In clinical research, parameters required for sample size calculation are usually unknown. A typical approach is to use estimates from some pilot studies as the true parameters in the calculation. This approach, however, does not take into consideration sampling error. Thus, the resulting sample size could be misleading if the sampling error is substantial. As an alternative, we suggest a Bayes...

We study an adaptive partition-based approach for solving two-stage stochastic programs with fixed recourse. A partition-based formulation is a relaxation of the original stochastic program, and we study a finitely converging algorithm in which the partition is adaptively adjusted until it yields an optimal solution. A solution guided refinement strategy is developed to refine the partition by ...

We consider the mathematical properties of the generating and partition functions in the two variable scaling region about the tricritical point in some models of polymer collapse. We concentrate on models that have a similar behaviour to that of interacting partially-directed self-avoiding walks (IPDSAW) in two dimensions. However, we do not restrict the discussion to that model. After describ...

In previous papers, we have described a suitable method to obtain pore size distributions for voids and necks using the Dual Site-Bond Model (DSBM) and Monte Carlo simulations. This method basically consists in the determination of the corresponding size distributions by using adsorption–desorption hysteresis data. Void size frequency functions are featured from the ascending curve. From the de...

Traditionally, the perceived size of negative afterimages has been examined in relation to E. Emmert's law (1881), a size-distance equation that states that changes in perceived size of an afterimage are a function of the distance of the surface on which it is projected. Here, we present evidence that the size of an afterimage is also modulated by its surrounding context. We employed a new vers...

PURPOSE To assess the utility of high-resolution volumetric MR examinations with thin partition size for patients with simple partial epilepsies that were well located with electrical and clinical criteria. METHODS Fifteen patients with normal standard MR findings were studied with three-dimensional Fourier transform volumetric MR examinations using thin (1 to 1.5 mm) partition size. Imaging ...

BACKGROUND The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, referred to as the AUC, is an appropriate measure for describing the overall accuracy of a diagnostic test or a biomarker in early phase trials without having to choose a threshold. There are many approaches for estimating the confidence interval for the AUC. However, all are relatively complicated to implement. Furthe...

The evolution of WBANs under the medical health care field is vital for human survival and security of patients’ personnel physiological information remains appalling challenge yet to be addressed. This article presents a novel key agreement framework based on HECC signcryption best fit for inter secure communication in the resource constraint environment of WBANs. Shorter key size, low communi...

Methods The study group included 147 Caucasian girls with IS, aged 9-18 years (mean 13.6 ±2.2), Cobb angle range 11°65°, mean 27.9 ±11.9, comprising 42 single thoracic, 31 single lumbar and 74 double curve scoliosis. According to the Cobb angle, there were 70 mild (10-24o), 54 moderate (25-40o) and 23 severe (> 45o) curves. The control group included 147 girls aged 9-18 years (mean 13.1 ±.3), s...