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Transcutaneous measurement of carbon dioxide is routinely done at the earlobe site. In patients receiving non invasive ventilation or in the intensive care setting with necklines, an alternate measurement site would be useful. We started to use the infraclavicular site for transcutaneous measurements of carbon dioxide using a new digital sensor.Comparison of transcutaneous carbon dioxide with arterial carbon dioxide at the infraclavicular site.We retrospectively compared transcutaneous carbon dioxide at the infraclavicular site with arterial carbon dioxide in 50 samples. The Sentec Digital Monitoring System (Sentec AG, Therwil, Switzerland) was used. The V-Sign digital sensor was placed on the infraclavicular site at the medial two third and one third point from the sternoclavicular joint and acromioclavicular joint.When comparing P(c)CO(2) with P(a)CO(2) values, the Bland-Altman analysis revealed a bias of 0.02 kPa (95% CI: [- 0.1; 0.14]) with a precision of 0.42 kPa. Linear regression analysis describes the relationship between the two methods. The slope of the linear model was 0.85 ± 0.04 and the intercept was 0.77 ± 0.21 (RSE = 0.37, R(2) = 0.91).The measurement of transcutaneous carbon dioxide at the infraclavicular site is feasible with a digital sensor and has a good correlation with the carbon dioxide values obtained from the arterial blood gas. The findings of the current study form the basis for further clinical studies for its regular application in clinical use.

Background Although the measurement site at L4–L5 for visceral adipose tissue (VAT) has been commonly accepted, some researchers suggest that additional upper sites (i.e., L1–L2 and L2–L3) are useful for estimating VAT volume. Therefore, determining the optimum measurement site remains challenging and has become important in determining VAT volume. We investigated the influence of a single-slice measurement site on the prediction of VAT volume and changes in VAT volume in obese Japanese men. Methods Twenty-four men, aged 30–65 years with a mean BMI of 30 kg/m2, were included in a 12-week weight loss program. We obtained continuous T1-weighted abdominal magnetic resonance images from T9 to S1 with a 1.5-T system to measure the VAT area. These VAT areas were then summed to determine VAT volume before and after the program. Results Single-slice images at 3–11 cm above L4–L5 had significant and high correlations with VAT volume at baseline (r = 0.94–0.97). The single-slice image with the highest correlation coefficient with respect to VAT volume was located at 5 cm above L4–L5 (r = 0.97). The highest correlation coefficient between the individual changes in VAT area and changes in VAT volume was located at 6 cm above L4–L5 (r = 0.90). Conclusions Individual measurement sites have different abilities to estimate VAT volume and changes in VAT volume in obese Japanese men. Best zone located at 5–6 cm above L4–L5 may be a better predictor of VAT volume than the L4–L5 image in terms of both baseline and changes with weight loss.

[1] Recent studies have shown that measured OH under NOx-limited, high-isoprene conditions are many times higher than modeled OH. In this study, a detailed analysis of the HOx radical budgets under low-NOx, rural conditions was performed employing a box model based on the Master Chemical Mechanism (MCMv3.2). The model results were compared with HOx radical measurements performed during the international HOxComp campaign carried out in Julich, Germany, during summer 2005. Two different air masses influenced the measurement site denoted as high-NOx (NO, 1–3 ppbv) and low-NOx (NO, < 1 ppbv) periods. Both modeled OH and HO2 diurnal profiles lay within the measurement range of all HOx measurement techniques, with correlation slopes between measured and modeled OH and HO2 around unity. Recently discovered interference in HO2 measurements caused by RO2 cross sensitivity was found to cause a 30% increase in measured HO2 during daytime on average. After correction of the measured HO2 data, the model HO2 is still in good agreement with the observations at high NOx but overpredicts HO2 by a factor of 1.3 to 1.8 at low NOx. In addition, for two different set of measurements, a missing OH source of 3.6 ± 1.6 and 4.9 ± 2.2 ppb h−1 was estimated from the experimental OH budget during the low-NOx period using the corrected HO2 data. The measured diurnal profile of the HO2/OH ratio, calculated using the corrected HO2, is well reproduced by the MCM at high NOx but is significantly overestimated at low NOx. Thus, the cycling between OH and HO2 is better described by the model at high NOx than at low NOx. Therefore, similar comprehensive field measurements accompanied by model studies are urgently needed to investigate HOx recycling under low-NOx conditions.

SUMMARY Minimally invasive flowable composite Class I restorations are widely used. However, flowable composites are characterized by low filler contents, modified resin formulations, low moduli of elasticity, low viscosity, generally poor mechanical properties, and decreased long-term stability. The purpose of this study was to compare the microleakage resistance of a wide variety of flowable composites used with their manufacturers' recommended bonding systems to that of a long-used and widely studied microhybrid composite when placed as minimally invasive occlusal restorations. Molar teeth were prepared in a standardized manner, restored, artificially aged, stained, sectioned, evaluated, and analyzed. Microleakage varied substantially, by a whole order of magnitude, among the material groups tested. The control group, a conventional microhybrid composite material, leaked significantly less than all the flowable composite groups. Microleakage varied very slightly among measurement site locations. Tiny microscopic bubbles were seen within many of the flowable composite specimens, as were a few voids.

Children’s body to produce more in line with the characteristics of children’s clothing, children’s clothing to improve the relevance of this body and comfort the different counties of Henan Province selected children aged 4-6 to garment production head to the body measurements, measure the item 22, by data processing, access to 531 children aged 4-6 effective body measurement data. Statistical analysis of data size characteristics of children, selected 11 children can be summarized basic characteristics of body condition measure; Through regression analysis has been the main measurement site and height of children, bust and hip regression relationship. Regression relationship for the establishment of children’s clothing designed to provide data based on the structure, thereby enhancing the physical fitness of children’s clothing and comfort.

Anemometric data from a measurement campaign performed in the whole province of Belluno (Italy) have been analyzed in order to evaluate its wind potential. Data collected from 15 anemometric stations, placed at a height of 10 m over the ground, have been considered. The temporal evolution of the average wind velocity in each measurement site has been computed, as well as the Weibull distribution, allowing a comparison between measured data and the prediction of the Italian Wind Atlas.

Waist circumference measurement is recommended in the clinical assessment of ­obesity and is a useful marker of total and abdominal body fat in genetic and epidemiologic research. Waist circumference measurement is non-invasive and is easily accomplished by trained observers in clinical and research settings. Consensus on the most appropriate measurement location has yet to be reached and several different sites and measurement protocols have been proposed. The importance of developing a systematic approach for identifying and marking the measurement site, positioning the tape, and recording the measurement cannot be understated. In this chapter, we present a description of the measurement of waist circumference. We include information on tape measures, measurement sites, and measurement guidelines. We present a detailed outline that will help clinicians and researchers to efficiently and reliably obtain accurate measurements of waist circumference.

[1] The International Special Committee on Radio Interference (CISPR) (CISPR 16-1-4) measured the site voltage standing wave ratio (SVSWR) to determine the site imperfections of a radiated emission measurement site above 1 GHz. However, the technical background of the SVSWR measurement parameters is not included in this standard. In this paper, we first propose a simple propagation model to evaluate the relation between the SVSWR parameters and the measurement values. The calculated SVSWR values of the total displacement defined in CISPR 16-1-4 (0.4 m) were almost the same as those obtained when the transmitting antenna was moved up to 2.0 m from the reference point. In addition, the SVSWR values obtained with a 50 MHz frequency resolution, as defined in CISPR 16-1-4 were almost the same as those values obtained with a 1 MHz resolution. From these results, we confirmed that the CISPR measurement parameters are reasonable and effective.

The dispersion of the measurement of electromagnetic disturbance above 1 GHz is mainly affected by site imperfections (expressed by SVSWR). To evaluate the uncertainty in electromagnetic disturbance measurements at 1–18 GHz, we measured SVSWR and the field strength at 9 measurement site. From our result, the measured field strength at each measurement site was observed in the range of 2σ that derived from measured SVSWR, and we confirmed the relationship between SVSWR and the measured field strength. Using the relationship, we can determine the measurement uncertainty of measured field strength at test site.

Gual Pahari is a polluted semi-urban background measurement site at the Indo-Gangetic plains close to New Delhi and Mukteshwar is a relatively clean background measurement site at the foothills of the Himalayas about 270 km NE from Gual Pahari and about 2 km above the nearby plains. Two years long data sets including aerosol and meteorological parameters as well as modeled backward trajectories and boundary layer heights were compared. The purpose was to see how aerosol concentrations vary between clean and polluted sites not very far from each other. Specifically, we were exploring the effect of boundary layer evolution on aerosol concentrations. The measurements showed that especially during the coldest winter months, aerosol concentrations are significantly lower in Mukteshwar. On the other hand, the difference is smaller and also the concentration trends are quite similar from April to October. With the exception of the monsoon season, when rains are affecting on aerosol concentrations, clear but practically opposite diurnal cycles are observed. When the lowest daily aerosol concentrations are seen during afternoon hours in Gual Pahari, there is a peak in Mukteshwar aerosol concentrations. In addition to local sources and long-range transport of dust, boundary layer dynamics can explain the observed differences and similarities. When mixing of air masses is limited during the relatively cool winter months, aerosol pollutions are accumulated to the plains, but Mukteshwar is above the pollution layer. When mixing increases in the spring, aerosol concentrations are increased in Mukteshwar and decreased in Gual Pahari. The effect of mixing is also clear in the diurnal concentration cycles. When daytime mixing decreases aerosol concentrations in Gual Pahari, those are increased in Mukteshwar.

11 pags, 6 figs, Simultaneous measurements of atomic iodine (I), molecular iodine (I 2) and ultrafine particles were made at O Grove, Galicia (42.50° N, 8.87° W), on the northwest coast of Spain. The observations show a strong tidal signature, and indicate that the most probable sources of reactive iodine species are the exposed macroalgae during low tide. For the first time, I 2 and I were concurrently measured revealing a high average I2/I ratio of ∼32, which is higher than previously inferred by modelling studies. A 1-dimensional photochemical model is employed to simulate the observations showing that the high I2/I ratio can be reproduced in the presence of fast vertical mixing close to the surface, or using an extra chemical loss for I atoms with an unknown species. There is a lack of strong correlation between the I2/I and ultrafine particles, indicating that although they both have macroalgal sources, these were not at the same location. The model simulations also suggest that the source of the observed ultrafine particles is likely not very close to the measurement site, in order for the particles to form and grow, but the source for I and I2 must be local. Finally, the effect of NOx levels on iodine oxides, and the conditions under which iodine particle bursts will be suppressed, are explored. © 2011 Author(s)., The authors thank Rolando Argibai and Marisol Garcia for logistical support during the campaign. We are grateful to T. Ingham for instrumental support and helpful comments. This work was funded by the Spanish Research Council (CSIC) and the Regional Government of Castilla-La-Mancha (FGMACLM).

Primary sensory cortex integrates sensory information from afferent feedforward thalamocortical projection systems and convergent intracortical microcircuits. Both input systems have been demonstrated to provide different aspects of sensory information. Here we have used high-density recordings of laminar current source density (CSD) distributions in primary auditory cortex of Mongolian gerbils in combination with pharmacological silencing of cortical activity and analysis of the residual CSD, to dissociate the feedforward thalamocortical contribution and the intracortical contribution to spectral integration. We found a temporally highly precise integration of both types of inputs when the stimulation frequency was in close spectral neighborhood of the best frequency of the measurement site, in which the overlap between both inputs is maximal. Local intracortical connections provide both directly feedforward excitatory and modulatory input from adjacent cortical sites, which determine how concurrent afferent inputs are integrated. Through separate excitatory horizontal projections, terminating in cortical layers II/III, information about stimulus energy in greater spectral distance is provided even over long cortical distances. These projections effectively broaden spectral tuning width. Based on these data, we suggest a mechanism of spectral integration in primary auditory cortex that is based on temporally precise interactions of afferent thalamocortical inputs and different short- and long-range intracortical networks. The proposed conceptual framework allows integration of different and partly controversial anatomical and physiological models of spectral integration in the literature.

Waist circumference (WC) is frequently measured in clinical and research settings. Although measurement protocols may differ considerably, a single set of sex-specific cut-points are typically used to denote elevated risk. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the appropriate WC thresholds for identifying cardiometabolic risk vary according to anatomical measurement site.WC was measured at four common sites in 520 community-dwelling adults (20-66 years): superior border of the iliac crest, midpoint between the iliac crest and the lowest rib, umbilicus and minimal waist. Resting blood pressures and fasting levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose were measured. The sensitivity and specificity of current WC thresholds (M:102 cm/40 inch; W:88 cm/35 inch) for detecting abnormal risk factor levels were calculated for each WC measurement site, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to select optimal thresholds for identifying individuals with risk factor clustering (or=2 risk factors).The area under the ROC curve for WC measured at each anatomical site was similar for each risk factor and for the presence of risk factor clustering. However, WC88/102 cm at the umbilicus showed the greatest sensitivity for all outcomes, whereas measurements at the minimal waist had the best specificity in this sample. The sensitivity of WC88/102 cm for detectingor=2 risk factors ranged from 75 to 89% in women and from 48 to 59% in men, and specificity ranged from 52 to 79% in women and from 77 to 88% in men, across measurement sites.At present, recommended WC thresholds may not have the same clinical utility at all anatomical locations of WC measurement.

Inaccuracy of home sphygmomanometers is a common, neglected and often ignored problem. The aims of this review are to emphasize the advantages of self-measurement of blood pressure (BP) at home, to summarize basic features of automated home BP measurement devices, to point out the distinction between validation, calibration and accuracy of home sphygmomanometers and to discuss some practical points for the improvement of BP control in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients for nephrologists. Four features of automated sphygmomanometers need to be emphasized: measurement site, cuff-size, validation status and accuracy. The validation protocols do not guarantee the accuracy of a particular device for an individual patient. Special patient groups such as those with early stages of CKD or diabetic nephropathy or patients having extraosseous/vascular calcifications may require specific validation tests. Active guidance by nephrologists in all steps of self-measurement of BP at home will improve the control of BP and will increase the quality of patient care in CKD. Health care providers must urgently reimburse the cost of accurate home sphygmomanometers for patients with CKD in countries where CKD is considered a major public health problem.

Summary Objective Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is presumed to play an important role in the development of metabolic syndrome (MS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of measurement location of VAT on the cardiometabolic risk factors and the MS in the Korean population. Methods To assess abdominal fat distribution, 5 single-slice computed tomography (CT) images were obtained in 470 healthy subjects. The five CT images were obtained at the intervertebral space from L1 to S1 using known anatomical landmarks. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between regional adipose tissue areas and MS. Results All risk factors were more closely correlated with VAT than subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), except waist circumference and blood pressure. Images located at L2–L3 or L3–L4 provided high correlations between VAT area and all cardiometabolic risk factors. The highest adjusted odds (per SD) between VAT and MS were the L2–L3 image in men (OR 4.53) and the L1–L2 in women (OR 4.87), which was higher than measures at L4–L5 (OR 3.22 in men, OR 4.71 in women). However, differences in OR between L1–L2 VAT (OR 4.87) and L4–L5 (OR 4.71) were not great in women. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that VAT has a stronger association with MS than ASAT in Korean population regardless of measurement site, and an image located in the upper abdomen (L2–L3 or L3–L4) would be a better predictor of the relationship between VAT and MS in Korean men.

The threat of a virulent strain of influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), tuberculosis, H1N1/A virus (swine flu) and possible mutations are a constant threat to global health. Implementation of pandemic infrared thermographic screening is based on the detection of febrile temperatures (inner canthus of the eyes) that are correlated with an infectious disease. Previous attempts at pandemic thermal screening have experienced problems (e.g. SARS outbreak, Singapore 2003) associated with the deployment plan, implementation and operation of the screening thermograph. Since this outbreak, the International Electrotechnical Commission has developed international standards that set minimum requirements for thermographic system fever screening and procedures that insure reliable and reproducible measurements. These requirements are published in IEC 80601-2-59:2008, Medical electrical equipment - Part 2-59: Particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of screening thermographs for human febrile temperature screening. The International Organization for Standardization has developed ISO/TR 13154:2009, Medical Electrical Equipment - which provides deployment, implementation and operational guidelines for identifying febrile humans using a screening thermograph. These new standards includes recommendations for camera calibrations, use of black body radiators, view field, focus, pixels within measurement site, image positioning, and deployment locations. Many current uses of thermographic screening at airports do not take into account critical issues addressed in the new standard, and are operating below the necessary effectiveness and efficiency. These documents, related thermal research, implications for epidemiology screening, and the future impact on medical thermography are discussed.

Accurate measures of visceral and abdominal subcutaneous fat are essential for investigating the pathophysiology of obesity. Classical anthropometric measures such as waist and hip circumference cannot distinguish between these two fat depots. Direct imaging methods such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are restricted in large-scale studies due to practical and ethical issues. We aimed to establish whether ultrasound is a valid alternative method to MRI for the quantitative assessment of abdominal fat depots in older individuals. The study population comprised 74 white individuals (41 men and 33 women, aged 67-76 years) participating in the Hertfordshire Birth Cohort Physical Activity trial. Anthropometry included height, weight, waist and hip circumferences. Abdominal fat was measured by ultrasound in two compartments: visceral fat defined as the depth from the peritoneum to the lumbar spine; and subcutaneous fat defined as the depth from the skin to the abdominal muscles and compared to reference measures by MRI (10-mm single-slice image). Ultrasound measures were positively correlated with MRI measures of visceral and subcutaneous fat (visceral: r = 0.82 and r = 0.80 in men and women, respectively; subcutaneous: r = 0.63 and 0.68 in men and women, respectively). In multiple regression models, the addition of ultrasound measures significantly improved the prediction of visceral fat and subcutaneous fat in both men and women over and above the contribution of standard anthropometric variables. In conclusion, ultrasound is a valid method to estimate visceral fat in epidemiological studies of older men and women when MRI and computed tomography are not feasible.

The reproduction of an excessive aerosol event recorded during a measurement campaign carried out in April–May 2003 at the Varrio monitoring station (Finland, Eastern Lapland) was studied with the SILAM model. Both the Lagrangian and Eulerian kernels and ECMWF and HIRLAM (of FMI) meteorological fields were used. Applying adjoint modelling technique, the source of aerosol peak was identified as the Cu–Ni smelters of the Pechenganickel Enterprize (city of Nickel, Murmansk region, Russia) Nikel Metallurgy factory, Russia, about 200km north of measurement site. In forward runs, the plume from Nikel matched the measurement site, except the Lagrangian run with ECMWF fields. Differences in concentrations and duration of modeled peak were significant between the Lagrangian and Eulerian runs and different meteorological data.

Ground temperatures have been measured over a 5 year period of between −1.8 °C and −2.3 °C at 10m depth on a mountain plateau, 1851 m a.s.l. in Jotunheimen, southern Norway (61°40′N, 8°20′E). On the basis of additional shallow ground temperature measurements at different altitudes, the change in ground temperature with altitude is estimated to be 0.57 °C/100 m. This estimate, combined with the measured mean annual ground temperature, indicates the lower limit of discontinuous permafrost in the area to be at 1450–1500 m a.s.l. The mean annual ground temperature above 2200 m a.s.l. is below −4 °C. These values are representative for flat or slightly convex areas. Owing to strong winds, there is little snow until late April at the ground temperature measurement site. Maximum snow depth in May is 0.5 m.

This paper describes a method of reaction time in agility using the bioelectrical impedance, which is not affected by either the measurement items or measurement site that is closer. In this study, the measurement is made for two items, the jumping reaction test and the bar-gripping reaction test. Reaction time, movement time, and total time are defined based on the waveforms of the lower leg electrical impedance and the forearm electrical impedance. Results are compared to the reaction time and the total time obtained by the traditional method. The results using the proposed method almost agreed with the results of the traditional method, and it is verified that the proposed method can be used to measure the reaction time. It should be noted that reaction time and movement time can be separated from total time for the bar-gripping test; this has been impossible in the traditional method. The ability to separate types of time is of use in an experiment in alcohol drinking conditions; results of this experiment are presented. It is expected that the proposed method will be applied to various measurements in such fields as measurement of physical fitness, sport training, and rehabilitation.

Background Modern computer tomography (CT) equipment can be used to acquire whole-body data from large animals such as pigs in minutes or less. In some circumstances, computer assisted analysis of the resulting image data can identify and measure anatomical features. The thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissue at a specific site measured by ultrasound, is used in the pig industry to assess adiposity and inform management decisions that have an impact on reproduction, food conversion performance and sow longevity. The measurement site, called "P2", is used throughout the industry. We propose that CT can be used to measure subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness and identify novel measurement sites that can be used as predictors of general adiposity. Methods Growing pigs (N = 12), were each CT scanned on three occasions. From these data the total volume of adipose tissue was determined and expressed as a proportion of total volume (fat-index). A computer algorithm was used to determined 10,201 subcutaneous adipose thickness measurements in each pig for each scan. From these data, sites were selected where correlation with fat-index was optimal. Results Image analysis correctly identified the limits of the relevant tissues and automated measurements were successfully generated. Two sites on the animal were identified where there was optimal correlation with fat-index. The first of these was located 4 intercostal spaces cranial to the caudal extremity of the last rib, the other, a further 5 intercostal spaces cranially. Conclusion The approach to image analysis reported permits the creation of various maps showing adipose thickness or correlation of thickness with other variables by location on the surface of the pig. The method identified novel adipose thickness measurement positions that are superior (as predictors of adiposity) to the site which is in current use. A similar approach could be used in other situations to quantify potential links between subcutaneous adiposity and disease or production traits.

In the assessment of diagnostic criteria for the metabolic syndrome, much work, including ours (1), has been done to identify an optimal cutoff value for waist circumference, i.e., one that best predicts the clustering of metabolic risk factors. By contrast, little attention has been paid to the waist circumference site to be measured and its impact on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, although definitions of waist circumference measurement vary among guidelines for the syndrome. This point should be clarified given the large variations in waist circumference according to the site measured (2). We measured waist circumference at various sites in 1,140 Japanese subjects (969 men …

We studied changes in the width of the symphysis pubis in 32 women examined serially by ultrasound during labor. Measurements were made at the superior border of the symphysis and at its narrowest breadth in the latent phase, the active phase, and the second stage of labor. There was a significant increase in the width of the symphysis between the first and second stages of labor at both measured levels. Widening was observed in 94% at the superior symphyseal breadth and in 59% at the narrowest. Of those cases in which the width of the symphysis increased, there was a large spectrum of change, ranging from 9 to 98% of the original width at the narrowest measurement site and from 2 to 139% at the superior breadth. There was a strong inverse correlation between maternal age and the degree of symphyseal widening in nulliparas, but not in multiparas. We conclude that labor is associated with a substantial widening of the symphysis pubis in most, but not all women.

The particle dispersion model FLEXPART and the trajectory model LAGRANTO are Lagrangian models which are widely used to study synoptic-scale atmospheric air flows such as stratospheric intrusions (SI) and intercontinental transport (ICT). In this study, we focus on SI and ICT events particularly from the North American planetary boundary layer for the Jungfraujoch (JFJ) measurement site, Switzerland, in 2005. Two representative cases of SI and ICT are identified based on measurements recorded at Jungfraujoch and are compared with FLEXPART and LAGRANTO simulations, respectively. Both models well capture the events, showing good temporal agreement between models and measurements. In addition, we investigate the performance of FLEXPART and LAGRANTO on representing SI and ICT events over the entire year 2005 in a statistical way. We found that the air at JFJ is influenced by SI during 19% (FLEXPART) and 18% (LAGRANTO), and by ICT from the North American planetary boundary layer during 13% (FLEXPART) and 12% (LAGRANTO) of the entire year. Through intercomparsion with measurements, our findings suggest that both FLEXPART and LAGRANTO are well capable of representing SI and ICT events if they last for more than 12 h, whereas both have problems on representing short events. For comparison with in-situ observations we used O3 and relative humidity for SI events. As parameters to trace ICT events we used a combination of NOy/CO and CO, however these parameters are not specific enough to distinguish aged air masses by their source regions. Moreover, a sensitivity study indicates that the agreement between models and measurements depends significantly on the threshold values applied to the individual control parameters. Generally, the less strict the thresholds are, the better the agreement between models and measurements. Although the dependence of the agreement on the threshold values is appreciable, it nevertheless confirms the conclusion that both FLEXPART and LAGRANTO are well able to capture SI and ICT events with duration longer than 12 h., Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 9 (10), ISSN:1680-7375, ISSN:1680-7367

Accurate baseline body temperature measurement is essential for assessment. Tympanic membrane temperature (TMT) measurement is popular, but there is no consensus on whether it is as accurate as oral temperature (OT) for use with the elderly at varying ambient temperature levels.To test agreement between TMT and OT measurement of body temperature among an elderly population; and to explore whether agreement between the two sites depends on ambient temperature.A cross-sectional comparison study.Two samples of older community-dwelling adults were recruited from 17 community senior citizen centers in Taipei, Taiwan in winter (n=262) and summer (n=257) of 2007. TMT and OT were simultaneously measured by electronic infrared ear thermometer and electronic digital thermometer. Ambient temperatures measured by digital thermo-hygrometer of the data collection setting were recorded when body temperature was taken.In winter mean TMT was 36.64 degrees C (S.D. 0.37), and mean OT was 36.74 degrees C (S.D. 0.18). In summer, the mean TMT was 37.05 degrees C (S.D. 0.30) and mean OT was 36.85 degrees C (S.D. 0.22). The relationship between TMT and OT were r=0.42 (p0.001) in winter and r=0.57 (p0.001) in summer. The values of OT were used as standard to assess the accuracy of the measurement. The bias between TMT and OT was -0.10 degrees C (S.D. 0.34) and 95% limits of agreement were 0.57 and -0.77 degrees C in winter; and bias was 0.20 degrees C (S.D. 0.25) and 95% limits of agreement were 0.69 and -0.29 degrees C in summer. The findings of this study demonstrate that the TMT has high variability that may under or over estimate body temperatures.There is a lack of agreement in body temperatures values between TMT and OT in community-dwelling elderly in both winter and summer. OT was more stable than TMT regardless of ambient temperature influences. Therefore, the oral cavity is preferable to the TM site for temperature measurement in alert elderly. The limitation of this study is that hospitalized patients who are most likely to need temperature measurement are not included in this study.

Introduction: To assess potential metabolic and microcirculatory alterations in critically ill patients, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used, in combination with a vascular occlusion test (VOT), for the non-invasive measurement of tissue oxygen saturation (StO(2)), oxygen consumption, and microvascular reperfusion and reactivity. The methodologies for assessing StO(2) during a VOT, however, are very inconsistent in the literature and, consequently, results vary from study to study, making data comparison difficult and potentially inadequate. Two major aspects concerning the inconsistent methodology are measurement site and probe spacing. To address these issues, we investigated the effects of probe spacing and measurement site using 15 mm and 25 mm probe spacings on the thenar and the forearm in healthy volunteers and quantified baseline, ischemic, reperfusion, and hyperemic VOT-derived StO(2) variables. Methods: StO(2) was non-invasively measured in the forearm and thenar in eight healthy volunteers during 3-minute VOTs using two InSpectra tissue spectrometers equipped with a 15 mm probe or a 25 mm probe. VOT-derived StO(2) traces were analyzed for baseline, ischemic, reperfusion, and hyperemic parameters. Data were categorized into four groups: 15 mm probe on the forearm (F-15mm), 25 mm probe on the forearm (F-25mm), 15 mm probe on the thenar (T-15mm), and 25 mm probe on the thenar (T-25mm). Results: Although not apparent at baseline, probe spacing and measurement site significantly influenced VOT-derived StO(2) variables. For F-15mm, F-25mm, T-15mm, and T-25mm, StO(2) downslope was -6.4 +/- 1.7%/minute, -10.0 +/- 3.2%/minute, -12.5 +/- 3.0%/minute, and -36.7 +/- 4.6%/minute, respectively. StO(2) upslope was 105 +/- 34%/minute, 158 +/- 55%/minute, 226 +/- 41%/minute, and 713 +/- 101%/minute, and the area under the hyperemic curve was 7.4 +/- 3.8%.minute, 10.1 +/- 4.9%.minute, 12.6 +/- 4.4%.minute, and 21.2 +/- 2.7%.minute in these groups, respectively. Furthermore, the StO(2) parameters of the hyperemic phase of the VOT, such as the area under the curve, significantly correlated to the minimum StO(2) during ischemia. Conclusions: NIRS measurements in combination with a VOT are measurement site-dependent and probe-dependent. Whether this dependence is anatomy-, physiology-, or perhaps technology-related remains to be elucidated. Our study also indicated that reactive hyperemia depends on the extent of ischemic insult.

We have developed an efficient iterative inversion method applicable to both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional magnetotelluric data. The method approximates horizontal derivative terms with their values calculated from the fields of the previous iteration. The equations at each horizontal coordinate then become uncoupled. At each iteration this allows separate inversions for the improved conductivity profile beneath each measurement site. Resultant profiles are interpolated to form a new multidimensional model for which the fields for the next iteration are calculated. The method is extremely fast, and tests with 2D data show very promising results.

Göte–2005 was a measurement campaign in the city of Göteborg with the aim of studying the influence of the winter thermal inversions on urban air pollution. Elemental speciation of PM2.5 aerosol particles, collected on Teflon filters at three urban sites and one rural site in the Göteborg region, was a major part of the study. Trace element analysis was done by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry and the concentrations of S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br and Pb were determined. The elemental content of the particles in combination with information of local wind speed and direction and also backward trajectories were used to estimate the source areas of the pollutants. We can conclude that S, V, Ni, Br, and Pb have their main sources outside the Göteborg area, since we cannot see elevated concentrations of these elements during an inversion episode. Sea traffic and harbour activities were also identified, primarily by the S and V content of the particles. This study proves that the elemental analysis by EDXRF presents valuable information for tracing the origin of air masses arriving at a measurement site.

This paper presents an integrated sensor for identifying bacteria that addresses drawbacks of traditional detection techniques by combining the specificity of phages with the sensitivity of integrated electronic circuits. This is the first silicon-based implementation known to date; it uses standard CMOS technology, does not require noble-metal electrodes and co-integrates active circuitry on the same substrate as the measurement site containing the bacteria. The chip was fabricated in 0.18 mum CMOS technology using thick-oxide transistors and consumes 122 muW with a 3.3 V supply for two recording channels.

International audience; Background & AimsFibroscan is a noninvasive device that assesses liver fibrosis by liver stiffness evaluation (LSE) with ultrasonographic elastometry. We evaluated LSE reproducibility and its influencing factors. Methods LSE was performed by 4 experienced physicians (>100 LSEs) in 46 patients with chronic liver disease at 4 different anatomic sites. Additional LSEs were performed for ancillary aims, so that 534 LSEs were available. Results Overall interobserver agreement for LSE results was considered as excellent, with intraclass coefficient correlation (Ric) of 0.93. Low LSE level, nonrecommended sites, LSE interquartile range > 25%, and body mass index ≥25 independently decreased agreement. Thus, agreement was fair (Ric = 0.53) for LSE < 9 kilopascals and excellent (Ric = 0.90) beyond. The best measurement site for LSE reproducibility was the median axillary line on the first intercostal space under the liver dullness upper limit, with the patient lying in dorsal decubitus. When LSE results were categorized into fibrosis Metavir stages, interobserver discordance was noticed in about 25% of the cases and was the highest for F2 and F3 stages and the lowest for F4. Intraobserver (Ric = 0.94), intersite (Ric = 0.92–0.98), and interequipment (Ric = 0.92) agreements for LSE results were excellent. Preliminary standard ultrasonography or probe pressure changes did not improve interobserver agreement. Conclusions The best measurement site for LSE is the one generally used for liver biopsy. Reproducibility of LSE is globally excellent but is fair in patient with low liver stiffness. The fibrosis diagnosis by ultrasonographic elastometry in low stages or categorized into fibrosis Metavir stages must be interpreted with caution.

In 30 uncomplicated singleton pregnancies, varying in duration between 24 and 40 weeks, the variability of the flow velocity waveform (FVW) along the course of the umbilical artery was investigated. Blood flow velocities were recorded at 4 locations in the vessel: within the fetal abdomen, 0-5 cm from the origin of the umbilical cord, in the free-floating part, and 0-5 cm from its insertion in the placenta. From the Doppler signals recorded, the pulsatility index (PI) and a parameter for the frequency distribution index (FDI) were calculated. PI values differed among the locations, but no unequivocal tendency could be demonstrated. Statistical analysis, including multiple regression analysis for maternal and menstrual age and fetal heart rate, showed no significant difference in PI and FDI values for any of the 4 locations. It can be concluded that in uncomplicated pregnancies, possible changes in FVW (quantified by PI) along the course of the umbilical artery have no clinical relevance. Therefore, standardization for the sampling site when measuring PI in this vessel seems to be unnecessary.

Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) has mainly been used as a research tool in children. To evaluate the clinical utility of pQCT and formulate recommendations for its use in children, the International Society of Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) convened a task force to review the literature and propose areas of consensus and future research. The types of pQCT technology available, the clinical application of pQCT for bone health assessment in children, the important elements to be included in a pQCT report, and quality control monitoring techniques were evaluated. The review revealed a lack of standardization of pQCT techniques, and a paucity of data regarding differences between pQCT manufacturers, models and software versions and their impact in pediatric assessment. Measurement sites varied across studies. Adequate reference data, a critical element for interpretation of pQCT results, were entirely lacking, although some comparative data on healthy children were available. The elements of the pQCT clinical report and quality control procedures are similar to those recommended for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Future research is needed to establish evidence-based criteria for the selection of the measurement site, scan acquisition and analysis parameters, and outcome measures. Reference data that sufficiently characterize the normal range of variability in the population also need to be established.

Objective: Excess abdominal adiposity is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Computed tomography can be used to examine the visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) components of abdominal adiposity, but it is unresolved whether single-slice or multi-slice protocols are needed. Research Method and Procedures: Nine computed tomography scans were obtained in the lumbar spine region of 24 adults. The nine slices were obtained at three intervertebral positions (L2–L3, L3–L4, and L4–L5) and at 7 mm above and below these locations. Intra-site and inter-site differences in SAT, VAT, total adipose tissue, and the VAT/SAT ratio were examined using ANOVA and confidence intervals for pairwise differences between means. Results: Intervertebral SAT values increased from 103.1 ± 50.9 (standard deviation) cm2 at L2–L3 to 153.3 ± 68.8 cm2 at L4–L5, whereas the corresponding VAT values decreased from 164.3 ± 125.4 to 126.0 ± 82.7 cm2. The VAT/SAT ratio was not constant, decreasing from 1.8 ± 1.4 to 0.9 ± 0.7. Repeated-measures ANOVA indicated significant inter- and intra-site differences (p ≤ 0.02) for SAT, VAT, and the VAT/SAT ratio at L3−L4 and L4−L5 (p < 0.001). Discussion: These differences show the limitation of using a single-slice assessment of abdominal fat distribution, both for a subject and between subjects. Furthermore, the sizeable differences in the intra-site scans indicate that precise repositioning is needed for longitudinal studies. In summary, our findings suggest that a multi-site imaging protocol may provide a more complete assessment of abdominal fat stores and distribution than use of a single site.

Spatial analysis of (90)Sr artificial radionuclide in consequence of global fallout and Chernobyl nuclear accident has been carried out by using the point cumulative semivariogram (PCSV) technique based on 40 surface water station measurements in Keban Dam Lake during March, April, and May 2006. This technique is a convenient tool in obtaining the regional variability features around each sampling point, which yields the structural effects also in the vicinity of the same point. It presents the regional effect of all the other sites within the study area on the site concerned. In order to see to change of (90)Sr, the five models are constituted. Additionally, it provides a measure of cumulative similarity of the regional variable, (90)Sr, around any measurement site and hence it is possible to draw regional similarity maps at any desired distance around each station. In this paper, such similarity maps are also drawn for a set of distances. (90)Sr activities in lake that distance approximately 4.5 km from stations show the maximum similarity.

Prototype versions of the RESCO Steered Frame Truck were operated through a section of revenue track at Louden, TN, which has been outfitted as a wayside measurement site. The site contains several different measurement stations, which record lateral forces, angles-of-attack, etc. The site routinely measures revenue trains passing along that section of track. A test car, fully loaded to 286,000 lbs and fitted with the steered trucks, was operated through the test site a substantial number of times. The results from this testing were compared with data from standard 3-piece trucks and also from premium M-976 trucks, both in revenue service trains, from the same test site. It was found that neither the premium trucks, nor the standard 3-piece trucks, showed any significant steering through the ∼5° curves at the test site. The premium trucks did show a tendency to be more ‘square’ in the curves, although there were still substantial numbers that showed significant ‘warping’ behaviour. By comparison, the steered trucks showed virtually perfect steering and alignment behaviour. This was impressive in itself but was more so when it was found, after the test was concluded, that an interference between the truck and a bracket on the car body had prevented full rotation of the steered truck throughout these tests.Copyright © 2007 by ASME

Purpose of this study was to measure pulse oximeter signal amplitudes in different parts of human body. Research results can be utilised in the future when choosing measurement site for wireless continuously monitoring probe. To enable the measurements, pulse oximeter with special characteristics was designed and built, because no suitable instrumentation for this kind of experiments was available. Measurements were made from 20 different locations. The best pulse signals were obtained from thumb and nose. According to this study minimum thresholds can be considered to be for normalized amplitude 0.02 and for SNR 20 dB.

A measurement site for aerosol-cloud interaction studies is described. The newly established measurement site at Puijo observation tower produces data from semiurban environment for climatic models and particle formation studies. In addition to the basic measurements, intensive yearly measurement campaigns are organized at the station. The first aerosol-cloud interaction experiment (PUCE1) took place in October-November 2006. Some results of the measurement campaing are presented and discussed.

Objectives Despite recommendations that central obesity assessment should be employed as a marker of cardiometabolic health, no consensus exists regarding measurement protocol. This study examined a range of anthropometric variables and their relationships with cardiometabolic features and type 2 diabetes in order to ascertain whether measurement site influences discriminatory accuracy. In particular, we compared waist circumference (WC) measured at two sites: (1) immediately below the lowest rib (WC rib) and (2) between the lowest rib and iliac crest (WC midway), which has been recommended by the World Health Organisation and International Diabetes Federation. Materials and Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving a random sample of 2,002 men and women aged 46-73 years. Metabolic profiles and WC, hip circumference, pelvic width and body mass index (BMI) were determined. Correlation, logistic regression and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to evaluate obesity measurement relationships with metabolic risk phenotypes and type 2 diabetes. Results WC rib measures displayed the strongest associations with non-optimal lipid and lipoprotein levels, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, impaired fasting glucose, a clustering of metabolic risk features and type 2 diabetes, in both genders. Rib-derived indices improved discrimination of type 2 diabetes by 3-7% compared to BMI and 2-6% compared to WC midway (in men) and 5-7% compared to BMI and 4-6% compared to WC midway (in women). A prediction model including BMI and central obesity displayed a significantly higher area under the curve for WC rib (0.78, P=0.003), Rib/height ratio (0.80, P

The paper describes the Data Analysis Workstation developed by the IST project MOME (Monitoring and Measurement Cluster). The MOME project maintains the repository of information about publicly available measurement data, like e.g. packet traces, flow traces, routing data, and others. The collected information includes the detailed description of an assumed measurement scenario, as well as selected statistical parameters obtained by data analysis methods. The MOME repository aims at providing assistance to the research community in finding and retrieving raw measurement data, which is most appropriate from the point of view of different research objectives. In this paper we discuss the design and development of the MOME Data Analysis Workstation. It extends the MOME Database with capabilities for automatic statistical analysis of submitted measurement data. The included exemplary results of analysis performed on packet traces captured in a measurement site associated with MOME illustrate that the MOME Data base provides the researchers with useful information about available measurement data.

To demonstrate information entanglement between separated sites of a single experimental system over distances of 5,000-6,000 miles and (2) to provide experimental DeltapH(t)-data, for these various sites that illustrates the information entanglement characteristic of this particular type of measurement. Such information entanglement has profound implications for distant healing.The same as Part I but with two additional experimental sites, 5000-6000 miles distant from any other measurement site.One pH-measurement site with no IIED present for 3 months and now using IIEDs in the UK plus one pH-measurement control site in Italy (no IIED used).One above ground IIED site plus one underground control site.None.Large DeltapH-data variations with time, over a long time duration, for the two new sites.Using pH-measurements, major information entanglement can be demonstrated between U.S. sites and European sites, even at separation distances6000 miles. Possible enhanced entanglement occurs in remote sites located underground. These discoveries warrant further investigation since a mechanism similar to that occurring during remote healing may be involved.

Background/aims: Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements are frequently used; the most widely utilized instrument has been the open chamber device. Traditional open-chamber systems for measuring TEWL have limitations related to ambient and body-induced airflows near the probe, probe size, measurement site and angles. Recent technology provides a portable and battery-operated closed chamber Evaporimeter. It is presumably less affected by external factors such as room- or body-induced airflows, breathing or heating of the probe by the operators' hand. This study compares this commercial instrument, a closed chamber device, with a traditional open-chamber device. Methods: Two open chamber devices and one closed chamber device were used in such a way that each instrument could simultaneously measure TEWL in an identical experimental environment with known relative humidity and temperature values. TEWL values of seven locations on healthy volunteers were measured simultaneously with each instrument in the same room according to the guidelines of the standardization group of the European society of contact dermatitis. Results: For TEWL values of all forearm locations, there was no statistically significant difference between the mean values measured by all three instruments. For TEWL values of forehead locations, there was a significant difference between the mean values of open chamber device and closed chamber device. For the forehead, values from closed chamber device were higher than the open one. Conclusion: The TEWL values measured by all instruments were constant with small standard deviations. These instruments appear sufficiently robust that a standardization group could document similarities and differences with in vitro models. We suspect that both techniques will continue to be used and that the closed method will find increasing use because of its ease of use.

The objective of this paper is to describe the recently installed full scale measurement infrastructure to quantify hazards resulting from wave overtopping at the Zeebrugge rubble mound breakwater. First, the measurement site and the specific set-up used for wave overtopping measurements is briefly described in section 2. Section 3 contains the description and design of the instrumentation to quantify hazards and finally in section 4 preliminary conclusions are drawn.

The effect of a diagnostic dose of 99m Tc-MDP on bone mineral density (BMD) estimations in the lumbar spine and the neck of femur was assessed in 20 patients using a Hologic QDR4500 scanner. Each patient underwent a DXA assessment prior to and 1 h following injection of 99m Tc-MDP (mean dose-910 MBq). For comparative purposes, the precision of BMD estimation without the presence of a radioisotope was assessed by performing two sequential DXA studies on 30 volunteers and was found to be less than 0.01 g/cm 2 . No significant change in BMD reading was detected following 99m Tc-MDP injection for either measurement site and the precision of the readings was similar to that observed for the 30 volunteers. This study has shown that any effect produced by a typical bone scan dose of 99m Tc-MDP is small in comparison with the intrasubject variance when estimating BMD using a Hologic QDR4500 scanner.

Site selection and power consumption play a crucial role in optimizing the design of a wearable pulse oximeter for long-term telemedicine application. In this study we investigated the potential power saving in the design of a reflectance pulse oximeter taking into consideration measurement site and sensor configuration. In-vivo experiments suggest that battery longevity could be extended considerably by employing a wide annularly shaped photodetector ring configuration and performing SpO/sub 2/ measurements from the forehead region.

In previous chapters, many examples are presented in which emission estimates have been derived from flux measurements at specific sites and then extrapolated to larger areas by, for example, knowledge of the spatial extent of the conditions represented by the measurement site. This can be thought of as a “bottom up” approach. In the present and in the following chapter, “top-down” approaches will be discussed, in which measured atmospheric spatial and temporal distributions of a trace gas are used to determine the global budget of chemical species and their emissions.

[1] One year of hydrogen sulfide measurements in an urban traffic site were used to assess the importance of traffic in the overall high ambient air burden of H2S (mean annual concentration of 8 μg/m3). During calm nighttime hours, hourly values of H2S were correlated positively with those of CO (R2 = 0.75) and SO2 (R2 = 0.70), suggesting a common source from traffic. For the driving conditions of the measurement site, H2S automotive emissions are around 24% w/w those of SO2, while European inventories calculate these at only 2.5%. H2S annual traffic emissions, based on the existing emission inventories for CO and SO2 are calculated at 0.199–0.311 × 10−3 Tg a−1 for Thessaloniki and are extrapolated to 0.030–0.0485 Tg a−1 for the EU15 countries and 2.6 Tg a−1 for Europe and Eurasia. It appears that traffic emissions make up a significant contribution to the global H2S budget.

Bulk-doped silicon wafers were measured at four EAG (Evans Analytical Group) site laboratories in a round-robin study of the calibration of SIMS measurements of dopant concentrations in silicon. Mean B, P, and As concentrations were determined for several bulk-doped silicon reference wafers. Absolute concentration calibration scales are determined by NIST Standard Reference Materials (B, As) or accepted Consensus Reference Materials (P). At any single EAG measurement site, the average repeatibility of an individual dopant concentration measurement was about 0.7% for B, 2.1% for P, and 2.3% for As. Across the four sites, the best reproducibility for concentration measurements was found when bulk-doped standards were used for calibration. Average reproducibility of dopant concentration measurements across the EAG was 0.9% for B, 2.5% for P, and 2.6% for As.

Three parameters, measurement times, charging distances, and charging area, are studied with respect to measurement of the local charging effect. We found that the effects of measurement times and charging distances to the local charging is under observation limit and the measured CD deviation is very small. However, the charging area is found to be the most dominant parameter for local charging. A 7-nm CD deviation from this local charging is observed. After the root cause of the local charging is understood and controlled, we use an extra charging area at the opposite side of the measurement site to compensate for the charging effect. The SEM image and CD deviation are greatly improved after this compensation. At last, a novel measurement algorithm is introduced to deal wiht the actual OPE evaluation. From simulation, the net Coulomb force experienced during the measurement is greatly reduced with the new algorithm compared with that used in the normal measurement sequence. The comparison of the global charging and local charging effects is also discussed in this report.