Constituent Parameters Research Articles

Creating an index to measure health state of depressed patients in automated healthcare databases: the methodology

ABSTRACTBackground and objective: Automated healthcare databases (AHDB) are an important data source for real life drug and healthcare use. In the filed of depression, lack of detailed clinical data requires the use of binary proxies with important limitations. The study objective was to create a Depressive Health State Index (DHSI) as a continuous health state measure for depressed patients using available data in an AHDB.Methods: The study was based on historical cohort design using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). Depressive episodes (depression diagnosis with an antidepressant prescription) were used to create the DHSI through 6 successive steps: (1) Defining study design; (2) Identifying constituent parameters; (3) Assigning relative weights to the parameters; (4) Ranking based on the presence of parameters; (5) Standardizing the rank of the DHSI; (6) Developing a regression model to derive the DHSI in any other sample.Results: The DHSI ranged from 0 (worst) to 100 (best health state) comprising 29 parameters. The proportion of depressive episodes with a remission proxy increased with DHSI quartiles.Conclusion: A continuous outcome for depressed patients treated by antidepressants was created in an AHDB using several different variables and allowed more granularity than currently used proxies.

Inter-Technology Coexistence in a Spectrum Commons: A Case Study of Wi-Fi and LTE in the 5-GHz Unlicensed Band

Spectrum sharing mechanisms need to be carefully designed to enable inter-technology coexistence in the unlicensed bands, as these bands are an instance of a spectrum commons where heterogeneous technologies and deployments must coexist. Unlike in licensed bands, where multiple technologies could coexist only in a primary-secondary DSA mode, a spectrum commons offers competition opportunities between multiple dominant technologies, such as Wi-Fi and the recently proposed LTE in the 5 GHz unlicensed band. In this paper we systematically study the performance of different spectrum sharing schemes for inter-technology coexistence in a spectrum commons. Our contributions are threefold. First, we propose a general framework for comparative analysis of spectrum sharing mechanisms in time and frequency, by studying the effect of key constituent parameters. Second, we propose a novel throughput and interference model for inter-technology coexistence, integrating different distributed MAC sharing mechanisms at the same level of abstraction. Finally, we present a case study of IEEE 802.11n Wi-Fi and LTE in the 5 GHz unlicensed band, in order to obtain generalizable insight into coexistence in a spectrum commons. Our extensive simulation results show that LTE/Wi-Fi coexistence in the 5 GHz band can be ensured simply through channel selection schemes, such that time-sharing MAC mechanisms are irrelevant. We also show that, in the general co-channel case, the coexistence performance of MAC sharing mechanisms strongly depends on the interference coupling in the network, as determined by building shielding. We thus identify two regimes: (i) low interference coupling, e.g. residential indoor scenarios, where duty cycle mechanisms outperform sensing-based LBT mechanisms; and (ii) high interference coupling, e.g. open-plan indoor or outdoor hotspot scenarios, where LBT outperforms duty cycle mechanisms.

Effects of pre-exposure vaccination and quarantine in the fight against ebola

Swift quarantine offers some hope in the fight against Ebola but its implementation faces some resistance in many settings. Hence, it is critical to explore whether introducing pre-exposure vaccination in an area where quarantine for the exposed and infected is already practiced would benefit the community with regard to controlling Ebola virus disease and vice versa. We present a mathematical model that explores the potential role of pre-exposure vaccination and quarantine in the fight against Ebola. Threshold parameter of the model is computed and rigorously analysed. Sensitivity analysis is carried out in an effort to understand the effects of constituent parameters on the threshold parameter. The results indicate that pre-exposure and quarantine are able to reduce the disease threshold parameter suggesting they offer hope of Ebola virus disease control.

Thermal Design for the Micro-X Rocket Payload

Micro-X is a NASA funded, rocket borne X-ray imaging spectrometer that uses transition edge sensors (TESs) to do high-resolution microcalorimetry. The TESs are cooled by an adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator, whose salt pill functions as a heat sink for the detectors. We have made a thermal model of the cryostat with SPICE for the purposes of understanding its behavior at low temperatures. Implementing modifications based on this model has further allowed us to cool the system down to a lower temperature than had previously been accessible and to improve its low-temperature hold time. These modifications include a variety of schemes for power through heat sinks and tweaking the conductance between the cold baths and the refrigerated hardware. We present an overview of the model and its constituent parameters, information about thermal modifications, and a summary of results from thermal tests of the entire system.

Adequacy Criteria of Models of the Cargo Inspection System with Material Discrimination Option

Generalized adequacy criteria for mathematical models in order to discriminate materials in X-ray inspection systems by the dual-energy method were developed. Two main approaches of the examination systems to produce the adequacy criteria by the final and the intermediate parameters of the dual-energy method were analyzed. The criteria were specified in respect to the discrimination by the effective atomic number and by the method of level functions. Experimental and theoretical estimates of the discrimination parameters of the test object constituents scanned by fan beams of X-ray radiation with the maximal energies of 4.5 and 9 MeV are given.

Impact of supplementing diets with propolis on productive performance, egg quality traits and some haematological variables of laying hens

One hundred and twenty eight, 28-weeks-old Lohmann LSL hybrid layers were used in this experiment, which lasted 12weeks to investigate the effect of propolis supplementation on the productive performance, egg quality traits and haematological variables of laying hens. All hens were randomly classified into four equal experimental groups, eight replicates (4birds/each). Hens in group 1 were fed on a commercial diet and considered as control group, while those in groups 2, 3 and 4 were fed on the same commercial diet and supplemented with 250, 500 and 1000mg propolis/kg diet. The obtained results revealed that daily feed consumption/hen increased insignificantly with increasing propolis level than that of the control group. Regarding the means of egg mass and egg production rate, it was observed that the laying hens fed diets containing 250 and 1000mg propolis/kg significantly (p<0.05) produced more and heaver egg in comparison with control group. External egg quality traits have not affected with increasing the level of propolis, while eggshell weight was significantly (p<0.05) increased. The internal egg quality traits except albumen and yolk percentages increased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing propolis level for treated hens as compared to those in the control. Concerning the haematological parameters, the results showed that the levels of total protein and globulin increased significantly with increasing propolis level, while cholesterol and liver enzymes were significantly decreased (p<0.05). Heterophils count of hens in the treated groups significantly decreased, whereas the lymphocyte count significantly increased, resulting in a decreased H/L ratio than that of the control group. Thus, it could be concluded that the supplementation of 250mg propolis/kg diet is highly recommended to improving egg production, blood constituent and haematological parameters of the commercial laying hens.

Conspicuous current dependence of the emission energy from InxGa1−xN/GaN quantum well diodes

The emission spectrum of the conventional InGaN/GaN quantum well (QW) diode changes remarkably with the operating current. The degree of change depends on the constituent parameters of the QW. A detailed investigation has been carried out through the self-consistent solutions of the Schrödinger and Poisson equations to elucidate the change of the emission energy and the transition probability with the operating current and to explore how the changes depend on the well width of the QW and the In mole fraction. It is found that choosing suitable values of the mentioned parameters, the emission energy may be kept almost constant with current, or it may be tuned over a wide range through current. The two possibilities have immense importance for optoelectronic device applications.

Adaptability and Quality of Winter Pea and Lentil in Alberta

It is unknown if winter pea (Pisum sativum L.) and winter lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) are feasible cropping options in Alberta. Field experiments were conducted at six locations in southern and central Alberta, Canada, between 2008 and 2012, to determine the adaptability of winter pea and lentil. Two winter pea cultivars, Specter and Windham, and one winter lentil cultivar, Morton, were seeded at three fall planting dates and three seeding rates. Spring cultivars were grown for comparison. In southern Alberta, winter pea and lentil yielded up to 39% more than spring types. The highest winter pea yield was achieved when planting was completed during the first 3 wk of September. The highest winter lentil yield was achieved when planting was completed in the second and third weeks of September. Seeding rate had little or no impact on yield; therefore, winter pea should be seeded at 75 plants m−2 and winter lentil at 110 plants m−2. Seed was analyzed to compare constituent parameters. There were minor differences in the composition of winter and spring pulses. Windham had lower starch but higher resistant starch, protein, crude fat, and ash content compared with spring pea cultivars. Specter had higher resistant starch but was similar to Cutlass for all other parameters. Morton had a higher starch content than CDC Redberry; however, starch quality was similar. Winter pulses have potential to create new and profitable opportunities for growers in the Bow Island and Lethbridge areas of southern Alberta.

A BIM-Info delivery protocol

Today, with many of the technological issues of integrated information management resolved (perhaps excluding the matter of interoperability), defining the content and status of BIM information deliveries remains both a practical and a theoretical problem. New BIM tools and new design processes and procedures have led to a certain confusion of what information is needed for particular BIM uses. This paper seeks to explore and enable a method of defining the content of model information deliverables through a review of 2 key primary specific BIM uses: 3d Design Coordination and Early Energy Appraisal through an analysis of practical application. The scope of this study is limited to a review of information flow within residential projects in a Swedish context and looks at two projects with a view to identify and establish a common definition of the key BIM objects and properties necessary for particular tasks. The key deliverable from this study is the BIM-Info Delivery Protocol (IDP) which attempts to align consultant BIM-information delivery expectations and represents a tangible solution to assist consultants to manage BIM information. Concluding reflections consider the positioning of the IDP relative to the on-going development of IDMs / MVDs and highlight the key constituent parameters of an Information Delivery Specification (IDS).

Parameters Involved in Autophosphorylation in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: a Systems Biology Approach.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a stem cell disorder characterized by the fusion of two oncogenes namely BCR and ABL with their aberrant expression. Autophosphorylation of BCR-ABL oncogenes results in proliferation of CML. The study deals with estimation of rate constant involved in each step of the cellular autophosphorylation process, which are consequently playing important roles in the proliferation of cancerous cells. A mathematical model was proposed for autophosphorylation of BCR-ABL oncogenes utilizing ordinary differential equations to enumerate the rate of change of each responsible system component. The major difficulty to model this process is the lack of experimental data, which are needed to estimate unknown model parameters. Initial concentration data of each substrate and product for BCR-ABL systems were collected from the reported literature. All parameters were optimized through time interval simulation using the fminsearch algorithm. The rate of change versus time was estimated to indicate the role of each state variable that are crucial for the systems. The time wise change in concentration of substrate shows the convergence of each parameter in autophosphorylation process. The role of each constituent parameter and their relative time dependent variations in autophosphorylation process could be inferred.

Association between TGF-Beta1 (-509) C/T Gene Polymorphism and Tissue Degradation Level In Chronic Periodontitis: A Stereological Study

Background: The recent years has seen enormous research attempts in the study for genetic factors that may predispose individuals to periodontitis, as one of the most common chronic infectious disease in humans. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the breakdown of interdental gingiva tissues in chronic periodontitis patients with TGF-β1 (-509) C/T polymorphisms. Patients and Methods: A total of 60 gingival samples, including 45 patient and 15 healthy subjects, were selected for this study. Following determination of TGF-β1 (-509) C/T gene polymorphism by Tetra primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS-PCR), the patients were divided to three subgroups according to their genotype (6 TT, 21 TC and 18 CC). After tissue processing, sectioning and staining, quantitative parameters were estimated by Cavalieri’s point-counting estimation. Results: The Volume density (Vʋ) of epithelium, connective tissue, collagenous and non-collagenous matrix and blood vessels had statistically significant differences between the control and chronic periodontitis (CP) groups (P 0.05). Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that TGF-β1 (-509) C/T is strongly associated with quantitative parameters of connective tissue constituents of interdental papilla in CP patients.

Various approaches in probabilistic homogenization of the CFRP composites

A variety of the homogenization methods is collected here and contrasted to determine the basic probabilistic characteristics of the CFRP composite in a presence of Gaussian uncertainty in its components material characteristics. We compare algebraic approximations of the effective elasticity tensor components with these calculated by using of two different FEM strategies. One may find in this elaboration a comparison of the Voigt–Reuss versus Hashin–Shtrikmann upper and lower bounds, the results of spatial averaging of this composite RVE, Mori–Tanaka, Vanishing Fiber Diameter as well as the Self-Consistent homogenization theories together with two independent FEM solutions of the so-called cell problem. Symbolic probabilistic analysis is implemented according to the generalized tenth order stochastic perturbation technique supported by the Response Function Method. Polynomial basis with statistically optimized order enables determination of the analytical functions relating effective tensor components with material parameters of the composite constituents. The expected values series confirm fundamental tendencies observed before in deterministic comparisons of these theories, an analysis of the coefficients of variations shows the resulting uncertainty level and sensitivity of the effective characteristics, while skewness and kurtosis show that Gaussian character of the homogenized tensor prevails in this problem.

Stochastic dynamic characteristics of FGM beams with random material properties

The random factor method is developed for the stochastic dynamic characteristics analysis of beams that are made of functionally graded materials (FGM) with random constituent material properties in this paper. The effective material properties of FGM beams are assumed to vary continuously through different directions according to the power law distribution. In the proposed method, the randomness of the dynamic characteristics is explicitly expressed by random factors of constituent material parameters, and the statistics (means and variances) of modal parameters can be analytically computed by the statistics of random inputs with little computational efforts. Compared with the first-order perturbation technique and the Monte-Carlo simulation method, the proposed method is illustrated and verified by a FGM cantilever beam with material variation through the thickness or axial direction, and the contributions of random material properties to the dispersion of dynamic characteristics for the structure are systematically investigated. The numerical results also show the dominant effect of constituent volume fraction index on the dispersion of dynamic characteristics.

Investigation of the inverse piezoelectric effect of trabecular bone on a micrometer length scale using synchrotron radiation

In the present paper we have investigated the impact of electro stimulation on microstructural parameters of the major constituents of bone, hydroxyapatite and collagen. Therapeutic approaches exhibit an improved healing rate under electric fields. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood so far. In this context one possible effect which could be responsible is the inverse piezo electric effect at bone structures. Therefore, we have carried out scanning X-ray microdiffraction experiments, i.e. we recorded X-ray diffraction data with micrometer resolution using synchrotron radiation from trabecular bone samples in order to investigate how the bone matrix reacts to an applied electric field. Different samples were investigated, where the orientation of the collagen matrix differed with respect to the applied electric field. Our experiments aimed to determine whether the inverse piezo electric effect could have a significant impact on the improved bone regeneration owing to electrostimulative therapy. Our data suggest that strain is in fact induced in bone by the collagen matrix via the inverse piezo electric effect which occurs in the presence of an adequately oriented electric field. The magnitude of the underlying strain is in a range where bone cells are able to detect it. Statement of SignificanceIn our study we report on the piezoelectric effect in bone which was already discovered and explored on a macro scale in the 1950. Clinical approaches utilize successfully electro stimulation to enhance bone healing but the exact mechanisms taking place are still a matter of debate. We have measured the stress distribution with micron resolution in trabecular bone to determine the piezo electric induced stress. Our results show that the magnitude of the induced stress is big enough to be sensed by cells and therefore, could be a trigger for bone remodeling and growth.

A multi-scale approach to model the curing process in magneto-sensitive polymeric materials

We propose a magneto-mechanically coupled multi-scale model for simulating the curing process of polymers. In the case of magneto-sensitive polymers, micron-size ferromagnetic particles are mixed with a liquid polymeric matrix in the uncured stage. The polymer curing process is a complex process that transforms a fluid to a solid with time. To transfer the constituent parameter information from the micro-scale to the macro-scale for a composite magneto-mechanically coupled polymeric material, an extended Mori–Tanaka semi-analytic homogenization procedure is utilized. The stiffness gaining phenomenon as in the case of a curing process is realized by time-dependent material parameters appearing within the composite piezomagnetic material tensors. Moreover, to compute the volume reduction during curing, a magnetic induction dependent shrinkage model is proposed. Several numerical examples show that the model proposed herein can capture major observable phenomena in the curing process of polymers under magneto-mechanically coupled infinitesimal deformations.

Influence of the Wall Thickness on Castability and Microstructure of the QE22 Magnesium Alloy

Majority structural elements from magnesium alloys are produced by means of casting. The big and complicated elements are mainly sand cast. The aim of the research was to investigate the influence of wall thickness on the castability and microstructure of modern magnesium alloy with RE and Ag additions – QE22. Eight 145x98mm plates have been cast for the research. Their designed thickness was equal: 0.5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm as well as 6mm. The parameters of microstructure constituents in each cast has been estimated quantitatively. The critical wall thickness, at which liquid alloy fill the mould cavity completely, is equal 4mm. With decreasing wall thickness, percentage of filled cavity is decreasing linearly. Mean area of grain flat section increased 7 times in the thickest plate (from 501μm2 to 3773μm2). The volume fraction of eutectics as well as alloy hardness decreased in the thickest plate.

J.M.G. le Clézio, une Écriture Radicante au Sens Plastique

Having defined the notion of “intercultural,” I examine in detail the conditions, such as incertitude and movement, to produce the “intercultural.” I analyze three constituent parameters in the literary field : polyphony, spaces conducive to nomadization, and the spirit of adventure that J.M.G. Le Clézio explores in particular in his short story “À peu près Apologue” (Histoire du pied et autres fantaisies, Paris: Gallimard, 2011).

Deepening the Understanding of Musical Style through Adaptation and Alteration of Constituent Parameters

Since the restructuring of the musicology course of studies in Graz (Austria), the number of students has increased by up to 132 percent. At the same time, however, serious deficiencies in students’ academic preparatory education has become evident: the area of music-structural analysis is a particular problem, since significant course prerequisites – auditory imagination and differentiation – are often inadequate and can be only partially counteracted through normal curricular measures. The praxis-based teaching concept described in this paper represents an effective method of strengthening the understanding of musical style through the generation of stylistic copies, transcriptions and aberrational exercises. As it allows a measure of creative freedom, the approach is also likely to appeal to students.

Effectiveness of prebiotic as an alternative to the antimicrobial growth promoter on growth performance, blood constituents, intestinal healthiness and immunity of broilers.

This study was designed to compare the effect of the prebiotic and antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP) on the growth performance, blood constituent, intestinal bacteriology and histomorphometric parameters as well as humeral immunity of broiler chicks. A total of 90 unsexed commercial Cobb chicks were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments (control, AGP and prebiotic groups), each group contain 30 chicks. Each group subdivided into 3 replicates, 10 chicks each, and was reared for 42 days. The prebiotic supplemented group showed a significant improvement in growth performance parameters than the control and AGP-supplemented groups. Total leukcocytic count, lymphocyte percent, total protein, total globulin and gamma globulin were significantly increased in the broilers fed on prebiotics. Moreover, prebiotics supplementation significantly reduced heterophil percent, heterophil/ lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio), albumin/globulin ratio, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT), uric acid and creatinine compared to the AGP-supplemented group and control group. The AGP-supplemented group exhibited a significant reduction in the total aerobic count than the control and prebiotic-supplemented groups. However, the prebiotic supplemented group showed a significant reduction in the coliform count than the control and antibiotic supplemented groups. The prebiotic supplemented group induced a significant increase in the villus height (VH) all over the small intestine. In addition, it induced a significant increase in villus height: crypt depth ratio in the duodenum and jejunum than the control and antibiotic supplemented groups. However, there were no significant differences among the different groups regard to the crypt depth (CD) in the duodenum and jejunum. Prebiotics could be considered as safe and effective antimicrobial alternatives for broiler chicks’ growth performance, immunity and intestinal bacteriology and morphology.

Bianisotropic Metasurfaces for Optimal Polarization Control: Analysis and Synthesis

Two-dimensional metamaterials (metasurfaces) are desirable for their ability to modify electromagnetic fields--for example, producing perfect absorbers for stealth technologies. Metasurfaces reported to date, however, have demonstrated only limited control over the polarization and phase of these fields. In this work, the authors incorporate metamaterial anisotropy and chirality into calculations to derive simple, general, closed-form expressions relating constituent parameters of an arbitrary bianisotropic metasurface to its reflection and transmission behaviors.