Showing papers by "James Taylor published in 2018"

Opioid-Prescribing Guidelines for Common Surgical Procedures: An Expert Panel Consensus

Abstract: Background One in 16 surgical patients prescribed opioids becomes a long-term user. Overprescribing opioids after surgery is common, and the lack of multidisciplinary procedure-specific guidelines contributes to the wide variation in opioid prescribing practices. We hypothesized that a single-institution, multidisciplinary expert panel can establish consensus on ideal opioid prescribing for select common surgical procedures. Study Design We used a 3-step modified Delphi method involving a multidisciplinary expert panel of 6 relevant stakeholder groups (surgeons, pain specialists, outpatient surgical nurse practitioners, surgical residents, patients, and pharmacists) to develop consensus ranges for outpatient opioid prescribing at the time of discharge after 20 common procedures in 8 surgical specialties. Prescribing guidelines were developed for opioid-naive adult patients without chronic pain undergoing uncomplicated procedures. The number of opioid tablets was defined using oxycodone 5 mg oral equivalents. Results For all 20 surgical procedures reviewed, the minimum number of opioid tablets recommended by the panel was 0. Ibuprofen was recommended for all patients unless medically contraindicated. The maximum number of opioid tablets varied by procedure (median 12.5 tablets), with panel recommendations of 0 opioid tablets for 3 of 20 (15%) procedures, 1 to 15 opioid tablets for 11 of 20 (55%) procedures, and 16 to 20 tablets for 6 of 20 (30%) procedures. Overall, patients who had the procedures voted for lower opioid amounts than surgeons who performed them. Conclusions Procedure-specific prescribing recommendations may help provide guidance to clinicians who are currently overprescribing opioids after surgery. Multidisciplinary, patient-centered consensus guidelines for more procedures are feasible and may serve as a tool in combating the opioid crisis.

Rule-based Autoregressive Moving Average Models for Forecasting Load on Special Days: A Case Study for France

Abstract: This paper presents a case study on short-term load forecasting for France, with emphasis on special days, such as public holidays. We investigate the generalisability to French data of a recently proposed approach, which generates forecasts for normal and special days in a coherent and unified framework, by incorporating subjective judgment in univariate statistical models using a rule-based methodology. The intraday, intraweek, and intrayear seasonality in load are accommodated using a rule-based triple seasonal adaptation of a seasonal autoregressive moving average (SARMA) model. We find that, for application to French load, the method requires an important adaption. We also adapt a recently proposed SARMA model that accommodates special day effects on an hourly basis using indicator variables. Using a rule formulated specifically for the French load, we compare the SARMA models with a range of different benchmark methods based on an evaluation of their point and density forecast accuracy. As sophisticated benchmarks, we employ the rule-based triple seasonal adaptations of Holt-Winters-Taylor (HWT) exponential smoothing and artificial neural networks (ANNs). We use nine years of half-hourly French load data, and consider lead times ranging from one half-hour up to a day ahead. The rule-based SARMA approach generated the most accurate forecasts.

Multi-temporal and spectral analysis of high-resolution hyperspectral airborne imagery for precision agriculture: Assessment of wheat grain yield and grain protein content

Abstract: This study evaluates the potential of high resolution hyperspectral airborne imagery to capture within-field variability of durum wheat grain yield (GY) and grain protein content (GPC) in two commercial fields in the Yaqui Valley (northwestern Mexico). Through a weekly/biweekly airborne flight campaign, we acquired 10 mosaics with a micro-hyperspectral Vis-NIR imaging sensor ranging from 400–850 nanometres (nm). Just before harvest, 114 georeferenced grain samples were obtained manually. Using spectral exploratory analysis, we calculated narrow-band physiological spectral indices—normalized difference spectral index (NDSI) and ratio spectral index (RSI)—from every single hyperspectral mosaic using complete two by two combinations of wavelengths. We applied two methods for the multi-temporal hyperspectral exploratory analysis: (a) Temporal Principal Component Analysis (tPCA) on wavelengths across all images and (b) the integration of vegetation indices over time based on area under the curve (AUC) calculations. For GY, the best R2 (0.32) were found using both the spectral (NDSI—Ri, 750 to 840 nm and Rj, ±720–736 nm) and the multi-temporal AUC exploratory analysis (EVI and OSAVI through AUC) methods. For GPC, all exploratory analysis methods tested revealed (a) a low to very low coefficient of determination (R2 ≤ 0.21), (b) a relatively low overall prediction error (RMSE: 0.45–0.49%), compared to results from other literature studies, and (c) that the spectral exploratory analysis approach is slightly better than the multi-temporal approaches, with early season NDSI of 700 with 574 nm and late season NDSI of 707 with 523 nm as the best indicators. Using residual maps from the regression analyses of NDSIs and GPC, we visualized GPC within-field variability and showed that up to 75% of the field area could be mapped with relatively good predictability (residual class: −0.25 to 0.25%), therefore showing the potential of remote sensing imagery to capture the within-field variation of GPC under conventional agricultural practices.

GeoFIS: An Open Source, Decision-Support Tool for Precision Agriculture Data

Abstract: The world we live in is an increasingly spatial and temporal data-rich environment, and agriculture is no exception. However, data needs to be processed in order to first get information and then make informed management decisions. The concepts of ‘Precision Agriculture’ and ‘Smart Agriculture’ are and will be fully effective when methods and tools are available to practitioners to support this transformation. An open-source software called GeoFIS has been designed with this objective. It was designed to cover the whole process from spatial data to spatial information and decision support. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the abilities of GeoFIS along with its embedded algorithms to address the main features required by farmers, advisors, or spatial analysts when dealing with precision agriculture data. Three case studies are investigated in the paper: (i) mapping of the spatial variability in the data, (ii) evaluation and cross-comparison of the opportunity for site-specific management in multiple fields, and (iii) delineation of within-field zones for variable-rate applications when these latter are considered opportune. These case studies were applied to three contrasting crop types, banana, wheat and vineyards. These were chosen to highlight the diversity of applications and data characteristics that might be handled with GeoFIS. For each case-study, up-to-date algorithms arising from research studies and implemented in GeoFIS were used to process these precision agriculture data. Areas for future development and possible relations with existing geographic information systems (GIS) software is also discussed.

Factors Associated With Refusal of Intramuscular Vitamin K in Normal Newborns

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Refusal of intramuscular (IM) vitamin K administration by parents is an emerging problem. Our objective was to assess the frequency of and factors associated with refusal of IM vitamin K administration in well newborns in the United States. METHODS: We determined the number of newborns admitted to well newborn units whose parents refused IM vitamin K administration in the Better Outcomes through Research for Newborns network and, in a nested patient-control study, identified factors associated with refusal of IM vitamin K administration by using a multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS: Of 102 878 newborns from 35 Better Outcomes through Research for Newborns sites, parents of 638 (0.6%) refused IM vitamin K administration. Frequency of refusal at individual sites varied from 0% to 2.3%. Exclusive breastfeeding (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1–5.5), non-Hispanic white race and/or ethnicity (aOR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2–2.4), female sex (aOR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2–2.3), gestational age (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.1–1.4), and mother’s age (aOR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02–1.08) were significantly associated with refusal of IM vitamin K administration. Refusal of the administration of both ocular prophylaxis and hepatitis B vaccine was also strongly associated with refusal of IM vitamin K administration (aOR = 88.7; 95% CI: 50.4–151.9). CONCLUSIONS: Refusal of IM vitamin K by parents of newborns is a significant problem. Interventions to minimize risks to these newborns are needed.

Scalar Nanosecond Pulse Generation in a Nanotube Mode-Locked Environmentally Stable Fiber Laser

Abstract: We report an environmentally stable nanotube mode-locked fibre laser producing linearly-polarized, nanosecond pulses. A simple all-polarization-maintaining fibre ring cavity is used, including 300 m of highly nonlinear fibre to elongate the cavity and increase intracavity dispersion and nonlinearity. The laser generates scalar pulses with a duration of 1.23 ns at a centre wavelength of 1042 nm, with 1.3-nm bandwidth and at 641-kHz repetition rate. Despite the long cavity, the output characteristics show no significant variation when the cavity is perturbed, and the degree of polarization remains at 97%.

easySLM-STED: Stimulated emission depletion microscopy with aberration correction, extended field of view and multiple beam scanning.

Abstract: We demonstrate a simplified set-up for STED microscopy with a straightforward alignment procedure that uses a single spatial light modulator (SLM) with collinear incident excitation and depletion beams to provide phase modulation of the beam profiles and correction of optical aberrations. We show that this approach can be used to extend the field of view for STED microscopy by correcting chromatic aberration that otherwise leads to walk-off between the focused excitation and depletion beams. We further show how this arrangement can be adapted to increase the imaging speed through multibeam excitation and depletion. Fine adjustments to the alignment can be accomplished using the SLM only, conferring the potential for automation.

Highly efficient nanosecond 560 nm source by SHG of a combined Yb-Raman fiber amplifier

Abstract: We demonstrate a nanosecond 560 nm pulse source based on frequency-doubling the output of a combined Yb-Raman fiber amplifier, achieving a pulse energy of 2.0 µJ with a conversion efficiency of 32% from the 976 nm pump light. By introducing a continuous-wave 1120 nm signal before the cladding pumped amplifier of a pulsed Yb:fiber master oscillator power amplifier system operating at 1064 nm, efficient conversion to 1120 nm occurs within the fiber amplifier due to stimulated Raman scattering. The output of the combined Yb-Raman amplifier is frequency-doubled to 560 nm using a periodically poled lithium tantalate crystal with a conversion efficiency of 47%, resulting in an average power of 3.0 W at a repetition rate of 1.5 MHz. The 560 nm pulse duration of 1.7 ns and the near diffraction-limited beam quality (M2≤1.18) make this source ideally suited to biomedical imaging applications such as optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy and stimulated emission depletion microscopy.

'The Rise of the Machine': the impact of digital tablet recording in the field at Çatalhöyük

Abstract: This paper considers the role of digital recording methods and visualisation tools in the primary recording of archaeology at the Neolithic tell site of Catalhoyuk, Turkey. Operating within and building on Catalhoyuk Research Project's understanding of reflexive methods (Hodder 2000b, 2003; Berggren and Nilson 2014; Berggren et al. 2015) we incorporate elements of science and technology studies (Pickering 1995) in order to create a framework for documenting the complete process of devising, implementing, and assessing digitised and tablet-based workflows. These harness the project's existing SQL database and intra-site GIS, as well as the increasingly user-friendly suite of 3D recording technologies which are now available to archaeologists. The Catalhoyuk Research Project's longstanding engagement with digital methods in archaeology means that such a study is well placed to provide insights into wider disciplinary trends that might be described as a 'Digital Turn'. By offering a review of tablet recording and exploring the effects of its introduction upon the archaeologists' relationship with the archaeological remains, we investigate the applied integration of digital recording technologies and their role in facilitating a deeper reflexivity in the interpretation of the archaeology on the site.

Synthetic Muscle electroactive polymer (EAP) based actuation and sensing for prosthetic and robotic applications

Abstract: Ras Labs Synthetic MuscleTM – a class of electroactive polymers (EAPs) that contract and expand at low voltages – mimic the unique gentle-yet-strong nature of human tissue. These EAPs also attenuate force and sense mechanical pressure, from gentle touch to high impact. This is a potential asset to prosthetics and robotics, including manned space travel through protective gear and human assist robotics and for unmanned space exploration through deep space. Fifth generation Synthetic MuscleTM is very robust and attenuates impact force through non-Newtonian mechanisms. Various electrolyte solutions and conductive additives were also explored to optimize these EAPs. In prosthetics, the interface between the residual limb and the hard socket of the prosthetic device is a pain point. EAP pads that gently contract and expand within the prosthetic socket using 1.5 V batteries will allow for extremely comfortable, adjustable, perfect fit throughout the day for amputees. For robot grippers, EAP linkages can be actuated and EAP sensors placed at the fingertips of the grippers for tactile feedback. Onset of actuation of these EAPs at the nano-level was determined to be within 48 milliseconds, with macro-scale actuation visible to the naked eye within seconds. Smart EAP based materials and actuators promise to transform prostheses and robots, allowing for the treatment, reduction, and prevention of debilitating injury and fatalities, and to further our exploration by land, sea, air, and space.

Variable-rate mechanical crop adjustment for crop load balance in ‘Concord’ vineyards

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to illustrate the use of sensor-derived spatial data in generating management classifications and applying variable-rate vineyard mechanization to improve vine balance and fruit quality. In a commercial ‘Concord’ vineyard in Westfield, New York, data from proximal sensors were used to generate spatial maps of soil apparent electrical conductivity, canopy Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and crop weight. Local block kriging was used on all spatial data layers after removal of outliers to predict values at common grid points which approximated the vineyard row and vine spacing so that relationships between data layers could be interrogated to determine which layers were indicative of overall vineyard production. Cluster analysis (k-means) was used to generate three management classifications and stratified manual viticulture sampling was used to predict the crop size and vine size in each region. Crop load is the relationship between vine fruit yield (crop size) and vine vegetative growth (vine size). The Ravaz Index (RI) is a practical indicator of crop load through the measurement of the crop weight — pruning weight ratio. In this study, RI was predicted mid-season in each management classification and crop load was adjusted through mechanized variable-rate fruit thinning. To achieve variable-rate fruit thinning, a spatial prescription map was generated and interfaced with precision agriculture hardware/software which controlled the hydraulic flow to the shaker head on a mechanical harvester. On-the-go variable-rate fruit thinning shifted the population mean 34% toward target RI values and decreased the standard deviation by 30% indicating that the vineyard was more balanced and more uniform at harvest.

Temporal trends in the biomass of three epibenthic invertebrates from the deep-sea observatory HAUSGARTEN (Fram Strait, Arctic Ocean)

Abstract: In a bid to further understand processes that influence deep-sea epibenthic megafauna, which fulfil critical roles in the global carbon cycle, we present data from the Arctic Long-Term Ecological Research observatory HAUSGARTEN, in the Fram Strait, showing significant temporal changes in total biomass of 3 key organisms (Kolga hyalina, Elpidia heckeri and Mohnia spp.) at stations N3, HG-IV and S3 during repeated deployments over a time series spanning 2004−2015. Overall, all species investigated displayed a similar reproduction/recruitment cycle, with increasing mean mass per individual leading to decreases in abundance, and vice versa. However, there were 3 ‘events’ that deviated from this pattern. The first was a mass reproduction event of E. heckeri at HG-IV from 2012 onwards, likely due to an increased carrying capacity. The second event involved migration of K. hyalina from HG-IV between 2004−2007, with a return in 2011. This coincided with a shift in the composition of the particle flux at the station. The final event was a mass migration of K. hyalina to N3 between 2004 (0 ind. m−2) and 2007 (4.765 ± 0.084 ind. m−2). This event coincided with a 4-fold increase in phytodetrital food availability at the seafloor at N3. Our results highlight the importance of time-series studies to ascertain the key factors that influence epibenthic megafaunal communities. They also highlight the fact that more needs to be done in understanding the life history of these organisms, as this understanding is, so far, widely lacking.

Modelling potato growth

Abstract: The development of mechanistic models for predicting growth of various crops (including potatoes) has continued for several decades, and new applications of such models are increasingly becoming available. Despite the benefits of this development, it may be difficult for the user to decide which models are suitable for a specific purpose (such as decision making in potato farming). In this chapter, we try to provide insights that would help the potential user to better understand the benefits and limitations of various types of models. First, we present some ideas of the general principles of mechanistic modelling and potential applications of crop models. Then we briefly describe the main physiological processes of potato growth and how they have been handled in mechanistic models. Finally, we provide examples of the recent applications of potato models and discuss the future use of the models for new applications, mainly in precision farming.

Phototherapy and Seizures: Should We Change Practice?

Abstract: * Abbreviations: HR — : hazard ratio TSB — : total serum bilirubin It is axiomatic that for every treatment there are associated adverse events. For many medical conditions, the risk/benefit assessment of treatment is trivial, with an example being antibiotics for patients with bacterial meningitis. Even the risk of therapies leading to serious adverse events may be outweighed by the potential benefit, such as chemotherapy for a child with leukemia. However, the calculus becomes more difficult when the likelihood of an adverse outcome without treatment is small and/or the patients receiving the treatment are not sick but healthy. Such is the case with phototherapy. In this issue of Pediatrics , Newman et al1 analyzed data from a large and rich database and found an increased risk of subsequent seizures in newborns treated with phototherapy. Although the increased risk was small, with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.22, and only truly apparent in boys, the results are troubling. Phototherapy is a common therapy for newborns; in the data evaluated by Newman et al,1 ∼8% of ∼500 000 newborns received this treatment for hyperbilirubinemia. Most of the infants who … Address correspondence to James A. Taylor, MD, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Box 354920, Seattle, WA 98195. E-mail: uncjat{at}uw.edu

Uncertainty Estimation in Wind Power Forecasts Using Monte Carlo Simulations

Abstract: In our earlier paper [9] we took the histories of wind speed forecasts and actual wind speed data available from Environment Canada and presented that the hourly wind speed forecast error distributions are nearly Gaussian in nature. In this paper we used the hourly error distribution to model a representative wind-speed realization as the sum of a deterministic term and a stochastic term. The deterministic term was the forecast provided by Environment Canada, while the stochastic component, the error in the forecast, was modeled as a first-order gaussian markov process. Wind-speed realizations were. Then input to a wind generator model developed in MATLAB®/Simulink®to get wind power realizations. The uncertainties in the wind speed-realizations were transferred to the wind power realizations as well. Monte Carlo Simulations were performed to assess likely range of wind power production. It is shown that how the statistics of wind power prediction obtained by performing Monte Carlo Simulation gave an idea of the risk involved in wind power production.

Improved Sizing Calculator for Rapid Optimisation of Pack Configuration at Early-Stage Automotive Product Development

Abstract: The specifications that define a new automotive product development are established at an early stage in the product life cycle and define the direction of such a development, and changing these decisions becomes costlier the further the project evolves towards introduction into the market. Simulations and predictions underpin the crucial decisions made at the inception stage of the new product development life cycle, since these tools inform prototype development, production strategies, and improve profitability. The tool presented facilitates the decisions required when embarking on the new product development of a vehicle that incorporates electric-drive technologies and the vital choices made regarding the battery pack powering by such a vehicle. The tool functions can be split into two parts, firstly it incorporates a sizing model for determining the number of cells and the configuration required to meet a specified battery requirement. Secondly, a 1-D model is implemented to determine some of the basic thermal and power characteristics that can then be utilised to inform other parts of the design specification. Improvements are proposed that improve previous model accuracy from 8-9% to 6% for thermal predictions and down to 3% for electrical simulations. When integrated with a database containing cell characteristics, the tool can identify candidate cells that meet the proposed requirements. In addition, the tool's rapid execution time allows fact comparison between cell choices, at a level comprehensible by all project stakeholders in the decision making process.

Newborn Nursery Care

Abstract: The care of a normal newborn is a balance between providing interventions to prevent disease and screening to allow for the early identification of rare conditions while facilitating maternal-infant bonding and promotion of feeding. Ideally, evidence-based interventions and monitoring of the newborn infant should be provided as unobtrusively as possible. In this chapter we examine the evidence surrounding the most commonly recommended interventions, screening, monitoring, assessment and counseling of new parents. Normal and abnormal adaptation to extrauterine life including vital signs, temperature regulation, weight loss, stool and urine patterns and glucose homeostasis are described, and suggested management of newborns with common prenatal ultrasound findings is provided. The evidence for the benefits of interventions such as intramuscular vitamin K, newborn metabolic, hearing and pulse oximetry screening is weighed against their potential risks. For controversial topics such as male circumcision, balanced information is provided that can be used by clinicians for discussions with parents. Finally, two of the central concerns during the newborn stay are jaundice and possible sepsis. While clinicians are most concerned with under diagnosis of either condition, the effects of over treatment are not insignificant. The evidence underlying recommended guidelines for these conditions is evaluated, and methods for screening for jaundice and sepsis that limit testing and treatment while maximizing the chance of identifying newborns with either condition are offered.