Somatostatinrezeptoren (SSTRs) hemmen die Hormonsekretion und Proliferation in einer Vielzahl von neuroendokrinen Geweben. Eine erhöhte Dichte dieser Rezeptoren konnte im Zusammenhang mit verschiedenen Schilddrüsenpathologien nachgewiesen werden. Mittels Gallium-68 (Ga-68) DOTA-Phe(1)-Tyr(3)-Octreotid (DOTATOC) Positronen-Emissions-Tomographie (PET), einem nuklearmedizinischen Untersuchungsverfahren, ist die funktionelle Darstellung der SSTR-Expression in vivo möglich. Unser Studienziel war es, den Ga-68-DOTATOC Uptake als Korrelat für die SSTR-Dichte in gesundem und pathologisch verändertem Schilddrüsengewebe zu quantifizieren. Die Ga-68-DOTATOC PET Bilder von insgesamt 165 Patienten wurden mittels (ROI)- Technik ausgewertet und die Studienteilnehmer verschiedenen Schilddrüsenpathologiegruppen zugeordnet. Ergänzend erfolgte eine schilddrüsenspezifische Anamnese, eine Ultraschalluntersuchung der Schilddrüse, sowie die Bestimmung der Laborparameter TSH and Anti-TPO-Antikörper für jeden Studienteilnehmer. Normale Schilddrüsen, ohne eine erkennbare Pathologie, zeigten eine klar nachweisbare SSTR-Expression mit einer großen Spannweite innerhalb der ermittelten TBR-Werte. In acht Fällen war es möglich, Folgeuntersuchungen von Patienten mit normaler Schilddrüse, aber erhöhten Uptake-Werten in der Gallium-68-DOTATOC PET Untersuchung, auszuwerten (TBR>4). Der Abstand der durchgeführten Kontrollen lag im Mittel bei 11,4 Monaten mit einer Spannweite von sechs bis vierzehn Monaten. In keiner der durchgeführten Kontrolluntersuchungen konnte eine neu aufgetretene Schilddrüsenpathologie nachgewiesen werden. Eine erhöhte SSTR-Dichte (TBR>3.4) zeigte sich zudem im Fall von autonomen Adenomen, disseminierten Schilddrüsenautonomien, sowie bei den meisten Patienten (fünf von acht) mit aktiven Hashimoto-Thyreoiditiden. Vor allem die gesunden Schilddrüsen von männlichen Studienteilnehmern fielen mit erhöhten Radiotraceruptake-Werten in der durchgeführten Untersuchung auf. Diese unterschieden sich signifikant von der Gruppe weiblicher Studienteilnehmer mit normaler Schilddrüse. Patienten ohne eine nachweisbare Schilddrüsenpathologie, aber mit erhöhten Uptake-Werten (TBR>4.0), zeigten in den späteren Kontrolluntersuchungen keinen Hinweis auf eine sich entwickelnde Pathologie, speziell keine Hinweise auf eine sich entwickelnde Hashimoto-Thyreoidititis. Alle Patienten mit verschiedenen Formen der Schilddrüsenautonomie zeigen einen erhöhten DOTATOC Uptake in unserer Studie.

The design of clinical trials is one of the important problems in medical statistics. Its main purpose is to determine the methodology and the sample size required of a testing study to examine the safety and efficacy of drugs. It is also a part of the Food and Drug Administration approval process. In this thesis, we first study the comparison of the efficacy of drugs in clinical trials. We focus on the two-sample comparison of proportions to investigate testing strategies based on two-stage design. The properties and advantages of the procedures from the proposed testing designs are demonstrated by numerical results, where comparison with the classical method is made under the same sample size. A real example discussed in Cardenal et al. (1999) is provided to explain how the methods may be used in practice. Some figures are also presented to illustrate the pattern changes of the power functions of these methods. In addition, the proposed procedure is also compared with the Pocock (1997) and O¡¦Brien and Fleming (1979) tests based on the standardized statistics. In the second part of this work, the operating room scheduling problem is considered, which is also important in medical studies. The national health insurance system has been conducted more than ten years in Taiwan. The Bureau of National Health Insurance continues to improve the national health insurance system and try to establish a reasonable fee ratio for people in different income ranges. In accordance to the adjustment of the national health insurance system, hospitals must pay more attention to control the running cost. One of the major hospital's revenues is generated by its surgery center operations. In order to maintain financial balance, effective operating room management is necessary. For this topic, this study focuses on the model fitting of operating times and operating room scheduling. Log-normal and mixture log-normal distributions are identified to be acceptable statistically in describing these operating times. The procedure is illustrated through analysis of thirteen operations performed in the gynecology department of a major teaching hospital in southern Taiwan. The best fitting distributions are used to evaluate performances of some operating combinations on daily schedule, which occurred in real data. The fitted distributions are selected through certain information criteria and bootstrapping the log-likelihood ratio test. Moreover, we also classify the operations into three different categories as well as three stages for each operation. Then based on the classification, a strategy of efficient scheduling is proposed. The benefits of rescheduling based on the proposed strategy are compared with the original scheduling observed.

In this paper I derive the asymptotics of the exact, Euler, and Milstein ML estimators for diffusion models, including general nonstationary diffusions. Though there have been many estimators for the diffusion model, their asymptotic properties were generally unknown. This is especially true for the nonstationary processes, even though they are usually far from the standard ones. Using a new asymptotics with respect to both the time span T and the sampling interval ¢, I find the asymptotics of the estimators and also derive the conditions for the consistency. With this new asymptotic result, I could show that this result can explain the properties of the estimators more correctly than the existing asymptotics with respect only to the sample size n. I also show that there are many possibilities to get a better estimator utilizing this asymptotic result with a couple of examples, and in the second part of the paper, I derive the higher order asymptotics which can be used in the bootstrap analysis.

Many performance measurement algorithms can only evaluate measure active managers' performance after a period of operating time. However, most investors are interested in monitoring the active managers' performances at any time, especially, when the performance is going down. So that the investors can adjust the targets and contents of their portfolios to reduce their risks. Yashchin,Thomas and David (1997) proposed to use a statistical quality control (SQC) procedure to monitor active managers' performances. In particular, they established the IR (Information Ratio) control charts under normality assumption to monitor the dynamic performances of active managers. However, the distributions of IR statistic usually possess fat tail property. Since the underlying distribution of IR is an important hypothesis in building up the control chart, we consider the heavy tail distributions, such as mixture normal and generalized error distribution to fit the IR data. Based on the fitted distribution, the IR control charts are rebuilt. By simulations and empirical studies, the remedial control charts are found to detect the shifts of active managers' performances more sensitively.

When using data for estimating the parameters in a bivariate distribution, the tradition is to assume that data comes from a bivariate normal distribution. If the distribution is not bivariate normal, which often is the case, the maximum likelihood (ML) estimators are intractable and the least square (LS) estimators are inefficient. Here, we consider two independent sets of bivariate data which come from non-normal populations. We consider two distinctive distributions: the marginal and the conditional distributions are both Generalized Logistic, and the marginal and conditional distributions both belong to the Student&rsquo / s t family. We use the method of modified maximum likelihood (MML) to find estimators of various parameters in each distribution. We perform a simulation study to show that our estimators are more efficient and robust than the LS estimators even for small sample sizes. We develop hypothesis testing procedures using the LS and the MML estimators. We show that the latter are more powerful and robust. Moreover, we give a comparison of our tests with another well known robust test due to Tiku and Singh (1982) and show that our test is more powerful. The latter is based on censored normal samples and is quite prominent (Lehmann, 1986). We also use our MML estimators to find a more efficient estimator of Mahalanobis distance. We give real life examples.

Erdogmus-Yenigediz graben is one of the major structural elements of Aksehir-Simav Fault System (ASFS), which is a major extensional structure in the southwestern Anatolian extensional neotectonic province (SWAEP). It is about 6-10-km-wide, 15-km-long and approximately ENE-trending and is actively growing structure as indicated by the 1970.03.28 (Mw= 7.2) Gediz earthquake. The graben is characterized by two distinct units, separated by an angular unconformity: (i) Miocene-middle Pliocene Arica formation and (ii) Plio Quaternary Erdogmus formation. The former unit commences with a basal conglomerate above the basement rocks and is composed mainly of coal-bearing continental and lacustrine sediments with lava flows and pyroclastics, particularly common in the middle parts of the sequence. The volcanics are dated at 18.4 &plusmn / 0.1 Ma (Ar-Ar mica ages). They record evidence for two deformation phases as suggested by twosets of overprinting slickenlines, intense folding, thrust and strike-slip faulting. The Erdogmus formation commences with terrace conglomerates and is composed mainly of travertines, older and younger alluvial deposits, fan-apron sediments and the recent axial graben floor sediments. Kinematic analysis of the graben-bounding normal faults, growth faults within the graben-infill and those deforming the sediments are consistent with three distinct phases of deformation: (i) Miocene middle Pliocene extensional phase, (ii) interveining NE SW contractional phase and (iii) Plio-Quaternary extensional phase. The data also suggests a distributed stress field and a multi-directional recent extension in predominantly NNE&ndash / SSW, E&ndash / W and NE&ndash / SW directions. This is also consistent with available focal mechanism solutions for the region. The graben therefore has an episodic evolutionary history with two extensional phases and an intervening short-term contraction, as described in many different parts of the SWAEP. The latter phase of extension is considered as the part of Neotectonic regime, which therefore commenced by the Late Pliocene.

The method of least squares has been used in general for regression analysis. It is usually assumed that the errors are confined to the dependent variable, but in many cases both dependent and independent variables are typically measured with some stochastic errors. The statistical method of orthogonal regression has been used when both variables under investigation are subject to stochastic errors. Furthermore, the measurements sometimes may not be exact but have been censored. In this situation doing orthogonal regression with censored data directly between the two variables, it may yield an incorrect estimates of the relationship. In this work we discuss the estimation of orthogonal regression under censored data in one variable and then provide a method of estimation and two criteria on when the method is applicable. When the observations satisfy the criteria provided here, there will not be very large differences between the estimated orthogonal regression line and the theoretical orthogonal regression line.

<p>The objectives of the thesis work were to study theinteraction between embedded piezoceramic transducers andcomposite structures as well as determine techniques tosimplify the Lamb waves analysis. Firstly, this studyconsidered the design of the embedded piezoceramic transducers.Secondly, the effect of the embedded transducer on thecomposite strength as well as the influence of the mechanicallyloaded composite on the characteristics of the embeddedtransducer were investigated. Finally, to simplify the analysisof such complex Lamb wave responses, two techniques weredeveloped. They were based on the wavelet technique and amodelling technique, respectively.</p><p>The design of the embedded piezoceramic transducers wasimproved by reducing the stress concentrations in the compositeas well as in all components constituting the piezoceramictransducer, that is, the piezoceramic element, interconnectorand conductive adhesive. The numerical analysis showed that thethickness of the interconnector had no significant influence onthe stress state of the piezoceramic transducer. It was alsofound that a compliant conductive adhesive reduced the stressconcentration located at the edge of the piezoceramic element.The structural integrity of composites embedded with theimproved piezoceramic transducer was investigated. Theexperiments, performed in tensile and compressive staticloading, indicated that the strength of the composite was notsignificantly reduced by the embedded piezoceramic transducer.Further investigations were conducted to evaluate theperformance of the improved piezoceramic transducer used as aLamb wave generator embedded in composites subjected tomechanical loading. The tests were conducted in tensile andcompressive static loading as well as fatigue loading. Thestudy showed a large working range of the embedded piezoceramictransducer. A post processing technique based on the waveletswas further assessed in the detection of damage and in thedamage size evaluation. A new wavelet basis was developedspecially for processing the Lamb wave response. This method,focused on the wavelet coefficients from the decomposition Lambwave response, showed promising results in evaluating thedamage size. The wavelets offered a sensitive tool to detectsmall damage, compared to other detection methods, improvingthe damage detection capabilities. The other technique wasdevoted to the simplification of the generated Lamb waves bythe use of multi-element transducers. The transducers weredesigned using both a normal-mode expansion and a FE-method.This technique allowed reducing the effect of a Lamb wave modetowards another. This technique was successfully implemented ina damage detection system in composites.</p><p><b>Keywords:</b>Embedded piezoceramic, transducer, composite,structural integrity, health monitoring, damage detection, Lambwaves, wavelets, normal-mode expansion, FE-method</p>

Safety at intersections is of significant interest to transportation professionals due to the large number of possible conflicts that occur at those locations. In particular, rural intersections have been recognized as one of the most hazardous locations on roads. However, most models of crash frequency at rural intersections, and road segments in general, do not differentiate between crash type (such as angle, rear-end or sideswipe) and injury severity (such as fatal injury, non-fatal injury, possible injury or property damage only). Thus, there is a need to be able to identify the differential impacts of intersection-specific and other variables on crash types and severity levels. This thesis builds upon the work of Bhat et al., (2013b) to formulate and apply a novel approach for the joint modeling of crash frequency and combinations of crash type and injury severity. The proposed framework explicitly links a count data model (to model crash frequency) with a discrete choice model (to model combinations of crash type and injury severity), and uses a multinomial probit kernel for the discrete choice model and introduces unobserved heterogeneity in both the crash frequency model and the discrete choice model, while also accommodates excess of zeros. The results show that the type of traffic control and the number of entering roads are the most important determinants of crash counts and crash type/injury severity, and the results from our analysis underscore the value of our proposed model for data fit purposes as well as to accurately estimate variable effects. / text

Bakgrund: Det har i vissa fall varit märkbart att patienter med idiopatisk normaltrycks hydrocefalus (iNPH) upplever att förväntat shuntbehandlingsresultat inte uppnåtts och de rapporterar försämring vid den postoperativa uppföljningen trots att standardiserade tester inte visar i den riktningen. Det har också visat sig att rehabiliteringsinsatserna varierat för patienterna allt från strukturerade rehabiliteringsperioder på exempelvis geriatrisk rehabiliteringsenhet till i princip ingen rehabilitering alls. Syfte: Att beskriva vilka förväntningar personer med iNPH har på behandling med shunt och hur de ser på sin egen roll i rehabiliteringsprocessen. Metod: Kvalitativ, deskriptiv design med manifest och induktiv ansats. Datainsamlingen skedde genom semistrukturerade intervjuer med sju patienter med iNPH preoperativt. Resultat: Det fanns en samstämmighet bland informanterna kring förväntningar på shuntbehandlingsresultatet. De rörde den symtomtriad (gång och balansstörning, överaktiv urinblåsa samt kognitiv nedsättning) som ofta finns vid iNPH. Varierade beskrivningar gavs på hur symtomen påverkade informanterna. Det fanns också en uppfattning bland informanterna att de hade ett eget ansvar i rehabiliteringsprocessen och förslag framkom på vad de själva kunde bidra med i processen men också olika hinder för att utöva fysisk aktivitet beskrevs. Slutsats: Förväntningar på shuntbehandlingsresultat behöver diskuteras med patienten (ibland även anhörig) inför shuntbehandling redan vid beslut om operation men också då patienten läggs in för behandlingen. Rehabiliteringsprocessen behöver också diskuteras med patienten såväl före shuntoperation som tidigt postoperativt. Detta är troligtvis mycket viktigt för att uppnå ett så optimalt behandlingsresultat som möjligt. / Background: It has been noticeable that some patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) find the expected result of shunt treatment not  achieved and they report detoriation at postoperative follow-up even though standardized tests do not show results in that direction. It has also been shown that rehabilitation possibilities for patients varied, ranging from structured rehabilitation periods, e.g. at geriatric rehabilitation units to basically no rehabilitation at all. Objective: To describe what expectations patients with iNPH have on treatment with shunt and how they view their own role in the rehabilitation process. Method: A quality, descriptive design with manifest and inductive approach. The data collection was done by semi-structured interviews with seven patients with iNPH preoperative. Results: There was consensus among informants regarding the expectations on the result of shunt treatment. The expectations concerned the symptom triad (gait-and balance disturbance, urgency bladder and cognitive dysfunction) which often occurs in iNPH. Varied descriptions were given on how the symptoms had affected the informants. There was also an opinion among the informants that they had own responsibility for the rehabilitation process and suggestions were given on what they could contribute with in the process but also different obstacles for performing physical activities were described. Conclusion: Expectations on shunt treatment results need to be discussed with the patient (sometimes together with a relative) prior to shunt treatment, already when the patient is offered a shunt operation and also on the day before operation when the patient is in the neurosurgery clinic. The rehabilitation process also needs to be discussed with the patient before the shuntoperation as well as early postoperative. This is probably very important in order to achieve as optimal treatment results as possible.