A Regression Model to Estimate Regional Ground Water Recharge

A regional regression model was developed to estimate the spatial distribution of ground water recharge in subhumid regions. The regional regression recharge (RRR) model was based on a regression of basin-wide estimates of recharge from surface water drainage basins, precipitation, growing degree days (GDD), and average basin specific yield (SY). Decadal average recharge, precipitation, and GDD were used in the RRR model. The RRR estimates were derived from analysis of stream base flow using a computer program that was based on the Rorabaugh method. As expected, there was a strong correlation between recharge and precipitation. The model was applied to statewide data in Minnesota. Where precipitation was least in the western and northwestern parts of the state (50 to 65 cm/year), recharge computed by the RRR model also was lowest (0 to 5 cm/year). A strong correlation also exists between recharge and SY. SY was least in areas where glacial lake clay occurs, primarily in the northwest part of the state; recharge estimates in these areas were in the 0- to 5-cm/year range. In sand-plain areas where SY is greatest, recharge estimates were in the 15- to 29-cm/year range on the basis of the RRR model. Recharge estimates that were based on the RRR model compared favorably with estimates made on the basis of other methods. The RRR model can be applied in other subhumid regions where region wide data sets of precipitation, streamflow, GDD, and soils data are available

Computational Science and Its Applications – ICCSA 2014, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Predictive Models for Mutation Carriers in Brugada Syndrome Screening

In this study we consider logistic regression models to predict mutation carriers in family members affected by Brugada Syndrome. This Syndrome is an inherited cardiopathy that predisposes individuals without structural heart disease to sudden cardiac death. We focused on five electrocardiographic markers, which have been explored as good discriminators between carriers and non-carriers of the genetic mutation responsible for this disease. Logistic regression models which combine some of the five markers were investigated. Our objective was to assess the predictive ability of these models through internal validation procedures. We also applied shrinkage methods to improve calibration of the models and future predictive accuracy. Validation of these models, using bootstrapping, point to some superiority of two models, for which fairly good measures of predictive accuracy were obtained. This study provides confidence in these models, which offer greater sensitivity than the usual screening by detecting a characteristic pattern in an electrocardiogram

Spontaneous bilateral Achilles tendon rupture in a patient treated with oral levofloxacin

A case of bilateral rupture of the Achilles tendon in a patient treated with levofloxacin for cystitis is reported. A 76-year-old woman suddenly developed painful ankles one day after levofloxacin treatment. Drug therapy was switched to amoxicillin/clavulanate on the fourth day. Sonography revealed a serious condition of tendinosis with complete bilateral full-thickness rupture on day 6. Tendons were both repaired in the same surgical session. Pathological anatomy of the specimens reported fatty tissue lobules with panniculitis and histiocytosis. Ankles were immobilized postoperatively with a plaster cast. Achilles tendon rupture may occur as an adverse side effect of short-term use of levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. This adverse effect is a rare and poorly understood complication of this antibiotic therapy. A review of the literature is provided