4,036 research outputs found
Ninja data analysis with a detection pipeline based on the Hilbert-Huang Transform
The Ninja data analysis challenge allowed the study of the sensitivity of
data analysis pipelines to binary black hole numerical relativity waveforms in
simulated Gaussian noise at the design level of the LIGO observatory and the
VIRGO observatory. We analyzed NINJA data with a pipeline based on the Hilbert
Huang Transform, utilizing a detection stage and a characterization stage:
detection is performed by triggering on excess instantaneous power,
characterization is performed by displaying the kernel density enhanced (KD)
time-frequency trace of the signal. Using the simulated data based on the two
LIGO detectors, we were able to detect 77 signals out of 126 above SNR 5 in
coincidence, with 43 missed events characterized by signal to noise ratio SNR
less than 10. Characterization of the detected signals revealed the merger part
of the waveform in high time and frequency resolution, free from time-frequency
uncertainty. We estimated the timelag of the signals between the detectors
based on the optimal overlap of the individual KD time-frequency maps, yielding
estimates accurate within a fraction of a millisecond for half of the events. A
coherent addition of the data sets according to the estimated timelag
eventually was used in a characterization of the event.Comment: Accepted for publication in CQG, special issue NRDA proceedings 200
The expression pattern of MUC1 (EMA) is related to tumour characteristics and clinical outcome of invasive ductal breast carcinoma
Aims: To clarify MUC1 patterns in invasive ductal breast carcinoma and to relate them to clinicopathological parameters, coexpression of other biological markers and prognosis. Methods and results: Samples from 243 consecutive patients with primary ductal carcinoma were incorporated into tissue microarrays (TMAs). Slides were stained for MUC1, oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Her2/neu, p53 and cyclin D1. Apical membrane MUC1 expression was associated with smaller tumours (P = 0.001), lower tumour grades (P < 0.001), PR positivity (P = 0.003) and increased overall survival (OS; P = 0.030). Diffuse cytoplasmic MUC1 expression was associated with cyclin D1 positivity (P = 0.009) and increased relapse-free survival (RFS; P = 0.034). Negativity for MUC1 was associated with ER negativity (P = 0.004), PR negativity (P = 0.001) and cyclin D1 negativity (P = 0.009). In stepwise multivariate analysis MUC1 negativity was an independent predictor of both RFS [hazard ratio (HR) 3.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5, 8.5; P = 0.005] and OS (HR 14.7, 9 5% Cl 4.9, 44. 1; P < 0.001). Conclusions: The expression pattern of MUC1 in invasive ductal breast carcinoma is related to tumour characteristics and clinical outcome. In addition, negative MUC1 expression is an independent risk factor for poor RFS and OS, besides 'classical' prognostic indicators
Frequency noise and intensity noise of next-generation gravitational-wave detectors with RF/DC readout schemes
The sensitivity of next-generation gravitational-wave detectors such as
Advanced LIGO and LCGT should be limited mostly by quantum noise with an
expected technical progress to reduce seismic noise and thermal noise. Those
detectors will employ the optical configuration of resonant-sideband-extraction
that can be realized with a signal-recycling mirror added to the Fabry-Perot
Michelson interferometer. While this configuration can reduce quantum noise of
the detector, it can possibly increase laser frequency noise and intensity
noise. The analysis of laser noise in the interferometer with the conventional
configuration has been done in several papers, and we shall extend the analysis
to the resonant-sideband-extraction configuration with the radiation pressure
effect included. We shall also refer to laser noise in the case we employ the
so-called DC readout scheme.Comment: An error in Fig. 10 in the published version in PRD has been
corrected in this version; an erratum has been submitted to PRD. After
correction, this figure reflects a significant difference in the ways RF and
DC readout schemes are susceptible to laser noise. In addition, the levels of
mirror loss imbalances and input laser amplitude noise have also been updated
to be more realistic for Advanced LIG
Using a gamified monitoring app to change adolescents' snack intake : the development of the REWARD app and evaluation design
Background: As the snacking pattern of European adolescents is of great concern, effective interventions are necessary. Till now health promotion efforts in children and adolescents have had only limited success in changing adolescents' eating patterns and anthropometrics. Therefore, the present study proposes an innovative approach to influence dietary behaviors in youth based on new insights on effective behavior change strategies and attractive intervention channels to engage adolescents. This article describes the rationale, the development, and evaluation design of the 'Snack Track School' app. The aim of the app is to improve the snacking patterns of Flemish 14- to 16-year olds.
Methods: The development of the app was informed by the systematic, stepwise, iterative, and collaborative principles of the Intervention Mapping protocol. A four week mHealth intervention was developed based on the dual-system model with behavioral change strategies targeting both the reflective (i.e., active learning, advance organizers, mere exposure, goal-setting, monitoring, and feedback) and automatic processes (i.e., rewards and positive reinforcement). This intervention will be evaluated via a controlled pre-post design in Flemish schools among 1400 adolescents.
Discussion: When this intervention including strategies focused on both the reflective and automatic pathway proves to be effective, it will offer a new scientifically-based vision, guidelines and practical tools for public health and health promotion (i.e., incorporation of learning theories in intervention programs)
Fire debris analysis by Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics
A paper reporting the use of Raman Spectroscopy in fire debris analysis is presented. Five polymer based samples, namely carpet (polypropylene), nylon stockings (nylon), foam packaging (polystyrene), CD cases (polystyrene) and DVD cases (polypropylene) were burnt with each one of the following ignitable liquids: petrol, diesel, kerosene and ethanol. Raman shifts were obtained and, in some cases, peaks were identified to correspond to pyrolysis products in the form of alkanes, aromatic or polyaromatic compounds. All pyrolysis peaks were used to produce a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the burned samples with the different ignitable liquids. The change in the Raman spectra made it possible to identify some of the pyrolysis products produced in the combustion and also to identify the different plastic materials in fire debris, even when different fuels have been used and the chemical and structural identity of the plastic has been altered in the fire
hapConstructor: automatic construction and testing of haplotypes in a Monte Carlo framework
Summary: Haplotypes carry important information that can direct investigators towards underlying susceptibility variants, and hence multiple tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) are usually studied in candidate gene association studies. However, it is often unknown which SNPs should be included in haplotype analyses, or which tests should be performed for maximum power. We have developed a program, hapConstructor, which automatically builds multi-locus SNP sets to test for association in a case-control framework. The multi-SNP sets considered need not be contiguous; they are built based on significance. An important feature is that the missing data imputation is carried out based on the full data, for maximal information and consistency. HapConstructor is implemented in a Monte Carlo framework and naturally extends to allow for significance testing and false discovery rates that account for the construction process and to related individuals. HapConstructor is a useful tool for exploring multi-locus associations in candidate genes and regions
Standard Neutrino Spectrum from B-8 Decay
We present a systematic evaluation of the shape of the neutrino energy
spectrum produced by beta-decay of B. We place special emphasis on
determining the range of uncertainties permitted by existing laboratory data
and theoretical ingredients (such as forbidden and radiative corrections). We
review and compare the available experimental data on the
BBe decay chain. We analyze the theoretical and
experimental uncertainties quantitatively. We give a numerical representation
of the best-fit (standard-model) neutrino spectrum, as well as two extreme
deviations from the standard spectrum that represent the total (experimental
and theoretical) effective deviations. Solar neutrino experiments
that are currently being developed will be able to measure the shape of the
B neutrino spectrum above about 5 MeV. An observed distortion of the B
solar neutrino spectrum outside the range given in the present work could be
considered as evidence, at an effective significance level greater than three
standard deviations, for physics beyond the standard electroweak model. We use
the most recent available experimental data on the Gamow--Teller strengths in
the system to calculate the B neutrino absorption cross section on
chlorine: ~cm (
errors). The chlorine cross section is also given as a function of the neutrino
energy. The B neutrino absorption cross section in gallium is cm ( errors).Comment: Revised version, to appear in Phys. Rev.
Local orientational order in the Stockmayer liquid
Phase behaviour of the Stockmayer fluid is studied with a method similar to
the Monte-Carlo annealing scheme. We introduce a novel order parameter which is
sensitive to the local co-orientation of the dipoles of particles in the fluid.
We exhibit a phase diagram based on the behaviour of the order parameter in the
density region 0.1 \leq {\rho}\ast \leq 0.32. Specifically, we observe and
analyse a second order locally disordered fluid \rightarrow locally oriented
fluid phase transition.Comment: 13 pages, 7 figure
The toxicity and intraspecific variability of Alexandrium andersonii Balech
The toxicity of Alexandrium andersonii Balech is unclear and its intraspecific variability has yet to be
studied. To address these gaps in our knowledge, in the present work five strains of A. andersonii from
four different localities were characterized. The results showed that despite genetic homogeneity in the
5.8-ITS (internal transcribed spacer) and large subunit (LSU) regions and similar growth rates, strains
originating from different locations varied with respect to cell size, the ratios of certain pigments, and
their growth patterns. Cultures of the strains grown at 20 8C were analyzed for toxicity using four
different methodologies. The two officially established methods, mouse bioassay and high-performance
liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) and post-column reaction analysis of
PSP toxins, failed to show the toxicity of any strain. Strains grown at 14 8C were also negative for PSP
toxins by HPLC-FLD. However, strains grown at 20 8C exhibited both a response characteristic of the
presence of toxin-inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels, as demonstrated in a neuroblastoma neuro-
2a cell-based assay, as well as hemolytic activity in a sheep red blood cell assay
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