Two-phase Linear Regression Research Articles

Pipecolate and Taurine are Rat Urinary Biomarkers for Lysine and Threonine Deficiencies

BackgroundThe consumption of poor-quality protein increases the risk of essential amino acid (EAA) deficiency, particularly for lysine and threonine. Thus, it is necessary to be able to detect easily EAA deficiency. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to develop metabolomic approaches to identify specific biomarkers for an EAA deficiency, such as lysine and threonine. MethodsThree experiments were performed on growing rats. In experiment 1, rats were fed for 3 weeks with lysine (L30), or threonine (T53)-deficient gluten diets, or nondeficient gluten diet (LT100) in comparison with the control diet (milk protein, PLT). In experiments 2a and 2b, rats were fed at different concentrations of lysine (L) or threonine (T) deficiency: L/T15, L/T25, L/T40, L/T60, L/T75, P20, L/T100 and L/T170. Twenty-four-hour urine and blood samples from portal vein and vena cava were analyzed using LC-MS. Data from experiment 1 were analyzed by untargeted metabolomic and Independent Component - Discriminant Analysis (ICDA) and data from experiments 2a and 2b by targeted metabolomic and a quantitative Partial Least- Squares (PLS) regression model. Each metabolite identified as significant by PLS or ICDA was then tested by 1-way ANOVA to evaluate the diet effect. A two-phase linear regression analysis was used to determine lysine and threonine requirements. ResultsICDA and PLS found molecules that discriminated between the different diets. A common metabolite, the pipecolate, was identified in experiments 1 and 2a, confirming that it could be specific to lysine deficiency. Another metabolite, taurine, was found in experiments 1 and 2b, so probably specific to threonine deficiency. Pipecolate or taurine breakpoints obtained give a value closed to the values obtained by growth indicators. ConclusionsOur results showed that the EAA deficiencies influenced the metabolome. Specific urinary biomarkers identified could be easily applied to detect EAA deficiency and to determine which AA is deficient.

Relationships Between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, Parathyroid Hormone, and Bone Mass in 4-Year-Old Children in Dhaka, Bangladesh

ObjectivesElevated serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration was incidentally observed in a high proportion of children in a study in Dhaka, Bangladesh. We explored potential correlates of elevated PTH by estimating the association of PTH with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and associations of 25(OH)D and PTH with bone outcomes.MethodsData were obtained from the BONe and mUScle health in Kids study (BONUSKids; NCT03537443). Total-body less head (TBLH) bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Serum PTH and 25(OH)D were analyzed by chemiluminescent immunoassay and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. BONUSKids participants (n = 642) with DXA, PTH and 25(OH)D data at 4 years were included. Associations between 25(OH)D, PTH and bone outcomes were estimated using unadjusted linear and two-phase linear spline regression models. Model fit was compared using AIC.ResultsAmong the 534 children who met inclusion criteria, 43% were vitamin D deficient (< 30nmol/L) and 30% had PTH > 6.9pmol/L. A non-linear inverse relationship was observed between 25(OH)D and PTH. Model fit was optimized with an inflection point at 25nmol/L, above which the association attenuated (< 25nmol/L: −0.16pmol/L per 1nmol/L change in 25(OH)D [95%CI −0.23, −0.10]; ≥ 25nmol/L: –0.02pmol/L [95% CI −0.04, −0.008]. 25(OH)D was positively linearly associated with TBLH BMC (0.39g per 1nmol/L change in 25(OH)D [95%CI 0.10: 0.69]) and aBMD (0.0004g/cm2 per 1nmol/L change in 25(OH)D [95% CI 0.0002, 0.0006]). There was no significant association between PTH and TBLH BMC. The non-linear association between PTH and TBLH aBMD was negative at PTH > 4pmol/L (< 4pmol/L: 0.002g/cm2 per 1pmol/L change in PTH [95% CI –0.006, 0.01], ≥ 4pmol/L: −0.002g/cm2 [95% CI −0.0038, −0.0002]).ConclusionsThe non-linear inverse association of PTH with 25(OH)D supports the hypothesis that vitamin D deficiency contributed to elevated PTH in this population. Although 25(OH)D was associated with bone outcomes, the magnitude of the association was similar at 25(OH)D concentrations below and above 25nmol/L. PTH was inconsistently associated with bone outcomes, suggesting single measurements of PTH may not be a useful marker of bone health in this setting.Funding SourcesCanadian Institutes of Health Research.

BAYESIAN ESTIMATION AND AN APPLICATION OF GIBBS SAMPLING TECHNIQUE AND RANDOM WALK METROPOLIS - HASTING ALGORITHM IN TWO PHASE LINEAR REGRESSION MODEL

Here, in this research paper, we have applied the Gibbs Sampling Technique and RWM-H (Random Walk Metropolis - Hasting) Algorithm for the Bayesian Estimation of m, β1, β2 and 1/2. Also we have assumed that at some point of time say 'm', the co-efficient of regression changes from β1 to β2. Further, we have discussed about the effects of prior information on the Bayes estimates on the basis of the TPLR (Two Phase Linear Regression) Model with a Bayesian approach.

Minimum dietary methionine requirements in Miniature Dachshund, Beagle, and Labrador Retriever adult dogs using the indicator amino acid oxidation technique.

The objective of this study was to determine the minimum requirement (MR) for methionine (Met), when cyst(e)ine (Cys) is provided in excess, in adult dogs of three different breed sizes using the indicator amino acid (AA) oxidation (IAAO) technique. In total, 12 adult dogs were used: 1 neutered and 3 spayed Miniature Dachshunds (4.8 ± 0.4 kg body weight [BW], mean ± SD), 4 spayed Beagles (9.5 ± 0.7 kg BW, mean ± SD), and 4 neutered Labrador Retrievers (31.8 ± 1.7 kg BW, mean ± SD). A deficient Met basal diet with excess Cys was formulated. Dogs were fed the basal diet randomly supplemented with different Met-Alanine (Ala) solutions to achieve final Met concentrations in experimental diets of 0.21%, 0.26%, 0.31%, 0.36%, 0.41%, 0.46%, and 0.66% (as-fed basis). After 2 d of adaptation to the experimental diets, dogs underwent individual IAAO studies. During the IAAO study day, the total feed was divided into 13 equal meals; at the sixth meal, dogs were fed a bolus of l-[1-13C]-phenylalanine (Phe), and thereafter, l-[1-13C]-Phe was supplied with every meal. The total production of 13CO2 during isotopic steady state was determined by the enrichment of 13CO2 in breath samples, and the total production of CO2 measured using indirect calorimetry. The mean MR for Met and the upper 95% confidence limit (CL) were determined using a two-phase linear mixed-effects regression model. For Miniature Dachshunds, the MR for Met was between the first two dietary Met concentrations and is, therefore, between 35.7 and 44.1 mg.kg BW−1·d−1 (0.21% to 0.26%, as-fed basis; no requirement could be determined on a metabolic BW basis). For Beagles and Labrador Retrievers, the MR for Met was 57.5 and 50.4 mg.kg BW−1·d−1, 107.7 and 121.8 mg/kg BW^0.75, or 0.338 and 0.360%, respectively (as-fed basis). The upper 95% CL of Met requirements was 77.9 and 72.4 mg.kg BW−1·d−1, 147.8 and 159.6 mg/kg BW^0.75,or 0.458 and 0.517% for Beagles, and Labradors, respectively (as-fed basis). When pooling data from Beagles and Labrador Retrievers, the MR and upper 95% CL were 56.0 and 75.8 mg.kg BW−1·d−1 or 118.4 and 150.5 mg/kg BW^0.75 or 0.360% and 0.482% (as-fed basis). In conclusion, the MR and the upper 95% CL for Met are different for Dachshunds when compared with Beagles and Labrador Retrievers. Using this low-protein diet, the estimated upper 95% CL Met requirement for Beagles and Labrador is higher than those recommended in the National Research Council (NRC), but NRC is similar to the estimated upper 95% CL for Dachshunds.

Lysine requirements in small, medium, and large breed adult dogs using the indicator amino acid oxidation technique1

There is a lack of knowledge regarding the lysine (Lys) requirements of mature dogs and whether there are breed differences. The present study aimed to determine the Lys requirement in three breeds of mature dogs using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique. Thirteen adult dogs were used, four Miniature Dachshunds (5.39 ± 0.71 kg; 1.05 ± 0.02 yr old, mean ± SD), four Beagles (8.09 ± 0.40 kg; 5.03 ± 0.09 yr old, mean ± SD), and five Labrador Retrievers (29.42 ± 2.04 kg; 3.30 ± 0.69 yr old, mean ± SD). After 14 d of adaptation to a basal extruded kibble diet, dogs were fed a test diet mildly deficient in Lys (Lys concentration = 0.36%) at 17 (Miniature Dachshunds) or 13 g/kg body weight (BW; Beagles and Labradors) for 2 d. The test diet was supplemented with one of seven isonitrogenous Lys–Ala solutions, resulting in a final dietary Lys concentration of 0.36%, 0.40%, 0.44%, 0.50%, 0.54%, 0.58%, and 0.62% (as-fed basis). Dogs received dietary concentrations of Lys in random order and no dog received the same order. Following 2 d of adaptation to the experimental diets, the dogs underwent IAAO studies. During the IAAO studies, total daily feed was divided in 13 equal meals. At the sixth meal, dogs were fed a bolus of L-[1-13C]-Phe (9.40 mg/kg BW); thereafter, L-[1-13C]-Phe was supplied with every meal (2.4 mg/kg BW). Total production of 13CO2 (F13CO2) during isotopic steady state was determined by enrichment of 13CO2 of breath samples and total production of CO2, measured using indirect calorimetry. A two-phase linear regression model was used to derive the mean Lys requirement, defined as the breakpoint, and the upper 95% confidence limit was calculated as the recommended allowance (RA) for Lys intake. For Miniature Dachshunds, the study was repeated with a feed intake of 14 g/kg BW, but Lys requirements could not be determined at either feed intake, suggesting a requirement below the lowest concentration and intake. Mean Lys requirements for Beagles and Labradors were 0.455% (59.16 mg/kg BW) and 0.440% (57.19 mg/kg BW), respectively, on a dry matter basis. Pooling the data for these breeds provides a mean estimate of the Lys requirement at 0.448% (58.21 mg/kg BW) with an upper 95% CL of 0.526% (68.41 mg/kg BW) on a dry matter basis. In conclusion, the Lys requirements of Beagles and Labradors are similar, while the requirement for Miniature Dachshunds is undetermined and likely lower. The estimated Lys requirement for Beagles and Labradors is higher than the National Research Council recommendation.

Dietary Phenylalanine and Tyrosine Requirements in Healthy Human Pregnancy

Abstract Objectives Phenylalanine (PHE), an indispensable amino acid, is required for protein synthesis and is fundamental for proper fetal development. PHE is the precursor for tyrosine (TYR), a conditionally indispensable amino acid that is crucial for synthesis of dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. The current recommendation for PHE + TYR during pregnancy is 36 mg/kg/d, which is factorially determined and not based on experimental studies. Our objective was to experimentally determine PHE + TYR requirements during early (13–19 wks) and late (33–39 wks) gestation, accounting for potential changes in requirement since metabolism and rate of growth are not static throughout pregnancy. Methods 20 women (22–39 y) were studied using the non-invasive stable isotope based indicator amino acid oxidation technique (with L-[1–,13C]Leucine as indicator) for a total of 51 study days. A range of PHE intakes (5 to 100 mg/kg/d) were provided in early and late pregnancy as isonitrogenous and isocaloric meals on separate study days, in the absence of dietary tyrosine. Breath samples were collected at baseline and isotopic steady state. Samples were analyzed for ,13C enrichment on an Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer, and the PHE + TYR requirement was determined using two-phase linear regression crossover analysis to identify a breakpoint in ,13CO2 production (represents the minimum dietary requirement) in response to changes in PHE intake. Results Results suggest the PHE + TYR requirement is 43 and 55 mg/kg/d in early and late pregnancy respectively. Conclusions Our preliminary results suggest that PHE + TYR requirements in pregnancy are higher compared to current recommendations, and are different between gestational stages. These results are similar to our previous findings of increased requirements for dietary protein, lysine and PHE (in the presence of excess TYR) in late compared to early pregnancy. They also highlight the need to investigate the dietary requirement of the remaining indispensable amino acids during this life stage. Funding Sources Canadian Institute of Health Research.

Adult dogs of different breed sizes have similar threonine requirements as determined by the indicator amino acid oxidation technique

Threonine (Thr) requirements for immature (growing) Beagles have been determined, but little knowledge is available on Thr requirements for maintenance in mature dogs. Moreover, differences of Thr requirements among different breeds or sizes of adult dogs have not been investigated. The objective of the present study was to determine Thr requirements in adult dogs of three different breeds using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique. In total, 13 adult dogs were used, 4 Miniature Dachshunds (5.8 ± 0.4 kg body weight [BW]; 3 spayed and 1 neutered), 4 spayed Beagles (9.3 ± 0.6 kg BW), and 5 neutered Labrador Retrievers (30.5 ± 1.7 kg BW). Dogs were fed a Thr-deficient diet (Thr = 0.23%) and randomly allocated to receiving one of seven concentrations of Thr supplementation (final Thr concentration in experimental diets was 0.23%, 0.33%, 0.43%, 0.53%, 0.63%, 0.73%, and 0.83%; as fed basis) for 2 d. After 2 d of adaptation to the experimental diets, dogs underwent individual IAAO studies. During the IAAO studies, total daily feed was divided into 13 equal meals; at the sixth meal, dogs were fed a bolus of l-[1-13C]-Phenylalanine (Phe) (9.40 mg/kg BW), and thereafter, l-[1-13C]-Phe (2.4 mg/kg BW) was supplied with every meal. Before feeding the next experimental diet, dogs were fed a Thr-adequate basal diet for 4 d (Thr = 0.80% as fed basis) in known amounts that maintained individual dog BW. Total production of 13CO2 during isotopic steady state was determined by enrichment of 13CO2 in breath samples and total production of CO2 measured using indirect calorimetry. The mean requirements for Thr, defined as the breakpoint, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined using a two-phase linear regression model. For Miniature Dachshunds, the two-phase model was not significant, and Thr requirements could not be determined. Mean Thr requirements for Beagles and Labradors were 72.2 and 64.1 mg/kg BW on an as-fed basis, respectively. The requirement for Thr between these two dog breeds was not different (P > 0.10). Thus, the data for Beagles and Labradors were pooled and a mean requirement for Thr was determined at 66.9 mg/kg BW, and the 95% CI was estimated at 84.3 mg/kg BW. In conclusion, estimated Thr requirements for Beagles and Labradors did not differ, and these recommendations are higher than those suggested by NRC (2006) and AAFCO (2014) for adult dogs at maintenance.

Role of the Surface Boundary Conditions in Boreal Spring on the Interannual Variability of the Multistage Evolution of the East Asian Summer Monsoon

AbstractThe seasonal movement of the upper-level jet plays a key role in the evolution of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM). However, it remains unresolved how interannual changes in surface boundary conditions can influence the upper-level flow over East Asia, thereby modulating the onset of the EASM. Here we capture the timing of multistage evolution over East Asia using the upper-level zonal wind in a two-phase linear regression model. In addition, we show the impact of two surface boundary conditions on the timing of the EASM onset related to the strength of the upper-level zonal wind: 1) eastern Eurasian snow cover and 2) western North Pacific (WNP) sea surface temperature (SST) tendency. The eddy heat fluxes induced by the enhanced eastern Eurasian snow cover develop an anomalous anticyclonic circulation to the northwest, which causes anomalous warm southwesterly flow toward the north. These can make a reversal of the meridional temperature gradient, which results in the early monsoon onset via changes in the upper-level jet. The upper-level jet also responds to the SST tendency in April over the WNP via thermal wind balance and the resultant changes in transient eddy-induced heat transport. Our findings suggest potential sources for seasonal predictability in the interannual EASM onset dates.

Free thyroxine level is associated with both relapse rate and poor neurofunction in first-attack Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) patients

BackgroundTo investigate whether the serum free thyroxine (FT4) level is a prognostic factor for the first-attack neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD).MethodsThis retrospective study enrolled 109 patients with first-attack NMOSD. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the relapse rate were used to evaluate the outcomes. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the independent effects of FT4 on relapse and final EDSS. Kaplan-Meier analysis, scatter plot smoothing method, and two-phase piecewise linear regression model were used to investigate the relationship between the FT4 level and the relapse rate.ResultsMultivariate analysis revealed that serum FT4 level might be a risk factor for both final EDSS (β = 0.17; 95% confidence interval: 0.03–0.32) and the relapse rate (HR = 1.18; 95% confidence interval: 1.05–1.32). Furthermore, 1400 days after the onset, nearly 100% of patients in the high-FT4 group relapsed, while only 40% of the patients in the low-FT4 group relapsed. Finally, we found that the relationship between the FT4 level and the NMOSD relapse rate was nonlinear. The risk of NMOSD relapse increased with the FT4 level up to the inflection point of 12.01 pmol/L (HR = 1.45; 95% confidence interval: 1.06–1.98). When the FT4 level was > 12.01 pmol/L, there was no correlation between the FT4 level and the risk of NMOSD relapse (HR = 1.05; 95% confidence interval: 0.78–1.41).ConclusionSerum FT4 level may be a prognostic indicator for the first-attack in patients with NMOSD. High FT4 levels are associated with poor neurofunctions and a high relapse rate in patients with the first-attack in patients with NMOSD.

Robust change point estimation in two-phase linear regression models: An application to metabolic pathway data

In this study, we develop robust versions of the change point estimation methods given by Hudson (1966) and Muggeo (2003) in the two-phase linear regression model. We use a modified maximum likelihood (MML) methodology originated by Tiku (1967, 1968) when the error terms of a two-phase linear regression model are independently and identically distributed as long-tailed symmetric. Proposed estimators are shown to be more efficient and robust using the Monte-Carlo simulation. Julious’s (Julious, 2001) metabolic pathway data is analyzed in the application part of the study. It is shown that for this data using a LS estimator is inappropriate since there is an outlying observation. We therefore use proposed robust estimators instead of LS estimators and obtain more reliable results.

Dietary phenylalanine requirements are similar in small, medium, and large breed adult dogs using the direct amino acid oxidation technique.

We have previously determined phenylalanine (Phe) requirements in mature dogs; however, little information is available on differences of Phe minimum requirements on different breed sizes. The objective of this study was to determine Phe requirements in adult dogs of three different breed sizes using the direct AA oxidation (DAAO) technique. In total, 12 adult dogs were used, four Miniature Dachshunds (5.3 ± 0.6 Kg BW; 1.8 ± 0.1 years old; mean ± SD), four Beagles (8.3 ± 0.7 Kg BW; 6.7 ± 0.2 years old; mean ± SD), and four Labrador Retrievers (34.9 ± 2.2 Kg BW; 4.4 ± 1.4 years old; mean ± SD). A basal Phe-deficient diet with excess of tyrosine (Tyr) was formulated. Dogs were randomly fed the basal diet supplemented with increasing levels of Phe; the Phe content in the final experimental diets was 0.24, 0.29, 0.34, 0.44, 0.54, 0.64, and 0.74%. After 2 d of adaptation to the experimental diets, dogs underwent individual DAAO studies. During the DAAO studies, total daily feed was divided in 13 equal meals; at the sixth meal, dogs were fed a bolus of L-[1-13C]-Phe (9.40 mg/kg BW), and thereafter, L-[1-13C]-Phe (2.4 mg/kg BW) was supplied with every meal. Total production of 13CO2 (F13CO2) during isotopic steady state was determined by enrichment of 13CO2 in breath samples and total production of CO2 measured using indirect calorimetry. The mean requirement for Phe and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was determined using a two-phase linear regression model. To account for differences in feed intake, requirements were expressed in mg.kg BW-1.d-1. The mean requirement for Phe were 41.9, 41.3, and 42.6, and upper 95% CI of Phe requirements were 57.3, 58.4, and 64.8 mg.kg BW-1.d-1 for Miniature Dachshunds, Beagles, and Labrador Retrievers, respectively. The mean requirement and the upper 95% CI for the pooled data (all dogs) was 45.3 and 55.4 mg.kg BW-1.d-1, respectively. In conclusion, the Phe requirements for different breeds were similar among dog breeds studied. However, Phe recommendations proposed in this study are lower than those proposed by NRC and AAFCO (mg.kg BW-1.d-1).

Soil Type, Soil Moisture, and Field Slope Influence the Horizontal Movement of Salmonella enterica and Citrobacter freundii from Floodwater through Soil

Pathogens in soil are readily mobilized by infiltrating water to travel downward through the soil. However, limited data are available on the horizontal movement of pathogens across a field. This study used a model system to evaluate the influence of soil type, initial soil moisture content, and field slope on the movement of Salmonella enterica serovar Newport across a horizontal plane of soil under flooding conditions. Three soil types of varying clay content were moistened to 40, 60, or 80% of their maximum water-holding capacities and flooded with water containing 6 log CFU/ml Salmonella Newport and Citrobacter freundii , the latter being evaluated as a potential surrogate for S. enterica in future field trials. A two-phase linear regression was used to analyze the microbial populations recovered from soil with increasing distance from the flood. This model reflected the presence of lag distances followed by a quantifiable linear decrease in the population of bacteria as a function of the distance from the site of flooding. The magnitude of the lag distance was significantly affected by the soil type, but this was not attributable to the soil clay content. The rate of the linear decline with distance from the flood zone was affected by soil type, initial soil moisture content, and soil incline. As the initial soil moisture content increased, the rate of decline in recovery decreased, indicating greater bacterial transport through soils. When flooding was simulated at the bottom of the soil incline, the rate of decline in recovery was much greater than when flooding was simulated at the top of the incline. There was no significant difference in recovery between Salmonella Newport and C. freundii , indicating that C. freundii may be a suitable surrogate for Salmonella Newport in future field studies.

Safety and Tolerability of Leucine Supplementation in Elderly Men

Leucine, a branched-chain amino acid, has been shown to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and has been suggested to play a role in the prevention of age-related muscle atrophy (sarcopenia). Although leucine supplementation may be beneficial, the efficacious dose of leucine is unknown. Before conducting studies with increased doses of leucine, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for leucine needs to be determined. The objective of this review is to describe 2 current studies to determine the UL for leucine in young and elderly men. Initially, in young men we tested the conceptual model of determining the maximum oxidative capacity of an amino acid to be an ideal marker for identifying the UL. Leucine oxidation, measured with the use of L-[1-13C]leucine, increased with increasing leucine intakes and reached a plateau at higher intakes. Two-phase linear regression analysis identified a breakpoint of 550 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ d−1 (95% CI: 454, 646 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ d−1), with a simultaneous increase in blood ammonia concentrations above normal values (35 μmol/L). Recently, a similar study was conducted in elderly men (∼72 y old). A breakpoint in leucine oxidation was observed at 431 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ d−1 (95% CI: 351, 511 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ d−1), with blood ammonia concentrations above normal (35 μmol/L) at leucine intakes >550 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ d−1. Taking the data together, the UL for leucine intake in healthy elderly men could be set at a value similar to young men, at 500 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ d–1, or ∼35 g/d for an individual weighing 70 kg; or, as a cautious estimate, the leucine UL could also be considered as 351 mg ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ d−1 (the lower 95% CI), which would be ∼24.5 g/d for an elderly individual weighing 70 kg. These studies to determine the UL for leucine in humans are acute diet studies, and future studies with additional biomarkers and long-term supplementation of leucine will be necessary.

Are Physical Activity Patterns Interdependent Between 24-35 Month-olds And Their Parents?

PURPOSE: To evaluate physical activity (PA) interdependence and patterns among under-resourced, urban dwelling 24-35 month-old children and their parents. METHODS: Hip worn accelerometers were used to collect PA data from N = 60 dyads for 7 days at 30Hz. Child and parent data were analyzed in 5s and 60s epochs using Costa (2014) and Freedson (1998) cut points, respectively, with a custom algorithm. Descriptive statistics, correlations, tests for temporal and dyadic interdependence, two-phase linear regression, unbalanced panel data analysis, and a cross-lagged path analysis model were run. Significance level was set a priori at p < 0.05. RESULTS: PA data for 44 dyads (girls: n = 24; women: n = 43) achieved sufficient wear time reliability of r = 0.7 to 0.8. Most children (89%) were insufficiently active, while most parents (82%) met recommended volumes of PA. Vector magnitude (VM) patterns, reflecting PA intensity, were time dependent for children, but were independent from their parent’s VM patterns. Girls and boys participated in activities of similar VM. Child and parent time spent in PA were interdependent for light (LPA) [r(44) = 0.56] and moderate-vigorous (MVPA) [r(44) = 0.40], but not for sedentary (SED) behavior. There were no differences in SED nor LPA time between girls and boys. On average, girls spent fewer minutes per day in MVPA [35.4(19.3)] than did boys [44.1(23.8)], and parents of boys spent fewer minutes in MVPA per day [51.8(28.4)] than did parents of girls [66.5(32.2)] (β1*β2 = 11.797, t = 2.73). Children also spent fewer minutes in MVPA [39.5(21.7)] than their parents [59.6(31.1)] (β = -19.34, t = -4.47). Total time spent in PA (TPA) during a given hour had a significant effect on TPA time in the following hour for children [γ11 = 0.49(0.02), Z = 21.7] and for parents [γ22= 0.73(0.02), Z = 37.6]. After adjusting for respective time spent in TPA during the prior hour, parents showed a stronger effect on children’s minutes in TPA [γ21 = 0.13(0.01), Z = 10.3] than children did on the amount of time their parents spent in TPA [γ12 = 0.12(0.03), Z = 3.4]. CONCLUSION: Time spent in PA is temporally interdependent for very young children and their parents. However, the intensity of PA was independent within dyads. These data suggest that the temporal patterns of children’s PA should be considered when designing PA interventions.

Characterizing Arctic Spring Onset

Abstract The high-latitude atmosphere experiences a rapid state transition during Arctic spring onset (ASO) with distinct warming in surface 2-m air temperature (T2m) occurring over broad geographical regions. Three methods are tested to optimally isolate this transition: The first two, the time derivative and the radius of curvature (RoC) methods, identify periods of large T2m acceleration. The third technique, the two-phase linear regression model, identifies a transition from an approximately steady winter state to a warming spring state. Although all three methods are largely successful in isolating the state transition associated with ASO, the RoC method is most effective in capturing the most rapid temperature increases and is adopted to define ASO in the study. Statistical analyses indicate that the annual ASO timing is roughly bimodal with strong interannual variability but no significant long-term trends. Composite time evolution analyses of ASO uncover a critical warming region over northern Siberia common to most events. Several subcategories of ASO events are identified in which distinct warming signatures are also observed in the Greenland–North American, East Asian, and Alaskan sectors. The characteristic synoptic structures associated with these events are isolated via a parallel composite analysis of sea level pressure. These analyses provide initial evidence that, during ASO, the synoptic evolutions of semipermanent surface pressure systems (oceanic lows and continental highs) provide favorable conditions for rapid regional advective and diabatic warming in the lower troposphere.

Detecting Subtle Seasonal Transitions of Upwelling in North-Central Chile

AbstractBiological productivity in the ocean along the Chilean coast is tied to upwelling that is primarily forced by equatorward wind stress and wind stress curl on the ocean surface. Southerly alongshore flow is driven by the southeast Pacific (SEP) anticyclone, and its intensity and position vary on a range of time scales. Variability of the SEP anticyclone has been linked to large-scale circulations such as El Niño–Southern Oscillation and the Madden–Julian oscillation. The actual timing, duration, and nature of the seasonal meridional drift of the SEP anticyclone are associated with the onset, demise, and strength of the local upwelling season. Seasonal variation is especially marked at the Punta Lavapié (37°S) upwelling focus, where there is a clear upwelling season associated with a change of the cumulative upwelling index (CUI) slope between positive and negative. The Punta Lengua de Vaca (30°S) focus typically exhibits upwelling year-round and has less distinct transitions, making it more difficult to identify an enhanced upwelling season. A two-phase linear regression model, which is typically used to detect subtle climate changes, is applied here to detect seasonal changes in CUI at Punta Lengua de Vaca. This method objectively finds distinct transitions for most years. The spring-to-summer transition is more readily detected and the slackening of the upwelling-favorable winds, warmer waters, and longer wind strengthening–relaxation cycles change the coastal upwelling ecosystem. While the spring-to-summer transition at Punta Lengua de Vaca could be influenced by large-scale circulations, the actual dates of transition are highly variable and do not show a clear relationship.

Barley does not change threonine requirement in growing pigs fed a barley–casein-based diet compared to a casein-based diet, as determined by the indicator amino acid oxidation method

Ileal threonine (Thr) losses increase when young pigs are fed high fiber ingredients such as barley. Barley contains several anti-nutritive factors, e.g., insoluble fibers, which stimulate the secretion of intestinal mucin, a Thr-rich glycoprotein. We hypothesized that because the gut utilizes the majority of dietary Thr, primarily for mucin synthesis, an increase in mucin secretion and ileal losses of Thr will increase the whole body Thr requirement. The objective of this experiment was to compare the Thr requirement of pigs fed a barley–casein diet to a casein diet, using the indicator amino acid oxidation technique. Six barrows were fed diets containing 12% casein or 50% barley/6% casein at 50g/kg body weight/d. After a 7-d adaptation on the 0.35g Thr/kg body weight casein-based diet, pigs were fed casein diets with each of seven Thr levels (0.21–0.54g Thr/kg body weight in a random order) for 2-d with phenylalanine oxidation measured at the end of each period. After a 10-d adaptation to the barley-based diet, the same protocol was followed for barley-based diets with seven Thr levels in the same pigs. Using two-phase linear regression crossover analysis to determine breakpoints in individual pigs, the requirement on casein diet was 0.355±0.014g Thr/kg body weight/d, and 0.397±0.038g Thr/kg body weight/d on barley diets. Overall there was no difference (P>0.05) in Thr requirement between diets.

Changepoint Analysis by Modified Empirical Likelihood Method in Two-phase Linear Regression Models

A changepoint in statistical applications refers to an observational time point at which the structure pattern changes during a somewhat long-term experimentation process. In many cases, the change point time and cause are documented and it is reasonably straightforward to statistically adjust (homogenize) the series for the effects of the changepoint. Sadly many changepoint times are undocumented and the changepoint times themselves are the main purpose of study. In this article, the changepoint analysis in two-phrase linear regression models is developed and discussed. Following Liu and Qian (2010)'s idea in the segmented linear regression models, the modified empirical likelihood ratio statistic is proposed to test if there exists a changepoint during the long-term experiment and observation. The modified empirical likelihood ratio statistic is computation-friendly and its ρ-value can be easily approximated based on the large sample properties. The procedure is applied to the Old Faithful geyser eruption data in October 1980.

Consistency of the posterior distribution and MLE for piecewise linear regression

We prove the weak consistency of the posterior distribution and that of the Bayes estimator for a two-phase piecewise linear regression mdoel where the break-point is unknown. The non-differentiability of the likelihood of the model with regard to the break- point parameter induces technical difficulties that we overcome by creating a regularised version of the problem at hand. We first recover the strong consistency of the quantities of interest for the regularised version, using results about the MLE, and we then prove that the regularised version and the original version of the problem share the same asymptotic properties.

Examination of Chinese habitual dietary protein requirements of Chinese young female adults by indicator amino acid method.

To determine protein requirement of Chinese young female adults on habitual Chinese diet through indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique. Twenty women with a mean (SD) age of 21.6 (0.9) years were healthy based on questionnaire, physical examinations and screening tests. There were three consecutive periods of 7 days each with six different intakes of protein (0.70, 0.78, 0.86, 0.94, 1.02 and 1.10 g/kg·d) within Chinese habitual diets (proportions of good-quality protein were 40 to 45%). Subjects were randomly allocated equally into two groups (1.10, 0.86, 0.78 g/kg·d for group 1 and 1.02, 0.94, 0.70 g/kg·d for group 2 from period 1 to period 3 in turn). Adaptation days were from day 1 to day 6 and the isotope study day was day 7 in each period. Amino acid kinetics was measured in non-menstrual periods, based on the IAAO technique. Two indicators (rate of release of 13CO2 and rate of leucine oxidation) were used to estimate protein requirement by breakpoint analysis with a two-phase linear regression crossover model. Mean and population safe protein requirements of Chinese habitual diets in non-menstrual periods from the rate of release of 13CO2 were 0.91 and 1.09 g/kg·d, respectively. And from the rate of leucine oxidation were 0.92 and 1.10 g/kg·d, respectively. The protein requirement of young women on Chinese habitual diets in non-menstrual period was lower than the current protein reference intake for Chinese females. Further studies are necessary to explore female protein requirements during the whole menstrual cycle.