Novel Approach For Evaluation Research Articles

Pose estimation using time-resolved inversion of diffuse light.

We present a novel approach for evaluation of position and orientation of geometric shapes from scattered time-resolved data. Traditionally, imaging systems treat scattering as unwanted and are designed to mitigate the effects. Instead, we show here that scattering can be exploited by implementing a system based on a femtosecond laser and a streak camera. The result is accurate estimation of object pose, which is a fundamental tool in analysis of complex scenarios and plays an important role in our understanding of physical phenomena. Here, we experimentally show that for a given geometry, a single incident illumination point yields enough information for pose estimation and tracking after multiple scattering events. Our technique can be used for single-shot imaging behind walls or through turbid media.

A Novel Approach for Evaluation of Drug-Induced QT Prolongation using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes

Drug-induced cardiac arrhythmias characterized by QT prolongation have been a major reason for drug withdrawal at late stage of clinical trials. Species difference is a cause of insufficient predictability of current drug safety models. Therefore, human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPS-CMs) have great promise for application of cardiac drug safety testing as a human cardiac model. Our perforated patch-clamp recordings from hiPS-CMs revealed that the cells exhibited diverse shapes of spontaneous action potentials (APs) with relatively small upstroke velocity (∼10V/s) and depolarized maximum diastolic potential (MDP; >-50 mV), which represents rather immature forms of cardiac cells. Actually, a selective hERG blocker, E4031,depolarized significantly MDP and stopped spontaneous beatings on a monolayer of hiPS-CMs, which makes it difficult to evaluate the effects on AP durations.Thus, in order to improve evaluation of risks for drug-induced QT prolongation in hiPS-CMs, we generated ventricular-like hiPS-CMs by over-expressing protein-X into hiPS-CMs and characterized the utility for evaluation of drug effects on cardiac repolarization process. The protein-X over-expression made hiPS-CMs quiescent with hyperpolarized MDP (−67 mV), and were excitable with rapid upstroke velocity (∼95 V/s) by electrical field stimulation. When E4031 was applied to hiPS-CMs overexpressing protein-X, both AP durations of single myocytes and extracellular field potential durations of cardiac sheets were prolonged in a dose dependent manner. These results suggest that hiPS-CMs engineered with gene X would be a novel approach for evaluation of drug-induced alternation of repolarization processes in the human cardiomyocytes.

A Novel approach for Evaluation of video tracking Under Real world conditions

A Novel approach for Evaluation of video tracking Under Real world conditions

OC18.02: The cardiac state diagram as a novel approach for evaluation of re‐ and post ejection phases of the cardiac cycle in asphyxiated fetal lambs

OC18.02: The cardiac state diagram as a novel approach for evaluation of re‐ and post ejection phases of the cardiac cycle in asphyxiated fetal lambs

A Novel Approach for Evaluation of Stress Intensity Factors Using X-FEM

A new energy approach is proposed by coupling the virtual crack extension with the extended finite element method (X-FEM) to extract the Strain Energy Release Rates and then convert it to stress intensity factors. By means of meshes independence of the location and geometry of the crack, the proposed approach avoids the mesh perturbation around the crack tip to compute the stiffness derivatives with respect to a virtual extension of the crack. In comparison to the interaction integral, this combined method is implemented more easily without the post-processing of the numerical results. The effect of different enriched region around the crack tip on the accuracy of results is discussed. Numerical results presented are in excellent agreement with the available analytical and those obtained using the interaction integral.

A Novel Approach for Evaluation of Stress Intensity Factors Using X-FEM

A new energy approach is proposed by coupling the virtual crack extension with the extended finite element method (X-FEM) to extract the Strain Energy Release Rates and then convert it to stress intensity factors. By means of meshes independence of the location and geometry of the crack, the proposed approach avoids the mesh perturbation around the crack tip to compute the stiffness derivatives with respect to a virtual extension of the crack. In comparison to the interaction integral, this combined method is implemented more easily without the post-processing of the numerical results. The effect of different enriched region around the crack tip on the accuracy of results is discussed. Numerical results presented are in excellent agreement with the available analytical and those obtained using the interaction integral.

Lutetium DOTATATE whole body scans: A novel approach for evaluation of neuroendocrine tumors

Aim:We undertook a study to evaluate whether Lutetium (Lu) DOTATATE whole body scan is well comparable to Gallium positron emission tomography (PET) / Indium Octreotide, and hence with dosimetric advantage can replace it in the pre-therapy setting.Materials and Methods:We undertook a prospective study of a total of 39 patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumor (age 11–70 years), who underwent Lu-DOTATATE scans within the period August 2009–November 2010. This included 28 males and 11 females. Dose of Lu-DOTATATE injected for diagnostic scanning purpose was 10 mCi i.v. Whole body planar images and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)-CT images were obtained at 4, 24 and 48 hours. The Lu-DOTATATE whole body and SPECT-CT images were compared to contrast CT scans in all patients, and Indium Octreotide and Gallium DOTATATE PET images in nine patients, with reference to detection sensitivity of number of lesions. The pre-therapy scans were also used for dosimetric calculations. Fourteen of these 39 patients further went ahead with Lu-DOTATATE therapy.Results:All 39 patients demonstrated Lu-DOTATATE uptake in the disease sites seen on the contrast CT images. The uptake intensity was well comparable to Indium Octreotide and Gallium DOTATATE PET scans of all nine patients, with equally well-defined lesions. The post-therapy Lu-DOTATATE scans of the 14 patients who underwent therapy demonstrated higher intensity uptake pattern in the same disease sites, suggesting favorable therapeutic effect. The scans were useful in determining dosimetric details for therapeutic purpose and adequate exposure rates to suggest good ablative effect.Conclusion:Our preliminary data suggest that Lu-DOTATATE whole body scanning procedure is cost effective and equally sensitive as Gallium DOTATOC/NOC PET scan in pre-therapy setting of neuroendocrine tumors. The additional advantage of dosimetry calculations on this scanning procedure makes it more ideal to tailor therapies with more accuracy.

Novel approach for evaluation of service reliability for electricity customers

Understanding reliability value for electricity customer is important to market-based reliability management. This paper proposes a novel approach to evaluate the reliability for electricity customers by using indifference curve between economic compensation for power interruption and service reliability of electricity. Indifference curve is formed by calculating different planning schemes of network expansion for different reliability requirements of customers, which reveals the information about economic values for different reliability levels for electricity customers, so that the reliability based on market supply demand mechanism can be established and economic signals can be provided for reliability management and enhancement.

Structural relatedness via flow networks in protein sequence space

A novel approach for evaluation of sequence relatedness via a network over the sequence space is presented. This relatedness is quantified by graph theoretical techniques. The graph is perceived as a flow network, and flow algorithms are applied. The number of independent pathways between nodes in the network is shown to reflect structural similarity of corresponding protein fragments. These results provide an appropriate parameter for quantitative estimation of such relatedness, as well as reliability of the prediction. They also demonstrate a new potential for sequence analysis and comparison by means of the flow network in the sequence space.

Autoantibody Response to Chromatographic Fractions from Oxidized LDL in Unstable Angina Patients and Healthy Controls

Levels of autoantibodies to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) have been correlated to atherosclerosis; however, contradictory results have been shown. To better understand the role of autoantibodies to oxLDL in atherogenesis, and their potential to predict risk of developing coronary artery disease we investigated the antibody response of unstable angina (UA) patients and healthy controls against chromatographic separated fractions of oxLDL. Five major peaks were detected after chromatographic separation of oxLDL and 10 fractions were collected. Surprisingly, when the response to high molecular weight fractions was analysed, we observed a significant increase in the levels of autoantibodies in controls compared to UA. In contrast, when the autoantibody response to intermediate and low molecular weight fractions was analysed, we observed that the UA group showed consistently higher levels compared with controls. Our data demonstrates that within oxLDL there are major fractions that can be recognized by autoantibodies from either UA patients or healthy individuals, and that the use of total oxLDL as an antigen pool may mask the presence of some antigenic molecules and their corresponding antibodies. Further studies are needed, but the analysis of antibody profiles may indeed open up a novel approach for evaluation and prevention against atherosclerosis.

Monte Carlo evaluation of derivative-based global sensitivity measures

A novel approach for evaluation of derivative-based global sensitivity measures (DGSM) is presented. It is compared with the Morris and the Sobol’ sensitivity indices methods. It is shown that there is a link between DGSM and Sobol’ sensitivity indices. DGSM are very easy to implement and evaluate numerically. The computational time required for numerical evaluation of DGSM is many orders of magnitude lower than that for estimation of the Sobol’ sensitivity indices. It is also lower than that for the Morris method. Efficiencies of Monte Carlo (MC) and quasi-Monte Carlo (QMC) sampling methods for calculation of DGSM are compared. It is shown that the superiority of QMC over MC depends on the problem's effective dimension, which can also be estimated using DGSM.

Maternity unit performance index. A novel approach for evaluation of the changing obstetric practice in a single maternity unit

To audit obstetric outcomes for primiparous laborers in order to provide accurate information to the population we serve. To establish a simple index by which a maternity unit's performance can be compared over time and to other units. This index is named, maternity unit performance index (MUPI). A retrospective analysis of the obstetric outcome of all nulliparous singleton gestations that have been admitted to labor ward for delivery, between 37 and prior to 41, gestational weeks. The chronical periods examined were: 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2005, 1 January 1995 to 31 December 1995 and 1 January 1985 to 31 December 1985. To these chronical periods we have utilized the MUPI formula. Retrospective implementation of the MUPI formula resulted in lower mean scores as time progressed. Mean MUPI values for the years 2005, 1995 and 1985 were respectively 0.8, 1.2 and 1.4. Significant differences of MUPI between the three time periods were found (P < 0.001). In our attempt to counsel our first time mothers, we have proposed a simple index of our unit's performance. This index overcomes the widely used cesarean birth rate. As years go by, MUPI scores decreased steadily. Interpretation of these results suggests a continuously evolving obstetric practice rather than a decrease in the quality of obstetric service provided.

Robot-assisted evaluation of coordination between grasp and load forces in a power grasp in humans

A novel approach for evaluation of a grasp in humans is presented. The key novelty is combination of a haptic interface with force/torque transducers for measuring the grasp force. This paper presents results of grasp and load force coordination for quasi-static and dynamic external load force disturbances for a power grasp. An elevation of the grasp force is observed in a dynamic task. Elevation of the grasp force is needed for an additional safety margin to ensure a stable grasp.

Novel approach for evaluation of estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activities of genistein and daidzein using B16 melanoma cells and dendricity assay.

The effects of soy isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, which exhibit estrogenic, anti-estrogenic and/or tyrosine kinase inhibitory activity, on the dendritic morphology of B16 mouse melanoma cells were quantitatively evaluated and compared with those of 17 beta-estradiol (Est) and tyrphostin, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Dendricity was significantly stimulated in the order of Est >> genistein > daidzein = tyrphostin, but not by glycosides of genistein and daidzein. In competition experiments, Est counteracted the stimulatory activity of genistein and daidzein, but enhanced the activity of tyrphostin additively, suggesting that genistein and daidzein agonized Est. In addition, when the concentration ratios of genistein/Est and daidzein/Est were higher than 5000 and 50,000, respectively, genistein and daidzein agonized Est. In contrast, when the ratio of daidzein/Est was lower than 500, daidzein antagonized Est. Furthermore, genistein and daidzein competed with each other in stimulatory activity. These observations suggest that: 1) dendricity is stimulated by agonists (genistein and daidzein) of Est and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (genistein and tyrphostin), 2) the concentration ratio of isoflavone aglycone/Est is very important as one regulatory factor for estrogenic and/or anti-estrogenic activity, and 3) daidzein antagonizes not only Est but also genistein. It is concluded that a quantitative and simple dendricity assay using B16 mouse melanoma cells is available to evaluate estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activity in vitro.

Evaluation of myocardial matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) mediated post-MI remodeling with a novel radiolabeled MMP inhibitor

Background: Myocardial matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in post myocardial infarction (MI) left ventricular (LV) remodeling. The administration of MMP inhibitors may prevent post MI remodeling. The use of a radiolabeled MMP inhibitor targeted at MMPs could provide a novel approach for evaluation of the temporal changes in MMP activation and localization post-MI, which could guide therapy. Methods: A 111In-labeled MMP targeted compound (RP782, 0.77±0.05 mCi) and the enantiomer negative control compound RP788 (1.04±0.02 mCi) were injected into control mice (n=5 and n=4, respectively) and mice (n=10 and n=4, respectively) at 1wk following surgical-induced MI. Hearts were excised 90–105 min post injection, and filled with dental molding material for sectioning. One short axis slice was frozen and 15 μm sections cut for microautoradiography and in situ zymography. Other slices were cut for gamma well counting. Myocardial RP782 and RP788 activity within MI area was expressed as %non-ischemic (%NI). Results: Microautoradiography demonstrated increased RP782 retention within MI region, although RP788 did not localize to MI region. Gamma well counting revealed a significent increase in RP782 activity in MI regions of post-MI group compared with control group (367±84%NI vs 91±6%NI, p< 0.001), but there is no difference for RP788 activity between post-MI and control groups (128±18%NI vs 108±5%NI, p=ns). In MI mice, RP782 retention was significantly higher than RP788 retention (p<0.05). RP782 specifically localized to the histologic MI region, and RP782 retention correlated with MMP activity defined by in situ zymography. Conclusion: In a murine model of post-MI remodeling, there was over a 3-fold increase in myocardial retention of a novel MMP targeted radiotracer (RP782) within the MI regions associated with increased MMP activation. This MMP targeted radiotracer could be used for evaluating the temporal changes in MMP activation and help direct new therapies directed at reducing MMP mediated post-MI remodeling.

A novel approach for evaluation of polymeric interface materials for chemical sensors using alternate indirect methods

AbstractThe heart of a chemical sensor based on bulk or surface acoustic wave devices is a polymer‐coated piezoelectric substrate that selectively sorbs and concentrates the target analyte vapors. The development of such sensors often necessitates the screening and evaluation of suitable polymeric interface materials meeting the specified sensitivity and selectivity toward the analytes of interest. The magnitude and dynamics of sorption–desorption of the vapors in the polymer and the extent of polymer–vapor interactions largely determine the performance of a sensor. The standard protocol used for the purpose is rather tedious, involving the generation and calibration of individual analyte vapors, with stringent control on temperature, humidity, and test parameters. This article outlines four different alternative techniques based on mass uptake of the analyte vapors, on its partitioning in polymers, or both, which in combination can determine the characteristics of an interface material used for coating a piezoelectric substrate in acoustic wave‐based chemical sensors. These methods were applied to poly(ethylene maleate), a representative interface material. The analytes ranged from volatile organic chemicals to sarin—a chemical warfare agent—and its simulant, dimethyl methylphosphonate. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 3428–3432, 2004

Ion exchange on resins with temperature-responsive selectivity: III. Influence of complex formation stoichiometry on temperature dependence of resin selectivity

The influence of temperature (293< T<353 K) on Cu 2+–Ni 2+; Zn 2+–Co 2+, and Cu 2+–Co 2+ ion-exchange equilibrium at pH=1.55–3.0 from either aqueous sulfate or aqueous nitrate media on iminodiacetic (IDA) resin Lewatit TP-207 was studied. A novel approach for evaluation of the resin phase composition from α versus T dependencies has been proposed and the validity of such an approach is demonstrated. The temperature dependence of the equilibrium separation factor, α, in the Cu 2+–Ni 2+ exchange varies from nitrate to sulphate medium and it depends on the formation of different IDA complexes with the minor component (Ni 2+) in the resin phase. In the nitrate medium, formation of (IDA) 2–Ni complex is prevailing at 293< T<308 K, while at T>308 K 1:1 IDA:Ni 2+ complex is dominating. The Cu 2+–Ni 2+ exchange equilibrium from sulfate medium is characterized by the formation of nickel complexes of both stoichiometries within the whole temperature range studied. The dependence of α on T in Zn 2+–Co 2+ exchange system has been shown to be weaker than that in the Cu 2+–Ni 2+ system. This result is in a good agreement with the predictions made in the first communication of this series. The results of thermostripping experiments carried out for Cu 2+–Co 2+ exchange have shown that the efficiency of the thermostripping process depends on both the interval of working temperatures (Δ T) and its position on the temperature scale. The efficiency of thermostripping rises with an absolute Δ T value and also increases following the shift of temperature interval to the lower temperature range.

Combined ultrasonographic and cytological studies in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules

Many aspects of thyroid nodule evaluation and management remain controversial. Widespread application of ultrasonography has resulted in frequent discovery of incidental nodules in the general population which has created a management dilemma for physicians. In this paper we have introduced a novel approach for evaluation of solid nodules, using an index derived from ultrasonographic and cytologic studies. Briefly thyroid nodules were classified ultrasonographically into four grades, with increasing score numbers (1–4) as progression to malignantly suspicious lesions was present. Similarly, four grades of a cytologic classification of fine needle biopsy aspirates were introduced with scores of 1–6 (benign to malignant diagnosis). The sum of the ultrasonographic and cytologic scores were the basis of a diagnostic index: benign (2–4), doubtful (5), suspicious (6) and malignant (7–10). Sixty patients with an index equal or higher than 6 were submitted to thyroidectomy and the prevalence of thyroid cancer ( n = 46) in the excised nodules was 76.6%. Most series report a 10% to 30% incidence of malignancy in excised nodules with suspicious diagnosis. We concluded that using an index derived from combined ultrasonographic and cytologic studies will result in a better patient selection for surgery.

Quantitative Measurement of Nonisotopically Labeled Polymerase Chain Reaction Product

A novel approach for evaluation of polymerase chain reaction product was described. A biotin-labeled DNA (or RNA) probe is hybridized to the digoxigenin-labeled target PCR product. The hybrids are retained on an anti-biotin antibody-coated plate. An anti-digoxigenin Fab conjugated with alkaline phosphatase is used for generating either a fluorescence or a chromagenic substance. Both fluorogenic and chromagenic systems can be used for quantitative measurement of the PCR product/probe hybrids. The method is specific, fast, nonisotopic, sensitive, quantitative, and practical.