Simple Evaluation Method Research Articles

A Simple Quality Evaluation Method for Proteoglycan after Addition to Beverages.

Over the past 10 years, many products utilizing the functionality of salmon cartilage proteoglycan have come on the market, and consumer awareness of proteoglycan has increased. During this period, the biggest issue has been how to evaluate the amount and quality of proteoglycan in the cartilage extract blended in the products. In this study, we propose an immunological method that can easily evaluate the amount and quality of proteoglycan in the proteoglycan-containing compositions. By the present method, it is possible to evaluate not only the retention of the functional domains of the core protein of proteoglycan, but also that of chondroitin sulfate chains linked to the core protein. Furthermore, the binding activity of proteoglycan to hyaluronan can be evaluated if hyaluronan is used as a probe instead of an antibody. This method is expected to be useful for proteoglycan quality evaluation during the manufacturing process and product storage.

MO458: Superb Micro-Vascular Imaging: An Innovative Ultrasound Technique for Early Detecting of Renal Damage

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Novel ultrasound (US) methods are required to assess qualitative alterations in renal tissue. Superb microvascular imaging (SMI) is an innovative US technique designed for imaging and better visualization of micro-vascularization unseen with color Doppler US. We assume that SMI will provide sufficient information regarding the severity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and reflect renal histological alterations. To assess the early detection of kidney dysfunction and renal fibrosis capabilities of SMI imaging in comparison to the reference standard renal biopsy, in order to determine the usefulness of this approach in the early diagnosis of kidney dysfunction and renal fibrosis. METHOD The SMI was performed in patients (n = 52) with CKD stage 2–5, where some of them underwent biopsy-proven chronic renal dysfunction and fibrosis as part of the diagnosis and therapeutic judgment as needed. In addition, biochemical tests were performed in order to determine kidney function (BUN, Serum Creatinine), a urine collection test for the assessment of proteinuria and estimation of GFR by MDRD formula in patients with CKD of various severity and healthy controls (n = 17). In addition, all subjects underwent SMI US imaging, where vascularity is expressed as SMI index (low index reflects low vascularity/fibrosis and vice versa). RESULTS As expected, SMI vascular index was significantly lower in CKD patients as compared with healthy control (72.2 ± 12.9 versus 49.9 ± 16.7 %, P < 0.01). Interestingly, significant correlation between the SMI index and eGFR was found among the CKD patients (r = 0.56, P < 0.001). Similarly, a keen correlation was found between the SCr and SMI index of the diseased subjects (r = −0.54, P < 0.001). Among those who underwent renal biopsy, SMI index corresponds with the histological alterations such as fibrosis and CKD staging. CONCLUSION These findings show that SMI technique could be used due to its diagnostic capacity as a simple and practical method for evaluation of chronic renal histological changes and for the differentiation between CKD grades.

A simple and effective way to evaluate the accuracy of digital image correlation combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM-DIC)

Digital image correlation (DIC) is a powerful technique enabling mapping of local strain fields with the spatial resolution down to a few nanometers when combined with scanning electron microscopy. However, the accuracy of strain determination is frequently unknown due to a large number of experimental parameters influencing it. Here we present a simple and time-effective method for quantitative evaluation of uncertainties in strain values obtained by DIC. By imposing a fictive hydrostatic strain a high absolute accuracy of mean strain determination is demonstrated with deviations from the target value below 0.03%. At the same time, the precision decreases strongly with the reduction of the subset and step sizes reflecting a fundamental tradeoff between the spatial resolution and trueness of local strain values.

A simple and effective evaluation method for lacustrine shale oil based on mass balance calculation of Rock-Eval data

Because the profit from the development of unconventional resources can be small, success usually depends on the quick identification of favorable areas. It is therefore very important to identify a rapid and robust resource potential evaluation method. However, it is challenging to evaluate shale oil content, especially the recoverable oil part. We explore a new evaluation index (SE) by using Rock-Eval data and mass balance. When SE ˃ 0, the shale interval has already expelled a certain amount of hydrocarbons, so it has poor shale oil potential. When SE is near 0, almost all the generated hydrocarbons are trapped in the shale itself, and simultaneously, no externally migrated hydrocarbons enter the shale. In the case of an SE near 0, the shale oil potential may depend on whether it is organic-rich; however, this type of shale tends to be compact and does not develop fractures. When SE ˂ 0, externally migrated hydrocarbons entered the shale interval, which usually indicates good shale oil potential. The more negative the SE is, the greater the shale oil potential. One of the advantages of this index is that it takes into account not only the residual oil content but also the conditions of hydrocarbon expulsion and migration. Moreover, this method is economical and convenient and is based on commonly available Rock-Eval data.

Evaluation of the postoperative effect of computer-assisted free fibula mandibular reconstruction.

This study aims to establish a standardized, repeatable, and simple digital evaluation method for accurately determining the effect of computer-assisted free fibula mandibular reconstruction. A total of 20 mandibular defect cases caused by tumors were analyzed retrospectively. The coronal, sagittal, and axial mandibular angles were measured and analyzed with Mimics Research 21.0 and 3-matic Research 13.0 software before and after surgery. The effect of computer-assisted free fibula mandibular reconstruction was evaluated. No significant difference was observed in the coronal and axial mandibular angles between the healthy and affected sides before operation (P>0.05). By contrast, a significant difference in sagittal mandibular angle (P<0.05) was noted. No significant difference was found in the coronal, sagittal, and axial mandibular angles between the healthy and affected sides after operation (P>0.05). Conversely, a significant difference was recorded in the absolute value of the coronal, sagittal, and axial mandibular angles between the healthy and affected sides pre-operation and post-operation (P<0.01). Meanwhile, a significant difference was observed in the sagittal mandibular angle between the healthy and affected sides before operation and the axial mandibular angle between the healthy and affected sides after operation in Type Ⅰ defect (P<0.05). Moreover, no significant difference in the 3D mandibular angle was found between the healthy and affected sides before and after operation in other types (P>0.05). Furthermore, no significant difference was recorded in the absolute values of the sagittal and coronal mandibular angles between the healthy and affected sides before and after operation in Type Ⅰ defect (P>0.05). Lastly, a significant difference was found in the absolute values of the 3D mandibular angles between the healthy and affected sides before and after operation in other types (P<0.05). Computer-assisted free fibula mandibular reconstruction can significantly improve 3D mandibular deformities caused by tumors and effectively restore the accurate symmetry of the mandibular anatomical structure. The evaluation method used in this study can accurately evaluate the effects of mandibular reconstruction and provide guidance to preoperative design.

Estimating cetacean population trends from static acoustic monitoring data using Paired Year Ratio Assessment (PYRA).

The cetacean conservationist is often faced with evaluating population trends from abundance data that are either sparse or recorded at different times in different years. The presence of diel or seasonal patterns in the data together with unplanned gaps is often problematic. Such data are typical of those obtained from static acoustic monitoring. We present a simple and transparent non-parametric trend evaluation method, ‘Paired Year Ratio Assessment (PYRA)’ that uses only whole days of data wherever they are present in each of successive pairs of periods of 365 days. We provide a quantitative comparison of the performance of PYRA with traditional generalised additive models (GAMS) and nonparametric randomisation tests that require a greater level of skill and experience for both application and interpretation. We conclude that PYRA is a powerful tool, particularly in the context of identifying population trends which is often the main aim of conservation-targeted acoustic monitoring.

Dynamic behaviour of railway poles built on bridges under train passage in high-speed railways and a simple evaluation method

There have been studies on increased dynamic response of bridges for high-speed railways (HSRs) and damage to the overhead contact line system (OCS), including wires supported by railway poles placed on resonant bridges. However, the dynamic behavior of the poles installed on bridges under train passages, which is considerably related to the damage to the OCS, has not been systematically examined. This study aims to examine the dynamic behaviour of poles installed on bridges and provide a simple calculation method or guidelines for bridge design and OCS maintenance considering pole vibration. First, a field test of a HSR bridge with poles was conducted, and numerical simulations using a finite element model of pole and bridge were validated. Next, a parametric study using the validated numerical model was conducted. The results demonstrated that the multiple resonances observed when the excitation frequency of travelling train matches the bridge and pole frequencies can cause dominant vibration of the poles built at the bridge edge, thus posing a risk of OCS wire fatigue. In addition to the understanding of the basic dynamic behavior, a simple calculation approach based on a theoretical model considering the interaction between the bridge and poles installed at the bridge edge is developed for practical use. The proposed model clarifies train-induced pole top displacements with standard bridge and pole specifications in Japanese HSRs. Using the bridge/pole frequency ratio and bridge span length, the results are presented in the form of a pole response map that can be used to calculate the pole top displacement. Finally, an example of bridge frequency guidelines is provided for extracting and evaluating poles that may require attention for maintaining the OCSs.

Evaluation of para-lingual and molar occlusal relationships as a simple evaluation method for oral function

Evaluation of para-lingual and molar occlusal relationships as a simple evaluation method for oral function

Tumor Accumulation of PIP-Based KRAS Inhibitor KR12 Evaluated by the Use of a Simple, Versatile Chicken Egg Tumor Model.

Simple SummaryOne of the goals of nanoplatform-based cancer therapy is to achieve tumor accumulation of anticancer agents. We have focused on PIP-based KRAS inhibitor KR12 (pyrrole–imidazole polyamide indole-seco–CBI conjugate), which has been reported to exhibit tumor growth inhibition in a xenograft mouse model. To evaluate the tumor accumulation property of KR12, we have synthesized a fluorescently labeled KR12 derivative (KR12-TAMRA) and employed a chicken egg tumor assay, a simple and versatile assay to examine tumor accumulation. Our results show that KR12-TAMRA accumulates specifically in the tumor when injected into a fertilized chicken egg transplanted with human cancer cells. We also demonstrate nuclear accumulation of KR12-TAMRA. Finally, inhibition of tumor growth in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay is shown. These results uncover a number of attractive features of PIP-based KR12 for cancer therapy.Background: The KRAS inhibitor KR12, based on pyrrole-imidazole polyamide (PIP), has been developed and shown to exhibit efficacy in mouse experiments. Because some PIP species exhibit tumor accumulation capability, we decided to evaluate whether the PIP portion of KR12 exhibits tumor accumulation. We employed the CAM assay that provides a simple method for tumor accumulation evaluation. Methods: KR12 PIP was synthesized and conjugated to TAMRA to produce a fluorescently labeled reagent (KR12-TAMRA). This reagent was injected into a fertilized chicken egg that has been transplanted with human cancer cells. Distribution of the red fluorescence was examined by cutting out tumor as well as various organs from the embryo. Results: The red fluorescence of KR12-TAMRA was found to overlap with the green fluorescence of the tumor formed with GFP-expressing cancer cells. We also observed nuclear localization of KR12-TAMRA. Treatment of KR12 that contained the alkylating agent CBI in the tumor-bearing chicken egg resulted in tumor growth inhibition. Conclusions: KR12 contains a PIP that has two key features: tumor accumulation and nuclear localization. KR12 conjugated with CBI exhibits inhibition of tumor growth in the CAM model.

A simple method for on-farm evaluation of sheep welfare using animal-based indicators

Accurate and reliable on-farm protocols are essential in sheep welfare evaluation. However, protocols with a high number of measures are demanding in terms of time. The aim of this trial was to use a few already validated, reliable, feasible, rapid and non-invasive animal-based indicators to evaluate and compare welfare on dairy and mixed purpose sheep farms. Indicators included prevalence of leanness, fleece condition, fleece cleanliness, skin lesions, tail docking, lameness, hoof overgrowth and mastitis. Farmers were asked to rank the relevance of the animal welfare indicators. Nine farms with dairy and nine farms with dual-purpose breeds were tested. The relevance given by eighteen farmers was affected by the type of indicators. Farmers scored mastitis as the most relevant welfare indicator, followed by leanness and lameness. The least relevant indicator was docked tail. The prevalence of poor fleece condition was lower in dairy sheep, whereas dual-purpose farms had higher prevalences of tail-docked animals. Farms showing a higher prevalence of skin lesions had animals with lower body condition and higher longevity. Hoof overgrowth was positively correlated with fleece dirtiness. No differences between dairy and dual-purpose farms were found in terms of the final score, which ranged from 33 (best welfare score) to 187 (worst welfare score). The final score was highly variable among farms. Identification of indicators showing higher prevalences allow the farmers to identify the main areas for intervention at farm level.

Sensory evaluation and prediction of bulk wine by physicochemical indicators based on PCA‐PSO‐LSSVM method

It is difficult to implement the sensory quality evaluation of bulk wine before and after transportation due to geographical, time, cost, and personnel limitation. This study aimed to use the physicochemical indicators of bulk wine to construct an evaluation model of sensory quality. First, this paper designed and carried out the simulation experiment of bulk wine transportation and obtained experimental data on physicochemical and sensory indicators of wine. Afterwards, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the dimension and fuse features of the physicochemical index. Then, the extracted features were used as the input of the evaluation model, least square support vector machine (LSSVM) was constructed for sensory evaluation, and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was selected to optimize LSSVM parameters. Finally, the PCA-PSO-LSSVM model was practically applied in sampled winery. The results showed that comparing models’ accuracy the PCA-PSO-LSSVM model was superior to traditional models LSSVM and PSO-LSSVM, there is significant difference between PCA-PSO-LSSVM and LSSVM, and the predictive accuracy in appearance and taste attributes was high and the overall prediction accuracy was 86.6%. The application results revealed the changes of sensory quality for bulk wine after transportation. This research provides a set of simple and feasible methods for the sensory evaluation of bulk wine. Practical applications To study the method of using the basic physicochemical index of wine to intelligently evaluate the sensory attributes of bulk wine, so as to realize the accurate evaluation of the quality of bulk wine after transportation. By comparing the comprehensive and accurate quality evaluation before and after the bulk wine transportation, it is helpful for wine companies to understand the impact of the transportation link on the wine quality, further improve the transportation method of bulk wine, and ensure the quality of the wine has important practical significance.

New in vitro SPF Evaluation Method for Hydrophilic Sunscreen Samples.

A new method was developed for the in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) evaluation of sunscreen samples. A new type of substrate, a hydroxyalkyl cellulose-coated plate, was also prepared specifically for hydrophilic samples. This new substrate was required because hydrophilic samples would be unlikely to wet the surface of the standard cosmetic PMMA UV evaluation plate. A super-hydrophilic quartz plate was prepared by corona-discharge treatment before an aqueous solution of hydroxyalkyl cellulose was spread on it. A flat and uniform hydroxyalkyl cellulose film was subsequently formed through the evaporation of water. Special care was taken to inhibit the generation of spatial non-uniformity. Six hydrophilic sunscreen samples with in vivo SPF values of 56, 55, 52, 25, 15, and 4, were then applied to the prepared hydroxyalkyl cellulose-coated plate, as well as a super-hydrophilic quartz plate and a flat hydrophobic PMMA plate. The thicknesses of the applied layers were determined using a wheel-shaped wet film thickness gauge immediately after the application, and UV transmission was measured using an SPF analyzer. The value of in vitro SPF was calculated from the UV absorbance and the thickness of the layer. For two out of the six samples, PMMA plate could not be available, as the samples were unable to wet the PMMA surface. Relatively small differences were observed between the in vitro SPF values when the super-hydrophilic and hydroxyalkyl cellulose-coated plates were used. Samples exhibiting higher in vivo SPF were also associated with higher in vitro SPF values, although a linear relationship was not observed. In contrast to the super-hydrophilic plate whose half-life of the super-hydrophilicity is only approximately five days, the hydrophilicity of the hydroxyalkyl cellulose-coated plate scarcely varied during six months of storage. Finally, a simplified evaluation method was also proposed. The validity of the method was verified through a ring test where three researchers employed this method in different laboratories at three independent organizations.

A simple specimen preparation method for histopathological evaluation of vestibular organs

Vestibular organs consist of the maculae staticae, which are located in both the utricle and saccule, as well as the semicircular ducts and their ampullas. There have been no reports on specimen preparation methods for vestibular organs, including maculae staticae or semicircular ducts. In this study, we investigated highly reproducible methods of preparing vestibular organ specimens for histopathological examinations. We established a method that allows researchers to observe the utricle and saccule, including otoliths, the ampulla of a semicircular duct, and parts of semicircular ducts. This highly reproducible method is useful for histopathological analysis of mice with symptoms of abnormal equilibrium caused by medical toxicity and genetic modification.

Метод интегральной оценки уровня эксплуатационных свойств горюче-смазочных материалов

The simple calculation method for fuels and lubricants performance properties integral predictive evaluation is described.Method allows multidimensional convolution and comparison of all quantitative information about performance properties received during testing (exploitation in equipment) of fuels and lubricants and then represented in mathematical models of chemmotological processes. Method also allows to rise objectiveness of fuels and lubricants performance properties laboratory testing and evaluation during exploitation in equipment. Some illustrations of application of proposed method with regards to diesel fuels, automotive gasoline and hydraulic fluids are provided.

Multiobjective Reliability‐Based Design Optimization of Recycled Aggregates Used in Corrosive Environment Based on Response Surface Modelling

In this study, durability properties of concrete samples including rapid chloride migration and electrical resistance as corrosion evaluation indicators were tested. The effects of some environmental parameters including humidity percentage, temperature, and chloride concentration were also examined on concrete electrical resistance. The prediction models for mechanical and durability parameters of concrete were obtained using the response surface method. These models were then evaluated using a metaheuristic optimization algorithm coupled with a simple and fast usability new method of reliability evaluation. Eventually, the probabilistic optimal values of using recycled aggregates were calculated for achieving environmentally friendly concrete. Probabilistic multiobjective optimization results revealed that, in an environment with humidity of 70%, temperature of 23°C, and chloride ion concentrations of 3%, 5%, and 8%, use of recycled aggregates for above different chloride ion concentrations was limited to (33.56%, 13.23%), (32.14%, 5.56%), and (13.23%, 2.86%), recycled coarse and fine aggregates, respectively. Furthermore, optimization procedures were performed for the environment or precontaminant recycled aggregate with the chloride concentration of 10%, but the analysis procedure did not converge to an optimum design point.

Toe-lift test: a novel, simple and noninvasive in vivo method for contractile evaluation of tibialis anterior muscle

Tibialis anterior (TA) muscle has frequently been used for scientific experiments, particularly for muscle contractile assays, because of its anatomical advantages. However, classical evaluation methods for the TA muscle, such as EMG and force transducer, require experimental skills to acquire reliable results. Furthermore, because sacrificing experimental animals is usually indispensable for both methods, sequential observations cannot be performed. Therefore, developing a simple, objective, and animal friendly evaluation system was warranted. In this article, we introduce a novel, simple, and noninvasive in vivo evaluation method for the TA muscle called the toe-lift test (TLT), which is not only easy to perform but also capable of detecting contractile strength precisely. Because the TLT does not require experimental animal sacrifice, performing assessments over time, such as in sequential observation, is possible. This novel method represents a solution to the need for a simple, noninvasive, and effective method for TA muscle contractile evaluation.

Skin Microstructure Segmentation and Aging Classification Using CNN-Based Models

The skin surface is composed of a network-like microstructure comprising wrinkles. Observing and analyzing the microstructure of the skin that changes with the skin condition and aging are simple, stable, and accurate evaluation methods for skin diagnosis. However, the skin surface includes various morphological and topological changes, depending on the individual or the degree of aging. It is difficult to accurately extract and analyze a skin microstructure including these changes. Therefore, we perform skin microstructure segmentation and aging analysis by using convolutional neural network (CNN) models. First, we propose a fusion UNet model to extract the skin microstructure. We compare and evaluate the segmentation performance by using an image processing method and deep learning models. Next, we classify skin aging based on the skin microstructure. For the classification, we use four mobile CNN models: NASNet-Mobile, MobileNetV2, MobileNetV3-Small, and EfficientNet-B0. Subsequently, we compare and evaluate their classification performances. Results show that the segmentation images of the fusion U-Net are most similar to the ground truth, and the fusion U-Net model can detect fine wrinkles that are difficult to identify by the naked eye. In the microstructure-based classification of skin aging, MobileNetV3-Small exhibits the best performance with an accuracy of 94%. The proposed method facilitates an objective and quantitative analysis of the skin surface with more diverse aging characteristics. Consequently, the association between skin aging and skin microstructure changes is confirmed. Our study can be utilized in the diagnostic studies on various skin characteristics, including skin texture, anisotropy, and roughness. The proposed method can also be applied to a mobile-based self-diagnosis system.

Reference equations of oxygen uptake for the step test in the obese population.

The aim of this study was to establish reference equations for the six-minute step test (6MST) based on demographic, anthropometric, body composition, and performance variables able to predict oxygen uptake (V̇O2) in obese individuals. Seventy-three obese adults (42±14 years old, body mass index >30 kg/m2) from both sexes were included. They underwent anamnesis, body composition evaluation, and the 6MST with expired gases registered simultaneously. Three equations were developed for the obese population (n=73; 59% female). The first equation was composed of the up-and-down step cycles (UDS), sex, and age as predictors; the second equation was composed of the UDS, age, and lean mass (LM). Both equations collectively explained 68.1% of the V̇O2 variance in the 6MST, while the third equation, composed of the UDS, age, and body mass, accounted for 67.7% of the V̇O2 variance. UDS, sex, age, LM, and body mass were important V̇O2 predictors of 6MST in these obese individuals. This study contributes to the dissemination of a simple, inexpensive, and fast evaluation method that can provide important indicators of cardiorespiratory fitness and guide strategies for rehabilitation.

In Vitro and In Vivo Model for Sepsis Through Non-canonical NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation.

Sepsis is a complex disorder related to dysregulation of the host response to infection and is a major health problem worldwide owing to its high mortality rates. However, the exact mechanisms causing sepsis remains unclear because of the complexity of the underlying pathways. Dysregulation of non-canonical NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation induces septic shock by promoting pyroptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine production (e.g., interleukin-1β) via caspase-11 and Gasdermin-D. Herein, we describe a rapid, simple method for evaluation of the degree of sepsis by investigating non-canonical inflammasome activation in both in vitro and in vivo models. The method is expected to be useful for testing and screening drugs for the treatment of sepsis.

Non-iterative equivalent linearization method for generating seismic fragility curve of equipment

In the seismic PRA, tremendous computational and human resources are required to evaluate the seismic fragility curves of facilities in a nuclear building, so the development of a simple evaluation method has been desired. In this study, we propose and apply a non-iterative equivalent linearization method for evaluating the real capacity (median value of fragility curve) and propose a method that can easily evaluation seismic fragility curves. Then, the method was tested using 6 equivalent linearization models for equipment installed on the ground surface and comparing the results with those obtained using nonlinear analysis. The validation was done by using 37 ground motion records observed by Japan Meteorological Agency. As a result, the equivalent linearization method proposed by Liu et al. (2015) and Watabe et al (1985) can obtain relatively stable results. In particular, the equivalent linearization method of Liu et al. was found to be independent of parameter changes.