2D-wavelet based micro and macro texture analysis for asphalt pavement under snow or ice condition

AbstractIn ice and snow weather, the surface texture characteristics of asphalt pavement change, which will significantly affect the skid resistance performance of asphalt pavement. In this study, five asphalt mixture types of AC-5, AC-13, AC-16, SMA-13, SMA-16 were prepared under three conditions of the original state, ice and snow. In this paper, a 2D-wavelet transform approach is proposed to characterize the micro and macro texture of pavement. The Normalized Energy (NE) is proposed to describe the pavement texture quantitatively. Compared with the mean texture depth (MTD), NE has the advantages of full coverage, full automation and wide analytical scale. The results show that snow increases the micro-scale texture because of its fluffiness, while the formation of the ice sheets on the surface reduces the micro-scale texture. The filling effect of snow and ice reduces the macro-scale texture of the pavement surface. In a follow-up study, the 2D-wavelet transform approach can be applied to improve the intelligent driving braking system, which can provide pavement texture information for the safe braking strategy of driverless vehicles.

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2D-wavelet Based Micro and Macro Texture Analysis for Asphalt Pavement Under Snow or Ice Condition

10.21203/rs.3.rs-285832/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Feng Li ◽

Gulnigar Ablat ◽

Siqi Zhou ◽

Yixin Liu ◽

Zihang Weng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Wavelet Transform ◽

Asphalt Pavement ◽

Asphalt Mixture ◽

Micro Scale ◽

Braking System ◽

Macro Scale ◽

Texture Characteristics ◽

The Mean ◽

Resistance Performance

Abstract In ice and snow weather, the surface texture characteristics of asphalt pavement change, which will significantly affect the skid resistance performance of asphalt pavement. In this study, five asphalt mixture types of AC-5, AC-13, AC-16, SMA-13, SMA-16 were prepared under three conditions of the original state, ice and snow. In this paper, a 2D-wavelet transform approach is proposed to characterize the micro and macro texture of pavement. The Normalized Energy (NE) is proposed to describe the pavement texture quantitatively. Compared with the mean texture depth (MTD), NE has the advantages of full coverage, full automation and wide analytical scale. The results show that snow increases the micro-scale texture because of its fluffiness, while the formation of the ice sheets on the surface reduces the micro-scale texture. The filling effect of snow and ice reduces the macro-scale texture of the pavement surface. In a follow-up study, the 2D-wavelet transform approach can be applied to improve the intelligent driving braking system, which can provide pavement texture information for the safe braking strategy of driverless vehicles.

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Noninvasive Continuous Monitoring of Adipocyte Differentiation: From Macro to Micro Scales

Microscopy and Microanalysis ◽

10.1017/s1431927618015520 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 119-128 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Maayan Lustig ◽

Qingling Feng ◽

Yohan Payan ◽

Amit Gefen ◽

Dafna Benayahu

Keyword(s):

Continuous Monitoring ◽

Model Systems ◽

Image Processing Algorithm ◽

Micro Scale ◽

Obesity And Diabetes ◽

Macro Scale ◽

Percentage Area ◽

Novel Method ◽

The Mean ◽

Morphological Differences

Abstract3T3-L1 cells serve as model systems for studying adipogenesis and research of adipose tissue-related diseases, e.g. obesity and diabetes. Here, we present two novel and complementary nondestructive methods for adipogenesis analysis of living cells which facilitate continuous monitoring of the same culture over extended periods of time, and are applied in parallel at the macro- and micro-scales. At the macro-scale, we developed visual differences mapping (VDM), a novel method which allows to determine level of adipogenesis (LOA)—a numerical index which quantitatively describes the extent of differentiation in the whole culture, and percentage area populated by adipocytes (PAPBA) across a whole culture, based on the apparent morphological differences between preadipocytes and adipocytes. At the micro-scale, we developed an improved version of our previously published image-processing algorithm, which now provides data regarding single-cell morphology and lipid contents. Both methods were applied here synergistically for measuring differentiation levels in cultures over multiple weeks. VDM revealed that the mean LOA value reached 1.11 ± 0.06 and the mean PAPBA value reached >60%. Micro-scale analysis revealed that during differentiation, the cells transformed from a fibroblast-like shape to a circular shape with a build-up of lipid droplets. We predict a vast potential for implementation of these methods in adipose-related pharmacological research, such as in metabolic-syndrome studies.

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Sound Production Treatment for Acquired Apraxia of Speech: An Examination of Dosage in Relation to Probe Performance

American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology ◽

10.1044/2020_ajslp-19-00110 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-16

Author(s):

Julie L. Wambaugh ◽

Lydia Kallhoff ◽

Christina Nessler

Keyword(s):

Retrospective Analysis ◽

Sound Production ◽

Apraxia Of Speech ◽

Practice Schedule ◽

Practice Schedules ◽

Baseline Performance ◽

The Mean ◽

Number Of Treatment ◽

The Impact

Purpose This study was designed to examine the association of dosage and effects of Sound Production Treatment (SPT) for acquired apraxia of speech. Method Treatment logs and probe data from 20 speakers with apraxia of speech and aphasia were submitted to a retrospective analysis. The number of treatment sessions and teaching episodes was examined relative to (a) change in articulation accuracy above baseline performance, (b) mastery of production, and (c) maintenance. The impact of practice schedule (SPT-Blocked vs. SPT-Random) was also examined. Results The average number of treatment sessions conducted prior to change was 5.4 for SPT-Blocked and 3.9 for SPT-Random. The mean number of teaching episodes preceding change was 334 for SPT-Blocked and 179 for SPT-Random. Mastery occurred within an average of 13.7 sessions (1,252 teaching episodes) and 12.4 sessions (1,082 teaching episodes) for SPT-Blocked and SPT-Random, respectively. Comparisons of dosage metric values across practice schedules did not reveal substantial differences. Significant negative correlations were found between follow-up probe performance and the dosage metrics. Conclusions Only a few treatment sessions were needed to achieve initial positive changes in articulation, with mastery occurring within 12–14 sessions for the majority of participants. Earlier occurrence of change or mastery was associated with better follow-up performance. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12592190

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Drug-eluting stents for treatment of focal infrapopliteal lesions

VASA ◽

10.1024/0301-1526/a000170 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 41 (2) ◽

pp. 90-95 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Rastan ◽

Noory ◽

Zeller

Keyword(s):

Limb Salvage ◽

Bare Metal Stents ◽

Target Lesion ◽

Drug Eluting Stents ◽

Metal Stents ◽

Target Lesion Revascularisation ◽

Randomized Studies ◽

Drug Eluting ◽

The Mean

We have investigated the role of drug-eluting stents on patency rates after treatment of focal infrapopliteal lesions in patients with intermittent claudication and critical limb ischemia. Reports indicate that drug-eluting stents reduce the risk of restenosis after percutaneous infrapopliteal artery revascularization. A Pub Med, EMBASE, Cochrane database review search of non-randomized studies investigating patency rates, target lesion revascularisation rates, limb salvage rates and mortality rates in an up to 3-year follow-up period after drug-eluting stent placement was conducted. In addition, preliminary results of randomized studies comparing drug-eluting stents with bare-metal stents and plain balloon angioplasty in treatment of focal infrapopliteal lesions were included in this review. A total of 1039 patients from 10 non-randomized and randomized studies were included. Most commonly used drug-eluting stents were sirolimus-eluting. The mean follow-up period was 12.6 (range 8 - 24). The mean 1-year primary patency rate was 86 ± 5 %. The mean target lesion revascularization rate and limb salvage rate was 9.9 ± 5 % and 96.6 %±4 %, respectively. Results from non-randomized and preliminary results from prospective, randomized trials show a significant advantage for drug-eluting stents in comparison to plain balloon angioplasty and bare-metal stents concerning target lesion patency and in parts target lesion revascularisation. No trial reveals an advantage for drug-eluting stents with regard to limb salvage and mortality.

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Pilonidal Sinus: How to Choose Between Excision and Open Granulation Versus Excision and Primary Closure?

Swiss Surgery ◽

10.1024/1023-9332.8.6.255 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 8 (6) ◽

pp. 255-258 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Perruchoud ◽

Vuilleumier ◽

Givel

Keyword(s):

Hospital Stay ◽

Pilonidal Sinus ◽

Primary Closure ◽

Average Length ◽

Length Of Hospital Stay ◽

Healing Time ◽

Incision And Drainage ◽

The Mean ◽

Primary Healing

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate excision and open granulation versus excision and primary closure as treatments for pilonidal sinus. Subjects and methods: We evaluated a group of 141 patients operated on for a pilonidal sinus between 1991 and 1995. Ninety patients were treated by excision and open granulation, 34 patients by excision and primary closure and 17 patients by incision and drainage, as a unique treatment of an infected pilonidal sinus. Results: The first group, receiving treatment of excision and open granulation, experienced the following outcomes: average length of hospital stay, four days; average healing time; 72 days; average number of post-operative ambulatory visits, 40; average off-work delay, 38 days; and average follow-up time, 43 months. There were five recurrences (6%) in this group during the follow-up period. For the second group treated by excision and primary closure, the corresponding outcome measurements were as follows: average length of hospital stay, four days; average healing time, 23 days; primary healing failure rate, 9%; average number of post-operative ambulatory visits, 6; average off-work delay, 21 days. The average follow-up time was 34 months, and two recurrences (6%) were observed during the follow-up period. In the third group, seventeen patients benefited from an incision and drainage as unique treatment. The mean follow-up was 37 months. Five recurrences (29%) were noticed, requiring a new operation in all the cases. Discussion and conclusion: This series of 141 patients is too limited to permit final conclusions to be drawn concerning significant advantages of one form of treatment compared to the other. Nevertheless, primary closure offers the advantages of quicker healing time, fewer post-operative visits and shorter time off work. When a primary closure can be carried out, it should be routinely considered for socio-economical and comfort reasons.

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Comparison of Fluorine(18)-fluorodeoxyglucose and Gallium(68)-citrate PET/CT in patients with tuberculosis

Nuklearmedizin ◽

10.1055/a-1000-6951 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 58 (05) ◽

pp. 371-378

Author(s):

Alfred O. Ankrah ◽

Ismaheel O. Lawal ◽

Tebatso M.G. Boshomane ◽

Hans C. Klein ◽

Thomas Ebenhan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tracer Uptake ◽

Pet Ct ◽

The Mean ◽

18F Fdg ◽

Definition Of ◽

Gallium 68 ◽

Attending Physician ◽

Pet Scans ◽

The Brain

Abstract 18F-FDG and 68Ga-citrate PET/CT have both been shown to be useful in the management of tuberculosis (TB). We compared the abnormal PET findings of 18F-FDG- and 68Ga-citrate-PET/CT in patients with TB. Methods Patients with TB on anti-TB therapy were included. Patients had a set of PET scans consisting of both 18F-FDG and 68Ga-citrate. Abnormal lesions were identified, and the two sets of scans were compared. The scan findings were correlated to the clinical data as provided by the attending physician. Results 46 PET/CT scans were performed in 18 patients, 11 (61 %) were female, and the mean age was 35.7 ± 13.5 years. Five patients also had both studies for follow-up reasons during the use of anti-TB therapy. Thirteen patients were co-infected with HIV. 18F-FDG detected more lesions than 68Ga-citrate (261 vs. 166, p < 0.0001). 68Ga-citrate showed a better definition of intracerebral lesions due to the absence of tracer uptake in the brain. The mean SUVmax was higher for 18F-FDG compared to 68Ga-citrate (5.73 vs. 3.01, p < 0.0001). We found a significant correlation between the SUVmax of lesions that were determined by both tracers (r = 0.4968, p < 0.0001). Conclusion Preliminary data shows 18F-FDG-PET detects more abnormal lesions in TB compared to 68Ga-citrate. However, 68Ga-citrate has better lesion definition in the brain and is therefore especially useful when intracranial TB is suspected.

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HRA Model for Hypercholesterolemia Based on a Longitudinal Health Database

Methods of Information in Medicine ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1634513 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 37 (02) ◽

pp. 130-133

Author(s):

T. Kishimoto ◽

Y. Iida ◽

K. Yoshida ◽

M. Miyakawa ◽

H. Sugimori ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Total Cholesterol ◽

Proportional Hazards ◽

Proportional Hazards Model ◽

Model Analysis ◽

Serum Total Cholesterol ◽

Hazards Model ◽

The Mean ◽

Health Database ◽

Observation Period

AbstractTo evaluate the risk factors for hypercholesterolemia, we examined 4,371 subjects (3,207 males and 1,164 females) who received medical checkups more than twice at an AMHTS in Tokyo during the period from 1976 through 1991; and whose serum total cholesterol was under 250 mg/dl. The mean follow-up duration was 6.6 years. A self-registering questionnaire was administered at the time of the health checkup. The endpoint of this study was the onset of hypercholesterolemia when the level of serum total cholesterol was 250 mg/dl and over. We compared two prognosis groups (normal and hypercholesterol) in terms of age, examination findings and lifestyle. After assessing each variable, we employed Cox's proportional hazards model analysis to determine the factors related to the occurrence of hypercholesterolemia. According to proportional hazards model analysis, total cholesterol, triglyceride and smoking at the beginning, and hypertension during the observation period were selected in males; and total cholesterol at the beginning and age were selected in females to determine the factors related to the occurrence of hypercholesterolemia.

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Minimally Invasive Transaortic Repair of the Mitral Valve

The Heart Surgery Forum ◽

10.1532/hsf98.20101133 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 232 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Orlando Santana ◽

Joseph Lamelas

Keyword(s):

Mitral Valve ◽

Aortic Valve ◽

Mitral Regurgitation ◽

Aortic Valve Replacement ◽

Minimally Invasive ◽

Valve Replacement ◽

Operative Mortality ◽

The Mean ◽

Transaortic Approach

Objective: We retrospectively evaluated the results of an edge-to-edge repair (Alfieri stitch) of the mitral valve performed via a transaortic approach in patients who were undergoing minimally invasive aortic valve replacement.Methods: From January 2010 to September 2010, 6 patients underwent minimally invasive edge-to-edge repair of the mitral valve via a transaortic approach with concomitant aortic valve replacement. The patients were considered to be candidates for this procedure if they were deemed by the surgeon to be high-risk for a double valve procedure and if on preoperative transesophageal echocardiogram the mitral regurgitation jet originated from the middle portion (A2/P2 segments) of the mitral valve.Results: There was no operative mortality. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 137 minutes, and mean cross-clamp time was 111 minutes. There was a significant improvement in the mean mitral regurgitation grade, with a mean of 3.8 preoperatively and 0.8 postoperatively. The ejection fraction remained stable, with mean preoperative and postoperative ejection fractions of 43.3% and 47.5%, respectively. Follow-up transthoracic echocardiograms obtained at a mean of 33 days postoperatively (range, 8-108 days) showed no significant worsening of mitral regurgitation.Conclusion: Transaortic repair of the mitral valve is feasible in patients undergoing minimally invasive aortic valve replacement.

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Hybrid Endovascular Repair of Thoracoabdominal Aorta: Early Results

The Heart Surgery Forum ◽

10.1532/hsf98.2014315 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 146

Author(s):

Osman Tansel Darcin ◽

Mehmet Kalender ◽

Ayse Gul Kunt ◽

Okay Guven Karaca ◽

Ata Niyazi Ecevit ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endovascular Repair ◽

Therapeutic Option ◽

Complete Recovery ◽

Aortic Aneurysms ◽

Thoracoabdominal Aorta ◽

Mortality And Morbidity ◽

Early Results ◽

The Mean ◽

Procedural Success

Background: Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) present a significant clinical challenge, as they are complex and require invasive surgery. In an attempt to prevent considerably high mortality and morbidity in open repair, hybrid endovascular repair has been developed by many authors. In this study, we evaluated the early-term results obtained from this procedure.Methods: From November 2010 to February 2013, we performed thoracoabdominal hybrid aortic repair in 18 patients. The mean age was 68 years (12 men, 6 women). All of the patients had significant comorbidities. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) scans were performed at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, and annually thereafter.Results: All patients were operated on in a staged procedure and stent graft deployment was achieved. Procedural success was achieved in all cases. All patients were discharged with complete recovery. No endoleaks weres detected in further CT examination.Conclusion: Our results suggests that hybrid debranching and endovascular repair of extensive thoracoabdominal aneurysms represents a suitable therapeutic option to reduce the morbidity and mortality of TAAA repair, particularly in those typically considered at high risk for standard repair.

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Extended Myectomy for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy

The Heart Surgery Forum ◽

10.1532/hsf98.20111185 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 15 (5) ◽

pp. 251

Author(s):

Changqing Gao ◽

Chonglei Ren ◽

Cangsong Xiao ◽

Yang Wu ◽

Gang Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mitral Valve ◽

Left Ventricle ◽

Mitral Regurgitation ◽

Surgical Procedures ◽

Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy ◽

Systolic Anterior Motion ◽

Anterior Leaflet ◽

Septal Myectomy ◽

The Mean

Background: The purpose of this study was to summarize our experience of extended ventricular septal myectomy in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM).Methods: Thirty-eight patients (26 men, 12 women) with HOCM underwent extended ventricular septal myectomy. The mean age was 36.3 years (range, 18-64 years). Diagnosis was made by echocardiography. The mean (mean � SE) systolic gradient between the left ventricle (LV) and the aorta was 89.3 � 31.1 mm Hg (range, 50-184 mm Hg) according to echocardiographic assessments before the operations. Moderate or severe systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve was found in 38 cases, and mitral regurgitation was present in 29 cases. Extended ventricular septal myectomy was performed in all 38 cases. The results of the surgical procedures were evaluated intraoperatively with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) at 1 to 2 weeks after the operation. All patients were followed up with TTE after their operation.Results: All patients were discharged without complications. The TEE evaluations showed that the mean systolic gradient between the LV and the aorta decreased from 94.8 � 35.6 mm Hg preoperatively to 13.6 � 10.8 mm Hg postoperatively (P = .0000) and that the mean thickness of the ventricular septum decreased from 28.3 � 7.9 mm to 11.8 � 3.2 mm (P = .0000). Mitral regurgitation and SAM were significantly reduced or eliminated. During the follow-up, all patients promptly became completely asymptomatic or complained of mild effort dyspnea only, and syncope was abolished. TTE examinations showed that the postoperative pressure gradient either remained the same or diminished.Conclusions: Extended ventricular septal myectomy is mostly an effective method for patients with HOCM, and good surgical exposure and thorough excision of the hypertrophic septum are of paramount importance for a successful surgery.

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2D-wavelet based micro and macro texture analysis for asphalt pavement under snow or ice condition