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Although hypertension is highly prevalent among the elderly and significantly contributes to cardiovascular disease risk, studies focusing on male elderly individuals over 85 years old are relatively scarce. This study aimed to investigate ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) characteristics in male hypertensive patients aged over 85 years. These included demographic characteristics, antihypertensive drug use, 24‐h ABPM values, diabetes, coronary heart disease, sleep disorders, smoking history, and drinking history, and the differences in ABPM between the age groups over and under 85 years old were analyzed. A total of 585 elderly hypertensive patients were included. The mean systolic blood pressure in individuals aged over 85 years was significantly greater throughout the day (131.57 ± 12.52 mmHg vs. 123.75 ± 2.74 mmHg, p <.001). In the 85 years older age group, the nighttime variability coefficient of SBP was lower at 7.84 ± 2.9 than the under 85 years age group 8.92 ± 3.13 (p <.001). The 85 years older age group age group presented a significantly greater whole‐day systolic blood pressure standard deviation of ABPM (13.2 ± 3.19 vs. 12.47 ± 3.05, p =.005) compared with those under the age of 85 years. In the 85 years older age group, the proportion of individuals with the reverse dipper pattern was higher (48.15% vs. 38.31%, p =.017) than under 85 years age group. This study revealed that elderly male hypertensive patients aged over 85 years presented elevated average blood pressure levels. The research investigated ABPM characteristics. Older hypertensive individuals are more likely to have a reverse‐dipper blood pressure pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Programmed cell death receptor (ligand)‐1 inhibitors (PD‐(L)1), as the preferred immunotherapy, have been widely used in the Chinese mainland and drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) has been reported. The study aimed to investigate the clinical features or risk factors for immunotherapy‐related DILI. Methods: Patients who received PD‐(L)1 inhibitors from January 2020 to July 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The likelihood of DILI was adjudicated by the Roussel‐Uclaf causality assessment. Results: A total of 1175 patients were included in the study and 89 patients (7.6%) developed DILI, of which 12 (13.5%) progressed to acute liver failure (ALF) and three (3.4%) died. Among the DILI population, 56 (62.9%) had a cholestatic pattern and exhibited a prolonged treatment course and duration for resolution compared to the hepatocellular and mixed patterns. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and abnormal baseline of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) had increased risks of DILI by 2.1‐fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.231–3.621), 1.9‐fold [95% CI, 1.123–3.325] and 2.1‐fold [95% CI, 1.317–3.508], respectively. The model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score had a c‐statistic of 0.894 (95% CI, 0.778–1.000) with a sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 95% for poor outcomes. COX analysis showed that the MELD ≥ 18 was predictive of immunotherapy‐related ALF or death. Conclusions: PD‐(L)1 inhibitor‐related liver injury manifests primarily as a cholestatic pattern, on which corticosteroid treatment has minimal effect compared to hepatocellular and mixed patterns. MELD score ≥ 18 at the time of liver injury performed best in the prediction of ALF or death in immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)‐related DILI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, more and more studies have shown that the air may be an important source of microplastics (MPs) in the environment. But there is still a lack of research on MPs in the atmosphere. Here, we obtained the results of MPs concentration in atmospheric deposition in Shaanxi Province. Sampling was carried out for 6 months in 10 cities in Shaanxi Province and three different functional areas in Xi'an City. The results show that the MPs exist widely in the air of Shaanxi Province. The lowest MPs concentration of MPs was observed in Tongchuan (TC) and the highest in Xi'an (XA). Factors affecting the distribution of MPs in the atmosphere may include climate and urban population. Spectral analysis revealed that these MPs consisted of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PET, PAN, PE, and PP constituted the majority (90%) of the detected polymer types. The current research aims to contribute to the limited existing knowledge by examining the presence of MPs in all (wet and dry) atmospheric deposition in the urban environment of Shaanxi Province. The quantity, size, shape, and polymer type are evaluated, thereby improving our understanding of the characteristics of MPs deposition in urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: As functional oligosaccharides, feruloyl oligosaccharides (FOs) exhibit the physiological activities of both ferulic acid and oligosaccharides. In this study, FOs were prepared by fermenting wheat bran with the generally recognised as safe (GRAS) bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens IT‐45. On the fourth day of fermentation, the activities of xylanase and cellulase reached 447.67 and 33.41 U/mL, respectively. UV, FTIR, and HPLC were used to characterise the structure properties of wheat bran FOs from B. amyloliquefaciens IT‐45 fermentation. The monosaccharide compositions of FOs were mainly composed of xylose and arabinose. Under the optimal conditions of fermentation time of 4 days, fermentation temperature of 25 °C, initial pH of 6.5 and inoculation amount of 11% (v/v), the maximum yield of FOs in the broth was 0.6397 mM. In vitro antioxidant activity analysis showed that FOs prepared by B. amyloliquefaciens fermentation had good scavenging ability against ABTS, DPPH and hydroxyl radicals, demonstrating the application potential. The results provided a relatively environmentally friendly and food‐safety way to prepare feruloyl oligosaccharides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life‐threatening complication that can occur in patients with lung cancer. In this study, we aimed to identify risk factors and examine the clinical characteristics of advanced lung cancer patients with PE. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients admitted to our two hospitals between January 2020 and June 2022. The case group consisted of patients with lung cancer and PE, and a closely matched control group was included to identify risk factors. Statistical analysis was conducted using R language. Results: A total of 4957 patients were reviewed, and 162 patients (comprising 54 cases and 108 controls) were included in this study. The prevalence of lung cancer with PE in the study population was 1.08%. The majority of patients were male, and the most common histological subtype was adenocarcinoma (67%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, and poorly differentiated non‐small cell lung cancer. The majority of patients had a high performance status (PS) score, with 50% experiencing respiratory failure (mainly hypoxia) and 33% with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Forty‐eight percent of patients were diagnosed with concurrent PE. Further analysis showed that PE was an independent predictor of poor survival, and a PS score of >1 was an independent risk factor for PE in patients with lung cancer. Conclusion: Our study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology and prognosis of PE in lung cancer patients and suggests that a poor ECOG PS, which has not been previously reported, is an independent risk factor for PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The research was aimed to study the impact of various treatments on characteristics of bio‐calcium from hybrid catfish bone. Bio‐calcium from hybrid catfish bones (raw bone) was prepared using several 4 steps including high‐pressure water jet process (washed bone), soaking in alkaline solution (protein removal), ethanol immersion process (lipid removal), bleaching and grinding to obtain bio‐calcium powder. The obtained bio‐calcium had a yield of 14.46 g 100 g−1. Bio‐calcium had low protein, fat and moisture contents but had high ash content (P ≤ 0.05). Bio‐calcium was rich in calcium and phosphorus. Bio‐calcium contained high hydroxyproline content of 27.70 mg g−1 samples. Moreover, high contents of proline, glycine, aspartic acid alanine and glutamic acid were found in bio‐calcium. The ethanol immersion, bleaching and grinding process effectively decreased Thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) values and total volatile acids (P ≤ 0.05) of bio‐calcium powder compared with washed bone, protein and lipid removal processes. Therefore, this research provided an alternative source for bio‐calcium production, which can develop as fortified in food products, calcium supplements and biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the prevalence and characteristics of anxiety in patients with pulmonary nodules that was assessed by Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) scores. A total of 890 patients were enrolled in this study, including incidence of absence of anxiety n = 343 (38.54%), mild or probable anxiety n = 459 (51.57%) and moderate or definite anxiety n = 79 (8.88%) and obvious anxiety n = 9 (1.01%), respectively. According to the definition of anxiety, 88 (9.89%) patients were enrolled in anxiety group. The incidence of anxiety in females was significantly higher than male (11.98% vs. 7.20%, p = 0.018), patients with respiratory symptoms were significantly higher than without respiratory symptoms (13.33% vs. 8.50%, p = 0.029) and diameter of pulmonary nodules >8 mm is significantly higher than ≤8 mm (13.35% vs. 7.10%, p = 0.002). Regression analysis showed that female (OR = 0.548, 95% CI: 0.340–0.884), family history of malignant tumour (OR = 1.691, 95% CI: 1.067–2.678), respiratory symptoms (OR = 1.713, 95% CI: 1.073–2.733) and diameter >8 mm (OR = 2.135, 95% CI: 1.350–3.375) were independent risk factors of anxiety. Further analysis of 88 patients with anxiety showed the sum of psychic anxiety was significantly higher than somatic anxiety (16.66 ± 2.46 vs. 0.97 ± 1.10, p < 0.0001). Hence, vast majority of patients with unconfirmed pulmonary nodules suffered various severity of anxiety and manifested as psychic anxiety. And gender, respiratory symptoms, family history of malignant tumour and diameter of pulmonary nodules were independent influencing factors of anxiety. Effective strategies urgently need exploring and providing for improving the mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual hesitant fuzzy set (DHFS) describes the uncertainty in the real world by using the membership degree and nonmembership degree. It can collect fuzzy information comprehensively and apply them into decision‐making tasks efficiently. In this article, we extract some characteristics, such as the average function, variance function, hesitancy degree to describe a dual hesitant fuzzy element, and develop novel distance measures of DHFSs based on these characteristics. Further, we investigate their properties and prove the triangle inequality of distance measure. Finally, we apply it in practical medical diagnosis to illustrate the validity of our proposed distance measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extremely persistent heavy rainfall (EPHR) generated by landfalling tropical cyclones (LTCs) can cause destructive natural disasters. In this study, hourly precipitation data and best‐track data set for 2009–2019 are used to investigate the basic characteristics and preliminary causes of LTC‐generated EPHR over China. Using the relative threshold method, heavy precipitation lasting more than 7 hr is defined as EPHR. The result shows that most of the EPHR events occur in the south and southeast China, especially in the northwest of Hainan Island and the coastal areas of Zhejiang. The maximum duration of EPHR can reach 13 hr with a maximum cumulative rainfall of 668.9 mm. EPHR in the intermediate region (150–300 km away from the tropical cyclone (TC) center) of the LTCs tends to have a higher frequency and greater intensity, and the development process of the EPHR events exhibits a significant asymmetrical feature. Although EPHR accounts for a relatively small proportion (29.4%) of duration in EPHR events, it accounts for a large proportion (61.0%) of cumulative precipitation. The combination effects of topographic forcing and tracks of the TCs directly determines the high incidence areas of EPHR. And the preliminary causes of EPHR are mainly due to the upliftment or blocking effects of the topography. In addition, the translation speed and intensity of the TC can also restrict the generation of EPHR. In general, a stronger and slower TC is more likely to cause EPHR events when it passes through north of Hainan Island or makes landfall at Zhejiang‐Fujian area. Key Points: Heavy rainfall lasting more than 7 hr is defined as extremely persistent heavy rainfall (EPHR) and its maximum duration can reach 13 hrEPHR events mainly occur in the northwest of Hainan Island and the coastal areas of ZhejiangThe terrain and the tracks of tropical cyclones directly affect the distribution of EPHR events [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the characteristics of healthcare workers (HCWs) infected with COVID‐19 and to examine their sources of exposure. Methods: A descriptive cross‐sectional study using data extracted from the centralized disease notification system comprising individuals confirmed with COVID‐19 in Singapore between 23 January and 17 April 2020. Occupation of HCWs was categorized into six categories. Their job nature was classified into "frontline" or "back‐end" based on the frequency of direct patient contact, and source of exposure was classified as family/household, social interaction or workplace. Chi‐square and median tests were used to identify differences between categorical groups and sample medians, respectively. Results: A total of 88 (1.7%) HCWs were identified from 5,050 cases. Their median age was 35 years. Chinese and Indians constituted 42.0% and 31.8%, respectively, and 43.2% were foreigners. The majority (63.6%) was serving at frontlines handling patient‐facing duties, 15.9% were doctors, 11.4% were nurses and 44.3% were ancillary staff. About 81.8% acquired the infection locally, of which 40.3% did not have a clearly identifiable source of exposure. Exposure from the family/household was most common (27.8%), followed by workplace (16.7%) and social interaction (15.3%). All HCWs were discharged well with no mortality; three (3.4%) were ever admitted to intensive care unit and required increased care. Conclusion: Healthcare workers accounted for a small proportion of COVID‐19 cases in Singapore with favourable outcomes. The possibility of transmission resulting from family/household exposure and social interactions highlights the need to maintain strict vigilance and precautionary measures at all times beyond the workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe clinical characteristics of ulceration over tophi in patients with gout and determine risk factors associated with ulceration. Methods: Patients presenting with tophi or ulceration(s) over tophi were prospectively recruited and their clinical characteristics were recorded. Comparison of clinical characteristics and risk factors for ulceration were analyzed between groups. Results: A total of 105 patients were enrolled. Thirty‐three patients with ulcerations were older, with prolonged duration with gout and tophi, a higher rate of obesity, greater numbers of tophi, lower levels of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and higher levels of serum creatinine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein. The mean duration of ulceration was 1.63 ± 2.32 months. The ulcerations were mainly located in the ankle (34.21%) and metatarsophalangeal joints (39.47%), with a mean size of 32.37 × 22.76 mm. The majority of ulcerations were categorized as stage I (42.4%) and stage II (51.5%). In univariate regression analysis, age, glucocorticoid overuse, gout duration, tophi duration, tophi number and GFR were associated with ulceration. In the multivariable model, significant differences were demonstrated in glucocorticoid overuse, tophi duration, tophi number. Conclusions: Gout patients with ulceration(s) over tophi present several different aspects of clinical characteristics compared with those without ulceration. The ulcerations are most commonly seen in feet and they are mainly categorized as stages I and II. Glucocorticoid overuse, prolonged duration with tophi and greater numbers of tophi are risk factors for ulceration over tophi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper documents a negative relationship between options‐trading volume and stock returns. The relationship is remarkably robust and cannot be explained by existing asset‐pricing theorems. We find that strategies that require buying stocks with low options‐trading volume in the past and selling stocks with high options‐trading volume in the past generate significant positive abnormal returns. Further analysis indicates that the pattern mostly represents a characteristic effect, in which options trading predicts stock returns through its relationship with determinant characteristics such as beta, illiquidity, and idiosyncratic volatility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) products are characterized by relatively favorable compressive strength at low density and high thermal insulation and thus significantly affect the saving of the energy needed for heating buildings, ensuring them a healthy microclimate. The modern technologies of manufacturing AAC, characteristic of AAC products and effects relating with them to show that above production of AAC blocs and applying them to building industry meets the requirements of sustainable development. Over the years, the standardization of AAC was developing. There is currently one “EN 771–4 10 Specification for masonry units – Part 4. Autoclaved aerated concrete masonry units.” It would be necessary to consider additional research to point explore multipurpose use AAC in different European Union countries. The article presents functional properties of AAC, which are important from the construction process and users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gelatins from nondefatted and defatted seabass skins were characterised and evaluated for their functional properties in comparison with commercial fish skin gelatin. All gelatins contained α1- and α2-chains as the predominant components and showed a high imino acid content (199-201 residues/1000 residues). All gelatins had a relative solubility greater than 90% in the wide pH ranges (1-10). Foaming properties of all gelatins increased with increasing concentrations (1-3%, w/v). Gelatin from defatted skin had higher foam expansion and stability than that extracted from nondefatted skin. Emulsion containing gelatin from defatted skin had smaller oil droplet size ( d32, d43), compared with that having gelatin from nondefatted skin ( P < 0.05). After 10 days of storage at room temperature (28-30 °C), emulsion stabilised by gelatin from defatted skin showed the higher stability as indicated by the lower increases in d32 and d43, and lower flocculation factor and coalescence index. Coincidentally, emulsion stabilised by gelatin from defatted skin had higher zeta potential than that containing gelatin from nondefatted skin. Thus, defatting of seabass skin directly affected characteristics and functional properties of resulting gelatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shiitake mushroom ( Lentinula edodes) caps were puffed using pulsed microwave-vacuum puffing (PMVP), microwave-vacuum puffing (MVP) and microwave puffing (MP). The response surface method was used to optimise the process parameters for using PMVP to puff mushroom caps. The experiments were conducted using a central composite design to determine the visual appearance and initial moisture content (30-50%) of the mushroom caps. The initial moisture content and microwave power intensity showed highly significant linear relations with the expansion ratio and sensory evaluation. The optimal conditions for puffing mushroom caps were initial moisture content, microwave intensity, vacuum pressure and pulse ratio of 35%, 40 W g−1, 77.5 ± 1.5 kPa and 1.35, which resulted in an optimal expansion ratio and sensory score of 163.2% and 6.83, respectively. The caps puffed using PMVP showed better textures, sensory scores and microstructures than those puffed using either MP or MVP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The Korean Acute Heart Failure registry ( KorAHF) aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics, management, hospital course, and long-term outcomes of patients hospitalized for acute heart failure syndrome ( AHFS) in Korea. Methods and results This is a prospective observational multicentre cohort study funded by the Korea National Institute of Health. Patients hospitalized for AHFS in 10 tertiary university hospitals across the country have been consecutively enrolled since March 2011. The study is expected to complete the scheduled enrolment of 5000 patients some time in 2014, and follow-up is planned through 2016. As of April 2012, the interim analysis of 2066 consecutive subjects was performed to understand the baseline characteristics of the population. The mean age was 69 ± 14 years; 55% were male; and 50% were de novo heart failure. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction ( LVEF) was 40 ± 18%. Ischaemia was both the leading cause (38%) and the most frequent aggravating factor (26%) of AHFS. ACE inhibitors/ ARBs and beta-blockers were prescribed at discharge in 65% and 51% of the patients, respectively. In-hospital mortality was 5.2%, and 0.9% of patients received urgent heart transplantation. Low blood pressure and azotaemia were the most important predictors of in-hospital mortality. The post-discharge 30-day and 180-day all-cause mortality were 1.2% and 9.2%, respectively. Conclusions Our analysis reveals that the prognosis of AHFS in Korea is poor and that there are specific features, including lower blood pressures at admission and lower rates of heart failure related to hypertension, compared with other registries. Adherence to current guidelines should be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low order characteristic-nonconforming [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Acute renal injury (AKI) is a relatively common clinical condition, reported to be associated with high rates of in-hospital mortality. Although here is an extensive literature on the nature and consequence of AKI in the developed World, much less is known in the developing World and more specifically in sub-Saharan Africa, which is addressed directly in this study. Methods We describe the prevalence, clinical characteristics and impact of AKI in patients admitted to a single centre in Ethiopia with no dedicated renal services. Results Renal function tests are not preformed routinely in many Ethiopian hospitals. This occurred in 32% of all patients in this study, falling to 23% on surgical wards. As a consequence no cases of AKI were identified in the context of surgical admissions. AKI was only identified in a cohort of patients on medical wards, with a prevalence of roughly 20% of medical patients in which renal function was measured. The patients with AKI were younger than those at risk of AKI in studies from the developed World but were older than those who did not develop AKI in this study. In the majority of cases AKI could be considered to be pre-renal in its origin. In contrast to studies in the developed World, AKI did not adversely impact on either duration of hospital stay or on patient mortality. Residual renal impairment was, however, common at the point of discharge. Conclusion The data suggest subtle differences in the nature and impact of AKI between those published and mainly derived from the developed world and patients in sub- Saharan Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-borne polyurethane with branched straight aliphatic chains (CWPU) was prepared and characterized by FTIR and TEM. The relationship between structure and water-resistance of CWPU was studied. The results showed that the particle size of CWPU emulsion increases and the round particle turns into the spindle-shaped particle with increasing of content of branched straight aliphatic chains. However, the particle size of CWPU emulsion is not sensitive to the increases of length of branched straight aliphatic chains. The water-resistance and hydrophobic property of CWPU film increase with the increase of content and length of branched straight aliphatic chains. It is attributed to the hydrophobic layer of aliphatic chains enriched on the surface of CWPU film. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution we will revisit the celebrated theorem that every square matrix is similar to a (complex) symmetric matrix and that every symmetric matrix is orthogonally similar to a given normal canonical form. Specifically we will re-examine the proof as well as the derivation of an explicit n-dimensional complex symmetric form. We will extend the formula to incorporate the various powers of the original normal form, a derivation not previously provided. Some examples of these complex symmetric forms in chemical and physical applications are indicated. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of synergic body coil MRI using SPIR technique without contrast, in the determination of fistula characteristics in patients with clinically positive signs. Method and subjects This was a case-series prospective study including 29 consecutive patients with clinically suspected fistulas-in-ano. The standard synergic body coil was used and all patients had T2-weighted SPIR sequences. One radiologist, without prior knowledge of the clinical examination, analysed images and noted the presence of the fistula, its classification and the presence and number of any collections or extensions. The surgeon noted the MRI findings and looked for lesions suggested on MRI. The results of the MRI and surgical assessments were then compared. Results of surgical exploration while the surgeon was aware of MRI results were considered as the gold standard of surgical anatomy. Results Twenty-three (79.31%) of 29 fistula tracks were seen on MRI which correctly determined the type of all fistulas. In the six cases where the fistula was not seen on MRI, five were low trans-sphincteric and one was rectovaginal. MRI identified 8 of 10 collections. Conclusion The synergic body coil MRI with SPIR sequencing without endoanal coils had a high accuracy in the diagnosis of high fistulas collections, complex fistulas and extensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparison of iodine values showed that the degree of saturation of tea seed oil (Lahijan variety) was intermediate between the oils of sunflowerseed (Fars variety) and olive (Gilezeytoon variety), and the saponification values of these three oils were similar. Tea seed oil consisted of 56% oleic acid (C18:1), 22% linoleic acid (C18:2), 0.3% linolenic acid (C18:3), and therefore, on the basis of oleic acid, occupied a place between sunflower and olive oil. In studies at 63°C, the shelf life of tea seed oil was higher than that of sunflower oil and similar to olive oil. Tea seed oil was found to have a natural antioxidant effect, and it enhanced the shelf life of sunflower oil at a 5% level. In this study, tea seed oil was found to be a stable oil, to have suitable nutritional properties (high-oleic, medium-linoleic, and low-linolenic acid contents), and to be useful in human foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inaccuracies in medical language are detrimental to communication and statistics in medicine, and thereby to clinical practice, medical science and public health. The purpose of this article is to explore inconsistencies in the use of some medical terms: urinary tract infection, bacteriuria and urethral syndrome. The investigated literature was collected from medical dictionaries, textbooks, and articles indexed in Medline® . We found various practices regarding how the medical terms should be defined, and had great difficulty in interpreting the status of the statements under the heading of ‘definition’. The lesson to be learned, besides a reminder of the importance of clearly defined medical concepts, is that it must be explicitly stated whether what is presented as a definition is to be considered as defining criterion, as recognising criterion or as characteristic of the disease entity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A double exponential model is used to characterize the junction properties of microelectronic devices. A method is developed to extract the physical junction parameters from the current-voltage characteristics. The influence of the start values used for the computing processes are considered and the accuracy is discussed from results of simulated extractions. An experimental test considers the emitter-base junction of bipolar transistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: Simple anthropometric measurements and indices are the most commonly used tools for assessing body composition. Only a few papers have examined the sensitivity and specificity of the body mass index (BMI) against total body fat percentage (TBF%) from underwater weighing in children and adolescents. The objective of the study was to evaluate the screening performance of BMI, triceps skinfold thickness and waist circumference for excess TBF%. A total of 175 healthy volunteer males, aged 7.0-16.9 y, participated in the study. TBF% was measured using underwater weighing as the reference method. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the value of the three anthropometric measurements as a screening measure for total adiposity. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated at several percentile cut-offs for BMI, triceps skinfold and waist circumference. The areas under the ROC curves were also calculated, and were 0.86 for BMI, 0.90 for triceps skinfold and 0.88 for waist circumference. The point on the ROC curve closest to 1 corresponded to the 70th percentile for BMI, to the 75th percentile for triceps skinfold, and to the 70th percentile for waist circumference.Conclusion: BMI, triceps skinfold and waist circumference predicted total fat content well in male children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present a mesh management strategy for use with discontinuous-Galerkin space–time finite element formulations of flow problems. We propose a refinement technique for simplex-type meshes which requires no interpolation between grids at slab interfaces. The strategy uses an a posteriori spatial error estimator to tag refinement or coarsening. Orientation of element edges along flow characteristics is accomplished by nodal displacement, and by a new diagonal-swapping technique to correct for the effects of misalignment due to h-refinement. The swapping procedure realigns the mesh to improve the effectiveness of the h-adaptive process. Results are presented for the Burgers Equation using large time steps on a problem which exhibits merging and steepening fronts. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A finite difference method based on characteristic coordinates is applied to Maxwell's equations for scattering of a TEM wave from an infinite slab. The electric properties of the slab are varied with time, and if the permittivity oscillates with high frequency, a resonant type phenomena is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An estimate of the expected earthquake rate at all possible magnitudes is needed for seismic hazard forecasts. Regional earthquake magnitude frequency distributions obey a negative exponential law (Gutenberg‐Richter), but it is unclear if individual faults do. We add three new methods to calculate long‐term California earthquake rupture rates to the existing Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast version 3 efforts to assess method and parameter dependence on magnitude frequency results for individual faults. All solutions show strongly characteristic magnitude‐frequency distributions on the San Andreas and other faults, with higher rates of large earthquakes than would be expected from a Gutenberg‐Richter distribution. This is a necessary outcome that results from fitting high fault slip rates under the overall statewide earthquake rate budget. We find that input data choices can affect the nucleation magnitude‐frequency distribution shape for the San Andreas Fault; solutions are closer to a Gutenberg‐Richter distribution if the maximum magnitude allowed for earthquakes that occur away from mapped faults (background events) is raised above the consensus threshold of M = 7.6, if the moment rate for background events is reduced, or if the overall maximum magnitude is reduced from M = 8.5. We also find that participation magnitude‐frequency distribution shapes can be strongly affected by slip rate discontinuities along faults that may be artifacts related to segment boundaries. Plain Language Summary: While we know that in large regions, earthquakes obey an exponential distribution (Gutenberg‐Richter), it has been unclear whether individual faults do as well, or whether they follow a characteristic distribution. We find using three new methods to solve for the earthquake rate on California faults that all solutions are consistent with characteristic distributions, with greater numbers of large earthquakes relative to small than expected from a Gutenberg‐Richter trend. Key Points: Earthquake magnitude‐frequency on faults is suggested to be distributed in an exponential law (Gurenberg‐Richter) or characteristicWe use consensus data from California to solve for the magnitude‐frequency distribution on all known faults in the stateWe find that individual faults have characteristic magnitude distributions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]