Meaningful Number Research Articles

Urban delivery industry response to cordon pricing, time–distance pricing, and carrier–receiver policies in competitive markets

The paper develops a set of analytical formulations to study the behavior of the urban delivery industry in response to cordon time-of-day pricing, time–distance pricing, and comprehensive financial policies targeting carriers and receivers. This is accomplished by modeling the behavior of receivers in response to financial incentives, and the ensuing behavior of the carrier in response to both pricing and the receivers’ decisions concerning off-hour deliveries. The analytical formulations consider both the base case condition, and a mixed operation with both regular hour and off-hour deliveries; two pricing schemes: cordon time of day, and time–distance pricing; two types of operations: single-tour, and multi-tour carriers; and three different scenarios in terms of profitability of the carrier operation, which include an approximation to the best case, the expected value, and the worst case. The analyses, both theoretical and numerical, highlight the limitations of pricing-only approaches. In the case of cordon time of day pricing, the chief conclusion is that it is of limited use as a freight demand management tool because: (1) in a competitive market the cordon toll cannot be transferred to the receivers as it is a fixed cost and (2) the structure of the cost function, that only provides an incentive to the carrier to switch to the off-hours when all the receivers in the tour switch to the off-hours. The analyses of time–distance pricing clearly indicate that, though its tolls could be transferred to the receivers and provide an incentive for behavior change, the magnitude of the expected toll transfers under real life conditions are too small to have any meaningful impact on receivers choice of delivery times. In essence, the key policy implication is that in order to change the joint behavior of carrier and receivers, financial incentives—or programs that foster unassisted off-hour deliveries—should be made available to receivers in exchange for their commitment to do off-hour deliveries. As the paper proves, if a meaningful number of receivers switch to the off-hours, the carriers are likely to follow suit.

Бенчмаркинг как инструмент повышения финансовой эффективности инновационного проекта

Автор: Наталия Сергеевна Вепрева БМБШ ИГУ
 В соответствии с тем что стратегическим приоритетом развития России объявлен переход на инновационную экономику, значительное количество промышленных предприятий разрабатывает и реализует различные инновационные проекты. Однако из-за отсутствия систем проектного управления и опыта работы с такими проектами финансовая эффективность их незначительна. Одним из способов повышения финансовой эффективности инновационных проектов является использование такого инструмента, как бенчмаркинг.

Comparing the diagnosis of PTSD when assessing worst versus multiple traumatic events in a chronically mentally ill sample

Despite interest in the nature of the traumatic event required to meet Criterion A for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994), little attention has been paid to the diagnostic ramifications of linking PTSD symptoms to a single traumatic event in the context of multiple trauma exposures. In this study, 67 dually diagnosed clients with at least 2 potential Criterion A traumatic events completed the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale twice, in counterbalanced order: once regarding their worst event and once regarding all events. When responding regarding their worst trauma, 53.7% met probable PTSD criteria. This rose to 67.2% when considering all traumas. Although preliminary, these results suggest that linking PTSD symptoms to a single traumatic event excludes a meaningful number of cases who are otherwise indistinguishable based on symptom profile.

Abstract 5071: Application of a novel protein biomarker discovery platform to identify biomarkers for improved diagnosis of prostate cancer

Abstract The issues surrounding the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) are well documented and the need for a molecular diagnostic test with greater discriminatory power is clear. The development of autoantibodies associated with prostate cancer has also been described. In general, the appearance of such antibodies can precede disease symptoms by many years, making them attractive as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis. We have developed a unique “functional protein” array platform which utilises correctly folded proteins and has the ability to display native, discontinuous epitopes. The reproducibility of the platform is exceptionally good, making it possible to screen statistically meaningful numbers of samples. Following on from a successful pilot study, where panels of autoantibody biomarkers exhibiting a specificity and sensitivity for PCa superior to PSA were identified using the platform1, we have validated this approach in a large-scale analytical study. The current analytical study involving approximately 1800 samples was primarily designed to identify panels of biomarkers with the ability to distinguish between PCa (n=400) and control samples from patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH, n=406). BPH can present with similar symptoms to PCa and can also result in elevated PSA levels. Additional sample cohorts included prostatitis, other cancers of various origin and non-disease/healthy controls (n=400). All samples were age, ethnicity and gender matched. The products of 1296 unique genes (1330 proteins), chosen for their association with disease, signal transduction and cancer autoimmunity, are immobilized on each array. Serum samples (n=1781) were analysed using the arrays as described previously1. Data were split into test and training sets and analyzed with several classification algorithms to identify classifiers which would successfully distinguish case from control samples. Data were repeatedly split into test and training sets and analysis cycles repeated until a stable set of classifiers was identified. At the time of writing, data is still under analysis; however, early indications are encouraging and suggest that panels of biomarkers with a performance that significantly exceeds that of PSA may be identified. Full results of the study will be presented. 1 McAndrew et al Development of a panel of biomarkers for the diagnosis of prostate cancer (2010) Molecular Diagnostics in Cancer Therapeutic Development conference Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5071. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5071

Multi-dimensional labelling approaches to solve the linear fractional elementary shortest path problem with time windows

This paper investigates the linear fractional shortest path problem with time windows. For the specific problem, an elementary path with a minimum cost/time ratio is sought in a directed graph, where two parameters (i.e. cost and time) are associated with each arc and a time window is associated with each node. Indeed, a valid path must satisfy the time window constraints, which are assumed to be of the hard type. Multi-dimensional labelling algorithms are proposed to solve this variant of the classical shortest path problem. Extensive computational tests are carried out on a meaningful number of test problems, with the goal of assessing the behaviour of the proposed approaches. The computational study shows that the introduction of dominance rules and the adoption of a bi-directional search strategy allow the definition of solution approaches that turn out to be very effective in solving the problem under consideration.

The Energy–Exergy–Entropy (or EEE) sequences in bibliometric assessment

Bibliometric research assessment has matured into a quantitative phase using more meaningful measures and analogies. In this paper, we propose a thermodynamic analogy and introduce what are called the energy, exergy and entropy terms associated with a bibliometric sequence. This can be displayed as time series (variation over time), or in event terms (variation as papers are published) and also in the form of phase diagrams (energy---exergy---entropy representations). It is exergy which is the most meaningful single number scalar indicator of a scientist's performance while entropy then becomes a measure of the unevenness (disorder) of the publication portfolio.

Shear-Mediated Platelet Adhesion Analysis in Less Than 100 μ L of Blood: Toward a POC Platelet Diagnostic

We report a microfluidic chip-based hydrodynamic focusing approach that minimizes sample volume for the analysis of cell-surface interactions under controlled fluid-shear conditions. Assays of statistically meaningful numbers of translocating platelets interacting with immobilized von Willebrand factor at arterial shear rates (∼1500 s(-1)) are demonstrated. By controlling spatial disposition and relative flow rates of two contacting fluid streams, e.g., sample (blood) and aqueous buffer, on-chip hydrodynamic focusing guides the cell-containing stream across the protein surface as a thin fluid layer, consuming ∼50 μL of undiluted whole blood for a 2-min platelet assay. Control of wall shear stress is independent of sample consumption for a given flow time. The device design implements a mass-manufacturable fabrication approach. Fluorescent labeling of cells enables readout using standard microscopy tools. Customized image-analysis software rapidly quantifies cellular surface coverage and aggregate size distributions as a function of time during blood-flow analyses, facilitating assessment of drug treatment efficacy or diagnosis of disease state.

Single-Molecule Nanomagnets

Single-molecule magnets straddle the classical and quantum mechanical worlds, displaying many fascinating phenomena. They may have important technological applications in information storage and quantum computation. We review the physical properties of two prototypical molecular nanomagnets, Mn12-acetate and Fe8: Each behaves as a rigid, spin-10 object and exhibits tunneling between up and down directions. As temperature is lowered, the spin-reversal process evolves from thermal activation to pure quantum tunneling. At low temperatures, magnetic avalanches occur in which the magnetization of an entire sample rapidly reverses. We discuss the important role that symmetry-breaking fields play in driving tunneling and in producing Berry-phase interference. Recent experimental advances indicate that quantum coherence can be maintained on timescales sufficient to allow a meaningful number of quantum computing operations to be performed. Efforts are under way to create monolayers and to address and manipulate individual molecules.

A protocol for enrichment of CD34+ stromal cell fraction through human skin disaggregation and magnetic separation

A protocol for enrichment of CD34+ stromal cell fraction through human skin disaggregation and magnetic separation

First use of multiple substances: Identification of meaningful patterns

Context: Understanding the process through which adolescents and young adults are trying legal and illegal substances is a crucial point for the development of tailored prevention and treatment programs. However, patterns of substance first use can be very complex when multiple substances are considered, requiring reduction into a few meaningful number of categories.Data: We used data from a survey on adolescent and young adult health conducted in 2002 in Switzerland. Answers from 2212 subjects aged 19 and 20 were included. The first consumption ever of 10 substances (tobacco, cannabis, medicine to get high, sniff (volatile substances, and inhalants), ecstasy, GHB, LSD, cocaine, methadone, and heroin) was considered for a grand total of 516 different patterns.Methods: In a first step, automatic clustering was used to decrease the number of patterns to 50. Then, two groups of substance use experts, three social field workers, and three toxicologists and health professionals, were asked to reduce them into a maximum of 10 meaningful categories.Results: Classifications obtained through our methodology are of practical interest by revealing associations invisible to purely automatic algorithms. The article includes a detailed analysis of both final classifications, and a discussion on the advantages and limitations of our approach.

The Hypothetical N-Glycan Charge. A Number to Characterize Protein N-Glycosylation

We investigated the usefulness of Z determination as an analytical tool to assess the glycosylation of recombinant glycoproteins during early research, cultural optimization, scaleup development and quality control of glycoprotein therapeutics. Recombinant human interleukin-4-receptor, expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells and recombinant human erythropoietin (rhuEPO), expressed in C127 mouse fibroblast cells, were used as model pharmaceutical compounds. We found that Z determination provides a new, highly valid and meaningful number that indicates the mode of glycosylation, enables batch-to-batch consistency to be ensured, allows determination of the in-vivo clearance rate and prediction of the bioefrcacy of therapeutic glycoproteins. Z determination is an excellent quality control measurement of recombinant glycoprotein therapeutics. It is suggested that Z determination, as part of quality control of rhuEPO, could replace the exhypoxic mouse assay, currently required for rhuEPO batch release.

VIDEO IMAGE CLUSTERING BASED ON HUMAN FACE AND SHIRT COLOR

This paper proposes a novel video image clustering method based on human face and shirt color. Clustering has been performed in unsupervised manner where no prior knowledge about the input video clip is required. For face detection, multi-resolution templates based pattern matching method has been used. We have experimented on 11 video clips of various durations in order to evaluate the performance of the proposed system. The ability of the system to generate a meaningful number of clusters that exist in the input video clip is definitely well. The performance of the system with respect to precision and recall rate is also highly satisfactory.

Scoring of sperm chromosomal abnormalities by manual and automated approaches: qualitative and quantitative comparisons

It is now well known that levels of sperm disomy correlate to levels of infertility (as well as other factors). The risk of perpetuating aneuploidy to the offspring of infertile males undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has become a hotly debated issue in assisted reproduction; however, there remain barriers to the practical implementation of offering sperm disomy screening in a clinical setting. The major barrier is the operator time taken to analyze a statistically meaningful (sufficient) number of cells. The introduction of automated 'spot counting' software-hardware combinations presents a potential solution to this problem. In this preliminary validation study, we analyzed 10 patients, both manually and using a commercially available spot counter. Results show a statistically significant correlation between both approaches for scoring of sperm disomy, but no correlation is found when scoring for diploid sperm. The most likely explanation for the latter is an apparent overscoring of two closely associated sperm heads as a single diploid cell. These results, and similar further studies that will ensue, help to inform cost-benefit analyses that individual clinics need to carry out in order to decide whether to adopt sperm aneuploidy screening as a routine tool for the assessment of sperm from men requiring ICSI treatment.

Mechanical characterization of metal-ceramic composites

Metal-ceramic composites represent a class of quasi-brittle materials for advanced structural applications that require adequate mechanical characterization. Difficulties and costs associated with material production and specimen extraction prevent the execution of a statistically meaningful number of standard laboratory tests. Parameter calibration methodologies based on instrumented indentation and inverse analysis represent fast and reliable identification procedures in the present context, as shown by the present contribution, based on some experience achieved in the framework of the European Network of Excellence on ‘Knowledge-based Multi-component Materials for durable and safe performance’ (KMM-NoE).

GESTÃO GOVERNAMENTAL E POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS LOCAIS

Essas notas apresentam resultados de pesquisa desenvolvida no âmbito da iniciação científica, vinculada ao Grupo de Pesquisa Democracia e Desenvolvimento e à linha de pesquisa Políticas Públicas e Controle Social (GPDD/Unioeste). Buscou-se examinar o papel das políticas municipais nas áreas da saúde e educação, consideradas como prioritárias na promoção da cidadania e da qualidade de vida da população. Desse modo, foi realizado um levantamento dos programas sociais existentes no município de Toledo, Oeste Paranaense, bem como algumas entrevistas junto à população usuária desses programas. Partimos do pressuposto de que a aprovação popular, a participação política e a confiança nas instituições políticas são fatores importantes na avaliação do desempenho de uma gestão governamental. Os resultados da pesquisa apontaram que, apesar de um número significativo de programas e projetos vinculados às secretarias da saúde e educação, a maioria das pessoas mostrou-se desinformada sobre a existência e o funcionamento desses programas. Esse dado revela a dificuldade de avaliar programas sociais e o desafio de construir um modelo mais participativo no processo de formulação, implementação e avaliação das políticas públicas.

Cumulative incidence of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with Alzheimer disease

BackgroundAlthough vitamin B12 is routinely measured in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) at the time of the initial diagnosis, it is not known if repeat vitamin B12 measurements are indicated to detect new deficiency cases. We aimed to determine the incidence of de-novo vitamin B12 deficiency over a period of 3 years in a cohort of AD patients without a prior diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency and with initial vitamin B12 levels greater than 350 ng/L. MethodsVitamin B12 levels were measured at the time of AD diagnosis and repeated 3 years later in 102 consecutive patients, unless a diagnosis of B12 deficiency was made in the interim. ResultsVitamin B12 deficiency was diagnosed in 7 patients, corresponding to a cumulative incidence in the cohort studied of 7.6% after 3 years of follow-up. Statistical comparison of initial and repeat vitamin B12 measurements in patients that completed follow-up showed a significant reduction in levels (p=0.003). Among the 79 subjects with follow-up, 17 patients (22%, 95% CI, 13%–32%) had a repeat level less than 350 ng/L. No significant correlates of deficiency incidence were identified. ConclusionOur pilot data indicate that vitamin B12 levels decreased in this cohort of AD patients putting a substantial percentage at risk of deficiency and reaching deficiency state in a meaningful number of patients. Repeat screening for B12 deficiency after approximately 2 years of follow-up seems warranted in order to prevent hematological and neurological manifestations that may significantly alter their quality of life.

Whole-Blood Diagnostic Sensing System Based on Populational Platelet Rolling Behavior

We are developing a point-of-care diagnostic sensor system for early warning of diseases or disorders involving the activation state of platelets. The system tracks platelet movement-adhering, releasing, rolling-along a well-characterized protein surface using customized image analysis to objectively quantify fluid-shear-mediated platelet-surface interactions for statistically meaningful numbers of platelets from a single blood sample. The fluidic device provides well-defined shear at the surface at physiological rate (~ 1500/s) and hydrodynamically focuses the sample stream into contact with the surface, providing assay results from < 200 µL of undiluted whole blood. Frame-by-frame object tracking of translocating platelets provides individual trajectories via a position-based probability function. Initial results show the relative fraction of time spent by platelets in the mobile relative to the stationary state is approximately 1.6 times longer for blood treated with abciximab (ReoPro) than for untreated normal blood.

Quantitative Investigation of FGF-2-Modified Nanofibrillar Prosthetic for Neural Cell System Re-establishment

Recent advances in regenerative medicine have improved understanding of the materials properties of nanofibrillar scaffolds used to aid cell system re-establishment. A picture is emerging that a successful scaffold has a defined set of physical properties including mechanical properties, topographical properties, and growth factor inclusion, and that the weighting of each may vary depending on the cell system and its functionality. In the present work, results from investigations of a slowly biodegradable nanofiber prosthetic for neural cell system re-establishment are presented. Preliminary data from in-vivo investigations (rat model) indicate that a nanofiber prosthetic device of FGF-2-modified nanofibers contributes to system re-establishment including aligned guidance for regenerating axons across an injury gap, and angiogenesis. Research by Meiners’ group also demonstrated that FGF-2 retains biological activity significantly longer when immobilized on nanofibers than when presented as a soluble molecule [1]. The present investigations use atomic force microscopy operated in a new mode, Scanning Probe Recognition Microscopy (SPRM) [2], developed by Ayres’ group, to quantitatively investigate properties of FGF-2-modified nanofibers. The SPRM system is given the ability to auto-track on regions of interest through incorporation of recognition-based tip control realized using algorithms and techniques from computer vision, pattern recognition and signal processing fields. Statistically meaningful numbers of reliable data points are extracted using an automatic procedure that maintains uniformity of experimental conditions. Properties under quantitative SPRM investigation include nanofiber stiffness and surface roughness, nanofiber curvature, nanofiber mesh density and porosity, and growth factor presentation and distribution. Each of these factors has been demonstrated to have global effects on cell morphology, function, proliferation, morphogenesis, migration, and differentiation.[1] A. Nur-E-Kamal et al., Mol Cell Biochem 309 (2008) 157-166.[2] Y. Fan et al., Int. J. Nanomedicine 2 (2007) 651-661.

Evaluation of hilar biliary strictures by using a newly developed forward-viewing therapeutic echoendoscope: preliminary results of an ongoing experience

Obtaining a definitive tissue diagnosis in patients with hilar biliary strictures (HBS) is often difficult. To describe our experience using a newly developed forward-viewing linear echoendoscope (FVL-EUS) with FNA as a primary diagnostic tool in patients with HBS. Case series. A tertiary care, academic medical center. Four patients with HBS who underwent the procedure. Performance of FNA with the FVL-EUS. Visualization and puncture of the primary lesion with a definitive tissue diagnosis was obtained in all of the 4 cases performed. Metastatic hilar cholangiocarcinoma and recurrent neuroendocrine tumor were diagnosed in 2 patients and followed by placement of a self-expandable metal stent, when possible. In the other 2 patients, a diagnosis of resectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of unclear origin without evidence of vascular involvement was made, and plastic stents were placed before surgery; the first patient was found to have peritoneal metastases, and resection was aborted, and in the second patient, a gallbladder tumor was diagnosed in the surgical specimen. The small number of patients. These preliminary data suggest that FVL-EUS used as a primary tool for the evaluation of patients with HBS may be of value and should be further explored in properly designed studies with a meaningful number of patients.

Storage capacity and containment issues for carbon dioxide capture and geological storage on the UK continental shelf

Carbon dioxide (CO2) can be stored in geological formations beneath the UK continental shelf (UKCS) as a greenhouse gas mitigation option. It can be trapped in subsurface reservoirs in structural or stratigraphic traps beneath cap rocks, as a residual CO2 saturation in pore spaces along the CO2 migration path within the reservoir rock, by dissolution into the native pore fluid (most commonly brine), by reaction of acidified groundwater with mineral components of the reservoir rock, or by adsorption onto surfaces within the reservoir rock, e.g. onto the carbonaceous macerals that are the principal components of coal. Estimates of the CO2 storage capacity of oil and gas fields on the UKCS suggest that they could store between 1200 and 3500×106 t of CO2 and up to 6100×106 t CO2, respectively. Estimating the regional CO2 storage potential of saline water-bearing sedimentary rocks is resource-intensive and no UK estimates have yet taken into account all the factors that should be considered. Existing studies estimate the pore volume and the likely CO2 saturation in the closed structures in a potential reservoir formation but do not take account of the potentially limiting regional pressure rise likely to occur as a result of the very large-scale CO2 injection that would be necessary to make an impact on national emissions. There is undoubtedly great storage potential in the saline water-bearing reservoir rocks of the basins around the UK, but the real challenge for studies of aquifer CO2 storage capacity in the UK is perhaps not to estimate the total theoretical CO2 storage capacity, as this is not a particularly meaningful number. Rather it is to thoroughly investigate selected reservoirs perceived to have good storage potential to a standard where there is scientific consensus that the resulting storage capacity estimates are realistic. This will allow it to be considered as closer to the status of a reserve rather than a resource and will help define the scope for CO2 capture and storage in the UK.