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As the capital of China and a densely populated major city, the characteristics of Beijing's near-surface wind field change significantly with the increase in the density of underlying urban structures. The high randomness of natural wind makes it extremely difficult to develop a universally applicable wind-resistant load design code based on topographic factors and architectural features. This article takes the wind speeds recorded at 15 different height levels within the urban area by the 325 m meteorological tower in Beijing from 1991 to 2020 as the research subject. It quantifies the wind speed trends at different heights and introduces time-varying functions to establish a non-stationary wind speed model based on the optimal model. Additionally, it compares the basic wind speeds and wind pressure height variation coefficients obtained from measurements with the standards. The results show that, during the past 30 years of urbanization, the near-surface wind speed in the Beijing area has shown a decreasing trend. The model incorporating time-varying functions exhibited the best fit and demonstrated good predictive capabilities, with its calculated basic wind speeds being relatively high. The wind pressure height variation coefficient values in Beijing are between Class C and Class D terrains, being closer to Class C at lower altitudes. The conclusion reveals that urbanization has a significant impact on wind speeds, primarily concentrated at lower height levels, and that the basic wind speeds calculated based on standards underestimate the actual conditions when this impact is not considered. Although the average wind speed's wind profile index across the entire time series is mostly greater than the fixed value of 0.3 given by Class D, this represents an overestimated wind profile index for maximum wind speeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Railway Science & Engineering is the property of Journal of Railway Science & Engineering Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

As the capital of China and a densely populated major city, the characteristics of Beijing’s near-surface wind field change significantly with the increase in the density of underlying urban structures. The high randomness of natural wind makes it extremely difficult to develop a universally applicable wind-resistant load design code based on topographic factors and architectural features. This article takes the wind speeds recorded at 15 different height levels within the urban area by the 325 m meteorological tower in Beijing from 1991 to 2020 as the research subject. It quantifies the wind speed trends at different heights and introduces time-varying functions to establish a non-stationary wind speed model based on the optimal model. Additionally, it compares the basic wind speeds and wind pressure height variation coefficients obtained from measurements with the standards. The results show that, during the past 30 years of urbanization, the near-surface wind speed in the Beijing area has shown a decreasing trend. The model incorporating time-varying functions exhibited the best fit and demonstrated good predictive capabilities, with its calculated basic wind speeds being relatively high. The wind pressure height variation coefficient values in Beijing are between Class C and Class D terrains, being closer to Class C at lower altitudes. The conclusion reveals that urbanization has a significant impact on wind speeds, primarily concentrated at lower height levels, and that the basic wind speeds calculated based on standards underestimate the actual conditions when this impact is not considered. Although the average wind speed’s wind profile index across the entire time series is mostly greater than the fixed value of 0.3 given by Class D, this represents an overestimated wind profile index for maximum wind speeds.

BACKGROUND As an oil and gas geochemical detection and analysis technology, rock pyrolysis is widely used in oil and gas exploration. Moreover, this technology is fast, economical, and effective in evaluating the hydrocarbon-generating potential of source rocks and identifying the oiliness of reservoir rocks. Rock pyrolysis standard materials are used for the calibration and quality monitoring of rock pyrolysis instruments, as well as being the key material basis for quantitative calculation of rock pyrolysis analysis parameters for source and reservoir rocks. At present, rock pyrolysis standard materials are relatively scarce, and most of the on-site mud logging rock pyrolysis tests use value transfer samples for instrument calibration and quality control, which brings uncertainties to data quality. At the same time, the rock pyrolysis standard material in China lacks the important parameter S4 for source rock evaluation, while the rock pyrolysis standard material in foreign countries has only one value and cannot be used for gradient calibration. Therefore, it cannot meet the application and development requirements of rock pyrolysis analysis technology in oil and gas exploration. OBJECTIVES To develop five kinds of reference materials for rock pyrolysis, with a certain gradient value of each parameter, which can satisfy the needs of conventional oil and gas testing in petroleum exploration. METHODS Candidate samples were collected from dark mudstone, oil shale and carbonaceous mudstone in the Triassic Yanchang Formation, Permian Shanxi Formation, Taiyuan Formation and Carboniferous Benxi Formation in the Ordos Basin. After impurity treatment, jaw crushing, ball mill fine grinding, powder sieving 200 mesh, mixer mixing, 60Co irradiation disinfection and sterilization, and passing the preliminary homogeneity test, the samples were packed and numbered. RESULTS For each candidate, 5×30 bottles of samples were randomly selected for uniformity testing, and the measured values of F were all less than F0.05(29, 60). There was no significant systematic difference within and between groups of samples, and the uniformity was good. Short-term stability and long-term stability were tested by the straight line fitting method, and the slope of the fitting line |b1| < t0.05·S(b1), had good stability. Eight laboratories adopted the rock pyrolysis analysis method for collaborative determination. All of the determination analysis data conformed to the normal distribution, and the determination results and corresponding uncertainties were obtained. The fixed value parameters are S2, Tmax, S4 and reference value S1, wherein the value range of S2 is 2.01-11.90mg/g, the value range of Tmax is 437-442℃, the value range of S4 is 9.5-29.9mg/g. CONCLUSIONS In accordance with the national standard material research standards and specifications, five reference materials for rock pyrolysis, GBW(E)070323, GBW(E)070324, GBW(E)070325, GBW(E)070326 and GBW(E)070327, were successfully developed. The value of each parameter presents a certain gradient, which basically covers the content range of conventional pyrolysis analysis.

BACKGROUND: As an oil and gas geochemical detection and analysis technology, rock pyrolysis is widely used in oil and gas exploration. Moreover, this technology is fast, economical, and effective in evaluating the hydrocarbon-generating potential of source rocks and identifying the oiliness of reservoir rocks. Rock pyrolysis standard materials are used for the calibration and quality monitoring of rock pyrolysis instruments, as well as being the key material basis for quantitative calculation of rock pyrolysis analysis parameters for source and reservoir rocks. At present, rock pyrolysis standard materials are relatively scarce, and most of the on-site mud logging rock pyrolysis tests use value transfer samples for instrument calibration and quality control, which brings uncertainties to data quality. At the same time, the rock pyrolysis standard material in China lacks the important parameter S4 for source rock evaluation, while the rock pyrolysis standard material in foreign countries has only one value and cannot be used for gradient calibration. Therefore, it cannot meet the application and development requirements of rock pyrolysis analysis technology in oil and gas exploration. OBJECTIVES: To develop five kinds of reference materials for rock pyrolysis, with a certain gradient value of each parameter, which can satisfy the needs of conventional oil and gas testing in petroleum exploration. METHODS: Candidate samples were collected from dark mudstone, oil shale and carbonaceous mudstone in the Triassic Yanchang Formation, Permian Shanxi Formation, Taiyuan Formation and Carboniferous Benxi Formation in the Ordos Basin. After impurity treatment, jaw crushing, ball mill fine grinding, powder sieving 200 mesh, mixer mixing, 60Co irradiation disinfection and sterilization, and passing the preliminary homogeneity test, the samples were packed and numbered. RESULTS: For each candidate, 5×30 bottles of samples were randomly selected for uniformity testing, and the measured values of F were all less than F0. 05(29, 60). There was no significant systematic difference within and between groups of samples, and the uniformity was good. Short-term stability and long-term stability were tested by the straight line fitting method, and the slope of the fitting line | b1 |

Background: In order to determine possible pathological deviations in body weight distribution and body sway, it is helpful to have reference values for comparison: gender and age are two main influencing factors. For this reason, it was the aim of the present study to present reference values for women between 51 and 60 years of age. Methods: For this study, 101 subjectively healthy female Germans aged between 51 and 60 years (55.16 ± 2.89 years) volunteered and were required to stand in a habitual posture on a pressure measuring platform. Results: The average BMI of this age group was 25.02 ± 4.55 kg/m². The left and right foot showed an almost evenly balanced load distribution with a median load of 52.33% on the left foot [tolerance interval (TR) 38.00%/68.03%; confidence interval (CI) 51.00%/53.33%] and 47.67% on the right foot [TR 31.97%/62.00%; CI 46.67%/49.00%]. The measured median load of the forefoot was 33.33% [TR 21.37%/54.60%; CI 30.67%/36.00%] and that of the rear foot was 66.67% [TR 45.50%/78.63%; CI 64.00%/69.33%]. The median body sway in the frontal plane was 11 mm [TR 5.70 mm/26.30 mm; CI 10.00 mm/11.67 mm] and that of the sagittal plane was 16 mm [TR 7.37 mm/34.32 mm; CI 14.67 mm/18.67 mm]. The median ellipse area was 1.17 cm² [TR 0.29 cm²/4.96 cm²; CI 0.98 cm²/1.35 cm²], the median ellipse width was 0.91 cm [TR 0.42 cm/1.9 cm; CI 0.84 cm/1.02 cm] and its height was 0.40 cm [TR 0.22 cm/0.89 cm; CI 0.38 cm/0.43 cm]. Conclusions: The left-to-right ratio is almost balanced. The load distribution of the forefoot to the rear foot is approximately 1:2. The median body sway values for the frontal and sagittal planes (11 and 16 mm, respectively) agree with other values. The values for the height, body weight and the BMI are comparable to the values of average German women at this age; therefore, the measured values show a presentable cross section of women in the 51–60 age group in Germany. The present data can be used as a basis for women aged 51–60 years and can support the detection of possible dysfunctions as well as injury prevention in the parameters of postural control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In order to classify and analyze the parameters of upper body posture, a baseline in the form of standard values is demanded. To this date, standard values have only been published for healthy men aged 18–35 and 41–50 years. Data for male adults aged between 31 and 40 years are lacking. Methods The postural parameters of 101 symptom-free male volunteers aged 31–40 (35.58 ± 2.88) years were studied. The mean height of the men was 179.89 ± 7.38 cm, with a mean body weight of 86.36 ± 11.58 kg and an average BMI of 26.70 ± 3.35 kg/m2. By means of video rasterstereography, a 3-dimensional scan of the upper back surface was measured in a habitual standing position. The means or medians, confidence interval, tolerance range, and group comparisons and correlations of BMI and physical activity were calculated for all parameters. Results The habitual standing position was found to be almost symmetrical and the axis aligned in the spine, pelvis, and shoulder region, while the spine position was marginally inclined ventrally. The kyphosis angle of the thoracic spine was greater than the lordosis angle of the lumbar spine. All deviations fell under the measurement error margin of 1 mm/1°. The greater the BMI, the greater was the pelvic and scapular distance. The lower the BMI, the further caudally positioned was the right shoulder. The pelvic and scapular distances were also lower with the increasing athleticism of the participants. Conclusion The upper body posture of men between the ages of 31 and 40 years was found to be almost symmetrical and axis-conforming, with the kyphosis angle, pelvic distance, and shoulder distance enlarging with increasing BMI. Consequently, postural parameters presented in this survey allow for comparisons with other studies, as well as the evaluation of clinical diagnostics and applications.

Background: In Korea, fetuses are currently assessed using ultrasound data collected from foreign subjects. This study aimed to propose independent reference values for the transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD) in Korean fetuses to predict gestational age (GA) and compare the TCD values among different countries. Methods: A total of 1819 healthy singletons with GAs of 15–37 weeks were retrospectively analyzed. The TCD was measured in the transcerebellar plane of the fetal head. TCD percentiles were calculated for different GAs, and a regression model was created to predict GA. Bland–Altman analysis was performed to examine the differences in the mean TCD and variations in the TCD among different countries. Results: The TCD ranged from 1.48 to 4.76 cm with a mean of 2.7 ± 0.91 cm. In the regression model of TCD (cm) = 0.129 GA (weeks) – 0.527 (95% confidence interval 0.129–0.130, p < 0.001), the TCD explained 98.4% of the variance in GA. Significant differences in the mean TCD were found between Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and India. TCD variations increased as the mean TCD increased. Conclusions: Fetal TCD is an important biometric index for predicting GA. Ethnic differences must be considered when using fetal TCD.

Abstract Background To detect deviations from a normal postural control, standard values can be helpful for comparison purposes. Since the postural control is influenced by gender and age, the aim of the present study was the collection of standard values for women between 31 and 40 years of age. Methods For the study, 106 female, subjectively healthy, German subjects aged between 31 and 40 years (35 ± 2.98 years) were measured using a pressure measuring platform. Results Their average BMI was 21.60 ± 4.65 kg/m2. The load distribution between left and right foot was almost evenly balanced with a median 51.46% load on the left [tolerance interval (TR) 37.02%/65.90%; confidence interval (CI) 50.06/52.85%] and 48.54% [TR 43.10/62.97%; CI 47.14/49.93%] on the right foot. The median forefoot load was 33.84% [TR 20.68/54.73%; CI 31.67/37.33%] and the rearfoot load was measured at 66.16% [TR 45.27/79.33%; CI 62.67/68.33%]. The median/mean body sway in the sagittal plane was measured 12 mm [TR 5.45/23.44 mm; CI 11.00/14.00 mm] and 8.17 mm in the frontal plane [TR 3.33/19.08 mm; CI 7.67/9.33 mm]. The median of the ellipse area is 0.72 cm2 [TR 0.15/3.69 cm2; CI 0.54/0.89°]. The ellipse width has a median of 0.66 cm [TR 0.30/1.77 cm; CI 0.61/0.78 cm] and the height of 0.33 cm [TR 0.13/0.71 cm; CI 0.30/0.37 cm]. The ellipse angle (sway, left forefoot to right rearfoot) has a mean of − 19.34° [TR − 59.21/− 0.44°; CI − 22.52/− 16.16°] and the ellipse angle sway from right forefoot to left rearfoot has a mean of 12.75° [TR 0.09/59.09°; CI 9.00/16.33°]. Conclusion The right-to-left ratio is balanced. The forefoot-to-rearfoot ratio is approximately 1:2. Also, the body sway can be classified with 12 and 8 mm as normal. The direction of fluctuation is either approx. 19° from the left forefoot to the right rearfoot or approx. 13° the opposite. Body weight, height, and BMI were comparable to the German average of women in a similar age group, so that the measured standard values are representative and might serve as baseline for the normal function of the balance system in order to support the diagnosis of possible dysfunctions in postural control.

Background: In order to classify and analyze the parameters of upper body posture, a baseline in the form of standard values is demanded. To this date, standard values have only been published for healthy men aged 18–35 and 41–50 years. Data for male adults aged between 31 and 40 years are lacking. Methods: The postural parameters of 101 symptom-free male volunteers aged 31–40 (35.58 ± 2.88) years were studied. The mean height of the men was 179.89 ± 7.38 cm, with a mean body weight of 86.36 ± 11.58 kg and an average BMI of 26.70 ± 3.35 kg/m2. By means of video rasterstereography, a 3-dimensional scan of the upper back surface was measured in a habitual standing position. The means or medians, confidence interval, tolerance range, and group comparisons and correlations of BMI and physical activity were calculated for all parameters. Results: The habitual standing position was found to be almost symmetrical and the axis aligned in the spine, pelvis, and shoulder region, while the spine position was marginally inclined ventrally. The kyphosis angle of the thoracic spine was greater than the lordosis angle of the lumbar spine. All deviations fell under the measurement error margin of 1 mm/1°. The greater the BMI, the greater was the pelvic and scapular distance. The lower the BMI, the further caudally positioned was the right shoulder. The pelvic and scapular distances were also lower with the increasing athleticism of the participants. Conclusion: The upper body posture of men between the ages of 31 and 40 years was found to be almost symmetrical and axis-conforming, with the kyphosis angle, pelvic distance, and shoulder distance enlarging with increasing BMI. Consequently, postural parameters presented in this survey allow for comparisons with other studies, as well as the evaluation of clinical diagnostics and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In order to determine possible pathological deviations in body weight distribution and body sway, it is helpful to have reference values for comparison: gender and age are two main influencing factors. For this reason, it was the aim of the present study to present reference values for women between 51 and 60 years of age. Methods: For this study, 101 subjectively healthy female Germans aged between 51 and 60 years (55.16 ± 2.89 years) volunteered and were required to stand in a habitual posture on a pressure measuring platform. Results: The average BMI of this age group was 25.02 ± 4.55 kg/m². The left and right foot showed an almost evenly balanced load distribution with a median load of 52.33% on the left foot [tolerance interval (TR) 38.00%/68.03%; confidence interval (CI) 51.00%/53.33%] and 47.67% on the right foot [TR 31.97%/62.00%; CI 46.67%/49.00%]. The measured median load of the forefoot was 33.33% [TR 21.37%/54.60%; CI 30.67%/36.00%] and that of the rear foot was 66.67% [TR 45.50%/78.63%; CI 64.00%/69.33%]. The median body sway in the frontal plane was 11 mm [TR 5.70 mm/26.30 mm; CI 10.00 mm/11.67 mm] and that of the sagittal plane was 16 mm [TR 7.37 mm/34.32 mm; CI 14.67 mm/18.67 mm]. The median ellipse area was 1.17 cm² [TR 0.29 cm²/4.96 cm²; CI 0.98 cm²/1.35 cm²], the median ellipse width was 0.91 cm [TR 0.42 cm/1.9 cm; CI 0.84 cm/1.02 cm] and its height was 0.40 cm [TR 0.22 cm/0.89 cm; CI 0.38 cm/0.43 cm]. Conclusions: The left-to-right ratio is almost balanced. The load distribution of the forefoot to the rear foot is approximately 1:2. The median body sway values for the frontal and sagittal planes (11 and 16 mm, respectively) agree with other values. The values for the height, body weight and the BMI are comparable to the values of average German women at this age; therefore, the measured values show a presentable cross section of women in the 51–60 age group in Germany. The present data can be used as a basis for women aged 51–60 years and can support the detection of possible dysfunctions as well as injury prevention in the parameters of postural control.

The running correlation coefficient (RCC) is useful for capturing temporal variations in correlations between two time series. The local running correlation coefficient (LRCC) is a widely used algorithm that directly applies the Pearson correlation to a time window. A new algorithm called synthetic running correlation coefficient (SRCC) was proposed in 2018 and proven to be reasonable and usable; however, this algorithm lacks a theoretical demonstration. In this paper, SRCC is proven theoretically. RCC is only meaningful when its values at different times can be compared. First, the global means are proven to be the unique standard quantities for comparison. SRCC is the only RCC that satisfies the comparability criterion. The relationship between LRCC and SRCC is derived using statistical methods, and SRCC is obtained by adding a constraint condition to the LRCC algorithm. Dividing the temporal fluctuations into high- and low-frequency signals reveals that LRCC only reflects the correlation of high-frequency signals; by contrast, SRCC reflects the correlations of high- and low-frequency signals simultaneously. Therefore, SRCC is the appropriate method for calculating RCCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistics Indonesia, known in Indonesia as Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS), has conducted a series of trials to utilize Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) in a census or survey. However, CAPI costs a lot of money to procure and maintain the device. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) principle offers cost opportunity to device management. In the practice of BYOD in BPS, a device that has good performance is required, because some devices aren’t capable of running CAPI properly. Yet, in BPS there is no standard value to qualify mobile devices to be used in census or survey. Therefore, it is necessary to review what kind of device is suitable for using CAPI. This study utilized CAPI used in a student’s field study as a case study reference. Initially, researchers develop benchmark applications as a tool for feasibility. Furthermore, developed application is tested on a certain base device to calculate the scores to be used as the standard values.

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Inorganic Analytical Chemistry / Zhongguo Wuji Fenxi Huaxue is the property of Beijing Research Institute of Mining & Metallurgy Technology Group and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Age-related changes in cardiac morphology and function have not been unknown in the elderly. The Japanese eLderly data Of Normal echocardioGraphy (J-LONG) study is a prospective multicenter cohort study and aimed to investigate the echocardiographic data in the healthy Japanese elderly. Methods: Thirty domestic facilities participated in this study, and 130 healthy subjects (57 men, 73 women, 79.6 ± 4.7 years, range 75–98 years, interquartile range 76–82 years) were enrolled in this cohort. Echocardiographic and clinical data sets were obtained in each facility, and total analyses were performed in the University of Tsukuba. Results: Almost all cardiac morphological data were significantly larger in men than those in women. However, corrected data by body surface area (BSA) were similar or closer between genders. As a gender difference, the negative correlation between BSA and age was observed in women only (r = − 0.46, p < 0.001), showing the independent determinant of women's left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) was age (β = − 0.29, p = 0.01), but not BSA. In men, LVEDV was significantly correlated with BSA (β = 0.42, p = 0.001), but not with age (p = 0.10). Also, women had higher LV ejection fraction (70 ± 7.1 vs. 68 ± 4.9%, p = 0.02), lower E/A (0.67 ± 0.16 vs. 0.75 ± 0.21, p = 0.02), and higher E/eʹ (10 ± 2.7 vs. 8.9 ± 2.5, p = 0.03) as compared to men. Conclusions: The J-LONG study suggested that correction by the physique was needed to interpret echocardiographic data of the elderly. Also, gender differences and age-related changes in cardiac morphology and function were observed, and further studies are needed to confirm the clinical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Interactions within the musculoskeletal system have been investigated and confirmed in numerous studies. Objectives. Since there are no standard values for the posture of healthy persons, this study attempts to define reference values for the upper body posture in healthy men. Material and methods. A 3-dimensional back scan was performed to quantify the upper back posture while habitually standing. Tolerance regions for habitual posture were calculated, including the upper and lower limit for 95% of all values. Furthermore, the left and right limit of the confidence interval (CI) was carried out. Group differences were tested by using the t-test or the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U test. Results. Height, weight and body mass index (BMI) of the participants were comparable to those of the average young German males. The spinal column was marginally twisted to the right. The spinal curves, defined by the thoracic or lumbar flexion angle, and the kyphosis and lordosis angle, indicated that the angle in the thoracic spine area was larger than that in the lumbar region. Consequently, a more kyphotic posture was observed in the sagittal plane. The habitual posture was slightly scoliotic, with a rotational component (scapular depression left, right scapula marginally located more dorsally, high state of pelvic left, iliac left further rotated posteriorly and simultaneously tilted further ventrally). No significant difference between right and left-handed persons could be proven. Conclusions. Video raster stereography is a suitable method to measure the 3-dimensional back surface. Using this method for healthy young men, we observed that they had an almost ideally balanced posture with minimal ventral body inclination and a marginal scoliotic deviation. The normal values allow a better comparison of data between different studies of body posture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to establish normative data for parameters of spino-pelvic and spinal sagittal alignment, gender related differences and age-related changes in asymptomatic subjects.Methods: A total of 626 asymptomatic volunteers from Japanese population were enrolled in this study, including 50 subjects at least for each gender and each decade from 3rd to 8th. Full length, free-standing spine radiographs were obtained. Cervical lordosis (CL; C3-7), thoracic kyphosis (TK; T1-12), lumbar lordosis (LL; T12-S1), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were measured.Results: The average values (degrees) are 4.1 ± 11.7 for CL, 36.0 ± 10.1 for TK, 49.7 ± 11.2 for LL, 53.7 ± 10.9 for PI, 14.5 ± 8.4 for PT, and 39.4 ± 8.0 for SS. Mean SVA is 3.1 ± 12.6 mm. Advancing age caused an increase in CL, PT and SVA, and a decrease in LL and SS. There was a significant gender difference in CL, TK, LL, PI, PT and SVA. From 7th decade to 8th decade, remarkable decrease of LL & TK and increase of PT were seen. A large increase of SVA was also seen between 60' and 70'.Conclusion: Standard values of spino-pelvic sagittal alignment were established in each gender and each decade from 20' to 70'. A remarkable change of spino-pelvic sagittal alignment was seen from 7th decade to 8th decade in asymptomatic subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Decisions on orthopedic interventions on upper body posture and its control have usually resulted from comparisons with the healthy state. Therefore, practitioners as well as scientists in human movement science or orthopedics need access to such kind of data which are patient-centered and well measured. Until now, these data have been missing concerning upper body posture as well as postural control and their control. That is why the aim of the current project is to measure these data with healthy participants across the lifespan. Results: For standard value determination tolerance range and confidence intervals will be calculated. In addition, Pearson- or Spearman-Rank correlations will be used as well as two-sample-t-tests or Mann-Whitney-U-tests for specific group differences. All tests will be two-sided with the level of significance of 5 %. Discussion: This project aims at improving classifications in adaptations of upper body posture and postural control. Measured standard values have not been determined before to this extent. Therefore, interventional effects may become better quantifiable and justiciable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Scientific Bulletin of National Mining University is the property of National Mining University, State Higher Educational Institution and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: This study aimed to establish radiographic standard values for cervical spine morphometry, alignment, and range of motion (ROM) in both male and female in each decade of life between the 3rd and 8th and to elucidate these age-related changes. Methods: A total of 1,230 asymptomatic volunteers underwent anteroposterior (AP), lateral, flexion, and extension radiography of the cervical spine. There were at least 100 men and 100 women in each decade of life between the 3rd and 8th. AP diameter of the spinal canal, vertebral body, and disc were measured at each level from the 2nd to 7th cervical vertebra (C2-C7). C2-C7 sagittal alignment and ROM during flexion and extension were calculated using a computer digitizer. Results: The AP diameter of the spinal canal was 15.8 ± 1.5 [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] mm at the mid-C5 level, and 15.5 ± 2.0 mm at the C5/6 disc level. The disc height was 5.8 ± 1.3 mm at the C5/6 level, which was the minimum height, and the maximum height was at the C6/7 level. Both the AP diameter of the spinal canal and disc height decreased gradually with increasing age. The C2-C7 sagittal alignment and total ROM were 13.9 ± 12.3° in lordosis and 55.3 ± 16.0°, respectively. The C2-C7 lordotic angle was 8.0 ± 11.8° in the 3rd decade and increased to 19.7 ± 11.3 in the 8th decade, whereas the C2-C7 ROM was 67.7 ± 17.0° in the 3rd decade and decreased to 45.0 ± 12.5 in the 8th decade. The extension ROM decreased more than the flexion ROM, and lordotic alignment progressed with increasing age. There was a significant difference in C2-C7 alignment and ROM between men and women. Conclusions: The standard values and age-related changes in cervical anatomy, alignment, and ROM for males and females in each decade between the 3rd and 8th were established. Cervical lordosis in the neutral position develops with aging, while extension ROM decreases gradually. These data will be useful as normal values for the sake of comparison in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the first women's judo championships in 1980 work connected with an analysis and an assessment of their preparation has been carried on. Polish and foreign researchers have determined the particulars of women's technical-tactical preparation (TTP). Adrianna Dadci was Poland's representative in women's judo, who successfully participated in many international competitions. She won the gold medal at the European Championships in 2002 and took the 3rd place at the European championships in 2001. She won five times at international tournaments within 2002-2004, which are now known as the World Cups. She was the Champion of Poland seven times. The purpose of this research was to determine Adrianna Dadci's, one of the best Polish judo competitors, individual profile of technical-tactical preparation. Material/Methods: 123 contests played by Adranna Dadci within 2002-2004 during 33 judo sport competitions were analyzed (119 contests were subject to analysis). Results: Dadci efficiently performed 146 attacks gaining 1047 referee's points. She effectively used 20 judo techniques. The ouchi gari and an uchimata throws were her favorite techniques, effectively executed by the right side of her body as well as the juji gatame armlock. She was very efficient in executing katame waza techniques (grappling techniques) and ashi waza (leg throws). Conclusions: A profile of technical-tactical preparation of one of the best women's judo competitors is an important factor in determining the standard value. Adriana Dadci's value of indices (TTP) may be used as a criterion for controlling individual training in women's judo competitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: QT interval variability provides information on ventricular vulnerability. However, QT interval variability in children has not been adequately evaluated. Methods: One hundred seventy-three consecutive nursing infants and children (male-female, 106:67) up to school age with no intrinsic cardiac disease were included in this study, and they were categorized into 6 age-related groups. The QT variability index (QTVI) was calculated based on an electrocardiogram; and age-specific standard values, sex-specific classification, and a standard growth curve covering 0 to 7 years were constructed. Results: The QTVI decreased in an age-dependent manner, reached constant values after school age, and exhibited no sex-specific differences in 6 age-related groups. Conclusions: Based on the age-dependent standardized QTVI values, it is possible to estimate the instability of ventricular repolarization in pediatric patients with better accuracy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We compare mean force potential values of a large series of PDB models of proteins and peptides and find that, either as monomers or polymers, proteins longer than 200–250 residues have equivalent MFP values that are averaged to –65±3kcal/aa. This value is named the standard or stability value. The standard value is reached irrespective of sequences and 3D folds. Peptides are too short to follow the rule and frequently exist as populations of conformers; one exception is peptides in amyloid fibrils. Fibrils surpass the standard value in accordance with their uppermost stability. In parallel, we calculate median MFP values of amino acids in stably folded PDB models of proteins: median values vary from –25 for Gly to –115kcal/aa for Trp. These median values are used to score primary sequences of proteins: all sequences converge to a mean value of −63.5±2.5kcal/aa, i.e., only 1.5kcal less than the folded model standard. Sequences from unfolded proteins have lower values. This supports the conclusion that sequences carry in an important message and more specifically that diversity of amino acids in sequences is mandatory for stability. We also use the median amino acid MFP to score residue stability in 3D folds. This demonstrates that 3D folds are compromises between fragments of high and fragments of low scores and that functional residues are often but not always in the extreme score values. The approach opens to possibilities of evaluating any 3D model and of detecting functional residues and should help in conducting mutation assays. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the first part of this article, a critical review of traditional approaches used to estimate daily inhalation rates as a function of age for health risk assessment purposes shows that such rates are not totally reliable due to various biases introduced by both quantitative and qualitative deficiencies regarding certain input parameters. In the second part, the magnitude of under- and overestimations of published inhalation rates derived from each approach is described by a comparison with new sets of physiological daily inhalation rates and distribution percentile values based on total daily energy expenditures (TDEEs) measured by the doubly labeled water (DLW) method. TDEEs are derived from the analysis of deuterium ( 2 H) and heavy oxygen-18 ( 18 O) in urine samples by gas-isotope-ratio mass spectrometry during an aggregate period of over 20,000 days for unrestrained free-living normal-weight individuals aged 2.6 months to 96 years (n = 1252). Regarding physiological values based on DLW measurements, opposite tendencies have been observed between two sets of estimates using time-activity patterns both biased by conservative input data assumptions during sleep and light activities: most estimates based on the time-activity-ventilation approach are overestimated, whereas most of those using metabolic equivalent approach are underestimated. Erroneous food intakes have clearly lead to underestimated rates when used in daily food-energy intake (EFD) and Parameter A approaches. With the latter approach, overestimated basal metabolic rates (BMRs) used in EFD/BMR ratios contribute to the underestimation of inhalation values. Few mean daily inhalation rates and Monte Carlo simulation percentiles based on traditional approaches (57 out of 253) are close to physiological values within a gap of ± 5% or less. Aggregate errors in all estimates (in m 3 /day and m 3 /kg-day) vary from -52 to +126%. The most accurate daily inhalation rates are those based on DLW measurements with an error of about ± 5%, as calculated in previous studies for free-living males and females aged 1 month to 96 years and pregnant and lactating adolescents and women aged 11 to 55 years during real-life situations in their normal surroundings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of physiological daily inhalation rates for pregnant and lactating females aged 11 to 55 years was determined according to total daily energy expenditures, energy costs for growth, pregnancy and lactation (maternal milk-energy synthesis and breast-energy output) in free-living females. Such published data were obtained using a methodology based on the disappearance rates of predetermined doses of doubly labeled water ( 2 H 2 O and H 2 18 O) in urine from non-pregnant and non-lactating females ( n = 357), as well as saliva from gravid and breastfeeding females ( n = 91), monitored by gas-isotope-ratio mass spectrometry over an aggregate period of about 6,000 days. Monte Carlo simulations were necessary to integrate total daily energy requirements of non-pregnant and non-lactating females into energy costs and weight changes at the 9th, 22nd, and 36th week of pregnancy and at the 6th and 27th, postpartum week: 540,000 data were simulated. The present article confirms that physiological daily inhalation rates for under-, normal-, and overweight/obese pregnant and lactating females expressed in m 3 /day and m 3 /kg-day are higher than those for males. For instance, in normal-weight subjects, inhalation rates are higher by 18 to 41% throughout pregnancy and 23 to 39% during postpartum weeks: actual values were higher in females by 1.13 to 2.01 m 3 /day at the 9th week of pregnancy, 3.74 to 4.53 m 3 /day at the 22nd week and 4.41 to 5.20 m 3 /day at the 36th week, and by 4.43 to 5.30 m 3 /day at the 6th postpartum week and 4.22 to 5.11 m 3 /day at the 27th postpartum week. The highest 99th percentiles were found to be 0.622 m 3 /kg-day in pregnant females and 0.647 m 3 /kg-day in lactating females. By comparison, the highest 99th percentile value for individuals aged 2.6 months to 96 years was determined to be 0.725 m 3 /kg-day in Brochu et al. (2006a). Air quality criteria and standard calculations based on the latter value for non-carcinogenic toxic compounds should therefore be protective for virtually all pregnant and lactating females. The present article highlights evidence that the current default assumption regarding the total daily air intake used by the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) to derive human equivalent concentrations in reference dose calculations is also underestimated compared to some higher 75th and 90th percentiles of physiological daily inhalation rates in pregnant and lactating females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reported disappearance rates of oral doses of doubly labeled water ( 2 H 2 O and H 2 18 O) in urine, monitored by gas-isotope-ratio mass spectrometry for an aggregate period of over 30,000 days and completed with indirect calorimetry and nutritional balance measurements, have been used to determine physiological daily inhalation rates for 2210 individuals aged 3 weeks to 96 years. Rates in m 3 /kg-day for healthy normal-weight individuals (n = 1252) were higher by 6 to 21% compared to their overweight/obese counterparts (n = 679). Rates for healthy normal-weight males and females drop by about 66 to 75% within the course of a lifetime. Infants and children between the age of 3 weeks to less than 7 years inhale 1.6 to 4.3 times more air (0.395 ± 0.048 to 0.739 ± 0.071 m 3 /kg-day, mean ± S.D., n = 581) than adults aged 23 to 96 years (0.172 ± 0.037 to 0.247 ± 0.039 m 3 /kg-day, n = 388). The 99th percentile rate of 0.725 m 3 /kg-day based on measurements for boys aged 2.6 to less than 6 months is recommended for air quality criteria and standard calculation for non-carcinogenic compounds pertaining to individuals of any age or gender (normality confirmed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, p ≥ 0.05). This rate is 2.5-fold more protective than the daily inhalation estimate of 0.286 m 3 /kg-day published by the Federal Register in 1980 (i.e., 20 m 3 /day for a 70-kg adult). It ensures that very few newborns aged 1 month and younger, less than 1% of infants aged 2.6 to less than 6 months and of course no older individuals up to 96 years of age inhale more toxic chemicals than associated safe doses which are not anticipated to result in any adverse effects in humans, when air concentration reaches the resulting air quality criteria and standard values. This rate is also protective for underweight, overweight, and obese individuals. Finally, as far as newborns are concerned, a rate of 0.956 m 3 /kg-day based on the 99th percentile estimates is recommended for short-term criteria and standard calculations for toxic chemicals that yield adverse effects over instantaneous to short-term duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the worst health hazards in Bangladesh is arsenic contamination of drinking water, which demands immediate and urgent remedial measures. The common strategy to control environmental health problems is to erect interventions at three levels: control at source, avoid ingestion and provide heath care The source of arsenic contamination is absolutely geological and almost any method can be applied to control it at source. There is little proven treatment for acute arsenic toxicity, but drinking water free of arsenic can aid the affected people at their initial stage of illness to get rid of the symptoms of arsenic toxicity. Hence, provision of safe drinking water is the foremost element of the arsenic mitigation plan. Identification of affected people and the population at risk of toxicity from arsenic, establishment of a standard value for the presence of arsenic in drinking water, provision of medical and health care and establishment of appropriate research work and study programmes are important elements of the plan. Finally, international, interdisciplinary and inter-organizational co-operation and collaboration have been highly emphasized in the mitigation plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the concentration of arsenic (As) released from gray or white mineral trioxide aggregates (MTAs) met the requirement of the International Standards Organization (ISO) for dental cements. Methods: Sample preparations were carried out according to the ISO methods. After centrifugation of dissolved samples, As (III) concentration in the final supernatant was analyzed by a high-performance atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: As (III) concentration from both MTAs was much less than the required value (2 ppm) for dental cements regulated by the ISO. An experiment simulating pulp capping by using MTA revealed that As concentration was also below the standard value of the ISO. The As concentration in white MTA was lower than the value (10 ppb) recommended for tap water and environmental standards. Conclusions: The present in vitro studies demonstrated that there is no threat to patient health in using commercially available brands of MTA for endodontic practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines factors associated with activity limitation and the decline in quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and to determine standard values that would be useful for understanding the disease state. We assessed individual factors, the modified version of the Self-Rating Frenchay Activities Index (SR-FAI), and the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM) of 661 participants. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between dependent and explanatory variables. Standard values were calculated after stratifying based on factors related to each dependent variable through multiple regression analyses. Among the participants aged 60-74/75-89 years, the standard values for the modified SR-FAI were 23/19 and 20/18 points for K-L grades III and IV in the males, and 29/23 and 26/21 points in the females, respectively. The standard values for the JKOM were 35/49 and 45/59 points for K-L grades III and IV in the males and 41/52 and 47/60 points in the females, respectively. These standard values are a useful index for interpreting the degree of activity limitation and satisfaction reduction in patients with knee OA, and could help in clinical decision making for healthcare providers.

Objective: Classifications of posture deviations are only possible compared with standard values. However, standard values have been published for healthy male adults but not for female adults., Design: Observational study., Setting: Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main., Participants: 106healthy female volunteers (21-30 years old; 25.1±2.7 years) were included. Their body weight ranged from 46 to 106 kg (60.3±7.9 kg), the heights from 1.53 to 1.82 m (1.69±0.06 m) and the body mass index from 16.9 kg/m² to 37.6 kg/m² (21.1±2.6 kg/m²)., Outcome Measures: A three-dimensional back scan was performed to measure the upper back posture in habitual standing. The tolerance ranges and CI were calculated. Group differences were tested by the Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U test., Results: In normal posture, the spinal column was marginally twisted to the left, and the vertebrae were marginally rotated to the right. The kyphosis angle is larger than the lumbar angle. Consequently, a more kyphotic posture is observed in the sagittal plane. The habitual posture is slightly scoliotic with a rotational component (scapular depression right, right scapula marginally more dorsally, high state of pelvic right, iliac right further rotated anteriorly)., Conclusions: Healthy young women have an almost ideally balanced posture with minimal ventral body inclination and a marginal scoliotic deviation. Compared with young males, women show only marginal differences in the upper body posture. These values allow a comparison to other studies, both for control and patient data, and may serve as guideline in both clinical practice and scientific studies., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2018. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objective: To evaluate normal breast tissue stiffness with virtual touch tissue imaging quantification (VTIQ) using prospectively collected data. Materials and Methods: B-mode ultrasound and VTIQ were performed in 132 breasts in 97 women. Mean values of VTIQ for parenchyma and fatty tissue were compared between those measured in healthy breasts and in the surrounding of histologically proven benign and malignant breast lesions. Moreover we reviewed VTIQ values according to breast density measured by the American College of Radiology (ACR) categories. In addition we analyzed re-test reliability of VTIQ. Results: In 132 breasts the mean VTIQ values in parenchyma were significantly higher than in fatty tissue (3.23m/s±0.74 versus 2.5m/s±0.61; p <0.0001). In healthy breasts as well as in the surrounding of a benign or malignant lesions the VTIQ values of parenchyma were similar (p =0.12). In fatty tissue, small differences between mean VTIQ values of 2.25m/s±0.51, 2.52m/s±0.48 and 2.65m/s±0.71 (p =0.01) in the respective groups were observed. The comparison of mean VTIQ values of parenchyma and fatty tissue in more and less dense breasts (ACR 1+2 versus ACR 3+4 breasts) also yielded no statistically significant difference. The re-test reliability of VTIQ assessed with three independent measurements was moderate (interclass-correlation of 0.52 (p <0.0001)). Conclusion: VTIQ is a reliable method for measuring the stiffness of breast tissue. We propose standard values for healthy parenchyma and fatty tissues independent of the surrounding tissue or the ACR category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]