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The cumulative absolute absement (CAA) of the 3 s window after P-wave arrival can be used to estimate the magnitude ( M CAA ) of an earthquake. This method can achieve good results even when only the six stations nearest to the epicenter are used. The standard deviation between the estimated CAA magnitude ( M CAA ) and the moment magnitude ( M w ) is found to be 0.3 when using either 6 or 20 stations. This means that M CAA can be reliably predicted using the closest 6 stations. On the other hand, the magnitude ( M Pd ) derived from P d using the closest 20 stations has a standard deviation of 0.4 between the estimated M Pd and M w . This suggests that CAA is a better magnitude determination parameter for the EEW system than P d . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Du and Liu (Eur J Comb 28:1312–1321, 2007) introduced (k, m)-ary trees as a generalization of k-ary trees. In a (k, m)-ary tree, every node on even level has degree k (i.e., has k children), and every node on odd level has degree m (which is called a crucial node) or is a leaf. In particular, a (k, m)-ary tree of order n has exactly n crucial nodes. Recently, Amani and Nowzari-Dalini (Bull Iranian Math Soc 45(4):1145–1158, 2019) presented a generation algorithm to produce all (k, m)-ary trees of order n in B-order using Zaks' encoding, and showed that the generated ordering of this encoding results in a reverse-lexicographical ordering. They also proposed the corresponding ranking and unranking algorithms for (k, m)-ary trees according to such a generated ordering. These algorithms take O (k m n 2) time and space for building a precomputed table in which (k, m)-Catalan numbers (i.e., a kind of generalized Catalan numbers) are stored in advance. Then, each ranking and unranking algorithm can be performed subsequently in O (n) and O (n log n) time, respectively. In this paper, we revisit the ranking and unranking problems. With the help of an encoding scheme called "right-distance" introduced by Wu et al. (Math Comput Model 53:1331–1335, 2011a; IEICE Trans Inf Syst E94–D:226–232, 2011b), we propose new ranking and unranking algorithms for (k, m)-ary trees of order n in B-order using Zaks' encoding. We show that both algorithms can be improved in O (k m n) time and O (n) space without building the precomputed table. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inappropriate fear expression and failure of fear extinction are commonly seen in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Among the patients, aberrant and asymmetric activation of the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (lOFC) is reported in some clinical cases. In this study, we aimed to examine the role of lOFC activation in extinction acquisition and explore the potential functional lateralization of lOFC on extinction. We bilaterally or unilaterally activated the lOFC with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) before fear extinction acquisition in rats. Our data suggested that both left and bilateral lOFC activation interfered with the in-session expression of conditioned fear, whereas activation of the right lOFC did not. In addition, pre-extinction unilateral or bilateral activation of the lOFC, regardless of the side, impaired the acquisition of fear extinction. We also quantified the neuronal activities during the late phase of extinction with immunohistochemical approach. Our data showed that activation of the lOFC increased the neuronal activities on the injection side(s) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), the lateral amygdala (LA), the basolateral amygdala (BLA; preferentially the non-GABAergic neurons), and the medial intercalated cells (mITC; preferentially the right side). To conclude, aberrant activation of the lOFC during extinction disturbed the excitatory/inhibitory balance of neuronal activities in fear-related brain regions, which interfered with the expression of conditioned fear and impaired the acquisition of fear extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of semen and spermatozoa is crucial in the forensic investigation of alleged sexual assault cases. In cases of alleged sexual assault where there is a long time gap between the incident and sample collection, or in cases of low sperm count, current methods have limitations of specificity, in the case of presumptive tests for semen, or the problem of recording spermatozoa by microscopy if they are few in number. A 3-plex MSRE-PCR (methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme-PCR) assay using a spermatozoa-specific DNA methylated marker to identify spermatozoa has been reported previously by our laboratory. A key advantage over current methods is the increased sensitivity and specificity. A transition from a research tool to operational use requires blind trial testing and inter-laboratory trials. We report on a collaborative exercise where reagents of the 3-plex MSRE-PCR were sent to six participating laboratories. Each laboratory used their own equipment, consumables, and the presumptive reagents conventionally for body fluid (such as acid phosphatase or PSA), DNA extraction, and quantification in practical casework. The reagents and protocol for the 3-plex MSRE-PCR assay and 9 samples were provided by the organizing laboratory. The participating laboratories were requested to fill in the questionnaire after testing. The reported results from all the six participating laboratories were concordant and the expected correct results for the presence of spermatozoa. These outcomes verified the reproducibility and feasibility of the 3-plex MSRE-PCR assay. The results also indicated that the 3-plex MSRE-PCR assay was readily accessible to forensic laboratories for integrating it into current forensic casework processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the standard of care for early stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the clinical outcomes of iodized oil computed tomography (IoCT) versus ultrasound (US)-guided RFA for HCC remain unclear. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive treatment-naïve patients who received curative RFA for HCC within Milan criteria from January 2016 to December 2018. Patients who underwent either IoCT-guided RFA (IoCT group) or US-guided RFA (US group) were included. Various clinical factors, including tumor location, were adjusted with a 1:1 propensity score matching. Subsequently, the cumulative incidence rates for recurrence and hazard ratios for survival were calculated. Results: We included 184 (37.9%) and 301 (62.1%) patients who received IoCT- and US-guided RFA, respectively. Before propensity score matching, IoCT guidance was significantly associated with multiple tumors, higher body mass index, lower albumin level, and tumors located at S8. After matching, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year local tumor progression rates of the IoCT group were significantly lower than those of the US group (4.4%, 6.9%, and 7.5% vs. 14.4%, 16.3%, and 16.3%, respectively, at p = 0.002, 0.009, and 0.016, respectively). In univariate analyses and multivariate analyses that adjusted for clinical and tumor location-related parameters, the IoCT group had better recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio = 0.581, 95% confidence interval 0.375–0.899) than those with US guidance but not overall survival. Conclusion: IoCT-guided RFA had a lower local tumor progression rate and better recurrence-free survival than did US-guided RFA for HCC within the Milan criteria. CT-guide RFA is a safe and effective alternative to US-guided with similar overall survival. IoCT-guided RFA might have a better local tumor control than US-guided. IoCT-guided RFA may be more suitable for male patients, aged < 70 years, a single tumor measuring 2–5 cm, and a tumor located at the subdiaphragmatic/subcardiac region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A family of (k, m)-ary trees was firstly introduced by Du and Liu when they studied hook length polynomial for plane trees. Recently, Amani and Nowzari-Dalini presented a generation algorithm to produce (k, m)-ary trees of order n encoding by Z-sequences in reverse lexicographic order. In this paper, we propose a loopless algorithm to generate all such Z-sequences in Gray code order. Hence, the worst-case time complexity of generating one Z-sequence is O (1) , and the space requirement of our algorithm is 2 n + O (1) . Moreover, based on this ordering, we also provide ranking and unranking algorithms. The ranking algorithm can be run in O (max { k m n , n 2 }) time and O (k m n) space, whereas the unranking algorithm requires O (k m n 2) time and space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum tunnelling is a phenomenon of non-equilibrium quantum dynamics and its detailed process is largely unexplored. We report the experimental observation of macroscopic quantum tunnelling of Bose–Einstein condensate in a hybrid trap. By exerting a non-adiabatic kick to excite a collective rotation mode of the trapped condensate, a periodic pulse train, which remains as condensate, is then out-coupled by quantum tunnelling. This non-equilibrium dynamics is analogue to tunnelling ionization. The imaged tunnelling process shows the splitting of matter wave packet by the potential barrier. The controversial "tunnelling time" question is found inadequate, from the point of view of wave propagation. The realized matter wave pulse train can also be a passive pulsed atom laser for atom interferometer applications. Quantum tunnelling as a non-equilibrium process is a problem of quantum physics that has been investigated in several microscopic systems. Motivated by attosecond ionization experiments and the puzzle of tunnelling time, the authors report experimental results on the quantum tunnelling of a Bose–Einstein Condensate out of an optical dipole trap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a powerful technique for the detection and quantification of nucleic acids and has enormous applications to research in molecular biology. Certain inherited diseases, caused by single nucleotide mutations, however, are difficult to identify by PCR, using DNA primers and probes, in a situation where a false diagnosis may lead to incorrect or delayed treatment. With the aim of enhancing the specificity of PCR, we used novel chemically synthesized oligonucleotides containing site-specific methyl phosphotriester (MPTE) inter-nucleoside linkage(s) as primers and probes. The methyl phosphotriester linkages carry no charge, so the reduction in the electrostatic repulsion of an MPTE-DNA/DNA duplex shows stronger hybridization affinity compared to a DNA/DNA duplex. However, the electrosteric effects introduced by the methyl group may result in instability of the double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) formed. With the use of specific MPTE modification sites and optimization of the number of MPTE modifications, greater delta melting temperature (ΔTm) may be obtained, in concert with adjustment of PCR operating conditions, especially with respect to the annealing temperature, to achieve more discriminatory results between the target template and the perfectly matched primer and the mismatched primer. In single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping, the results demonstrated that MPTE-modified probes can improve specificity. In summary, MPTE-modified oligonucleotides are a promising DNA analog applied to PCR primers and probes to enhance the specificity and to provide more precise detection results for various applications, such as for genetic diagnosis. In summary, two common DNA polymerases we tested could successfully recognize the MPTE-modified primers and probes. Under the optimal operating conditions, MPTE modification has the ability to improve the discrimination of single nucleotide polymorphism by increasing the ΔTm of the perfect match and mismatch sequences and to provide more precise detection results for various applications, such as genetic diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare single and tandem ureteral stenting in the management of malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO).Methods: Our hospital's institutional review board approved this prospective study. Between November 2014 and June 2017, single ureteral stenting was performed in 56 patients (94 renal units) and tandem ureteral stenting in 48 patients (63 renal units) for MUO. A comparative analysis of the technical success rate, patient survival, stent patency, and complications was performed.Results: Similar demographic data were observed in patients receiving either single or tandem ureteral stenting. The technical success rate was 93.6% (88/94) for single ureteral stenting and 95.2% (60/63) for tandem ureteral stenting. There was no difference in overall survival between patients receiving single or tandem ureteral stenting (p = 0.41), but the duration of stent patency in tandem ureteral stenting was significantly longer (p = 0.022). The mean patency time was 176.7 ± 21.3 days for single ureteral stenting, and 214.7 ± 21.0 days for tandem ureteral stenting. The complications of ureteral stenting were urinary tract infection (n = 18), lower urinary tract symptoms (n = 5), haematuria (n = 3), and stent migration (n = 1).Conclusions: Tandem ureteral stenting is a safe and feasible treatment for MUO, and had better efficacy compared to single ureteral stenting.Key Points: • Ureteral stenting is an established treatment for the management of malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) • Prospective single-centre study showed that tandem ureteral stenting is a safe and feasible treatment for MUO • Tandem ureteral stenting provides longer stent patency compared to single ureteral stenting in patient with MUO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Molecular markers of WHO grade II/III glioma are known to have important prognostic and predictive implications and may be associated with unique imaging phenotypes. The purpose of this study is to determine whether three clinically relevant molecular markers identified in gliomas—IDH, 1p/19q, and MGMT status—show distinct quantitative MRI characteristics on FLAIR imaging.Methods: Sixty-one patients with grade II/III gliomas who had molecular data and MRI available prior to radiation were included. Quantitative MRI features were extracted that measured tissue heterogeneity (homogeneity and pixel correlation) and FLAIR border distinctiveness (edge contrast; EC). T-tests were conducted to determine whether patients with different genotypes differ across the features. Logistic regression with LASSO regularization was used to determine the optimal combination of MRI and clinical features for predicting molecular subtypes.Results: Patients with IDH wildtype tumors showed greater signal heterogeneity (p = 0.001) and lower EC (p = 0.008) within the FLAIR region compared to IDH mutant tumors. Among patients with IDH mutant tumors, 1p/19q co-deleted tumors had greater signal heterogeneity (p = 0.002) and lower EC (p = 0.005) compared to 1p/19q intact tumors. MGMT methylated tumors showed lower EC (p = 0.03) compared to the unmethylated group. The combination of FLAIR border distinctness, heterogeneity, and pixel correlation optimally classified tumors by IDH status.Conclusion: Quantitative imaging characteristics of FLAIR heterogeneity and border pattern in grade II/III gliomas may provide unique information for determining molecular status at time of initial diagnostic imaging, which may then guide subsequent surgical and medical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expertise effect in memory for chess positions is one of the most robust effects in cognitive psychology. One explanation of this effect is that chess recall is based on the recognition of familiar patterns and that experts have learned more and larger patterns. Template theory and its instantiation as a computational model are based on this explanation. An alternative explanation is that the expertise effect is due, in part, to stronger players having better and more conceptual knowledge, with this knowledge facilitating memory performance. Our literature review supports the latter view. In our experiment, a sample of 79 chess players were given a test of memory for chess positions, a test of declarative chess knowledge, a test of fluid intelligence, and a questionnaire concerning the amount of time they had played nontournament chess and the amount of time they had studied chess. We determined the numbers of tournament games the players had played from chess databases. Chess knowledge correlated.67 with chess memory and accounted for 16% of the variance after controlling for chess experience. Fluid intelligence accounted for an additional 13% of the variance. These results support the conclusion that both high-level conceptual processing and low-level recognition of familiar patterns play important roles in memory for chess positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]