Defining Sample Quantiles by the True Rank Probability

Many definitions exist for sample quantiles and are included in statistical software. The need to adopt a standard definition of sample quantiles has been recognized and different definitions have been compared in terms of satisfying some desirable properties, but no consensus has been found. We outline here that comparisons of the sample quantile definitions are irrelevant because the probabilities associated with order-ranked sample values are known exactly. Accordingly, the standard definition for sample quantiles should be based on the true rank probabilities. We show that this allows more accurate inference of the tails of the distribution, and thus improves estimation of the probability of extreme events

Climate change projections for variables affecting road networks in Europe

Global climate change will affect road networks during this century. The effects will be different in various parts of the world due to differences in local climate change and in the structure and properties of roads. In this paper, climate change projections are presented for climate variables that are most likely to affect the long-term performance of road networks in Europe. We apply four regional climate simulations up to the year 2100 using two plausible future emission scenarios. The results show that the changing climate will require significant adaptation measures in the near future in order to maintain the operability of the European road network

Sleep patterns alterations, bruxism and DTM in ecstasy users: a controlled study

Users of MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), a drug popularly known as ecstasy, report feeling tension in the muscles of the face and bruxism in effect of the drug. We compared a group of users of ecstasy (57 people) to a group of non-users (57 persons) in relation to the presence of changes in architecture or sleep disturbances (by polysomnography), signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD evaluated by the RDC - Research Diagnostic Criteria), bite force, pattern and context of use of ecstasy and other psychoactive substances and associate problems (measured by DUSI-R - Drug Use Screening Inventory Revised). Volunteers were people aged 18 to 40 years, of both sexes, with natural dentition and no history of trauma (cervical or facial), hormonal or neurological disorders, or psychoactive substances dependence (except ecstasy in the experimental group) and not were using drugs acting on the central nervous system. The group of ecstasy users had a higher percentage of stage 3 sleep, less time awake, high number of oxygen desaturations, increased number of episodes of periodic legs moviments, the greater presence of snoring and bruxism phasic. No were found clinically significant differences between groups in symptoms of TMD. The ecstasy users also had higher rates of problems with the use of other psychoactive substances, a higher proportion of relationship problems and adjustment to work. Among users of ecstasy users who were also at risk of alcohol, the presence of bruxism was more pronounced. This confirms in part the association between use of ecstasy and bruxism, which is more evident under the influence of drugs and more rare in the period after cessation of use.Os usuários de MDMA (metilenodioximetanfetamina), droga popularmente conhecida como êxtase, relatam sentir tensão na musculatura do rosto e bruxismo sob efeito da droga. Comparamos um grupo de usuários de êxtase (57 pessoas) a um grupo de não usuários (57 pessoas) em relação à presença de alterações na arquitetura ou distúrbios do sono (por meio de exame de polissonografia); sinais e sintomas de Disfunção Temporomandibular (DTM, avaliados pelo RDC - Research Diagnostic Criteria); força de mordida; padrão e contexto de uso de êxtase e de outras substâncias psicoativas e problemas associados (avaliados pelo DUSI–R - Drug Use Screening Inventory revisado). Foram voluntárias pessoas com idade de 18 a 40 anos, de ambos os sexos, com dentição natural, sem história pregressa de traumas (cervicais ou faciais); distúrbios neurológicos ou hormonais; dependência de substâncias psicoativas (exceto êxtase no grupo experimental) e que não estivessem utilizando medicamentos com ação sobre o sistema nervoso central. O grupo de usuários de êxtase apresentou maior porcentagem de estágio 3 do sono; menor tempo em vigília; maior número de dessaturações de oxigênio, maior número de episódios de movimento periódico das pernas, maior presença de ronco e de bruxismo fásico. Não foram detectadas diferenças clinicamente significativas entre os grupos em relação aos sintomas de DTM. Os usuários de êxtase também apresentaram maior índice de problemas em relação ao consumo de outras substâncias psicoativas, maior proporção de problemas de relacionamento e de adaptação ao trabalho. Entre os usuários de êxtase que também eram usuários de risco de álcool, a presença de bruxismo foi mais acentuada. Desta forma, confirma-se parcialmente a associação entre o uso de êxtase e bruxismo, que é mais evidente sob o efeito da droga e mais rara no período após a cessação do uso.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)FAPESP: 2004/11301-2TEDEBV UNIFESP: Teses e dissertaçõe

Ilmastonmuutokseen sopeutuminen tienpidossa : esiselvitys

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