydrodynamics for the partial exclusion process in random environment

In this paper, we introduce a random environment for the exclusion process in Zd obtained by assigning a maximal occupancy to each site. This maximal occupancy is allowed to randomly vary among sites, and partial exclusion occurs. Under the assumption of ergodicity under translation and uniform ellipticity of the environment, we derive a quenched hydrodynamic limit in path space by strengthening the mild solution approach initiated in Nagy (2002) and Faggionato (2007). To this purpose, we prove, employing the technology developed for the random conductance model, a homogenization result in the form of an arbitrary starting point quenched invariance principle for a single particle in the same environment, which is a result of independent interest. The self-duality property of the partial exclusion process allows us to transfer this homogenization result to the particle system and, then, apply the tightness criterion in Redig et al. (2020).

The correlation of the density of seagrass with the abundance of Ophioderma longicauda (Ophiuroidea class) in the Littoral Zone Cikabodasan Beach

Seagrass is a group of flowering plants found along the coast. Seagrasses become one of the habitats of the Ophiuroidea group. The study was conducted at Cikabodasan Beach, Garut. The aim is to determine the correlation of seagrass density with abundance of Ophiuroidea. The research method used is descriptive correlational. Samples were taken as much as 30% of the length of the Cikabodasan beach. The sampling technique was done by purposive sampling where 9 line transects were installed with 90 squared transects measuring 1 x 1 m2 in 3 stations. From the results of the study obtained an average density of two species (Thalassia hemprichii, Cymodocea rotundata) of 346.23 individuals / m.2 This density is included in very tight criteria. While the abundance of Ophioderma longicauda (3.33 individuals / m2) is included in the less category. From the results of statistical calculations with the Pearson correlation test shows the correlation coefficient of 0.834. These results indicate that there is a significant correlation between seagrass density and Ophioderma longicauda abundance.