The Parametric and Non-parametric Bootstrap Resamplings for the Visual Acuity Measurement

We propose a useful tool for the visual acuity measurement from the results of parametric and non-parametric bootstrap algorithms in the logistic regression model. We present the kurtosis and the variance of deviance residuals to estimate the efficiency of bootstrap resampling. We applied our parametric and non-parametric algorithms to the problem of the visual acuity measurement and obtained the efficiency measures for the comparison of the parametric and non-parametric bootstrap resamplings

Psychophysical Threshold Estimates in Logistic Regression Using the Bootstrap Resampling

We propose the non-parametric bootstrap resampling algorithm for the problem of psychophysical threshold estimates. We use the logistic regression with guessing rate and the log-likelihood ratio test statistics of two samples for testing the hypothesis by using the bootstrap resampling. We apply our algorithm to the visual acuity test, and show that the bootstrap resampling is useful for the problem of the two-sample test when the numbers of observations are not identical between the two samples. We also propose the bootstrap algorithm for one-sample testing to certify the values of parameters and threshold obtained by logistic regression

A statistical modelling of the visual acuity measurement and its multiple test procedure

To establish the computer assisted system of the visual acuity test, we propose a statistical modelling of the visual acuity measurement and its multiple test procedure. The psychometric functions for individual patients are produced by the logistic regression combined with the guessing rate. We adopt test statistics based on (i) psychometric functions (the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel method) and (ii) psychophysical thresholds (the delta method). The multiple comparisons are performed by the step-down procedure with Ryan-Einot-Gabriel-Welsch (REGW) significance levels. To show the practical effectiveness of our system, we present a numerical example of four patient groups

Discussion

The subsurface structure and sedimentary facies in the Beppu Bay basin were studied using 2D seismic and 3D high-resolution seismic (3D-HRS) surveys. A series of high-angle faults extend near the southern bay coast and are interpreted as active traces of the laterally moving Median Tectonic Line (MTL). A releasing bend of the MTL forms a pull-apart sag around the bay bottom accompanied by numerous normal fractures, whereas a compressional bulge is emerging on the southern side of the bay, suggesting complicated and transient stress states in the late Quaternary strata. Based on the general development history of the Hohi Volcanic Zone (HVZ), the lower, middle, and upper seismic horizons are assigned to 5–6 Ma (initial stage of the HVZ), 0.7 Ma, and 0.3 Ma, respectively. We identified three auxiliary reflectors within the upper part of the sediment pile and correlated them with oxygen isotope stages 15–11. These stratigraphic constraints are used to discuss paleoenvironments in the latest Pleistocene by means of an amplitude root mean square attribute analysis of the 3D-HRS data, which successfully delineated a buried river channel that was active during the last glacial period

Introduction of triage. An experience of a triage nurse in a tertiary centre in Japan

Emergency medical treatment in Japan is subject to jurisdiction by the Fire Department. Triage, by definition, is a dynamic process, as the patient's status can change rapidly. Triage is very important for Japan, where emergency patients are on the rise. The role of triage nurse is also important. That will improve the life-saving rate of emergency patients and improve the reversion to society

NASDA's Advanced On-Line System (ADOLIS)

Spacecraft operations including ground system operations are generally realized by various large or small scale group work which is done by operators, engineers, managers, users and so on, and their positions are geographically distributed in many cases. In face-to-face work environments, it is easy for them to understand each other. However, in distributed work environments which need communication media, if only using audio, they become estranged from each other and lose interest in and continuity of work. It is an obstacle to smooth operation of spacecraft. NASDA has developed an experimental model of a new real-time operation control system called 'ADOLIS' (ADvanced On-Line System) adopted to such a distributed environment using a multi-media system dealing with character, figure, image, handwriting, video and audio information which is accommodated to operation systems of a wide range including spacecraft and ground systems. This paper describes the results of the development of the experimental model

Association of the diplotype configuration at the N-acetyltransferase 2 gene with adverse events with co-trimoxazole in Japanese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Although co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole) is an effective drug for prophylaxis against and treatment of Pneumocystis pneumonia, patients often experience adverse events with this combination, even at prophylactic doses. With the aim being to achieve individual optimization of co-trimoxazole therapy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we investigated genetic polymorphisms in the NAT2 gene (which encodes the metabolizing enzyme of sulphamethoxazole). Of 166 patients with SLE, 54 patients who were hospitalized and who received prophylactic doses of co-trimoxazole were included in the cohort study. Adverse events occurred in 18 patients; only two experienced severe adverse events that lead to discontinuation of the drug. These two patients and three additional ones with severe adverse events (from other institutions) were added to form a cohort sample and were analyzed in a case-control study. Genotype was determined using TaqMan methods, and haplotype was inferred using the maximum-likelihood method. In the cohort study, adverse events occurred more frequently in those without the NAT2*4 haplotype (5/7 [71.4%]) than in those with at least one NAT2*4 haplotype (13/47 [27.7%]; P = 0.034; relative risk = 2.58, 95% confidence interval = 1.34–4.99). In the case-control study the proportion of patients without NAT2*4 was significantly higher among those with severe adverse events (3/5 [60%]) than those without severe adverse events (6/52 [11.5%]; P = 0.024; odds ratio = 11.5, 95% confidence interval = 1.59–73.39). We conclude that lack of NAT2*4 haplotype is associated with adverse events with co-trimoxazole in Japanese patients with SLE

FMD and eGFR Slope in Males and Females

Aims: It is known that there are sex differences in vascular endothelial function and the development of chronic kidney diseases; however, it remains unclear whether sex differences influence the association between vascular endothelial function and renal prognosis. Methods: To clarify the relationship between vascular endothelial function and longitudinal eGFR changes in male and female patients with cardiovascular risk factors, we retrospectively evaluated 341 patients (176 males and 165 females) with cardiovascular risk factors in whom vascular function was assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and in whom 24-month longitudinal eGFR values were recorded after the vascular function examinations. Associations of values of FMD and baPWV with values of eGFR slope were statistically analyzed. Results: Simple regression analysis showed that the value of FMD was positively associated with eGFR slope in females (p=0.001) and non-smoking males (p=0.033) but not in smoking males. Multiple regression analysis showed that the value of FMD remains a positive contributor for eGFR slope in females (p=0.001) and non-smoking males (p=0.045) but not in smoking males. In contrast, values of baPWV had no significant association with eGFR slope regardless of sex and cigarette smoking. Conclusions: In individuals with cardiovascular risk factors, evaluation of vascular endothelial function enables prediction of renal prognosis in females and non-smoking males