A novel scaling methodology to reduce the biases associated with missing data from commercial activity monitors

Background Commercial physical activity monitors have wide utility in the assessment of physical activity in research and clinical settings, however, the removal of devices results in missing data and has the potential to bias study conclusions. This study aimed to evaluate methods to address missingness in data collected from commercial activity monitors. Methods This study utilised 1526 days of near complete data from 109 adults participating in a European weight loss maintenance study (NoHoW). We conducted simulation experiments to test a novel scaling methodology (NoHoW method) and alternative imputation strategies (overall/individual mean imputation, overall/individual multiple imputation, Kalman imputation and random forest imputation). Methods were compared for hourly, daily and 14-day physical activity estimates for steps, total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and time in physical activity categories. In a second simulation study, individual multiple imputation, Kalman imputation and the NoHoW method were tested at different positions and quantities of missingness. Equivalence testing and root mean squared error (RMSE) were used to evaluate the ability of each of the strategies relative to the true data. Results The NoHoW method, Kalman imputation and multiple imputation methods remained statistically equivalent (p<0.05) for all physical activity metrics at the 14-day level. In the second simulation study, RMSE tended to increase with increased missingness. Multiple imputation showed the smallest RMSE for Steps and TDEE at lower levels of missingness (<19%) and the Kalman and NoHoW methods were generally superior for imputing time in physical activity categories. Conclusion Individual centred imputation approaches (NoHoW method, Kalman imputation and individual Multiple imputation) offer an effective means to reduce the biases associated with missing data from activity monitors and maximise data retention

Next-generation sequencing for diagnosis of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections: diagnostic yield, novel mutations and genotype phenotype correlations

Additional file 1. Complementary data on primer sequences, SKI amplification and survival analyses

Botulinum toxin treatment of spasticity in diplegic cerebral palsy : a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of three doses of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A; Dysport®) in 125 patients (meanage 5.2 years, SD 2; 54% male)with dynamic equinusspasticity during walking. Participants were randomized toreceive Dysport (10, 20, or 30 units/kg) or placebo to thegastrocnemius muscle of both legs. Muscle length wascalculated from electrogoniometric measurements and thechange in the dynamic component of gastrocnemiusshortening at four weeks was prospectively identified as theprimary outcome measure. All treatment groups showedstatistically significant decreases in dynamic componentcompared with placebo at 4 weeks. Mean improvement indynamic component was most pronounced in the 20 units/kggroup, being equivalent to an increase in dorsiflexion with the knee extended at 19°, and was still present at 16 weeks. The safety profile of the toxin appears satisfactory

Neutral Strange Particle-Production in K+ and Pi+ Collisions with Al and Au Nuclei at 250 Gev/C

Contains fulltext : 26898___.PDF (publisher's version ) (Open Access

Fast28 a low-power fast readout design for SiPMs in 28nm CMOS

The field of detector readout electronics for precise timing has experienced a remarkable surge of interest due to its diverse range of applications in nuclear medicine such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET), High Energy Physics (HEP), Time-of-Flight (ToF) mass spectrometry and many other fields. This growth can be attributed to rapid advancements in photodetectors, particularly the silicon photomultiplier (SiPM), which has demonstrated exceptional suitability for these applications, owing to its ability to generate signals with unprecedentedly fast rise times. This work presents a low-power and high timing resolution readout front-end design for SiPMs in 28nm CMOS technology. With a low input impedance of less than 20Ω and a current-based input stage, it is suitable for a wide range of SiPM types and sizes. The power consumption of one timing channel is less than 2mW, and it achieves a sub-20ps r.m.s timing jitter for a single photo-electron, considering parasitic capacitances and inductances, with a 3x3mm2Hamamatsu SiPM S13360-3050CS at 4.5V over-voltage. These exceptional features make this front-end readout a promising candidate for numerous applications

POW'WOW. A coordination action on the prediction of waves, wakes and offshore wind (poster)

International audienceThis paper describes a new project trying to harmonise approaches to wave and wind modelling offshore, helping the short-term forecasting and wake research communities by establishing virtual laboratories, offering specialised workshops, and setting up expert groups with large outreach in the mentioned fields. Currently, a good number of research projects is underway on the European and national level in the fields of short-term forecasting of wind power, offshore wind and wave resource prediction, and offshore wakes in large wind farms. The purpose of this Action is to co-ordinate the activities in these related fields, to spread the knowledge gained from these projects among the partners and colleagues, and to start work on some roadmaps for the future. Therefore, the leaders of research projects are assuming the function of a multiplier towards the larger research and user community. Additionally, in the fields of short-term forecasting and offshore energy resource, Expert Groups will be formed to act as the central focus point for external stakeholders. The liaison with other groups will also include groups outside of Europe. To facilitate the spread of knowledge, a number of workshops are planned, being smaller and more focused on their topics than the usual conferences. One issue hampering the progress in our fields is the difficulty of getting access to good data. In most cases, data on offshore wind or power is strictly confidential, and also data on onshore wind power, especially in conjunction with numerical weather predictions, is not easy to come by. One example of a good testing procedure comes from the Anemos project, where in all 6 test cases were defined, to be run by all involved institutes. This idea is taken to the next level with the set-up of two Virtual Laboratories, one for offshore wake modelling, the other one for short-term forecasting. Two guides on best practices will be written, one on short-term forecasting (bringing the experiences of high wind penetration countries to those with little wind power) and one for wake modelling. In the end, this Coordination Action will also support preparation of next actions such as a Network of Excellence or an Integrated Project, connecting many additional partners within the European Research Area. The project is funded by the European Commission