Data point selection for weighted least square fitting of cavity decay time constant

For the accurate extraction of cavity decay time, a selection of data points is supplemented to the weighted least square method. We derive the expected precision, accuracy and computation cost of this improved method, and examine these performances by simulation. By comparing this method with the nonlinear least square fitting （NLSF） method and the linear regression of the sum （LRS） method in derivations and simulations, we find that this method can achieve the same or even better precision, comparable accuracy, and lower computation cost. We test this method by experimental decay signals. The results are in agreement with the ones obtained from the nonlinear least square fitting method.

Genes for the high life： New genetic variants point to positive selection for high altitude hypoxia in Tibetans

People living on the high plateaus of the world have long fascinated biological anthropologists and geneticists because they live in ＂thin air＂ and epitomize an extreme of human biological adaptation.

Application of Rollout Strategy to Test Points Selection for Integer-Coded Fault Wise Table

Test points selection for integer-coded fault wise table is a discrete optimization problem. The global minimum set of test points can only be guaranteed by an exhaustive search which is eompurationally expensive. In this paper, this problem is formulated as a heuristic depth-first graph search problem at first. The graph node expanding method and rules are given. Then, rollout strategies are applied, which can be combined with the heuristic graph search algorithms, in a computationally more efficient manner than the optimal strategies, to obtain solutions superior to those using the greedy heuristic algorithms. The proposed rollout-based test points selection algorithm is illustrated and tested using an analog circuit and a set of simulated integer-coded fault wise tables. Computa- tional results are shown, which suggest that the rollout strategy policies are significantly better than other strategies.

Selection of Minimal Test Points Set for Integer-Coded Fault Wise Table

Test points selection for integer-coded fault wise table is a discrete optimization problem. On one hand, traditional exhaustive search method is computationally expensive. On the other hand, the space complexity of traditional exhaustive is low. A tradeoff method between the high time complexity and low space complexity is proposed. At first, a new fault-pair table is constructed based on the integer-coded fault wise table. The fault-pair table consists of two columns： one column represents fault pair and the other represents test points set that can distinguish the corresponding faults. Then, the rows are arranged in ascending order according to the cardinality of corresponding test points set. Thirdly, test points in the top rows are selected one by one until all fault pair are isolated. During the test points selection process, the rows that contain selected test points are deleted and then the dimension of fault-pair table decreases gradually. The proposed test points selection algorithm is illustrated and tested using an integercoded fault wise table derived from a real analog circuit. Computational results suggest show policies are better than the exhaustive strategy.

Optimal Test Points Selection Based on Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm

A new approach to select anoptimal set of test points is proposed. The described method uses fault-wise table and multi-objective genetic algorithm to find the optimal set of test points. First, the fault-wise table is constructed whose entries are measurements associated with faults and test points. The selection of optimal test points is transformed to the selection of the columns that isolate the rows of the table. Then, four objectives are described according to practical test requirements. The multi-objective genetic algorithm is explained. Finally, the presented approach is illustrated by a practical example. The results indicate that the proposed method can efficiently and accurately find the optimal set of test points and is practical for large scale systems.

Study on the Rule of Acupoint Selection in Acupuncture and Moxibustion Treatment of Stomachache

A systematic collection of relevant literature on acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of stomach pain,and a summary of the rule of acupoints selection for acupuncture treatment of stomach pain.In conclusion,Zusanli,Zhongwan,Neiguan,and Liang Qiu are selected as the main acupoints.At the same time,according to the different syndrome types,dyspepsia hurt a stomach syndrome is compatible with Burong,Chengman,Tianshu and Shangjuxu acupoints.Cold evil invading the stomach syndrome is compatible with Shenque and Qihai acupoints.Liver-Qi attacking stomach syndrome is compatible with Danzhong,Zhangmen,and Qimen acupoints;for blood stasis to stop the stomach,it is compatible with Xuehai,Geshu,and Pishu acupoints.Adopting this rule of acupoints selection has a significant effect on acupuncture treatment of stomach pain,and it also provides a reference for other doctors to treat stomach pain.

Clinical research progress on acupuncture for the treatment of otogenic vertigo

Otogenic vertigo is a common disorder that affects the vestibular system,which often results in considerable discomfort and impaired daily functioning.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),including acupuncture and moxibustion,has been historically utilized to manage the symptoms of vertigo.However,the effectiveness and methodology of these treatments have rarely been investigated in the medical literature.This study reviews the existing literature on the point selection,method,and therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion to provide a reference for the TCM treatment of otogenic vertigo.A literature search was performed using the PubMed search engine.The terms used included otogenic vertigo,acupuncture treatment,and acupuncture point selection.A total of 34 relevant articles were retrieved from PubMed.These suggest that the clinical treatment of otogenic vertigo should consider the functions of zang-fu organs and meridians and select different acupuncture treatment methods according to syndrome differentiation based on the difference between deficiency and excess.Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy should be based on acupoint selection,considering the syndrome differentiation,supplemented with experience.The treatment of otogenic vertigo with acupuncture and moxibustion refers to the selection of appropriate acupuncture methods under the guidance of TCM theory and following the principles of syndrome,disease,and meridian differentiation.Common acupuncture methods include body acupuncture,auricular acupuncture,scalp acupuncture,acupoint injection,electroacupuncture,and moxibustion.There are many acupuncture and moxibustion acupoints selected for the treatment of otogenic vertigo.Individualized treatment according to the patient’s specific condition is effective and safe,which can help to improve the patient’s vertigo symptoms and cerebral blood perfusion.

Point selection characteristics and rules of acupuncture in treatment of depression based on data mining

Objective To discuss the point selection characteristics and rules of prescription for acupuncture in treatment of depression. Method Clinical literature on acupuncture in treatment of depression in recent five years were retrieved by retrospective document research; the number of point and use frequency were calculated, and their characteristics and rules were analyzed by means of bibliometrics. Result One hundred and seventy-seven papers about acupuncture in treatment of depression were retrieved with 158 acupoints used for 1 630 times in total, including B ihuì（百会 GV 20）, Tàichōng（太冲 LR 3）, Sānyīnjiāo（三阴交 SP 6）, and Shénmén（神门 HT 7）, which were used most frequently. In view of meridians, governor vessel, the foot-taiyang bladder meridian and the foot-jueyin liver meridian were used most frequently, fiveshu points were used frequently in specific points, and the most frequently used point combination was distal and local point combination. Conclusion The primary prescription for acupuncture in treatment of depression is GV 20 in combination with distal LR 3, SP 6, HT 7, and other points.

Acupoints selection pattern in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of perimenopausal syndrome from 2007 to 2016

Objective： To discuss the acupoints selection pattern in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of perimenopausal syndrome（PMS） from 2007 to 2016. Methods： Clinical literatures related to PMS treated with acupuncture-moxibustion published from 2007 to 2016 were collected from Chinese Biomedical Literature Database（CBM）, Chongqing VIP Database（CQVIP）, China National Knowledge Infrastructure（CNKI）, and Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database（Wanfang）. The retrieved data underwent descriptive analysis, cluster analysis and association pattern analysis to determine the acupoints selection principle in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of PMS. Results： The top five acupoints used in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of PMS were Sanyinjiao（SP 6）, Shenshu（BL 23）, Guanyuan（CV 4）, Baihui（GV 20）, and Shenmen（HT 7）. The leading 4 meridians were Bladder Meridian, Conception Vessel, Spleen Meridian, and Governor Vessel. The clustering analysis showed that the 5 core acupoint groups were：（1） Sanyinjiao（SP 6）;（2） Shenshu（BL 23） and Guanyuan（CV 4）;（3） Baihui（GV 20）, Shenmen（HT 7）, Zusanli（ST 36）, Ganshu（BL 18） and Taichong（LR 3）;（4） Taixi（KI 3）, Pishu（BL 20）, Xinshu（BL 15）, Qihai（CV 6） and Neiguan（PC 6）;（5） Sishencong（EX-HN 1）, Zhongwan（CV 12）, Hegu（LI 4）, Yintang（GV 29）, Fengchi（GB 20）, Zhongji（CV 3） and Feishu（BL 13）. The three most significant acupoints were Sanyinjiao（SP 6）, Shenshu（BL 23） and Guanyuan（CV 4）. Acupoint groups based on syndrome differentiation included：（1） Hegu（LI 4）, Zhongwan（CV 12） and Sishencong（EX-HN 1）;（2） Feishu（BL 13）, Zhongji（CV 3）, Fengchi（GB 20） and Yintang（GV 29）;（3） Xinshu（BL 15）, Pishu（BL 20）, Qihai（CV 6）, Neiguan（PC 6） and Taixi（KI 3）;（4） Ganshu（BL 18）, Zusanli（ST 36）, Shenmen（HT 7）, Taichong（LR 3） and Baihui（GV 20）. The analysis of association pattern elaborated that Shenshu（BL 23） and Sanyinjiao（SP 6） won the highest support rate in the paired groups; Ganshu（BL 18）, Shenshu（BL 23） and Sanyinjiao（SP 6） had the highest support rate among the acupoint groups. Conclusion： The data mining results of acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of PMS substantially conform to the general principle in traditional acupuncture-moxibustion theories, able to reflect the acupoints selection and grouping pattern and provide references for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of PMS.

Points selection pattern in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of gouty arthritis:an analysis based on bibliometrics

To discuss the selection pattern of points and meridians in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of gouty arthritis （GA） by analyzing clinical literatures related to GA, and to provide reference for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of GA. Methods： Clinical literatures related to GA treated with acupuncture-moxibustion published between January 1981 and July 2017 were collected from Chinese databases. The points, meridians, frequency and treatment methods were analyzed. Results： A total of 78 studies were included. For meridians, the top 5 meridians used were the Spleen Meridian （67 times）, Liver Meridian （59 times）, Stomach Meridian （53 times）, Kidney Meridian （49 times） and Large Intestine Meridian （44 times）. For points selection, the leading 5 points were Taichong （LR 3） （79 times）, Taibai （SP 3） （68 times）, Sanyinjiao （SP 6） （61 times）, Taixi （KI 3） （57 times） and Yinlingquan （SP 9） （55 times）. For major and adjunct points, the 5 most significant major points were Taichong （LR 3） （79 times）, Taibai （SP 3） （68 times）, Sanyinjiao （SP 6） （61 times）, Yinlingquan （SP 9） （37 times） and Taixi （KI 3） （32 times）. The 5 most significant adjunct points were Yanglingquan （GB 34） （31 times）, Fenglong （ST 40） （30 times）, Xuehai （SP 10） （29 times）, Taixi （KI 3） （25 times） and Quchi （LI 11） （21 times）. For treatment methods, the top 5 methods used were acupuncture-moxibustion alone for 15 studies, acupuncture-moxibustion combined with medicina electroacupuncture combined with bloodletting for 5 studies studies, acupuncture combined with medicinal herbs for 11 herbs for 10 studies, acupuncture alone for 7 studies, and Conclusion： The main meridians chosen in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of GA were the Spleen, Liver, Stomach, Kidney and Large Intestine Meridians, conforming to the syndrome differentiation principle of tonifying spleen and kidney, clearing heat and draining dampness. Points mainly locate at lower limbs and feet around the affected area, which was a reflection of peripheral treatment function of points. The data mining results of meridian and point selection in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of GA conform to the disease and syndrome differentiation theory and provide references for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of GA.

Survey on acupuncture treatment of neurogenic dysphagia and analysis of regularity of acupoint selection

Objective： To understand the general situation of clinical study on acupuncture for neurogenic dysphagia and the regularity of acupoint selection by literature analysis. Methods： By searching the relevant Chinese and English literature on acupuncture treatment of neurogenic dysphagia from 2999 to 2014 in China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）, Wanfang Database and Ovid Gateway, the data of the recruited literature, including average age of the patients, acupoint selection, course, therapeutic effects and follow-up information, were input into the data table of Microsoft Excel 2010. Results： Totally, 51 articles were input, involving 4 606 patients. The average course of acupuncture treatment for neurogenic dysphagia was 24.8 d. The average retaining time of the needles was 26.2 min. The average total effective rate was 91.2%. Lianquan （CV 23）, Fengchi （GB 20）, Fengfu （GV 16） and Yifeng （TE 17） were the most commonly used acupoints from the regular meridians, accounting for 63.4% of the totally-used acupoints. Jinjin （EX-HN 12） and Yuye （EX-HN 13） were the most commonly used acupoints from the extraordinary meridians, accounting for 45.9% of the totally-used extraordinary acupoints. The frequently-used meridians in turns were the Conception Vessel, Gallbladder Meridian of Foot Shaoyang and Stomach Meridian of Foot Yangming, accounting for 63.3% of the involved meridians. Conclusion： The therapeutic effect of acupuncture treatment for neurogenic dysphagia was satisfactory. The acupoints were Lianquan （CV 23）, Fengchi （GB 20） and Fengfu （GV 26） in predominance, and they were mostly selected from the Conception Vessel, Gallbladder Meridian and Stomach Meridian those are in close relationship with the throat and neck.

Meta analysis of the effect of distal or local point selection on acupuncture efficacy

To evaluate the effect of distal point selection, local point selection, and distal-local point selection on acupuncture efficacy. Methods： According to the requirements of evidence-based medicine（EBM）, the literature on acupuncture with distal and local point selection in recent 20 years included in domestic and overseas medical databases was retrieved, and meta-analysis of the included articles was carried out. Results： Thirty-two articles were included finally, totaling 2829 patients. The results of meta-analysis indicated that the curative effect of distal-local point combination was superior to that of simple distal point selection or local point selection during acupuncture–moxibustion treatment for diseases, and there was no obvious difference in the curative effect between simple distal point selection and local point selection. According to the comprehensive analysis of 18 included articles, the difference in total effective rate between distal point selection and local point selection was not statistically significant, i.e. the curative effect of distal point selection and local point selection was equivalent [OR=0.83,95%CI（0.83,1.18）, Z=1.04, P0.01]. According to the comprehensive analysis of 20 included articles, the difference in total effective rate between local point selection and distal-local point selection was statistically significant, and the results indicated that the curative effect of distal-local point selection was superior to that of local point selection [OR=0.32, 95%CI（0.23,0.44）, Z=6.90, P0.01]. According to the comprehensive analysis of 8 included articles, the difference in total effective rate between distal point selection and distal-local point selection was statistically significant, and the results indicated that the curative effect of distal-local point selection was superior to that of distal point selection [OR=0.20,95%CI（0.10,0.40）, Z=4.50, P0.01]. In addition, the analysis of publication bias of this study indicated that publication bias might exist. Since the quality of included articles was generally lower, the above conclusion still needed to be supported by more evidence-based medicine proofs with high quality. Conclusion： The curative effect of distal-local point combination was superior to that of simple distal point selection or local point selection during acupuncture treatment for diseases, and there was no obvious difference in the curative effect between simple distal point selection and local point selection.

Analysis of points selection pattern in acupuncture treatment of sleep apnea syndrome based on data mining

To explore the points selection pattern of acupuncture for sleep apnea syndromes by data mining technique. Methods： Clinical literature about acupuncture therapy for sleep apnea syndromes was derived from China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）, Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database （Wanfang）, Chongqing VIP Database （CQVIP）, PubMed and Science Direct between the time that databases were created and March 25th,2017. Relevant excel database was established and descriptive studies and association rules were analyzed. Results： The most frequently used point was Lianquan （CV 23） and the most frequently used meridian was the Stomach Meridian. The analysis of association rules showed that the clinical choice of acupuncture points was highly correlated, among which the combination of the highest degree of confidence and the highest degree of support was Shenmen （HT 7） and Sishencong （EX-HN 1）; Lieque （LU 7）, lianquan （CV 23） and Zhaohai （KI 6）. Conclusion： Acupuncture treatment of sleep apnea syndromes has specific selection rules of points, providing certain references for clinical and scientific research.

Disease Location Identification as A Major Guide to Acupoint Selection

Selecting acupoints according to channel pathway is the major point selection principle in acupuncture treatment for which there is a consensus. However, defining the disease location remains the premise of acupoint selection based on channel pathway. What is the substance of disease location identification in clinical acupuncture？ Besides indicating acupoint selection according to channel pathway, what guidance can it provide for acupuncture treatment？ This is the main topic discussed in this article.

Acupuncture therapy with point selection based on syndrome differentiation along the meridians for functional dyspepsia:a randomized controlled trial

Objective:To observe the difference in clinical efficacy between acupuncture with point selection based on syndrome differentiation along the meridians and acupuncture at non-meridian and non-acupoint points for functional dyspepsia(FD).Methods:A total of 74 FD patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group,with 37 cases in each group.Both groups received acupuncture treatment.Zusanli(ST 36)and Neiguan(PC 6)were selected in the observation group,with Taichong(LR 3)and Neiting(ST 44)added for excess syndrome,and Gongsun(SP 4)and Yinlingquan(SP 9)added for deficiency syndrome.Four non-meridian and non-acupoint points were selected in the control group.The treatments in both groups were performed once a day with a 2-day break after 5 consecutive treatments,which constituted one treatment course.A total of 4 courses were performed.The scores of Nepean dyspepsia index(NDI)and Leeds dyspepsia questionnaire(LDQ)were recorded before and after treatment,and during follow-up(8,12,16,20 and 24 weeks after recruitment)to assess the clinical efficacy.Results:The NDI scores in the two groups after treatment and at each time point during follow-up were higher than those before treatment(all P<0.05),and the LDQ scores were lower than those before treatment(all P<0.05).The NDI scores after treatment and at each time point during follow-up in the observation group were higher than those in the control group(all P<0.01);the total LDQ score and scores of upper abdominal pain,postprandial satiety and upper abdominal burning sensation after treatment and at each time point during follow-up in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.01 or P<0.05)..Conclusion:Acupuncture with point selection based on syndrome differentiation along the meridians has a better curative effect than acupuncture at non meridian and non-acupoint points in the treatment of FD.

The Lanczos-Chebyshev Pseudospectral Method for Solution of Differential Equations

In this paper, we propose to replace the Chebyshev series used in pseudospectral methods with the equivalent Chebyshev economized power series that can be evaluated more rapidly. We keep the rest of the implementation the same as the spectral method so that there is no new mathematical principle involved. We show by numerical examples that the new approach works well and there is indeed no significant loss of solution accuracy. The advantages of using power series also include simplicity in its formulation and implementation such that it could be used for complex systems. We investigate the important issue of collocation point selection. Our numerical results indicate that there is a clear accuracy advantage of using collocation points corresponding to roots of the Chebyshev polynomial.

Determination of the diagnostic value of the resazurin reduction assay for evaluating boar semen by receiver operating characteristic analysis

Aim： To assess that metabolic status of spermatozoa could provide a useful tool for evaluation of semen quality. Methods： The accuracy of the spectrophotometric application of the resazurin reduction assay was assessed using receiver operating characteristic （ROC） analysis. Results： Areas under ROC curves （AUC） for motile sperm concentration and sperm index （SI） （sperm concentration multiplied by the square root of percentage sperm motility multiplied by the percentage normal sperm morphology） were 0.922. The best discrimination between poor and good semen samples according to the SI was achieved at a cut-off point of A610 = 0.209, where high sensitivity （94.1%） and specificity （91.7%） were calculated. The assay was less accurate when motile sperm concentration was used as the criterion value, yielding sensitivity of 88.2% and specificity of 87.5%, respectively. Likelihood ratios （LR） indicate that absorbances lower than 0.209 were at least 11.3 times as likely to be found in good semen samples than those in poor according to the SI, whereas in the case of motile sperm concentration, the LR was calculated to be 7.06. Conclusion： These results show that the resazurin reduction assay combined with spectrophotometry is an accurate method of assessing the quality of boar semen.

Analysis of point-selection pattern in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of amblyopia

Objective：To analyze and summarize the characteristics and pattern in the selection of points and meridians by searching the clinical research literature about acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of amblyopia in the recent 17 years.Methods：By searching Chinese and English databases,such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）,PubMed,etc.,the points in 52 articles in conformity with the requirements were analyzed by frequency statistics by the order of meridians,major points,and adjunct points to summarize the rules and characteristics of the point selection.Results：In 52 articles,there were 21 articles on ear acupuncture and 31 articles on acupuncture-moxibustion treatment.Ten meridians were involved in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of amblyopia,and the leading 3 meridians were the Bladder,Stomach and Gallbladder Meridians.There were 34 points,10 extraordinary points and 37 ear points were used in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of amblyopia.The top 10 major points were Jingming （BL 1）,Taiyang （EX-HN 5）,Cuanzhu （BL 2）,Fengchi （GB 20）,Baihui （GV 20）,Hegu （LI 4）,Guangming （GB 37）,Sibai （ST 2）,Chengqi （ST 1） and Sizhukong （TE 23）.The top 5 adjunct points were Zusanli （ST 36）,Shenshu （BL 23）,Ganshu （BL 18）,Sanyinjiao （SP 6） and Taixi （KI 3）.Conclusion：Acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of amblyopia is characterized by the selection of the points mainly from yang meridians,based upon syndromes differentiation plus personal experience,and the points mainly around the eyes and by stressed use of ear points.

Determination of the diagnostic value of the resazurin reduction assay for evaluating boar semen by receiver operating cha-racteristic analysis

Aim:To assess that metabolic status of spermatozoa could provide a useful tool for evaluation of semen quality. Methods:The accuracy of the spectrophotometric application of the resazurm reduction assay was assessed using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis.Results:Areas under ROC curves(AUC)for motile sperm concen- tration and sperm index(SI)(sperm concentration multiplied by the square root of percentage sperm motility multi- plied by the percentage normal sperm morphology)were 0.922.The best discrimination between poor and good semen samples according to the SI was achieved at a cut-off point of A_(610)=0.209,where high sensitivity(94.1%)and specificity(91.7%)were calculated.The assay was less accurate when motile sperm concentration was used as the criterion value,vielding sensitivity of 88.2% and specificity of 87.5%,respectively,Likelihood ratios(LR)indicate that absorbances lower than 0.209 were at least 11.3 times as likely to be found in good semen samples than those in poor according to the SI,whereas in the case of motile sperm concentration,the LR was calculated to be 7.06.Conclusion: These results show that the resazurin reduction assay combined with spectrophotometry is an accurate method of assessing the quality of boar semen.

Observation on immediate analgesic effect of acupuncture at Shiqizhui (十七椎 EX-B 8) only or multi-acupoints in patients with dysmenorrhea: a randomized controlled trial

Objective To compare the different therapeutic effect between acupuncture at Shiqizhui （十七椎 EX-B 8） only and multi-acupoints on dysmenorrhea. Methods Thirty-eight cases were randomly divided into asingle acupoint group and a multi-acupoints group, 19 cases in each group. The single acupoint group was treated by acupuncture at Shfqizhui （十七椎EX-B 8） only, and the multi-acupoints group by acupuncture at Shlqizhui （十七椎EX-B 8）, Sanyinjiao （三阴交SP 6）, Diji （地机 SP 8）, Ciliao （次髎 BL 32）. They were all treated from the first day when sudden intense pain occured, one time each day, for 3 days in each menstrual cycle, the treatment of three menstrual cycles. The therapeutic effect and Visual Analogue Scale （VAS） were compared and the scores of general frequency and severity of dysmenorrhea by using Cox Menstrual Symptom Scale （CMSS） were evaluated. Results The cured rate was 68.4% （13/19） and the effective rate was 31.6% （6/19） in the single acupoint group, being similar to 78.9% （15/19） and 21.1% （4/19） in the muhi-acupoints group （P〉0.05）. VAS and the scores of general frequency and severity of dysmenorrhea were all significantly decreased after treatment in both groups （all P〈0.001）, with no significant difference between the two groups （all P〉0.05）. Conclusion Acupuncture at Shiqizhui （十七椎 EX-B 8） only can be as effective as selecting multi-acupoints to cure primary dysmenorrhea.