Separate Analyses Research Articles

EEG rhythm separation and time-frequency analysis of fast multivariate empirical mode decomposition for motor imagery BCI.

Motor imagery electroencephalogram (EEG) is widely employed in brain-computer interface (BCI) systems. As a time-frequency analysis method for nonlinear and non-stationary signals, multivariate empirical mode decomposition (MEMD) and its noise-assisted version (NA-MEMD) has been widely used in the preprocessing step of BCI systems for separating EEG rhythms corresponding to specific brain activities. However, when applied to multichannel EEG signals, MEMD or NA-MEMD often demonstrate low robustness to noise and high computational complexity. To address these issues, we have explored the advantages of our recently proposed fast multivariate empirical mode decomposition (FMEMD) and its noise-assisted version (NA-FMEMD) for analyzing motor imagery data. We emphasize that FMEMD enables a more accurate estimation of EEG frequency information and exhibits a more noise-robust decomposition performance with improved computational efficiency. Comparative analysis with MEMD on simulation data and real-world EEG validates the above assertions. The joint average frequency measure is employed to automatically select intrinsic mode functions that correspond to specific frequency bands. Thus, FMEMD-based classification architecture is proposed. Using FMEMD as a preprocessing algorithm instead of MEMD can improve the classification accuracy by 2.3% on the BCI Competition IV dataset. On the Physiobank Motor/Mental Imagery dataset and BCI Competition IV Dataset 2a, FMEMD-based architecture also attained a comparable performance to complex algorithms. The results indicate that FMEMD proficiently extracts feature information from small benchmark datasets while mitigating dimensionality constraints resulting from computational complexity. Hence, FMEMD or NA-FMEMD can be a powerful time-frequency preprocessing method for BCI.

Associations between serum testosterone levels and overactive bladder in women: a cross-sectional research of NHANES 2011 to 2016.

Androgen receptors are expressed in the pelvic floor and lower urinary tract. However, the association between serum testosterone and overactive bladder (OAB) in women remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate their association in a nationally representative population. In this cross-sectional study, we collected data on female participants older than 20years with serum total testosterone measurements and OAB questionnaires from the 2011-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Survey-weighted logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between testosterone and OAB in women. Data on 4991 women was analyzed in this study, of whom 25.9% had OAB symptoms. Women with lower serum testosterone had an increased frequency of urge urinary incontinence and nocturia compared to participants with enough testosterone. The multivariate logistic models showed that those women with a testosterone level less than 18.5ng/dL had significantly higher odds of OAB compared to those with a testosterone level greater than 18.5ng/dL [OR 95% CI = 1.271 (1.073-1.505), P = 0.0076]. Separate interaction analyses revealed no significant effect of age, BMI, diabetes, education, alcohol use and menopause on the association between serum testosterone and OAB. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that additional variables (depression, stroke and stress urinary incontinence) had no significant effect on this relationship. Low serum testosterone is associated with an increased likelihood of OAB in women. This supports the potential therapeutic role of testosterone supplementation in women with OAB. Given the direct and indirect effects of testosterone on the pelvic floor and lower urinary tract, a potential mechanism for this relationship can be further explored in translational studies.

Development and validation of a simple and efficient method for the analysis of commercial formulations containing clopyralid, picloram and aminopyralid as active ingredients

Liquid chromatography plays a pivotal role in evaluating pesticide formulations as it enables the determination of multiple active substances in plant protection products. An adaptable separation technique has been developed, enabling the qualitative and quantitative analysis of clopyralid, picloram, and aminopyralid within pesticide formulations in line with SANCO/3030/99 rev. 5 guidelines. This article offers an insight into the validation procedure encompassing key aspects such as selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and recovery. It places emphasis on critical stages, including sample preparation, chromatographic separation, detection, quantification, and data analysis. The active ingredients are separated using chromatography with isocratic elution, utilizing a mobile phase consisting of a mixture of water, acetonitrile, and acetic acid in a specific ratio (83:15:2 v/v/v). This separation is carried out on a YMC-Pack ODS-AQ column (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 μm) at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min. The method’s validation parameters have produced satisfactory outcomes. The recovery rates for each individual compound were found to be in the range of 98.6% to 101.0%. Precision, as indicated by the relative standard deviation (%RSD), was lower than the values predicted by the modified Horwitz equation. Furthermore, the correlation coefficients assessing the linearity of the response exceeded 0.99.

Revisiting the performance of cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen as a diagnostic marker for pancreatic mucinous cysts: a comprehensive 20-year institutional review

ObjectiveElevated pancreatic cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been routinely used to classify mucinous cysts. This study incorporates original data that established the CEA ≥192 ng/mL threshold with over 20...

Having More Tender Than Swollen Joints is Associated With Worse Function and Work Impairment in Patients With Early Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may present with more tender than swollen joints, which can persist. Elevated tender-swollen joint difference (TSJD) is often challenging, because there may be multiple causes and it may contribute to overestimating disease activity. Little is known about the phenotype and impact of TSJDs on patient function. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of TSJD on functional outcomes in early RA and to see whether associations vary by joint size. Data were from patients with active, early RA (≤12 months) enrolled in the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort, who completed assessments of general function (Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire [MDHAQ]), upper extremity (UE) function (Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders [Neuro-QoL] UE scale), and work/activity impairment (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment RA) over their first year of follow-up. A total of 28 joint counts were performed. TSJDs were calculated. Adjusted associations between TSJDs and functional outcomes were estimated in separate multivariable linear mixed effects models. Separate analyses were performed for large- versus small-joint TSJD. Patients (N=547) were 70% female, mean age 56 (SD 15) years, mean disease duration 5.3 (SD 2.9) months. At baseline, 287 (52%) had TSJD >0 (43% involved large joints and 34% small joints), decreasing to 32% at 12 months. A one-point increase in TSJD was significantly associated with worse function (MDHAQ: adjusted mean change 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08-0.13; Neuro-QoL UE function T score: adjusted mean change -0.59, 95% CI -0.76 to -0.43; and greater work impairment: adjusted mean change 1.95%, 95% CI 0.85%-3.05%). Higher large-joint TSJDs were associated with the worst functional outcomes. Having more tender than swollen joints is common in early RA and is associated with worse function, most notably when involving large joints. Early identification and targeted intervention strategies may be needed.

Sex differences in associated factors for age-related hearing loss.

The prevalence and age of onset of hearing loss differ according to sex. This study aimed to identify associated factors for age-related hearing loss (ARHL) and determine whether there are differences between males and females regarding associated factors for ARHL. This cross-sectional study used data from adults who underwent medical examinations including hearing tests from 2011 to 2021. A total of 2,349 individuals were included. The study conducted sex-specific analyses using both univariate and multiple regression. Univariate analysis employed logistic regression, while multiple regression involved variable selection through the augmented backward elimination method. Separate multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted for each sex. In the univariate analysis, among males, age, underweight, alcohol consumption, weight, and height exhibited statistical significance. Among females, age, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, sarcopenia, weight, height, age at menarche, and duration of hormone exposure were found to be significant factors. However, in the multiple logistic regression model for males, underweight, and smoking emerged as significant, while in females, age, weight, obesity, and age at menarche retained their significance. We found that there are different associated factors for ARHL in each sex. Assessment and counseling for smoking, obstetric history, underweight, and obesity may be beneficial in managing patients with ARHL.

Social problem-solving in intimate partner violence victims: Exploring the relative contributions of shame and PTSD symptoms.

This study examined the contributions of shame and posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD) symptoms to two dimensions of social problem-solving. A sample of 426 women who were seeking mental health assistance following experiences of intimate partner violencecompleted self-report and clinician measures. Separate path analyses were conducted for problem orientation and problem-solving styles. In the model examining problem orientation, higher levels of shame were significantly associated with lower levels of positive problem orientation (f2 = 0.32) and higher levels of negative problem orientation (f2 = 0.92), with large effects noted. PTSD symptoms were significantly, positively associated with negative problem orientation (f2 = 0.3, large effect). When examining problem-solving styles, shame showed a significant negative association with rational style (f2 = 0.08, small effect) and significant positive associations with impulsive style (f2 = 0.45, large effect) and avoidant style (f2 = 0.48, large effect). PTSD symptoms did not return significant associations with any of the three problem-solving styles. Results indicate that shame holds notable associations with both dimensions of social problem-solving, relative to PTSD symptoms, and are discussed in light of current models of post-trauma functioning. Implications for clinical care and early intervention efforts are highlighted.

Covalent organic frameworks: spotlight on applications in the pharmaceutical arena.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have much potential in the field of analytical separation research due to their distinctive characteristics, including easy modification, low densities, large specific surface areas and permanent porosity. This article provides a historical overview of the synthesis and broad perspectives on the applications of COFs. The use of COF-based membranes in gas separation, water treatment (desalination, heavy metals and dye removal), membrane filtration, photoconduction, sensing and fuel cells is also covered. However, these COFs also demonstrate great promise as solid-phase extraction sorbents and solid-phase microextraction coatings. In addition to various separation applications, this work aims to highlight important advancements in the synthesis of COFs for chiral and isomeric compounds.

Self-reported knowledge of tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol concentration in cannabis products among cancer patients and survivors

PurposeCannabis use may introduce risks and/or benefits among people living with cancer, depending on product type, composition, and nature of its use. Patient knowledge of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) concentration could provide information for providers about cannabis use during and after treatment that may aide in risk and benefit assessments. This study aimed to examine knowledge of THC or CBD concentration among patients living with cancer who consume cannabis, and factors associated with knowledge of cannabinoid concentrations.MethodsPeople living with cancer who consumed cannabis since their diagnosis (n = 343) completed an anonymous, mixed-mode survey. Questions assessed usual mode of delivery (MOD), knowledge of THC/CBD concentration, and how source of acquisition, current cannabis use, and source of instruction are associated with knowledge of THC/CBD concentration. Chi-square and separate binary logistic regression analyses were examined and weighted to reflect the Roswell Park patient population.ResultsLess than 20% of people living with cancer had knowledge of THC and CBD concentration for the cannabis products they consumed across all MOD (smoking- combustible products, vaping- vaporized products (e-cigarettes), edibles-eating or drinking it, and oral- taking by mouth (pills)). Source of acquisition (smoking-AOR:4.6, p < 0.01, vaping-AOR:5.8, p < 0.00, edibles-AOR:2.6, p < 0.04), current cannabis use (edibles-AOR:5.4, p < 0.01, vaping-AOR: 11.2, p < 0.00, and oral-AOR:9.3, p < 0.00), and source of instruction (vaping only AOR:4.2, p < 0.05) were found to be variables associated with higher knowledge of THC concentration.ConclusionSelf-reported knowledge of THC and CBD concentration statistically differed according to MOD, source of acquisition, source of instruction, and current cannabis use.

Equivalencies Between Ad Hoc Strategies and Multivariate Models for Meta-Analysis of Dependent Effect Sizes

Meta-analyses of educational research findings frequently involve statistically dependent effect size estimates. Meta-analysts have often addressed dependence issues using ad hoc approaches that involve modifying the data to conform to the assumptions of models for independent effect size estimates, such as by aggregating estimates to obtain one summary estimate per study, conducting separate analyses of distinct subgroups of estimates, or combinations thereof. We show that these ad hoc approaches correspond exactly to certain multivariate models for dependent effect sizes. Specifically, we describe classes of multivariate random effects models that have likelihoods equivalent to those of models for effect sizes that have been averaged by study, classified into subgroups, or both. The equivalencies also apply to robust variance estimation methods.

Effect of a group logotherapeutic program for older adults on mental health indicators

AbstractThe study aimed to evaluate a logotherapeutic program for its potential to improve mental well‐being in the elderly. Group logotherapy programs comprising eight sessions were provided to 44 older adults. Participants completed baseline, postintervention, and follow‐up questionnaires assessing mental well‐being, self‐esteem, life satisfaction, meaning in life, and psychological distress. The logotherapeutic program did not affect outcome measures when analyzed for the total sample. Separate analyses by participants scoring below or above the respective thresholds at baseline revealed increased well‐being and self‐esteem and decreased symptoms of depression, anxiety, obsessive–compulsive disorders, and somatoform symptoms, but only in individuals who were already experiencing poor well‐being, poor self‐esteem, or some level of psychological distress before the intervention. Results suggest that the logotherapy‐based group program can be particularly effective for older adults who are already experiencing psychological distress or have lower self‐esteem.

A Joint Model Based on Post-Treatment Longitudinal Prognostic Nutritional Index to Predict Survival in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

a low PNI in patients with NPC is linked to poor survival, but prior studies have focused on single-timepoint measurements. Our study aims to employ joint modeling to analyze longitudinal PNI data from each routine visit, exploring its relationship with overall survival. In this retrospective study using data from the Chang Gung Research Database (2007-2019), we enrolled patients with NPC undergoing curative treatment. We analyzed the correlation between patient characteristics, including the PNI, and overall survival. A joint model combining a longitudinal sub-model with a time-to-event sub-model was used to further evaluate the prognostic value of longitudinal PNI. A total of 2332 patient were enrolled for the analysis. Separate survival analyses showed that longitudinal PNI was an independent indicator of a reduced mortality risk (adjusted HR 0.813; 95% CI, 0.805 to 0.821). Joint modeling confirmed longitudinal PNI as a consistent predictor of survival (HR 0.864; 95% CI, 0.850 to 0.879). An ROC analysis revealed that a PNI below 38.1 significantly increased the risk of 90-day mortality, with 90.0% sensitivity and 89.6% specificity. Longitudinal PNI data independently predicted the overall survival in patients with NPC, significantly forecasting 90-day survival outcomes. We recommend routine PNI assessments during each clinic visit for these patients.

A comprehensive evaluation of conventional methods for estimation of fatigue parameters of steels from their monotonic properties

A number of conventional and machine learning-based methods for the estimation of strain-life fatigue parameters from monotonic properties have been proposed in the literature and new ones are continuously being developed. With the development of new steels having improved properties such as higher ultimate strength, selecting appropriate estimation method becomes both increasingly difficult and important. In this study, according to the proposed detailed evaluation methodology, 10 conventional estimation methods have been evaluated regarding their accuracy and applicability for estimation of low- and high-cycle fatigue lives of unalloyed, low-alloy and high-alloy steels which were further divided into low- and high-strength subgroups. For this purpose, detailed, fully populated material dataset was assembled, including monotonic properties, cyclic stress–strain, and strain-life fatigue parameters of 75 unalloyed steels, 104 low-alloy steels and 44 high-alloy steels. With separate analyses, averaging of evaluation results was avoided and more detailed and precise ratings of individual methods were obtained. Complete material data and full results of the evaluations are made available in the paper which may further facilitate development and objective evaluations of new estimation methods and other predictive models.

Numerical study on performance optimization and flow mechanism of a new cyclone separator

This study proposed a new cyclone separator, using a designed nozzle inside the traditional cyclone separator, which significantly improved the efficiency of separating fine particles while maintaining an essentially unchanged pressure drop. Firstly, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to compare the flow characteristics of the new cyclone separator with those of the traditional cyclone separator. On this basis, this study comprehensively investigated the pressure drop and separation efficiency of two separators under varying working conditions. The new separator achieved a separation efficiency for particles with a particle size of 1 μm that was approximately 45% higher than that of the traditional separator when the inlet velocity was 2–10 m/s. Besides, the pressure drop of the cyclone separator remained unchanged while the separation efficiency increased by 46% at an inlet flow rate of 2 m/s. The influence of the outlet area of the nozzle inside the new cyclone separator on the separation efficiency and pressure drop was analyzed, and the outlet area of the nozzle with the best overall performance was determined. It was found that the overall performance of the new cyclone separator is optimal when the nozzle outlet area is S/f = 2 cm. Finally, an energy-saving cyclone separator with high separation efficiency was developed through an in-depth study of the variation of particle motion configuration with time. It is worth noting that this study provides a guidance for the flow field analysis and geometry optimization of new gas-solid separators, not limited to cyclone separators.

Anxiety Sensitivity and Distress Tolerance in Relation to Smoking Abstinence Expectancies Among Black Individuals Who Smoke.

Black individuals who smoke in the United States experience significant tobacco-related disparities. Although prior work has established that smoking abstinence expectancies play an important role in smoking-related outcomes, few studies have examined potential individual difference factors that may be relevant to smoking abstinence expectancies among Black individuals who smoke. The present study investigated anxiety sensitivity and distress tolerance in relation to smoking abstinence expectancies among a sample of Black individuals who smoke. Participants were 86 Black adults who smoke cigarettes daily (M age = 46.07 years, SD = 10.37; 26.7% female). Four separate linear regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the relation between anxiety sensitivity, distress tolerance, and their interaction with each of the four smoking abstinence expectancies (i.e., somatic symptoms, positive consequences, harmful consequences, and negative mood). Results indicated that higher anxiety sensitivity was related to higher somatic symptoms, harmful consequences, and negative mood abstinence expectancies, whereas distress tolerance was related to higher positive consequences. Further, anxiety sensitivity and distress tolerance interacted to confer greater expectancies for the positive consequences of quitting. The current findings are among the first to document that anxiety sensitivity and distress tolerance are clinically relevant factors to consider when tailoring smoking cessation treatments for Black individuals who smoke. Future research is needed to examine distress tolerance and anxiety sensitivity as longitudinal predictors of smoking abstinence expectancies among Black individuals who smoke.

Heparin Dosing During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Obesity.

Unfractionated heparin is the most common anticoagulant used during percutaneous coronary intervention. Practice guidelines recommend an initial weight-based heparin bolus dose between 70 and 100 U/kg to achieve target activated clotting time (ACT) of 250-300 seconds. The impact of severe obesity on weight-based heparin dosing is not well studied. We performed a retrospective analysis of 424 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention who received heparin for anticoagulation. We collected detailed data on cumulative heparin administration and measured ACT values in this cohort. We performed separate analyses to identify clinical predictors that may affect dose-response curves. There was significant variability in dosing with mean dose of 103.9 ± 32-U/kg heparin administered to achieve target ACT ≥ 250 seconds. Women received higher initial heparin doses when adjusted for weight than men (97.6 ± 31 vs. 89 ± 28 U/kg, P = 0.004), and only 49% of patients achieved ACT ≥ 250 s with the initial recommended heparin bolus dose (70-100 U/kg). Lower heparin dose (U/kg) was required in obese patients to achieve target ACT. In multivariate linear regression analysis with ACT as dependent variable, after inclusion of weight-based dosing for heparin, body mass index was the only significant covariate. In conclusion, there is significant variability in the therapeutic effect of heparin, with a lower weight-adjusted heparin dose required in obese patients.

Constructing Committing and Leakage-Resilient Authenticated Encryption

The main goal of this work is to construct authenticated encryption (AE) hat is both committing and leakage-resilient. As a first approach for this we consider generic composition as a well-known method for constructing AE schemes. While the leakage resilience of generic composition schemes has already been analyzed by Barwell et al. (Asiacrypt’17), for committing security this is not the case. We fill this gap by providing a separate analysis of the generic composition paradigms with respect to committing security, giving both positive and negative results: By means of a concrete attack, we show that Encrypt-then-MAC is not committing. Furthermore, we prove that Encrypt-and-MAC is committing, given that the underlying schemes satisfy security notions we introduce for this purpose. We later prove these new notions achievable by providing schemes that satisfy them. MAC-then-Encrypt turns out to be more difficult due to the fact that the tag is not outputted alongside the ciphertext as it is done for the other two composition methods. Nevertheless, we give a detailed heuristic analysis of MAC-then-Encrypt with respect to committing security, leaving a definite result as an open task for future work. Our results, in combination with the fact that only Encrypt-then-MAC yields leakage-resilient AE schemes, show that one cannot obtain AE schemes that are both committing and leakage-resilient via generic composition. As a second approach for constructing committing and leakage-resilient AE, we develop a generic transformation that turns an arbitrary AE scheme into one that fulfills both properties. The transformation relies on a keyed function that is both binding, i.e., it is hard to find key-input pairs that result in the same output, and leakage-resilient pseudorandom.

An Empirical Evaluation of a New Heuristic Method for Identifying Safety Improvement Sites on Rural Highways: An Oregon Case Study

Road safety is considered one of the fundamental factors for sustainable mobility, which requires establishing effective highway safety management programs and processes. Identifying safety improvement sites (network screening) is a critical step in the state roadway safety programs. The overall effectiveness of these programs largely relies on the robustness of the network screening method in identifying sites with high potential for safety improvements. This study investigates the network screening performance of a new proposed methodology that employs heuristic scoring schemes to account for roadway and roadside characteristics, crash history, and traffic exposure. The new method, originally proposed for use on rural low-volume roads, is simplistic in that it does not require exact and detailed information on traffic and geometric characteristics and can still be applied in the absence of crash data. The performance evaluation is conducted using a sample of 1495 miles of rural two-lane highway segments in Oregon. The effectiveness of the proposed method is assessed using observed crash history and compared to the well-established Empirical Bayes method as a reference. The effect of traffic level on the performance of the proposed method was evaluated using separate analyses for lower and higher traffic volume segments. The study findings indicate that the effectiveness of the proposed method in identifying sites with potential safety improvements is overall high and slightly exceeded that of the more sophisticated and data-intensive Empirical Bayes method. When data were stratified by traffic volume, the proposed method was found to be more effective for lower volume roads; however, the Empirical Bayes method outperformed the proposed method for higher volume roads.

Enhancing Thermal Efficiency in Steam Generators: An Analysis of Multi-Stage Helical Coils and Vertical Separators with Partition Walls

Enhancing Thermal Efficiency in Steam Generators: An Analysis of Multi-Stage Helical Coils and Vertical Separators with Partition Walls

Fabrication of FeSiBCr/wollastonite amorphous soft magnetic powder cores with low loss and high-quality factor

In this paper, the best magnetic properties of FeSiBCr/wollastonite soft magnetic composites were explored by adjusting the content of wollastonite powder and annea- ling temperature. FeSiBCr/wollastonite soft magnetic composites with low loss and high quality factor were successfully prepared by adding micron-sized wollastonite po-wder into amorphous magnetic powder. Wollastonite was used as the insulating coating material of amorphous magnetic powder for the first time, which showed good performance in reducing the loss of magnetic powder. The loss change of FeSiBCr/wollastonite magnetic powder cores was studied by B-H analyzer and loss separation analysis model. The results show that the total loss (Pcv) of FeSiBCr/woll- astonite composite cores is lower than that of the pure FeSiBCr cores. With the incre- ase of wollastonite powder content and annealing temperature, the total loss of FeSiBCr/wollastonite composite powder cores shows a trend of first decreasing and then increasing. The composite powder cores containing 0.8 wt% wollastonite powder was heat treated at 678 K for 1 hour under the protection of nitrogen, and its magnetic properties were the best, with a permeability of 28.93 and a loss of 196.2 mW/cm3( f =1 MHz and Bm =20 mT). Wollastonite is a new coating material, which has a good effect of reducing loss. At the same time, this work also provides a new scheme for reducing the total loss of soft magnetic powder cores.