Exact Length Research Articles

Optical Genome Mapping for Applications in Repeat Expansion Disorders.

Short tandem repeat (STR) expansions are associated with more than 60 genetic disorders. The size and stability of these expansions correlate with the severity and age of onset of the disease. Therefore, being able to accurately detect the absolute length of STRs is important. Current diagnostic assays include laborious lab experiments, including repeat-primed PCR and Southern blotting, that still cannot precisely determine the exact length of very long repeat expansions. Optical genome mapping (OGM) is a cost-effective and easy-to-use alternative to traditional cytogenetic techniques and allows the comprehensive detection of chromosomal aberrations and structural variants >500 bp in length, including insertions, deletions, duplications, inversions, translocations, and copy number variants. Here, we provide methodological guidance for preparing samples and performing OGM as well as running the analysis pipelines and using the specific repeat expansion workflows to determine the exact repeat length of repeat expansions expanded beyond 500 bp. Together these protocols provide all details needed to analyze the length and stability of any repeat expansion with an expected repeat size difference from the expected wild-type allele of >500 bp. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Genomic ultra-high-molecular-weight DNA isolation, labeling, and staining Basic Protocol 2: Data generation and genome mapping using the Bionano Saphyr® System Basic Protocol 3: Manual De Novo Assembly workflow Basic Protocol 4: Local guided assembly workflow Basic Protocol 5: EnFocus Fragile X workflow Basic Protocol 6: Molecule distance script workflow.

DOAC-Remove to counteract the interference of anti-Xa oral anticoagulants on the monitoring of heparin.

The monitoring of unfractionated heparin (UFH) by anti-factor Xa activity (AXA) is commonly used to ensure effective anticoagulation and prevent bleeding risk. However, in patients previously treated with an anti-Xa direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) switching to UFH therapy, there is a risk of interference that may lead to inappropriate anticoagulation. The first objective of this study was to validate DOAC-Remove to remove DOAC for measuring UFH specific AXA. The second objective was to assess the length of DOAC interference on UFH monitoring and to identify potential predictive factors. This monocentric retrospective study included all patients admitted from April 2019 to April 2021 previously treated with anti-Xa DOAC, and for whom an interference on UFH monitoring was suspected. Interference was defined as a difference in the AXA measured before and after using DOAC-Remove >2.8-fold standard deviation of the method. Removal with DOAC-Remove was specific of DOAC (apixaban n = 42, rivaroxaban n = 41, UFH n = 20) and sufficient to avoid interference on UFH AXA measurement. The exact interference length was 6.0 days [IQR 3.0-11.0] for apixaban (n = 26) and 4.5 days [IQR 2.0-5.8] for rivaroxaban (n = 20). Among the 89 patients sorted based on an interference length ≤ or >3 days, 74 (83.1%) presented an interference greater than 3 days. Correlations were observed with age for apixaban and creatinine for rivaroxaban. Our results suggest that DOAC-Remove could be of high interest in patients receiving UFH previously treated with an anti-Xa DOAC even if DOAC was stopped for more than 3 days.

Impact of the thermal afterglow effect on infrared thermography data evaluation methods

In this work, the influence of the afterglow effects from a source impulse on commonly used data processing methods of infrared thermography (IRT), such as Pulsed Phase Thermography (PPT) and Thermographic Signal Reconstruction (TSR) was investigated. To resolve this issue, we propose the adoption of a modified mathematical model or an empirical function to approximate the flash lamp pulse, which we recorded during the test with a photodiode. Two models were evaluated: one consisting of a combination of exponential and power functions describing the entire pulse and a second, focusing only on the decreasing phase. The models were compared with well-established empirical functions, such as those of Degiovanni and Vageswar, using the widely known statistical scores R2adjusted and Akaike information criterion. The quantitative comparison revealed better fitting results for our proposed models. Additionally, we introduce an algorithm based on Hough transform-clustering for automated determination of the exact pulse length. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the reproducibility of the measured pulse shape. The results from applying the first model as pulse correction is compared to another widespread IR data treatment methodology, such as Modified Differential Absolute Contrast (MDAC). We also consider the impact of the afterglow effects on the Source Distribution Image (SDI). Two different specimens were used in the experiments: a homogeneous polymer sheet with blind holes as defects and an in-homogeneous plate made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) with artificial defects made from Tetrafluorethylen-Hexafluorpropylen-Copolymer (FEP) foil inserts. In both experiments a quantitative comparison was made using the Tanimoto criterion (TC), indicating an improved sensitivity. This work forms the basis for a faster and more reliable quantitative evaluation of experimental data, in particular algorithms for the automated detection and assessment of manufacturing defects or in-service damage will benefit from these results.

Electroelastic wave dispersion in the rotary piezoelectric NEMS sensors/actuators via nonlocal strain gradient theory

This article introduces a computational means for investigating the electroelastic nonlinear wave dispersion traits of the nano-dimension sandwich pipe, which is composed of a core formed of a bi-directional functionally graded (Bi-FG) material, together with a piezoelectric sensor/actuator. A combination of Hamilton’s principle, first-order shear deformation, along with Von-Karman nonlinearity, is used for modeling and obtaining the nonlinear governing equations of the nano-sized sandwich pipe connected to a piezoelectric part. The nonlinear governing equations to obtain the nonlinear phase velocity of the current system are determined using a combination of analytical and multiple scales approaches. Due to some computational cost for choosing the precise values of both the nonlocality factor and length scale of the nanopipe in the laboratory, for the first time in this research, with the aid of COMSOL multi-physics finite element simulation, the results are verified, and new outcomes for obtaining the exact functions for nonlocal and length scale factors is presented. In addition, an artificial neural network (ANN) is utilized in this study for the prediction of the results. The mathematical and finite element results were used to train the ANN. A newly presented optimization algorithm is exploited for the first time for optimizing the ANN parameters concluding higher accuracy of the ANN predictions. Consequently, to explore the influences of the location of the piezoelectric patch, nonlocality and length scale factors, and applied voltage parameter on the phase velocity characteristics of the nano-dimension sandwich pipe made of a Bi-FG core and electrically patch, an effort is performed. As an applicable result that can be useful in the related nano-industries, the current work presents exact nonlocal and length scale functions for different conditions.

Use of Intraoperative Template for the Reconstruction of Septal Replacement Graft.

Anterior and caudal deviation of the septumcan severely affect a patient's functional and cosmetic outcomes, especially seen in crooked noses. Hence, extracorporeal septoplasty is often performed where an L-shaped septal replacement graft replaces the septum to restore the functionality and aesthetics of the nose. Although an L-shaped graft can be reconstructed with the help of a caliper, the exact length and angulation between the two cartilages cannot be accurately assessed intraoperatively and preoperatively and the graft needs repeated modification. In contrast, an L-shaped template can be easily made from a wrapper of suture material and can be customized to make the neoseptum. The cartilage graft can be exactly matched to the template, which can later be successfully used as a neoseptum. We have documented using the intraoperative template to make an accurate neoseptum in a crooked nose.Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

A numerical calculation of arc length and area using some spline quasi-interpolants

In this paper, we propose two methods to approach numerically the length of curves and the area of surface of revolution created by rotating a curve around an axis. The first is based on an approximation of functions by quadratic spline discrete quasi-interpolant and calculating its exact length. The second method consists toapproximate the values of the first derivatives by those of cubic spline discrete quasiinterpolant. Those values are used to provide a quadrature formula to calculate the integral giving the length. In both methods, we prove that the order of convergence is O(h^4). The theoretical results given in this work are justified by some numerical examples.

Ultra-high-resolution CT of the temporal bone: The end of stapes prosthesis dimensional error and correlation with patient symptoms

PurposeTo describe the reliability of ultra-high-resolution computed tomography (UHR-CT) in the measurement of titanium stapes prostheses using manufacturer data as a reference. Materials and methodsThis retrospective study included patients treated by stapedectomy with titanium prostheses who underwent UHR-CT between January 2020 and October 2023. Images were acquired using an ultra-high-resolution mode (slice thickness: 0.25 mm; matrix, 1024 × 1024). Two radiologists independently evaluated the length, diameter, and intra-vestibular protrusion of the prosthesis. Post-operative air-bone gaps (ABGs) were recorded. ResultsFourteen patients were enrolled (mean age, 44.3 ± 13.8 [SD] years, 9 females), resulting in 16 temporal bone UHR-CTs. The exact length was obtained in 81.3 % (n = 13/16) and underestimated by 0.1 to 0.3 mm in the remaining 18.7 % (n = 3/16) CT scans for both readers (mean misestimation: −0.02 ± 0.06 [SD] mm, overall underestimation of 0.43 %). The exact diameter was reported in 75 % (n = 12/16) and 87.5 % (n = 14/16) of the CT scans for readers 1 and 2, respectively, and was off by 0.1 mm in all discrepancies (mean misestimation: 0.01 ± 0.04 [SD] mm, overall overestimation of 2.43 %). Intravestibular prosthesis protrusion was of 0.5 ± 0.43 [SD] mm (range: 0–1) and 0.49 ± 0.44 [SD] mm (range: 0–1.1) for readers 1 and 2, respectively, and did not correlate with ABGs (r = 0.25 and 0.22; P = 0.39 and 0.47 for readers 1 and 2, respectively). Intra and interobserver agreements were excellent. ConclusionUHR-CT provides 99.6 % and 97.6 % accuracy for prosthesis length and diameter measurements, respectively.

Exact Insulated-Tip Fin Length Correction for Tip Convection Compensation

Abstract This study details the derivation of a length correction term for computing the heat transfer performance of one-dimensional, straight, convecting-tip fins using the insulated-tip fin solution. Use of this corrected length in the insulated-tip fin solution produces the identical heat transfer rate and temperature profile as those computed using the more complex convecting-tip fin equations. The analysis derives the length correction equation from fundamental principles and produces a simple, closed-form expression valid for all fin cross-sectional shapes. Furthermore, the valid parameter range where this length correction is applicable, and outside of which no exact length correction is possible, is quantified.

Biomechanical engineering analysis of neochordae length's impact on chordal forces in mitral repair.

Artificial neochordae implantation is commonly used for mitral valve (MV) repair. However, neochordae length estimation can be difficult to perform. The objective was to assess the impact of neochordae length changes on MV haemodynamics and neochordal forces. Porcine MVs (n = 6) were implanted in an ex vivo left heart simulator. MV prolapse (MVP) was generated by excising at least 2 native primary chordae supporting the P2 segments from each papillary muscle. Two neochordae anchored on each papillary muscle were placed with 1 tied to the native chord length (exact length) and the other tied with variable lengths from 2× to 0.5× of the native length (variable length). Haemodynamics, neochordal forces and echocardiography data were collected. Neochord implantation repair successfully eliminated mitral regurgitation with repaired regurgitant fractions of approximately 4% regardless of neochord length (P < 0.01). Leaflet coaptation height also significantly improved to a minimum height of 1.3 cm compared with that of MVP (0.9 ± 0.4 cm, P < 0.05). Peak and average forces on exact length neochordae increased as variable length neochordae lengths increased. Peak and average forces on the variable length neochordae increased with shortened lengths. Overall, chordal forces appeared to vary more drastically in variable length neochordae compared with exact length neochordae. MV regurgitation was eliminated with neochordal repair, regardless of the neochord length. However, chordal forces varied significantly with different neochord lengths, with a preferentially greater impact on the variable length neochord. Further validation studies may be performed before translating to clinical practices.

Assessment of Distortion of Radiovisiographical Tooth Length Compared to Actual Tooth Length: In-vivo and In-vitro Study

Background: Determination of appropriate or exact working length measurement with radiovisiography (RVG) during root canal treatment (RCT) is an essential for the long-term success. As, there are several controversies with the distortion of RVG image in assessing the working tooth length (WTL) during RCT compared to actual tooth length (ATL). So, this study was aimed to assess the frequency of distortion of radiovisiographical tooth length (RTL) compared to actual tooth length (ATL). Methods: An analytical (in-vivo and in-vitro) study was conducted at Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, BSMMU. The patient indicated for extraction purpose of orthodontic treatment was considered as the study population. Human premolar teeth (n=20) were selected as study sample by purposive sampling technique which met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The RTL measurements were carried out with RVG images before and after tooth extraction (in-vivo and in-vitro setting). Then the ATL measurements of extracted tooth samples were carried out with both Inch Architectural Scale Ruler and Endodontic Ruler individually three concordant times. Statistical analysis: The data was analyzed using T test and presented in frequency and percentages with tables. Results: For 95% of study samples, the differences from actual and radiovisiographical tooth length were &lt;0.5 mm. Total 19 tooth samples (out of 20) showed acceptable level of coincidence except one sample showed non-acceptable level of coincidence. There was no sample revealed exact level of coincidence. There was a significant difference between the distortion category; yes (95%)/ no (5%) (P 0.001). The radiovisiological tooth lengths among all samples were same in both in-vivo and in-vitro setting. Study results also revealed the average distortion of RTL to ATL was 2.61±0.97 mm when RVG was done without using RVG sensor positioner. Conclusion: RVG tooth length images exhibited no distortion with the exact anatomical tooth lengths when the RTL was carried out with RVG sensor positioner. It’s recommended that to overcome the RVG image distortion, the RTL measurement ought to be carried out with RVG sensor positioner allowing RVG sensor/film parallel to long axis of tooth; RVG beam position perpendicular (900) to long axis of tooth.

Determine the exact length of the veneers through programming the condylar inclination of the semi-adjustable articulator

Purpose: Various aspects of veneers have been described in literature, such as preparation, material, manufacturing method, bonding technique, remaining dental structure color, among others. The length of veneers incisal edge, that has been determined through photos or videos doing a functional evaluation, creating an anterior guide by mockup in addition to the diagnostic elements mentioned above, the veneers were exactly length based on the condyle inclination. Materials and methods: The technique shown in the following clinical case report, aims to customize the length of the veneers by programming the condylar inclination and the incisal plate of the semi-adjustable articulator. Results: The veneers made with the present technique was accurately. Conclusion: Customize the length of the veneers demonstrated avoid wear, fracture or breakdown of the bond.

The role of gel-infused translabial ultrasound as a new modality in evaluation of female urethral stricture.

To investigate the role of trans-labial ultrasound study in detection of female urethral stenosis (FUS) compared to former cysto-urethroscopy as the currently available definitive diagnostic modality. In this cross-sectional study, 60 consecutive patients with bladder outlet obstruction diagnosed by clinical symptoms and urodynamic study, were included from 2019 to 2022. For additional assessment, all these patients underwent gel-Infused trans-labial ultrasound (GITLUS) and cystourethroscopy. Trans-labial real-time ultrasonography was performed following the insertion of 20 ml steady stream viscous jelly into the urethral meatus to assess the length of the urethra and exact location and length of the probable narrowing, as well as the presence of peri-urethral fibrosis (PUF). In GITLUS evaluation, urethral stricture was found in 27 patients. Mean urethral length and stricture length were 35.63 ±4.78 and 17.04 ±10.59, respectively. All these stenosis were confirmed via cysto-urethroscopy. PUF was found in 20 of 27 patients. In cysto-urethroscopy, urethral stricture was confirmed in 40 patients: 13 in urethral meatus and 27 in other parts or pan-urethra. GITLUS could not reveal urethral stricture in 13 patients with meatal stenosis, confirmed with cystoscopy. GITLUS detected FUS less accurately when it involves pure distal urethra compared to other parts of urethra or pan-urethral stenosis (p value = 0.002). GITLUS is a safe, non-invasive, and valuable technique for detecting FUS. The location and the length of the stricture and probable peri-urethral fibrosis can be identified by this method. However, in meatal or pure short-length distal urethral strictures, this method should be used with caution.

Utilization of Balinese Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) to Produce Kombucha from Different Teas: Chemical and Sensory Characterisation

Kombucha, a tea-based beverage with historical roots in China, is classified as a functional beverage due to its potential health benefits and capacity to mitigate many adverse health problems. The fermentation process typically spans a minimum duration of a week, with the exact length contingent upon the desired flavour profile. This transformative process involves the utilisation of a symbiotic culture comprising acetic acid bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeast, which is cultivated within a medium of sweet tea. Regarding the incorporation of flavour, the utilisation of Balinese grapes in this particular product is attributed to their underutilised nature. A study was undertaken to examine the effects of including Balinese grapes in kombucha beverages prepared using white, green, and black tea varieties. The extended duration of fermentation may lead to a decrease in sugar content and pH levels, while simultaneously boosting the overall concentration of total acids in comparison to the conventional kombucha. Based on the results of sensory evaluation, it was observed that most of the panellists exhibited a preference for colour, aroma, flavour, and turbidity for Balinese grapes kombucha over the control kombucha. Hence, Balinese grapes can serve as an autochthonous flavour in the manufacturing of kombucha.

Exact Average Run Length Evaluation on One-Sided and Two-Sided Extended EWMA Control Chart with Correlated Data

The Extended Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (Extended EWMA) control chart is one of the control charts that can rapidly detect a minor shift. Using the average run length (ARL), the control charts' effectiveness can be evaluated. This research aims to derive the explicit formulations for the ARL on one-sided and two-sided Extend EWMA control charts for the MA(1) model with exponential white noise, as they have not been previously presented. The analytical solution accuracy was determined and compared to the numerical integral equation (NIE) method. The results indicate that the ARL calculated using the explicit formula and the NIE method are nearly identical, demonstrating the validity of the explicit formula. In addition, this study is extended to compare the performance with the Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) control chart. The results show that the Extended EWMA control chart has superior efficacy to the EWMA control chart. To demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method, the analytical solution of ARL is finally applied to real-world data on Thailand's monthly fuel price.

A fatigue crack quantification model for metallic structure based on strain monitoring data

Obtaining the real-time fatigue crack length of a metallic structure is the prerequisite of the fatigue life monitoring and residual life estimation for an aircraft. This paper proposed a metallic structure's fatigue crack prediction model using strain monitoring data based on deep learning method. A cycle consistent adversarial network was developed to map the strain monitoring data from experimental measurement with those from finite element modeling. A crack size classification model and a crack length quantification model were proposed to classify the crack size range and identify the exact crack length, respectively. The proposed model was applied to predict the fatigue crack growth in centeral hole metallic plates subjected to random loading spectrum. The results showed that the prediction is effective and accurate.

Association between menopause and suicidal ideation in mothers of adolescents: A longitudinal study using data from a population-based cohort

BackgroundMidlife suicide among women has attracted increasing research attention. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between menopause and suicidal ideation among middle-aged women. MethodsOur data were derived from the Tokyo Teen Cohort, a population-based survey of early adolescents (N = 3171) and their primary caregivers (typically, mothers) in Japan. A total of 2944 mothers (baseline mean age = 44.0 years) were included in the analysis. The baseline assessment in this study was performed at second-wave survey from July 2014 to January 2017. A follow-up assessment was conducted at fourth-wave survey from February 2019 to September 2021. Suicidal ideation at baseline and follow-up was assessed using the Suicidal Ideation subscale of the 28-item General Health Questionnaire. Menopausal stage was classified based on self-report at fourth-wave survey. ResultsParticipants who started the perimenopausal stage after baseline were significantly more likely to have suicidal ideation at follow-up than those who did not have experienced menopausal transition yet. Participants with greater social support were less likely to report suicidal ideation at follow-up, even after adjusting for baseline suicidal ideation. LimitationsThis study was based on self-report regarding menopausal stage and only included mothers of adolescents from Japan. An exact length of time from the onset to the presence of suicidal ideation was unavailable. ConclusionsWomen who have experienced the onset of menopausal transition presented an increased risk of suicidal ideation. Psychosocial interventions to increase social support may be beneficial in preventing mental health inequalities during menopausal transitions.

BUCKLING STRENGTH OF COLUMNS IN LOW-RISE MULTI-SPAN FRAMES EVALUATED BY THE STABILITY INDEX

The objective of this study was to investigate the validity of the effective length factors for low-rise multi-span frames obtained by the stability index (SI) method, and SI is defined by the ratio of PΔ moment to story moment. The SI method calculates the buckling load based on the condition that the story with the maximum stability index is the first to lose its stiffness compared with the other stories at the time of buckling. The analytical parameters used in the present study were the stiffness ratios of beams and columns. The effective length factors obtained by the SI method were compared with the exact effective length factors provided by the buckling slope-deflection method. The story displacement Δ of the PΔ moments was calculated by the application of horizontal forces at the top of the column of each story. This paper outlines a valid process to evaluate the effective length factors using the SI method and demonstrates the impact of the horizontal force distribution and Pδ moments on the accuracy of the SI method in low-rise, multi-span frames.

Certification of Bottleneck Task Assignment With Shortest Path Criteria

Minimising the longest travel distance for a group of mobile robots with interchangeable goals requires knowledge of the shortest length paths between all robots and goal destinations. Determining the exact length of the shortest paths in an environment with obstacles is NP-hard however. In this paper, we investigate when polynomial-time approximations of the shortest path search are sufficient to determine the optimal assignment of robots to goals. In particular, we propose an algorithm in which the accuracy of the path planning is iteratively increased. The approach provides a certificate when the uncertainties on estimates of the shortest paths become small enough to guarantee the optimality of the goal assignment. To this end, we apply results from assignment sensitivity assuming upper and lower bounds on the length of the shortest paths. We then provide polynomial-time methods to find such bounds by applying sampling-based path planning. The upper bounds are given by feasible paths, the lower bounds are obtained by expanding the sample set and leveraging the knowledge of the sample dispersion. We demonstrate the application of the proposed method with a multi-robot path-planning case study.

Warping included mixed finite elements for bending and stresses of functionally graded exact curved beams

This study presents a warping included mixed finite element formulation for the static and stress analyses of functionally graded (FG) exact curved beams. Another distinctive feature of this study is to present the range of geometric and material parameters where the first-order shear deformation theory lacks necessary precision. The constitutive equations are derived from the 3D elasticity theory of an elastic continuum. The couple effects are considered in addition to the variations of FG material constituents through the transverse/axial directions. The mixed finite element formulation is enhanced by the cross-sectional warping deformations over a displacement-type finite element formulation. The two-noded curved mixed finite elements with 12 degrees of freedom at per node are derived over exact curvature and length. Satisfactory results are obtained for the static responses and stresses of axially FG-sandwich and transversely FG exact curved beams with power-law dependence compared to the 3D behavior of brick finite elements. Finally, the influences of ellipticity, width to thickness ratio, FG material constituents, and material gradient index on the static response of FG exact curved beams are investigated.

Brain Region-Specific Differences in Amyloid-β Plaque Composition in 5XFAD Mice.

Senile plaques consisting of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides are a major pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ peptides are heterogeneous regarding the exact length of their amino- and carboxy-termini. Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 are often considered to represent canonical "full-length" Aβ species. Using immunohistochemistry, we analyzed the distribution of Aβ1-x, Aβx-42 and Aβ4-x species in amyloid deposits in the subiculum, hippocampus and cortex in 5XFAD mice during aging. Overall plaque load increased in all three brain regions, with the subiculum being the area with the strongest relative plaque coverage. In the subiculum, but not in the other brain regions, the Aβ1-x load peaked at an age of five months and decreased thereafter. In contrast, the density of plaques positive for N-terminally truncated Aβ4-x species increased continuously over time. We hypothesize that ongoing plaque remodeling takes place, leading to a conversion of deposited Aβ1-x peptides into Aβ4-x peptides in brain regions with a high Aβ plaque burden.