A Note on the Bias of O'Brien's OLS Test

O'Brien's Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) test is a well known procedure for testing the multivariate one-sided hypothesis when the covariance matrix is unknown. Simulation results have been reported where the actual test level exceeds the nominal one. Here it is shown analytically that the actual level is always larger than the nominal one if the covariance matrix is nonnegative.     

Levels of l-ascorbic acid and cadmium in the saphenous vein of patients with coronary artery disease are negatively correlated

BackgroundThe aim of this study was the simultaneous determination of levels of cadmium and l-ascorbic Acid (AA) in human saphenous vein (SV) used in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and check whether there is a relationship between these levels.MethodsHuman SV were collected from 40 patients (20 men and 20 women; age, 40–75 years) at the time of routine coronary artery surgical revascularization. The concentration of cadmium in the tissue was determined according to the GF AAS—atomic absorption method. The concentration of AA was assayed in supernatant by FIA method with spectrophotometric detection.ResultsAA concentration (mean ± SD); men: 98,7 ± 13,18 μg/g tissue, women: 96,06 ± 11,98 μg/g tissue. Cadmium concentration(mean ± SD); men: 309 ± 103,71 ng/g tissue, women: 348,5 ± 255,71 ng/g tissue. Correlations among concentrations of AA and cadmium were insignificant negative in the group of men (Pearson r = −0,1504, p = 0,5269) and in the group women (Pearson r = −0339, p = 0144).ConclusionsNegative correlations among concentrations of AA and cadmium in human SV obtained in our study may indicate a protective effect of this vitamin in relation to toxic cadmium.     

The relationships between physical capacity and biomechanical plasticity in old adults during level and incline walking

Old compared to young adults exhibit increased hip and decreased ankle mechanical output during walking – a phenomenon known as biomechanical plasticity. Previous comparison studies suggest that low compared to high capacity old adults exhibit larger magnitudes of this plasticity, however the precise relationship between capacity and plasticity magnitude remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to quantify the relationships between physical capacity and biomechanical plasticity magnitude during level and incline walking. Data were collected for 32 old adults walking over level and inclined (+10°) surfaces at self-selected, comfortable speeds. Physical capacity was measured using the Short-Form Health Survey Physical Component (SF-36 PC) and biomechanical plasticity was quantified by ratios of hip extensor to ankle plantarfexor peak torques, angular impulses, peak positive powers, and positive work (larger ratios indicate larger magnitudes of plasticity). SF-36 PC scores correlated positively with all four biomechanical plasticity ratios during level walking and three of the four ratios during incline walking. Some of the biomechanical plasticity ratios correlated positively with comfortable walking speeds and stride frequencies, indicating better walking performance with larger magnitudes of plasticity. Additionally, all four biomechanical plasticity ratios were larger during incline compared to level walking, suggesting the need for larger magnitudes of plasticity during the more difficult task. These results indicate that larger magnitudes of biomechanical plasticity afford functional benefits such as increased level and incline walking performance for old adults. Increased walking performance has the potential to increase quality of life in the growing population of old adults.     

昆明山海棠根部水抽提物对体外微管蛋白聚合的影响

本研究利用猪脑中分离纯化的微管蛋白聚合和解聚反应,分析了非整倍体诱发剂昆明山海棠根部水抽提物(THH)对微管蛋白聚合状态的影响,从该角度探讨了THH诱发哺乳动物非整倍体的机制。秋水仙素(COL)为本研究的阳性对照物。结果发现THH能显著抑制体外微管蛋白的聚合,该抑制效应呈明显的剂量——效应关系。研究结果与我们以往关于THH为非整倍体诱发剂的实验证据相吻合并进一步提示THH可以抑制微管蛋白聚合作为诱发非整倍体的途径之一。     

The Relationship Between Flowering Induction and the Level of Adenosine Triphosphate in Pharbitis nil

A study has been made on the changes of ATP and protein content in cotyledons and apices of Pharbitis nil after flowering induction. Protein content of the cotyledons which have just got through the induction is 68% higher than that of the control, but the difference trends to disappear there after. The. difference of protein content between the induced and uninduced apices is not so obvious in the first three days after induction, but quite evident on the fourth day (30% higher in the induced apices) suggesting that there is some relationship between protein metabolism and flowering induction both in the cotyledons and in the apices. Just after the seedlings have been induced, ATP content of the cotyledons is getting much (134%) higher than that of the control and the tendency is retained towards the fourth day after induction. Generally ATP content in apices is one order of magnitude higher than that in cotyledons. Although ATP content in the apices is only slightly higher than that of the control soon after induction, it gains quite a lot in the second day until the fifth day the end of our experiment. In the third day after induction ATP level in the apices reaehs to the maximum (20.6×10-2 μmol/g, apices) which is 37% higher than that of the control. The results show that flowering induction is bound to be followed by increase of proteins and ATP both in apices and in cotyledoms. It also. shows both formation of the stimulus in induced cotyledons and evocation in the apices might be all concerned in expression of some genes and synthesis of new RNA and protein. According to the maximum peak of ATP in the apices and cotyledons appeared in 3rd to 4th day after induction, it seems that the inductive effect both in the cotyledons and apices might continue for some time under the following uninduced condition.     

Segmentation of electron tomographic data sets using fuzzy set theory principles

In electron tomography the reconstructed density function is typically corrupted by noise and artifacts. Under those conditions, separating the meaningful regions of the reconstructed density function is not trivial. Despite development efforts that specifically target electron tomography manual segmentation continues to be the preferred method. Based on previous good experiences using a segmentation based on fuzzy logic principles (fuzzy segmentation) where the reconstructed density functions also have low signal-to-noise ratio, we applied it to electron tomographic reconstructions. We demonstrate the usefulness of the fuzzy segmentation algorithm evaluating it within the limits of segmenting electron tomograms of selectively stained, plastic embedded spiny dendrites. The results produced by the fuzzy segmentation algorithm within the framework presented are encouraging.     

甲状腺结节行甲状腺腺叶切除术治疗的临床疗效分析

目的:观察甲状腺结节行甲状腺腺叶切除术治疗的临床疗效。方法:资料选取本院2013年2月-2014年2月收治的甲状腺结节患者共96例,随机分为研究组与对照组;研究组48例予甲状腺腺叶切除术治疗,对照组48例予甲状腺次全切术治疗;观察两组患者的手术相关指标、甲状腺激素水平及并发症情况。结果:研究组手术时间(122.18±6.23)min、出血量(73.69±5.47)m L,均显著低于对照组,比较差异明显具统计学意义(P0.05);治疗后研究组患者的甲状腺过氧化物酶(TPO)(65.87±21.06)IU/L、血清促甲状腺激素(TSH)(2.96±7.03)m IU/L,均显著优于对照组,比较差异明显具统计学意义(P0.05);研究组共出现并发症6例(12.50%),显著低于对照组,比较差异明显具统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:甲状腺结节行甲状腺腺叶切除术治疗手术创伤性较小,临床疗效显著,具实际应用价值。     

江苏海门王浩钻孔全新世钙质超微化石的环境意义

初步研究了海门王浩地区ＷＺＫ０１０、ＷＺＫ２１４、ＷＺＫ３００３钻孔中的全新世钙质超微化石组合,优势种Ｇ．ｏｃｅａｎｉｃａ在组合中平均占９７％,依据化石的种数,丰度和保存状况,自下而上划分３个亚组合,第Ｉ亚组合,深度７４－４７ｍ,由Ｇ．ｏｃｅａｎｉｃａ,Ｈ．ｃａｒｔｅｒｉｉ,Ｈ．ｗａｌｌｉｃｈ ｉｉ,Ｓ．ｌａｍｉｎａ,Ｕ．ｓｉｂｏｇａｅ组成,丰度较高,保存较好,代表前三角洲－浅海环境,第Ⅱ亚组合,     

Typical values for pediatric interventional cardiology catheterizations: A standardized approach towards Diagnostic Reference Level establishment

PurposeTo define weight-stratified Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRL) typical values for pediatric interventional cardiology (IC) procedures adopting standardized methodologies proposed by ICRP135 and RP185.MethodsProcedures performed at the pediatric catheterization room of the University-Hospital of Padua were analysed. Patients were stratified into body weight (BW) classes and DRL quantities were analysed for the most performed procedures. Typical values are defined as median P_KA and K_a,r. For database consistency, sampling and exclusion methods were precisely defined. The DRL-curve methodology by means of quantile regression median curves was investigated to assess the relationship between P_KA and weight. A like-to-like comparison with literature was made.Results385 procedures were analysed. A large P_KA variability was observed in each weight group. P_KA differences across BW groups were not always statistically significant. When stratifying by procedure, P_KA variability decreased while correlations of P_KA and P_KA/FT with weight increased. The established typical values are generally lower than DRLs published data, whatever stratification method adopted. The highest P_KA median values were observed for Angioplasty (4.9 and 11.6 Gycm² for 5-<15 kg and 15-<30 kg, respectively). The DRL-curve approach shows promising results for Valvuloplasty and Angioplasty.ConclusionsTypical values for pediatric IC DRL quantities were determined according to ICRP135 and RP185 methodologies. Stratification by BW classification does not reduce the variability of the P_KA values, unlike what happens when stratifying by procedure type. Results seem to corroborate that variability and exposure are more affected by procedure type and complexity than by patient weight. DRL-curve is a feasible approach.     

Investigative Strategies for a Large Former Industrial Facility “The Diamond Shamrock Painesville Works Site”—Case Study of Preremedial Investigation Activities

Environmental managers and regulatory managers face a complex challenge when investigating large geographic sites. The goals of the two parties seem to be diametrically opposed at times. The environmental manager wants to limit his liability both in near-term expenses and in long-term remedial costs and potential litigation. The regulatory manager wants to limit potential exposure of the public and the environment to site contamination. In many ways these goals are the same. However, it appears to the environmental manager that the regulator desires ultraconservative and extensive data collection that prove no risk, whereas it appears to the regulator that the environmental manager may be reluctant to collect such extensive data due to budget limitations. This challenge is amplified when the geographic area of interest is very large. This case study presents an alternative to this dilemma, and it reveals the preliminary steps taken at the 1100-acre Diamond Shamrock Painesville Works Site in Painesville, Ohio. The goal is to strike a balance between the approaches that would be taken by either the environmental manager or the regulatory manager and for the purpose of determining whether site conditions represent human health or environmental concerns and if certain media require remediation.     

不同滤波方法对超声图像分割的影响

采用各向异性滤波方法以及Gabor滤波方法对乳腺肿瘤超声图像进行处理,再使用snake方法以及levelset方法在设置相同参数的条件下,对过滤的图像分别进行分割。试验结果表明,不同的滤波方法在分害4目标图像的收敛度,边缘圆滑度及整体轮廓提取效果都有较大影响,为分割图像选取适当的滤波器提供了参考。     

直接模糊聚类的截取水平选择及其在植被数量分析中的应用

植被生态研究中常用的聚类法,是着眼于研究区域中植被和环境因子呈间断分布或变化梯度较大的一类情况,对原始数据中各个体按其属性进行归类。直接模糊聚类法则以各个体间的属性相近程度来定义一模糊关系矩阵,然后对矩阵取不同的水平截集,从而得出一等级分类。当模糊关系确定以后,截取水平的选择就成了聚类结果的决定性因素。至目前为止,直接模糊聚类中的截取水平通常由分析者主观给定,或者是以逐步试验,逐步修改的方法确定的。这样,聚类结果就不可避免地带有较大的主观和任意性。笔者认为截取水平应选在模糊关系变化较大之处,使聚类结果尽可能地反映原始数据的结构特征。这一原理已被实施于一通用软件中,实例分析表明,如此选择的截取水平确能比较客观地反映原始数据的特征,从而得出较为合理的聚类结果。     

注射硫代乙酰胺及饲喂不同油脂水平饲料建立草鱼肝损伤实验模型

目的通过注射硫代乙酰胺(TAA)及饲喂不同油脂水平饲料建立草鱼肝损伤实验模型。方法 实验草鱼分模型组和对照组,每组分别投喂2.8%油脂组、4.8%油脂组和6.8%油脂组,模型组腹腔注射TAA 300mg/kg,1次/日,注射1 d,共计6个实验组,饲养10周。养殖过程中,于2周、4周和6周对每组实验鱼采血,测定天门冬酸氨基转移酶(AST)、丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)和AST/ALT。结果①模型组特定生长率显著降低了30.5%(P<0.01),成活率平均为73.33%。模型组草鱼肌肉粗脂肪含量显著降低了17.6%,而肝胰脏粗脂肪含量显著增高了13.38%(P<0.01)。②模型组2周、4周和6周时,模型组血清AST/ALT分别为对照组的1.94倍、1.38倍和1.31倍。10周时,模型组草鱼血清AST/ALT增高了10.10%(P>0.05),而血清胆碱酯酶(CHE)降低了6.38%(P>0.05)。模型组草鱼血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活力显著低于对照组8.56%(P<0.05)。③与对照组相比,模型组肝细胞肿胀且边界模糊,肝细胞部分脂肪病变,有部分炎症浸润,并均出现肝纤维化。结论注射TAA及饲喂不同油脂水平饲料可以诱导草鱼肝损伤实验模型,实验模型具备脂肪肝和肝纤维化病理特征。     

Development of phosphatized hardgrounds in the miocene Globigerina Limestone of the maltese archipelago,including a description ofGamopleura melitensis sp. nov. (Gastropoda,Euthecosomata)

In the Maltese Islands two phosphorite layers occur in the Globigerina Limestone Formation (?Aquitanian to Langhian). These layers, labeled C1 and C2, display a multi-stage development with a two-stage hardground development on top (labelled lower and upper hardground). In the lower hardground, lithification and mineralization followed a sedimentary framework betweenThalassinoides burrows, resembling the Cretaceous ‘nodular chalks’ which were marginally phosphatized when they became exposed to the sea floor. In Phosphorite Layer C2, development of this lower hardground has been superimposed by small-scale cycles. It is underlain by one or more omission surfaces each followed by phosphate-rich, bioturbated biomicrites.     

湖泊富营养化对轮虫群落结构及物种多样性的影响

2005年7月至2006年6月, 我们对安徽省芜湖市境内5个湖泊中轮虫的群落结构及部分水质特征参数进行了调查, 用相关加权综合营养状态指数(TLIc)评价了各湖泊的营养水平, 分析了其中的轮虫群落结构、多样性指数及其与TLI_C之间的关系。经鉴定, 5个湖泊中共采集到轮虫79种, 隶属18科31属; 不同营养水平湖泊中出现的轮虫种类数有明显的差异(P<0.01)。除龙窝湖外, 其余4个湖泊中的轮虫种类数与TLI_C均呈显著负相关关系(r＝–0.984, P<0.05)。湖泊水体的富营养化进程显著地提高了轮虫总密度和第一优势种的优势度, 降低了轮虫群落的均匀度和物种多样性指数。     

常规剂量奥美拉唑治疗早产儿喂养不耐受的疗效研究

目的:探讨常规剂量奥美拉唑治疗早产儿喂养不耐受的疗效及对血清胃泌素(gastrin,GAS)的影响.方法:选取60例出现喂养不耐受的早产患儿随机分为2组,对照组30例给予常规处理,治疗组30例在常规治疗基础上于生后第4天开始给予奥美拉唑注射液静脉滴注(0.7mg/kg·d),1次/d,连用5天.采用放射免疫分析法测定治疗组血清胃泌素水平.结果:治疗组胃潴留及腹胀症状消失时间、恢复至出生体重所需日龄、足量胃肠道喂养时间、2周末奶量与对照组比较有显著差异(P＜0.01).治疗组血清GAS水平较对照组明显升高,差异有显著性(P＜0.05).结论:奥美拉唑促进早产儿胃泌素分泌,治疗早产儿喂养不耐受有显著疗效,未见不良反应,为早产儿喂养不耐受的治疗提供了新的治疗方法.     

具无穷时滞的积分微分方程组解与平衡解的相交性

得到关于具有无穷时滞的Ｖｏｌｔｅｒｒａ－Ｌｏｔｋａ积分微分方程组全体正解关于正平衡解具有相交性的一组充分条件和两个推论。