Assuming a first-order auto-regressive model for the auto-correlation structure between observations, in this paper, a transformation method is first employed to eliminate the effect of auto-correlation. Then, a maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) of a step change in the parameters of the transformed model is derived and three separate EWMA control charts are used to monitor the parameters of th...

Bullous pemphigoid is a subepidermal blistering disease associated with auto-antibodies (auto-ab) to BP180 and BP230. We developed ELISAs utilizing baculovirus-encoded recombinant proteins of BP230 and BP180 and studied their diagnostic and prognostic values by assessing the profile of the auto-ab response in 127 patients with BP. 39 patients had focal involvement, whereas 88 had generalized di...

We have developed an automatic algorithm to detect the skin profiles in the volumetric data acquired by photoacoustic microscopy for subcutaneous vasculature imaging. This algorithm analyzes the relationship between amplitudes of photoacoustic signals generated from the skin surface and underlying blood vessels to achieve a rough estimation of the skin profile. A better approximation of the ski...

Auto immune thyroid diseases (ATDS) are represented, essentially, by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), grave’s disease and atrophic thyroiditis [1]. Atypical marker of HT is the presence of autoantibodies against thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase (TPO Abs) [2]. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the pathogenesis of ATDS [3]. Some bacteria and viruses are suspected of being ab...

In many statistical applications, data are collected over time, and they are likely correlated. In this paper, we investigate how to incorporate the correlation information into the local linear regression. Under the assumption that the error process is an auto-regressive process, a new estimation procedure is proposed for the nonparametric regression by using local linear regression method and...

PURPOSE To examine the association of personal values, the built environment, and auto availability with walking for transportation. SETTING Participants were drawn from 11 U.S. metropolitan areas with good transit services. SUBJECTS 865 adults who had recently made or were contemplating making a residential move. MEASURES Respondents reported if walking was their primary mode for nine tr...

Background Biologic agents may cause auto-antibody formation and drug induced lupus but no paediatric guidelines exist regarding monitoring of auto-antibodies. The UK Royal College of Nursing Guidance advises checking ANA and anti-dsDNA before starting biologic treatment and repeating anti-dsDNA if concerned. The Alder Hey protocol tested an autoantibody profile (Table 1, 2) 3-6 monthly for dat...

Using fractal in studying tribology is becoming more important. Although digitizing and processing the surface topography image of a friction surface and wear particle are the means for calculating of the respective fractal dimensions, they are extremely troublesome. To establish a method for calculating and analyzing the fractal phenomena of a surface, the use of computer software and hardware...