Large Initial Weight Research Articles

Logarithmic Hyperbolic Cosine Adaptive Filter and Its Performance Analysis

The hyperbolic cosine function with high-order errors can be utilized to improve the accuracy of adaptive filters. However, when initial weight errors are large, the hyperbolic cosine-based adaptive filter (HCAF) may be unstable. In this paper, a novel normalization based on the logarithmic hyperbolic cosine function is proposed to achieve the stabilization for the case of large initial weight errors, which generates a logarithmic HCAF (LHCAF). Actually, the cost function of LHCAF is the logarithmic hyperbolic cosine function that is robust to large errors and smooth to small errors. The transient and steady-state analyses of LHCAF in terms of the mean-square deviation (MSD) are performed for a stationary white input with an even probability density function in a stationary zero-mean white noise. The convergence and stability of LHCAF can be therefore guaranteed as long as the filtering parameters satisfy certain conditions. The theoretical results based on the MSD are supported by the simulations. In addition, a variable scaling factor and step-size LHCAF (VSS-LHCAF) is proposed to improve the filtering accuracy of LHCAF further. The proposed LHCAF and VSS-LHCAF are superior to HCAF and other robust adaptive filters in terms of filtering accuracy and stability.

Coral Growth Monitoring in 24 Weeks with Laboratory Auto-Calibration Balance System

Li, Y.; Han, T.; Wang, G.; Chen, J.; He, C., and Lu, Z., 2020. Coral growth monitoring in 24 weeks with laboratory auto-calibration balance system. In: Yang, D.F. and Wang, H. (eds.), Recent Advances in Marine Geology and Environmental Oceanography. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 108, pp. 288–293. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.Reef-building corals play key roles in maintaining marine biodiversity and forming coral reefs. Understanding the early growth of corals is crucial at present for laboratory experiments regarding coral ecological recovery. Here, the authors designed an auto-calibration balance system to measure the 24-week early growth of eight Acropora formosa branches, which are suspended in seawater. The auto-calibration process is carried out before each measurement by loading a standard weight for setting the balance to zero, which solves the zero shift problem of ordinary balance due to continuous work in situ. Through linear regression analysis, the authors' measurement results reveal that the newly segmented coral branch shows an increasing growth rate in early growth. Within a certain range, an A. formosa branch with larger initial weight, comes with greater growth rate increasing, while the branches with an initial weight between 3.5 g and 4 g show the best growth potential during the whole measurement. Meanwhile, these data also reveal that the balance has high stability and that the system can be used to monitor the long-term growth of reef-building corals in seawater for laboratory research, providing strong support for coral ex situ conservation research, and is a strong impetus for global ecological restoration of reef-building corals.

Which nasopharyngeal cancer patients need adaptive radiotherapy?

BackgroundAdaptive radiotherapy (ART) has potential benefits in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). This retrospective study aimed to identify the factors favoring ART.Materials and methodsForty NPC patients were retrospectively included in this study. All patients received two-phase, volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) and underwent a second computed tomography (CT) for the phase II ART. We generated phantom, non-ART plans by a hybrid method for comparison with ART plans. A paired t-test was used to evaluate the dose differences between these two plans. A subgroup analysis through a paired t-test was used to evaluate the factors favoring ART.ResultsThe second CT images were captured at the median 22 fractions. The median total dose of the planning target volume-one (PTV-1) was 72 Gy, and the phase II dose was 16 Gy. The volumes of the ipsilateral parotid gland (23.2 vs. 19.2 ml, p < 0.000), contralateral parotid gland (23.0 vs. 18.4 ml, p < 0.000), clinical target volume-1 (CTV-1, 32.2 vs. 20.9 ml, p < 0.000), and PTV-1 (125.8 vs. 107.3 ml, p < 0.000) all shrunk significantly between these two CT simulation procedures. Among the nearby critical organs, only the ipsilateral parotid gland displayed significant dose reduction by the ART plan (5.3 vs. 6.0 Gy, p = 0.004). Compared to the phantom plan, the ART could significantly improve the PTV-1 target volume coverage of D98 (15.4 vs. 12.3 Gy, p < 0.000). Based on the D98 of PTV-1, the factors of a large initial weight (> 60 kg, p < 0.000), large body mass index (BMI) (> 21.5, p < 0.000), obvious weight loss (> 2.8 kg, p < 0.000), concurrent chemoradiotherapy (p < 0.000), and stages III–IV (p < 0.000) favored the use of ART.ConclusionsART could significantly reduce the mean dose to the ipsilateral parotid gland. ART has dosimetrical benefit for patients with a heavy initial weight, large BMI, obvious weight loss, concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and cancer in stages III–IV.

Oxidation resistance of a Mo-W-Si-B alloy at 1000–1300 °C: The effect of a multicomponent Mo-Si-B coating

The oxidation behavior and microstructures of a three phase Mo50W20Si15B15 alloy containing (Mo, W) solid solution, (Mo, W)5Si3 and (Mo, W)5SiB2 were investigated over the 1000–1300 °C temperature range. At 1300 °C, the alloy exhibited a large initial mass loss and eventually transitioned to a steady state behavior associated with the development of an amorphous borosilica scale. The oxidation resistance at lower temperature was unsatisfactory due to the pesting of Mo and W. Grazing Incident Angle X-ray Diffraction (GIXRD) measurements during the initial transient stage of oxidation identified the evolution of surface oxide products that were responsible for the large weight loss and pesting behavior. In order to address the large initial weight loss and the low temperature pesting behavior, the alloy was coated with a Mo-Si-B based coating by employing the pack cementation process followed by a conditioning treatment at 1450 °C. The microstructures of the coatings and the interlayer between the base alloy and the coating were studied, and the oxidation resistance of the coated alloys was evaluated over the 800–1300 °C temperature range. The coated alloy showed improved oxidation resistance with nearly zero mass change for extended period of time over the entire range of temperatures studied.

Association of Weight Loss Maintenance and Weight Regain on 4-Year Changes in CVD Risk Factors: the Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) Clinical Trial.

Short-term weight loss improves cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. We sought to determine the longer-term effects of maintaining weight loss or, conversely, regaining weight. We used data from Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD), a randomized trial of intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) compared to a control condition in overweight/obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. ILI participants were grouped according to weight change patterns, as follows: 1) no weight loss (±3% at years 1 and 4); 2) moderate weight loss (3-8% at years 1 and 4); 3) large weight loss (8-20% at years 1 and 4); 4) moderate loss/full regain (3-8% at year 1/±3% at year 4); 5) large loss/full regain (8-20% at year 1/± 3% year 4); and 6) large loss/partial regain (8-20% at year 1/3-8% at year 4) and changes in CVD risk factors were compared. Adjusting for baseline differences and medication use, larger weight losses produced greater improvements in HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides at years 1 and 4 (all P ≤ 0.02). Despite maintenance of weight loss, HbA1c levels worsened between years 1 and 4, and remained below baseline only in those with large weight losses. We found no negative associations of losing and regaining weight relative to not having lost weight. Moreover, those who had large initial weight loss but full regain of weight had greater improvements in HbA1c levels at year 4 than those with smaller or no initial weight loss. Larger initial weight loss should be encouraged in individuals with type 2 diabetes, despite the possibility of regain.

Effect of Carbon Dioxide on the Reactivity of the Oxidation of Boron Particles

AbstractCarbon dioxide produced in the primary combustion of propellants apparently affects the combustion of boron. In this study, the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the combustion of boron particles in a CO2 environment (solely or as a mixture with other gases) were investigated using thermogravimetric analyses. For the combustion of boron in an atmosphere containing 10 % oxygen, in addition to a large initial weight gain, a second increase in weight was observed when the temperature reached 1150 °C. However, when the combustion was carried out in pure CO2 atmosphere, the sample lost weight at temperatures above 1300 °C. The above results indicated that the layer of boron oxide covering the boron particles had a significant effect on the combustion process. With a limiting concentration of O2 (10 %), the initial temperature and effective activation energy slightly decreased as the content of CO2 increased from 0 to 30 %. However, a further increase in the CO2 content (50 %) increased the effective activation energy, indicating the inhibitory effects of CO2 at higher concentrations. Furthermore, the weight and the rate of weight gain gradually increased with increasing CO2 content. This behavior was attributed to the improvement in the diffusion of the oxidant. This study conclusively revealed that the inclusion of an optimal level of CO2 in a reaction environment containing O2 facilitated the combustion of boron particles.

Successful Weight‐loss Maintenance in Relation to Method of Weight Loss

This study examined the relation between method of weight loss and long-term maintenance among successful weight losers enrolled in a weight-loss maintenance trial. Participants were 186 adults (mean age = 51.6 +/- 10.7 years, mean BMI = 28.6 +/- 4.7 kg/m(2)) enrolled in the STOP Regain trial who had lost at least 10% of their body weight in the past 2 years using a very low-calorie diet (VLCD; n = 24), commercial program (n = 95), or self-guided approach (n = 67). Participants were randomized to a weight-maintenance intervention delivered face to face or over the internet or to a newsletter control condition, and followed for 18 months. At study entry, individuals who had used a VLCD had achieved a weight loss of 24% of their maximum weight within the past 2 years compared to 17% achieved by those who had used a commercial program or self-guided approach (P < 0.001). However, individuals who had used a VLCD regained significantly more weight than the other two groups and by 6 months, there were no significant differences in overall percent weight loss (i.e., initial weight loss and maintenance) between VLCD, commercial, and self-guided methods. In contrast, individuals who had used a self-guided approach maintained their weight losses from baseline through 18 months. The large initial weight losses achieved by individuals who had used a VLCD were not maintained over time, whereas individuals who had used a self-guided approach maintained their initial weight losses with the greatest success. The generalizability of these findings is limited by the sizeable weight losses achieved by study participants.

Small Changes in Nutrition and Physical Activity Promote Weight Loss and Maintenance: 3-Month Evidence from the ASPIRE Randomized Trial

Current obesity interventions use intensive behavior changes to achieve large initial weight loss. However, weight regain after treatment is common, and drop out rates are relatively high. Smaller behavioral changes could produce initial weight loss and be easier to sustain after active treatment. We examined the efficacy of an intervention that targeted small but cumulative participant-chosen changes in diet and physical activity (ASPIRE) and compared this treatment to standard didactic and wait-list control groups. The primary outcome measures were body weight, waist circumference, and intra-abdominal fat. Fifty-nine overweight or obese sedentary adults were randomized to one of three groups: (1) the ASPIRE group (n = 20), (2) a standard educationally-based treatment group (n = 20), or (3) a wait list control group (n = 19) for 4 months. Active treatment groups received identical resistance and aerobic training programs. Intention-to-treat analyses showed that participants in the ASPIRE group lost significantly more weight than the standard and control groups (-4.4 vs. -1.1 and +0.1 kg, respectively), and the greater initial weight loss in the ASPIRE group was sustained 3 months after active treatment (4.1 kg). An alternative analytic strategy (0.3 kg/month weight gain for those lost to follow-up) showed continued weight loss (-0.2 kg after active treatment; -4.6 kg from baseline) at follow-up in the ASPIRE group. Similar patterns were observed for the other adiposity measures. More modest behavioral changes are capable of promoting weight loss, decreasing adiposity markers and sustaining these changes over 3 months. Longer-term studies comparing this approach with traditional behavioral weight loss treatments are warranted.

Trajectory of Weight Changes in the First 6 Weeks Postpartum

To determine the trajectory of postpartum weight changes and to examine associations between weight change in the first 6 weeks postpartum and demographic, clinical, psychosocial, and behavioral variables. Prospective, longitudinal design. Community hospital and university research setting. 26 low-income women (9 White, 8 Black, and 9 Hispanic) with uncomplicated term pregnancies. Body mass index measured weekly. Among White women, body mass index decreased significantly for the first 3 weeks of the postpartum period. Black women experienced a significant reduction in body mass index for only the first 2 postpartum weeks. Similarly, the postpartum body mass index decreased for the first 2 weeks for Hispanic women. Prepregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain each had a significant positive effect on postpartum body mass index. Perception of social support at 4 weeks had a significant positive effect on postpartum body mass index in Black women. The trajectory of weight change was nonlinear with large initial weight losses during the first 2 to 3 weeks postpartum followed by weight plateaus for the remainder of the first 6 weeks postpartum.

Oxidation of two three-phase Cu–30Ni–Cr alloys at 700–800 °C in 1 atm of pure oxygen

The oxidation of two ternary Cu–Ni–Cr alloys containing approximately 30 at.% and 40 at.% Cr, but with a similar 30 at.% Ni content, was studied at 700–800 °C in 1 atm of pure oxygen. The two alloys are composed of a mixture of three phases, where the medium gray β phase with an intermediate chromium content forms the matrix and the lightest α phase with the largest copper and lowest chromium content forms large islands and has a rather large volume fraction, while dark γ phase richest in chromium forms isolated particles dispersed in the other two phases, moreover, the γ phase particles for the alloy containing 40 at.% Cr appear to have a precipitation of very small lighter particles. The kinetic curves for the two alloys deviate considerably from the parabolic rate law and are composed of a few of stages, where they show a large initial weight increase after which the rates decrease with time, until they become very small up to 24 h. Generally, the oxidation rates decrease by increasing the Cr content in the alloy under constant temperature and increase with temperature for a constant alloy composition. The alloy containing 30 at.% Cr produced an external scale mainly composed of a rather thick and discontinuous lighter layer of copper oxides. Beneath the external scale there is a dark and continuous layer of irregular chromia in thickness, which at some locations is followed by a thin dark layer of chromia directly in contact with the alloy. On the contrary, at other locations the scale forms deep protrusions into the alloy. The alloy containing 40 at.% Cr formed a lighter thick but discontinuous layer of copper oxides containing some nickel followed by an innermost region composed of a rather thick and continuous dark layer of regular and flat chromia. The formation of an external scale of chromia for the two alloys prevents alloys from being oxidized further.

Which way to treat obesity? Emotional, eating and behavioural issues in dieting

The roles of psychological and other factors in the treatment of obesity were examined in the context of a Community‐based Slimming Group (CSG), where some regular attenders appeared not to be benefiting as expected from the weight loss programme.A sample of 47 women from the CSG, who were about to embark on a 6 week weight loss programme, completed a series of questionnaires examining factors such as anxiety, depression, self‐efficacy, binge eating and nutritional knowledge. Weight changes were recorded over the course of the programme and at follow up approximately 1 year later. As a basis for comparison similar data were collected from a sample of post obese (PO) women who had at one time had a body mass index (BMI) in the same range as the CSG.Subjects attending the CSG showed a mean weight loss of 1.6 kg over the 6 week programme. This was greatest in those who were only slightly overweight, had not been to the group previously and showed only limited nutritional knowledge at baseline. Seventy per cent regained much if not all the weight or more over the subsequent year (mean weight gain 3 kg), with high levels of anxiety and binge eating the predominant psychological features of the least successful. Large initial weight loss was predictive of good short term success but a poorer long term prognosis. In general the CSG at baseline exhibited greater psychological problems and binge eating behaviour than the PO group, who (on average) showed normal psychological profiles and eating behaviour. However the means disguised a small number of PO women with quite severe psychological and eating problems.Overall results revealed a complex interrelationship between psychological problems, binge eating, dieting behaviour and weight.

Growth hormone and growth in diabetic rats: effects of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I infusions.

The effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on weight gain, bone growth and GH secretion have been studied in conscious chronically cannulated male rats. In addition to the classic diabetic symptoms (hyperphagia, polydipsia, polyuria, glycosuria and hyperglycaemia), the slow body weight gain (0.95 +/- 0.5 compared with 2.63 +/- 0.5 g/day in non-diabetic controls) was associated with a reduction in bone growth (from 162 +/- 9 to 48 +/- 4 microns/day) and a reduced pituitary GH content (from 1.5 +/- 0.2 to 0.6 +/- 0.06 mg/gland). Serial blood sampling during the day or overnight showed that the normal male episodic GH secretory pattern was obliterated in the diabetic animals. The constant osmotic stimulation of hyperglycaemia and high fluid turnover was reflected in a significant reduction in pituitary oxytocin and arginine vasopressin (AVP) stores. Intravenous insulin infusions (67-1340 pmol/h for 4 or 7 days) caused a large initial weight gain (greater than 20 g in 2 days) followed by a slower increase, and stimulated tibial bone growth (to 100 +/- 16 and 126 +/- 8 microns/day after 4 or 7 days respectively). Insulin infusion for 7 days also increased pituitary GH content (to 1 +/- 0.15 mg/gland), and the normal episodic GH secretory pattern returned. Intravenous infusions of insulin which reduced, but did not completely normalize, blood glucose levels, allowed the resumption of growth and pulsatile GH secretion. Continuous infusion of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I (hIGF-I) at 1110 pmol/h for 54 h also caused a large initial rise in body weight in diabetic rats (17.1 +/- 1.6 compared with 7.5 +/- 2.8 g in saline-infused controls) due primarily to increased fluid retention. This effect of hIGF-I occurred without any significant changes in pituitary GH, AVP, oxytocin, blood glucose or bone growth over this short-term infusion, nor was there any obvious effect on spontaneous GH secretion, monitored over the entire infusion period. We conclude that the diabetic rat is not a good model to study growth stimulation by short-term insulin or IGF-I treatments because the insulin-like effects of these peptides obscure their specific growth-promoting activities in this model.

In situ studies on the breakdown ofNymphoides peltata (Gmel.) O. Kuntze (Menyanthaceae); Some methodological aspects of the litter bag technique

Thein situ breakdown ofNymphoides peltata (Gmel.) O. Kuntze has been studied with special attention for methodology by: (1) using fresh and pre-dried material to establish the influence of pre-drying on breakdown and losses of nutrient stocks during decomposition; (2) enclosing different amounts of material in litter bags; (3) using litter bags with different mesh sizes, and (4) placing litter bags in water (floating leaves, petioles), on the sediment (long shoots) and in the hydrosoil (short shoots, roots). Of the material incubated in water, the floating leaves decomposed at a faster rate than the petioles, while the long shoots had the slowest breakdown. In the sediment the short shoots disappeared at a faster rate than the roots. By incubating the same morphological structure, both in the water and the sediment it appeared that the rate of breakdown was faster in the upper layers of the sediment. Pre-dried plant parts showed in water a larger initial weight loss than normal senescent plant parts, while in the sediment dried plant parts had a significantly slower loss of mass than the freshly incubated structures. Losses of nutrient stocks during decomposition were also markedly altered by pre-drying the material. When a larger amount ofNymphoides material was enclosed in the bags a tendency of a faster decay could be demonstrated. Macro-invertebrates colonized the litter bags with the 0.5 mm mesh size but usually could not-enter the 0.25 mm mesh size bags. The browsing of the detritivores did not result in a faster disappearance of organic matter, but organic matter must have been transported into the bags resulting in a larger amount of remaining organic matter when compared with the 0.25 mm mesh size bags.