225 research outputs found
Assessment of Level-Of-Service for Freeway Segments Using HCM and Microsimulation Methods
No full textAbstractThe Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) 2015 freeway facilities methodology offers a supplemental computational engine FREEVAL, which is a macroscopic/mesoscopic tool that enables users to implement HCM-based freeway analysis quickly and conveniently. On the other hand, Vissim is a microscopic simulation tool that enables users to model real-world conditions with high level of accuracy and comprehensiveness. Thus, the two tools represent quite opposite sides in freeway modelling – Vissim requires time-consuming preparation and calibration of the model but it usually provides benefits that are more comprehensive. FREEVAL requires less on input and calibration sides but its results may not be as beneficial as comprehensive and accurate as Vissim’s. The problem, that has not been addressed enough, is that we do not know how different their results are (when compared between themselves) and, at the same time, how close to the field conditions. Researchers and practitioners use both tools for freeway analysis and tend to compare the results directly. One of the commonly used performance measures is the Level of Service (LOS), which is used to quickly evaluate the freeway segment or facility performance. The HCM Freeway Facility Methodology uses density to estimate LOS. However, density is calculated differently in FREEVAL and Vissim, and comparing the estimated LOSs between the two may not represent a proper comparison. In essence, FREEVAL, in the under-saturated condition, estimates the density from the fundamental equations where the volume is estimated from the user entered demand and the speed is calculated using the statistical models provided in respective chapters of each segment type. On the other hand, Vissim tracks each individual vehicle as it moves along a freeway and calculates key performance measures by using individually modeled driver’s behavior. This paper aims to compare and contrast the methodologies behind the two tools and offer explanation and discussion of their outputs. The paper will cover four major HCM freeway segment types (basic, merge, diverge, and weaving) in under-saturated conditions. Field data will be acquired from a section of I-880 freeway in California. FREEVAL and Vissim models will be calibrated and validated using Mobile Century Data provided by University of California at Berkley and Caltrans Performance Measurement System. The output of both tools will be evaluated against the field data. The assessment should reveal the ability of each tool to replicate the real-world conditions. Paper results will contribute to the existing body of knowledge by filling the gap in the literature related to comparison and contrast of the key (LOS-related) performance measures of these two tools
Heterozygous junctophilin-2 (JPH2) p.(Thr161Lys) is a monogenic cause for HCM with heart failure.
No full textDuring the last two decades, mutations in sarcomere genes have found to comprise the most common cause for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), but still significant number of patients with dominant HCM in the family are left without molecular genetic diagnosis. Next generation sequencing (NGS) does not only enable evaluation of established HCM genes but also candidate genes for cardiomyopathy are frequently tested which may lead to a situation where conclusive interpretation of the variant requires extensive family studies. We aimed to characterize the phenotype related to a variant in the junctophilin-2 (JPH2) gene, which is less known non-sarcomeric candidate gene. In addition, we did extensive review of the literature and databases about JPH2 variation in association with cardiac disease. We characterize nine Finnish index patients with HCM and heterozygous for JPH2 c.482C>A, p.(Thr161Lys) variant were included and segregation studies were performed. We identified 20 individuals affected with HCM with or without systolic heart failure and conduction abnormalities in the nine Finnish families with JPH2 p.(Thr161Lys) variant. We found 26 heterozygotes with the variant and penetrance was 71% by age 60 and 100% by age 80. Co-segregation of the variant with HCM phenotype was observed in six families. Main clinical features were left ventricular hypertrophy, arrhythmia vulnerability and conduction abnormalities including third degree AV-block. In some patients end-stage severe left ventricular heart failure with normal or mildly enlarged diastolic dimensions was detected. In conclusion, we propose that the heterozygous JPH2 p.(Thr161Lys) variant is a new Finnish mutation causing atypical HCM
Enhancing the efficiency of international cooperation's operation of Vietnam’s universities in the context of the Asean community, vision 2025 (Case Study of VNU-HCM, period 2021 - 2025)
No full textVNU-HCM, with a history of over 25 years of establishment and development, has achieved many outstanding achievements, deserving to be a model for the university urban. One of the important stamp reflecting a new and vibrant face of the system of VNU-HCM is international cooperation, proactive in the development trend of the ASEAN higher education system. In order to improve the efficiency of international cooperation activities of VNU-HCM in the period of 2021 - 2025, the author has reviewed 5 educational development goals and the importance of educational cooperation of Vietnam in ASEAN; from there, proposing a number of ideas to maximize the potential of international cooperation among ASEAN’s universities to contribute to enhancing the international position of VNU-HCM in the coming time
Comparison of analyses of the QTLMAS XIV common dataset. II: QTL analysis
No full textBackground - A quantitative and a binary trait for the 14th QTLMAS 2010 workshop were simulated under a model which combined additive inheritance, epistasis and imprinting. This paper aimed to compare results submitted by the participants of the workshop.Methods - The results were compared according to three criteria: the success rate (ratio of mapped QTL to the total number of simulated QTL), and the error rate (ratio of false positives to the number of reported positions), and mean distance between a true mapped QTL and the nearest submitted position. Results - Seven groups submitted results for the quantitative trait and five for the binary trait. Among the 37 simulated QTL 17 remained undetected. Success rate ranged from 0.05 to 0.43, error rate was between 0.00 and 0.92, and the mean distance ranged from 0.26 to 0.77 Mb. Conclusions - Our comparison shows that differences among methods used by the participants increases with the complexity of genetic architecture. It was particularly visible for the quantitative trait which was determined partly by non-additive QTL. Furthermore, an imprinted QTL with a large effect may remain undetected if the applied model tests only for Mendelian genes
Improve the long-term property of heat-cured mortars blended with fly ash by internal curing
No full textDue to the satisfactory property and high productivity, heat-cured concretes have been widely used in engineering practice. However, heat curing process also brings some drawbacks that are detrimental to the long-term property of this material. To address this issue, lightweight fine aggregate (LWFA) was employed to provide internal curing (IC) for a heat-cured mortar (HCM) blended with fly ash (FA). The influences of LWFA on the interior relative humidity of HCM and the reaction environment and behavior of FA were measured. It was found that IC of LWFA could mitigate the drop of interior humidity and enhance the reaction degrees of cement and FA. This contributed significantly to the microstructure densification of HCM, higher compressive strength and better resistance to chloride ion. The results indicate that LWFA benefits to enhancing the efficiency of FA in a heat curing system and the combination of LWFA and FA contribute to improving the long-term property of HCM.Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository 'You share, we take care!' - Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.Materials and Environmen
Nâng cao hiệu quả hoạt động hợp tác quốc tế của đại học Việt Nam trong bối cảnh cộng đồng Asean, tầm nhìn 2025 (Nghiên cứu trường hợp ĐHQG - HCM, giai đoạn 2021 - 2025)
No full textVNU-HCM, with a history of over 25 years of establishment and development, has achieved many outstanding achievements, deserving to be a model for the university urban. One of the important stamp reflecting a new and vibrant face of the system of VNU-HCM is international cooperation, proactive in the development trend of the ASEAN higher education system. In order to improve the efficiency of international cooperation activities of VNU-HCM in the period of 2021 - 2025, the author has reviewed 5 educational development goals and the importance of educational cooperation of Vietnam in ASEAN; from there, proposing a number of ideas to maximize the potential of international cooperation among ASEAN’s universities to contribute to enhancing the international position of VNU-HCM in the coming time.ĐHQG – HCM với lịch sử hình thành và phát triển hơn 25 năm đạt được nhiều thành tựu nổi bật, xứng đáng là một mô hình kiểu mẫu cho đô thị đại học và hệ thống các trường đại học Việt Nam tham khảo. Một trong những dấu ấn quan trọng phản ánh một diện mạo mới, sức sống mới của hệ thống ĐHQG – HCM đó là hoạt động hợp tác quốc tế, chủ động hội nhập vào xu hướng phát triển của hệ thống giáo dục đại học ASEAN. Để nâng cao hiệu quả hoạt động hợp tác quốc tế của ĐHQG – HCM giai đoạn 2021 – 2025, tác giả bài viết đã điểm luận lại 5 mục tiêu phát triển giáo dục và tầm quan trọng của hợp tác giáo dục Việt Nam trong ASEAN; từ đó đề xuất một số ý kiến để khai thác tối đa tiềm năng của hợp tác quốc tế trong ASEAN góp phần nâng cao vị thế quốc tế của ĐHQG – HCM trong thời gian tới
Multiple myocardial crypts on modified long-axis view are a specific finding in pre-hypertrophic HCM mutation carriers
No full textAims: Crypts can be found with cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) mutation carriers without hypertrophy (carriers) using a modified two-chamber view through the inferoseptum, but also in other patients and healthy individuals with standard long-axis views. Since it is currently unknown if carriers display a specific crypt morphology, we compared crypts in carriers with other cardiac pathologies (controls). Besides, we aimed to determine the optimal imaging plane for the detection of crypts by comparing modified two-chamber views with standard long-axis views. Finally, we evaluated the accuracy of crypts to identify carriers in HCM family screening. Methods and results: Standard CMR long-axis views with additional modified two-chamber views were prospectively performed in carriers (n = 43), consecutive CMR control patients (n = 252), and mutation-negative family members (n = 15). Crypts were found in 70% (30/43) of carriers and in 12% (31/252) of controls (P < 0.001). Crypts in carriers showed deeper penetrance into the myocardium compared with controls (74 ± 21% vs. 59 ± 22%, P < 0.01). Detection of two or more crypts had a sensitivity of 51% and specificity of 94% for carriership. Modified two-chamber views doubled the sensitivity to detect crypts compared with standard long-axis views. In family screening, ≥2 crypts had a 100% positive predictive value to identify carriers. Conclusions: Multiple crypts in the absence of left ventricular hypertrophy are highly specific for HCM mutation carriership and warrant clinical follow-up. A modified two-chamber view has a superior sensitivity compared with standard long-axis views for crypt detection. CMR may be of additional value to identify carriers in family screening. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2012
Association of physical activity with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in 7666 adults with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): More physical activity is better
No full textObjectives: Recommendations on physical activity (PA) for adults with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are not well established. We investigated the association of PA intensity with mortality in the general adult HCM population. Methods: A nationwide population-based cohort of individuals with HCM who underwent health check-ups including questionnaires on PA levels were identified from the years 2009 to 2016 in the National Health Insurance Service database. Subjects who reported no PA at baseline were excluded. To estimate each individual's PA level, the PA score (PAS) was calculated based on the self-reported questionnaires, and the study population was categorised into three groups according to tertiles of PAS. The associations of PAS with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were analysed. Results: A total of 7666 participants (mean age 59.5 years, 29.9% were women) were followed up for a mean 5.3±2.0 years. All-cause and cardiovascular mortality progressively decreased from the lowest to the highest tertiles of PA intensity: 9.1% (4.7%), 8.9% (3.8%) and 6.4% (2.7%), respectively (p-for-trend=0.0144 and 0.0023, respectively). Of note, compared with the middle PA group, the highest PA group did not have an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.78, (95% CI 0.63 to 0.95) and HR 0.75 (95% CI 0.54 to 1.03), respectively). All subgroup and sensitivity analyses consistently showed that all-cause and cardiovascular mortality did not increase with higher PA levels. Conclusions: Moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA, in a middle-aged population of patients with HCM, was associated with progressive reduction of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The impact of vigorous-intensity PA on a younger age group requires further investigation. © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.Y
Clinical Characteristics and Long-Term Outcome of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Individuals With a MYBPC3 (Myosin-Binding Protein C) Founder Mutation
No full text
Background—
MYBPC3
(Myosin-binding protein C) founder mutations account for 35% of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) cases in the Netherlands. We compared clinical characteristics and outcome of
MYBPC3
founder mutation (FG+) HCM with nonfounder genotype-positive (G+) and genotype-negative (G−) HCM.
Methods and Results—
The study included 680 subjects: 271 FG+ carriers, 132 G+ probands with HCM, and 277 G− probands with HCM. FG+ carriers included 134 FG+ probands with HCM, 54 FG+ relatives diagnosed with HCM after family screening, 74 FG+/phenotype-negative relatives, and 9 with noncompaction or dilated cardiomyopathy. The clinical phenotype of FG+ and G+ probands with HCM was similar. FG+ and G+ probands were younger with less left ventricular outflow tract obstruction than G− probands, however, had more hypertrophy, and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. FG+ relatives with HCM had less hypertrophy, smaller left atria, and less systolic and diastolic dysfunction than FG+ probands with HCM. After 8±6 years, cardiovascular mortality in FG+ probands with HCM was similar to G+ HCM (22% versus 14%; log-rank
P
=0.14), but higher than G− HCM (22% versus 6%; log-rank
P
<0.001) and FG+ relatives with HCM (22% versus 4%;
P
=0.009). Cardiac events were absent in FG+/phenotype-negative relatives; subtle HCM developed in 11% during 6 years of follow-up.
Conclusions—
Clinical phenotype and outcome of FG+ HCM was similar to G+ HCM but worse than G− HCM and FG+ HCM diagnosed in the context of family screening. These findings indicate the need for more intensive follow-up of FG+ and G+ HCM versus G− HCM and FG+ HCM in relatives.
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Characteristic systolic waveform of left ventricular longitudinal strain rate in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
No full textWe analyzed the waveform of systolic strain and strain-rate curves to find a characteristic left ventricular (LV) myocardial contraction pattern in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and evaluated the utility of these parameters for the differentiation of HCM and LV hypertrophy secondary to hypertension (HT). From global strain and strain-rate curves in the longitudinal and circumferential directions, the time from mitral valve closure to the peak strains (T-LS and T-CS, respectively) and the peak systolic strain rates (T-LSSR and T-CSSR, respectively) were measured in 34 patients with HCM, 30 patients with HT, and 25 control subjects. The systolic strain-rate waveform was classified into 3 patterns ("V", "W", and "√" pattern). In the HCM group, T-LS was prolonged, but T-LSSR was shortened; consequently, T-LSSR/T-LS ratio was distinctly lower than in the HT and control groups. The "√" pattern of longitudinal strain-rate waveform was more frequently seen in the HCM group (74 %) than in the control (4 %) and HT (20 %) groups. Similar but less distinct results were obtained in the circumferential direction. To differentiate HCM from HT, the sensitivity and specificity of the T-LSSR/T-LS ratio <0.34 and the "√"-shaped longitudinal strain-rate waveform were 85 and 63 %, and 74 and 80 %, respectively. In conclusion, in patients with HCM, a reduced T-LSSR/T-LS ratio and a characteristic "√"-shaped waveform of LV systolic strain rate was seen, especially in the longitudinal direction. The timing and waveform analyses of systolic strain rate may be useful to distinguish between HCM and HT
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