Independent Indices Research Articles

Do treatment-induced changes in arterial stiffness affect left ventricular structure? A meta-analysis

Vascular research demonstrated that pulse wave velocity (PWV), a measure of arterial stiffness, is inherently blood pressure dependent. Considering the hypothesized pathophysiological chain of increased arterial stiffness leading to increased blood pressure load with consequent left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) development, we conducted a systematic review of antihypertensive and lifestyle intervention studies to determine the association between, on the one hand, changes in arterial stiffness and blood pressure, and, on the other hand, changes in left ventricular mass (LVM). Using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane and Web of Science, we identified 23 studies, containing 2573 patients. Studies reported changes in arterial stiffness (assessed by means of PWV), SBP, DBP and LVM index (LVMI), respectively. Statistically significant reductions in SBP, PWV and LVMI were reported in 16, 14 and 20 studies, respectively. Pooled analysis of studies showed that the proportion in SBP reduction did not correlate significantly to the proportion in reductions of the other two variables. On the contrary, we found a significant positive correlation (r = 0.61, P = 0.003) between arterial stiffness and reduction of LVM, expressed as a relevant reduction in LVMI of 6.9 g/m per 1.0 m/s reduction in PWV. Our findings provide evidence that a decrease in arterial stiffness is associated with reduction of LVM. To investigate whether there exists a causal relation between LVH due to arterial stiffness increases and in turn blood pressure load increases, future studies should strive for a multiple follow-up design and use of blood pressure independent or corrected stiffness indices.

Will Bootstrap Clustering Resuscitate Repertory Grid Assessment of Cognitive Complexity? Convergence with Integrative and Dialogical Complexity Suggests It Could

This article is concerned with an introduction and examination of a new cognitive complexity index derived from repertory grid data. Our approach follows Heckmann's and Bell’s introduction of bootstrap clustering of grid data. In order to examine the validity of the new index, we reanalyze data from an older study. The reanalysis showed that the new index correlated significantly with other independent complexity indices: integrative complexity and dialogical complexity. The directions of correlations were in accordance with complexity theories that underlie the indices. These findings support the validity of the cognitive complexity index based on bootstrap clustering.

PCA based hybrid Taguchi philosophy for optimization of multiple responses in EDM

The present study is aimed at a multi-response optimization problem by applying Principal Component Analysis (PCA) combined with Taguchi method. The investigation has been carried out through a case study in Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) of D2 steel by using copper, brass and Direct Metal Laser Sintered (DMLS) electrode produced by direct metal laser sintering using Directmetal20. The research work has been carried out to evaluate the best parametric combination which could fulfill multiple responses like lower Tool Wear Rate (TWR), higher Material Removal Rate (MRR) and lower Surface Roughness (Ra). Unlike the use of single-objective optimization problem in traditional Taguchi method, a hybrid Taguchi method has been developed in combination with PCA to solve multi-objective problem. Taguchi method assumes that the quality characteristics should be uncorrelated or independent which is not always fulfilled in actual condition. PCA is applied to remove response correlation and to calculate independent (uncorrelated) quality indices known as principal components. These principal components combined with weighted principal component analysis (WPCA) are used to calculate overall quality index denoted as Multi-response Performance Index (MPI). This investigation combines WPCA and Taguchi method for forecasting optimal setting. The predicted result by this method was validated through confirmatory test proving the efficacy of the process. Out of five input process parameters considered, tool electrode has been found to be the most significant factors through the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).

A brief history of lumpfishing, assessment, and management across the North Atlantic

Abstract This report documents the fishery, assessment, and management of lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) across its distribution range. Targeting lumpfish for their roe on a large scale began in the 1950s in Iceland and Norway and then in Canada in the 1970s and Greenland in the 1990s. When the fishery began, there were few regulations, but limits on vessel size, mesh size, number of nets, and length of the fishing season were gradually implemented over time. Worldwide landings have varied from ca. 2000 to 8000 tonnes of roe between 1977 and 2016. Iceland and Canada accounted for >80% of the landings until 2000. After 2013, Greenland and Iceland accounted for >94%. All countries except Iceland show a decreasing trend in the number of boats participating in the fishery, which is related to several factors: the monetary value of the roe, changes in the abundance of lumpfish, and increasing age of artisanal fishers. Each country has a different combination of data available for assessment from basic landings and fishing effort data to more detailed fishery independent survey indices of abundance. The management of total catch also differs, with an effort-controlled fishery in Iceland and Canada, a total allowable catch (TAC) per boat in Norway, and TAC per area in Greenland. Population abundance is above management targets in Iceland and Norway, but the status is less clear in Greenland and around Denmark/Sweden and appears to be depleted around Canada. Certification by the Marine Stewardship Council was instrumental in the adoption of a management plan in Greenland; however, benefits to the fishers remain unclear. Aspects surrounding the biology of lumpfish, which is poorly understood and requires investigation, include growth rate, natural mortality, and population differentiation. In addition, there is concern about the potential impacts that the recent escalation in production of lumpfish for use as cleaner fish in the aquaculture industry could have on the wild population.

Comprehensive evaluation and construction of drought resistance index system in Hydrangea macrophylla.

With the continuous drought stress treatment to five Hydrangea macrophylla varieties of different abilities of drought resistance, twenty-five physiological-biochemical indices were mea-sured. We evaluated the drought resistance of different varieties and established the mathematic model. The results showed that leaf mass per area, cell membrane permeability (CMP), the content of malonaldehyde (MDA), the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), soluble sugar content, proline content, intercellular carbon dioxide and non-photochemical quenching coefficient were significantly increased under drought stress for twenty days. In contrast, relative water content, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, actual photochemical efficiency of PS2 and electron transport rate (ETR) were significantly decreased. The principal component analysis classified those indices into three independent comprehensive indices (accumulative contribution of 87.1%). The principal component 1 mainly reflected the information of photosynthetic and fluorescence. The principal component 2 mainly reflected the information of plant vigor. The principal component 3 mainly reflected the information of membrane system and osmotic adjust system. Five H. macrophylla varieties were divided into three categories by clustering analysis: drought-tolerant type (including H. macrophylla 'Lavblaa') and H. macrophylla 'Taube'), intermediate type (H. macrophylla 'You and me romance'), and drought-intolerant type (including H. macrophylla cv. Endless summer bride and H. macrophylla 'Tricolor'). Comprehensive evaluation of drought resis-tance (D value) showed that the ability of drought resistance decreased in order of H. macrophylla 'Lavblaa' > H. macrophylla 'Taube'> H. macrophylla 'You and me romance'> H. macrophylla cv. Endless summer bride > H. macrophylla 'Tricolor'. Four influential indices for drought resis-tance including CMP, the activity of peroxidase (POD), soluble protein contents (SP) and ETR was screened by stepwise regression analysis, which could be used for the rapid identification of drought resistance of H. macrophylla.

COMPETIÇÃO <i>VERSUS</i> CRESCIMENTO DE ÁRVORES EM FLORESTA OMBRÓFILA DENSA NO ESTADO DO AMAPÁ - BRASIL

O objetivo deste trabalho é o de avaliar, comparativamente, diferentes índices de competição independentes da distância (IID) em três dimensões de parcelas, e identificar aqueles que mais se correlacionam com o incremento diamétrico (IPA DAP), indicando o que melhor explica a competição entre as árvores do estrato arbóreo em uma Floresta Ombrófila Densa. Este estudo foi conduzido com dados do Projeto Bom Manejo (Embrapa/CIFOR/ITTO) – Manejo sustentável de florestas de produção em escala comercial na Amazônia brasileira, desenvolvido pela Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, em área da Jari Florestal S.A., município de Vitória do Jari, Estado do Amapá. Foram empregadas três parcelas permanentes de um hectare cada uma (100 m x 100 m), nas quais foram medidos todos os indivíduos arbóreos com DAP ≥ 20 cm. Foram comparados os seguintes IID: G (área basal/ha), BAL (Basal Area of Larger Trees), Glover e Hool e Stage. Os índices de competição foram avaliados a partir de análise dos coeficientes de correlação lineares entre cada índice e a variável IPA DAP (cm ano-1). A significância dos coeficientes de correlação foi avaliada pelo p valor (α = 0,05). Todas as variações de índices testadas resultaram em correlações de até 20%, consideradas muito fracas. Isto indica que os IID conseguem representar apenas parcialmente a competição em florestas naturais tropicais. No entanto, entre os índices, o índice BAL é o IID que apresentou a maior correlação com o IPA DAP (r=-0,212 e p = 0,000) em parcelas de 50 m x 50 m e, portanto, mesmo apresentando uma correlação baixa, é o mais indicado para estudos de competição no crescimento diamétrico em florestas tropicais naturais. Foi detectada uma relação espacial dos IID, em que a correlação diminui com o aumento do tamanho da parcela. Recomendam-se pesquisas adicionais para avaliar os efeitos da competição sobre o crescimento das árvores, bem como o aumento do entendimento de competição intraespecífica e interespecífica, a fim de melhorar a compreensão da dinâmica da competição em florestas tropicais.

Sarcopenia is associated with the neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratios in operable gastric cancer patients: a prospective study.

PurposeSarcopenia is distinguished by decreased skeletal muscle plus low muscle strength and/or physical performance. This study was designed to demonstrate the relationship between sarcopenia and systemic inflammatory response (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio [NLR], platelet/lymphocyte ratio [PLR], and large platelet/lymphocyte ratio [LPLR]) prior to radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.Patients and methodsWe conducted a prospective study of gastric cancer patients who underwent radical gastrectomy. The clinical utility of the NLR, PLR, and LPLR was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves. Sarcopenia components including skeletal muscle index, handgrip strength, and 6 m usual gait speed were measured. Logistic analysis was used to identify the independent indices associated with sarcopenia.ResultsA total of 670 patients were included, representing 504 men and 166 women. Of these, 104 patients (15.5%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia and 567 (84.5%) were non-sarcopenia. PLR has a diagnostic sensitivity of 91.3% for sarcopenia. In addition to the indicators of preoperative age, nutritional risk screening, body mass index, preoperative albumin, and diabetes, the NLR and PLR were independent predictors for sarcopenia (P<0.05).ConclusionThe present study showed that at-diagnosis sarcopenia was associated with inflammation in patients with operable gastric cancer. Due to the complex assessment of muscle condition, PLR may be used as a primary screening test for sarcopenia. How systemic inflammatory response influences changes in sarcopenia may provide new therapeutic perception toward improving outcomes.

Fuzzy Inference System-Based for TBM Field Penetration Index Estimation in Rock Mass

Estimating the field penetration index (FPI) is an essential task in tunneling as the FPI is used to determine the tunnel boring machine (TBM) performance. In this study, fuzzy inference system (FIS) modelling is implemented to predict the FPI. Several models including fuzzy clustering and knowledge-based models were proposed. Data from the Queens Water Tunnel underneath Brooklyn and Queens were used to establish and validate the models. The input parameters include the rock type, uniaxial compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, rock brittleness (BI) of the intact rock, the angle between the plane of weakness and the TBM driven direction (Alpha), the distance between planes of weakness (FS), and the TBM cutter load. In order to evaluate the effect of the characteristics of the fractures on the FPI prediction, several models with different inputs and dataset structures were explored. The models were tested with independent datasets and performance indices used included the coefficient of determination R2, values account for (VAF), root-mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Overall, the model performance results were satisfactory with R2, VAF, RMSE and MAPE ranging between 0.79–0.92; 79.42–92.06%; 6.66–11.05; and 5.68–8.96%, respectively indicating good predictability capability. The models based on fuzzy clustering yielded higher accuracy. It was established that BI, Alpha and CL were the parameters controlling mostly the FPI. Based on that, the knowledge-based model was developed and satisfactory results were achieved as well. It was concluded that the FISs could be used to estimate the FPI values with a reliable accuracy.

Uniquity: A general metric for biotic uniqueness of sites

1.Species richness is unrivalled as the most reported biodiversity metric in ecological and conservation research. Unfortunately, species richness ignores the scale-dependency of biodiversity.2.We propose the metric uniquity, a quantitative and spatially scalable measure of uniqueness of a site based on a species-by-site matrix and a site-by-habitat type classification with area weights for habitat types correcting for sampling biases.3.An example of uniquity is presented using vascular plant data from 130 sites representing a larger region (Denmark). We demonstrate the importance of the scale parameter of uniquity for the prediction of independent uniqueness indices calculated from species distribution data and the number of recorded red listed species.4.We compare the performance of uniquity with the performance of the indices Local Contribution to Beta Diversity (LCBD) and Range Rarity Richness (RRR), and we investigate its sensitivity to small sample size and poorly resolved habitat classification.5.We assess the performance of the uniquity metric applied to DNA metabarcoding data for plants, fungi and eukaryotes from the same set of study sites.6.Uniquity is a strong predictor of site uniqueness based on national distribution data and also correlates neatly with the observed number of red listed species. Uniquity based on DNA metabarcoding corresponds well with the number of red listed species observed.7.Perspective: Uniquity is generally applicable to biotas sampled with comparable effort, including field inventories, trap sampling, and DNA metabarcoding data. To our knowledge uniquity is the first index of uniqueness that explicitly considers spatial scale and sampling biases, while simultaneously accepting non-annotated DNA-data as input. Based on our study we offer general recommendations for further use and testing of uniquity as conservation value metric.

Anthropometrics, Metabolic Syndrome, and Mortality Hazard.

Independent indices (height, body mass index, a body shape index, and hip index) derived from basic anthropometrics have been found to be powerful predictors of mortality hazard, especially when the attributable risks are summed over these indices to give an anthropometric risk index (ARI). The metabolic syndrome (MS) is defined based on the co-occurrence of anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory criteria and is also widely employed for evaluating disease risk. Here, we investigate correlations between ARI and MS in a general population sample, the United States Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Baseline values of ARI and MS were also evaluated for their association with mortality over approximately 20 years of follow-up. ARI was found to be positively correlated with each component of MS, suggesting connections between the two entities as measures of cardiometabolic risk. ARI and MS were both significant predictors of mortality hazard. Although the association of ARI with mortality hazard was stronger than that of MS, a combined model with both ARI and MS score as predictors improved predictive ability over either construct in isolation. We conclude that the combination of anthropometrics and clinical and laboratory measurements holds the potential to increase the effectiveness of risk assessment compared to using either anthropometrics or the current components of MS alone.

Global surface warming enhanced by weak Atlantic overturning circulation.

Evidence from palaeoclimatology suggests that abrupt Northern Hemisphere cold events are linked to weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)1, potentially by excess inputs of fresh water2. But these insights-often derived from model runs under preindustrial conditions-may not apply to the modern era with our rapid emissions of greenhouse gases. If they do, then a weakened AMOC, as in 1975-1998, should have led to Northern Hemisphere cooling. Here we show that, instead, the AMOC minimum was a period of rapid surface warming. More generally, in the presence of greenhouse-gas heating, the AMOC's dominant role changed from transporting surface heat northwards, warming Europe and North America, to storing heat in the deeper Atlantic, buffering surface warming for the planet as a whole. During an accelerating phase from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, the AMOC stored about half of excess heat globally, contributing to the global-warming slowdown. By contrast, since mooring observations began3-5 in 2004, the AMOC and oceanic heat uptake have weakened. Our results, based on several independent indices, show that AMOC changes since the 1940s are best explained by multidecadal variability6, rather than an anthropogenically forced trend. Leading indicators in the subpolar North Atlantic today suggest that the current AMOC decline is ending. We expect a prolonged AMOC minimum, probably lasting about two decades. If prior patterns hold, the resulting low levels of oceanic heat uptake will manifest as a period of rapid global surface warming.

T95. PREVALENCE AND CONSEQUENCES OF CARDIAC AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTION (CADF) IN 112 UNMEDICATED PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

BackgroundA shortened life expectancy of about 15–20 years in patients with schizophrenia (SZ) is very well documented. Cardiovascular disease has been identified as one of the leading causes of premature death. Beyond the effects accounted for by lifestyle and antipsychotic medications, several lines of evidence indicate a shared underlying pathophysiology between both schizophrenia and cardiovascular disease. The most obvious link lies in the relation between cardiac autonomic dysfunction (CADF) and the development of cardiovascular diseases. CADF has been extensively described in patients with schizophrenia, with main features like an increased heart rate at rest, reduced baroreflex sensitivity or increased variability of the QT interval. However, the definite influence of autonomic dysfunction for reduced life expectancy is still unknown. Thus, one has to identify patients at increased risk. Therefore, we established a scoring system based on heart rate variability (HRV)-measures from unmedicated SZ patients to quantify autonomic changes associated with an assumed cardiac risk profile.MethodsAutonomic measures were obtained from electrocardiogram recordings at rest in 112 unmedicated SZ patients and 112 age and gender matched healthy controls (HC). A rating score was obtained by relating 13 different, independent heart rate variability indices from every SZ patient to the 1st, 1.5th and 2nd standard deviations (SD) of the HC sample. According to the total amount of rating points, every SZ patient was classified into a corresponding subgroup of cardiac autonomic dysfunction (< 4 points = absent, 4 – 13 points = moderate, > 13 points = severe CADF). The selected HRV parameters contain different information of autonomic system modulation and have been proven very reliable in clinical research. Besides, symptom severity (Positive and negative syndrome scale) were determined as well as cardiac risk markers like BMI, smoking habits and physical activity.ResultsSevere CADF was present in 29% of the tested unmedicated SZ patients, whereas moderate CADF was present in 44% and absent in 27% of the cases. Therefore, about one third of the patients revealed severe cardiac autonomic changes correlating with a potential risk for cardiovascular events. Only 27 % of the SZ patients showed no pathological findings. Patients with severe CADF showed significantly higher heart rates at rest when compared to patients with moderate CADF [F(2,109) = 23,089; p < 0,001]. The ratio of Low Frequency/High Frequency was also significantly higher in SZ patients with severe CADF compared to moderate CADF [F(2,109) = 38,321; p < 0,001] which points to a shift of the autonomic balance to sympathetic modulation. The three subgroups of SZ patients did not differ significantly in terms of symptoms, BMI, smoking habits or physical activity. SZ patients with severe CADF had a significantly longer duration of the illness [F(2,109) = 12,810; p < 0,001].DiscussionThis study demonstrated that almost one third of unmedicated SZ patients show severe CADF. The close relation between CADF and the development of cardiac diseases or arrhythmias is well described. Therefore, these patients might need close cardiological follow-up appointments to reduce the likelihood of sudden cardiac death. In addition, the definite relation between the degree of autonomic dysfunction and the potential risk of cardiovascular events needs to be investigated in this patient population prospectively. Future studies need to design interventional strategies for everyday clinical settings to improve physical health and quality of life.

The prognosis of Different Types of Reciprocal ST-segment Depression (R-ST-D) on Electrocardiograms in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Summary Background We investigated how to define the culprit coronary artery according to different reciprocal ST-segment depression (R-ST-D) types on electrocardiograms in ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI), as well as the high-risk factors. Methods To analyze the prognosis of different R-ST-D types to define the culprit coronary artery and high-risk factors, 967 patients with STEMI were included and divided into four groups according to STEMI infarction sites and R-ST-D type: group I (type I), without R-ST-D (n = 143); group II (type II), R-ST-D less than or equal to the amplitude of ST-segment elevation (n = 664); group III (type III), R-ST-D greater than or equal to the amplitude of ST-segment elevation (n = 93); and group IV (type IV), the amplitudes of R-ST-D and ST-segment elevation were both elevated (n = 67). Results The incidence of type II was the highest at 68.7%, followed by that of type I, which was mainly due to anterior descending branch stenosis. Type IV was mainly caused by complete occlusion of multiple vessels including the anterior descending branch and circumflex branch and/or right coronary artery. Type III was always related to a higher incidence of malignant complications, ventricular wall motion disorders, and ejection fraction index ≤50% compared with types I and II (p Conclusion Different high-risk stratifications of R-ST-D in patients with STEMI, especially type III and IV, can be used as objective independent indices to predict and assess the culprit coronary artery and life-threatening prognosis.

A two-path model of auditory modulation detection using temporal fine structure and envelope cues.

A model using temporal-envelope cues was previously developed to explain perceptual interference effects between amplitude modulation and frequency modulation (FM). As that model could not accurately predict FM sensitivity and the interference effects, temporal fine structure (TFS) cues were added to the model. Thus, following the initial stage of the model consisting of a linear filter bank simulating cochlear filtering, processing was split into an 'envelope path' based on envelope power cues and a 'TFS path' based on a measure of the distribution of time intervals between successive zero-crossings. This yielded independent detectability indices for envelope and TFS cues, which were optimally combined to produce a single decision statistic. Independent internal noises in the envelope and TFS paths were adjusted to match the data. Simulations indicate that TFS cues are required to account for FM data for young normal-hearing listeners and that TFS processing is impaired for both older normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners. The role of TFS was further assessed by relating the monaural FM sensitivity to measures of interaural phase difference, commonly assumed to rely on binaural TFS sensitivity. The model demonstrates that binaural TFS sensitivity is considerably lower than monaural TFS sensitivity. Similar to FM thresholds, interaural phase difference sensitivity declined with age and hearing loss, although higher degradations were observed in binaural temporal processing compared to monaural processing. Overall, this model provides a novel tool to explore the mechanisms involved in FM processing in the normal auditory system and the degradations in FM sensitivity with ageing and hearing loss.

Relationship of Arterial Stiffness Index and Pulse Pressure With Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality.

BackgroundVascular aging results in stiffer arteries and may have a role in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Arterial stiffness index (ASI), measured by finger photoplethysmography, and pulse pressure (PP) are 2 independent vascular aging indices. We investigated whether ASI or PP predict new‐onset CVD and mortality in a large community‐based population.Methods and ResultsWe studied 169 613 UK Biobank participants (mean age 56.8 years; 45.8% males) who underwent ASI measurement and blood pressure measurement for PP calculation. Mean±SD ASI was 9.30±3.1 m/s and mean±SD PP was 50.98±13.2 mm Hg. During a median disease follow‐up of 2.8 years (interquartile range 1.4–4.0), 18 190 participants developed CVD, of which 1587 myocardial infarction (MI), 4326 coronary heart disease, 1192 heart failure, and 1319 stroke. During a median mortality follow‐up of 6.1 years (interquartile range 5.8–6.3), 3678 participants died, of which 1180 of CVD. Higher ASI was associated with increased risk of overall CVD (unadjusted hazard ratio 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25–1.28), myocardial infarction (1.38; 95% CI, 1.32–1.44), coronary heart disease (1.31; 95% CI, 1.27–1.34), and heart failure (1.31; 95% CI 1.24–1.37). ASI also predicted mortality (all‐cause, CVD, other). Higher PP was associated with overall CVD (1.57; 95% CI, 1.55–1.59), myocardial infarction (1.48; 95% CI, 1.42–1.54), coronary heart disease (1.47; 95% CI, 1.43–1.50), heart failure (1.47; 95% CI, 1.40–1.55), and CVD mortality (1.47; 95% CI, 1.40–1.55). PP improved risk reclassification of CVD in a non–laboratory‐based Framingham Risk Score by 5.4%, ASI by 2.3%.Conclusions ASI and PP are independent predictors of CVD and mortality outcomes. Although both improved risk prediction for new‐onset disease, PP appears to have a larger clinical value than ASI.

Conservation strategy for the sea cucumber (Isostichopus badionotus) fishery in Cuba

The biological characteristics of the sea cucumber, Isostichopus badionotus (Selenka, 1867), which include slow movement, late sexual maturity, density-dependent reproduction, and a low recruitment rate, make it vulnerable to overexploitation. Since 1999, Cuba has been harvesting this species, and maintaining this activity at a profitable level. Of the six fishing zones in which the species is caught, the yield in the southern Camaguey zone in the southeast region produces the greatest biomass. Fisheries- dependent and -independent indices were combined to evaluate status and develop strategies for fisheries management off the southern coast of Camaguey. This entailed establishing quantitative benchmarks using catch and effort data from the Santa Cruz del Sur enterprise for the period 2003–2014. There was a reduction in sea cucumber biomass and abundance during this period, and catch rates have been above maximum sustainable yield for the last 3 yrs. We propose that the quotas based on 15%–25% of the fishing potential be reduced to 10%. We recommend applying quotas only in those places where the densities are higher than 0.45 cucumbers per 100 m2 and closing fisheries where the density is lower. The application of the dynamic surplus production model, together with independent indicators of the fishery, are useful tools for management of the species and should be applied to the sea cucumber fisheries around the island.

Principal component analysis to optimize the ECM parameters of Aluminium alloy

Principal component analysis (PCA) method has been developed and has optimized the process parameters of Electro-chemical machining (ECM). The major performance characteristics selected are surface roughness i.e arithmetic average (Ra), average distance between the highest peak and lowest valley (Rz) and Electrolyte coating thickness. The corresponding machining parameters viz. voltage, feed rate, electrolyte concentration and electrode (Copper & Brass) are considered in this study. Initially, Full factorial (DOE) 24 has been used to perform the experimental runs. PCA is a technique of great practical importance in many applications of statistical inference, when it becomes difficult to relate a large number of independent variables with a number of dependent outcomes without having enough observations to carry out the analysis in a reliable way. Correlated responses are transformed into uncorrelated or independent quality indices called principal components.Thereafter, analysis of variance (ANOVA) is applied to determine the relative significant parameter and percentage of contribution of machining parameters.Finally, confirmation test have been used to compare the results of the proposed and predicted values.

Immature Status Epilepticus: In Vitro Models Reveal Differences in Cholinergic Control and HFO Properties of Adult CA3 Interictal Discharges in Temporal vs Septal Hippocampus

We have earlier demonstrated that a Status Epilepticus (SE) during CNS development has long-lasting effects on cholinergic neurotransmission, detectable in vitro and in vivo. In this work, we aimed to localize changes in temporal (T) vs septal (S) hippocampus and to correlate adult CA3 interictal epileptiform discharge (IED) frequency changes to those of Ripples (R) and Fast Ripples (FR) of the High-Frequency Oscillations (HFOs). Spontaneous IEDs were induced by bathing slices in Mg2+-free ACSF or in 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP, 50 µM) and data were analyzed separately for each model. IED frequencies were similar in same origin normal (N) slices across models, but differed in SE slices, being lower in Mg2+-free ACSF than in 4-AP, suggesting a post-SE long-term increase in a K+ conductance. Rs and FRs detected within IEDs had generally higher power in 4-AP than in Mg2+-free ACSF; FR/R ratio was the highest in T-SE slices in 4-AP and similar in all other slice groups. Carbachol or eserine increased IED rates universally, but had region- and conditioning-specific effects on HFOs, suggesting that IED frequency and HFOs represent possibly independent indices of excitability. The muscarinic antagonist atropine depressed IED rates with increasing effectiveness in S slices post-SE in both models. In conclusion, the long-term effects of an immature SE are region-specific within the hippocampus, affect differently synchronizing components like the IED frequency and HFOs and may shape neurotransmitter effects (ACh) on neuronal networks, thus affecting seizure threshold and information processing, especially in behavioral conditions of rising extracellular ACh levels.

Immediate impact of successful percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty on right and left ventricular functions: An echocardiographic study using load independent tissue velocity imaging indices

BackgroundThe impact of successful percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) on left ventricular (LV) function has been a controversial subject. This study aimed to determine the immediate impact of PBMV on biventricular function using recent Tissue Velocity Imaging (TVI) derived load-independent indices. Methods and resultsA total of 30 patients with severe mitral stenosis (MS) who underwent PBMV at a tertiary center of India from August 2012 to December 2013 were included in the study. Thirty age-matched and gender-matched healthy controls were also enrolled.Out of 30 patients, 27(90%) were female. Mean mitral valve area (MVA) of patients before and after PBMV was 0.78 and 1.82cm2 (p<0.001), respectively. All TVI-derived LV and RV basal systolic (IVCV, Sm and the relatively load independent IVA) and diastolic velocities (Em, Em/Am) were significantly decreased in patients with MS compared to controls (p<0.001 for all) which improved significantly after PBMV (6.4±0.7 vs 11±1.6; 5.8±0.7 vs 9.9±1.6; 1.5±0.3 vs 4.2±0.6; 6.4±0.6 vs 13.1±2.1; 0.7±0.1 vs 1.7±0.2 for mitral annulus respectively, p<0.001 for all). Increment in MVA positively correlated with Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid annular Sm and isovolumic contraction velocity (IVCV) and inversely with left atrium (LA) size and Pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) (p=0.01 for LA size; p<0.001 for others) while no such correlation was found with mitral annulus isovolumic acceleration (IVA) (r=−0.078; p=0.679). ConclusionThe improved right ventricular (RV) function appears to be predominantly due to afterload reduction, while that of LV appears to be more due to the acute relief of mechanical restraint.

Angiogenic, inflammatory and immunologic markers in predicting response to sunitinib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

The objective of this prospective study was to identify baseline angiogenic and inflammatory markers in serum as well as the baseline levels of immune cells in whole blood to predict progression‐free survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with sunitinib. Blood samples were collected at baseline in all 90 patients to analyze serum angiogenic and inflammatory markers together with peripheral blood immunological marker. The association between each marker and sunitinib efficacy was analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional model analyses were used to assess the correlation between those markers with survival. Baseline levels of interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8, high sensitivity C‐reactive protein and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells were significantly higher in patients who progressed when compared with those with clinical benefit. Analysis by the Cox regression model showed that baseline interleukin‐8, high sensitivity C‐reactive protein and percentage of T helper type 1 cells were significantly associated with progression‐free survival in univariate analysis. Furthermore, in multivariate analysis, those three markers were independent indices to predict progression‐free survival. In conclusion, angiogenic (interleukin‐8), inflammatory (interleukin‐6, high sensitivity C‐reactive) and immunologic (myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, percentage of T helper type 1 cells) markers at baseline would predict the response to sunitinib therapy and/or disease progression in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.