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Method's Ability (method + ability)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Engineering	50%

Selected Abstracts

Detection of SNP-SNP interactions in trios of parents with schizophrenic children

GENETIC EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 5 2010
Qing Li
Abstract Schizophrenia (SZ) is a heritable and complex psychiatric disorder with an estimated worldwide prevalence of about 1%. Research on the risk factors for SZ has thus far yielded few clues to causes, but has pointed to a heterogeneous etiology that likely involves multiple genes and gene-environment interactions. In this manuscript, we apply a novel method (trio logic regression, Li et al., 2009) to case-parent trio data from a SZ candidate gene study conducted on families of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, and demonstrate the method's ability to detect multi-gene models for SZ risk in the family-based design. In particular, we demonstrate how this method revealed a genotype-phenotype association that includes an allele without marginal effect. Genet. Epidemiol. 34: 396,406, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Scaled boundary finite-element analysis of a non-homogeneous axisymmetric domain subjected to general loading

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL AND ANALYTICAL METHODS IN GEOMECHANICS, Issue 10 2003
James P. Doherty
Abstract The scaled boundary finite-element method is derived for elastostatic problems involving an axisymmetric domain subjected to a general load, using a Fourier series to model the variation of displacement in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical co-ordinate system. The method is particularly well suited to modelling unbounded problems, and the formulation allows a power-law variation of Young's modulus with depth. The efficiency and accuracy of the method is demonstrated through a study showing the convergence of the computed solutions to analytical solutions for the vertical, horizontal, moment and torsion loading of a rigid circular footing on the surface of a homogeneous elastic half-space. Computed solutions for the vertical and moment loading of a smooth rigid circular footing on a non-homogeneous half-space are compared to analytical ones, demonstrating the method's ability to accurately model a variation of Young's modulus with depth. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

A Cartesian grid technique based on one-dimensional integrated radial basis function networks for natural convection in concentric annuli

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN FLUIDS, Issue 12 2008
N. Mai-Duy
Abstract This paper reports a radial basis function (RBF)-based Cartesian grid technique for the simulation of two-dimensional buoyancy-driven flow in concentric annuli. The continuity and momentum equations are represented in the equivalent stream function formulation that reduces the number of equations from three to one, but involves higher-order derivatives. The present technique uses a Cartesian grid to discretize the problem domain. Along a grid line, one-dimensional integrated RBF networks (1D-IRBFNs) are employed to represent the field variables. The capability of 1D-IRBFNs to handle unstructured points with accuracy is exploited to describe non-rectangular boundaries in a Cartesian grid, while the method's ability to avoid the reduction of convergence rate caused by differentiation is instrumental in improving the quality of the approximation of higher-order derivatives. The method is applied to simulate thermally driven flows in annuli between two circular cylinders and between an outer square cylinder and an inner circular cylinder. High Rayleigh number solutions are achieved and they are in good agreement with previously published numerical data. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Safety walkarounds predict injury risk and reduce injury rates in the construction industry

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2010
K.L. Mikkelsen MD
Abstract Background "Safe Workplace",a simplified and educational version of the Finnish building construction methodology involving safety walkarounds where a number of safety indicators are inspected and evaluated,is in widespread use in the Danish construction sector to evaluate physical safety standards proactively at construction work sites. Methods Data from the construction of the Copenhagen Metro were analyzed to determine the method's ability to predict injury risk related to joint responsibilities and individual worker responsibilities. Results A statistically significant association between the risk level as measured by the Safe Workplace methodology and injury risk was found. The relative risk of injury increased with the number of safety indicators violated and was elevated for safety indicators reflecting both individual and joint safety responsibility. The observed injury risk was not elevated in the post-safety walkaround period for safety indicators of individual responsibility, but the joint responsibility indicators retained an elevated injury risk level. Conclusions The data support the hypothesis that safety walkarounds both predict and prevent injuries. Safety indicators of individual responsibility are more likely to be corrected than those of joint responsibility. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53: 601,607, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]