Quantitative scintigraphic analysis of pulp revascularization in autotransplanted teeth in dogs.

PubMed

Ferreira, Manuel Marques; Botelho, Maria Filomena; Abrantes, Margarida; Oliveiros, Barbara; Carrilho, Eunice Virgínia

2010-11-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pulpal changes associated with autogenous single-rooted immature tooth transplantation in dogs, using either one, or two-stage surgical techniques. Teeth from 3 beagle dogs, 5 months old, were extracted and transplanted to mechanically prepared recipient sockets. Group (A), where the teeth were transplanted using a one-stage method to recipient beds prepared immediately before transplantation. Group (B), where the teeth were transplanted using a two-stage method in which the recipient beds were prepared and left to heal for 7 days before transplantation. Clinical examinations were done every week during 9 weeks. After 9 weeks, the animals were injected with ⁹⁹(m)Technetium hydroxylmethylene diphosphonate (⁹⁹(m)Tc-HMDP) and 3h after injection, a whole body scintigraphic acquisition was performed. After scintigraphic acquisition the animals were euthanized and the teeth extracted and its radioactivity counted in a well counter calibrated to ⁹⁹(m)Tc. With the data obtained, the percentage of activity injected was calculated for each tooth. The data for each group of teeth were evaluated and analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test (p=0.05). All the transplanted teeth in both groups survived. No statistically significant difference was found in the absorption of the ⁹⁹(m)Tc-HMDP, between the treatment groups (p=0.464) and between them and the control group (Group A vs. control p=0.713 and Group B vs. control p=0.157). This study demonstrated that there was no difference between the two surgical techniques in terms of the pulp revascularization in transplanted teeth. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The scintigraphic investigation of sacroiliac disease.

PubMed

Lentle, B C; Russell, A S; Percy, J S; Jackson, F I

1977-06-01

Bone scintigraphs obtained with both Technetium-99m polyphosphate and Technetium-99m pyrophosphate have been abnormal at the sacroiliac joints of 44 patients with definite ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Because of the normal registration of the sacroiliac joints on bone scintigraphy, it has been necessary to develop a profile-scan technique to quantify the abnormality that proves to be significantly different from the normal finding. In 17 patients with a strong clinical suspicion of AS but normal radiographs, the sacroiliac joints have frequently been abnormal. This finding is meaningful because there is a common occurence in this group of the histocompatibility antigen HL A-B27, known to be a marker of AS. We also note the frequency of abnormal sacroiliac scinitigrams in 26 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in a group of other diseases-Crohn's disease, uveitis, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, and Reiter's disease-all of which share some of the manifestations of AS.

Validation of Ultrasonography for Assessment of Gastric Emptying Time in Healthy Cats by Radionuclide Scintigraphy.

PubMed

Husnik, R; Fletcher, J M; Gaschen, L; Gaschen, F P

2017-03-01

The prevalence of gastric emptying (GE) disorders in cats is unknown due to lack of clinically applicable diagnostic tests. The principal aim of this study was to assess correlation between scintigraphic and ultrasonographic measurements of GE time (GET) in healthy cats. Additionally, variability of ultrasonographic GET, and correlation between scintigraphy and ultrasonographic parameters of gastric motility were evaluated. Eight healthy domestic shorthair cats. Prospective study. Scintigraphic GET was determined using a solid test meal containing 4 mCi 99m Tc-mebrofenin. Each cat had 3 separate ultrasonographic assessments of GE, performed independent of scintigraphic assessment, after solid test meal consumption. The motility index (MI) of antral contractions was plotted against time and time for each fraction of the area under the MI curve determined. Ultrasonographic GET and MI were correlated to scintigraphic GET. Scintigraphic GET (mean ± SD) for 25, 50, and 75% GE was 103 ± 32 minutes, 196 ± 45 minutes, and 288 ± 62 minutes, whereas sonographic GET for 25, 50, and 75% GE was 106 ± 13 minutes, 203 ± 19 minutes, and 305 ± 27 minutes. There was good correlation between scintigraphic and sonographic GET (r = 0.72-0.82) at 45-90% fractional GE and between scintigraphic GET and time of corresponding MI curve fraction (r = 0.78-0.86) at 40-90% fraction of the MI curve. There was moderate intraindividual variability for sonographic GET and MI curve fraction times as well as significant variation among individuals. Ultrasonography is a valid alternative to scintigraphy for assessment of solid-phase GE and allows assessment of postprandial gastric motility in healthy cats. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Semi-quantitative methods yield greater inter- and intraobserver agreement than subjective methods for interpreting 99m technetium-hydroxymethylene-diphosphonate uptake in equine thoracic processi spinosi.

PubMed

van Zadelhoff, Claudia; Ehrle, Anna; Merle, Roswitha; Jahn, Werner; Lischer, Christoph

2018-05-09

Scintigraphy is a standard diagnostic method for evaluating horses with back pain due to suspected thoracic processus spinosus pathology. Lesion detection is based on subjective or semi-quantitative assessments of increased uptake. This retrospective, analytical study is aimed to compare semi-quantitative and subjective methods in the evaluation of scintigraphic images of the processi spinosi in the equine thoracic spine. Scintigraphic images of 20 Warmblood horses, presented for assessment of orthopedic conditions between 2014 and 2016, were included in the study. Randomized, blinded image evaluation was performed by 11 veterinarians using subjective and semi-quantitative methods. Subjective grading was performed for the analysis of red-green-blue and grayscale scintigraphic images, which were presented in full-size or as masked images. For the semi-quantitative assessment, observers placed regions of interest over each processus spinosus. The uptake ratio of each processus spinosus in comparison to a reference region of interest was determined. Subsequently, a modified semi-quantitative calculation was developed whereby only the highest counts-per-pixel for a specified number of pixels was processed. Inter- and intraobserver agreement was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients. Inter- and intraobserver intraclass correlation coefficients were 41.65% and 71.39%, respectively, for the subjective image assessment. Additionally, a correlation between intraobserver agreement, experience, and grayscale images was identified. The inter- and intraobserver agreement was significantly increased when using semi-quantitative analysis (97.35% and 98.36%, respectively) or the modified semi-quantitative calculation (98.61% and 98.82%, respectively). The proposed modified semi-quantitative technique showed a higher inter- and intraobserver agreement when compared to other methods, which makes it a useful tool for the analysis of scintigraphic images. The association of the findings from this study with clinical and radiological examinations requires further investigation. © 2018 American College of Veterinary Radiology.

Computerized Proof Techniques for Undergraduates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Christopher J.; Tefera, Akalu; Zeleke, Aklilu

2012-01-01

The use of computer algebra systems such as Maple and Mathematica is becoming increasingly important and widespread in mathematics learning, teaching and research. In this article, we present computerized proof techniques of Gosper, Wilf-Zeilberger and Zeilberger that can be used for enhancing the teaching and learning of topics in discrete…

Clinical and mathematical introduction to computer processing of scintigraphic images

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goris, M.L.; Briandet, P.A.

The authors state in their preface:''...we believe that there is no book yet available in which computing in nuclear medicine has been approached in a reasonable manner. This book is our attempt to correct the situation.'' The book is divided into four sections: (1) Clinical Applications of Quantitative Scintigraphic Analysis; (2) Mathematical Derivations; (3) Processing Methods of Scintigraphic Images; and (4) The (Computer) System. Section 1 has chapters on quantitative approaches to congenital and acquired heart diseases, nephrology and urology, and pulmonary medicine.

Imaging agents for in vivo magnetic resonance and scintigraphic imaging

DOEpatents

Engelstad, Barry L.; Raymond, Kenneth N.; Huberty, John P.; White, David L.

1991-01-01

Methods are provided for in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and/or scintigraphic imaging of a subject using chelated transition metal and lanthanide metal complexes. Novel ligands for these complexes are provided.

Bone stress: a radionuclide imaging perspective. [/sup 99m/Tc-pyrophosphate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Roub, L.W.; Gumerman, L.W.; Hanley, E.N. Jr.

Thirty-five college athletes with lower leg pain underwent radiography and radionuclide studies to rule out a stress fracture. Their asymptomatic extremities and 13 pain-free athletes served as controls. Four main patterns were observed: (a) sharply marginated scintigraphic abnormalities and positive radiographs; (b) sharply marginated scintigraphic abnormalities and negatives radiographs; (c) ill-defined scintigraphic abnormalities and negative radiographs; and (d) negative radionuclide images and negative radiographs. Since the patients with the first two patterns were otherwise identical medically, the authors feel that this scintigraphic appearance is characterisic of bone stress in the appropriate clinical setting, regardless of the radiographic findings. A schemamore » is proposed to explain the occurrence of positive radionuclide images and negative radiographs in the same patient, using a broad conceptual approach to the problem of bone stress.« less

Imaging agents for in vivo magnetic resonance and scintigraphic imaging

DOEpatents

Engelstad, B.L.; Raymond, K.N.; Huberty, J.P.; White, D.L.

1991-04-23

Methods are provided for in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and/or scintigraphic imaging of a subject using chelated transition metal and lanthanide metal complexes. Novel ligands for these complexes are provided. No Drawings

Humeral stress remodelling locations differ in Thoroughbred racehorses training and racing on dirt compared to synthetic racetrack surfaces.

PubMed

Dimock, A N; Hoffman, K D; Puchalski, S M; Stover, S M

2013-03-01

Veterinarians have observed a putative change in the location of humeral stress remodelling in Thoroughbred racehorses with change from dirt to synthetic racetrack surfaces. To determine whether the location and severity of humeral stress remodelling differs between Thoroughbred racehorses exercising on dirt and synthetic racetrack surfaces, the potential significance of different locations of stress remodelling, and the potential usefulness of scintigraphy for prevention of complete humeral fracture. Scintigraphic images of humeri from 841 Thoroughbred racehorses at 3 racetracks during 2 years before and after conversion from dirt to synthetic surfaces were evaluated for location and severity of lesions. The effects of surface on lesion distributions were examined using Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. Archived fractured humeri were examined to determine the location and severity of stress remodelling associated with complete fracture. Databases were queried to determine whether racehorses with scintigraphic lesions suffered humeral fracture and whether racehorses with a complete humeral fracture had had a scintigraphic examination. Horses at synthetic racetracks had a greater proportion of distal humeral lesions, whereas horses at dirt racetracks had a greater proportion of caudoproximal lesions (P<0.001). Proximal lesions were more likely to be severe than distal lesions (P<0.001). Most complete fractures were associated with caudoproximal lesions, which were more often severe than distal lesions (P = 0.002). None of the horses with a scintigraphic lesion had a complete humeral fracture. None of the horses with a complete humeral fracture underwent scintigraphic examination. Race surface affected humeral scintigraphic lesion location and hence the location of stress remodelling. Lesion severity was associated with lesion location. Complete humeral fracture was associated with caudoproximal stress remodelling and lack of scintigraphic examination. Risk for complete humeral fracture may be lower on synthetic surfaces than on dirt surfaces, and, by inference, for horses examined using scintigraphy. © 2012 EVJ Ltd.

SPECT imaging in evaluating extent of malignant external otitis: case report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

English, R.J.; Tu'Meh, S.S.; Piwnica-Worms, D.

1987-03-01

Otitis externa, a benign inflammatory process of the external auditory canal, is general responsive to local therapy. Some patients however, develop a less controllable disease leading to chondritis and osteomyelitis of the base of the skull. The direct invasive characteristic of the disease has led to the descriptive term malignant external otitis (MEO), more appropriately called necrotizing or invasive external otitis. Malignant external otitis is caused by an aggressive pseudomonas or proteus infection that almost exclusively occurs in elderly diabetic patients. The primary imaging modalities previously used in the diagnosis and evaluation of MEO were standard planar scintigraphic techniques withmore » technetium-99M (/sup 99m/Tc) bone agents and gallium-67 (/sup 67/Ga), and pluridirectional tomography. The advent of high resolution computed tomography (CT) effectively allowed demonstration of the soft tissue extension and bone destruction associated with MEO, but still suffered from the low sensitivity constraints of all radiographic techniques in determining early inflammatory bone involvement. Recent work suggests that scintigraphic detection of MEO with /sup 99m/Tc-MDP and /sup 67/Ga, combined with the cross-sectional resolution of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) may be of value in planning treatment of this inflammatory condition.« less

Scintigraphic diagnosis of portosystemic shunts.

PubMed

Daniel, Gregory B

2009-07-01

Portal scintigraphy is a quick noninvasive method to the diagnosis of portosystemic shunts in dogs and cats. Scintigraphic procedures have evolved over the past 25 years. Currently, trans-splenic portal scintigraphy is the preferred method. High quality studies can be obtained with small radiopharmaceutical doses.

Diffuse lung uptake (DLU) on Ga-67 scintigraph: Clinical, radiologic and pathologic correlation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sy, W.M.; Seo, I.S.; Vieira, J.

1985-05-01

Review, analysis and correlation (clinical, radiologic and pathologic) of 29 consecutive adults (16 drug addicts and/or homosexuals) with DLU on Ga-67 scintigraph were made. Diffuse increased uptake of at least 75% of both lungs was considered as DLU. WFOF cameras were used to obtain 24 to 96 hr. scintigraphs after IV injection of 3-5 mCi of Ga-67 citrate. In 26, tissue diagnosis established: pneumocystis carinii (PC) 15, miliary tuberculosis (TB) 3, sarcoidosis (SR) 3, drug-induced toxicity 2, and toxoplasmosis (TX), primary hyperparathyroidism and nonspecific lymphocytic pneumonia-one each. In two with breast and one with esophageal carcinomas, no lung tissue diagnosismore » was sought. Concurrent chest x-rays were negative in 16, but in 7/16, lung infiltrate was later documented. An average of 31 days elapsed before x-rays became positive in four with PC, 7 days in two with TB, and 22 days in one with TX. In 13, concurrent x-rays showed lung infiltrate, but in 6, only subtle, localized rather than diffuse infiltrate was noted. Fourteen of 29 had at least two Ga-67 studies. In 12 (7 PC, 2 TB, 3 SR) of 14 whose repeat studies showed significant to total disappearance of DLU, all did well clinically. In two whose initial studies were negative or equivocal, they became clinically worse when the repeat study showed DLU. In three others (2 PC, 1 TX) who died, their single studies recorded intense DLU. DLU on gallium scintigraph indicated a variety of pathology. In 55.2%, gallium scintigraph predated x-ray findings by a few days to weeks. In 20.3%, x-ray findings were only subtle or localized. Scintigraphic changes correlated well with the clinical courses in various diseases.« less

Computerized design of speech prostheses.

PubMed

Leonard, R J

1991-08-01

The use of computerized techniques to assist in the design of palatal and/or glossal prostheses is described. Patients with oropharyngeal resection and associated speech impairment are candidates for such prostheses. Procedures discussed allow for the design of some features of the prosthesis, such as shape, location, and tests of its effect on certain speech parameters, prior to actual fabrication. Advantages and current limitations of the techniques are also discussed.

Scintigraphic and sonographic diagnosis of neonatal mesoblastic nephroma: case report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sacks, G.; Mitchell, M.; Fleischer, A.C.

1983-06-01

The morphologic characteristics of mesoblastic nephroma result in a scintigraphic appearance which distinguishes this benign neonatal tumor from Wilms' tumor. This case report describes a patient in whom the use of scintigraphy and real-time sonography permitted preoperative diagnosis of mesoblastic nephroma.

Pulmonary uptake in indium-111-antimyosin fab fragment imaging following human cardia transplantation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Folke, M.; Hesse, B.; Mortensen, S.A.

1994-02-01

Recent studies suggest that cardiac uptake of {sup 111}In-labeled antimyosin monoclonal antibody may be estimated semiquantitatively by calculating a heart-to-lung activity ratio, with pulmonary uptake serving as a reference region. The authors obtained 96 {sup 111}In-antimyosin scintigraphs to monitor rejection occurrence after heart transplantation in 26 patients. On five scintigraphs, the count rate density in ROIs over the lungs was markedly higher (mean 53% higher) than that in the immediately preceding and following scintigraphs, whereas the activity in the heart was essentially unchanged. Four of these scintigraphs coincided with ongoing pulmonary infection and the fifth with an occurrence of amore » high anti-CMV titer. The mechanism of apparent nonspecific antimyosin accumulation in the lungs is uncertain, although increased capillary permeability may be one possibility. Attention should be given to activity in the lungs if this activity is used as a reference in studies of {sup 111}In-antimyosin uptake in the heart. 15 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.« less

Technology in the Assessment of Learning Disability.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bigler, Erin D.; Lajiness-O'Neill, Renee; Howes, Nancy-Louise

1998-01-01

Reviews recent neuroradiologic and brain imaging techniques in the assessment of learning disability. Technologies reviewed include computerized tomography; magnetic resonance imaging; electrophysiological and metabolic imaging; computerized electroencepholographic studies of evoked potentials, event-related potentials, spectral analysis, and…

Computerization of material test data reporting system : interim report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1973-09-01

This study was initiated to provide an integrated system of reporting, storing, and retrieving of construction and material test data using computerized (storage-retrieval) and quality control techniques. The findings reported in this interim report ...

(99m)Tc-DTPA diuretic renal scintigraphy in cats with nephroureterolithiasis.

PubMed

Hecht, Silke; Lawson, Sarah M; Lane, India F; Sharp, Dorothy E; Daniel, Gregory B

2010-06-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate results of diuretic renal scintigraphy in 32 feline kidneys with nephroureterolithiasis and variable degrees of renal pelvis/ureteral dilation. Six kidneys showed a non-obstructive scintigraphic pattern, with a downward slope of time-activity curves (TAC) and a median excretion half-time of radiopharmaceutical (T((1/2))) of 6.09 (5.08-8.43) min. Eight kidneys showed an obstructive pattern, with a continuous rise of TAC and median T((1/2)) of -7.91 (-43.13-0.00) min. In one kidney with presumptive partial obstruction scintigraphic results were equivocal. Seventeen kidneys, most of which had an individual kidney glomerular filtration rate below 0.5ml/min/kg, had non-diagnostic studies. Diuretic renal scintigraphy may be a useful adjunct modality in the diagnosis of ureteral obstruction in some cats if renal function is maintained. However, the large number of non-diagnostic studies in animals with decreased renal function represents a clear limitation of the technique. Copyright 2009 ISFM and AAFP. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of scintigraphy for the determination of mucociliary clearance rates in normal, sedated, diseased and exercised horses.

PubMed Central

Willoughby, R A; Ecker, G L; McKee, S L; Riddolls, L J

1991-01-01

Mucociliary clearance rates from the trachea were determined in normal, sedated, diseased and exercised horses from scintigraphs obtained after an injection of technetium-99m sulphide colloid into the tracheal lumen. The group mean tracheal clearance rate of eight clinically normal horses during 42 trials was 2.06 +/- 0.38 cm/min. Significant between horse differences were found (p less than 0.05). When six and seven of these horses were given xylazine and detomidine hydrochloride, respectively, mean group tracheal clearance rates dropped significantly (p less than 0.05). The decreases from each normal horse's mean tracheal clearance rate ranged from 18 to 54%. There did not appear to be a difference between the tracheal clearance rates (TCRs) of the normal horses and those with chronic respiratory disease. Postexercise evaluations were not significantly different from the pre-exercise TCRs in three clinically normal horses and three horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p greater than 0.05). This minimally invasive scintigraphic technique for determining TCRs has proved to be useful and reliable. Images Fig. 1. PMID:1790485

Imaging experimental intraabdominal abscesses with 99mTc-PEG liposomes and 99mTc-HYNIC IgG.

PubMed Central

Dams, E T; Reijnen, M M; Oyen, W J; Boerman, O C; Laverman, P; Storm, G; van der Meer, J W; Corstens, F H; van Goor, H

1999-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of technetium-99m-labeled polyethylene glycol-coated liposomes (99mTc-PEG liposomes) and technetium-99m-labeled nonspecific human immunoglobulin G (99mTc-HYNIC IgG) for the scintigraphic detection of experimental intraabdominal abscesses in comparison with that of a standard agent, gallium-67 citrate. BACKGROUND: Scintigraphic imaging techniques can be very useful for the rapid and accurate localization of intraabdominal abscesses. Two newly developed radiolabeled agents, 99mTc-PEG liposomes and 99mTc-HYNIC IgG, have shown to be excellent agents for imaging experimental focal infection, but have not yet been studied in the detection of abdominal abscesses. METHODS: Intraabdominal abscesses were induced in 42 rats using the cecal ligation and puncture technique. Seven days later, randomized groups of rats received 99mTc-PEG liposomes, 99mTc-HYNIC IgG, or 67Ga citrate intravenously. The rats were imaged up to 24 hours after the injection. The biodistribution of the radiolabel was determined by counting dissected tissues ex vivo. Macroscopic intraabdominal abnormalities and focal uptake on the images were independently scored on a semiquantitative scale. RESULTS: 99mTc-PEG liposomes provided the earliest scintigraphic visualization of the abscess (as soon as 2 hours after the injection vs. 4 hours for the other two agents). Liposomes, IgG, and gallium all showed similarly high absolute uptake in the abscess. Focal uptake of liposomes and gallium correlated best with the extent of the macroscopic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: 99mTc-PEG liposomes and 99mTc-HYNIC IgG performed at least as well as the standard agent, 67Ga citrate, in the detection of experimental intraabdominal abscesses, with obvious advantages such as lower radiation exposure and more favorable physical properties. Of the two technetium agents, the liposomes seemed to be superior, providing the earliest diagnostic image and the best correlation with the inflammatory abnormalities. In addition, the preferential localization of radiolabeled PEG liposomes holds promise for targeted delivery of liposome-encapsulated drugs. Images Figure 1. PMID:10203089

Increased technetium uptake is not equivalent to muscle necrosis: scintigraphic, morphological and intramuscular pressure analyses of sore muscles after exercise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crenshaw, A. G.; Friden, J.; Hargens, A. R.; Lang, G. H.; Thornell, L. E.

1993-01-01

A scintigraphic technique employing technetium pyrophosphate uptake was used to identify the area of skeletal muscle damage in the lower leg of four runners 24 h after an ultramarathon footrace (160 km). Most of the race had been run downhill which incorporated an extensive amount of eccentric work. Soreness was diffuse throughout the posterior region of the lower leg. In order to interpret what increased technetium uptake reflects and to express extreme endurance related damages, a biopsy was taken from the 3-D position of abnormal uptake. In addition, intramuscular pressures were determined in the deep posterior compartment. Scintigraphs revealed increased technetium pyrophosphate uptake in the medial portion of the gastrocnemius muscle. For 3698 fibres analysed, 33 fibres (1%) were necrotic, while a few other fibres were either atrophic or irregular shaped. A cluster of necrotic fibres occurred at the fascicular periphery for one subject and fibre type grouping occurred for another. Ultrastructural analysis revealed Z-line streaming near many capillaries and variously altered subsarcolemmal mitochondria including some with paracrystalline inclusions. The majority of the capillaries included thickened and irregular shaped endothelial cells. Intramuscular pressures of the deep posterior compartment were slightly elevated (12-15 mmHg) for three of the four subjects. Increased technetium uptake following extreme endurance running does not just reflect muscle necrosis but also subtle fibre abnormalities. Collectively, these pathological findings are attributed to relative ischaemia occurring during the race and during pre-race training, whereas, intramuscular pressure elevations associated with muscle soreness are attributed to mechanical stress caused by extensive eccentric work during the race.

Anthropometric and computerized tomographic measurements of lower extremity lean body mass.

PubMed

Buckley, D C; Kudsk, K A; Rose, B S; Fatzinger, P; Koetting, C A; Schlatter, M

1987-02-01

The loss of lean muscle mass is one of the hallmarks of protein-calorie malnutrition. Anthropometry is a standardized technique used to assess the response of muscle mass to nutrition therapy by quantifying the muscle and fat compartments. That technique does not accurately reflect actual limb composition, whereas computerized tomography does. Twenty lower extremities on randomly chosen men and women patients were evaluated by anthropometry and computerized tomography. Total area, muscle plus bone area, total volume, and muscle plus bone volume were correlated, using Heymsfield's equation and computerized tomography-generated areas. Anthropometrics overestimated total and muscle plus bone cross-sectional areas at almost every level. Anthropometry overestimated total area and total volume by 5% to 10% but overestimated muscle plus bone area and muscle plus bone volume by as much as 40%. Anthropometry, while easily performed and useful in large population groups for epidemiological studies, offers a poor assessment of lower extremity composition. On the other hand, computerized tomography is also easily performed and, while impractical for large population groups, does offer an accurate assessment of the lower extremity tissue compartments and is an instrument that might be used in research on lean muscle mass.

Prevalence of Paget's disease of bone in Italy.

PubMed

Gennari, Luigi; Di Stefano, Marco; Merlotti, Daniela; Giordano, Nicola; Martini, Giuseppe; Tamone, Cristina; Zatteri, Roberto; De Lucchi, Roberto; Baldi, Carlo; Vattimo, Angelo; Capoccia, Silvia; Burroni, Luca; Geraci, Simone; De Paola, Vincenzo; Calabrò, Anna; Avanzati, Annalisa; Isaia, Giancarlo; Nuti, Ranuccio

2005-10-01

We examined the prevalence of PDB in Italy from radiological, scintigraphic, and biochemical surveys in two Italian towns. Prevalence rates varied from 0.7% to 2.4%, were higher in males than in females, and slightly differed between the two towns. Unlike previous studies in populations of British descent, no secular trend for a decreasing prevalence emerged. Clinical, radiological, and necropsy data from different countries suggested pronounced geographical variations in the prevalence of Paget's disease of bone (PDB). Despite the impact of the disease on the population, there are limited data on the prevalence of PDB in Italy. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of PDB in the district of Siena (Central Italy) and Turin (Northern Italy) from radiological, biochemical, and scintigraphic surveys. We examined a sample of 1778 consecutive pelvic radiographs performed between 1999 and 2000 at the Hospital Radiology Unit in Siena and 6609 pelvic radiographs performed in 1986-1987, 1992-1993, and 1999-2002 from the Radiology Department of Molinette Hospital in Turin. In Siena, 7906 consecutive (99m)TC-MDP bone scans performed over a 4-year period (January 2000 to May 2004) were also screened for the presence of PDB, and the prevalence of elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels (>300 UI/liter) was estimated from 7449 computerized medical records over a 3-year period (January 2000 to February 2003). The finding of PDB on the pelvic radiograph and bone scan was based on standardized radiological criteria. At the end of the radiological surveys, 16/1778 pelvic PDB cases (8 males and 8 females) were observed in Siena and 41/6609 (27 males and 14 females) in Turin. The crude prevalence of the disease was 0.89% in Siena and 0.62% in Turin. Given that pelvic involvement is commonly described in 60-90% of PDB patients, the estimated overall prevalence of PDB ranged from 1.0% to 1.5% in Siena and from 0.7% to 1.0% in Turin. No decrease in the prevalence of PDB was evident after comparison of prevalence rates from different periods. Biochemical analyses showed 296/7449 subjects with elevated ALP levels and normal liver enzymes, 87 of whom had confirmed diagnosis of PDB. The estimated prevalence of biochemical PDB was 1.5%. The scintigraphic survey showed a PDB prevalence of 194/7906 (2.4%), which was significantly higher than the radiological and biochemical estimates. Our surveys suggest that PDB in Italy has an estimated prevalence of at least 1%, comparable with that observed in United States and other European countries, but lower than that described in Britain and New Zealand. No secular trend for a decreasing prevalence of PDB was observed.

Computerized symbolic manipulation in structural mechanics Progress and potential

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noor, A. K.; Andersen, C. M.

1978-01-01

Status and recent applications of computerized symbolic manipulation to structural mechanics problems are summarized. The applications discussed include; (1) generation of characteristic arrays of finite elements; (2) evaluation of effective stiffness and mass coefficients of continuum models for repetitive lattice structures; and (3) application of Rayleigh-Ritz technique to free vibration analysis of laminated composite elliptic plates. The major advantages of using computerized symbolic manipulation in each of these applications are outlined. A number of problem areas which limit the realization of the full potential of computerized symbolic manipulation in structural mechanics are examined and some of the means of alleviating them are discussed.

Detection of drugs and explosives using neutron computerized tomography and artificial intelligence techniques.

PubMed

Ferreira, F J O; Crispim, V R; Silva, A X

2010-06-01

In this study the development of a methodology to detect illicit drugs and plastic explosives is described with the objective of being applied in the realm of public security. For this end, non-destructive assay with neutrons was used and the technique applied was the real time neutron radiography together with computerized tomography. The system is endowed with automatic responses based upon the application of an artificial intelligence technique. In previous tests using real samples, the system proved capable of identifying 97% of the inspected materials. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Atlas of computerized blood flow analysis in bone disease.

PubMed

Gandsman, E J; Deutsch, S D; Tyson, I B

1983-11-01

The role of computerized blood flow analysis in routine bone scanning is reviewed. Cases illustrating the technique include proven diagnoses of toxic synovitis, Legg-Perthes disease, arthritis, avascular necrosis of the hip, fractures, benign and malignant tumors, Paget's disease, cellulitis, osteomyelitis, and shin splints. Several examples also show the use of the technique in monitoring treatment. The use of quantitative data from the blood flow, bone uptake phase, and static images suggests specific diagnostic patterns for each of the diseases presented in this atlas. Thus, this technique enables increased accuracy in the interpretation of the radionuclide bone scan.

Crew/computer communications study. Volume 1: Final report. [onboard computerized communications system for spacecrews

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johannes, J. D.

1974-01-01

Techniques, methods, and system requirements are reported for an onboard computerized communications system that provides on-line computing capability during manned space exploration. Communications between man and computer take place by sequential execution of each discrete step of a procedure, by interactive progression through a tree-type structure to initiate tasks or by interactive optimization of a task requiring man to furnish a set of parameters. Effective communication between astronaut and computer utilizes structured vocabulary techniques and a word recognition system.

Using Unidimensional IRT Models for Dichotomous Classification via Computerized Classification Testing with Multidimensional Data.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lau, Che-Ming Allen; And Others

This study focused on the robustness of unidimensional item response theory (UIRT) models in computerized classification testing against violation of the unidimensionality assumption. The study addressed whether UIRT models remain acceptable under various testing conditions and dimensionality strengths. Monte Carlo simulation techniques were used…

Intraoperative double-J stent insertion in children with scintigraphic impaired renal function and obstructive urinary tract malformation.

PubMed

Erculiani, E; Zampieri, N; Cecchetto, M; Camoglio, F S; Giacomello, L

2008-03-01

Ureteral double-J (DJ) stents are frequently used in modern urologic practice. At present the role of stents in urological and surgical practice and their efficacy in paediatric age are not yet clear. The aim of this study is to evaluate advantages and efficacy of ureteral stents, correlating clinical and radiological data with the permanence of stent in situ. Between July 1999 and July 2004 surgery with ureteral stenting was performed on 24 consecutive patients aged between 2 and 13.5 months with scintigraphic impaired renal function due to an obstructive urinary tract malformation. During the study the performance and the efficacy of indwelling stent have been evaluated through clinical and radiological variables: pre-, intra-, and post stenting blood tests, ultrasonographic and scintigraphic parameters were also evaluated. The stent insertion was useful to improve renal parenchymal thickness and renal growth. No correlation was found between improved blood tests and scintigraphic values. The improvements of clinical and radiological data were strictly correlated with the time of stenting (>3 months). The insertion of DJ stents as long-term internal urinary diversion is useful and safe. Late complications related to the use of stents are not frequent.

The 'fragmented' scintigraphic lung pattern in pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis secondary to breast cancer.

PubMed

Vattimo, A V; Burroni, L; Bertelli, P; Vella, A; Volterrani, D

1998-01-01

Pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis (PLC) is an unusual presentation of diffuse infiltrative lung disease. In this report we present two cases secondary to breast cancer; the diagnosis was made by means of transbronchial lung biopsy or postmortem examination. The goal of this study was to analyze the scintigraphic pattern of pulmonary perfusion performed with technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin (99mTc-MAA) in the hope of achieving improved recognition of PLC and its subsequent diagnosis. Upon admission, both patients underwent routine clinical exams followed by chest X-rays. The second patient also underwent CT examination, and both were ultimately examined using pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy with 99mTc-MAA. In the various exams performed, the most reliable and easily identified diagnostic finding turned out to be a characteristic 'fragmented' lung pattern revealed with the perfusion lung scan. Unfortunately, in both cases the patients' conditions rapidly worsened and death occurred shortly following scintigraphy. We were able to conclude that the recognition of the mentioned fragmented scintigraphic lung pattern may be useful in suspected PLC, whereas the nonspecific clinical presentation of this pathology makes diagnosis extremely difficult, with the most significant results being achieved through a comparison of scintigraphic and high resolution CT data.

Scintigraphic validation of AC Biosusceptometry to study the gastric motor activity and the intragastric distribution of food in humans.

PubMed

Américo, M F; Oliveira, R B; Romeiro, F G; Baffa, O; Corá, L A; Miranda, J R A

2007-10-01

Abnormal intragastric distribution of food (IDF) and a phasic contractility in the proximal stomach have been related to dyspeptic symptoms. Thus, the behaviour of the stomach and the proximal region, in particular, continues to attract attention and demand for reliable and comfortable techniques. The aims of this study were to employ AC Biosusceptometry (ACB) and scintigraphy to evaluate IDF and gastric motor activity in humans. Fifteen healthy volunteers ingested 60 mL of yogurt containing 2 mCi of 99mTc and 4 g of ferrite. Each volunteer had gastric motility and IDF evaluated twice on separate days; on one occasion by ACB and another by scintigraphy. Digital signal processing was performed in MatLab (Mathworks Inc., Natick, MA, USA). Results were expressed as mean +/- SD. Similar results of distal accumulation time (P < 0.001) were obtained for scintigraphy (6.93 +/- 3.25 min) and for ACB (7.04 +/- 3.65 min). Fast Fourier Transform revealed two dominant frequencies (P > 0.9). Besides the well-know frequency of 3 cpm, our results showed identical frequencies in proximal stomach recordings (P < 0.001) for scintigraphic (1.01 +/- 0.01 cpm) and ACB (0.98 +/- 0.06 cpm). In summary, our data showed that scintigraphy and ACB are promising techniques to evaluate several aspects of gastric motility. Moreover, ACB is non-invasive, radiation-free and deserves the same importance as conventional methods for this kind of analysis.

A new variable parallel holes collimator for scintigraphic device with validation method based on Monte Carlo simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trinci, G.; Massari, R.; Scandellari, M.; Boccalini, S.; Costantini, S.; Di Sero, R.; Basso, A.; Sala, R.; Scopinaro, F.; Soluri, A.

2010-09-01

The aim of this work is to show a new scintigraphic device able to change automatically the length of its collimator in order to adapt the spatial resolution value to gamma source distance. This patented technique replaces the need for collimator change that standard gamma cameras still feature. Monte Carlo simulations represent the best tool in searching new technological solutions for such an innovative collimation structure. They also provide a valid analysis on response of gamma cameras performances as well as on advantages and limits of this new solution. Specifically, Monte Carlo simulations are realized with GEANT4 (GEometry ANd Tracking) framework and the specific simulation object is a collimation method based on separate blocks that can be brought closer and farther, in order to reach and maintain specific spatial resolution values for all source-detector distances. To verify the accuracy and the faithfulness of these simulations, we have realized experimental measurements with identical setup and conditions. This confirms the power of the simulation as an extremely useful tool, especially where new technological solutions need to be studied, tested and analyzed before their practical realization. The final aim of this new collimation system is the improvement of the SPECT techniques, with the real control of the spatial resolution value during tomographic acquisitions. This principle did allow us to simulate a tomographic acquisition of two capillaries of radioactive solution, in order to verify the possibility to clearly distinguish them.

Scintigraphic measurement of regional gut transit in idiopathic constipation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stivland, T.; Camilleri, M.; Vassallo, M.

1991-07-01

In this study, total gut transit and regional colonic transit in patients with idiopathic constipation were measured scintigraphically. Eight patients with severe constipation were studied, none of whom had evidence of abnormal function of the pelvic floor. 99mTc-radiolabeled Amberlite resin particles with a mixed meal were used to assess gastric emptying and small bowel transit; similar particles labeled with 111In were ingested in a coated capsule that dispersed in the ileocecal region. These were used to quantify colonic transit. Five healthy volunteers were also studied. Two patients showed delayed gastric emptying and two had slow small bowel transit. Seven ofmore » the eight patients had slow colonic transit. In five, delay affected the whole colon (pancolonic inertia); in two, transit in the ascending and transverse colon was normal, but solids moved through the left colon slowly. Mean colonic transit was also measured using radiopaque markers; this technique identified the patients with slow transit, as shown by measurements of overall colonic transit by simultaneous scintigraphy. However, estimated transit through the ascending and transverse colons was considerably shorter by the radiopaque marker technique. In conclusion, idiopathic constipation is characterized by either exaggerated reservoir functions of the ascending and transverse colons and/or impairment of propulsive function in the descending colon. Particle size may influence the result of regional colonic transit tests. Transit delays in other parts of the gut suggest that, in some patients, the condition may be a more generalized motor dysfunction.« less

Study of irradiated bone. III. Scintigraphic and radiographic detection of radiation-induced osteosarcomas. [/sup 99m/Tc-pyrophosphate; rabbits

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

King, M.A.; Casarett, G.W.; Weber, D.A.

1980-05-01

Within 1 yr after localized irradiation of a hind limb with single (1756 rads) or fractionated (4650 rads in 3 wk) x-ray doses, radiation-induced osteosarcomas were observed in four of nine single-dose rabbits and two of 11 fractionated-dose rabbits. Tumors were observed in the proximal tibia in five cases and the distal femur in one case. In terms of production of osteoid or osseous tissue, three tumors were well differentiated, one slightly differentiated, and two (spindle-cell tumors) undifferentiated. This report summarizes the Tc-99m pyrophosphate (TcPPi) imaging and autoradiographic, radiographic, and histologic studies of these osteosarcomas. The four differentiated osteosarcomas weremore » detected 1 to 2.5 mo earlier by TcPPi imaging than by radiography, whereas the two undifferentiated tumors were suspected 2 wk or 3.5 mo earlier radiographically. Autoradiograms showed TcPPi localization in bone produced by differentiated osteosarcomas, and in regions of reactive bone resorption and formation peripheral to tumors. The results support a recommendation for combined radiographic and scintigraphic techniques for the early detection of osteosarcomas.« less

Scintigraphic assessment of colostomy irrigation.

PubMed

Christensen, P.; Olsen, N.; Krogh, K.; Laurberg, S.

2002-09-01

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate colonic transport following colostomy irrigation with a new scintigraphic technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To label the bowel contents 19 patients (11 uncomplicated colostomy irrigation, 8 complicated colostomy irrigation) took 111In-labelled polystyrene pellets one and two days before investigation. 99mTc-DTPA was mixed with the irrigation fluid to assess its extent within the bowel. Scintigraphy was performed before and after a standardized washout procedure. The colon was divided into three segments 1: the caecum andascending colon; 2: the transverse colon; 3: the descending and sigmoid colon. Assuming ordered evacuation of the colon, the contribution of each colonic segment to the total evacuation was expressed as a percentage of the original segmental counts. These were added to reach a total defaecation score (range: 0-300). RESULTS: In uncomplicated colostomy irrigation, the median defaecation score was 235 (range: 145-289) corresponding to complete evacuation of the descending and transverse colon and 35% evacuation of the caecum/ascending colon. In complicated colostomy irrigation it was possible to distinguish specific emptying patterns. The retained irrigation fluid reached the caecum in all but one patient. CONCLUSION: Scintigraphy can be used to evaluate colonic emptying following colostomy irrigation.

Computerized Multi-Media Instructional Television. COMIT. Proceedings of a Symposium.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andrews, Gordon C., Ed.; Knapper, Christopher K., Ed.

A joint research project in educational techniques, which was conducted by the University of Waterloo and the IBM Corporation, explored the use of color television with random-access videotape under computer control. At the end of the three-year project, papers were solicited from all COMIT (Computerized Multi-Media Instructional Television)…

SimulCAT: Windows Software for Simulating Computerized Adaptive Test Administration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Han, Kyung T.

2012-01-01

Most, if not all, computerized adaptive testing (CAT) programs use simulation techniques to develop and evaluate CAT program administration and operations, but such simulation tools are rarely available to the public. Up to now, several software tools have been available to conduct CAT simulations for research purposes; however, these existing…

The role of computerized symbolic manipulation in rotorcraft dynamics analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crespo Da Silva, Marcelo R. M.; Hodges, Dewey H.

1986-01-01

The potential role of symbolic manipulation programs in development and solution of the governing equations for rotorcraft dynamics problems is discussed and illustrated. Nonlinear equations of motion for a helicopter rotor blade represented by a rotating beam are developed making use of the computerized symbolic manipulation program MACSYMA. The use of computerized symbolic manipulation allows the analyst to concentrate on more meaningful tasks, such as establishment of physical assumptions, without being sidetracked by the tedious and trivial details of the algebraic manipulations. Furthermore, the resulting equations can be produced, if necessary, in a format suitable for numerical solution. A perturbation-type solution for the resulting dynamical equations is shown to be possible with a combination of symbolic manipulation and standard numerical techniques. This should ultimately lead to a greater physical understanding of the behavior of the solution than is possible with purely numerical techniques. The perturbation analysis of the flapping motion of a rigid rotor blade in forward flight is presented, for illustrative purposes, via computerized symbolic manipulation with a method that bypasses Floquet theory.

[Scintigraphic findings in a patient with sickle-cell thalassemia and recurrent pain attacks].

PubMed

Mikosch, Peter; Jauk, Barbara; Kaulfersch, Wilhelm; Gallowitsch, Hans-Jürgen; Lind, Peter

2003-01-01

The case of an eight years old African boy who suffers from sickle cell-thalassemia is presented. In the course of the disease frequent pain attacks occurred within the abdomen and extremities, recently also within the trunk. Local pain, at some occasions in combination with local swelling and always positive laboratory parameters for inflammation, hindered a solely clinical differentiation between bone infarcts and osteomyelitis. Bone scintigraphy, eventually in combination with bone marrow scintigraphy, can assist the clinician in the differentiation of aseptic bone infarcts versus secondary osteomyelitis. Based on the presented case scintigraphic results for bone infarcts, osteomyelitis and special scintigraphic pattern seen in sickle cell disease are presented. Furthermore, problems regarding the interpretation of the scintigraphies in relation to the delayed time after the beginning of pain attacks are discussed.

Intrathoracic stomach mimicking bone metastasis from thyroid cancer in whole-body iodine-131 scan diagnosed by SPECT/CT.

PubMed

García-Gómez, Francisco Javier; la Riva-Pérez, Pablo Antonio de; Calvo-Morón, Cinta; Buján-Lloret, Cristina; Cambil-Molina, Teresa; Castro-Montaño, Juan

2017-01-01

The whole-body iodine-131 scintigraphy is an imaging technique in monitoring patients with a history of thyroid cancer. Although the rate of false positives is negligible, it is not nonexistent. We report the case of an intervened and treated patient for thyroid cancer with good clinical and biochemical response. Scintigraphic findings were consistent with unsuspected bone metastasis. Fused SPECT/CT data allowed accurate diagnosis of giant diaphragmatic hernia associated with intrathoracic stomach, a very rare pathology that can lead to false positive results.

Interpretation and classification of bone scintigraphic findings in stress fractures.

PubMed

Zwas, S T; Elkanovitch, R; Frank, G

1987-04-01

A new system for classification of stress fractures identified by bone scintigraphy was developed and divided into four grades according to lesion dimension, bone extension, and tracer accumulation. The scintigraphic findings were evaluated for severity of lesions by extent of the visualized bone response, ranging from ill-defined cortical lesions with slightly increased activity (I) to well-defined intramedullary transcortical lesions with intensely increased activity (IV). Bone scintigraphies using [99mTc]MDP were obtained in 310 military recruits suspected of having stress fractures. In 235 patients, 391 stress fractures were diagnosed. Forty percent of the lesions were asymptomatic. Most of the lesions were in the tibiae (72%), and 87% of the patients had one or two lesions, while 13% had three to five lesions. Eighty-five percent of the lesions were classified as mild and showed early and more complete resolution on follow-up studies after treatment as compared to the severe grades. Furthermore, specific scintigraphic patterns have been introduced for distinguishing inflammatory shin-splints from stress fractures, allowing for their appropriate early treatment. Thus, early recognition of mild stress fracture scintigraphic patterns representing the beginning of pathologic bone response to stress enabled a prompt and effective treatment to prevent progression of lesions, protracted disability, and complications.

Space Simulation, 7th. [facilities and testing techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

Space simulation facilities and techniques are outlined that encompass thermal scale modeling, computerized simulations, reentry materials, spacecraft contamination, solar simulation, vacuum tests, and heat transfer studies.

Wood transportation systems-a spin-off of a computerized information and mapping technique

Treesearch

William W. Phillips; Thomas J. Corcoran

1978-01-01

A computerized mapping system originally developed for planning the control of the spruce budworm in Maine has been extended into a tool for planning road net-work development and optimizing transportation costs. A budgetary process and a mathematical linear programming routine are used interactively with the mapping and information retrieval capabilities of the system...

Scintigraphic detection of occult hemorrhage using RBCs labeled in vitro with technetium Tc 99m sodium pertechnetate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bunker, S.R.; Kolina, J.S.; Kaplan, K.A.

1983-05-01

Scintigraphy with RBCs labeled with technetium Tc 99m sodium pertechnetate effectively located the source of hemorrhage in a patient receiving long-term anticoagulant therapy. (The patient was initially seen with a large hematoma on the flank.) More important, the procedure was used to monitor activity in this otherwise-occult bleeding site. Scintigraphic studies may be useful in the management of these difficult clinical problems.

The specific scintigraphic pattern of "shin splints in the lower leg": concise communication.

PubMed

Holder, L E; Michael, R H

1984-08-01

The clinical entity, "shin splints," is now being recognized, and more specifically characterized by the findings of exercise-induced pain and tenderness to palpation along the posterior medial border of the tibia. In this prospective study, ten patients with this syndrome were evaluated using three-phase bone scintigrams, and a specific scintigraphic pattern was determined. Radionuclide angiograms and blood-pool images were all normal. On delayed images, tibial lesions involved the posterior cortex, were longitudinally oriented, were long, involving one third of the length of the bone, and often showed varying tracer uptake along that length. Obtaining both lateral and medial views was crucial. The location of activity suggested that this entity is related to the soleus muscle. These scintigraphic findings can be used to differentiate shin splints from stress fractures or other conditions causing pain in the lower leg in athletes.

The Relationship Between Observations and Measures of Oral and Pharyngeal Residue from Videofluorography and Scintigraphy

PubMed Central

Logemann, Jeri A.; Williams, Rohan B.; Rademaker, Alfred; Pauloski, Barbara Roa; Lazarus, Cathy L.; Cook, Ian

2006-01-01

We examined measures of oral and pharyngeal residues from scintigraphic studies and estimates/observations from videofluorographic (modified barium swallow) studies taken on the same day but not concurrently in 16 dysphagic patients of varying etiologies presenting with oral and/or pharyngeal dysphagia. Oral and pharyngeal residuals following the swallow were quantified scintigraphically and were then compared with measures of residuals obtained from the modified barium swallow. Estimates of oral and pharyngeal residues from the modified barium swallows were generated by a trained observer who was blinded to the scintigraphic data. Positive and significant Spearman correlations between oral and pharyngeal residue measures from scintigraphy and observations of oral and pharyngeal residues from modified barium swallows were found. This supports the validity of observations of oral and pharyngeal residues in clinical studies. Limitations of these observations are discussed. PMID:16362511

Critical factors influencing physicians' intention to use computerized clinical practice guidelines: an integrative model of activity theory and the technology acceptance model.

PubMed

Hsiao, Ju-Ling; Chen, Rai-Fu

2016-01-16

With the widespread use of information communication technologies, computerized clinical practice guidelines are developed and considered as effective decision supporting tools in assisting the processes of clinical activities. However, the development of computerized clinical practice guidelines in Taiwan is still at the early stage and acceptance level among major users (physicians) of computerized clinical practice guidelines is not satisfactory. This study aims to investigate critical factors influencing physicians' intention to computerized clinical practice guideline use through an integrative model of activity theory and the technology acceptance model. The survey methodology was employed to collect data from physicians of the investigated hospitals that have implemented computerized clinical practice guidelines. A total of 505 questionnaires were sent out, with 238 completed copies returned, indicating a valid response rate of 47.1 %. The collected data was then analyzed by structural equation modeling technique. The results showed that attitudes toward using computerized clinical practice guidelines (γ = 0.451, p < 0.001), organizational support (γ = 0.285, p < 0.001), perceived usefulness of computerized clinical practice guidelines (γ = 0.219, p < 0.05), and social influence (γ = 0.213, p < 0.05) were critical factors influencing physicians' intention to use computerized clinical practice guidelines, and these factors can explain 68.6 % of the variance in intention to use computerized clinical practice guidelines. This study confirmed that some subject (human) factors, environment (organization) factors, tool (technology) factors mentioned in the activity theory should be carefully considered when introducing computerized clinical practice guidelines. Managers should pay much attention on those identified factors and provide adequate resources and incentives to help the promotion and use of computerized clinical practice guidelines. Through the appropriate use of computerized clinical practice guidelines, the clinical benefits, particularly in improving quality of care and facilitating the clinical processes, will be realized.

[Gastric emptying of a solid-liquid meal in normal subjects: validity of the labeling (99mTc) of chicken liver by a multipuncture technic].

PubMed

Hostein, J; Capony, P; Busquet, G; Bost, R; Fournet, J

1985-04-01

For gastric emptying studies of a solid-liquid meal by the scintigraphic method, a valid isotope labeling method for each phase of the meal must be obtained. The aim of this study was to validate a simple chicken liver labeling method in normal subjects by multipuncture technic with 99mtechnetium. Labeling according to Meyer's method was chosen as a reference. Simultaneously, a study of the quality of liquid phase labeling by 111indium was done. The labeling process quality for each phase of the meal was assessed: a) in vitro, after incubation of the meal with human gastric juice (n = 12); b) in vivo, after meal ingestion and sequential collection of gastric contents by aspiration (n = 4). Furthermore, in 8 healthy volunteers, gastric emptying curves of the solid and liquid phases of the meal were determined scintigraphically and compared. Our results showed: a) for the solid phase: a good specificity of the marker, which was assessed in vitro and in vivo, after liver labeling with multipuncture technique (89 p. 100 and 92 p. 100 after 180 min, respectively); b) for the liquid phase: a good specificity of the marker in vitro and a poor specificity in vivo (82 p. 100 and 27 p. 100 after 180 min, respectively); c) similar half-gastric emptying times and cumulative percentages for the solid and liquid phases with both liver labeling methods. In conclusion, the multipuncture technique for chicken liver labeling may be used for gastric emptying studies in humans.

A new contrast media for functional MR urography: Gd-MAG3.

PubMed

Algin, Oktay

2011-07-01

Tc-99m-MAG3 (tubular agent) provides high imaging quality and extraction efficiency; and has become one of the most widely used agent for scintigraphic examinations of urinary system pathologies and renal transplants. Recently, it was reported that functional magnetic resonance urography (FMRU) can be sufficient in detection of urinary tract obstruction, renal artery stenosis, calculation of kidney functions and evaluation of renal transplants. However the pharmacokinetics of magnetic resonance (MR) contrast-media used in FMRU and Tc-99m-MAG3 differs from each other. This may cause discordant results between the FMRU and most of the scintigraphic studies. To our knowledge, there is no contrast-media which is specific for FMRU. A kidney specific contrast material can be developed for FMRU studies as well. MAG3 is a good candidate for this chelation. In conclusion, MR imaging (MRI) will be the most useful and important technique for morphologic-functional evaluation of urinary system. FMRU examinations performed with MAG3 chelated gadolinium can be sufficient for the complete evaluation of urinary tract even in patients with impaired renal functions ("all in one MRI"). MRI has some important advantages including no risk for radiation exposure, high temporal and spatial resolution, no need for nephrotoxic contrast agent; besides being a fast and feasible technique. Gadolinium-containing contrast agents may cause a life-threatening adverse reaction known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with severe renal impairment, but Gd-MAG3 may reduce the risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis due to its higher extraction capacity and other features. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chaudhuri, T.K.; Fink, S.

The records of 18 consecutive patients referred to a Veterans Administration Hospital nuclear medicine service for renal scintigraphic tests to rule out renovascular hypertension were reviewed. The men were elderly (mean age, 62 years), and risk factors for untoward reactions, including long-standing hypertension, severe peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, chronic renal failure, and recent diuretic use were present. Despite these risks, there was no test morbidity, and the authors conclude that the renal scintigraphic test with captopril enhancement is well tolerated and deserves continued application and evaluation.

Volume reduction of benign thyroid nodules 3 months after a single treatment with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

PubMed

Korkusuz, Huedayi; Fehre, Niklas; Sennert, Michael; Happel, Christian; Grünwald, Frank

2015-01-01

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a promising, non-invasive technique in treating benign thyroid nodules (TNs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of HIFU to induce clinically meaningful shrinkage in benign predominantly solid TNs and to identify variables that influence or predict the magnitude of TN volume reduction. For each of ten subjects, HIFU treatment was conducted on a single nodule. Nodular volume was measured sonographically at baseline and at 3 months post-procedure. Nodular function and early treatment assessment was done scintigraphically. Median nodular volume reduction was 0.7 ml absolute and 48.8% relative to pre-interventional size (p < 0.05). Absolute shrinkage was negatively correlated with the average treatment depth (τ = -0.61, p < 0.05). Absolute nodular volume was positively correlated with the scintigraphic nodular uptake reduction (τ = 0.66, p < 0.05). HIFU treatment of benign predominantly solid TNs appears to be safe and effective for inducing nodular shrinkage. Despite potential for improvement, a single treatment session with HIFU is already a viable alternative to more standard methods. The feasibility of multiple HIFU treatments requires further investigation. Due to the small sample size, the findings of this analysis need conformation by larger studies.

Radioguided surgery and the GOSTT concept: From pre-operative image and intraoperative navigation to image-assisted excision.

PubMed

Bowles, H; Sánchez, N; Tapias, A; Paredes, P; Campos, F; Bluemel, C; Valdés Olmos, R A; Vidal-Sicart, S

Radio-guided surgery has been developed for application in those disease scheduled for surgical management, particularly in areas of complex anatomy. This is based on the use of pre-operative scintigraphic planar, tomographic and fused SPECT/CT images, and the possibility of 3D reconstruction for the subsequent intraoperative locating of active lesions using handheld devices (detection probes, gamma cameras, etc.). New tracers and technologies have also been incorporated into these surgical procedures. The combination of visual and acoustic signals during the intraoperative procedure has become possible with new portable imaging modalities. In daily practice, the images offered by these techniques and devices combine perioperative nuclear medicine imaging with the superior resolution of additional optical guidance in the operating room. In many ways they provide real-time images, allowing accurate guidance during surgery, a reduction in the time required for tissue location and an anatomical environment for surgical recognition. All these approaches have been included in the concept known as (radio) Guided intraOperative Scintigraphic Tumour Targeting (GOSTT). This article offers a general view of different nuclear medicine and allied technologies used for several GOSTT procedures, and illustrates the crossing of technological frontiers in radio-guided surgery. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y SEMNIM. All rights reserved.

Allan Cormack, Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT), and Magnetic Resonance

Science.gov Websites

Radiopharmaceuticals, DOE Technical Report, 1977 Emission Computed Tomography: A New Technique for the Quantitative Extending the Power of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Techniques Magnetic Resonance Imaging Research Top Some

A scintigraphic study to investigate the potential for altered gut distribution of loperamide from a loperamide-simethicone formulation in man.

PubMed

Connor, A L; Wray, H; Cottrell, J; Wilding, I R

2001-07-01

A loperamide simethicone combination formulation has recently been demonstrated to have significant clinical advantages compared to loperamide alone in the relief of diarrhoea and related symptoms. The product visualisation technique of gamma scintigraphy has been used to investigate the interaction of the formulation with the heterogenous environment of the human gut in a group of 12 healthy volunteers. The results suggest that changes in the intestinal kinetics of loperamide from the combination product, e.g. jejunal coating, could be contributing to the improved efficacy.

Radiographic and scintigraphic evaluation of total knee arthroplasty

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schneider, R.; Soudry, M.

1986-04-01

Various radiographic and scintigraphic methods are used to supplement clinical findings in the evaluation of total knee arthroplasty and its complications. Serial roentgenograms offer reliable information for diagnosing mechanical loosening. Wide and extensive radiolucency at the cement-bone interface and shift in position and alignment of prosthetic components can be seen in almost all cases by the time revision is necessary. Radiographic abnormalities are usually not present in acute infection, but are often present in chronic infection. Bone scanning has a high sensitivity for diagnosis of infection or loosening, but is nonspecific because increased uptake is often present around asymptomatic totalmore » knee arthroplasties with normal radiographs. Differential bone and Gallium scanning and scanning with Indium 111-labeled leukocytes have a greater specificity for diagnosis of infection than does bone or Gallium scanning alone. Routine radiographic and scintigraphic studies have shown a high incidence of deep vein thrombosis in the calf after total knee arthroplasty. Clinically significant pulmonary embolization is infrequent.« less

Computerized series solution of relativistic equations of motion.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broucke, R.

1971-01-01

A method of solution of the equations of planetary motion is described. It consists of the use of numerical general perturbations in orbital elements and in rectangular coordinates. The solution is expanded in Fourier series in the mean anomaly with the aid of harmonic analysis and computerized series manipulation techniques. A detailed application to the relativistic motion of the planet Mercury is described both for Schwarzschild and isotropic coordinates.

Long-Circulating and pH-Sensitive Liposome Preparation Trapping a Radiotracer for Inflammation Site Detection.

PubMed

Mota, Luciene Das Graças; de Barros, André Luís Branco; Fuscaldi, Leonardo Lima; de Oliveira, Mônica Cristina; Cardoso, Valbert Nascimento

2015-06-01

Inflammatory and infectious diseases are one of the most common causes of mortality and morbidity. This paper aimed to prepare and to evaluate the ability of long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes, trapping a radiotracer, to identify inflamed focus. The physicochemical characterization of freeze-dried liposomes, using glucose as cryoprotectant, showed 80% of the vesicles with adequate mean diameter and good vesicle size homogeneity. Radiotracer encapsulation percentage in liposomes was 10.65%, of which 4.88% was adsorbed on the surface of the vesicles. Furthermore, liposomes presented positive zeta potential. Freeze-dried liposomes, stored for 180 days at 4 degrees C, did not show significant changes in the mean diameter, indicating good stability. Free radiotracer and radiolabeled liposomes were injected into inflammation focus-bearing rats, and ex-vivo biodistribution studies and scintigraphic images were performed. Results showed that radiopharmaceutical, free and encapsulated into liposomes, were able to identify the inflamed site. Target/non-target ratios, obtained by scintigraphic images, were greater than 1.5 at all investigated times. Data did not show significant differences between the free radiotracer and radiolabeled liposomes. Results suggest that this liposomal preparation could be employed as an alternative procedure for inflamed site detection by means of scintigraphic images. However, as the radiotracer is adsorbed onto the liposome surface by electrostatic forces, it is suggested that a neutral radiopharmaceutical be used to confirm the potential of this formulation as a scintigraphic probe for inflammation/infection detection.

Re-186 and Sm-153 dosimetry based on scintigraphic imaging data in skeletal metastasis palliative treatment and Monte Carlo simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andreou, M.; Lagopati, N.; Lyra, M.

2011-09-01

Optimum treatment planning of patients suffering from painful skeletal metastases requires accurate calculations concerning absorbed dose in metastatic lesions and critical organs, such as red marrow. Delivering high doses to tumor cells while limiting radiation dose to normal tissue, is the key for successful palliation treatment. The aim of this study is to compare the dosimetric calculations, obtained by Monte Carlo (MC) simulation and the MIRDOSE model, in therapeutic schemes of skeleton metastatic lesions, with Rhenium-186 (Sn) -HEDP and Samarium-153 -EDTMP. A bolus injection of 1295 MBq (35mCi) Re-186- HEDP was infused in 11 patients with multiple skeletal metastases. The administered dose for the 8 patients who received Sm-153 was 1 mCi /kg. Planar scintigraphic images for the two groups of patients were obtained, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h post injection, by an Elscint Apex SPX gamma camera. The images were processed, utilizing ROI quantitative methods, to determine residence times and radionuclide uptakes. Dosimetric calculations were performed using the patient specific scintigraphic data by the MIRDOSE3 code of MIRD. Also, MCNPX was employed, simulating the distribution of the radioisotope in the ROI and calculating the absorbed doses in the metastatic lesion, and in critical organs. Summarizing, there is a good agreement between the results, derived from the two pathways, the patient specific and the mathematical, with a deviation of less than 9% for planar scintigraphic data compared to MC, for both radiopharmaceuticals.

Ionospheric tomography using ADS-B signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cushley, A. C.; Noël, J.-M.

2014-07-01

Numerical modeling has demonstrated that Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) signals can be used to reconstruct two-dimensional (2-D) electron density maps of the ionosphere using techniques for computerized tomography. Ray tracing techniques were used to determine the characteristics of individual waves, including the wave path and the state of polarization at the satellite receiver. The modeled Faraday rotation was computed and converted to total electron content (TEC) along the raypaths. The resulting TEC was used as input for computerized ionospheric tomography (CIT) using algebraic reconstruction technique. This study concentrated on reconstructing mesoscale structures 25-100 km in horizontal extent. The primary scientific interest of this study was to show that ADS-B signals can be used as a new source of data for CIT to image the ionosphere and to obtain a better understanding of magneto-ionic wave propagation.

Resting electrocardiogram and stress myocardial perfusion imaging in the determination of left ventricular systolic function: an assessment enhancing the performance of gated SPET.

PubMed

Moralidis, Efstratios; Spyridonidis, Tryfon; Arsos, Georgios; Skeberis, Vassilios; Anagnostopoulos, Constantinos; Gavrielidis, Stavros

2010-01-01

This study aimed to determine systolic dysfunction and estimate resting left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from information collected during routine evaluation of patients with suspected or known coronary heart disease. This approach was then compared to gated single photon emission tomography (SPET). Patients having undergone stress (201)Tl myocardial perfusion imaging followed by equilibrium radionuclide angiography (ERNA) were separated into derivation (n=954) and validation (n=309) groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to develop scoring systems, containing clinical, electrocardiographic (ECG) and scintigraphic data, for the discrimination of an ERNA-LVEF<0.50. Linear regression analysis provided equations predicting ERNA-LVEF from those scores. In 373 patients LVEF was also assessed with (201)Tl gated SPET. Our results showed that an ECG-Scintigraphic scoring system was the best simple predictor of an ERNA-LVEF<0.50 in comparison to other models including ECG, clinical and scintigraphic variables in both the derivation and validation subpopulations. A simple linear equation was derived also for the assessment of resting LVEF from the ECG-Scintigraphic model. Equilibrium radionuclide angiography-LVEF had a good correlation with the ECG-Scintigraphic model LVEF (r=0.716, P=0.000), (201)Tl gated SPET LVEF (r=0.711, P=0.000) and the average LVEF from those assessments (r=0.796, P=0.000). The Bland-Altman statistic (mean+/-2SD) provided values of 0.001+/-0.176, 0.071+/-0.196 and 0.040+/-0.152, respectively. The average LVEF was a better discriminator of systolic dysfunction than gated SPET-LVEF in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and identified more patients (89%) with a

Correlation between hepatobiliary scintigraphy and surgery or postmortem examination findings in dogs and cats with extrahepatic biliary obstruction, partial obstruction, or patency of the biliary system: 18 cases (1995-2004).

PubMed

Head, Laurie L; Daniel, Gregory B

2005-11-15

To evaluate the usefulness of serum biochemical variables and scintigraphic study results for differentiating between dogs and cats with complete extrahepatic biliary obstruction (EHO) and those with partial EHO or patent bile ducts. Retrospective case series. 17 dogs and 1 cat. Animals that underwent hepatobiliary scintigraphy and had either surgical or postmortem confirmation of the degree of bile duct patency were included. Scintigraphic images were evaluated and biliary tracts were classified as patent, partially obstructed but patent, or obstructed. Surgery or postmortem examination was considered the gold standard for diagnosis, and compared with those findings, sensitivity and specificity of scintigraphy were calculated. With absence of radioactivity in the intestinal tract as the diagnostic criterion for EHO, the sensitivity and specificity of scintigraphic diagnosis were both 83% when final images were acquired at 19 to 24 hours, compared with 100% and 33%, respectively, when 180 minutes was used as the cutoff time. Animals with partial biliary obstruction had less intestinal radioactivity that arrived later than that observed in animals with patent biliary tracts. Animals in which intestinal radioactivity has not been observed after the standard 3 to 4 hours should undergo additional scintigraphic imaging. Findings in animals with partial biliary obstruction include delayed arrival of radioactivity and less radioactivity in the intestine. Distinguishing between complete and partial biliary tract obstruction is important because animals with partial obstruction may respond favorably to medical management and should not be given an erroneous diagnosis of complete obstruction.

99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy used to evaluate tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer: A quantitative analysis

PubMed Central

KOGA, KATIA HIROMOTO; MORIGUCHI, SONIA MARTA; NETO, JORGE NAHÁS; PERES, STELA VERZINHASSE; SILVA, EDUARDO TINÓIS DA; SARRI, ALMIR JOSÉ; MICHELIN, ODAIR CARLITO; MARQUES, MARIANGELA ESTHER ALENCAR; GRIVA, BEATRIZ LOTUFO

2010-01-01

To evaluate the tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 99mTc-sestamibi breast scintigraphy was proposed as a quantitative method. Fifty-five patients with ductal carcinoma were studied. They underwent breast scintigraphy before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, along with clinical assessment and surgical specimen analysis. The regions of interest on the lesion and contralateral breast were identified, and the pixel counts were used to evaluate lesion uptake in relation to background radiation. The ratio of these counts before to after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was assessed. The decrease in uptake rate due to chemotherapy characterized the scintigraphy tumor response. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the mean scintigraphic tumor response and histological type. Dunn’s multiple comparison test was used to detect differences between histological types. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare means between quantitative and qualitative variables: scintigraphic tumor response vs. clinical response and uptake before chemotherapy vs. scintigraphic tumor response. The Spearman’s test was used to correlate the quantitative variables of clinical reduction in tumor size and scintigraphic tumor response. All of the variables compared presented significant differences. The change in 99mTc-sestamibi uptake noted on breast scintigraphy, before to after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, may be used as an effective method for evaluating the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, since this quantification reflects the biological behavior of the tumor towards the chemotherapy regimen. Furthermore, additional analysis on the uptake rate before chemotherapy may accurately predict treatment response. PMID:22966312

Computerized Clinical Simulations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reinecker, Lynn

1985-01-01

Describes technique involved in designing a clinical simulation problem for the allied health field of respiratory therapy; discusses the structure, content, and scoring categories of the simulation; and provides a sample program which illustrates a programming technique in BASIC, including a program listing and a sample flowchart. (MBR)

Scintigraphic imaging of Staphylococcus aureus infection using 99mTc radiolabeled aptamers.

PubMed

Santos, Sara Roberta Dos; de Sousa Lacerda, Camila Maria; Ferreira, Iêda Mendes; de Barros, André Luís Branco; Fernandes, Simone Odília; Cardoso, Valbert Nascimento; de Andrade, Antero Silva Ribeiro

2017-10-01

Staphylococcus aureus is a specie of great medical importance associated with many infections as bacteremia and infective endocarditis as well as osteoarticular, skin and soft tissue, pleuropulmonary, and device related infections. Early identification of infectious foci is crucial for successful treatment. Scintigraphy could contribute to this purpose since specific radiotracers were available. Aptamers due to their high specificity have great potential for radiopharmaceuticals development. In the present study scintigraphic images of S. aureus infectious foci were obtained using specific S. aureus aptamers radiolabeled with 99m Tc. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Medial tibial pain. A prospective study of its cause among military recruits.

PubMed

Milgrom, C; Giladi, M; Stein, M; Kashtan, H; Margulies, J; Chisin, R; Steinberg, R; Swissa, A; Aharonson, Z

1986-12-01

In a prospective study of 295 infantry recruits during 14 weeks of basic training, 41% had medial tibial pain. Routine scintigraphic evaluation in cases of medial tibial bone pain showed that 63% had abnormalities. A stress fracture was found in 46%. Only two patients had periostitis. None had ischemic medial compartment syndrome. Physical examination could not differentiate between cases with medial tibial bone pain secondary to stress fractures and those with scintigraphically normal tibias. When both pain and swelling were localized in the middle one-third of the tibia, the lesion most likely proved to be a stress fracture.

Scintigraphic findings in ankylosing spondylitis.

PubMed

Lentle, B C; Russell, A S; Percy, J S; Jackson, F I

1977-06-01

A prospective study of bone scintigraphic findings has been carried out in 63 patients, firmly diagnosed as having ankylosing spondylitis. In addition to abnormal uptake of the radiotracer at the sacroiliac joints, a peripheral arthropathy has been a common finding, particularly in the proximal joints, occurring in up to 50% of patients. Increased uptake of radiotracer in the spine has also been found both diffusely and focally. Focal increases have been noted at the apophyseal joints in 40% of patients and in three patients with a sterile intervertebral diskitis, an unusual complication of this disease only diagnosed in two patients after bone scintigraphy.

[The clinical economic analysis of the methods of ischemic heart disease diagnostics].

PubMed

Kalashnikov, V Iu; Mitriagina, S N; Syrkin, A L; Poltavskaia, M G; Sorokina, E G

2007-01-01

The clinical economical analysis was applied to assess the application of different techniques of ischemic heart disease diagnostics - the electro-cardiographic monitoring, the treadmill-testing, the stress-echo cardiographic with dobutamine, the single-photon computerized axial tomography with load, the multi-spiral computerized axial tomography with coronary arteries staining in patients with different initial probability of disease occurrence. In all groups, the best value of "cost-effectiveness" had the treadmill-test. The patients with low risk needed 17.4 rubles to precise the probability of ischemic heart disease occurrence at 1%. In the group with medium and high risk this indicator was 9.4 and 24.7 rubles correspondingly. It is concluded that to precise the probability of ischemic heart disease occurrence after tredmil-test in the patients with high probability it is appropriate to use the single-photon computerized axial tomography with load and in the case of patients with low probability the multi-spiral computerized axial tomography with coronary arteries staining.

Computerized photogrammetry used to calculate the brow position index.

PubMed

Naif-de-Andrade, Naif Thadeu; Hochman, Bernardo; Naif-de-Andrade, Camila Zirlis; Ferreira, Lydia Masako

2012-10-01

The orbital region is of vital importance to facial expression. Brow ptosis, besides having an impact on facial harmony, is a sign of aging. Various surgical techniques have been developed to increase the efficacy of brow-lift surgery. However, no consensus method exists for an objective measurement of the eyebrow position due to the curvature of the face. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a method for measuring the eyebrow position using computerized photogrammetry. For this study, 20 orbital regions of 10 volunteers were measured by direct anthropometry using a digital caliper and by indirect anthropometry (computerized photogrammetry) using standardized digital photographs. Lines, points, and distances were defined based on the position of the anthropometric landmarks endocanthion and exocanthion and then used to calculate the brow position index (BPI). Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test with a significance level of 5 %. The BPI values obtained by computerized photogrammetric measurements did not differ significantly from those obtained by direct anthropometric measurements (p > 0.05). The mean BPI was 84.89 ± 10.30 for the computerized photogrammetric measurements and 85.27 ± 10.67 for the direct anthropometric measurements. The BPI defined in this study and obtained by computerized photogrammetry is a reproducible and efficient method for measuring the eyebrow position. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article.

Computerized classification of auditory trauma: Results of an investigation on screening employees exposed to noise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klockhoff, I.

1977-01-01

An automatic, computerized method was developed to classify results from a screening of employees exposed to noise, resulting in a fast and effective method of identifying and taking measures against auditory trauma. This technique also satisfies the urgent need for quick discovery of cases which deserve compensation in accordance with the Law on Industrial Accident Insurance. Unfortunately, use of this method increases the burden on the already overloaded investigatory resources of the auditory health care system.

Motion Estimation and Compensation Strategies in Dynamic Computerized Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hahn, Bernadette N.

2017-12-01

A main challenge in computerized tomography consists in imaging moving objects. Temporal changes during the measuring process lead to inconsistent data sets, and applying standard reconstruction techniques causes motion artefacts which can severely impose a reliable diagnostics. Therefore, novel reconstruction techniques are required which compensate for the dynamic behavior. This article builds on recent results from a microlocal analysis of the dynamic setting, which enable us to formulate efficient analytic motion compensation algorithms for contour extraction. Since these methods require information about the dynamic behavior, we further introduce a motion estimation approach which determines parameters of affine and certain non-affine deformations directly from measured motion-corrupted Radon-data. Our methods are illustrated with numerical examples for both types of motion.

The application of compressive sampling in rapid ultrasonic computerized tomography (UCT) technique of steel tube slab (STS).

PubMed

Jiang, Baofeng; Jia, Pengjiao; Zhao, Wen; Wang, Wentao

2018-01-01

This paper explores a new method for rapid structural damage inspection of steel tube slab (STS) structures along randomly measured paths based on a combination of compressive sampling (CS) and ultrasonic computerized tomography (UCT). In the measurement stage, using fewer randomly selected paths rather than the whole measurement net is proposed to detect the underlying damage of a concrete-filled steel tube. In the imaging stage, the ℓ1-minimization algorithm is employed to recover the information of the microstructures based on the measurement data related to the internal situation of the STS structure. A numerical concrete tube model, with the various level of damage, was studied to demonstrate the performance of the rapid UCT technique. Real-world concrete-filled steel tubes in the Shenyang Metro stations were detected using the proposed UCT technique in a CS framework. Both the numerical and experimental results show the rapid UCT technique has the capability of damage detection in an STS structure with a high level of accuracy and with fewer required measurements, which is more convenient and efficient than the traditional UCT technique.

Econ Simulation Cited as Success

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Workman, Robert; Maher, John

1973-01-01

A brief description of a computerized economics simulation model which provides students with an opportunity to apply microeconomic principles along with elementary accounting and statistical techniques.'' (Author/AK)

The utility of radioiodine uptake and thyroid scintigraphy in the diagnosis and management of hyperthyroidism.

PubMed

Okosieme, O E; Chan, D; Price, S A; Lazarus, J H; Premawardhana, L D K E

2010-01-01

The value and practice of thyroid radionuclide imaging in the diagnosis and management of hyperthyroidism is unsettled. Our objectives were to determine the influence of thyroid uptake and scintigraphy on the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and the prediction of outcome following radioiodine therapy. We reviewed records and scintigraphic studies on 881 hyperthyroid patients carried out between 2000 and 2007. The agreement between the clinical and scintigraphic diagnosis was evaluated by kappa statistics. We determined the relationship between 4-h (123)I uptake and the outcome of (131)I treatment in 626 patients. A multiple logistic regression model was used to determine variables influencing treatment outcome in 1 year. The diagnostic categories were Graves' disease (GD, n = 383), toxic multinodular goitre (n = 253), solitary toxic nodule (n = 164) and Graves' disease coexisting with nodules (n = 81). The mean age of the patients was 58 +/- 17, (M:F 160:721). There was good agreement between clinical and scintigraph diagnosis (K = 0.60, 95% CI 0.57-0.64, P < 0.001); and they were correctly matched in 74%; mismatched in 6% and indeterminate in 20% of patients. Treatment outcome was not associated with scintigraph diagnosis (P = 0.98) or radioiodine uptake at 4 h (P = 0.2). The use of antithyroid medications before treatment predicted treatment failure (odds ratio 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.6, P = 0.01). Thyroid scintigraphy and uptake studies did not influence diagnosis or treatment outcomes in most cases of hyperthyroidism. Our findings in this retrospective study do not justify their routine use. Selective scanning will reduce cost and exposure to radioisotopes without compromising diagnostic accuracy or treatment outcomes.

Gastric emptying of enteric-coated tablets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, H.M.; Chernish, S.M.; Rosenek, B.D.

1984-03-01

To evaluate the gastric emptying time of pharmaceutical dosage forms in a clinical setting, a relatively simple dual-radionuclide technique was developed. Placebo tablets of six different combinations of shape and size were labeled with indium-111 DTPA and enteric coated. Six volunteers participated in a single-blind and crossover study. Tablets were given in the morning of a fasting stomach with 6 oz of water containing /sup 99m/Tc pertechnetate and continuously observed with a gamma camera. A scintigraph was obtained each minute. The results suggested that the size, shape, or volume of the tablet used in this study had no significant effectmore » in the rate of gastric emptying. The tablets emptied erratically and unpredictably, depending upon their time of arrival in the stomach in relation to the occurrence of interdigestive myoelectric contractions. The method described is a relatively simple and accurate technique to allow one to follow the gastric emptying of tablets.« less

Organizational Decision Making

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-08-01

the lack of formal techniques typically used by large organizations, digress on the advantages of formal over informal... optimization ; for example one might do a number of optimization calculations, each time using a different measure of effectiveness as the optimized ...final decision. The next level of computer application involves the use of computerized optimization techniques. Optimization

Single-photon emitting radiotracers produced by cyclotrons for myocardial imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulkarni, Padmakar V.

1989-04-01

Radionuclides produced by cyclotron have played an important role in clinical nuclear medicine. Among these, 210T1, 123I, 111In and 67Ga in various chemical forms have important applications in the diagnosis of cancer and heart disease using scintigraphic imaging techniques. Cardiac imaging using nuclear scintigraphy and echocardiography has been among the fastest growing diagnostic technologies in medicine during the past 15 years. Development of new tracers in conjunction with new equipment with better resolution has contributed to the better quantification and analysis of test results. The development of new biomolecules, monoclonal antibodies to myosin, platelets, fibrin and other receptor binding agents has added a new dimension to nuclear imaging studies.

Evaluation of Automated Natural Language Processing in the Further Development of Science Information Retrieval. String Program Reports No. 10.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sager, Naomi

This investigation matches the emerging techniques in computerized natural language processing against emerging needs for such techniques in the information field to evaluate and extend such techniques for future applications and to establish a basis and direction for further research toward these goals. An overview describes developments in the…

Intratumoral consumption of indium-111-labeled platelets in a child with splenic hemangioma and thrombocytopenia.

PubMed

Pampin, C; Devillers, A; Treguier, C; Fremond, B; Moisan, A; Goasguen, J; Le Gall, E

2000-01-01

The authors report Kasabach-Merritt syndrome (KMS) in a patient with thrombocytopenia and splenic hemangioma. A 13-month-old boy with a history of anemia, thrombocytopenia, and abdominal mass was admitted to the hospital. The scintigraphic studies showed that a large mass contiguous to the spleen was responsible for the platelet uptake. After partial splenectomy, the platelet count returned to normal. This report of KMS in a child with splenic hemangioma suggests that the scintigraphic studies are mandatory to confirm diagnosis. Indium-111-labeled platelets are useful in identifying hemangiomatous sequestration of platelets in patients with thrombocytopenia.

The acetabulum: A prospective study of three-phase bone and indium white blood cell scintigraphy following porous-coated hip arthroplasty

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oswald, S.G.; Van Nostrand, D.; Savory, C.G.

1990-03-01

Although few studies address the use of three-phase bone scanning (TPBS) and indium-111-labeled white blood cell scintigraphy ({sup 111}In-WBC) in hip arthroplasty utilizing a porous-coated prosthesis, the literature suggests that scintigraphic patterns in the uncomplicated patient may differ from that seen with the cemented prosthesis. In an attempt to determine the scintigraphic natural history, 25 uncomplicated porous-coated hip arthroplasties in 21 patients were prospectively studied with serial TPBS and {sup 111I}n-WBC at approximately 7 days, and 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 mo postoperatively. This report deals with findings related to the acetabulum. All 25 prostheses (144 of 144 scans)more » demonstrated increased uptake on the bone-phase images. Although this activity decreased with time, 76% had persistent uptake at 24 mo. Twenty-three of 25 prostheses (126 of 140 scans) showed increased uptake on {sup 111}In-WBC scintigraphy, invariably decreasing with time, but with 37% having significant uptake at 24 mo. Scintigraphic patterns in the uncomplicated porous-coated hip arthroplasty patient appear to differ from patterns described in cemented prostheses.« less

Management of occult adrenocorticotropin-secreting bronchial carcinoids: limits of endocrine testing and imaging techniques.

PubMed

Loli, P; Vignati, F; Grossrubatscher, E; Dalino, P; Possa, M; Zurleni, F; Lomuscio, G; Rossetti, O; Ravini, M; Vanzulli, A; Bacchetta, C; Galli, C; Valente, D

2003-03-01

The differential diagnosis and the identification of the source of ACTH in occult ectopic Cushing's syndrome due to a bronchial carcinoid still represents a challenge for the endocrinologist. We report our experience in six patients with occult bronchial carcinoid in whom extensive hormonal, imaging, and scintigraphic evaluation was performed. All patients presented with hypercortisolism associated with high plasma ACTH values. The CRH test and high dose dexamethasone suppression test suggested an ectopic source of ACTH in three of six patients. During bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling, none of the patients showed a central to peripheral ACTH gradient. At the time of diagnosis, none of the patients had radiological evidence of the ectopic source of ACTH, whereas pentetreotide scintigraphy identified the lesion in two of four patients. Finally, a chest computed tomography scan revealed the presence of a bronchial lesion in all patients, and pentetreotide scintigraphy identified four of six lesions. In all patients a bronchial carcinoid was found and removed. In one patient with scintigraphic evidence of residual disease after two operations, radioguided surgery, using a hand-held gamma probe after iv administration of radiolabeled pentetreotide, was performed; this allowed detection and removal of residual multiple mediastinal lymph node metastases. In conclusion, our data show that there is not a single endocrine test or imaging procedure accurate enough to diagnose and localize occult ectopic ACTH-secreting bronchial carcinoids. Radioguided surgery appears to be promising in the presence of multiple tumor foci and previous incomplete removal of the tumor.

Visualization techniques for tongue analysis in traditional Chinese medicine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pham, Binh L.; Cai, Yang

2004-05-01

Visual inspection of the tongue has been an important diagnostic method of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Clinic data have shown significant connections between various viscera cancers and abnormalities in the tongue and the tongue coating. Visual inspection of the tongue is simple and inexpensive, but the current practice in TCM is mainly experience-based and the quality of the visual inspection varies between individuals. The computerized inspection method provides quantitative models to evaluate color, texture and surface features on the tongue. In this paper, we investigate visualization techniques and processes to allow interactive data analysis with the aim to merge computerized measurements with human expert's diagnostic variables based on five-scale diagnostic conditions: Healthy (H), History Cancers (HC), History of Polyps (HP), Polyps (P) and Colon Cancer (C).

Does computerizing paper-and-pencil job attitude scales make a difference? New IRT analyses offer insight.

PubMed

Donovan, M A; Drasgow, F; Probst, T M

2000-04-01

The measurement equivalence of 2 scales of the Job Descriptive Index (JDI; P. C. Smith, L. M. Kendall, & C. L. Hulin, 1969), the Supervisor Satisfaction scale and the Coworker Satisfaction scale, was examined across computerized and paper-and-pencil administrations. In this study, employees in 2 organizations (N = 1,777) were administered paper-and-pencil versions of the scales, and employees in a third organization (N = 509) were administered a computerized version. A newly developed item response theory (IRT) technique for examining differential test functioning (N. S. Raju, W. J. van der Linden, & P. F. Fleer, 1995) was used to examine measurement equivalence across media. Results support the measurement equivalence of the JDI Supervisor and Coworker scales across administration media. The implications of these findings for both practitioners and organizational researchers are discussed.

Lateral parapatellar and subvastus approaches are superior to the medial parapatellar approach in terms of soft tissue perfusion.

PubMed

Koçak, Aykut; Özmeriç, Ahmet; Koca, Gökhan; Senes, Mehmet; Yumuşak, Nihat; Iltar, Serkan; Korkmaz, Meliha; Alemdaroğlu, Kadir Bahadır

2017-08-23

The arthrotomy techniques of knee surgery may cause varying degrees of disruption to the tissue blood supply. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the medial parapatellar (MPPa), midvastus (MVa), subvastus (SVa) and lateral parapatellar (LPPa) approaches on regional tissue perfusion of the knee. In this experimental study, a total of 28 female rabbits were applied with four different arthrotomy techniques as Group MPPa, Group MVa, Group SVa and Group LPPa. The blood supply of the tissue around the knee was examined by scintigraphic imaging including the perfusion reserve and T max , and biochemical alteration of the oxidative stress parameters including malondialdehyde (MDA), fluorescent oxidation products (FlOPs), and histopathological findings were evaluated on tissue samples after 3 weeks. The perfusion reserve was increased in all four groups compared to the healthy, contralateral knees. In the Group LPPa, the vascularity was significantly increased compared to the Group MPPa (p = 0.006). In the examination of biochemical parameters, the increase in MDA levels was statistically significant in the Group MPPa compared with the Group LPPa (p = 0.004), and in the Group MVa compared with the Group LPPa (p = 0.006). The increase in the value of MDA levels was striking in the Group MPPa and Group MVa compared with the control group (p = 0.004, p = 0.004, respectively). The increase in another oxidative stress parameter, the tissue FlOPs levels, was statistically significant in the Group MPPa compared with the control group (p = 0.035). The LPPa and SVa caused less oxidative stress and less disruption of the muscle blood supply, in biochemical and scintigraphic parameters, compared to the MPPa and MVa. Therefore, in clinical practice, the SVa is preferable to the MPPa and MVa in total knee arthroplasty and the LPPa should be preferred more frequently in selected cases with critical soft tissue viability.

The application of compressive sampling in rapid ultrasonic computerized tomography (UCT) technique of steel tube slab (STS)

PubMed Central

Jiang, Baofeng; Jia, Pengjiao; Zhao, Wen; Wang, Wentao

2018-01-01

This paper explores a new method for rapid structural damage inspection of steel tube slab (STS) structures along randomly measured paths based on a combination of compressive sampling (CS) and ultrasonic computerized tomography (UCT). In the measurement stage, using fewer randomly selected paths rather than the whole measurement net is proposed to detect the underlying damage of a concrete-filled steel tube. In the imaging stage, the ℓ1-minimization algorithm is employed to recover the information of the microstructures based on the measurement data related to the internal situation of the STS structure. A numerical concrete tube model, with the various level of damage, was studied to demonstrate the performance of the rapid UCT technique. Real-world concrete-filled steel tubes in the Shenyang Metro stations were detected using the proposed UCT technique in a CS framework. Both the numerical and experimental results show the rapid UCT technique has the capability of damage detection in an STS structure with a high level of accuracy and with fewer required measurements, which is more convenient and efficient than the traditional UCT technique. PMID:29293593

[Magnetic resonance imaging of tibial periostitis].

PubMed

Meyer, X; Boscagli, G; Tavernier, T; Aczel, F; Weber, F; Legros, R; Charlopain, P; Martin, J P

1998-01-01

Tibial periostitis frequently occurs in athletes. We present our experience with MRI in a series of 7 patients (11 legs) with this condition. The clinical presentation and scintigraphic scanning suggested the diagnosis. MRI exploration of 11 legs demonstrated a high band-like juxta-osseous signal enhancement of SE and IR T2 weighted sequences in 6 cases, a signal enhancement after i.v. contrast administration in 4. Tibial periostitis is a clinical diagnosis and MRI and scintigraphic findings can be used to assure the differential diagnosis in difficult cases with stress fracture. MRI can visualize juxta-osseous edematous and inflammatory reactions and an increased signal would appear to be characteristic when the band-like image is fixed to the periosteum.

STRUCTURE-ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIPS--COMPUTERIZED SYSTEMS

EPA Science Inventory

This report discusses some important general strategies and issuesrelative to the application of computational SAR techniques formodeling genotoxicity and carcinogenicity endpoints. roblemsparticular to the SAR modeling of such endpoints pertain to: hecomplexity of the carcinogen...

Computerized Doppler Tomography and Spectrum Analysis of Carotid Artery Flow

PubMed Central

Morton, Paul; Goldman, Dave; Nichols, W. Kirt

1981-01-01

Contrast angiography remains the definitive study in the evaluation of atherosclerotic occlusive vascular disease. However, a safer technique for serial screening of symptomatic patients and for routine follow up is necessary. Computerized pulsed Doppler ultrasonic arteriography is a noninvasive technique developed by Miles6 for imaging lateral, antero-posterior and transverse sections of the carotid artery. We [ill] this system with new software and hardware to analyze the three-dimensional blood flow data. The system now provides information about the location of the occlusive process in the artery and a semi-quantitative evaluation of the degree of obstruction. In addition, we interfaced a digital signal analyzer to the system which permits spectrum analysis of the pulsed Doppler signal. This addition has allowed us to identify lesions which are not yet hemodynamically significant. ImagesFig. 2bFig. 2c

Research on ionospheric tomography based on variable pixel height

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Dunyong; Li, Peiqing; He, Jie; Hu, Wusheng; Li, Chaokui

2016-05-01

A novel ionospheric tomography technique based on variable pixel height was developed for the tomographic reconstruction of the ionospheric electron density distribution. The method considers the height of each pixel as an unknown variable, which is retrieved during the inversion process together with the electron density values. In contrast to conventional computerized ionospheric tomography (CIT), which parameterizes the model with a fixed pixel height, the variable-pixel-height computerized ionospheric tomography (VHCIT) model applies a disturbance to the height of each pixel. In comparison with conventional CIT models, the VHCIT technique achieved superior results in a numerical simulation. A careful validation of the reliability and superiority of VHCIT was performed. According to the results of the statistical analysis of the average root mean square errors, the proposed model offers an improvement by 15% compared with conventional CIT models.

Subjective and quantitative scintigraphic assessment of the equine foot and its relationship with foot pain.

PubMed

Dyson, S J

2002-03-01

It was hypothesised that in solar bone images of the front feet of clinically normal horses, or horses with lameness unrelated to the front feet, there would be less than a 10% difference in the ratio of uptake of radiopharmaceutical in either the region of the navicular bone, or the region of insertion of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), compared to the peripheral regions of the distal phalanx. Nuclear scintigraphic examination of the front feet of 15 Grand Prix show jumping horses, all of which were free from detectable lameness, was performed using dorsal, lateral and solar images. The results were compared with the examinations of 53 horses with primary foot pain, 21 with foot pain accompanying another more severe cause of lameness and 49 with lameness or poor performance unrelated to foot pain. None of the horses with foot pain had radiological changes compatible with navicular disease. All the images were evaluated subjectively. The solar views were assessed quantitatively using regions of interest around the navicular bone, the region of insertion of the deep digital flexor tendon and the toe, medial and lateral aspects of the distal phalanx. In 97% of the feet of normal showjumpers, there was <10% variance of uptake of the radiopharmaceutical in the navicular bone, the region of insertion of the DDFT and the peripheral regions of the distal phalanx. There was a significant difference in uptake of radiopharmaceutical in the region of the navicular bone in horses with foot pain compared to normal horses. There was a large incidence of false positive results related to the region of insertion of the DDFT. Lateral pool phase images appeared more sensitive in identifying potentially important DDFT lesions. There was a good correlation between a positive response to intra-articular analgesia of the distal interphalangeal joint and intrathecal analgesia of the navicular bursa and increased uptake of radiopharmaceutical in the region of the navicular bone in the horses with primary foot pain. It is concluded that quantitative scintigraphic assessment of bone phase images of the foot, in combination with local analgesic techniques, can be helpful in the identification of the potential source of pain causing lameness related to the foot, but false positive results can occur, especially in horses with low heel conformation.

Forest control and regulation ... a comparison of traditional methods and alternatives

Treesearch

LeRoy C. Hennes; Michael J. Irving; Daniel I. Navon

1971-01-01

Two traditional techniques of forest control and regulation-formulas and area-volume check-are compared to linear programing, as used in a new computerized planning system called Timber Resource Allocation Method ( Timber RAM). Inventory data from a National Forest in California illustrate how each technique is used. The traditional methods are simpler to apply and...

Duke Data Bank

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

NASA computerized image processing techniques are an integral part of a cardiovascular data bank at Duke University Medical Center. Developed by Dr. C. F. Starmer and colleagues at Duke, the data bank documents the Center's clinical experience with more than 4,000 heart patients as an aid to diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Data is stored in a computerized system that allows a physician to summon detailed records of former patients whose medical profiles are similar to those of a new patient. A video display (photo) and printed report shows prognostic information for the new patient based on similar past experience.

Mineral & Bone Disorder in Chronic Kidney Disease

MedlinePlus

... stages of CKD. Slowed bone growth leads to short stature, which may remain with a child into adulthood. ... and local anesthetic. The health care provider uses imaging techniques such as ultrasound or a computerized tomography ...

Computerized techniques pave the way for drug-drug interaction prediction and interpretation

PubMed Central

Safdari, Reza; Ferdousi, Reza; Aziziheris, Kamal; Niakan-Kalhori, Sharareh R.; Omidi, Yadollah

2016-01-01

Introduction: Health care industry also patients penalized by medical errors that are inevitable but highly preventable. Vast majority of medical errors are related to adverse drug reactions, while drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are the main cause of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). DDIs and ADRs have mainly been reported by haphazard case studies. Experimental in vivo and in vitro researches also reveals DDI pairs. Laboratory and experimental researches are valuable but also expensive and in some cases researchers may suffer from limitations. Methods: In the current investigation, the latest published works were studied to analyze the trend and pattern of the DDI modelling and the impacts of machine learning methods. Applications of computerized techniques were also investigated for the prediction and interpretation of DDIs. Results: Computerized data-mining in pharmaceutical sciences and related databases provide new key transformative paradigms that can revolutionize the treatment of diseases and hence medical care. Given that various aspects of drug discovery and pharmacotherapy are closely related to the clinical and molecular/biological information, the scientifically sound databases (e.g., DDIs, ADRs) can be of importance for the success of pharmacotherapy modalities. Conclusion: A better understanding of DDIs not only provides a robust means for designing more effective medicines but also grantees patient safety. PMID:27525223

Altered biodistribution of Ga-67 by intramuscular gold salts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moult, R.G.; Bekerman, C.

1989-11-01

The authors observed a deviation from the normal scintigraphic pattern of Ga-67 citrate biodistribution. An 8-year-old black girl with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, who had been treated with intramuscular injections of gold salts, had a Ga-67 study as part of her workup. The study demonstrated no hepatic uptake, but showed elevated skeletal and renal activity. This characteristic biodistribution of Ga-67 may be due to inhibition of lysosomal enzymes by gold and/or to accumulation of gold in lysosomes. To study these possibilities, the authors reviewed the mechanisms of Ga-67 localization and gold metabolism. Alteration of the Ga-67 citrate scintigraphic pattern due tomore » earlier treatment with gold salts has not been reported previously.« less

Computerized traffic data analysis system.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1975-01-01

The techniques of collecting detailed traffic data for a given site are well known. A popular method uses chart recorders in combination with various vehicle sensing devices, such as tape switches, to provide an accurate pictoral display of the traff...

User's Guide for a Computerized Track Maintenance Simulation Cost Methodology

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1982-02-01

This User's Guide describes the simulation cost modeling technique developed for costing of maintenance operations of track and its component structures. The procedure discussed provides for separate maintenance cost entries to be associated with def...

MCAT to XCAT: The Evolution of 4-D Computerized Phantoms for Imaging Research

PubMed Central

Paul Segars, W.; Tsui, Benjamin M. W.

2012-01-01

Recent work in the development of computerized phantoms has focused on the creation of ideal “hybrid” models that seek to combine the realism of a patient-based voxelized phantom with the flexibility of a mathematical or stylized phantom. We have been leading the development of such computerized phantoms for use in medical imaging research. This paper will summarize our developments dating from the original four-dimensional (4-D) Mathematical Cardiac-Torso (MCAT) phantom, a stylized model based on geometric primitives, to the current 4-D extended Cardiac-Torso (XCAT) and Mouse Whole-Body (MOBY) phantoms, hybrid models of the human and laboratory mouse based on state-of-the-art computer graphics techniques. This paper illustrates the evolution of computerized phantoms toward more accurate models of anatomy and physiology. This evolution was catalyzed through the introduction of nonuniform rational b-spline (NURBS) and subdivision (SD) surfaces, tools widely used in computer graphics, as modeling primitives to define a more ideal hybrid phantom. With NURBS and SD surfaces as a basis, we progressed from a simple geometrically based model of the male torso (MCAT) containing only a handful of structures to detailed, whole-body models of the male and female (XCAT) anatomies (at different ages from newborn to adult), each containing more than 9000 structures. The techniques we applied for modeling the human body were similarly used in the creation of the 4-D MOBY phantom, a whole-body model for the mouse designed for small animal imaging research. From our work, we have found the NURBS and SD surface modeling techniques to be an efficient and flexible way to describe the anatomy and physiology for realistic phantoms. Based on imaging data, the surfaces can accurately model the complex organs and structures in the body, providing a level of realism comparable to that of a voxelized phantom. In addition, they are very flexible. Like stylized models, they can easily be manipulated to model anatomical variations and patient motion. With the vast improvement in realism, the phantoms developed in our lab can be combined with accurate models of the imaging process (SPECT, PET, CT, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound) to generate simulated imaging data close to that from actual human or animal subjects. As such, they can provide vital tools to generate predictive imaging data from many different subjects under various scanning parameters from which to quantitatively evaluate and improve imaging devices and techniques. From the MCAT to XCAT, we will demonstrate how NURBS and SD surface modeling have resulted in a major evolutionary advance in the development of computerized phantoms for imaging research. PMID:26472880

MCAT to XCAT: The Evolution of 4-D Computerized Phantoms for Imaging Research: Computer models that take account of body movements promise to provide evaluation and improvement of medical imaging devices and technology.

PubMed

Paul Segars, W; Tsui, Benjamin M W

2009-12-01

Recent work in the development of computerized phantoms has focused on the creation of ideal "hybrid" models that seek to combine the realism of a patient-based voxelized phantom with the flexibility of a mathematical or stylized phantom. We have been leading the development of such computerized phantoms for use in medical imaging research. This paper will summarize our developments dating from the original four-dimensional (4-D) Mathematical Cardiac-Torso (MCAT) phantom, a stylized model based on geometric primitives, to the current 4-D extended Cardiac-Torso (XCAT) and Mouse Whole-Body (MOBY) phantoms, hybrid models of the human and laboratory mouse based on state-of-the-art computer graphics techniques. This paper illustrates the evolution of computerized phantoms toward more accurate models of anatomy and physiology. This evolution was catalyzed through the introduction of nonuniform rational b-spline (NURBS) and subdivision (SD) surfaces, tools widely used in computer graphics, as modeling primitives to define a more ideal hybrid phantom. With NURBS and SD surfaces as a basis, we progressed from a simple geometrically based model of the male torso (MCAT) containing only a handful of structures to detailed, whole-body models of the male and female (XCAT) anatomies (at different ages from newborn to adult), each containing more than 9000 structures. The techniques we applied for modeling the human body were similarly used in the creation of the 4-D MOBY phantom, a whole-body model for the mouse designed for small animal imaging research. From our work, we have found the NURBS and SD surface modeling techniques to be an efficient and flexible way to describe the anatomy and physiology for realistic phantoms. Based on imaging data, the surfaces can accurately model the complex organs and structures in the body, providing a level of realism comparable to that of a voxelized phantom. In addition, they are very flexible. Like stylized models, they can easily be manipulated to model anatomical variations and patient motion. With the vast improvement in realism, the phantoms developed in our lab can be combined with accurate models of the imaging process (SPECT, PET, CT, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound) to generate simulated imaging data close to that from actual human or animal subjects. As such, they can provide vital tools to generate predictive imaging data from many different subjects under various scanning parameters from which to quantitatively evaluate and improve imaging devices and techniques. From the MCAT to XCAT, we will demonstrate how NURBS and SD surface modeling have resulted in a major evolutionary advance in the development of computerized phantoms for imaging research.

An Examination of Exposure Control and Content Balancing Restrictions on Item Selection in CATs Using the Partial Credit Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davis, Laurie Laughlin; Pastor, Dena A.; Dodd, Barbara G.; Chiang, Claire; Fitzpatrick, Steven J.

2003-01-01

Examined the effectiveness of the Sympson-Hetter technique and rotated content balancing relative to no exposure control and no content rotation conditions in a computerized adaptive testing system based on the partial credit model. Simulation results show the Sympson-Hetter technique can be used with minimal impact on measurement precision,…

A Reproducible Computerized Method for Quantitation of Capillary Density using Nailfold Capillaroscopy.

PubMed

Cheng, Cynthia; Lee, Chadd W; Daskalakis, Constantine

2015-10-27

Capillaroscopy is a non-invasive, efficient, relatively inexpensive and easy to learn methodology for directly visualizing the microcirculation. The capillaroscopy technique can provide insight into a patient's microvascular health, leading to a variety of potentially valuable dermatologic, ophthalmologic, rheumatologic and cardiovascular clinical applications. In addition, tumor growth may be dependent on angiogenesis, which can be quantitated by measuring microvessel density within the tumor. However, there is currently little to no standardization of techniques, and only one publication to date reports the reliability of a currently available, complex computer based algorithms for quantitating capillaroscopy data.(1) This paper describes a new, simpler, reliable, standardized capillary counting algorithm for quantitating nailfold capillaroscopy data. A simple, reproducible computerized capillaroscopy algorithm such as this would facilitate more widespread use of the technique among researchers and clinicians. Many researchers currently analyze capillaroscopy images by hand, promoting user fatigue and subjectivity of the results. This paper describes a novel, easy-to-use automated image processing algorithm in addition to a reproducible, semi-automated counting algorithm. This algorithm enables analysis of images in minutes while reducing subjectivity; only a minimal amount of training time (in our experience, less than 1 hr) is needed to learn the technique.

A Reproducible Computerized Method for Quantitation of Capillary Density using Nailfold Capillaroscopy

PubMed Central

Daskalakis, Constantine

2015-01-01

Capillaroscopy is a non-invasive, efficient, relatively inexpensive and easy to learn methodology for directly visualizing the microcirculation. The capillaroscopy technique can provide insight into a patient’s microvascular health, leading to a variety of potentially valuable dermatologic, ophthalmologic, rheumatologic and cardiovascular clinical applications. In addition, tumor growth may be dependent on angiogenesis, which can be quantitated by measuring microvessel density within the tumor. However, there is currently little to no standardization of techniques, and only one publication to date reports the reliability of a currently available, complex computer based algorithms for quantitating capillaroscopy data.1 This paper describes a new, simpler, reliable, standardized capillary counting algorithm for quantitating nailfold capillaroscopy data. A simple, reproducible computerized capillaroscopy algorithm such as this would facilitate more widespread use of the technique among researchers and clinicians. Many researchers currently analyze capillaroscopy images by hand, promoting user fatigue and subjectivity of the results. This paper describes a novel, easy-to-use automated image processing algorithm in addition to a reproducible, semi-automated counting algorithm. This algorithm enables analysis of images in minutes while reducing subjectivity; only a minimal amount of training time (in our experience, less than 1 hr) is needed to learn the technique. PMID:26554744

Developing an evidence base of best practices for integrating computerized systems into the exam room: a systematic review.

PubMed

Patel, Minal R; Vichich, Jennifer; Lang, Ian; Lin, Jessica; Zheng, Kai

2017-04-01

The introduction of health information technology systems, electronic health records in particular, is changing the nature of how clinicians interact with patients. Lack of knowledge remains on how best to integrate such systems in the exam room. The purpose of this systematic review was to (1) distill "best" behavioral and communication practices recommended in the literature for clinicians when interacting with patients in the presence of computerized systems during a clinical encounter, (2) weigh the evidence of each recommendation, and (3) rank evidence-based recommendations for electronic health record communication training initiatives for clinicians. We conducted a literature search of 6 databases, resulting in 52 articles included in the analysis. We extracted information such as study setting, research design, sample, findings, and implications. Recommendations were distilled based on consistent support for behavioral and communication practices across studies. Eight behavioral and communication practices received strong support of evidence in the literature and included specific aspects of using computerized systems to facilitate conversation and transparency in the exam room, such as spatial (re)organization of the exam room, maintaining nonverbal communication, and specific techniques that integrate the computerized system into the visit and engage the patient. Four practices, although patient-centered, have received insufficient evidence to date. We developed an evidence base of best practices for clinicians to maintain patient-centered communications in the presence of computerized systems in the exam room. Further work includes development and empirical evaluation of evidence-based guidelines to better integrate computerized systems into clinical care. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Medical Informatics Association. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

Multi-Modal Nano-Probes for Radionuclide and 5-color Near Infrared Optical Lymphatic Imaging

PubMed Central

Kobayashi, Hisataka; Koyama, Yoshinori; Barrett, Tristan; Hama, Yukihiro; Regino, Celeste A. S.; Shin, In Soo; Jang, Beom-Su; Le, Nhat; Paik, Chang H.; Choyke, Peter L.; Urano, Yasuteru

2008-01-01

Current contrast agents generally have one function and can only be imaged in monochrome, therefore, the majority of imaging methods can only impart uniparametric information. A single nano-particle has the potential to be loaded with multiple payloads. Such multi-modality probes have the ability to be imaged by more than one imaging technique, which could compensate for the weakness or even combine the advantages of each individual modality. Furthermore, optical imaging using different optical probes enables us to achieve multi-color in vivo imaging, wherein multiple parameters can be read from a single image. To allow differentiation of multiple optical signals in vivo, each probe should have a close but different near infrared emission. To this end, we synthesized nano-probes with multi-modal and multi-color potential, which employed a polyamidoamine dendrimer platform linked to both radionuclides and optical probes, permitting dual-modality scintigraphic and 5-color near infrared optical lymphatic imaging using a multiple excitation spectrally-resolved fluorescence imaging technique. PMID:19079788

Multimodal nanoprobes for radionuclide and five-color near-infrared optical lymphatic imaging.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Hisataka; Koyama, Yoshinori; Barrett, Tristan; Hama, Yukihiro; Regino, Celeste A S; Shin, In Soo; Jang, Beom-Su; Le, Nhat; Paik, Chang H; Choyke, Peter L; Urano, Yasuteru

2007-11-01

Current contrast agents generally have one function and can only be imaged in monochrome; therefore, the majority of imaging methods can only impart uniparametric information. A single nanoparticle has the potential to be loaded with multiple payloads. Such multimodality probes have the ability to be imaged by more than one imaging technique, which could compensate for the weakness or even combine the advantages of each individual modality. Furthermore, optical imaging using different optical probes enables us to achieve multicolor in vivo imaging, wherein multiple parameters can be read from a single image. To allow differentiation of multiple optical signals in vivo, each probe should have a close but different near-infrared emission. To this end, we synthesized nanoprobes with multimodal and multicolor potential, which employed a polyamidoamine dendrimer platform linked to both radionuclides and optical probes, permitting dual-modality scintigraphic and five-color near-infrared optical lymphatic imaging using a multiple-excitation spectrally resolved fluorescence imaging technique.

Computer Analysis of Eye Blood-Vessel Images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wall, R. J.; White, B. S.

1984-01-01

Technique rapidly diagnoses diabetes mellitus. Photographs of "whites" of patients' eyes scanned by computerized image analyzer programmed to quantify density of small blood vessels in conjuctiva. Comparison with data base of known normal and diabetic patients facilitates rapid diagnosis.

A Nondeterministic Resource Planning Model in Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yoda, Koji

1977-01-01

Discusses a simple technique for stochastic resource planning that, when computerized, can assist educational managers in the process of quantifying the future uncertainty, thereby, helping them make better decisions. The example used is a school lunch program. (Author/IRT)

Scintigraphic calf perfusion symmetry after exercise and prediction of cardiovascular events: One stone to kill two birds?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tellier, Philippe; Lecouffe, Pascal; Zureik, Mahmoud

2007-02-01

BackgroundPeripheral arterial disease (PAD) is commonly associated with a high cardiovascular mortality and morbidity as a marker of plurifocal atherosclerosis. Whether exercise thallium perfusion muscular asymmetry in the legs associated with PAD has prognostic value is unknown. Such a hypothesis was evaluated in a prospective study which remains the gold standard in clinical research. Methods and resultsScintigraphic calf perfusion symmetry after exercise (SCPSE) was measured at the end of a maximal or symptom-limited treadmill exercise test in 358 patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). During the follow-up period (mean 85.3±32.8 months), 93 cardiovascular events and deaths (incident cases) occurred. Among those incident cases, the percentage of subjects with higher SCPSE values (third tertile) was 45.2%, versus 29.1% in controls (lower tertiles) ( p=0.005). In stepwise multivariate analysis performed with the Cox proportional hazards model, previous CAD and SCPSE were the only significant independent predictors of prognosis. The multivariate relative risk of cardiovascular death or event in subjects with higher values of SCPSE was 1.94 (95% CI: 1.15-3.21; p<0.01). ConclusionsScintigraphic calf perfusion asymmetry after exercise was independently associated with incident cardiovascular events in high-risk subjects. This index, which is easily and quickly calculated, could be used for evaluation of cardiovascular risk.

Three-phase bone scan and indium white blood cell scintigraphy following porous coated hip arthroplasty: A prospective study of the prosthetic tip

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oswald, S.G.; Van Nostrand, D.; Savory, C.G.

1989-08-01

Although few reports address the use of three-phase bone scanning (TPBS) and {sup 111}In-labeled white blood cell (In-WBC) scintigraphy in hip arthroplasty utilizing a porous coated prosthesis, the literature suggests that scintigraphic patterns in the uncomplicated patient may differ from that seen in the cemented prosthesis. In an attempt to determine the scintigraphic natural history, 25 uncomplicated porous coated hip arthroplasties in 21 patients were prospectively studied with serial TPBS and In-WBC at approximately 7 days, and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 mo postoperatively. This report deals with findings related to the prosthetic tip. Only one of 136more » flow studies were abnormal and only two of 136 blood-pool images demonstrated focally increased activity. All 25 prostheses (120 of 143 scans) demonstrated increased uptake on the bone phase images. The area about the tip was divided into three segments; increased uptake at 24 mo was noted in the medial, distal, and lateral segments in 16%, 72%, and 56% of prostheses, respectively. Twenty of 25 prostheses (82 of 142 scans) showed uptake on In-WBC scintigraphy, being noted in 48% of prostheses at 24 mo. We conclude that scintigraphic patterns in the uncomplicated patient with a porous coated prosthesis appear to differ from patterns described in cemented prostheses.« less

Nationwide forestry applications program. Analysis of forest classification accuracy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Congalton, R. G.; Mead, R. A.; Oderwald, R. G.; Heinen, J. (Principal Investigator)

1981-01-01

The development of LANDSAT classification accuracy assessment techniques, and of a computerized system for assessing wildlife habitat from land cover maps are considered. A literature review on accuracy assessment techniques and an explanation for the techniques development under both projects are included along with listings of the computer programs. The presentations and discussions at the National Working Conference on LANDSAT Classification Accuracy are summarized. Two symposium papers which were published on the results of this project are appended.

Control systems for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Haines, R.W.

1977-01-01

Hundreds of ideas for designing and controlling sophisticated heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are presented. Information is included on enthalpy control, energy conservation in HVAC systems, on solar heating, cooling and refrigeration systems, and on a self-draining water collector and heater. Computerized control systems and the economics of supervisory systems are discussed. Information is presented on computer system components, software, relevant terminology, and computerized security and fire reporting systems. Benefits of computer systems are explained, along with optimization techniques, data management, maintenance schedules, and energy consumption. A bibliography, glossaries of HVAC terminology, abbreviations, symbols, and a subject indexmore » are provided. (LCL)« less

Design techniques for developing a computerized instrumentation test plan. [for wind tunnel test data acquisition system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burnett, S. Kay; Forsyth, Theodore J.; Maynard, Everett E.

1987-01-01

The development of a computerized instrumentation test plan (ITP) for the NASA/Ames Research Center National Full Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC) is discussed. The objective of the ITP program was to aid the instrumentation engineer in documenting the configuration and calibration of data acquisition systems for a given test at any of four low speed wind tunnel facilities (Outdoor Aerodynamic Research Facility, 7 x 10, 40 x 80, and 80 x 120) at the NFAC. It is noted that automation of the ITP has decreased errors, engineering hours, and setup time while adding a higher level of consistency and traceability.

Emission computerized axial tomography from multiple gamma-camera views using frequency filtering.

PubMed

Pelletier, J L; Milan, C; Touzery, C; Coitoux, P; Gailliard, P; Budinger, T F

1980-01-01

Emission computerized axial tomography is achievable in any nuclear medicine department from multiple gamma camera views. Data are collected by rotating the patient in front of the camera. A simple fast algorithm is implemented, known as the convolution technique: first the projection data are Fourier transformed and then an original filter designed for optimizing resolution and noise suppression is applied; finally the inverse transform of the latter operation is back-projected. This program, which can also take into account the attenuation for single photon events, was executed with good results on phantoms and patients. We think that it can be easily implemented for specific diagnostic problems.

In Vivo Defection of Thrombi with Indium-111-Labeled Platelets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Price, David C.; Lipton, Martin J.; Lusby, Robert J.; Engelstad, Barry L.; Stoney, Ronald J.; Prager, Robert J.; Hartmeyer, James A.; Holly, Anne S.

1982-06-01

The use of Indium-111-oxine labeled autologous platelets has been explored in a dog-catheter model, as well as in a variety of clinical disorders in man. Newly forming experimental thrombi in dogs label well during the first 45-90 minutes, then lose both label and thrombus mass in a manner consistent with fibrinolysis. Thrombus weight is linearly related to In-111 activity, so that in vivo scintigraphy will be a practical method to evaluate various thrombotic stimuli and anti-thrombotic interventions experimentally. Preformed thrombus, however, labels poorly and cannot be detected by imaging in this dog model. Initial clinical experience with a variety of arterial, venous and cardiac thrombotic states is reviewed, indicating some of the strengths and same of the potential weaknesses of this new scintigraphic technique.

Spring Small Grains Area Estimation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palmer, W. F.; Mohler, R. J.

1986-01-01

SSG3 automatically estimates acreage of spring small grains from Landsat data. Report describes development and testing of a computerized technique for using Landsat multispectral scanner (MSS) data to estimate acreage of spring small grains (wheat, barley, and oats). Application of technique to analysis of four years of data from United States and Canada yielded estimates of accuracy comparable to those obtained through procedures that rely on trained analysis.

Computed Tomography Status

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Hansche, B. D.

1983-01-01

Computed tomography (CT) is a relatively new radiographic technique which has become widely used in the medical field, where it is better known as computerized axial tomographic (CAT) scanning. This technique is also being adopted by the industrial radiographic community, although the greater range of densities, variation in samples sizes, plus possible requirement for finer resolution make it difficult to duplicate the excellent results that the medical scanners have achieved.

Radiocolloid liver imaging in tuberculous hepatitis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Essop, A.R.; Posen, J.A.; Savitch, I.

1984-02-01

Twenty of 22 patients with tuberculous hepatitis had abnormal Tc-99m tin colloid liver scans. However, in the majority of the patients the changes were mild and nonspecific. The most frequent scintigraphic picture was a decreased uptake of the radiocolloid by the liver, with shunting to the spleen and bone marrow. The decreased hepatic uptake was usually mildly heterogeneous, but it was sometimes homogeneous, and in five patients obvious defects were present. The liver was enlarged in six patients and the spleen in six patients. Increased extrahepatic uptake of the radiocolloid was the only abnormality in five patients. The severity ofmore » the scintigraphic changes did not correlate with the following histologic findings: number of granulomas, degree of associated fibrosis, degree of hepatocyte swelling, or extent of fatty change.« less

A cognitive task analysis of information management strategies in a computerized provider order entry environment.

PubMed

Weir, Charlene R; Nebeker, Jonathan J R; Hicken, Bret L; Campo, Rebecca; Drews, Frank; Lebar, Beth

2007-01-01

Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) with electronic documentation, and computerized decision support dramatically changes the information environment of the practicing clinician. Prior work patterns based on paper, verbal exchange, and manual methods are replaced with automated, computerized, and potentially less flexible systems. The objective of this study is to explore the information management strategies that clinicians use in the process of adapting to a CPOE system using cognitive task analysis techniques. Observation and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 88 primary-care clinicians at 10 Veterans Administration Medical Centers. Interviews were taped, transcribed, and extensively analyzed to identify key information management goals, strategies, and tasks. Tasks were aggregated into groups, common components across tasks were clarified, and underlying goals and strategies identified. Nearly half of the identified tasks were not fully supported by the available technology. Six core components of tasks were identified. Four meta-cognitive information management goals emerged: 1) Relevance Screening; 2) Ensuring Accuracy; 3) Minimizing memory load; and 4) Negotiating Responsibility. Strategies used to support these goals are presented. Users develop a wide array of information management strategies that allow them to successfully adapt to new technology. Supporting the ability of users to develop adaptive strategies to support meta-cognitive goals is a key component of a successful system.

Pain assessment by children and adolescents during intraosseous anaesthesia using a computerized system (QuickSleeper).

PubMed

Sixou, Jean-Louis; Marie-Cousin, Alexia; Huet, Adeline; Hingant, Bernard; Robert, Jean-Claude

2009-09-01

Intraosseous (IO) anaesthesia has been shown to be effective in children. However, the pain associated with anaesthetic injections, and its acceptance by children, have never been studied. The aim of this study was to assess the pain associated with the IO injection of 4% articaine with 1 : 200 000 epinephrine using the computerized QuickSleeper' system in a population of children and adolescents. IO anaesthesia was performed on patients aged 10.4 +/- 2.6 years of age. The patients assessed their pain on a faces pain scale (FPS) and on a visual analogue scale (VAS). The operators were also asked to assess signs of patient pain/discomfort. No pain or mild discomfort was reported by, respectively, 81.8% (FPS) and 83.9% (VAS) of the patients. Some 58.9% of children with previous experience of dental anaesthesia reported that computerized IO anaesthesia was more comfortable than traditional infiltration methods. Operators noted signs of discomfort during penetration and injection in 18.3% and 25.3% of the patients, respectively. This study showed that the majority of children reported no pain or mild pain when anaesthetic was administered by computerized needle rotation and solution deposition. This technique holds promise for use by trained paediatric dentists.

Digital enhancement of computerized axial tomograms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, E., Jr.

1978-01-01

A systematic evaluation was conducted of certain digital image enhancement techniques performed in image space. Three types of images were used, computer generated phantoms, tomograms of a synthetic phantom, and axial tomograms of human anatomy containing images of lesions, artificially introduced into the tomograms. Several types of smoothing, sharpening, and histogram modification were explored. It was concluded that the most useful enhancement techniques are a selective smoothing of singular picture elements, combined with contrast manipulation. The most useful tool in applying these techniques is the gray-scale histogram.

Detection of bacterial infection by a technetium-99m-labeled peptidoglycan aptamer.

PubMed

Ferreira, Iêda Mendes; de Sousa Lacerda, Camila Maria; Dos Santos, Sara Roberta; de Barros, André Luís Branco; Fernandes, Simone Odília; Cardoso, Valbert Nascimento; de Andrade, Antero Silva Ribeiro

2017-09-01

Nuclear medicine clinicians are still waiting for the optimal scintigraphic imaging agents capable of distinguishing between infection and inflammation, and between fungal and bacterial infections. Aptamers have several properties that make them suitable for molecular imaging. In the present study, a peptidoglycan aptamer (Antibac1) was labeled with 99m Tc and evaluated by biodistribution studies and scintigraphic imaging in infection-bearing mice. Labeling with 99m Tc was performed by the direct method and the complex stability was evaluated in saline, plasma and in the molar excess of cysteine. The biodistribution and scintigraphic imaging studies with the 99m Tc-Antibac1 were carried out in two different experimental infection models: Bacterial-infected mice (S. aureus) and fungal-infected mice (C. albicans). A 99m Tc radiolabeled library, consisting of oligonucleotides with random sequences, was used as a control for both models. Radiolabeling yields were superior to 90% and 99m Tc-Antibac1 was highly stable in presence of saline, plasma, and cysteine up to 6h. Scintigraphic images of S. aureus infected mice at 1.5 and 3.0h after 99m Tc-Antibac1 injection showed target to non-target ratios of 4.7±0.9 and 4.6±0.1, respectively. These values were statistically higher than those achieved for the 99m Tc-library at the same time frames (1.6±0.4 and 1.7±0.4, respectively). Noteworthy, 99m Tc-Antibac1 and 99m Tc-library showed similar low target to non-target ratios in the fungal-infected model: 2.0±0.3 and 2.0±0.6for 99m Tc-Antibac1 and 2.1±0.3 and 1.9 ± 0.6 for 99m Tc-library, at the same times. These findings suggest that the 99m Tc-Antibac1 is a feasible imaging probe to identify a bacterial infection focus. In addition, this radiolabeled aptamer seems to be suitable in distinguishing between bacterial and fungal infection. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Causes of appearance of scintigraphic hot areas on thyroid scintigraphy analyzed with clinical features and comparative ultrasonographic findings.

PubMed

Iwata, Masahiro; Kasagi, Kanji; Hatabu, Hiroto; Misaki, Takashi; Iida, Yasuhiro; Fujita, Toru; Konishi, Junji

2002-06-01

This study was done retrospectively to analyze the ultrasonographic (US) findings in thyroid scintigraphic hot areas (HA). Three-thousand, eight-hundred and thirty-nine consecutive patients who underwent 99mTc-pertechnetate (n = 3435) or 123I (n = 457) scintigraphy were analyzed. HA were regarded as present when the tracer concentration was greater than the remaining thyroid tissue, or when hemilobar uptake was observed. High-resolution US examinations were performed with a real-time electronic linear scanner with a 7.5 or 10 MHz transducer. One hundred and four (2.7%) were found to be scintigraphic HA (n = 120). US revealed a nodular lesion or well-demarcated thyroid tissue corresponding to the HA in 94 areas (78.4%, Category 1), an ill-defined region with different echogenicity in 13 areas (10.8%, Category 2), and no correlating lesion in 13 areas (10.8%, Category 3). These 104 patients included 43 with adenomatous goiter (59 areas), 33 with adenoma, 11 with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, 5 with primary thyroid cancer, 4 with euthyroid ophthalmic Graves' disease (EOG), 3 with hemilobar atrophy or hypogenesis, 2 with hemilobar agenesis, 2 with hypothyroidism with blocking-type TSH-receptor antibodies (TSHRAb), I with acute suppurative thyroiditis. Among the 59 adenomatous nodules and 33 adenomas, 51 (86.4%) and 32 (97.0%), respectively, belonged to Category 1. A solitary toxic nodule was significantly larger and occurs more often in older patients than in younger patients. On the other hand, all 17 patients with known autoimmune thyroid diseases including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, EOG and hypothyroidism with blocking TSHRAb belonged to Category 2 or 3. Possible underlying mechanisms are 1) hyperfunctioning tumors or nodules, 2) localized functioning thyroid tissue freed from autoimmune destruction, inflammation or tumor invasion, 3) congenital abnormality, 4) clusters of hyperactive follicular cells caused by long-term TSH and/or TSHRAb stimulation, 5) asymmetry, etc. Scintigraphic HA are observed in patients with various thyroid diseases and high-resolution US appears to be helpful clinically for the differential diagnosis of the above mentioned disorders.

Scintigraphy at 3 months after single lung transplantation and observations of primary graft dysfunction and lung function.

PubMed

Belmaati, Esther Okeke; Iversen, Martin; Kofoed, Klaus F; Nielsen, Michael B; Mortensen, Jann

2012-06-01

Scintigraphy has been used as a tool to detect dysfunction of the lung before and after transplantation. The aims of this study were to evaluate the development of the ventilation-perfusion relationships in single lung transplant recipients in the first year, at 3 months after transplantation, and to investigate whether scintigraphic findings at 3 months were predictive for the outcome at 12 months in relation to primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and lung function. A retrospective study was carried out on all patients who prospectively and consecutively were referred for a routine lung scintigraphy procedure 3 months after single lung transplantation (SLTX). A total of 41 patients were included in the study: 20 women and 21 men with the age span of patients at transplantation being 38-66 years (mean ± SD: 54.2 ± 6.0). Patient records also included lung function tests and chest X-ray images. We found no significant correlation between lung function distribution at 3 months and PGD at 72 h. There was also no significant correlation between PGD scores at 72 h and lung function at 6 and 12 months. The same applied to scintigraphic scores for heterogeneity at 3 months compared with lung function at 6 and 12 months. Fifty-five percent of all patients had decreased ventilation function measured in the period from 6 to 12 months. Forty-nine percent of the patients had normal perfusion evaluations, and 51% had abnormal perfusion evaluations at 3 months. For ventilation evaluations, 72% were normal and 28% were abnormal. There was a significant difference in the normal versus abnormal perfusion and ventilation scintigraphic images evaluated from the same patients. Ventilation was distributed more homogenously in the transplanted lung than perfusion in the same lung. The relative distribution of perfusion and ventilation to the transplanted lung of patients with and without a primary diagnosis of fibrosis did not differ significantly from each other. We conclude that PGD defined at 72 h does not lead to recognizable changes in ventilation-perfusion scintigrapy at 3 months, and scintigraphic findings do not correlate with development in lung function in the first 12 months.

The Role of Salivary Gland Scintigraphy in the Evaluation of Salivary Gland Dysfunction in Uncontrolled Type II Diabetic Patients.

PubMed

Senthilkumar, B; Sathasivasubramanian, S

2013-09-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the salivary gland dysfunction in patients with uncontrolled type II diabetes using salivary gland scintigraphy and then to compare these ratios with quantitative whole salivary secretion rates. Using a gamma camera (siemens-diacam) equipped with a low energy all-purpose collimator, 32 uncontrolled type II diabetic patients and 30 normal healthy patients were studied by injecting a radio isotope (technetium 99m pertechnetate) about 5 mCi was injected intravenously in to anticubital vein and the activity was measured for the 1(st), 20(th) and 40(th) min. At 20 min after injection, vitamin C chewable tablet was given to stimulate the secretion and continued until the end of the study period (40 min). Before scintigraphy, salivary sampling was carried out in both diabetic and normal individuals in a quiet room, saliva was allowed to accumulate and was expectorated into the collecting vessel approximately once a minute for 15 min and the volume was recorded as Unstimulated salivary flow rate and after 5 min break vitamin C chewable tablet was given to stimulate the secretion and the patient was asked to expectorate the saliva in the collecting vessel for 5 min. The expectorated volume was recorded as stimulated salivary flow rate. The mean of the measurements of scintigraphic ratio and salivary secretion rates were compared using the paired Student's t-test. The scintigraphic mean uptake and excretory ratio (ER) and the salivary flow rates were correlated. The result shows that there was a significant correlation between salivary flow rate and scintigraphic uptake and ER. However, statistically significant result could not be derived as it may be due to smaller sample size and marginal difference in the scintigraphic values between the groups. Salivary gland scintigraphy plays a significant role in the evaluation of salivary gland dysfunction. However, its role as an independent investigative procedure in the evaluation of salivary gland dysfunction requires a study with a larger sample size, may yield a statistical significant result and it can also act as an adjunct along with salivary flow rate procedure.

Semi-quantitative analysis of salivary gland scintigraphy in Sjögren's syndrome diagnosis: a first-line tool.

PubMed

Angusti, Tiziana; Pilati, Emanuela; Parente, Antonella; Carignola, Renato; Manfredi, Matteo; Cauda, Simona; Pizzigati, Elena; Dubreuil, Julien; Giammarile, Francesco; Podio, Valerio; Skanjeti, Andrea

2017-09-01

The aim of this study was the assessment of semi-quantified salivary gland dynamic scintigraphy (SGdS) parameters independently and in an integrated way in order to predict primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Forty-six consecutive patients (41 females; age 61 ± 11 years) with sicca syndrome were studied by SGdS after injection of 200 MBq of pertechnetate. In sixteen patients, pSS was diagnosed, according to American-European Consensus Group criteria (AECGc). Semi-quantitative parameters (uptake (UP) and excretion fraction (EF)) were obtained for each gland. ROC curves were used to determine the best cut-off value. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to estimate the accuracy of each semi-quantitative analysis. To assess the correlation between scintigraphic results and disease severity, semi-quantitative parameters were plotted versus Sjögren's syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI). A nomogram was built to perform an integrated evaluation of all the scintigraphic semi-quantitative data. Both UP and EF of salivary glands were significantly lower in pSS patients compared to those in non-pSS (p < 0.001). ROC curve showed significantly large AUC for both the parameters (p < 0.05). Parotid UP and submandibular EF, assessed by univariated and multivariate logistic regression, showed a significant and independent correlation with pSS diagnosis (p value <0.05). No correlation was found between SGdS semi-quantitative parameters and ESSDAI. The proposed nomogram accuracy was 87%. SGdS is an accurate and reproducible tool for the diagnosis of pSS. ESSDAI was not shown to be correlated with SGdS data. SGdS should be the first-line imaging technique in patients with suspected pSS.

Thermosetting gels with modulated gelation temperature for ophthalmic use: the rheological and gamma scintigraphic studies.

PubMed

Wei, Gang; Xu, Hui; Ding, Ping Tian; Li, San Ming; Zheng, Jun Min

2002-09-18

For ophthalmic drug delivery, Pluronic F127 solutions have a phase transition temperature too low for them to be instilled into the eye at room temperature. Refrigerator storage is usually required to make administration easier, whereas the potential irritation of cold to the sensitive ocular tissues may result in poor topical bioavailability. The purpose of this study is to develop a thermosetting gel with a suitable phase transition temperature by combining Pluronic analogs and to examine the influence of incorporating mucoadhesive polysaccharide, sodium hyaluronate (HA-Na), on the ocular retention of the gel. Dynamic rheological method and single photon emission computing tomography (SPECT) technique were used to ex/in vivo evaluate the thermosetting gels, respectively. An optimized formulation containing 21% F127 and 10% F68 increased the phase transition temperature by 9 degrees C as evaluated by elasticity modulus compared to that of individual 21% F127 solution. Rheological behaviors of the Pluronic solutions showed that the combined Pluronic formulation was free flowing liquid below 25 degrees C and converted to a firm gel under the physiological condition. Furthermore, this formulation possessed the highest viscosity both before and after tear dilution at 35 degrees C. Gamma scintigraphic data demonstrated that the clearance of the thermosetting gel labeled with 99mTc-DTPA was significantly delayed with respect to the phosphate buffered solution, and at least a threefold increase of the corneal residence time was achieved. However, no further improvement in the ocular retention was observed when adding HA-Na into the thermosetting gel due to the substantially decreased gel strength. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science B.V.

Efficacy of 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC scintigraphy in differential diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules.

PubMed

Płachcińska, Anna; Mikołajczak, Renata; Maecke, Helmut; Kozak, Józef; Michalski, Andrzej; Rzeszutek, Katarzyna; Kuśmierek, Jacek

2004-10-01

Fifty consecutive patients with solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN) on chest radiographs were studied scintigraphically after the administration of a somatostatin analog 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC. The activity amounted to 740-925 MBq and a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) technique was applied. Verification of the nodule etiology was based on histology or cytology and bacteriology. As additional criterion for nodule benignity, its stable size in a chest radiograph for at least 3 years was accepted. In 31 patients, malignant etiologies of nodules were found. The diagnoses included: 11 adenocarcinomas, 6 squamous-cell carcinomas, 2 large-cell carcinomas, 6 nonsmall-cell lung cancers (NSCLC) of unspecified, more detailed morphology, 2 small-cell lung cancers (SCLC), 2 typical carcinoids, and 2 metastatic tumors: leiomyosarcoma and malignant melanoma. In 19 patients, the following benign tumors were diagnosed: 6 tuberculomas, 2 other granulomas, 4 hamartomas, 2 nonspecific inflammatory infiltrates, 1 abscess, 1 peripheral carcinoid of morphological characteristics of a benign tumor, 1 ectopic lesion of thyroid tissue, and 2 benign tumors of unspecified etiology, with stable size over 3 and 5 years. Positive scintigraphic results were obtained in 28 of 31 patients (90%) with malignant SPNs; among these there were 26 of 27 (96%) cases of primary pulmonary carcinoma. The remaining 2 false-negative cases included metastatic tumors: liposarcoma and melanoma. Among 19 benign lesions, 15 (79%) did not accumulate the radiopharmaceutical. The remaining 4 tumors visible on scintigrams included: 1 tuberculoma, 1 hamartoma, 1 abscess, and 1 case of nonestablished diagnosis (with stable size over 3 years). In conclusion, scintigraphy with 99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC appears to be an effective procedure for differentiation between malignant and benign SPNs.

Business Management for Independent Schools. Third Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Association of Independent Schools, Boston, MA.

This business management manual discusses school accounting and reporting principles; in particular, financial management, computerization, and records retention techniques. First is described the basic accounting principles, plant funds, endowment funds, operational funds, chart of accounts, and financial states of the school's annual financial…

LSU: The Library Space Utilization Methodology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hall, Richard B.

A computerized research technique for measuring the space utilization of public library facilities provides a behavioral activity and occupancy analysis for library planning purposes. The library space utilization (LSU) methodology demonstrates that significant information about the functional requirements of a library can be measured and…

HOW GOOD ARE MY DATA? INFORMATION QUALITY ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY

EPA Science Inventory

Quality assurance techniques used in software development and hardware maintenance/reliability help to ensure that data in a computerized information management system are maintained well. However, information workers may not know the quality of the data resident in their inf...

COMPUTERIZED RISK AND BIOACCUMULATION SYSTEM (VERSION 1.0)

EPA Science Inventory

CRABS is a combination of a rule-based expert system and more traditional procedural programming techniques. ule-based expert systems attempt to emulate the decision making process of human experts within a clearly defined subject area. xpert systems consist of an "inference engi...

Budget Limits Prompt Humming Hive Togetherness.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dain, Jo Anne

1983-01-01

Describes Truckee Meadows Community College's word processing center, in which students are trained in modern word processing techniques on the same equipment that meets the college's needs for a sophisticated computerized system. Considers equipment, safeguards, advantages, and current and potential uses of the center. (DMM)

A novel computerized surgeon-machine interface for robot-assisted laser phonomicrosurgery.

PubMed

Mattos, Leonardo S; Deshpande, Nikhil; Barresi, Giacinto; Guastini, Luca; Peretti, Giorgio

2014-08-01

To introduce a novel computerized surgical system for improved usability, intuitiveness, accuracy, and controllability in robot-assisted laser phonomicrosurgery. Pilot technology assessment. The novel system was developed involving a newly designed motorized laser micromanipulator, a touch-screen display, and a graphics stylus. The system allows the control of a CO2 laser through interaction between the stylus and the live video of the surgical area. This empowers the stylus with the ability to have actual effect on the surgical site. Surgical enhancements afforded by this system were established through a pilot technology assessment using randomized trials comparing its performance with a state-of-the-art laser microsurgery system. Resident surgeons and medical students were chosen as subjects in performing sets of trajectory-following exercises. Image processing-based techniques were used for an objective performance assessment. A System Usability Scale-based questionnaire was used for the qualitative assessment. The computerized interface demonstrated superiority in usability, accuracy, and controllability over the state-of-the-art system. Significant ease of use and learning experienced by the subjects were demonstrated by the usability score assigned to the two compared interfaces: computerized interface = 83.96% versus state-of-the-art = 68.02%. The objective analysis showed a significant enhancement in accuracy and controllability: computerized interface = 90.02% versus state-of-the-art = 75.59%. The novel system significantly enhances the accuracy, usability, and controllability in laser phonomicrosurgery. The design provides an opportunity to improve the ergonomics and safety of current surgical setups. © 2014 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

The reliability of Cavalier's principle of stereological method in determining volumes of enchondromas using the computerized tomography tools.

PubMed

Acar, Nihat; Karakasli, Ahmet; Karaarslan, Ahmet; Mas, Nermin Ng; Hapa, Onur

2017-01-01

Volumetric measurements of benign tumors enable surgeons to trace volume changes during follow-up periods. For a volumetric measurement technique to be applicable, it should be easy, rapid, and inexpensive and should carry a high interobserver reliability. We aimed to assess the interobserver reliability of a volumetric measurement technique using the Cavalier's principle of stereological methods. The computerized tomography (CT) of 15 patients with a histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of enchondroma with variant tumor sizes and localizations was retrospectively reviewed for interobserver reliability evaluation of the volumetric stereological measurement with the Cavalier's principle, V = t × [((SU) × d) /SL]2 × Σ P. The volumes of the 15 tumors collected by the observers are demonstrated in Table 1. There was no statistical significance between the first and second observers ( p = 0.000 and intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.970) and between the first and third observers ( p = 0.000 and intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.981). No statistical significance was detected between the second and third observers ( p = 0.000 and intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.976). The Cavalier's principle with the stereological technique using the CT scans is an easy, rapid, and inexpensive technique in volumetric evaluation of enchondromas with a trustable interobserver reliability.

3D multimodal cardiac data reconstruction using angiography and computerized tomographic angiography registration.

PubMed

Moosavi Tayebi, Rohollah; Wirza, Rahmita; Sulaiman, Puteri S B; Dimon, Mohd Zamrin; Khalid, Fatimah; Al-Surmi, Aqeel; Mazaheri, Samaneh

2015-04-22

Computerized tomographic angiography (3D data representing the coronary arteries) and X-ray angiography (2D X-ray image sequences providing information about coronary arteries and their stenosis) are standard and popular assessment tools utilized for medical diagnosis of coronary artery diseases. At present, the results of both modalities are individually analyzed by specialists and it is difficult for them to mentally connect the details of these two techniques. The aim of this work is to assist medical diagnosis by providing specialists with the relationship between computerized tomographic angiography and X-ray angiography. In this study, coronary arteries from two modalities are registered in order to create a 3D reconstruction of the stenosis position. The proposed method starts with coronary artery segmentation and labeling for both modalities. Then, stenosis and relevant labeled artery in X-ray angiography image are marked by a specialist. Proper control points for the marked artery in both modalities are automatically detected and normalized. Then, a geometrical transformation function is computed using these control points. Finally, this function is utilized to register the marked artery from the X-ray angiography image on the computerized tomographic angiography and get the 3D position of the stenosis lesion. The result is a 3D informative model consisting of stenosis and coronary arteries' information from the X-ray angiography and computerized tomographic angiography modalities. The results of the proposed method for coronary artery segmentation, labeling and 3D reconstruction are evaluated and validated on the dataset containing both modalities. The advantage of this method is to aid specialists to determine a visual relationship between the correspondent coronary arteries from two modalities and also set up a connection between stenosis points from an X-ray angiography along with their 3D positions on the coronary arteries from computerized tomographic angiography. Moreover, another benefit of this work is that the medical acquisition standards remain unchanged, which means that no calibration in the acquisition devices is required. It can be applied on most computerized tomographic angiography and angiography devices.

Computerized detection of leukocytes in microscopic leukorrhea images.

PubMed

Zhang, Jing; Zhong, Ya; Wang, Xiangzhou; Ni, Guangming; Du, Xiaohui; Liu, Juanxiu; Liu, Lin; Liu, Yong

2017-09-01

Detection of leukocytes is critical for the routine leukorrhea exam, which is widely used in gynecological examinations. An elevated vaginal leukocyte count in women with bacterial vaginosis is a strong predictor of vaginal or cervical infections. In the routine leukorrhea exam, the counting of leukocytes is primarily performed by manual techniques. However, the viewing and counting of leukocytes from multiple high-power viewing fields on a glass slide under a microscope leads to subjectivity, low efficiency, and low accuracy. To date, many biological cells in stool, blood, and breast cancer have been studied to realize computerized detection; however, the detection of leukocytes in microscopic leukorrhea images has not been studied. Thus, there is an increasing need for computerized detection of leukocytes. There are two key processes in the computerized detection of leukocytes in digital image processing. One is segmentation; the other is intelligent classification. In this paper, we propose a combined ensemble to detect leukocytes in the microscopic leukorrhea image. After image segmentation and selecting likely leukocyte subimages, we obtain the leukocyte candidates. Then, for intelligent classification, we adopt two methods: feature extraction and classification by a support vector machine (SVM); applying a modified convolutional neural network (CNN) to the larger subimages. If different methods classify a candidate in the same category, the process is finished. If not, the outputs of the methods are provided to a classifier to further classify the candidate. After acquiring leukocyte candidates, we attempted three methods to perform classification. The first approach using features and SVM achieved 88% sensitivity, 97% specificity, and 92.5% accuracy. The second method using CNN achieved 95% sensitivity, 84% specificity, and 89.5% accuracy. Then, in the combination approach, we achieved 92% sensitivity, 95% specificity, and 93.5% accuracy. Finally, the images with marked and counted leukocytes were obtained. A novel computerized detection system was developed for automated detection of leukocytes in microscopic images. Different methods resulted in comparable overall qualities by enabling computerized detection of leukocytes. The proposed approach further improved the performance. This preliminary study proves the feasibility of computerized detection of leukocytes in clinical use. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Non-Conventional Applications of Computerized Tomography: Analysis of Solid Dosage Forms Produced by Pharmaceutical Industry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Martins de Oliveira, Jose Jr.; Germano Martins, Antonio Cesar

X-ray computed tomography (CT) refers to the cross-sectional imaging of an object measuring the transmitted radiation at different directions. In this work, we describe a non-conventional application of computerized tomography: visualization and improvements in the understanding of some internal structural features of solid dosage forms. A micro-CT X-ray scanner, with a minimum resolution of 30 mum was used to characterize some pharmaceutical tablets, granules, controlled-release osmotic tablet and liquid-filled soft-gelatin capsules. The analysis presented in this work are essentially qualitative, but quantitative parameters, such as porosity, density distribution, tablets dimensions, etc. could also be obtained using the related CT techniques.

Assessment of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (with emphasis on computerized psychometric tests).

PubMed

Kappus, Matthew R; Bajaj, Jasmohan S

2012-02-01

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is associated with a high risk of development of overt hepatic encephalopathy, impaired quality of life, and driving accidents. The detection of MHE requires specialized testing because it cannot, by definition, be diagnosed on standard clinical examination. Psychometric and neurophysiologic techniques are often used to test for MHE. Paper-pencil psychometric batteries and computerized tests have proved useful in diagnosing MHE and predicting its outcomes. Neurophysiologic tests also provide useful information. The diagnosis of MHE is an important issue for clinicians and patients alike. Testing strategies depend on the normative data available, patient comfort, and local expertise. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Paediatric candidates' attitudes to computerized patient management problems in a certifying examination.

PubMed

Fincham, S M; Grace, M; Taylor, W C; Skakun, E N; Davis, F C

1976-09-01

In September 1974 candidates who had taken a computerized patient managment problem examination (CPMP), as part of the certification process in paediatrics required by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, completed a questionnaire designed to elicit their reactions to CPMPs. The results indicated that respondents were favourable to CPMPs, that there was little distraction caused by the equipment, logic or semantics of the problems, and that CPMPs were an acceptable examination technique. It was recommended that, in the future, CPMP examinees be allowed practice time to familiarize themselves with the equipment, that pre-examination instructions should be clarified, and that problems judged inadequate by candidates be revised.

[Clinico-instrumental methods of diagnosing aseptic femur head necrosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus].

PubMed

Tsurko, V V; Ivanova, M M; Sysoev, V F; Pushkova, O V; Badokina, G I

1988-01-01

Clinical, x-ray and scintigraphic investigations were performed in 34 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): 24 patients with SLE complicated by osteonecrosis of the head of the femur (the 1st group) and 10 patients with SLE without clinicoroentgenological signs of aseptic necrosis (the 2nd group). Analysis of the results of scintigraphic investigation showed that the coefficient of radionuclide absorption in the SLE patients with suspected osteonecrosis (stage I) as compared to the controls and patients with stage II osteonecrosis of the head of the femur turned out to be significantly discernible (p less than 0.001). Thus, an early stage of osteonecrosis of the head of the femur can be reliably diagnosed by scintigraphy. Quantitative scintigraphy can be effectively used for dynamic observation and objectification of applied therapy.

Doppler ultrasonographic and scintigraphic assessment of an auxiliary heterotopic liver transplantation with portal vein arterialization in pigs.

PubMed

Fernández-Rodríguez, O M; Ríos, A; Navarro, J L; Pons, J A; Palenciano, C G; Mota, R; Berenguer, J J; Mulero, F; Contreras, J; Conesa, C; Ramírez, P; Fuente, T; Parrilla, P

2006-04-01

Our aim was to evaluate liver graft integrity and function using scintigraphy and ultrasonography in a porcine model of auxiliary heterotopic liver transplantation with portal vein arterialization (AHLT-PVA). Using Doppler ultrasonography we evaluated eight AHLT-PVA by parenchymal echogenicity, portal and arterial anatomy, and portal and biliary system flow. Two types of scintigraphy were performed: microaggregated human albumin colloid scintigraphy and diisopropyl iminodiacetic acid (DISIDA) scintigraphy, both labeled with 99mTc. The animals were distributed into two groups. The first group consisted of three animals with clinical suspicion of graft dysfunction, in which the ultrasonographic study revealed areas of parenchymal destructuring. In the scintigraphic study, heterogenous uptake was observed; there was no uptake in one animal. Necropsy of these three animals revealed areas of graft necrosis. The second group consisted of five animals with good clinical evolutions, in which the ultrasonographic study showed portal dilation, portal flow with arterial spiculations, and homogenous echogenicity of the hepatic parenchyma. The scintigraphic study revealed homogenous uptake by the graft and an elimination speed of the hepatobiliary agent similar to that of the native liver. An heterogenous echostructure of the graft provided a sign of poor prognosis indicating necrosis in the same way as heterogenous uptake or nonuptake of radioisotope upon scintigraphy. Scintigraphy is a good method to evaluate biliary function and bile elimination. In an AHLT-PVA, the main ultrasound findings derived from arterialization were dilation of the portal system and portal flow with arterial spiculations.

123I-BMIPP delayed scintigraphic imaging in patients with chronic heart failure.

PubMed

Kida, Keisuke; Akashi, Yoshihiro J; Yoneyama, Kihei; Shimokawa, Mitsuhiro; Musha, Haruki

2008-11-01

The objective of the present study was to clarify the ability of 123I-beta-methyl-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (123I-BMIPP) to evaluate the heart-to-mediastinum (H/M) ratio and myocardial global washout rate (WR) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The severity of CHF was evaluated on the basis of the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. Twenty patients with CHF (13 with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and 7 with ischemic cardiomyopathy) and 11 age-matched controls underwent myocardial radionuclide imaging. Scintigraphic images were obtained from each participant at the early (30 min following radio-isotope injection) and late (4 h) phases using 123I-BMIPP. The H/M ratio and WR were calculated from planar images. Concentrations of plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured prior to the scintigraphic study. The 123I-BMIPP uptake of early H/M and global WR did not significantly differ among groups, but uptake of delayed H/M was significantly lower in patients with NYHA class III than in controls (control 2.47 +/- 0.39; class III 1.78 +/- 0.28, P < 0.05). The uptake of delayed H/M and global WR correlated with plasma log BNP in all participants (r = -0.38, P < 0.05; 0.43, P < 0.05, respectively). These data suggest that 123I-BMIPP uptake of delayed H/M enhances the image of CHF severity. The myocardial WR of 123I-BMIPP also effectively depicted the severity of CHF.

Advanced prediction technique for the low speed aerodynamics of V/STOL aircraft. Volume 1: Technical discussion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beatty, T. D.; Worthey, M. K.

1984-01-01

The V/STOL Aircraft Propulsive Effects (VAPE) computerized prediction method is evaluated. The program analyzes viscous effects, various jet, inlet, and Short TakeOff and Landing (STOL) models, and examines the aerodynamic configurations of V/STOL aircraft.

Visualizing Practice with Children and Families.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mattaini, Mark A.

1995-01-01

Argues that graphic images and technologies can be of substantial help to social work practitioners for assessment and intervention with children and families. Suggests a range of graphic tools and techniques, including profiles, ecomaps, sequential ecomaps, contingency diagrams, concurrent graphing, and computerized Visual EcoScan. (DR)

Use of joint two-view information for computerized lesion detection on mammograms: improvement of microcalcification detection accuracy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahiner, Berkman; Gurcan, Metin N.; Chan, Heang-Ping; Hadjiiski, Lubomir M.; Petrick, Nicholas; Helvie, Mark A.

2002-05-01

We are developing new techniques to improve the accuracy of computerized microcalcification detection by using the joint two-view information on craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral-oblique (MLO) views. After cluster candidates were detected using a single-view detection technique, candidates on CC and MLO views were paired using their radial distances from the nipple. Object pairs were classified with a joint two-view classifier that used the similarity of objects in a pair. Each cluster candidate was also classified as a true microcalcification cluster or a false-positive (FP) using its single-view features. The outputs of these two classifiers were fused. A data set of 38 pairs of mammograms from our database was used to train the new detection technique. The independent test set consisted of 77 pairs of mammograms from the University of South Florida public database. At a per-film sensitivity of 70%, the FP rates were 0.17 and 0.27 with the fusion and single-view detection methods, respectively. Our results indicate that correspondence of cluster candidates on two different views provides valuable additional information for distinguishing false from true microcalcification clusters.

Application of pattern recognition techniques to crime analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bender, C.F.; Cox, L.A. Jr.; Chappell, G.A.

1976-08-15

The initial goal was to evaluate the capabilities of current pattern recognition techniques when applied to existing computerized crime data. Performance was to be evaluated both in terms of the system's capability to predict crimes and to optimize police manpower allocation. A relation was sought to predict the crime's susceptibility to solution, based on knowledge of the crime type, location, time, etc. The preliminary results of this work are discussed. They indicate that automatic crime analysis involving pattern recognition techniques is feasible, and that efforts to determine optimum variables and techniques are warranted. 47 figures (RWR)

Renal and adrenal tumors: Pathology, radiology, ultrasonography, therapy, immunology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lohr, E.; Leder, L.D.

1987-01-01

Aspects as diverse as radiology, pathology, urology, pediatrics and immunology have been brought together in one book. The most up-do-date methods of tumor diagnosis by CT, NMR, and ultrasound are covered, as are methods of catheter embolization and radiation techniques in case of primarily inoperable tumors. Contents: Pathology of Renal and Adrenal Neoplasms; Ultrasound Diagnosis of Renal and Pararenal Tumors; Computed-Body-Tomography of Renal Carcinoma and Perirenal Masses; Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Renal Mass Lesions; I-125 Embolotherapy of Renal Tumors; Adrenal Mass Lesions in Infants and Children; Computed Tomography of the Adrenal Glands; Scintigraphic Studies of Renal and Adrenal Function; Surgicalmore » Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma; Operative Therapy of Nephroblastoma; Nonoperative Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma; Prenatal Wilms' Tumor; Congenital Neuroblastoma; Nonsurgical Management of Wilms' Tumor; Immunologic Aspects of Malignant Renal Disease.« less

Practicing Algebraic Skills: A Conceptual Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Friedlander, Alex; Arcavi, Abraham

2012-01-01

Traditionally, a considerable part of teaching and learning algebra has focused on routine practice and the application of rules, procedures, and techniques. Although today's computerized environments may have decreased the need to master algebraic skills, procedural competence is still a central component in any mathematical activity. However,…

Interlibrary Lending with Computerized Union Catalogues.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lehmann, Klaus-Dieter

Interlibrary loans in the Federal Republic of Germany are facilitated by applying techniques of data processing and computer output microfilm (COM) to the union catalogs of the national library system. The German library system consists of two national libraries, four central specialized libraries of technology, medicine, agriculture, and…

Recorded Music and Graphic Design.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Osterer, Irv

1998-01-01

Reviews the history of art as an element of music-recording packaging. Describes a project in which students design a jacket for either cassette or CD using a combination of computerized and traditional rendering techniques. Reports that students have been inspired to look into careers in graphic design. (DSK)

Computerized Dead-Space Volume Measurement of Face Masks Applied to Simulated Faces.

PubMed

Amirav, Israel; Luder, Anthony S; Halamish, Asaf; Marzuk, Chatib; Daitzchman, Marcelo; Newhouse, Michael T

2015-09-01

The dead-space volume (VD) of face masks for metered-dose inhaler treatments is particularly important in infants and young children with asthma, who have relatively low tidal volumes. Data about VD have been traditionally obtained from water displacement measurements, in which masks are held against a flat surface. Because, in real life, masks are placed against the face, VD is likely to differ considerably between masks depending upon their contour and fit. The aim of this study was to develop an accurate and reliable way to measure VD electronically and to apply this technique by comparing the electronic VD of commonly available face masks. Average digital faces were obtained from 3-dimensional images of 270 infants and children. Commonly used face masks (small and medium) from various manufacturers (Monaghan Medical, Pari Respiratory Equipment, Philips Respironics, and InspiRx) were scanned and digitized by means of computed tomography. Each mask was electronically applied to its respective digital face, and the VD enclosed (mL) was computerized and precisely measured. VD varied between 22.6 mL (SootherMask, InspiRx) and 43.1 mL (Vortex, Pari) for small masks and between 41.7 mL (SootherMask) and 71.5 mL (AeroChamber, Monaghan Medical) for medium masks. These values were significantly lower and less variable than measurements obtained by water displacement. Computerized techniques provide an innovative and relatively simple way of accurately measuring the VD of face masks applied to digital faces. As determined by computerized measurement using average-size virtual faces, the InspiRx masks had a significantly smaller VD for both small and medium masks compared with the other masks. This is of considerable importance with respect to aerosol dose and delivery time, particularly in young children. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT01274299.). Copyright © 2015 by Daedalus Enterprises.

Elastic fibers in human skin: quantitation of elastic fibers by computerized digital image analyses and determination of elastin by radioimmunoassay of desmosine.

PubMed

Uitto, J; Paul, J L; Brockley, K; Pearce, R H; Clark, J G

1983-10-01

The elastic fibers in the skin and other organs can be affected in several disease processes. In this study, we have developed morphometric techniques that allow accurate quantitation of the elastic fibers in punch biopsy specimens of skin. In this procedure, the elastic fibers, visualized by elastin-specific stains, are examined through a camera unit attached to the microscope. The black and white images sensing various gray levels are then converted to binary images after selecting a threshold with an analog threshold selection device. The binary images are digitized and the data analyzed by a computer program designed to express the properties of the image, thus allowing determination of the volume fraction occupied by the elastic fibers. As an independent measure of the elastic fibers, alternate tissue sections were used for assay of desmosine, an elastin-specific cross-link compound, by a radioimmunoassay. The clinical applicability of the computerized morphometric analyses was tested by examining the elastic fibers in the skin of five patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum or Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome. In the skin of 10 healthy control subjects, the elastic fibers occupied 2.1 +/- 1.1% (mean +/- SD) of the dermis. The volume fractions occupied by the elastic fibers in the lesions of pseudoxanthoma elasticum or Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome were increased as much as 6-fold, whereas the values in the unaffected areas of the skin in the same patients were within normal limits. A significant correlation between the volume fraction of elastic fibers, determined by computerized morphometric analyses, and the concentration of desmosine, quantitated by radioimmunoassay, was noted in the total material. These results demonstrate that computerized morphometric techniques are helpful in characterizing disease processes affecting skin. This methodology should also be applicable to other tissues that contain elastic fibers and that are affected in various heritable and acquired diseases.

SU-E-J-275: Review - Computerized PET/CT Image Analysis in the Evaluation of Tumor Response to Therapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, W; Wang, J; Zhang, H

Purpose: To review the literature in using computerized PET/CT image analysis for the evaluation of tumor response to therapy. Methods: We reviewed and summarized more than 100 papers that used computerized image analysis techniques for the evaluation of tumor response with PET/CT. This review mainly covered four aspects: image registration, tumor segmentation, image feature extraction, and response evaluation. Results: Although rigid image registration is straightforward, it has been shown to achieve good alignment between baseline and evaluation scans. Deformable image registration has been shown to improve the alignment when complex deformable distortions occur due to tumor shrinkage, weight loss ormore » gain, and motion. Many semi-automatic tumor segmentation methods have been developed on PET. A comparative study revealed benefits of high levels of user interaction with simultaneous visualization of CT images and PET gradients. On CT, semi-automatic methods have been developed for only tumors that show marked difference in CT attenuation between the tumor and the surrounding normal tissues. Quite a few multi-modality segmentation methods have been shown to improve accuracy compared to single-modality algorithms. Advanced PET image features considering spatial information, such as tumor volume, tumor shape, total glycolytic volume, histogram distance, and texture features have been found more informative than the traditional SUVmax for the prediction of tumor response. Advanced CT features, including volumetric, attenuation, morphologic, structure, and texture descriptors, have also been found advantage over the traditional RECIST and WHO criteria in certain tumor types. Predictive models based on machine learning technique have been constructed for correlating selected image features to response. These models showed improved performance compared to current methods using cutoff value of a single measurement for tumor response. Conclusion: This review showed that computerized PET/CT image analysis holds great potential to improve the accuracy in evaluation of tumor response. This work was supported in part by the National Cancer Institute Grant R01CA172638.« less

Melanoma Is Skin Deep: A 3D Reconstruction Technique for Computerized Dermoscopic Skin Lesion Classification

PubMed Central

Satheesha, T. Y.; Prasad, M. N. Giri; Dhruve, Kashyap D.

2017-01-01

Melanoma mortality rates are the highest amongst skin cancer patients. Melanoma is life threating when it grows beyond the dermis of the skin. Hence, depth is an important factor to diagnose melanoma. This paper introduces a non-invasive computerized dermoscopy system that considers the estimated depth of skin lesions for diagnosis. A 3-D skin lesion reconstruction technique using the estimated depth obtained from regular dermoscopic images is presented. On basis of the 3-D reconstruction, depth and 3-D shape features are extracted. In addition to 3-D features, regular color, texture, and 2-D shape features are also extracted. Feature extraction is critical to achieve accurate results. Apart from melanoma, in-situ melanoma the proposed system is designed to diagnose basal cell carcinoma, blue nevus, dermatofibroma, haemangioma, seborrhoeic keratosis, and normal mole lesions. For experimental evaluations, the PH2, ISIC: Melanoma Project, and ATLAS dermoscopy data sets is considered. Different feature set combinations is considered and performance is evaluated. Significant performance improvement is reported the post inclusion of estimated depth and 3-D features. The good classification scores of sensitivity = 96%, specificity = 97% on PH2 data set and sensitivity = 98%, specificity = 99% on the ATLAS data set is achieved. Experiments conducted to estimate tumor depth from 3-D lesion reconstruction is presented. Experimental results achieved prove that the proposed computerized dermoscopy system is efficient and can be used to diagnose varied skin lesion dermoscopy images. PMID:28512610

A Cognitive Task Analysis of Information Management Strategies in a Computerized Provider Order Entry Environment

PubMed Central

Weir, Charlene R.; Nebeker, Jonathan J.R.; Hicken, Bret L.; Campo, Rebecca; Drews, Frank; LeBar, Beth

2007-01-01

Objective Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) with electronic documentation, and computerized decision support dramatically changes the information environment of the practicing clinician. Prior work patterns based on paper, verbal exchange, and manual methods are replaced with automated, computerized, and potentially less flexible systems. The objective of this study is to explore the information management strategies that clinicians use in the process of adapting to a CPOE system using cognitive task analysis techniques. Design Observation and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 88 primary-care clinicians at 10 Veterans Administration Medical Centers. Measurements Interviews were taped, transcribed, and extensively analyzed to identify key information management goals, strategies, and tasks. Tasks were aggregated into groups, common components across tasks were clarified, and underlying goals and strategies identified. Results Nearly half of the identified tasks were not fully supported by the available technology. Six core components of tasks were identified. Four meta-cognitive information management goals emerged: 1) Relevance Screening; 2) Ensuring Accuracy; 3) Minimizing memory load; and 4) Negotiating Responsibility. Strategies used to support these goals are presented. Conclusion Users develop a wide array of information management strategies that allow them to successfully adapt to new technology. Supporting the ability of users to develop adaptive strategies to support meta-cognitive goals is a key component of a successful system. PMID:17068345

Digital enhancement of computerized axial tomograms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, E., Jr.

1978-01-01

A systematic evaluation has been conducted of certain digital image enhancement techniques performed in image space. Three types of images have been used, computer generated phantoms, tomograms of a synthetic phantom, and axial tomograms of human anatomy containing images of lesions, artificially introduced into the tomograms. Several types of smoothing, sharpening, and histogram modification have been explored. It has been concluded that the most useful enhancement techniques are a selective smoothing of singular picture elements, combined with contrast manipulation. The most useful tool in applying these techniques is the gray-scale histogram.

State criminal justice telecommunications (STACOM). Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fielding, J. E.; Frewing, H. K.; Lee, J. J.; Leflang, W. G.; Reilly, N. B.

1977-01-01

Techniques for identifying user requirements and network designs for criminal justice networks on a state wide basis are discussed. Topics covered include: methods for determining data required; data collection and survey; data organization procedures, and methods for forecasting network traffic volumes. Developed network design techniques center around a computerized topology program which enables the user to generate least cost network topologies that satisfy network traffic requirements, response time requirements and other specified functional requirements. The developed techniques were applied in Texas and Ohio, and results of these studies are presented.

Neuroimaging in pediatric traumatic head injury: diagnostic considerations and relationships to neurobehavioral outcome.

PubMed

Bigler, E D

1999-08-01

Contemporary neuorimaging techniques in child traumatic brain injury are reviewed, with an emphasis on computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. A brief overview of MR spectroscopy (MRS), functional MR imaging (fMRI), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and magnetoencephalography (MEG) is also provided because these techniques will likely constitute important neuroimaging techniques of the future. Numerous figures are provided to illustrate the multifaceted manner in which traumatic deficits can be imaged and the role of neuroimaging information as it relates to TBI outcome.

A dual-mode generalized likelihood ratio approach to self-reorganizing digital flight control system design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

Analytic techniques have been developed for detecting and identifying abrupt changes in dynamic systems. The GLR technique monitors the output of the Kalman filter and searches for the time that the failure occured, thus allowing it to be sensitive to new data and consequently increasing the chances for fast system recovery following detection of a failure. All failure detections are based on functional redundancy. Performance tests of the F-8 aircraft flight control system and computerized modelling of the technique are presented.

Computerized detection of unruptured aneurysms in MRA images: reduction of false positives using anatomical location features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchiyama, Yoshikazu; Gao, Xin; Hara, Takeshi; Fujita, Hiroshi; Ando, Hiromichi; Yamakawa, Hiroyasu; Asano, Takahiko; Kato, Hiroki; Iwama, Toru; Kanematsu, Masayuki; Hoshi, Hiroaki

2008-03-01

The detection of unruptured aneurysms is a major subject in magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). However, their accurate detection is often difficult because of the overlapping between the aneurysm and the adjacent vessels on maximum intensity projection images. The purpose of this study is to develop a computerized method for the detection of unruptured aneurysms in order to assist radiologists in image interpretation. The vessel regions were first segmented using gray-level thresholding and a region growing technique. The gradient concentration (GC) filter was then employed for the enhancement of the aneurysms. The initial candidates were identified in the GC image using a gray-level threshold. For the elimination of false positives (FPs), we determined shape features and an anatomical location feature. Finally, rule-based schemes and quadratic discriminant analysis were employed along with these features for distinguishing between the aneurysms and the FPs. The sensitivity for the detection of unruptured aneurysms was 90.0% with 1.52 FPs per patient. Our computerized scheme can be useful in assisting the radiologists in the detection of unruptured aneurysms in MRA images.

Assessment of Minimal HE (with emphasis on computerized psychometric tests)

PubMed Central

Kappus, Matthew R; Bajaj, Jasmohan S

2012-01-01

Synopsis Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is associated with a high risk of development of overt hepatic encephalopathy, impaired quality of life and driving accidents. The detection of MHE requires specialized testing since it cannot by definition, be diagnosed on standard clinical examination. Psychometric (paper-pencil or computerized or a combination) and neuro-physiological techniques are often used to test for MHE. Paper-pencil psychometric batteries like the Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES) have been validated in several countries but do not have US normative values. Computerized tests such as the inhibitory control test (ICT), cognitive drug research system and Scan test have proven useful to diagnose MHE and predict outcomes. The specificity and sensitivity of these tests are similar to the recommended gold standards. Neuro-physiological tests such as the EEG and its interpretations, evoked potentials and Critical Flicker Frequency (CFF) also provide useful information. The diagnosis of MHE is an important issue for clinicians and patients alike and the testing strategies depend on the normative data available, patient comfort and local expertise. PMID:22321464

COMPUTERIZED TRAINING OF CRYOSURGERY – A SYSTEM APPROACH

PubMed Central

Keelan, Robert; Yamakawa, Soji; Shimada, Kenji; Rabin, Yoed

2014-01-01

The objective of the current study is to provide the foundation for a computerized training platform for cryosurgery. Consistent with clinical practice, the training process targets the correlation of the frozen region contour with the target region shape, using medical imaging and accepted criteria for clinical success. The current study focuses on system design considerations, including a bioheat transfer model, simulation techniques, optimal cryoprobe layout strategy, and a simulation core framework. Two fundamentally different approaches were considered for the development of a cryosurgery simulator, based on a finite-elements (FE) commercial code (ANSYS) and a proprietary finite-difference (FD) code. Results of this study demonstrate that the FE simulator is superior in terms of geometric modeling, while the FD simulator is superior in terms of runtime. Benchmarking results further indicate that the FD simulator is superior in terms of usage of memory resources, pre-processing, parallel processing, and post-processing. It is envisioned that future integration of a human-interface module and clinical data into the proposed computer framework will make computerized training of cryosurgery a practical reality. PMID:23995400

Hydrologic data-verification management program plan

USGS Publications Warehouse

Alexander, C.W.

1982-01-01

Data verification refers to the performance of quality control on hydrologic data that have been retrieved from the field and are being prepared for dissemination to water-data users. Water-data users now have access to computerized data files containing unpublished, unverified hydrologic data. Therefore, it is necessary to develop techniques and systems whereby the computer can perform some data-verification functions before the data are stored in user-accessible files. Computerized data-verification routines can be developed for this purpose. A single, unified concept describing master data-verification program using multiple special-purpose subroutines, and a screen file containing verification criteria, can probably be adapted to any type and size of computer-processing system. Some traditional manual-verification procedures can be adapted for computerized verification, but new procedures can also be developed that would take advantage of the powerful statistical tools and data-handling procedures available to the computer. Prototype data-verification systems should be developed for all three data-processing environments as soon as possible. The WATSTORE system probably affords the greatest opportunity for long-range research and testing of new verification subroutines. (USGS)

Computerized Television: New Developments in Television Production Techniques.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Metallinos, Nikos

Based on the notion that technological and artistic developments in the area of television production affect viewers' comprehension and appreciation of televised programs, this essay examines the impact of telecommunication advances on the industry. The first section briefly considers the technological advances of the last decade in major TV…

The Effectiveness of Intensive Interaction, A Systematic Literature Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hutchinson, Nick; Bodicoat, Anna

2015-01-01

Background: Intensive Interaction is an approach used for communicating with people with profound and multiple intellectual disabilities [PMID] or autism. It has gained increased recognition as a helpful technique, but the evidence has not been systematically reviewed. Method: Computerized and hand searches of the literature were conducted using…

Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders: A Decade of Progress

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swain, James E.; Scahill, Lawrence; Lombroso, Paul J.; King, Robert A.; Leckman, James F.

2007-01-01

Objective: This is a review of progress made in the understanding of Tourette syndrome (TS) during the past decade including models of pathogenesis, state-of-the-art assessment techniques, and treatment. Method: Computerized literature searches were conducted under the key words "Tourette syndrome," "Tourette disorder," and "tics." Only references…

Pedagogical Strategies for Human and Computer Tutoring.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reiser, Brian J.

The pedagogical strategies of human tutors in problem solving domains are described and the possibility of incorporating these techniques into computerized tutors is examined. GIL (Graphical Instruction in LISP), an intelligent tutoring system for LISP programming, is compared to human tutors teaching the same material in order to identify how the…

Topographic Brain Mapping: A Window on Brain Function?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karniski, Walt M.

1989-01-01

The article reviews the method of topographic mapping of the brain's electrical activity. Multiple electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes and computerized analysis of the EEG signal are used to generate maps of frequency and voltage (evoked potential). This relatively new technique holds promise in the evaluation of children with behavioral and…

Student Modeling and Ab Initio Language Learning.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heift, Trude; Schulze, Mathias

2003-01-01

Provides examples of student modeling techniques that have been employed in computer-assisted language learning over the past decade. Describes two systems for learning German: "German Tutor" and "Geroline." Shows how a student model can support computerized adaptive language testing for diagnostic purposes in a Web-based language learning…

Debriefing after Human Patient Simulation and Nursing Students' Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Benhuri, Gloria

2014-01-01

Human Patient Simulation (HPS) exercises with life-like computerized manikins provide clinical experiences for nursing students in a safe environment followed by debriefing that promotes learning. Quantitative research in techniques to support learning from debriefing is limited. The purpose of the quantitative quasi-experimental study using a…

The Computer "Discredit Bureau": An Extension of a Community Information Utility.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carroll, John M.

The "Discredit" Bureau borrows some of the computerized information-processing techniques adopted by credit-reporting agencies and uses them in the interest of consumers to help them press complaints against suppliers and prospective employers. This is an additional service currently being incorporated into those already afforded by a…

Optical analysis of crystal growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Workman, Gary L.; Passeur, Andrea; Harper, Sabrina

1994-01-01

Processing and data reduction of holographic images from Spacelab presents some interesting challenges in determining the effects of microgravity on crystal growth processes. Evaluation of several processing techniques, including the Computerized Holographic Image Processing System and the image processing software ITEX150, will provide fundamental information for holographic analysis of the space flight data.

New Technologies Extend the Reach of Many College Fund Raisers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nicklin, Julie L.

1992-01-01

Increasingly, colleges are using new technologies, often expensive, to improve fund-raising capacity among small-scale donors. Techniques include computerized screening of prospective donors based on personal information, automatic dialing and phone-bank worker training, and sophisticated direct-mail tactics. Concern about privacy and loss of the…

A Comparison of Item Selection Techniques for Testlets

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Murphy, Daniel L.; Dodd, Barbara G.; Vaughn, Brandon K.

2010-01-01

This study examined the performance of the maximum Fisher's information, the maximum posterior weighted information, and the minimum expected posterior variance methods for selecting items in a computerized adaptive testing system when the items were grouped in testlets. A simulation study compared the efficiency of ability estimation among the…

A Comparison of Online and Traditional Instructional Delivery Methods on Learning in College Macroeconomics Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rivas, Rodolfo R.

2009-01-01

This exploratory study centered its investigation in the participants' responses provided in 2 different instructional teaching delivery methods (traditional and online) that utilized active-like teaching learning techniques (case studies, group projects, threaded discussions, class discussions, office hours, lectures, computerized assignments,…

A biphasic parameter estimation method for quantitative analysis of dynamic renal scintigraphic data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koh, T. S.; Zhang, Jeff L.; Ong, C. K.; Shuter, B.

2006-06-01

Dynamic renal scintigraphy is an established method in nuclear medicine, commonly used for the assessment of renal function. In this paper, a biphasic model fitting method is proposed for simultaneous estimation of both vascular and parenchymal parameters from renal scintigraphic data. These parameters include the renal plasma flow, vascular and parenchymal mean transit times, and the glomerular extraction rate. Monte Carlo simulation was used to evaluate the stability and confidence of the parameter estimates obtained by the proposed biphasic method, before applying the method on actual patient study cases to compare with the conventional fitting approach and other established renal indices. The various parameter estimates obtained using the proposed method were found to be consistent with the respective pathologies of the study cases. The renal plasma flow and extraction rate estimated by the proposed method were in good agreement with those previously obtained using dynamic computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Intraosseous anesthesia with solution injection controlled by a computerized system versus conventional oral anesthesia: a preliminary study.

PubMed

Beneito-Brotons, Rut; Peñarrocha-Oltra, David; Ata-Ali, Javier; Peñarrocha, María

2012-05-01

To compare a computerized intraosseous anesthesia system with the conventional oral anesthesia techniques, and analyze the latency and duration of the anesthetic effect and patient preference. A simple-blind prospective study was made between March 2007 and May 2008. Each patient was subjected to two anesthetic techniques: conventional and intraosseous using the Quicksleeper® system (DHT, Cholet, France). A split-mouth design was adopted in which each patient underwent treatment of a tooth with one of the techniques, and treatment of the homologous contralateral tooth with the other technique. The treatments consisted of restorations, endodontic procedures and simple extractions. The study series comprised 12 females and 18 males with a mean age of 36.8 years. The 30 subjects underwent a total of 60 anesthetic procedures. Intraosseous and conventional oral anesthesia caused discomfort during administration in 46.3% and 32.1% of the patients, respectively. The latency was 7.1±2.23 minutes for the conventional technique and 0.48±0.32 for intraosseous anesthesia--the difference being statistically significant. The depth of the anesthetic effect was sufficient to allow the patients to tolerate the dental treatments. The duration of the anesthetic effect in soft tissues was 199.3 minutes with the conventional technique versus only 1.6 minutes with intraosseous anesthesia--the difference between the two techniques being statistically significant. Most of the patients (69.7%) preferred intraosseous anesthesia. The described intraosseous anesthetic system is effective, with a much shorter latency than the conventional technique, sufficient duration of anesthesia to perform the required dental treatments, and with a much lesser soft tissue anesthetic effect. Most of the patients preferred intraosseous anesthesia.

Intraosseous anesthesia with solution injection controlled by a computerized system versus conventional oral anesthesia: A preliminary study

PubMed Central

Beneito-Brotons, Rut; Peñarrocha-Oltra, David; Ata-Ali, Javier

2012-01-01

Objective: To compare a computerized intraosseous anesthesia system with the conventional oral anesthesia techniques, and analyze the latency and duration of the anesthetic effect and patient preference. Design: A simple-blind prospective study was made between March 2007 and May 2008. Each patient was subjected to two anesthetic techniques: conventional and intraosseous using the Quicksleeper® system (DHT, Cholet, France). A split-mouth design was adopted in which each patient underwent treatment of a tooth with one of the techniques, and treatment of the homologous contralateral tooth with the other technique. The treatments consisted of restorations, endodontic procedures and simple extractions. Results: The study series comprised 12 females and 18 males with a mean age of 36.8 years. The 30 subjects underwent a total of 60 anesthetic procedures. Intraosseous and conventional oral anesthesia caused discomfort during administration in 46.3% and 32.1% of the patients, respectively. The latency was 7.1±2.23 minutes for the conventional technique and 0.48±0.32 for intraosseous anesthesia – the difference being statistically significant. The depth of the anesthetic effect was sufficient to allow the patients to tolerate the dental treatments. The duration of the anesthetic effect in soft tissues was 199.3 minutes with the conventional technique versus only 1.6 minutes with intraosseous anesthesia – the difference between the two techniques being statistically significant. Most of the patients (69.7%) preferred intraosseous anesthesia. Conclusions: The described intraosseous anesthetic system is effective, with a much shorter latency than the conventional technique, sufficient duration of anesthesia to perform the required dental treatments, and with a much lesser soft tissue anesthetic effect. Most of the patients preferred intraosseous anesthesia. Key words:Anesthesia, intraosseous, oral anesthesia, infiltrating, mandibular block, Quicksleeper®. PMID:22143722

A computerized test system for thermal-mechanical fatigue crack growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marchand, N.; Pelloux, R. M.

1986-01-01

A computerized testing system to measure fatigue crack growth under thermal-mechanical fatigue conditions is described. Built around a servohydraulic machine, the system is capable of a push-pull test under stress-controlled or strain-controlled conditions in the temperature range of 25 to 1050 C. Temperature and mechanical strain are independently controlled by the closed-loop system to simulate the complex inservice strain-temperature relationship. A d-c electrical potential method is used to measure crack growth rates. The correction procedure of the potential signal to take into account powerline and RF-induced noises and thermal changes is described. It is shown that the potential drop technique can be used for physical mechanism studies and for modelling crack tip processes.

Study of the areas and thicknesses of mesiobucal root canals prepared by three endodontic techniques.

PubMed

Constante, Isa Geralda Teixeira; Davidowicz, Harry; Barletta, Fernando Branco; de Moura, Abilio Albuquerque Maranhão

2007-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare, in vitro, by means of computerized analysis of digital radiographic images, the anatomic alterations produced in the mandibular molar tooth dentinal walls of mesiobucal canals with severe curvature by three different endodontic techniques: Progressive Preparation, Staged and Serial Preparation. A selection was made of 45 extracted, human, mandibular molars, with root curvatures greater than 25 degrees. They were divided into three groups for every technique studied, which were then sub-divided into three sub-groups in accordance with the position of the curvature along the root: cervical, median or apical. After access surgery and tooth length determination, the canals were filled with 100% Barium Sulphate radiological contrast and the teeth were then radiographed with a direct digital radiography system, using a special apparatus capable of keeping the samples in the same spatial position during the different radiographic takes. After the above-mentioned endodontic techniques had been performed, the teeth were again filled with Barium sulphate and were also radiographed under the same previously mentioned conditions. The pre- and post-operative digital images were then analyzed in two computerized programs, AutoCAD 2004 and CorelDraw 10, to assess, respectively, the areas and the horizontal alterations which occurred in the internal and external walls of the root canals. The results indicated that although no significant differences among the techniques were shown in the statistical analysis, in a descriptive analysis the Progressive Preparation technique was shown to be more regular, uniform and effective.

Screening and Biosensor-Based Approaches for Lung Cancer Detection

PubMed Central

Wang, Lulu

2017-01-01

Early diagnosis of lung cancer helps to reduce the cancer death rate significantly. Over the years, investigators worldwide have extensively investigated many screening modalities for lung cancer detection, including computerized tomography, chest X-ray, positron emission tomography, sputum cytology, magnetic resonance imaging and biopsy. However, these techniques are not suitable for patients with other pathologies. Developing a rapid and sensitive technique for early diagnosis of lung cancer is urgently needed. Biosensor-based techniques have been recently recommended as a rapid and cost-effective tool for early diagnosis of lung tumor markers. This paper reviews the recent development in screening and biosensor-based techniques for early lung cancer detection. PMID:29065541

Nuclear Science Symposium, 27th, and Symposium on Nuclear Power Systems, 12th, Orlando, Fla., November 5-7, 1980, Proceedings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martini, M.

1981-01-01

Advances in instrumentation for use in nuclear-science studies are described. Consideration is given to medical instrumentation, computerized fluoroscopy, environmental instrumentation, data acquisition techniques, semiconductor detectors, microchannel plates and photomultiplier tubes, reactor instrumentation, neutron detectors and proportional counters, and space instrumentation.

Computerized Experiments Using an A/D Converter.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karl, John H.

The indroduction of on-line data collection and data processing techniques into an intermediate physics laboratory is described. Using a minimum configuration PDP-8L and a Digital Equipment AD01 analog to digital converter, an interface is developed with two existing experiments. These are a microwave apparatus used to simulate Bragg diffraction…

Two-Phase Item Selection Procedure for Flexible Content Balancing in CAT

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cheng, Ying; Chang, Hua-Hua; Yi, Qing

2007-01-01

Content balancing is an important issue in the design and implementation of computerized adaptive testing (CAT). Content-balancing techniques that have been applied in fixed content balancing, where the number of items from each content area is fixed, include constrained CAT (CCAT), the modified multinomial model (MMM), modified constrained CAT…

Investigation of a New Intervention for Children with Word-Finding Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Best, Wendy

2005-01-01

Background: Around one-quarter of children attending language support services have difficulty in retrieving words. Therapy studies with such children have shown that both semantic and phonological techniques can improve word finding. A new approach to intervention is described using a computerized aid that converts letters into sound cues. Aims:…

Computerized modeling techniques predict the 3D structure of H₄R: facts and fiction.

PubMed

Zaid, Hilal; Ismael-Shanak, Siba; Michaeli, Amit; Rayan, Anwar

2012-01-01

The functional characterization of proteins presents a daily challenge r biochemical, medical and computational sciences, especially when the structures are undetermined empirically, as in the case of the Histamine H4 Receptor (H₄R). H₄R is a member of the GPCR superfamily that plays a vital role in immune and inflammatory responses. To date, the concept of GPCRs modeling is highlighted in textbooks and pharmaceutical pamphlets, and this group of proteins has been the subject of almost 3500 publications in the scientific literature. The dynamic nature of determining the GPCRs structure was elucidated through elegant and creative modeling methodologies, implemented by many groups around the world. H₄R which belongs to the GPCR family was cloned in 2000; understandably, its biological activity was reported only 65 times in pubmed. Here we attempt to cover the fundamental concepts of H₄R structure modeling and its implementation in drug discovery, especially those that have been experimentally tested and to highlight some ideas that are currently being discussed on the dynamic nature of H₄R and GPCRs computerized techniques for 3D structure modeling.

Congenital hypothyroidism: diagnostic scintigraphic evaluation of an organification defect

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cone, L.; Oates, E.; Vazquez, R.

1988-06-01

Quantitative Tc-99m pertechnetate thyroid imaging was performed on a hypothyroid neonate. The image revealed markedly increased trapping in an enlarged, bilobed, eutopic gland. A perchlorate washout test using quantitative imaging with I-123 confirmed an organification problem.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Monsein, L.H.; Davis, M.

CT scanning, MRI, and ultrasonography are the imaging procedures of choice for the study of rectus sheath hematomas. A rectus sheath hematoma was evaluated scintigraphically after the intravenous administration of Tc-99m labeled RBC, which confirmed the hematoma, demonstrated the sites of bleeding, and revealed continued bleeding.

A computerized symbolic integration technique for development of triangular and quadrilateral composite shallow-shell finite elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, C. M.; Noor, A. K.

1975-01-01

Computerized symbolic integration was used in conjunction with group-theoretic techniques to obtain analytic expressions for the stiffness, geometric stiffness, consistent mass, and consistent load matrices of composite shallow shell structural elements. The elements are shear flexible and have variable curvature. A stiffness (displacement) formulation was used with the fundamental unknowns consisting of both the displacement and rotation components of the reference surface of the shell. The triangular elements have six and ten nodes; the quadrilateral elements have four and eight nodes and can have internal degrees of freedom associated with displacement modes which vanish along the edges of the element (bubble modes). The stiffness, geometric stiffness, consistent mass, and consistent load coefficients are expressed as linear combinations of integrals (over the element domain) whose integrands are products of shape functions and their derivatives. The evaluation of the elemental matrices is divided into two separate problems - determination of the coefficients in the linear combination and evaluation of the integrals. The integrals are performed symbolically by using the symbolic-and-algebraic-manipulation language MACSYMA. The efficiency of using symbolic integration in the element development is demonstrated by comparing the number of floating-point arithmetic operations required in this approach with those required by a commonly used numerical quadrature technique.

An alternative treatment modality in closing bladder exstrophy: use of rectus abdominus muscle flap--preliminary results in a rat model.

PubMed

Büyükünal, S N; Kaner, G; Celayir, S

1989-06-01

The aim of this study was to find a new alternate method for bladder exstrophies with small capacity and inelasticity, and to resolve complications of other bladder augmentation techniques. In 50 Wistar albino rats, a large bladder defect was created excising at least one half of their original bladder, keeping the peritrigonal zone intact. In each rat, a 2.5 x 1-cm inferiorly based rectus abdominus muscle flap was prepared from the lower abdominal quadrant. This flap was then rotated to cover the bladder defect. The inner layer formed by the peritoneum was sutured to the edges of the bladder defect by 6-0 separate sutures. The post-operative radiologic and scintigraphic examination of the urinary system done at different intervals showed no difference from that of normal rats. The only observed disadvantage of this technique was the formation of calculi in the bladder in 8/50 rats in the late post-operative period. Post-mortem histopathologic investigations performed at different intervals showed the inner layer of the flap to be completely covered by the transitional urinary epithelium of the bladder. We think this technique is easy to perform, non-time-consuming, and has a low complication rate. It may be useful in infants with small, noncompliant, inelastic bladder exstrophies.

Demonstration of wetland vegetation mapping in Florida from computer-processed satellite and aircraft multispectral scanner data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Butera, M. K.

1979-01-01

The success of remotely mapping wetland vegetation of the southwestern coast of Florida is examined. A computerized technique to process aircraft and LANDSAT multispectral scanner data into vegetation classification maps was used. The cost effectiveness of this mapping technique was evaluated in terms of user requirements, accuracy, and cost. Results indicate that mangrove communities are classified most cost effectively by the LANDSAT technique, with an accuracy of approximately 87 percent and with a cost of approximately 3 cent per hectare compared to $46.50 per hectare for conventional ground survey methods.

A close-range photogrammetric technique for mapping neotectonic features in trenches

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fairer, G.M.; Whitney, J.W.; Coe, J.A.

1989-01-01

Close-range photogrammetric techniques and newly available computerized plotting equipment were used to map exploratory trench walls that expose Quaternary faults in the vicinity of Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Small-scale structural, lithologic, and stratigraphic features can be rapidly mapped by the photogrammetric method. This method is more accurate and significantly more rapid than conventional trench-mapping methods, and the analytical plotter is capable of producing cartographic definition of high resolution when detailed trench maps are necessary. -from Authors

Investigation of computer-aided colonic crypt pattern analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Xin; Pan, Yinsheng; Sivak, Michael V., Jr.; Olowe, Kayode; Rollins, Andrew M.

2007-02-01

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Approximately 50% of these deaths could be prevented by earlier detection through screening. Magnification chromoendoscopy is a technique which utilizes tissue stains applied to the gastrointestinal mucosa and high-magnification endoscopy to better visualize and characterize lesions. Prior studies have shown that shapes of colonic crypts change with disease and show characteristic patterns. Current methods for assessing colonic crypt patterns are somewhat subjective and not standardized. Computerized algorithms could be used to standardize colonic crypt pattern assessment. We have imaged resected colonic mucosa in vitro (N = 70) using methylene blue dye and a surgical microscope to approximately simulate in vivo imaging with magnification chromoendoscopy. We have developed a method of computerized processing to analyze the crypt patterns in the images. The quantitative image analysis consists of three steps. First, the crypts within the region of interest of colonic tissue are semi-automatically segmented using watershed morphological processing. Second, crypt size and shape parameters are extracted from the segmented crypts. Third, each sample is assigned to a category according to the Kudo criteria. The computerized classification is validated by comparison with human classification using the Kudo classification criteria. The computerized colonic crypt pattern analysis algorithm will enable a study of in vivo magnification chromoendoscopy of colonic crypt pattern correlated with risk of colorectal cancer. This study will assess the feasibility of screening and surveillance of the colon using magnification chromoendoscopy.

The Supraclavicular Artery Perforator Flap: A Comparative Study of Imaging Techniques Used in Preoperative Mapping.

PubMed

Sheriff, Hemin Oathman; Mahmood, Kawa Abdullah; Hamawandi, Nzar; Mirza, Aram Jamal; Hawas, Jawad; Moreno, Esther Granell; Clavero, Juan Antonio; Hankins, Christopher; Masia, Jaume

2018-05-18

 The supraclavicular artery flap is an excellent flap for head and neck reconstruction. The aim of this study is to assess imaging techniques to define the precise vascular boundaries of this flap.  Six imaging techniques were used for supraclavicular artery mapping in 65 cases; handheld Doppler, triplex ultrasound, computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, digital subtraction angiography, and indocyanine green angiography. We checked the site of the perforators, the course of a supraclavicular artery, and anatomical mapping of the supraclavicular artery.  Handheld Doppler identified perforators' sites in 80% of the cases but showed no results for the course of the vessel. Triplex ultrasound identified the site of perforators in 52.9%, and partial mapping of the course of a supraclavicular artery in 64.7% of the cases. Computerized tomography angiography showed the site of perforators in 60%, and the course of supraclavicular artery completely in 45%, and partially in an additional 30%of the cases examined. Magnetic resonance angiography showed negative results for all parameters. Digital subtraction angiography showed the partial course of a supraclavicular artery in 62.5%, but showed no perforators. Indocyanine green angiography showed the site of perforators in 60% and a partial course of supraclavicular artery distal to perforators in 60%.Anatomical mapping of the vessel was possible with computerized tomography angiogram completely in 45%, and partially in 30%, and was also possible with indocyanine green angiography partially in 60%.  Computerized tomography angiography showed best results in the mapping of the supraclavicular artery, but with an inability to define the perforator perfusion territories, and also with risks of irradiation, while indocyanine green angiography is a good alternative as it could precisely map the superficial course of the artery and angiosomes, with no radiation exposure. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Paclitaxel-loaded folate-coated long circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes as a potential drug delivery system: A biodistribution study.

PubMed

Monteiro, Liziane O F; Fernandes, Renata S; Oda, Caroline M R; Lopes, Sávia C; Townsend, Danyelle M; Cardoso, Valbert N; Oliveira, Mônica C; Leite, Elaine A; Rubello, Domenico; de Barros, André L B

2018-01-01

A range of antitumor agents for cancer treatment is available; however, they show low specificity, which often limit their use. Recently, we have reported the preparation of folate-coated long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes (SpHL-folate-PTX) loaded with paclitaxel (PTX), an effective drug for the treatment of solid tumors, including breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to prepare and characterize SpHL-PTX and SpHL-folate-PTX radiolabeled with technetium-99m ( 99m Tc). Biodistribution studies and scintigraphic images were performed after intravenous administration of 99m Tc-PTX, 99m Tc-SpHL-PTX and 99m Tc-SpHL-folate-PTX into healthy and tumor-bearing mice. High radiochemical purity (>98%) and in vitro stability (>90%) were achieved for both liposome formulations. The pharmacokinetic properties of 99m Tc-SpHL-DTPA-PTX and 99m Tc-SpHL-folate-DTPA-PTX decreased in a monophasic manner showing half-life of 400.1 and 541.8min, respectively. Scintigraphic images and biodistribution studies showed a significant uptake in liver, spleen and kidneys, demonstrating these routes as way for excretion. At 8h post-injection, the liposomal tumor uptake was higher than 99m Tc-PTX. Interesting, 4h after administration, the liposome folate coated showed higher tumor-to-muscle ratio than 99m Tc-SpHL-DTPA-PTX and 99m Tc-PTX. In conclusion, the liposomal systems, showed high tumor uptake by scintigraphic images, especially the 99m Tc-SpHL-folate-DTPA-PTX that showed a sustained and higher tumor-to-muscle ratio than non-functionalized liposome, which indicate its feasibility as a PTX delivery system to folate positive tumors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of gastric emptying function in clinical practice.

PubMed

Poitras, P; Picard, M; Déry, R; Giguère, A; Picard, D; Morais, J; Plourde, V; Boivin, M

1997-11-01

In this retrospective analysis, we compared different methods to evaluate gastric emptying function, aiming to improve the sensitivity and the clinical availability of our diagnostic testing. In the first study, we compared, in 72 patients clinically suspected of gastroparesis, the emptying of a meal containing two solid nutrients with different disintegration rates: 111In-labeled scrambled eggs and 99Tc-labeled liver cubes. Gastric emptying of 111In-labeled egg was delayed in 12 of our patients and the evacuation of the 99Tc-labeled liver was prolonged in 19 patients. The choice of the nutrient was not important for the identification of diabetic gastroparesis (43% vs 57%; NS), but it was determinant in the case of patients suspected of idiopathic gastroparesis (12% were positive with the egg and 25% with the liver; P < 0.05). In the second study, we compared two different diagnostic methods in 46 patients: a simple radiological detection of the gastric emptying of radiopaque pellets, and the scintigraphic emptying of a solid meal containing 99Tc-labeled liver cubes. Both tests correlated perfectly in 78% of our patients. In 15% of the population (six of these seven patients were diabetics suspected of gastroparesis) the scintigraphic method was normal, while the evacuation of radiopaque pellets was delayed. For clinical purposes, we therefore propose: (1) the scintigraphic method should use liver rather than egg as a radiolabeled tracer in order to improve the sensitivity of the test for detection of gastroparesis; and (2) the radiological detection of radiopaque markers is a reliable and convenient method for the detection of gastroparesis in clinical practice. It is possibly more sensitive than scintigraphy.

Detection of occult pericardial hemorrhage early after open-heart surgery using technetium-99m red blood cell radionuclide ventriculography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bateman, T.M.; Czer, L.S.; Gray, R.J.

1984-11-01

Pericardial or mediastinal hemorrhage requiring reoperation occurs in 2% to 5% of patients, usually early (0 to 48 hours), after open-heart surgery. This hemorrhage may be occult, and resulting cardiac tamponade may easily be misinterpreted as ventricular dysfunction, common early postoperatively. In such cases, appropriate and timely intervention may not occur. Of 50 patients evaluated by technetium-99m red blood cell gated equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography (RNV) because of early postoperative cardiogenic shock of uncertain etiology, 17 had unique scintigraphic images suggestive of intrathoracic hemorrhage. Of these 17, 5 had a generalized halo of abnormal radioactivity surrounding small hyperdynamic right and leftmore » ventricles, 11 had localized regions of intense blood pool activity outside the cardiac chambers (two with compression of single chambers), and one demonstrated marked radionuclide activity in the right hemithorax (2000 ml of blood at reoperation). Twelve patients had exploratory reoperation for control of hemorrhage as a direct result of the scintigraphic findings, three were successfully treated with fresh frozen plasma and platelet infusions along with medical interventions to optimize cardiac performance, and two patients died in cardiogenic shock (presumed tamponade) without reoperation. In the 12 reoperated patients, all were confirmed to have active pericardial bleeding. Scintigraphic localization of abnormal blood pools within the pericardium corresponded to the sites at which active bleeding was witnessed at reoperation. The abnormal bleeding was etiologically related to the tamponade state, with marked improvement in hemodynamics after reoperation. Nine additional patients were reoperated for presumed tamponade after RNV revealed an exaggerated halo of photon deficiency surrounding the cardiac chambers.« less

Renal cortical involvement in children with first UTI: does it differ in the presence of primary VUR?

PubMed

Aktaş, Gül Ege; Inanir, Sabahat; Turoğlu, Halil Turgut

2008-12-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) on dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphic patterns in children with first symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI). A total of 45 children with the diagnosis of first symptomatic UTI (28 girls, 17 boys, mean age 18 months, range 1 month-11 years) were reviewed. All DMSA scans were obtained within 2 months of bacteriologically proven UTI (median 21 days, mean 26 +/- 21, 14). After the exclusion of the patients with bilateral cortical lesions, 82 renal units were analyzed. The scintigraphic patterns included regional and global description of renal cortical abnormality (normal or decreased differential renal function, regional renal function (RRF), and the number and severity of cortical lesions). Vesicoureteral reflux was detected in 26 (32%) renal units (15 with grade 1-2, 11 with grade 3-4). Renal cortical abnormality was observed in 10 renal units without VUR (10/56, 17%) and 13 renal units with VUR (13/26: 50%). Of the 15 renal units, 5 with grade 1-2 VUR (5/15) and 8 of the 11 renal units with grade 3-4 VUR (8/11) had renal cortical involvement. The most common scintigraphic pattern in the patients without VUR was the preserved RRF (>or=45%) and two or fewer photon-deficient areas. On the other hand, a decreased RRF (<45) associated with cortical lesions was the most frequent finding in patients with refluxing kidneys (8/26, 30%), especially in those with grade 3-4 disease. This investigation showed that the presence of VUR affects DMSA patterns in children with first symptomatic UTI.

Computerized Adaptive Testing with Item Clones. Research Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glas, Cees A. W.; van der Linden, Wim J.

To reduce the cost of item writing and to enhance the flexibility of item presentation, items can be generated by item-cloning techniques. An important consequence of cloning is that it may cause variability on the item parameters. Therefore, a multilevel item response model is presented in which it is assumed that the item parameters of a…

Manpower Requirements Report for FY 1982

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-02-01

Specifically included are program elements for industrial preparedness, second destination transportation, property disposal, production engineering ...artillery, and combat - engineers . Army policy accepts the fact that women will serve in loca- .. tions throughout the battlefield, will be expected to... industrial engineering work measurement techniques and computerized models such as the Logistics Composite Model (LCOM). MEP policy emanates from the

Development and Evaluation of an Adaptive Computerized Training System (ACTS). R&D Report 78-1.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knerr, Bruce W.; Nawrocki, Leon H.

This report describes the development of a computer based system designed to train electronic troubleshooting procedures. The ACTS uses artificial intelligence techniques to develop models of student and expert troubleshooting behavior as they solve a series of troubleshooting problems on the system. Comparisons of the student and expert models…

ERTS-1 imagery interpretation techniques in the Tennessee Valley. [land use and soil mapping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bodenheimer, R. E. (Principal Investigator)

1974-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. The feasibility of delineating major soil associations and land uses through computerized analyses is discussed. Useful and potential applications in detecting landscape change and land use mapping are described. Recommendations for improving the data processing effort in a multidisciplinary program are presented.

Why Children Fail in First Grade in Rio Grande do Sul: Implications for Policy and Research.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wolff, Laurence

This study, exploring why first grade children from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, fail in school, utilized computerized techniques of statistical analysis to measure the relationships of various school and family characteristics with student achievement. Four types of schools--urban state, rural state, municipal, and private--were used to test the…

"MSTGen": Simulated Data Generator for Multistage Testing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Han, Kyung T.

2013-01-01

Multistage testing, or MST, was developed as an alternative to computerized adaptive testing (CAT) for applications in which it is preferable to administer a test at the level of item sets (i.e., modules). As with CAT, the simulation technique in MST plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of tests. "MSTGen," a new MST…

RANGE RAM: a long-term planning method for managing grazing lands

Treesearch

Henricus C. Jansen

1976-01-01

Range RAM (Resource Allocation Method) is a computerized planning method designed to assist range managers in developing and selecting alternatives in spatial and temporal allocation of resources. The technique is applicable at the frest or district management levels, or their equivalents. Range RAM can help formulate plans that maximize the production of range outputs...

Computerized preparation of a scientific poster.

PubMed

Lugo, M; Speaker, M G; Cohen, E J

1989-01-01

We prepared an attractive and effective poster using a Macintosh computer and Laserwriter and Imagewriter II printers. The advantages of preparing the poster in this fashion were increased control of the final product, decreased cost, and a sense of artistic satisfaction. Although we employed only the above mentioned computer, the desktop publishing techniques described can be used with other systems.

Scintigraphic detection of carotid atherosclerosis with indium-111-labeled autologous platelets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Davis, H.H.; Siegel, B.A.; Sherman, L.A.

1980-05-01

Using autologous platelets labeled with indium-111-oxine, we studied the localization of platelets on arterial lesions by radionuclide scintigraphy in 34 patients with suspected cerebrovascular disease. The imaging results were compared with the findings of contrast angiography in 23 patients, 16 of whom were receiving antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant drugs during the platelet imaging study. Angiography demonstrated atherosclerotic lesions at 33 sites in the extracranial arteries of 16 of these patients. There was accumulation of /sup 111/In-platelets at 20 of these sites (61%) and at three other sites without definite angiographic abnormalities. Lesions with stenoses <50% were slightly more frequent than thosemore » with greater stenosis (68% vs 45%). The frequency of true-positive scintigraphic results was slightly higher in patients not treated with antithrombotic agents than in those on such drugs (70% vs 57%). Our results suggest that imaging with /sup 111/In-labeled autologous platelets may be useful for evaluating the pathophysiologic characteristics of atherosclerotic lesions in patients with cerebrovascular disease.« less

Pitfalls in classical nuclear medicine: myocardial perfusion imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fragkaki, C.; Giannopoulou, Ch

2011-09-01

Scintigraphic imaging is a complex functional procedure subject to a variety of artefacts and pitfalls that may limit its clinical and diagnostic accuracy. It is important to be aware of and to recognize them when present and to eliminate them whenever possible. Pitfalls may occur at any stage of the imaging procedure and can be related with the γ-camera or other equipment, personnel handling, patient preparation, image processing or the procedure itself. Often, potential causes of artefacts and pitfalls may overlap. In this short review, special interest will be given to cardiac scintigraphic imaging. Most common causes of artefact in myocardial perfusion imaging are soft tissue attenuation as well as motion and gating errors. Additionally, clinical problems like cardiac abnormalities may cause interpretation pitfalls and nuclear medicine physicians should be familiar with these in order to ensure the correct evaluation of the study. Artefacts or suboptimal image quality can also result from infiltrated injections, misalignment in patient positioning, power instability or interruption, flood field non-uniformities, cracked crystal and several other technical reasons.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Galatola, G.; Jazrawi, R.P.; Bridges, C.

/sup 75/Se-homocholic acid-taurine (/sup 75/SeHCAT) is the first available gamma-labeled bile acid, and should therefore be handled more efficiently and specifically by the liver than previous hepatoscintigraphic agents. We have measured serum and hepatic kinetics for /sup 75/SeHCAT, and compared them with those for the conventional hepatobiliary scintigraphic agent 99mTc-hepatoiminodiacetic acid, and with serum kinetics for the corresponding natural bile acid, (/sup 14/C)cholic acid-taurine. We used a dynamic scintigraphic technique and serial blood sampling in 8 subjects. Initial hepatic uptake rate was identical to initial serum disappearance rate (14% dose/min) for /sup 75/SeHCAT, but significantly lower for 99mTc-hepatoiminodiacetic acid (6%more » vs. 14% dose/min, p less than 0.001). Hepatic transit time was shorter for /sup 75/SeHCAT (13 min vs. 22 min, p less than 0.02), net hepatic excretory rate was more rapid (1.4% vs. 0.8% dose/min, p less than 0.001), and urinary excretion was lower (1.0% vs. 9.0% dose, p less than 0.001). Initial and late-plasma disappearance rates were significantly lower for /sup 75/SeHCAT (14.3% and 1.5% dose/min) than for (/sup 14/C)cholic acid-taurine (21.3% and 2.8% dose/min, respectively), and plasma clearance was also lower (2/sup 75/ vs. 670 ml/min). In vitro, /sup 75/SeHCAT was bound to serum proteins more completely than (/sup 14/C)cholic acid-taurine (90.4% vs. 86.5%, p less than 0.005). We conclude that /sup 75/SeHCAT provides a hepatoscintigraphic agent that is handled more efficiently and specifically by the liver than the conventionally used agent 99mTc-hepatoiminodiacetic acid. It is not cleared from the serum as rapidly as (/sup 14/C)cholic acid-taurine, probably due to its stronger protein binding. The clinical value of /sup 75/SeHCAT in assessing liver disease should be investigated.« less

Technetium tc 99m-labeled red blood cells in the preoperative diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma and other vascular orbital tumors.

PubMed

Polito, Ennio; Burroni, Luca; Pichierri, Patrizia; Loffredo, Antonio; Vattimo, Angelo G

2005-12-01

To evaluate technetium Tc 99m (99mTc) red blood cell scintigraphy as a diagnostic tool for orbital cavernous hemangioma and to differentiate between orbital masses on the basis of their vascularization. We performed 99mTc red blood cell scintigraphy on 23 patients (8 female and 15 male; mean age, 47 years) affected by an orbital mass previously revealed with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and suggesting cavernous hemangioma. In our diagnosis, we considered the orbital increase delayed uptake with the typical scintigraphic pattern known as perfusion blood pool mismatch. The patients underwent biopsy or surgical treatment with transconjunctival cryosurgical extraction when possible. Single-photon emission tomography (SPET) showed intense focal uptake in the orbit corresponding to radiologic findings in 11 patients who underwent surgical treatment and pathologic evaluation (9 cavernous hemangiomas, 1 hemangiopericytoma, and 1 lymphangioma). Clinical or histologic examination of the remaining 22 patients revealed the presence of 5 lymphoid pseudotumors, 2 lymphomas, 2 pleomorphic adenomas of the lacrimal gland, 1 astrocytoma, 1 ophthalmic vein thrombosis, and 1 orbital varix. The confirmation of the preoperative diagnosis by 99mTc red blood cell scintigraphy shows that this technique is a reliable tool for differentiating cavernous hemangiomas from other orbital masses (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 86%) when ultrasound, CT, and MRI are not diagnostic. Unfortunately, 99mTc red blood cell scintigraphy results were positive in 1 patient with hemangiopericytoma and 1 patient with lymphangioma, which showed increased uptake in the lesion on SPET images because of the vascular nature of these tumors. Therefore, in these cases, the SPET images have to be integrated with data regarding clinical preoperative evaluation and CT scans or MRI studies. On the basis of our study, a complete diagnostic picture, CT scans or MRI studies, and scintigraphic patterns can establish the preoperative diagnosis of vascular orbital tumors such as cavernous hemangioma, adult-type lymphangioma, and hemangiopericytoma.

Exogenous Molecular Probes for Targeted Imaging in Cancer: Focus on Multi-modal Imaging

PubMed Central

Joshi, Bishnu P.; Wang, Thomas D.

2010-01-01

Cancer is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in our healthcare system. Molecular imaging is an emerging methodology for the early detection of cancer, guidance of therapy, and monitoring of response. The development of new instruments and exogenous molecular probes that can be labeled for multi-modality imaging is critical to this process. Today, molecular imaging is at a crossroad, and new targeted imaging agents are expected to broadly expand our ability to detect and manage cancer. This integrated imaging strategy will permit clinicians to not only localize lesions within the body but also to manage their therapy by visualizing the expression and activity of specific molecules. This information is expected to have a major impact on drug development and understanding of basic cancer biology. At this time, a number of molecular probes have been developed by conjugating various labels to affinity ligands for targeting in different imaging modalities. This review will describe the current status of exogenous molecular probes for optical, scintigraphic, MRI and ultrasound imaging platforms. Furthermore, we will also shed light on how these techniques can be used synergistically in multi-modal platforms and how these techniques are being employed in current research. PMID:22180839

Measurement of absolute lung volumes by imaging techniques.

PubMed

Clausen, J

1997-10-01

In this paper, the techniques available for estimating total lung capacities from standard chest radiographs in children and infants as well as adults are reviewed. These techniques include manual measurements using ellipsoid and planimetry techniques as well as computerized systems. Techniques are also available for making radiographic lung volume measurements from portable chest radiographs. There are inadequate data in the literature to support recommending one specific technique over another. Though measurements of lung volumes by radiographic, plethysmographic, gas dilution or washout techniques result in remarkably similar mean results when groups of normal subjects are tested, in patients with disease, the results of these different basic measurement techniques can differ significantly. Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance techniques can also be used to measure absolute lung volumes and offer the theoretical advantages that the results in individual subjects are less affected by variances of thoracic shape than are measurements made using conventional chest radiographs.

Symposium on Aviation Psychology, 1st, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, April 21, 22, 1981, Proceedings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

The impact of modern technology on the role, responsibility, authority, and performance of human operators in modern aircraft and ATC systems was examined in terms of principles defined by Paul Fitts. Research into human factors in aircraft operations and the use of human factors engineering for aircraft safety improvements were discussed, and features of the man-machine interface in computerized cockpit warning systems are examined. The design and operational features of computerized avionics displays and HUDs are described, along with results of investigations into pilot decision-making behavior, aircrew procedural compliance, and aircrew judgment training programs. Experiments in vision and visual perception are detailed, as are behavioral studies of crew workload, coordination, and complement. The effectiveness of pilot selection, screening, and training techniques are assessed, as are methods for evaluating pilot performance.

Computer-Based Oral Hygiene Instruction versus Verbal Method in Fixed Orthodontic Patients

PubMed Central

Moshkelgosha, V.; Mehrvarz, Sh.; Saki, M.; Golkari, A.

2017-01-01

Statement of Problem: Fixed orthodontic appliances in the oral cavity make tooth cleaning procedures more complicated. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of computerized oral hygiene instruction with verbal technique among fixed orthodontic patients referred to the evening clinic of Orthodontics of Shiraz Dental School. Materials and Methods: A single-blind study was performed in Orthodontic Department of Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran, from January to May 2015 following the demonstrated exclusion and inclusion criteria. The sample size was considered 60 patients with 30 subjects in each group. Bleeding on probing and plaque indices and dental knowledge were assessed in the subjects to determine pre-intervention status. A questionnaire was designed for dental knowledge evaluation. The patients were randomly assigned into the computerized and verbal groups. Three weeks after the oral hygiene instruction, indices of bleeding on probing and plaque index and the dental knowledge were evaluated to investigate post-intervention outcome. The two groups were compared by chi-square and student t tests. The pre- and post-intervention scores in each group were compared using paired t-test. Results: In the computerized group, the mean score for plaque index and bleeding on probing index was significantly decreased while dental health knowledge was significantly increased after oral hygiene instruction, in contrast to the verbal group. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the current study, computerized oral hygiene instruction is proposed to be more effective in providing optimal oral health status compared to the conventional method in fixed orthodontic patients. PMID:28959765

Scintigraphic evaluation of Lyme disease: Gallium-67 imaging of Lyme myositis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kengen, R.A.; v.d. Linde, M.; Sprenger, H.G.

1989-10-01

A patient suffering from Lyme disease had cardiac conduction abnormalities, symptoms of arthritis, and myalgia. A Ga-67 image showed evidence of endomyocarditis, but intense skeletal muscle uptake pointed to Lyme myositis. Reference is made to two other case reports of Lyme myositis.

NASA/ASEE Summer Faculty Fellowship Program, 1990, Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bannerot, Richard B. (Editor); Goldstein, Stanley H. (Editor)

1990-01-01

The 1990 Johnson Space Center (JSC) NASA/American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Summer Faculty Fellowship Program was conducted by the University of Houston-University Park and JSC. A compilation of the final reports on the research projects are presented. The topics covered include: the Space Station; the Space Shuttle; exobiology; cell biology; culture techniques; control systems design; laser induced fluorescence; spacecraft reliability analysis; reduced gravity; biotechnology; microgravity applications; regenerative life support systems; imaging techniques; cardiovascular system; physiological effects; extravehicular mobility units; mathematical models; bioreactors; computerized simulation; microgravity simulation; and dynamic structural analysis.

Digital quantification of fibrosis in liver biopsy sections: description of a new method by Photoshop software.

PubMed

Dahab, Gamal M; Kheriza, Mohamed M; El-Beltagi, Hussien M; Fouda, Abdel-Motaal M; El-Din, Osama A Sharaf

2004-01-01

The precise quantification of fibrous tissue in liver biopsy sections is extremely important in the classification, diagnosis and grading of chronic liver disease, as well as in evaluating the response to antifibrotic therapy. Because the recently described methods of digital image analysis of fibrosis in liver biopsy sections have major flaws, including the use of out-dated techniques in image processing, inadequate precision and inability to detect and quantify perisinusoidal fibrosis, we developed a new technique in computerized image analysis of liver biopsy sections based on Adobe Photoshop software. We prepared an experimental model of liver fibrosis involving treatment of rats with oral CCl4 for 6 weeks. After staining liver sections with Masson's trichrome, a series of computer operations were performed including (i) reconstitution of seamless widefield images from a number of acquired fields of liver sections; (ii) image size and solution adjustment; (iii) color correction; (iv) digital selection of a specified color range representing all fibrous tissue in the image and; (v) extraction and calculation. This technique is fully computerized with no manual interference at any step, and thus could be very reliable for objectively quantifying any pattern of fibrosis in liver biopsy sections and in assessing the response to antifibrotic therapy. It could also be a valuable tool in the precise assessment of antifibrotic therapy to other tissue regardless of the pattern of tissue or fibrosis.

Modification of Perseverative Responding that Increased Earnings but Impeded Skill Acquisition in a Job-Skills Training Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeFulio, Anthony; Iati, Carina; Needham, Mick; Silverman, Kenneth

2009-01-01

Adults in a therapeutic workplace working on a computerized keyboarding training program earned vouchers for typing correct characters. Typing technique was evaluated on review steps. Participants could pass the review and earn a bonus, or skip the review and proceed with no bonus. Alternatively, participants could continue practicing on the same…

Neural and Behavioral Sequelae of Blast-Related Traumatic Brain Injury

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-11-01

testing and advanced MRI techniques [task-activated functional MRI (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging ( DTI )] to gain a comprehensive understanding of... DTI fiber tracking) and neurobehavioral testing (computerized assessment and standard neuropsychological testing) on 60 chronic trauma patients: 15...data analysis. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Blast-related traumatic brain injury (TBI), fMRI, DTI , cognition 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION

Abstracts for the International Conference on Asteroids, Comets, Meteors 1991

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

Topics addressed include: chemical abundances; asteroidal belt evolution; sources of meteors and meteorites; cometary spectroscopy; gas diffusion; mathematical models; cometary nuclei; cratering records; imaging techniques; cometary composition; asteroid classification; radio telescopes and spectroscopy; magnetic fields; cosmogony; IUE observations; orbital distribution of asteroids, comets, and meteors; solar wind effects; computerized simulation; infrared remote sensing; optical properties; and orbital evolution.

A Study on Linear Programming Applications for the Optimization of School Lunch Menus. Summation Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Findorff, Irene K.

This document summarizes the results of a project at Tulane University that was designed to adapt, test, and evaluate a computerized information and menu planning system utilizing linear programing techniques for use in school lunch food service operations. The objectives of the menu planning were to formulate menu items into a palatable,…

Grid-Enabled Quantitative Analysis of Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-10-01

large-scale, multi-modality computerized image analysis . The central hypothesis of this research is that large-scale image analysis for breast cancer...pilot study to utilize large scale parallel Grid computing to harness the nationwide cluster infrastructure for optimization of medical image ... analysis parameters. Additionally, we investigated the use of cutting edge dataanalysis/ mining techniques as applied to Ultrasound, FFDM, and DCE-MRI Breast

VIEWIT: computation of seen areas, slope, and aspect for land-use planning

Treesearch

Michael R. Travis; Gary H. Elsner; Wayne D. Iverson; Christine G. Johnson

1975-01-01

This user's guide provides instructions for using VIEWIT--a computerized technique for delineating the terrain visible from a single point or from multiple observer points, and for doing slope and aspect analyses. Results are in tabular or in overlay map form. VIEWIT can do individual view-area, slope, or aspect analyses or combined analyses, and can produce...

Comparison of Full and Partial Admission Flow Fields in the Simplex Turbine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dorney, Daniel J.; Griffin, Lisa W.; Sondak, Douglas L.

2002-01-01

This viewgraph presentation provides information on computerized simulations of flow fields in a Simplex turbine. The motivations for the simulation were: Determining the effects of partial admission flow on rotor performance as a function of circumferential location and on unsteady rotor loading; Providing an efficient technique for determining turbine performance. The simulation used the flow code CORSAIR.

Computing visible areas from proposed recreation developments...a case study

Treesearch

Gary H. Elsner

1971-01-01

A new computerized technique called VIEWIT for measuring the terrain visible from a given point was applied in a study on the Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota. The seen area from 12 heavily visited scenic points and along three proposed routes for a scenic tramway were delineated. The computer produced overlay maps that show the maximum area visible from each...

Computerized Liquid Crystal Phase Identification by Neural Networks Analysis of Polarizing Microscopy Textures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karaszi, Zoltan; Konya, Andrew; Dragan, Feodor; Jakli, Antal; CPIP/LCI; CS Dept. of Kent State University Collaboration

Polarizing optical microscopy (POM) is traditionally the best-established method of studying liquid crystals, and using POM started already with Otto Lehman in 1890. An expert, who is familiar with the science of optics of anisotropic materials and typical textures of liquid crystals, can identify phases with relatively large confidence. However, for unambiguous identification usually other expensive and time-consuming experiments are needed. Replacement of the subjective and qualitative human eye-based liquid crystal texture analysis with quantitative computerized image analysis technique started only recently and were used to enhance the detection of smooth phase transitions, determine order parameter and birefringence of specific liquid crystal phases. We investigate if the computer can recognize and name the phase where the texture was taken. To judge the potential of reliable image recognition based on this procedure, we used 871 images of liquid crystal textures belonging to five main categories: Nematic, Smectic A, Smectic C, Cholesteric and Crystal, and used a Neural Network Clustering Technique included in the data mining software package in Java ``WEKA''. A neural network trained on a set of 827 LC textures classified the remaining 44 textures with 80% accuracy.

Improved algorithm for computerized detection and quantification of pulmonary emphysema at high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tylen, Ulf; Friman, Ola; Borga, Magnus; Angelhed, Jan-Erik

2001-05-01

Emphysema is characterized by destruction of lung tissue with development of small or large holes within the lung. These areas will have Hounsfield values (HU) approaching -1000. It is possible to detect and quantificate such areas using simple density mask technique. The edge enhancement reconstruction algorithm, gravity and motion of the heart and vessels during scanning causes artefacts, however. The purpose of our work was to construct an algorithm that detects such image artefacts and corrects them. The first step is to apply inverse filtering to the image removing much of the effect of the edge enhancement reconstruction algorithm. The next step implies computation of the antero-posterior density gradient caused by gravity and correction for that. Motion artefacts are in a third step corrected for by use of normalized averaging, thresholding and region growing. Twenty healthy volunteers were investigated, 10 with slight emphysema and 10 without. Using simple density mask technique it was not possible to separate persons with disease from those without. Our algorithm improved separation of the two groups considerably. Our algorithm needs further refinement, but may form a basis for further development of methods for computerized diagnosis and quantification of emphysema by HRCT.

Parathyroid adenoma associated with neurofibromatosis: Correlative scintigraphic and magnetic resonance imaging

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vogelzang, P.J.; Oates, E.; Bankoff, M.S.

Correlative imaging by dual-isotope thallium/technetium subtraction scintigraphy, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a pathologically proven parathyroid adenoma in a 62-year-old man with known neurofibromatosis, who presented with hypercalcemia and an elevated parathormone level. The association between neurofibromatosis and primary hyperparathyroidism is discussed.

Scintigraphic evaluation in musculoskeletal sepsis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Merkel, K.D.; Fitzgerald, R.H. Jr.; Brown, M.L.

In this article, the mechanism of technetium, gallium, and indium-labeled white blood cell localization in septic processes is detailed, and the method of interpretation of these three isotopes with relationship to musculoskeletal infection is outlined. Specific clinical application of technetium, gallium, and indium-labeled white blood cell imaging for musculoskeletal sepsis is reviewed.

Scintigraphic detection of occult hemorrhage in a patient receiving anticoagulants

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rosenbaum, R.C.; Johnston, G.S.; Whitley, N.O.

1986-02-01

The exact location of hemorrhage complicating anticoagulant therapy is sometimes difficult to establish. We present a case in which imaging with 99mTc-labeled red cells had a significant role in the diagnosis of soft-tissue bleeding in a paraplegic patient receiving long-term anticoagulation.

Unusual scintigraphic appearances of a mobile accessory lobe of the liver. [/sup 67/Ga; /sup 99m/Tc-sulfur colloid; /sup 99m/Tc-dihydrothioctic acid

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bingham, J.B.; Maisey, M.N.

1978-11-01

Accessory hepatic lobules are an uncommon occurrence. In a gallium scan, a highly mobile, asymptomatic liver lobule gave rise to diagnostic confusion. It was resolved by the use of multiple radiopharmaceuticals.

Information Processing in Medical Imaging Meeting (IPMI)

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-30

Rousy. France 8:40 Bayesian Identification of a Physiological Model in Dynamic Scintigraphic Data M. Samal . M. Karny. D. Zahalka. Charles Univ.. Prague...5986 200 1st St. SW xcpan@rainbow.uchicago.edu Rochester, MN 55905 USA (Ph) 507-284-4937 (Fax) 507-284-1632 rar@mayo.edu Glynn Robinson Martin Samal

Measurement Techniques for Hypervelocity Impact Test Fragments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hill, Nicole E.

2008-01-01

The ability to classify the size and shape of individual orbital debris fragments provides a better understanding of the orbital debris environment as a whole. The characterization of breakup fragmentation debris has gradually evolved from a simplistic, spherical assumption towards that of describing debris in terms of size, material, and shape parameters. One of the goals of the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office is to develop high-accuracy techniques to measure these parameters and apply them to orbital debris observations. Measurement of the physical characteristics of debris resulting from groundbased, hypervelocity impact testing provides insight into the shapes and sizes of debris produced from potential impacts in orbit. Current techniques for measuring these ground-test fragments require determination of dimensions based upon visual judgment. This leads to reduced accuracy and provides little or no repeatability for the measurements. With the common goal of mitigating these error sources, allaying any misunderstandings, and moving forward in fragment shape determination, the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office recently began using a computerized measurement system. The goal of using these new techniques is to improve knowledge of the relation between commonly used dimensions and overall shape. The immediate objective is to scan a single fragment, measure its size and shape properties, and import the fragment into a program that renders a 3D model that adequately demonstrates how the object could appear in orbit. This information would then be used to aid optical methods in orbital debris shape determination. This paper provides a description of the measurement techniques used in this initiative and shows results of this work. The tradeoffs of the computerized methods are discussed, as well as the means of repeatability in the measurements of these fragments. This paper serves as a general description of methods for the measurement and shape analysis of orbital debris.

Computerized planning of prostate cryosurgery using variable cryoprobe insertion depth.

PubMed

Rossi, Michael R; Tanaka, Daigo; Shimada, Kenji; Rabin, Yoed

2010-02-01

The current study presents a computerized planning scheme for prostate cryosurgery using a variable insertion depth strategy. This study is a part of an ongoing effort to develop computerized tools for cryosurgery. Based on typical clinical practices, previous automated planning schemes have required that all cryoprobes be aligned at a single insertion depth. The current study investigates the benefit of removing this constraint, in comparison with results based on uniform insertion depth planning as well as the so-called "pullback procedure". Planning is based on the so-called "bubble-packing method", and its quality is evaluated with bioheat transfer simulations. This study is based on five 3D prostate models, reconstructed from ultrasound imaging, and cryoprobe active length in the range of 15-35 mm. The variable insertion depth technique is found to consistently provide superior results when compared to the other placement methods. Furthermore, it is shown that both the optimal active length and the optimal number of cryoprobes vary among prostate models, based on the size and shape of the target region. Due to its low computational cost, the new scheme can be used to determine the optimal cryoprobe layout for a given prostate model in real time. Copyright 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Agricultural Aircraft Aid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

Farmers are increasingly turning to aerial applications of pesticides, fertilizers and other materials. Sometimes uneven distribution of the chemicals is caused by worn nozzles, improper alignment of spray nozzles or system leaks. If this happens, job must be redone with added expense to both the pilot and customer. Traditional pattern analysis techniques take days or weeks. Utilizing NASA's wind tunnel and computer validation technology, Dr. Roth, Oklahoma State University (OSU), developed a system for providing answers within minutes. Called the Rapid Distribution Pattern Evaluation System, the OSU system consists of a 100-foot measurement frame tied in to computerized analysis and readout equipment. System is mobile, delivered by trailer to airfields in agricultural areas where OSU conducts educational "fly-ins." A fly-in typically draws 50 to 100 aerial applicators, researchers, chemical suppliers and regulatory officials. An applicator can have his spray pattern checked. A computerized readout, available in five to 12 minutes, provides information for correcting shortcomings in the distribution pattern.

Technologic advances in aural rehabilitation: applications and innovative methods of service delivery.

PubMed

Sweetow, Robert W; Sabes, Jennifer Henderson

2007-06-01

The level of interest in aural rehabilitation has increased recently, both in clinical use and in research presentations and publications. Advances in aural rehabilitation have seen previous techniques such as speech tracking and analytic auditory training reappear in computerized forms. These new delivery methods allow for a consistent, cost-effective, and convenient training program. Several computerized aural rehabilitation programs for hearing aid wearers and cochlear implant recipients have recently been developed and were reported on at the 2006 State of the Science Conference of the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Hearing Enhancement at Gallaudet University. This article reviews these programs and outlines the similarities and differences in their design. Another promising area of aural rehabilitation research is the use of pharmaceuticals in the rehabilitation process. The results from a study of the effect of d-amphetamine in conjunction with intensive aural rehabilitation with cochlear implant patients are also described.

Comparisons of ionospheric electron density distributions reconstructed by GPS computerized tomography, backscatter ionograms, and vertical ionograms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Chen; Lei, Yong; Li, Bofeng; An, Jiachun; Zhu, Peng; Jiang, Chunhua; Zhao, Zhengyu; Zhang, Yuannong; Ni, Binbin; Wang, Zemin; Zhou, Xuhua

2015-12-01

Global Positioning System (GPS) computerized ionosphere tomography (CIT) and ionospheric sky wave ground backscatter radar are both capable of measuring the large-scale, two-dimensional (2-D) distributions of ionospheric electron density (IED). Here we report the spatial and temporal electron density results obtained by GPS CIT and backscatter ionogram (BSI) inversion for three individual experiments. Both the GPS CIT and BSI inversion techniques demonstrate the capability and the consistency of reconstructing large-scale IED distributions. To validate the results, electron density profiles obtained from GPS CIT and BSI inversion are quantitatively compared to the vertical ionosonde data, which clearly manifests that both methods output accurate information of ionopsheric electron density and thereby provide reliable approaches to ionospheric soundings. Our study can improve current understanding of the capability and insufficiency of these two methods on the large-scale IED reconstruction.

Technologic Advances in Aural Rehabilitation: Applications and Innovative Methods of Service Delivery

PubMed Central

Sweetow, Robert W.; Sabes, Jennifer Henderson

2007-01-01

The level of interest in aural rehabilitation has increased recently, both in clinical use and in research presentations and publications. Advances in aural rehabilitation have seen previous techniques such as speech tracking and analytic auditory training reappear in computerized forms. These new delivery methods allow for a consistent, cost-effective, and convenient training program. Several computerized aural rehabilitation programs for hearing aid wearers and cochlear implant recipients have recently been developed and were reported on at the 2006 State of the Science Conference of the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Hearing Enhancement at Gallaudet University. This article reviews these programs and outlines the similarities and differences in their design. Another promising area of aural rehabilitation research is the use of pharmaceuticals in the rehabilitation process. The results from a study of the effect of d-amphetamine in conjunction with intensive aural rehabilitation with cochlear implant patients are also described. PMID:17494876

11 CFR 9033.12 - Production of computerized information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... magnetic media, such as magnetic tapes or magnetic diskettes, containing the computerized information at.... The computerized magnetic media shall be prepared and delivered at the committee's expense and shall... Commission's Computerized Magnetic Media Requirements for title 26 Candidates/Committees Receiving Federal...

Preliminary GIS analysis of the agricultural landscape of Cuyo Cuyo, Department of Puno, Peru

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winterhalder, Bruce; Evans, Tom

1991-01-01

Computerized analysis of a geographic database (GIS) for Cuyo Cuyo, (Dept. Puno, Peru) is used to correlate the agricultural production zones of two adjacent communities to altitude, slope, aspect, and other geomorphological features of the high-altitude eastern escarpment landscape. The techniques exemplified will allow ecological anthropologists to analyze spatial patterns at regional scales with much greater control over the data.

Reduce Fluid Experiment System: Flight data from the IML-1 Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Workman, Gary L.; Harper, Sabrina

1995-01-01

Processing and data reduction of holographic images from the International Microgravity Laboratory 1 (IML-1) presents some interesting challenges in determining the effects of microgravity on crystal growth processes. Use of several processing techniques, including the Computerized Holographic Image Processing System and the Software Development Package (SDP-151) will provide fundamental information for holographic and schlieren analysis of the space flight data.

A computer program for cyclic plasticity and structural fatigue analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kalev, I.

1980-01-01

A computerized tool for the analysis of time independent cyclic plasticity structural response, life to crack initiation prediction, and crack growth rate prediction for metallic materials is described. Three analytical items are combined: the finite element method with its associated numerical techniques for idealization of the structural component, cyclic plasticity models for idealization of the material behavior, and damage accumulation criteria for the fatigue failure.

Application of computer graphics in the design of custom orthopedic implants.

PubMed

Bechtold, J E

1986-10-01

Implementation of newly developed computer modelling techniques and computer graphics displays and software have greatly aided the orthopedic design engineer and physician in creating a custom implant with good anatomic conformity in a short turnaround time. Further advances in computerized design and manufacturing will continue to simplify the development of custom prostheses and enlarge their niche in the joint replacement market.

Evaluation of Spontaneous Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks Disease by Computerized Image Processing.

PubMed

Yıldırım, Mustafa S; Kara, Sadık; Albayram, Mehmet S; Okkesim, Şükrü

2016-05-17

Spontaneous Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks (SSCFL) is a disease based on tears on the dura mater. Due to widespread symptoms and low frequency of the disease, diagnosis is problematic. Diagnostic lumbar puncture is commonly used for diagnosing SSCFL, though it is invasive and may cause pain, inflammation or new leakages. T2-weighted MR imaging is also used for diagnosis; however, the literature on T2-weighted MRI states that findings for diagnosis of SSCFL could be erroneous when differentiating the diseased and control. One another technique for diagnosis is CT-myelography, but this has been suggested to be less successful than T2-weighted MRI and it needs an initial lumbar puncture. This study aimed to develop an objective, computerized numerical analysis method using noninvasive routine Magnetic Resonance Images that can be used in the evaluation and diagnosis of SSCFL disease. Brain boundaries were automatically detected using methods of mathematical morphology, and a distance transform was employed. According to normalized distances, average densities of certain sites were proportioned and a numerical criterion related to cerebrospinal fluid distribution was calculated. The developed method was able to differentiate between 14 patients and 14 control subjects significantly with p = 0.0088 and d = 0.958. Also, the pre and post-treatment MRI of four patients was obtained and analyzed. The results were differentiated statistically (p = 0.0320, d = 0.853). An original, noninvasive and objective diagnostic test based on computerized image processing has been developed for evaluation of SSCFL. To our knowledge, this is the first computerized image processing method for evaluation of the disease. Discrimination between patients and controls shows the validity of the method. Also, post-treatment changes observed in four patients support this verdict.

A contrast enhancement method for improving the segmentation of breast lesions on ultrasonography.

PubMed

Flores, Wilfrido Gómez; Pereira, Wagner Coelho de Albuquerque

2017-01-01

This paper presents an adaptive contrast enhancement method based on sigmoidal mapping function (SACE) used for improving the computerized segmentation of breast lesions on ultrasound. First, from the original ultrasound image an intensity variation map is obtained, which is used to generate local sigmoidal mapping functions related to distinct contextual regions. Then, a bilinear interpolation scheme is used to transform every original pixel to a new gray level value. Also, four contrast enhancement techniques widely used in breast ultrasound enhancement are implemented: histogram equalization (HEQ), contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE), fuzzy enhancement (FEN), and sigmoid based enhancement (SEN). In addition, these contrast enhancement techniques are considered in a computerized lesion segmentation scheme based on watershed transformation. The performance comparison among techniques is assessed in terms of both the quality of contrast enhancement and the segmentation accuracy. The former is quantified by the measure, where the greater the value, the better the contrast enhancement, whereas the latter is calculated by the Jaccard index, which should tend towards unity to indicate adequate segmentation. The experiments consider a data set with 500 breast ultrasound images. The results show that SACE outperforms its counterparts, where the median values for the measure are: SACE: 139.4, SEN: 68.2, HEQ: 64.1, CLAHE: 62.8, and FEN: 7.9. Considering the segmentation performance results, the SACE method presents the largest accuracy, where the median values for the Jaccard index are: SACE: 0.81, FEN: 0.80, CLAHE: 0.79, HEQ: 77, and SEN: 0.63. The SACE method performs well due to the combination of three elements: (1) the intensity variation map reduces intensity variations that could distort the real response of the mapping function, (2) the sigmoidal mapping function enhances the gray level range where the transition between lesion and background is found, and (3) the adaptive enhancing scheme for coping with local contrasts. Hence, the SACE approach is appropriate for enhancing contrast before computerized lesion segmentation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Metabolic comparison of radiolabeled aniline- and phenol-phthaleins with (131)I.

PubMed

Avcibaşi, Uğur; Avcibaşi, Nesibe; Unak, Turan; Unak, Perihan; Müftüler, Fazilet Zümrüt; Yildirim, Yeliz; Dinçalp, Haluk; Gümüşer, Fikriye Gül; Dursun, Ebru Rükşen

2008-05-01

The metabolic comparison of aniline- and phenol-phthaleins radiolabeled with (131)I ((131)I-APH and (131)I-PPH, respectively) has been investigated in this study. To compare the metabolic behavior of these phthaleins and their glucuronide conjugates radiolabeled with (131)I, scintigraphic and biodistributional techniques were applied using male Albino rabbits. The results obtained have shown that these compounds were successfully radioiodinated with a radioiodination yield of about 100%. Maximum uptakes of (131)I-APH and (131)I-PPH, which were metabolized as N- and O-glucuronides, were observed within 2 h in the bladder and in the small intestine, respectively. In the case of verification of considerably up taking of these compounds also by tumors developed in the small intestine and in the bladder tissues, these results can be expected to be encouraging to test these compounds, which will be radiolabeled with other radioiodines such as (125)I, (123)I and (124)I as imaging and therapeutic agents in nuclear medical applications.

Live dynamic imaging of caveolae pumping targeted antibody rapidly and specifically across endothelium in the lung.

PubMed

Oh, Phil; Borgström, Per; Witkiewicz, Halina; Li, Yan; Borgström, Bengt J; Chrastina, Adrian; Iwata, Koji; Zinn, Kurt R; Baldwin, Richard; Testa, Jacqueline E; Schnitzer, Jan E

2007-03-01

How effectively and quickly endothelial caveolae can transcytose in vivo is unknown, yet critical for understanding their function and potential clinical utility. Here we use quantitative proteomics to identify aminopeptidase P (APP) concentrated in caveolae of lung endothelium. Electron microscopy confirms this and shows that APP antibody targets nanoparticles to caveolae. Dynamic intravital fluorescence microscopy reveals that targeted caveolae operate effectively as pumps, moving antibody within seconds from blood across endothelium into lung tissue, even against a concentration gradient. This active transcytosis requires normal caveolin-1 expression. Whole body gamma-scintigraphic imaging shows rapid, specific delivery into lung well beyond that achieved by standard vascular targeting. This caveolar trafficking in vivo may underscore a key physiological mechanism for selective transvascular exchange and may provide an enhanced delivery system for imaging agents, drugs, gene-therapy vectors and nanomedicines. 'In vivo proteomic imaging' as described here integrates organellar proteomics with multiple imaging techniques to identify an accessible target space that includes the transvascular pumping space of the caveola.

Discordant hepatic uptake between Tc-99m sulfur colloid and Tc-99m DISIDA in hypervitaminosis A

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vincent, L.M.; McCartney, W.H.; Mauro, M.A.

1984-02-01

Scintigraphic findings in a patient with biopsy-proven hypervitaminosis A included markedly impaired hepatic uptake of Tc-99m sulfur colloid but essentially normal uptake of Tc-99m DISIDA. This case presents a potential cause for image discordance with these two agents.

Submandibular Lateral Ectopic Thyroid Tissue: Ultrasonography, Computed Tomography, and Scintigraphic Findings

PubMed Central

Çeliker, Metin; Beyazal Çeliker, Fatma; Turan, Arzu; Beyazal, Mehmet; Beyazal Polat, Hatice

2015-01-01

Ectopic thyroid can be encountered anywhere between the base of tongue and pretracheal region. The most common form is euthyroid neck mass. Herein, we aimed to present the findings of a female case with ectopic thyroid tissue localized in the left submandibular region. A 44-year-old female patient, who underwent bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy four years ago with the diagnosis of multinodular goiter, was admitted to our hospital due to a mass localized in the left submandibular area that gradually increased in the last six months. Neck ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, and scintigraphic examination were performed on the patient. On thyroid scintigraphy with Tc-99m pertechnetate, thyroid tissue activity uptake showing massive radioactivity was observed in the normal localization of the thyroid gland and in the submandibular localization. The focus in the submandibular region was excised. Pathological examination of the specimen showed normal thyroid follicle cells with no signs of malignancy. The submandibular mass is a rarely encountered lateral ectopic thyroid tissue. Accordingly, ectopic thyroid tissue should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of masses in the submandibular region. PMID:26634164

39 CFR 501.15 - Computerized Meter Resetting System.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... AND DISTRIBUTE POSTAGE EVIDENCING SYSTEMS § 501.15 Computerized Meter Resetting System. (a) Description. The Computerized Meter Resetting System (CMRS) permits customers to reset their postage meters at... 39 Postal Service 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Computerized Meter Resetting System. 501.15...

Influence of exercise on the distribution of technetium Tc 99m medronate following intra-articular injection in horses.

PubMed

Dulin, Jennifer A; Drost, W Tod; Phelps, Mitch A; Santschi, Elizabeth M; Menendez, Maria I; Bertone, Alicia L

2012-03-01

To determine the effects of exercise on the distribution and pharmacokinetics of technetium Tc 99m medronate ((99m)Tc-MDP) following intra-articular (IA) injection in horses. 5 horses. 1 antebrachiocarpal joint (ACJ)/horse was assigned to the exercised group (n = 5), and the contralateral ACJ was evaluated in the nonexercised group (5) after a minimum washout period of 7 days. Following IA injection of (99m)Tc-MDP (148 MBq), blood and scintigraphic images of the carpus were obtained at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 240, 360, 480, 600, 720, and 1,440 minutes. Plasma and scintigraphic radioactivity were determined over time, and pharmacokinetic parameters were generated via noncompartmental and compartmental analyses. Each horse was monitored via physical and lameness examination and ACJ synovial fluid analysis before injection and at days 1, 2, 3, and 7. Lameness was not observed. Mean ± SD synovial fluid WBC count increased at day 1 (exercised, 721 ± 234 cells/μL; nonexercised, 948 ± 223 cells/μL), but returned to baseline at days 3 and 7 Mean time to maximum plasma radioactivity was earlier in the exercised group (16.00 ± 2.35 minutes) than the nonexercised group (43.75 ± 3.64 minutes). Linear regression of the scintigraphic radioactivity-time curves revealed a greater negative slope in the exercised group within the first 25 minutes. There was no difference in absorption or elimination rate constants in a 2-compartment model. IA injection of (99m)Tc-MDP was safe and effective for evaluating synovial solute distribution. Exercise significantly increased early transfer of (99m)Tc-MDP from the ACJ into plasma, although absorption and elimination rate constants were not affected. Exercise may affect synovial clearance and withdrawal times of medications administered IA.

Reducing Wrong Patient Selection Errors: Exploring the Design Space of User Interface Techniques

PubMed Central

Sopan, Awalin; Plaisant, Catherine; Powsner, Seth; Shneiderman, Ben

2014-01-01

Wrong patient selection errors are a major issue for patient safety; from ordering medication to performing surgery, the stakes are high. Widespread adoption of Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) systems makes patient selection using a computer screen a frequent task for clinicians. Careful design of the user interface can help mitigate the problem by helping providers recall their patients’ identities, accurately select their names, and spot errors before orders are submitted. We propose a catalog of twenty seven distinct user interface techniques, organized according to a task analysis. An associated video demonstrates eighteen of those techniques. EHR designers who consider a wider range of human-computer interaction techniques could reduce selection errors, but verification of efficacy is still needed. PMID:25954415

Reducing wrong patient selection errors: exploring the design space of user interface techniques.

PubMed

Sopan, Awalin; Plaisant, Catherine; Powsner, Seth; Shneiderman, Ben

2014-01-01

Wrong patient selection errors are a major issue for patient safety; from ordering medication to performing surgery, the stakes are high. Widespread adoption of Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) systems makes patient selection using a computer screen a frequent task for clinicians. Careful design of the user interface can help mitigate the problem by helping providers recall their patients' identities, accurately select their names, and spot errors before orders are submitted. We propose a catalog of twenty seven distinct user interface techniques, organized according to a task analysis. An associated video demonstrates eighteen of those techniques. EHR designers who consider a wider range of human-computer interaction techniques could reduce selection errors, but verification of efficacy is still needed.

21 CFR 884.2800 - Computerized Labor Monitoring System.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Computerized Labor Monitoring System. 884.2800... Devices § 884.2800 Computerized Labor Monitoring System. (a) Identification. A computerized labor monitoring system is a system intended to continuously measure cervical dilation and fetal head descent and...

45 CFR 307.15 - Approval of advance planning documents for computerized support enforcement systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... computerized support enforcement systems. 307.15 Section 307.15 Public Welfare Regulations Relating to Public... CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMPUTERIZED SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS § 307.15 Approval of advance planning documents for computerized support enforcement systems. (a...

Arkansas' Curriculum Guide. Competency Based Computerized Accounting.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arkansas State Dept. of Education, Little Rock. Div. of Vocational, Technical and Adult Education.

This guide contains the essential parts of a total curriculum for a one-year secondary-level course in computerized accounting. Addressed in the individual sections of the guide are the following topics: the complete accounting cycle, computer operations for accounting, computerized accounting and general ledgers, computerized accounts payable,…

Inventory of wetland habitat using remote sensing for the proposed Oahe irrigation unit in eastern South Dakota

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Best, R. G.; Moore, D. G.; Myers, V. I.

1977-01-01

An inventory of wetlands for the area included in the proposed Oahe irrigation project was conducted to provide supplemental data for the wildlife mitigation plan. Interpretation techniques for inventoring small wetlands in the low relief terrain of the Lake Dakota Plain were documented and data summaries included. The data were stored and tabulated in a computerized spatial data analysis system.

Fault Tolerant Considerations and Methods for Guidance and Control Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-07-01

multifunction devices such as microprocessors with software. In striving toward the economic goal, however, a cost is incurred in a different coin, i.e...therefore been developed which reduces the software risk to acceptable proportions. Several of the techniques thus developed incur no significant cost ...complex that their design and implementation need computerized tools in order to be cost -effective (in a broad sense, including the capability of

Artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of low back pain.

PubMed

Mann, N H; Brown, M D

1991-04-01

Computerized methods are used to recognize the characteristics of patient pain drawings. Artificial neural network (ANN) models are compared with expert predictions and traditional statistical classification methods when placing the pain drawings of low back pain patients into one of five clinically significant categories. A discussion is undertaken outlining the differences in these classifiers and the potential benefits of the ANN model as an artificial intelligence technique.

Computerized Adaptive Personality Testing: A Review and Illustration With the MMPI-2 Computerized Adaptive Version.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Forbey, Johnathan D.; Ben-Porath, Yossef S.

2007-01-01

Computerized adaptive testing in personality assessment can improve efficiency by significantly reducing the number of items administered to answer an assessment question. Two approaches have been explored for adaptive testing in computerized personality assessment: item response theory and the countdown method. In this article, the authors…

A Randomized Controlled Trial of the "Cool Teens" CD-ROM Computerized Program for Adolescent Anxiety

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wuthrich, Viviana M.; Rapee, Ronald M.; Cunningham, Michael J.; Lyneham, Heidi J.; Hudson, Jennifer L.; Schniering, Carolyn A.

2012-01-01

Objective: Computerized cognitive behavioral interventions for anxiety disorders in adults have been shown to be efficacious, but limited data are available on the use of computerized interventions with young persons. Adolescents in particular are difficult to engage in treatment and may be especially suited to computerized technologies. This…

Combining computerized social cognitive training with neuroplasticity-based auditory training in schizophrenia.

PubMed

Sacks, Stephanie; Fisher, Melissa; Garrett, Coleman; Alexander, Phillip; Holland, Christine; Rose, Demian; Hooker, Christine; Vinogradov, Sophia

2013-01-01

Social cognitive deficits are an important treatment target in schizophrenia, but it is unclear to what degree they require specialized interventions and which specific components of behavioral interventions are effective. In this pilot study, we explored the effects of a novel computerized neuroplasticity-based auditory training delivered in conjunction with computerized social cognition training (SCT) in patients with schizophrenia. Nineteen clinically stable schizophrenia subjects performed 50 hours of computerized exercises that place implicit, increasing demands on auditory perception, plus 12 hours of computerized training in emotion identification, social perception, and theory of mind tasks. All subjects were assessed with MATRICS-recommended measures of neurocognition and social cognition, plus a measure of self-referential source memory before and after the computerized training. Subjects showed significant improvements on multiple measures of neurocognition. Additionally, subjects showed significant gains on measures of social cognition, including the MSCEIT Perceiving Emotions, MSCEIT Managing Emotions, and self-referential source memory, plus a significant decrease in positive symptoms. Computerized training of auditory processing/verbal learning in schizophrenia results in significant basic neurocognitive gains. Further, addition of computerized social cognition training results in significant gains in several social cognitive outcome measures. Computerized cognitive training that directly targets social cognitive processes can drive improvements in these crucial functions.

Scintigraphic depiction of an insulinoma by I-131 metaiodobenzylguanidine

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Geatti, O.; Shapiro, B.; Barillari, B.

1989-12-01

Scintigraphy with I-131 metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) was effective in depicting a pancreatic insulinoma in a patient suffering from intermittent hypoglycemia. This observation widens the range of neuroendocrine tumors that take up to I-131 MIBG and supports the concept that many tumors of the amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation system may be imaged in this way.

False-positive liver scan in a patient with hepatic amyloidosis: case report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Suzuki, K.; Okuda, K.; Yoshida, T.

1976-01-01

A case of secondary hepatic amyloidosis exhibiting a large liver and multiple defects on the $sup 198$Au-radiocolloid scintigraph is presented. Biopsy and angiographic studies indicated that the areas of reduced colloid uptake represented heavy amyloid deposition, and the area of the left lobe with contrasting high activity most probably represented compensatory hypertrophy. (auth)

Improving the utility of the fine motor skills subscale of the comprehensive developmental inventory for infants and toddlers: a computerized adaptive test.

PubMed

Huang, Chien-Yu; Tung, Li-Chen; Chou, Yeh-Tai; Chou, Willy; Chen, Kuan-Lin; Hsieh, Ching-Lin

2017-07-27

This study aimed at improving the utility of the fine motor subscale of the comprehensive developmental inventory for infants and toddlers (CDIIT) by developing a computerized adaptive test of fine motor skills. We built an item bank for the computerized adaptive test of fine motor skills using the fine motor subscale of the CDIIT items fitting the Rasch model. We also examined the psychometric properties and efficiency of the computerized adaptive test of fine motor skills with simulated computerized adaptive tests. Data from 1742 children with suspected developmental delays were retrieved. The mean scores of the fine motor subscale of the CDIIT increased along with age groups (mean scores = 1.36-36.97). The computerized adaptive test of fine motor skills contains 31 items meeting the Rasch model's assumptions (infit mean square = 0.57-1.21, outfit mean square = 0.11-1.17). For children of 6-71 months, the computerized adaptive test of fine motor skills had high Rasch person reliability (average reliability >0.90), high concurrent validity (rs = 0.67-0.99), adequate to excellent diagnostic accuracy (area under receiver operating characteristic = 0.71-1.00), and large responsiveness (effect size = 1.05-3.93). The computerized adaptive test of fine motor skills used 48-84% fewer items than the fine motor subscale of the CDIIT. The computerized adaptive test of fine motor skills used fewer items for assessment but was as reliable and valid as the fine motor subscale of the CDIIT. Implications for Rehabilitation We developed a computerized adaptive test based on the comprehensive developmental inventory for infants and toddlers (CDIIT) for assessing fine motor skills. The computerized adaptive test has been shown to be efficient because it uses fewer items than the original measure and automatically presents the results right after the test is completed. The computerized adaptive test is as reliable and valid as the CDIIT.

Characterizing effects of mild traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder on balance impairments in blast-exposed servicemembers and Veterans using computerized posturography.

PubMed

Wares, Joanna R; Hoke, Kathy W; Walker, William; Franke, Laura Manning; Cifu, David X; Carne, William; Ford-Smith, Cheryl

2015-01-01

The high rate of blast exposures experienced by U.S. servicemembers (SMs) during the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan has resulted in frequent combat-related mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs). Dizziness and postural instability can persist after mTBI as a component of postconcussion syndrome, but also occur among the somatic complaints of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The goals of this study were to examine the use of computerized posturography (CPT) to objectively characterize chronic balance deficits after mTBI and to explore the utility of CPT in distinguishing between combat and blast-exposed participants with and without mTBI and PTSD. Data were analyzed from a subject pool of 166 combat-exposed SMs and Veterans who had a blast experience within the past 2 yr while deployed. Using nonparametric tests and measures of impairment, we found that balance was deficient in participants diagnosed with mTBI with posttraumatic amnesia (PTA) or PTSD versus those with neither and that deficits were amplified for participants with both diagnoses. In addition, unique deficiencies were found using CPT for individuals having isolated mTBI with PTA and isolated PTSD. Computerized balance assessment offers an objective technique to examine the physiologic effects and provide differentiation between participants with combat-associated mTBI and PTSD.

Computerized detection of vertebral compression fractures on lateral chest radiographs: Preliminary results with a tool for early detection of osteoporosis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kasai, Satoshi; Li Feng; Shiraishi, Junji

Vertebral fracture (or vertebral deformity) is a very common outcome of osteoporosis, which is one of the major public health concerns in the world. Early detection of vertebral fractures is important because timely pharmacologic intervention can reduce the risk of subsequent additional fractures. Chest radiographs are used routinely for detection of lung and heart diseases, and vertebral fractures can be visible on lateral chest radiographs. However, investigators noted that about 50% of vertebral fractures visible on lateral chest radiographs were underdiagnosed or under-reported, even when the fractures were severe. Therefore, our goal was to develop a computerized method for detectionmore » of vertebral fractures on lateral chest radiographs in order to assist radiologists' image interpretation and thus allow the early diagnosis of osteoporosis. The cases used in this study were 20 patients with severe vertebral fractures and 118 patients without fractures, as confirmed by the consensus of two radiologists. Radiologists identified the locations of fractured vertebrae, and they provided morphometric data on the vertebral shape for evaluation of the accuracy of detecting vertebral end plates by computer. In our computerized method, a curved search area, which included a number of vertebral end plates, was first extracted automatically, and was straightened so that vertebral end plates became oriented horizontally. Edge candidates were enhanced by use of a horizontal line-enhancement filter in the straightened image, and a multiple thresholding technique, followed by feature analysis, was used for identification of the vertebral end plates. The height of each vertebra was determined from locations of identified vertebral end plates, and fractured vertebrae were detected by comparison of the measured vertebral height with the expected height. The sensitivity of our computerized method for detection of fracture cases was 95% (19/20), with 1.03 (139/135) false-positive fractures per image. The accuracy of identifying vertebral end plates, marked by radiologists in a morphometric study, was 76.6% (400/522) and 70.9% (420/592) for cases used for training and those for testing, respectively. We prepared 32 additional fracture cases for a validation test, and we examined the detection accuracy of our computerized method. The sensitivity for these cases was 75% (24/32) at 1.03 (33/32) false-positive fractures per image. Our preliminary results show that the automated computerized scheme for detecting vertebral fractures on lateral chest radiographs has the potential to assist radiologists in detecting vertebral fractures.« less

45 CFR 310.40 - What requirements apply for accessing systems and records for monitoring Computerized Tribal IV-D...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... records for monitoring Computerized Tribal IV-D Systems and Office Automation? 310.40 Section 310.40... COMPUTERIZED TRIBAL IV-D SYSTEMS AND OFFICE AUTOMATION Accountability and Monitoring Procedures for... monitoring Computerized Tribal IV-D Systems and Office Automation? In accordance with Part 95 of this title...

A computerized system based on an alternative pulse echo immersion technique for acoustic characterization of non-porous solid tissue mimicking materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nazihah Mat Daud, Anis; Jaafar, Rosly; Kadri Ayop, Shahrul; Supar Rohani, Md

2018-04-01

This paper discusses the development of a computerized acoustic characterization system of non-porous solid tissue mimicking materials. This system employs an alternative pulse echo immersion technique and consists of a pulser/receiver generator, a transducer used as both a transmitter and a receiver, a digital oscilloscope, and a personal computer with a custom-developed program installed. The program was developed on the LabVIEW 2012 platform and comprises two main components, a user interface and a block diagram. The user interface consists of three panels: a signal acquisition and selection panel, a display panel, and a calculation panel. The block diagram comprises four blocks: a signal acquisition block, a peak signal analysis block, an acoustic properties calculation and display block, and an additional block. Interestingly, the system can be operated in both online and offline modes. For the online mode, the measurements are performed by connecting the system with a Rigol DS2000 Series digital oscilloscope. In contrast, the measurements are carried out by processing the saved data on the computer for the offline mode. The accuracy and consistency of the developed system was validated by a KB-Aerotech Alpha Series transducer with 5 MHz center frequency and a Rigol DS2202 two-channel 200 MHz 2 GSa s-1 digital oscilloscope, based on the measurement of the acoustic properties of three poly(methyl methacrylate) samples immersed in a medium at a temperature of (24.0  ±  0.1) °C. The findings indicated that the accuracy and consistency of the developed system was exceptionally high, within a 1.04% margin of error compared to the reference values. As such, this computerized system can be efficiently used for the acoustic characterization of non-porous solid tissues, given its spontaneous display of results, user-friendly interface, and convenient hardware connection.

99mTc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC scintigraphy in the differential diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules.

PubMed

Płachcińska, Anna; Mikołajczak, Renata; Maecke, Helmut R; Michalski, Andrzej; Rzeszutek, Katarzyna; Kozak, Józef; Kuśmierek, Jacek

2004-07-01

Forty-three consecutive patients with solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) on chest radiographs were studied scintigraphically after administration of the somatostatin analogue (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC. The objective of the study was to assess the usefulness of the procedure for differentiation of SPNs as malignant or benign. The administered activity was 740-925 MBq, and a single-photon emission computed tomography imaging technique was employed. Verification of the nodule aetiology was based on histology or cytology and bacteriology. A stable tumour size on chest radiography for at least 3 years was accepted as an additional criterion of benignity. In 29 patients, nodules were found to be malignant. The diagnoses included ten adenocarcinomas, five squamous cell carcinomas, two large cell carcinomas, six non-small cell lung cancers without specification of the more detailed morphology, two small cell lung cancers, two typical carcinoids and two metastatic tumours (leiomyosarcoma and malignant melanoma). In 14 patients the following benign tumours were diagnosed: four tuberculomas, one other granuloma, three hamartomas, one non-specific inflammatory infiltrate, one abscess, one peripheral carcinoid with the morphological characteristics of a benign tumour, one ectopic lesion of thyroid tissue and two benign tumours of unspecified aetiology with a stable size over 3 and 5 years respectively. Positive scintigraphic results were obtained in 26 of the 29 patients (90%) with malignant SPNs; among these, 24 of the 25 (96%) cases of primary pulmonary carcinoma yielded positive results. The remaining two false negative cases were the metastatic tumours, liposarcoma and melanoma. Of the 14 benign lesions, ten (71%) did not accumulate the radiopharmaceutical. The remaining four benign tumours that were visible on scintigrams comprised one tuberculoma, one hamartoma, one abscess and one case in which the diagnosis could not be established (the tumour had a stable size over 3 years). In conclusion, scintigraphy with (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC appears to be an effective procedure for differentiation between malignant and benign SPNs. A fully credible assessment of the clinical efficacy of this procedure requires further study in a larger number of patients.

Fostering multiple repertoires in undergraduate behavior analysis students

PubMed Central

Polson, David A. D.

1995-01-01

Eight techniques used by the author in teaching an introductory applied behavior analysis course are described: (a) a detailed study guide, (b) frequent tests, (c) composition of practice test questions, (d) in-class study groups, (e) fluency building with a computerized flash-card program, (f) bonus marks for participation during question-and-answer sessions, (g) student presentations that summarize and analyze recently published research, and (h) in-class behavior analysis of comic strips. Together, these techniques require an extensive amount of work by students. Nevertheless, students overwhelmingly prefer this approach to the traditional lecture-midterm-final format, and most earn an A as their final course grade. PMID:22478226

Computerized systems analysis and optimization of aircraft engine performance, weight, and life cycle costs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fishbach, L. H.

1980-01-01

The computational techniques are described which are utilized at Lewis Research Center to determine the optimum propulsion systems for future aircraft applications and to identify system tradeoffs and technology requirements. Cycle performance, and engine weight can be calculated along with costs and installation effects as opposed to fuel consumption alone. Almost any conceivable turbine engine cycle can be studied. These computer codes are: NNEP, WATE, LIFCYC, INSTAL, and POD DRG. Examples are given to illustrate how these computer techniques can be applied to analyze and optimize propulsion system fuel consumption, weight and cost for representative types of aircraft and missions.

Progress on Intelligent Guidance and Control for Wind Shear Encounter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stratton, D. Alexander

1990-01-01

Low altitude wind shear poses a serious threat to air safety. Avoiding severe wind shear challenges the ability of flight crews, as it involves assessing risk from uncertain evidence. A computerized intelligent cockpit aid can increase flight crew awareness of wind shear, improving avoidance decisions. The primary functions of a cockpit advisory expert system for wind shear avoidance are discussed. Also introduced are computational techniques being implemented to enable these primary functions.

[Mobile CT at neurointensive sections--it is possible].

PubMed

Frost, Majbritt; Stenkær, Susanne; Kellenberger, Simone; Ehlers, Lars

2011-01-24

Intrahospital transportation can be complicated and hazardous. Mobile computerized tomography (CT) of the head performed at the neurointensive care unit is a new technique that minimizes the need for transportation of unstable patients. Even small changes in physiological parameters can be detrimental for these patients and cause secondary injury and thus affect their prognoses. The portable CT scanner in the neurointensive care unit holds great potential, but the high price level may limit its use.

Computerized adaptive control weld skate with CCTV weld guidance project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wall, W. A.

1976-01-01

This report summarizes progress of the automatic computerized weld skate development portion of the Computerized Weld Skate with Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Arc Guidance Project. The main goal of the project is to develop an automatic welding skate demonstration model equipped with CCTV weld guidance. The three main goals of the overall project are to: (1) develop a demonstration model computerized weld skate system, (2) develop a demonstration model automatic CCTV guidance system, and (3) integrate the two systems into a demonstration model of computerized weld skate with CCTV weld guidance for welding contoured parts.

An Application of Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) Technology to Mass Raid Tracking

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-08-01

ESD-TR-89-305 MTR-10542 An Application of Computerized Axial Tomography ( CAT ) Technology to Mass Raid Tracking By John K. Barr August 1989...NO 11. TITLE (Include Security Classification) An Application of Computerized Axial Tomography ( CAT ) Technology to Mass Raid Tracking 12...by block number) Computerized Axial Tomography ( CAT ) Scanner Electronic Support Measures (ESM) Fusion (continued) 19. ABSTRACT (Continue on

Increasing profitability through computerization.

PubMed

Sokol, D J

1988-01-01

The author explores the pragmatic or financial justification for computerizing a dental practice and discusses a computerized approach to precollection and collection for the dental office. The article also deals with the use of computerized correspondence to augment the recall policy of the office and to help generate new patient referrals and discusses the pros and cons of utilizing a dental computer service bureau in implementing these policies.

Radiographic angles in hallux valgus: differences between measurements made manually and with a computerized program.

PubMed

Piqué-Vidal, Carlos; Maled-García, Ignaci; Arabi-Moreno, Juanjo; Vila, Joan

2006-03-01

The objective of this study was to compare angular measurements in the evaluation of hallux valgus deformities using a goniometer and a computerized program to assess degree of concordance between the two methods and determine the reliability of manual measurements. Angles measured included the hallux valgus angle (HVA), the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), and the proximal phalangeal articular angle (PPAA), also called the hallux valgus interphalangeus angle or interphalangeal angle. Measurements were made on preoperative weightbearing radiographs in 176 patients with symptomatic hallux valgus. Manual measurements were made with a goniometer by an orthopaedic surgeon. An independent experienced technician used digitized images to perform angular measurements with the Autocad software program (Autodesk Inc., San Rafael, CA). HVA values obtained with the two techniques were similar. However, significantly higher mean values were obtained with the Autocad for the IMA and PPAA measurements, and higher mean values were obtained for the DMAA measurement with the manual technique. Whereas differences were more or less randomly distributed for the HVA, in the remaining patients, measurements were clearly related to the measurement technique, i.e., for the DMAA, the manual technique had a tendency to show higher values, and for the IMA and PPAA the manual technique showed lower values than the computer. Correlations between both techniques for the different angular measurements were as follows: HVA, -0.179 (p = 0.018); DMMA, -0.294 (p < 0.001); PPAA, -0.876 (p < 0.001); and IMA, -0.661 (p < 0.001). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) showed that the concordance between manual and Autocad angular measurements was excellent for the HVA (ICC = 0.89) and DMAA (ICC = 0.80) and very poor for the PPAA (ICC = 0.11) and IMA (ICC = 0.42). Angular measurements made on weightbearing radiographs with the Autocad in patients with hallux valgus deformities were more reliable than those made with a goniometer. Although for large angles, such as HVA and DMAA, results obtained with both measurement techniques were similar. Manual measurements, however, may underestimate the true values of the smaller IMA and PPAA angles.

The potential for advanced computerized aids for comprehensible writing of technical documents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kieras, D. E.

1985-01-01

It is widely agreed that technical documents for equipment are poorly written and hard to comprehend. This has been a long-standing problem because the information-processing demands of editing and revision are so high that many comprehensibility problems go undetected. However, many of these problems can be detected by computerized systems that scan a document and point out where the writing can be improved. Existing systems of this type are based on conventional writing customs, rather than on the research literature on comprehension, and give poor advice or miss important problems. They also do not process the input document to any depth. An approach to advanced writing aids is described; such a system would base its criticisms on what is known about the cognition psychology of comprehension, and would make use of techniques from artificial intelligence for processing the language. Some examples of the relevant research results are presented, and a demonstration system of this type is briefly described.

Reliability and validity of the Computerized Comprehension Task (CCT): data from American English and Mexican Spanish infants*

PubMed Central

FRIEND, MARGARET; KEPLINGER, MELANIE

2017-01-01

Early language comprehension may be one of the most important predictors of developmental risk. The need for performance-based assessment is predicated on limitations identified in the exclusive use of parent report and on the need for a performance measure with which to assess the convergent validity of parent report of comprehension. Child performance data require the development of procedures to facilitate infant attention and compliance. Forty infants (20 at 1;4 and 20 at 1;8) acquiring English completed a standard picture book task and the same task was administered on a touch-sensitive screen. The computerized task significantly improved task attention, compliance and performance. Reliability was high, indicating that infants were not responding randomly. Convergent validity with parent report and 4-month stability was substantial. Preliminary data extending this approach to Mexican-Spanish are presented. Results are discussed in terms of the promise of this technique for clinical and research settings and the potential influences of cultural factors on performance. PMID:18300430

[Autonomy and malignancy of thyroid glad tumors. A critical analysis of the literature on the existence of hyperfunctioning follicular and papillary thyroid gland carcinomas].

PubMed

Schröder, S; Marthaler, B

1996-09-01

Data in the literature communicated in 63 publications were evaluated in which scintigraphically warm or hot nodules were described as identical to a follicular or papillary carcinoma diagnosed based on histology of the resection specimen, thus suggesting autonomous hyperfunction of a malignant thyroid neoplasia. In the majority of cases, this assumption could not be accepted, or only within strict limits. In these patients, it appeared more likely that the carcinoma was located adjacent to or within a benign hyperfunctioning thyroid area or that large masses of a thyroid carcinoma had only simulated the picture of a hyperfunctioning nodule by suppression of endogenous TSH and thus of the residual parenchyma's function. In other cases, the diagnosis of a hyperfunctioning thyroid carcinoma had to be doubted or rejected owing to the lack of plausibility of the documented morphological findings. At the end of the literature survey, only 10 case descriptions unequivocally verified that, though very rarely, a papillary or follicular thyroid carcinoma may manifest itself as a solitary warm or hot thyroid nodule. Such a scintigraphical finding thus cannot be regarded as proof of benignancy of a given thyroid tumour.

Scintigraphic results in patients with lung transplants: a prospective comparative study.

PubMed

Humplik, B I; Sandrock, D; Aurisch, R; Richter, W-St; Ewert, R; Munz, D L

2005-04-01

We addressed the feasibility of scintigraphy in the postoperative monitoring of lung transplants. 37 patients (22 women, 15 men, 37 +/- 15 years) in good clinical condition were examined after lung transplantation. Scintigraphic procedures for assessing ventilation (133Xe), perfusion (99mTc microspheres) and aerosol-inhalation (99mTc aerosol) were performed for all patients. The findings were compared with those of established diagnostic modalities. All lung transplants showed homogeneous ventilation but with a non-physiologic difference of over 20% between both pulmonary lobes in one-third of the cases. There was a difference between the impairement of perfusion and ventilation in the presence of an impaired Euler-Liljestrand reflex in 14/37 (38%) patients. Furthermore, bronchoscopy and aerosol-inhalation scans often did not correlate, e. g. a bronchoscopically evident stenosis was not necessarily associated with an increased activity, and vice versa. Although peripheral mucociliary clearance was preserved after transplantation, stasis in central airways resulted in significantly impaired global clearance. Ventilation and perfusion scintigraphy reveal in a significant number of lung recipients pathologic findings and therefore can be recommended for postoperative monitoring. From a clinical point of view aerosol-inhalation scintigraphy (clearance) is not of any additional value.

Boron nitride nanotubes radiolabeled with ⁹⁹mTc: preparation, physicochemical characterization, biodistribution study, and scintigraphic imaging in Swiss mice.

PubMed

Soares, Daniel Crístian Ferreira; Ferreira, Tiago Hilário; Ferreira, Carolina de Aguiar; Cardoso, Valbert Nascimento; de Sousa, Edésia Martins Barros

2012-02-28

In the present study, boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) were synthesized from an innovative process and functionalized with a glycol chitosan polymer in CDTN (Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear) laboratories. As a means of studying their in vivo biodistribution behavior, these nanotubes were radiolabeled with (99m)Tc and injected in mice. Their size, distribution, and homogeneity were determined by photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), while their zeta potential was determined by laser Doppler anemometry. The morphology and structural organization were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The functionalization in the nanotubes was evaluated by thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and Fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that BNNTs were obtained and functionalized successfully, reaching a mean size and dispersity deemed adequate for in vivo studies. The BNNTs were also evaluated by ex vivo biodistribution studies and scintigraphic imaging in healthy mice. The results showed that nanostructures, after 24h, having accumulated in the liver, spleen and gut, and eliminated via renal excretion. The findings from this study reveal a potential application of functionalized BNNTs as new potential drugs or radioisotope nanocarriers to be applied in therapeutic procedures. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Diagnosis of hyperfunctional thyroid nodules: impact of US-elastography.

PubMed

Ruhlmann, M; Stebner, V; Görges, R; Farahati, J; Simon, D; Bockisch, A; Rosenbaum-Krumme, S; Nagarajah, J

2014-01-01

Several studies described the ultrasound based real-time elastography (USE) having a high sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value in the diagnosis of suspicious thyroid nodules. Recently published studies called these results into question. Until now the usefulness of USE in the diagnosis of scintigraphically hyperfunctional thyroid nodules is not examined. This study included 135 hyperfunctional thyroid nodules of 102 consecutive patients. The following attributes of the nodules were analyzed: stiffness with the USE using scores of Rago or Asteria and ultrasound criteria using TIRADS. 94 of the examined thyroid nodules (70%) were rated as hard (suspicious for malignancy) and 41 nodules (30%) as soft (not suspicious) with a specificity of 30%. The scoring systems of Rago and Asteria showed no significant difference. Applying the TIRADS criteria 44 nodules (33%) have a higher risk for malignancy (33 nodules TIRADS 4a, 11 nodules TIRADS 4b). Combining USE and TIRADS 32 nodules (24%) are categorized as suspicious (intersection of hard nodules that are categorized as TIRADS 4a or 4b). Ultrasound based real-time elastography cannot identify scintigraphically hyperfunctional thyroid nodules as benign nodules reliably. Its accuracy in the assessment of at least "hot" thyroid nodules is to be questioned.

Conservative physical therapy management for the treatment of cervicogenic headache: a systematic review.

PubMed

Racicki, Stephanie; Gerwin, Sarah; Diclaudio, Stacy; Reinmann, Samuel; Donaldson, Megan

2013-05-01

The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of conservative physical therapy management of cervicogenic headache (CGH). CGH affects 22-25% of the adult population with females being four times more affected than men. CGHs are thought to arise from musculoskeletal impairments in the neck with symptoms most commonly consisting of suboccipital neck pain, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Currently, both invasive and non-invasive techniques are available to address these symptoms; however, the efficacy of non-invasive treatment techniques has yet to be established. Computerized searches of CINAHL, ProQuest, PubMed, MEDLINE, and SportDiscus, were performed to obtain a qualitative analysis of the literature. Inclusion criteria were: randomized controlled trial design, population diagnosed with CGH using the International Headache Society classification, at least one baseline measurement and one outcomes measure, and assessment of a conservative technique. Physiotherapy evidence-based database scale was utilized for quality assessment. One computerized database search and two hand searches yielded six articles. Of the six included randomized controlled trials, all were considered to be of 'good quality' utilizing the physiotherapy evidence-based database scale. The interventions utilized were: therapist-driven cervical manipulation and mobilization, self-applied cervical mobilization, cervico-scapular strengthening, and therapist-driven cervical and thoracic manipulation. With the exception of one study, all reported reduction in pain and disability, as well as improvement in function. Calculated effect sizes allowed comparison of intervention groups between studies. A combination of therapist-driven cervical manipulation and mobilization with cervico-scapular strengthening was most effective for decreasing pain outcomes in those with CGH.

Influence of computerized sounding out on spelling performance for children who do and do not rely on AAC.

PubMed

McCarthy, Jillian H; Hogan, Tiffany P; Beukelman, David R; Schwarz, Ilsa E

2015-05-01

Spelling is an important skill for individuals who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The purpose of this study was to investigate how computerized sounding out influenced spelling accuracy of pseudo-words. Computerized sounding out was defined as a word elongated, thus providing an opportunity for a child to hear all the sounds in the word at a slower rate. Seven children with cerebral palsy, four who use AAC and three who do not, participated in a single subject AB design. The results of the study indicated that the use of computerized sounding out increased the phonologic accuracy of the pseudo-words produced by participants. The study provides preliminary evidence for the use of computerized sounding out during spelling tasks for children with cerebral palsy who do and do not use AAC. Future directions and clinical implications are discussed. We investigated how computerized sounding out influenced spelling accuracy of pseudowords for children with complex communication needs who did and did not use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Results indicated that the use of computerized sounding out increased the phonologic accuracy of the pseudo-words by participants, suggesting that computerized sounding out might assist in more accurate spelling for children who use AAC. Future research is needed to determine how language and reading abilities influence the use of computerized sounding out with children who have a range of speech intelligibility abilities and do and do not use AAC.

The additional diagnostic value of a single-session combined scintigraphic and ultrasonographic examination in patients with thyroid and parathyroid diseases.

PubMed

Gedik, G K; Bozkurt, F M; Ugur, O; Grassetto, G; Rubello, D

2008-09-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic efficacy and the clinical impact of scintigraphy combined with ultrasonography (USG) in the management of thyroid and parathyroid disorders in a large series of patients. A total of 387 consecutive patients referred to the Nuclear Medicine Department of Hacettepe University in the period from January to September 2007 for investigating a thyroid (N. 339 patients: 232 females and 107 males, mean age+/-SD=48.9+/-13.6 years) or a parathyroid disease (N. 48 patients: 34 females and 14 males, mean age+/-SD=47.4+/-9.6 years) were prospectively evaluated, systematically performing both scintigraphy and USG in a single-day session. All the examinations were independently reviewed by two nuclear medicine physicians; in cases of discrepancy (3%) a final diagnosis was reached by consensus. For thyroid pathologies, USG results were considered to provide additional diagnostic information over scintigraphy: 1) if more nodules were identified; 2) if an irregular hyperactive area at scintigraphy suspicious for the presence of a nodule was clearly characterized at USG; 3) if a nodule missed at scintigraphy because of small size (<1 cm) was well depicted at USG, thus allowing an USG-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) to reach a final diagnosis. For parathyroid pathologies, USG was considered to provide additional diagnostic information over scintigraphy if a low intensity radiotracer retention from the parathyroid suspected of being a parathyroid enlargement was clearly depicted at USG. In thyroid diseases, scintigraphy was considered to provide additional diagnostic information over USG, if the functional status of a diffuse or uni- or multi-nodular goiter were clearly defined at scintigraphy. In parathyroid diseases, scintigraphy was considered to provide additional diagnostic information over USG, if the differential diagnosis between a lymph node or a muscle or a vessel depicted at USG was clearly defined as a parathyroid enlargement at scintigraphy. Lastly, the clinical impact of the single-day combined scintigraphic/USG protocol was evaluated. USG. In the thyroid diseases group, USG was particularly useful: 1) to detect additional nodules in glands with suppressed thyroid tissue; 2) to disclose small thyroid nodules (<1 cm) in which it was possible to perform a USG-FNAC. In the parathyroid diseases group, USG was particularly useful for the detection of parathyroid enlargements not visualized at scintigraphy because characterized by a rapid wash-out of the radiotracer and thus by a low radioactivity intensity in the delayed scintigraphic images. Scintigraphy. In the thyroid diseases group, scintigraphy was particularly useful: 1) to diagnose a diffuse hyperfunctioning thyroid gland, and to differentiate in multinodular goiters the hyper- from the hypo-functioning nodules. In the hyperparathyroid diseases group, scintigraphy was particular useful in making a differential diagnosis between a true parathyroid enlargement vs. a lymph node or a muscle or a vessel as depicted at USG, and in cases with deeply or ectopically-positioned parathyroid glands. Combined imaging approach. Combined interpretation provided additional benefit in 225 of 339 patients (64.4%). Overall, using the combined scintigraphic/USG single-day protocol, in the thyroid diseases group the therapeutic strategy (drug therapy vs radioiodine therapy vs surgery) was changed in 176/225 patients (78.2%, P<0.001 by chi(2) of Pearson), and in the parathyroid disease group the therapeutic strategy (medical therapy vs surgery) was changed in 18/48 patients (37.5%, P<0.01 by chi2 test of Pearson). In agreement with some previous published experiences, the combined single-day scintigraphic/USG protocol systematically adopted in a large series of consecutive patients with thyroid and parathyroid diseases, enrolled in a limited period of time, proved to significantly increase the global diagnostic accuracy and to change the therapeutic strategy in more than two third of patients with a thyroid disease and in more than one third of patients with a parathyroid disease.

A visual and semi-quantitative assessment of (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC scintigraphy in differentiation of solitary pulmonary nodules.

PubMed

Płachcińska, Anna; Mikołajczak, Renata; Kozak, Józef; Rzeszutek, Katarzyna; Kuśmierek, Jacek

2004-01-01

The aim of the study was the assessment of the clinical usefulness of scintigraphy with (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC for purposes of a differential diagnosis of SPNs by means of a visual inspection and semi-quantitative assessment of uptake intensity of the radiopharmaceutical (RPh). In 53 patients (32 males and 21 females at the ages between 38 and 78 years, mean value 57) with SPN on chest radiographs or CT scans, of diameters from 1 to 5.5 (mean 2.3) cm a SPECT acquisition was performed, 2-4 h after administration of 740 MBq of RPh. Additionally, aiming at the implementation of a correction of a partial volume effect resulting from finite resolution of this technique, the measurement of the resolution of this technique was performed on an thorax phantom. Scintigraphic studies were inspected visually visually and semi-quantitatively, restoring real concentration of the RPh in nodules in comparison with the peritumoral background (tumour-to-background ratio) by the application of resolution recovery coefficients for the respective nodule diameters. The threshold values of tumour-to-background ratio providing optimal differentiation between malignant and benign nodules of sizes smaller and larger than 2 cm in diameter were determined. Verification of scintigraphic results was based on pathological examinations of tumour samples (histopathology or cytology) and in some cases on bacteriological studies. The additional criterion of tumour benignity was accepted, based on its stable size in a time interval no shorter than 3 years. In 32 patients the following malignant tumours were diagnosed: 12 adenocarcinomas, 6 squamous cell carcinomas, 6 non-small cell lung cancers of unspecified more detailed morphology, 2 large cell carcinomas, 2 small cell lung cancers, 2 carcinoids and 2 metastatic lesions (malignant melanoma and leiomyosarcoma). In 21 patients benign etiologies were found: 6 tuberculomas, 2 other granuloma, 4 hamartomas, 2 non-specific inflammatory infiltrate, 1 alien body with inflammatory reaction and 1 suppurating inflammatory lesion, 1 abscesses, 1 peripheral carcinoid of morphological features of a benign tumour, 2 tumours of unspecified etiology with sizes stable over 3 and 5 years, and 1 ectopic lesion of thyroid tissue. A visual inspection of scintigrams revealed enhanced uptake of RPh at 29 of 32 sites corresponding to locations of malignant nodules, in 2 cases (1 adenocarcinoma and 1 metastatic lesion of malignant melanoma) results were negative and in 1 (metastatic leiomyosarcoma) equivocal; in 13 of 21 benign nodules true negative results were obtained, in 4--positive (foreign body with inflammatory reaction, abscess, suppurating inflammatory lesion and tuberculoma), in the next 4--equivocal (2 tuberculomas, 1 hamartoma, 1 tumour of unspecified aetiology, but with a stable size over 3 years). The mean values of tumour-to-back-ground ratio without resolution recovery in malignant and benign nodules equalled 4.6 (sd 5.9) and 1.8 (sd 1.2), resp. (p = 7 x 10(-4)), while after resolution recovery coefficients--7.8 (sd 7.2) and 2.7 (sd 2.8), resp. (p = 2 x 10(-4)). The semi-quantitative method resulted in true positive results in 29/32 malignant cases and true negative in 15/21 benign cases. (99m)Tc-EDDA/HYNIC-TOC scintigraphy is a very promising method for the differentiation of SPNs. The semi-quantitative method using resolution recovered tumour-to-background ratio enables the differentiation of malignant and benign SPNs based on the intensity of RPh uptake and facilitates the making of a decision as to the positive or negative scintigraphic character of the equivocal lesions.

Document Examination: Applications of Image Processing Systems.

PubMed

Kopainsky, B

1989-12-01

Dealing with images is a familiar business for an expert in questioned documents: microscopic, photographic, infrared, and other optical techniques generate images containing the information he or she is looking for. A recent method for extracting most of this information is digital image processing, ranging from the simple contrast and contour enhancement to the advanced restoration of blurred texts. When combined with a sophisticated physical imaging system, an image pricessing system has proven to be a powerful and fast tool for routine non-destructive scanning of suspect documents. This article reviews frequent applications, comprising techniques to increase legibility, two-dimensional spectroscopy (ink discrimination, alterations, erased entries, etc.), comparison techniques (stamps, typescript letters, photo substitution), and densitometry. Computerized comparison of handwriting is not included. Copyright © 1989 Central Police University.

Assessment of readiness for clinical decision support to aid laboratory monitoring of immunosuppressive care at U.S. liver transplant centers.

PubMed

Jacobs, J; Weir, C; Evans, R S; Staes, C

2014-01-01

Following liver transplantation, patients require lifelong immunosuppressive care and monitoring. Computerized clinical decision support (CDS) has been shown to improve post-transplant immunosuppressive care processes and outcomes. The readiness of transplant information systems to implement computerized CDS to support post-transplant care is unknown. a) Describe the current clinical information system functionality and manual and automated processes for laboratory monitoring of immunosuppressive care, b) describe the use of guidelines that may be used to produce computable logic and the use of computerized alerts to support guideline adherence, and c) explore barriers to implementation of CDS in U.S. liver transplant centers. We developed a web-based survey using cognitive interviewing techniques. We surveyed 119 U.S. transplant programs that performed at least five liver transplantations per year during 2010-2012. Responses were summarized using descriptive analyses; barriers were identified using qualitative methods. Respondents from 80 programs (67% response rate) completed the survey. While 98% of programs reported having an electronic health record (EHR), all programs used paper-based manual processes to receive or track immunosuppressive laboratory results. Most programs (85%) reported that 30% or more of their patients used external laboratories for routine testing. Few programs (19%) received most external laboratory results as discrete data via electronic interfaces while most (80%) manually entered laboratory results into the EHR; less than half (42%) could integrate internal and external laboratory results. Nearly all programs had guidelines regarding pre-specified target ranges (92%) or testing schedules (97%) for managing immunosuppressive care. Few programs used computerized alerting to notify transplant coordinators of out-of-range (27%) or overdue laboratory results (20%). Use of EHRs is common, yet all liver transplant programs were largely dependent on manual paper-based processes to monitor immunosuppression for post-liver transplant patients. Similar immunosuppression guidelines provide opportunities for sharing CDS once integrated laboratory data are available.

11 CFR 9033.12 - Production of computerized information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... conform to the technical specifications, including file requirements, described in the Federal Election Commission's Computerized Magnetic Media Requirements for title 26 Candidates/Committees Receiving Federal... outstanding campaign obligations. (b) Organization of computerized information and technical specifications...

11 CFR 9033.12 - Production of computerized information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... conform to the technical specifications, including file requirements, described in the Federal Election Commission's Computerized Magnetic Media Requirements for title 26 Candidates/Committees Receiving Federal... outstanding campaign obligations. (b) Organization of computerized information and technical specifications...

11 CFR 9033.12 - Production of computerized information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... conform to the technical specifications, including file requirements, described in the Federal Election Commission's Computerized Magnetic Media Requirements for title 26 Candidates/Committees Receiving Federal... outstanding campaign obligations. (b) Organization of computerized information and technical specifications...

Microcomputer Network for Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT)

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-03-01

PRDC TR 84-33 \\Q.�d-33- \\ MICROCOMPUTER NETWOJlt FOR COMPUTERIZED ADAPTIVE TESTING ( CAT ) Baldwin Quan Thomas A . Park Gary Sandahl John H...ACCEIIION NO NPRDC TR 84-33 4. TITLE (-d Sul>tlllo) MICROCOMP UTER NETWORK FOR COMPUTERIZED ADA PTIVE TESTING ( CAT ) 1. Q B. uan T. A . Park...adaptive testing ( CAT ) Bayesian sequential testing 20. ABSTitACT (Continuo on ro•••• aide II noco .. _, _., ld-tlly ,.,. t.loclt _._.) DO Computerized

Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT): A User Manual

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-03-12

NPRDC TR 84-32 COMPUTERIZED ADAPTIVE TESTING ( CAT ): A USER MANUAL Susan Hardwick Lawrence Eastman Ross Cooper Rehab Group, Incorporated San...a ~EI’IOD COVIRED COMPUTERIZED ADAPTIVE TESTING ( CAT ) Final Report Aug 1981-June 1982 A USER MANUAL 1. ~l:l’t,ORMINCI ORCI. RE~ORT NUM.I:R 62-83...II nee• .. _, entl ldentll)’ ,,. llloclr _,.,) A joint-service effort is underway to develop a computerized adaptive testing ( CAT ) system and to

Looking ahead in systems engineering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feigenbaum, Donald S.

1966-01-01

Five areas that are discussed in this paper are: (1) the technological characteristics of systems engineering; (2) the analytical techniques that are giving modern systems work its capability and power; (3) the management, economics, and effectiveness dimensions that now frame the modern systems field; (4) systems engineering's future impact upon automation, computerization and managerial decision-making in industry - and upon aerospace and weapons systems in government and the military; and (5) modern systems engineering's partnership with modern quality control and reliability.

Computerized Biophysical Data Acquisition System for Motion Sickness Studies.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-12-01

biofeedback in Autogenic Feedback Training (AFT). Dr. Patricia Cowings of 1- 1 NASA-Ames Research Center has also successfully used AFT in her studies (7...analysis can be completed. Summary of Current Knowledge Researchers have approached the problem of motion sick- ness in several ways. One approach is to...that the technique is not "black magic" (17). Despite apparent successes by Dr. Levy and others, notably Dr. Patricia Cowings of the NASA-Ames Research

The potential for non-invasive study of mummies: validation of the use of computerized tomography by post factum dissection and histological examination of a 17th century female Korean mummy

PubMed Central

Lim, Do-Seon; Lee, In Sun; Choi, Ki-Ju; Lee, Soong Deok; Oh, Chang Seok; Kim, Yi-Suk; Bok, Gi Dae; Kim, Myeung Ju; Yi, Yang Su; Lee, Eun-Joo; Shin, Dong Hoon

2008-01-01

The socio-cultural antipathies of some descendants with regard to invasive examinations of age-old human remains make permission for dissection of Korean mummies of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) difficult to obtain. Overcoming this obstacle necessitated the use of non-invasive techniques, such as multi-detector computerized tomography (MDCT) and endoscopic examination, enabling determination of the preservation status of internal organs of mummies without significantly damaging the mummies themselves. However, MDCT alone cannot clearly differentiate specific mummified organs. Therefore, in much the same way as diagnostic radiologists make their MDCT readings on living patients more reliable by means of comparison with accumulated post-factum data from autopsies or histological studies, examinations of mummies by invasive techniques should not be decried as mere destruction of age-old human remains. Rather, providing that due permission from descendants and/or other relevant authorities can be obtained, dissection and histological examination should be performed whenever opportunities arise. Therefore, in this study, we compared the radiological data acquired from a 17th century mummy with our dissection results for the same subject. As accumulation of this kind of data could be very crucial for correct interpretation of MDCT findings on Korean mummies, we will perform similar trials on other Korean mummies found in forthcoming days if conditions permit. PMID:19014355

Computerized ionospheric tomography based on geosynchronous SAR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Cheng; Tian, Ye; Dong, Xichao; Wang, Rui; Long, Teng

2017-02-01

Computerized ionospheric tomography (CIT) based on spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is an emerging technique to construct the three-dimensional (3-D) image of ionosphere. The current studies are all based on the Low Earth Orbit synthetic aperture radar (LEO SAR) which is limited by long repeat period and small coverage. In this paper, a novel ionospheric 3-D CIT technique based on geosynchronous SAR (GEO SAR) is put forward. First, several influences of complex atmospheric environment on GEO SAR focusing are detailedly analyzed, including background ionosphere and multiple scattering effects (induced by turbulent ionosphere), tropospheric effects, and random noises. Then the corresponding GEO SAR signal model is constructed with consideration of the temporal-variant background ionosphere within the GEO SAR long integration time (typically 100 s to 1000 s level). Concurrently, an accurate total electron content (TEC) retrieval method based on GEO SAR data is put forward through subband division in range and subaperture division in azimuth, obtaining variant TEC value with respect to the azimuth time. The processing steps of GEO SAR CIT are given and discussed. Owing to the short repeat period and large coverage area, GEO SAR CIT has potentials of covering the specific space continuously and completely and resultantly has excellent real-time performance. Finally, the TEC retrieval and GEO SAR CIT construction are performed by employing a numerical study based on the meteorological data. The feasibility and correctness of the proposed methods are verified.

Dental status of three Egyptian mummies: radiological investigation by multislice computerized tomography.

PubMed

Gerloni, Alessandro; Cavalli, Fabio; Costantinides, Fulvio; Costantinides, Fulvia; Bonetti, Stefano; Paganelli, Corrado

2009-06-01

The aim of the study was to provide a paleopathologic and radiologic overview of the jaws and teeth of 3 Egyptian mummies preserved in the Civic Museum of History and Art in Trieste. Computerized tomography (CT) imaging and postprocessing techniques were used to examine the oral structures. A 16-slice CT scanner was used (Aquilion 16; Toshiba Medical Systems Europe, Zoetermeer, The Netherlands). Scans were obtained at high resolution. Orthogonal-plane and 3-dimensional (3D) reconstructions were created along with curved reconstructions of the lower and upper jaws. Determination of decayed/missing teeth (DMT) and decayed/missing/tooth surfaces (DMTs) were made with 3D images. Analyses revealed differences in the embalming techniques and state of preservation of the bodies. Marked wear of the occlusal surfaces was a characteristic finding in all of the mummies. The DMT and DMTs were low compared with values for contemporary populations. Two mummies had fully erupted third molars. All mummies exhibited bone changes consistent with periodontitis. The CT evaluations of the oral structures of the mummies provided insight into the dental status and oral diseases of these ancient Egyptians. The low DMT and DMTs values and indications of periodontitis may be associated with the lifestyle of these Egyptians. The fully erupted and well aligned third molars may represent a morphologic adaptation of the arches to the muscular activity associated with grinding tough foods.

Population information resources.

PubMed

Pasquariella, S K

1984-12-01

This article describes print and computerized services that are dedicated to bibliographic coverage of 1 or more areas of population studies. Major printed bibliographic information resources for population material include: ADOPT, DOCPAL Resumenes sobre Poblacion en America Latina, PIDSA Abstracts, Population Index and Review of Population Reviews. ADOPT is an annotated computer-aided current-awareness bibliographic journal which has been published monthly since January 1975 by the Regional Population Information Center of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). DOCPAL Resumenes is a computer-produced biannual collection of abstracts containing indexes and between 600 and 700 summaries of both published and unpublished population documents. PIDSA is intended to make available documentary information about population matters in sub-Saharan Africa. Population Index, 1 of the oldest and most definitive bibliographies in the demography field, is international in scope and is arranged as a classified and annotated bibliography of monographs, journal articles and 2ndary source material relevant to all aspects of demography. Review of Population Reviews, published 4 times a year, are annotated bibliographies containing summaries of articles that have been published in 83 periodicals in 37 countries. Cited articles are assigned subject-heading descriptors from the Population Multilingual Thesaurus. Major computerized information resources are: DOCPAL, DOCPOP, EBIS/POPFILE, MANPINS, POPLINE and POPULATION BIBLIOGRAPHY. DOCPAL was established to assist Latin Ameran countries in the collection, storage, processing and retrieval of population documents about Latin America. DOCPAL contains over 19,000 bibliographic citations. DOCPOP was established as the 1st Latin American national computerized population documentation system for Brazilian material. POPLINE is a computerized retrieval service cooperatively produced in the US which covers the worldwide literature on population and family planning. POPULATION BIBLIOGRAPHY consists of bibliographic records of the Carolina Population Center Library at the University of North Carolina. EBIS/PROFILE provides computerized literature search services using improved information processing techniques. The system enables interactive information retrieval using a combination of subject descriptors, free text, author names and words in other fields and can be utilized to generate various lists. MANPINS is a cooperative network of 28 population and other libraries in Peninsular Malaysia. Its data bank includes contributions from member libraries in the form of bibliographic information on monographs and journal articles.

Resources for Improving Computerized Learning Environments.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yeaman, Andrew R. J.

1989-01-01

Presents an annotated review of human factors literature that discusses computerized environments. Topics discussed include the application of office automation practices to educational environments; video display terminal (VDT) workstations; health and safety hazards; planning educational facilities; ergonomics in computerized offices; and…

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Levy, H.M.; Smith, R.

Two cases of thalassemia major are presented in which bone scintigraphy demonstrated diffuse hepatic uptake of Tc-99m diphosphonate. Although abnormal splenic and renal uptake of Tc-99m phosphates has been reported in patients with thalassemia major, hepatic uptake has not been reported previously. This scintigraphic finding is presumably due to increased iron deposition in the liver, resulting from increased iron turnover and retention in these patients and from multiple previous blood transfusions.

Effect of Nebivolol on MIBG Parameters and Exercise in Heart Failure with Normal Ejection Fraction.

PubMed

Messias, Leandro Rocha; Ferreira, Aryanne Guimarães; Miranda, Sandra Marina Ribeiro de; Teixeira, José Antônio Caldas; Azevedo, Jader Cunha de; Messias, Ana Carolina Nader Vasconcelos; Maróstica, Elisabeth; Mesquita, Claudio Tinoco

2016-05-01

More than 50% of the patients with heart failure have normal ejection fraction (HFNEF). Iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) scintigraphy and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) are prognostic markers in HFNEF. Nebivolol is a beta-blocker with vasodilating properties. To evaluate the impact of nebivolol therapy on CPET and123I-MIBG scintigraphic parameters in patients with HFNEF. Twenty-five patients underwent 123I-MIBG scintigraphy to determine the washout rate and early and late heart-to-mediastinum ratios. During the CPET, we analyzed the systolic blood pressure (SBP) response, heart rate (HR) during effort and recovery (HRR), and oxygen uptake (VO2). After the initial evaluation, we divided our cohort into control and intervention groups. We then started nebivolol and repeated the tests after 3 months. After treatment, the intervention group showed improvement in rest SBP (149 mmHg [143.5-171 mmHg] versus 135 mmHg [125-151 mmHg, p = 0.016]), rest HR (78 bpm [65.5-84 bpm] versus 64.5 bpm [57.5-75.5 bpm, p = 0.028]), peak SBP (235 mmHg [216.5-249 mmHg] versus 198 mmHg [191-220.5 mmHg], p = 0.001), peak HR (124.5 bpm [115-142 bpm] versus 115 bpm [103.7-124 bpm], p= 0.043), HRR on the 1st minute (6.5 bpm [4.75-12.75 bpm] versus 14.5 bpm [6.7-22 bpm], p = 0.025) and HRR on the 2nd minute (15.5 bpm [13-21.75 bpm] versus 23.5 bpm [16-31.7 bpm], p = 0.005), but no change in peak VO2 and 123I-MIBG scintigraphic parameters. Despite a better control in SBP, HR during rest and exercise, and improvement in HRR, nebivolol failed to show a positive effect on peak VO2 and 123I-MIBG scintigraphic parameters. The lack of effect on adrenergic activity may be the cause of the lack of effect on functional capacity.

TestDose: A nuclear medicine software based on Monte Carlo modeling for generating gamma camera acquisitions and dosimetry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Garcia, Marie-Paule, E-mail: marie-paule.garcia@univ-brest.fr; Villoing, Daphnée; McKay, Erin

Purpose: The TestDose platform was developed to generate scintigraphic imaging protocols and associated dosimetry by Monte Carlo modeling. TestDose is part of a broader project (www.dositest.com) whose aim is to identify the biases induced by different clinical dosimetry protocols. Methods: The TestDose software allows handling the whole pipeline from virtual patient generation to resulting planar and SPECT images and dosimetry calculations. The originality of their approach relies on the implementation of functional segmentation for the anthropomorphic model representing a virtual patient. Two anthropomorphic models are currently available: 4D XCAT and ICRP 110. A pharmacokinetic model describes the biodistribution of amore » given radiopharmaceutical in each defined compartment at various time-points. The Monte Carlo simulation toolkit GATE offers the possibility to accurately simulate scintigraphic images and absorbed doses in volumes of interest. The TestDose platform relies on GATE to reproduce precisely any imaging protocol and to provide reference dosimetry. For image generation, TestDose stores user’s imaging requirements and generates automatically command files used as input for GATE. Each compartment is simulated only once and the resulting output is weighted using pharmacokinetic data. Resulting compartment projections are aggregated to obtain the final image. For dosimetry computation, emission data are stored in the platform database and relevant GATE input files are generated for the virtual patient model and associated pharmacokinetics. Results: Two samples of software runs are given to demonstrate the potential of TestDose. A clinical imaging protocol for the Octreoscan™ therapeutical treatment was implemented using the 4D XCAT model. Whole-body “step and shoot” acquisitions at different times postinjection and one SPECT acquisition were generated within reasonable computation times. Based on the same Octreoscan™ kinetics, a dosimetry computation performed on the ICRP 110 model is also presented. Conclusions: The proposed platform offers a generic framework to implement any scintigraphic imaging protocols and voxel/organ-based dosimetry computation. Thanks to the modular nature of TestDose, other imaging modalities could be supported in the future such as positron emission tomography.« less

TestDose: A nuclear medicine software based on Monte Carlo modeling for generating gamma camera acquisitions and dosimetry.

PubMed

Garcia, Marie-Paule; Villoing, Daphnée; McKay, Erin; Ferrer, Ludovic; Cremonesi, Marta; Botta, Francesca; Ferrari, Mahila; Bardiès, Manuel

2015-12-01

The TestDose platform was developed to generate scintigraphic imaging protocols and associated dosimetry by Monte Carlo modeling. TestDose is part of a broader project (www.dositest.com) whose aim is to identify the biases induced by different clinical dosimetry protocols. The TestDose software allows handling the whole pipeline from virtual patient generation to resulting planar and SPECT images and dosimetry calculations. The originality of their approach relies on the implementation of functional segmentation for the anthropomorphic model representing a virtual patient. Two anthropomorphic models are currently available: 4D XCAT and ICRP 110. A pharmacokinetic model describes the biodistribution of a given radiopharmaceutical in each defined compartment at various time-points. The Monte Carlo simulation toolkit gate offers the possibility to accurately simulate scintigraphic images and absorbed doses in volumes of interest. The TestDose platform relies on gate to reproduce precisely any imaging protocol and to provide reference dosimetry. For image generation, TestDose stores user's imaging requirements and generates automatically command files used as input for gate. Each compartment is simulated only once and the resulting output is weighted using pharmacokinetic data. Resulting compartment projections are aggregated to obtain the final image. For dosimetry computation, emission data are stored in the platform database and relevant gate input files are generated for the virtual patient model and associated pharmacokinetics. Two samples of software runs are given to demonstrate the potential of TestDose. A clinical imaging protocol for the Octreoscan™ therapeutical treatment was implemented using the 4D XCAT model. Whole-body "step and shoot" acquisitions at different times postinjection and one SPECT acquisition were generated within reasonable computation times. Based on the same Octreoscan™ kinetics, a dosimetry computation performed on the ICRP 110 model is also presented. The proposed platform offers a generic framework to implement any scintigraphic imaging protocols and voxel/organ-based dosimetry computation. Thanks to the modular nature of TestDose, other imaging modalities could be supported in the future such as positron emission tomography.

Computerized Sociometric Assessment for Preschool Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Endedijk, Hinke M.; Cillessen, Antonius H. N.

2015-01-01

In preschool classes, sociometric peer ratings are used to measure children's peer relationships. The current study examined a computerized version of preschool sociometric ratings. The psychometric properties were compared of computerized sociometric ratings and traditional peer ratings for preschoolers. The distributions, inter-item…

Evaluation of computerized health management information system for primary health care in rural India

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background The Comprehensive Rural Health Services Project Ballabgarh, run by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has a computerized Health Management Information System (HMIS) since 1988. The HMIS at Ballabgarh has undergone evolution and is currently in its third version which uses generic and open source software. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a computerized Health Management Information System in rural health system in India. Methods The data for evaluation were collected by in-depth interviews of the stakeholders i.e. program managers (authors) and health workers. Health Workers from AIIMS and Non-AIIMS Primary Health Centers were interviewed to compare the manual with computerized HMIS. A cost comparison between the two methods was carried out based on market costs. The resource utilization for both manual and computerized HMIS was identified based on workers' interviews. Results There have been no major hardware problems in use of computerized HMIS. More than 95% of data was found to be accurate. Health workers acknowledge the usefulness of HMIS in service delivery, data storage, generation of workplans and reports. For program managers, it provides a better tool for monitoring and supervision and data management. The initial cost incurred in computerization of two Primary Health Centers was estimated to be Indian National Rupee (INR) 1674,217 (USD 35,622). Equivalent annual incremental cost of capital items was estimated as INR 198,017 (USD 4213). The annual savings is around INR 894,283 (USD 11,924). Conclusion The major advantage of computerization has been in saving of time of health workers in record keeping and report generation. The initial capital costs of computerization can be recovered within two years of implementation if the system is fully operational. Computerization has enabled implementation of a good system for service delivery, monitoring and supervision. PMID:21078203

High data volume and transfer rate techniques used at NASA's image processing facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heffner, P.; Connell, E.; Mccaleb, F.

1978-01-01

Data storage and transfer operations at a new image processing facility are described. The equipment includes high density digital magnetic tape drives and specially designed controllers to provide an interface between the tape drives and computerized image processing systems. The controller performs the functions necessary to convert the continuous serial data stream from the tape drive to a word-parallel blocked data stream which then goes to the computer-based system. With regard to the tape packing density, 1.8 times 10 to the tenth data bits are stored on a reel of one-inch tape. System components and their operation are surveyed, and studies on advanced storage techniques are summarized.

Prediction of light aircraft interior noise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howlett, J. T.; Morales, D. A.

1976-01-01

At the present time, predictions of aircraft interior noise depend heavily on empirical correction factors derived from previous flight measurements. However, to design for acceptable interior noise levels and to optimize acoustic treatments, analytical techniques which do not depend on empirical data are needed. This paper describes a computerized interior noise prediction method for light aircraft. An existing analytical program (developed for commercial jets by Cockburn and Jolly in 1968) forms the basis of some modal analysis work which is described. The accuracy of this modal analysis technique for predicting low-frequency coupled acoustic-structural natural frequencies is discussed along with trends indicating the effects of varying parameters such as fuselage length and diameter, structural stiffness, and interior acoustic absorption.

Combined orthognathic distraction procedure: Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy and mandibular curvilinear distraction osteogenesis. A new technique for craniofacial management.

PubMed

Schendel, Stephen A; Hazan-Molina, Hagai; Aizenbud, Dror

2014-04-01

Dentofacial deformities are traditionally treated by maxillary and mandibular osteotomies conducted separately or simultaneously. Recently, distraction osteogenesis has become an irreplaceable part of the surgical armamentarium, for its ability to induce new bone formation between the surfaces of bone segments that are gradually separated by incremental traction, along with a simultaneous expansion of the surrounding soft-tissue envelope. The aim of this article is to describe a combined surgical technique consisting of simultaneous maxillary Le Fort I advancement and mandibular surgical repositioning by means of bilateral sagittal split osteotomy with a curvilinear distractor based on a preliminary computerized presurgical prediction.

78 FR 17940 - Certain Computerized Orthopedic Surgical Devices, Software, Implants, and Components Thereof...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-25

..., Software, Implants, and Components Thereof; Notice of Receipt of Complaint; Solicitation of Comments... Certain Computerized Orthopedic Surgical Devices, Software, Implants, and Components Thereof, DN 2945; the... importation of certain computerized orthopedic surgical devices, software, implants, and components thereof...

Designing a Computerized Presentation Center.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Christopher, Doris A.

1995-01-01

The Office Systems and Business Education Department at California State University (Los Angeles) developed a computerized presentation center, with multimedia classrooms and a multipurpose room, where students learn computerized presentation design skills, faculty can develop materials for class, and local business can do videoconferencing and…

Transmyocardial revascularization: the magic of drilling holes in the heart

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verdaasdonck, Rudolf M.

2000-01-01

Drilling holes in myocardial tissue using high-power lasers has shown to be effective in relieving angina in patients in an end-stage coronary heart disease who do not respond to medication and are unsuitable for standard revascularization techniques. An overview is presented of the interaction of various laser systems with myocardial tissue and the many experimental and clinical studies that have been conducted to elucidate the mechanism of the therapeutic effect of transmyocardial (laser) revascularization (TMR or TMLR). An angina relief of 2 classes with an acceptable mortality (5 - 10 %) and morbidity (20 - 30 %) rate is achieved in the majority of patients. Adverse effects can be minimized by critical patient selection and by a percutaneous approach (PMR). There is no significant difference in the results between the treatment modalities. The acute beneficial effect of TMLR might be attributed to sympathetic denervation. The combined thermal and mechanical injury has shown to provoke an angiogenic response that may be enhanced by adding growth factors. Consequent improvement of the myocardial reperfusion and functionality has been observed but needs further verification with, e.g., high-resolution scintigraphic techniques. Based on the experience in over 7000 patients, TMLR shows to be an effective and safe procedure resulting in a significant improvement in the quality of life for a carefully selected patient group suffering from end-stage coronary disease.

Radiosynthesis and Biodistribution of 99mTc-Metronidazole as an Escherichia coli Infection Imaging Radiopharmaceutical.

PubMed

Iqbal, Anam; Naqvi, Syed Ali Raza; Rasheed, Rashid; Mansha, Asim; Ahmad, Matloob; Zahoor, Ameer Fawad

2018-05-01

Bacterial infection poses life-threatening challenge to humanity and stimulates to the researchers for developing better diagnostic and therapeutic agents complying with existing theranostic techniques. Nuclear medicine technique helps to visualize hard-to-diagnose deep-seated bacterial infections using radionuclide-labeled tracer agents. Metronidazole is an antiprotozoal antibiotic that serves as a preeminent anaerobic chemotherapeutic agent. The aim of this study was to develop technetium-99m-labeled metronidazole radiotracer for the detection of deep-seated bacterial infections. Radiosynthesis of 99m Tc-metronidazole was carried by reacting reduced technetium-99m and metronidazole at neutral pH for 30 min. The stannous chloride dihydrate was used as the reducing agent. At optimum radiolabeling conditions, ~ 94% radiochemical was obtained. Quality control analysis was carried out with a chromatographic paper and instant thin-layer chromatographic analysis. The biodistribution study of radiochemical was performed using Escherichia coli bacterial infection-induced rat model. The scintigraphic study was performed using E. coli bacterial infection-induced rabbit model. The results showed promising accumulation at the site of infection and its rapid clearance from the body. The tracer showed target-to-non-target ratio 5.57 ± 0.04 at 1 h post-injection. The results showed that 99m Tc-MNZ has promising potential to accumulate at E. coli bacterial infection that can be used for E. coli infection imaging.

Incentives and Barriers That Influence Clinical Computerization in Hong Kong: A Population-based Physician Survey

PubMed Central

Leung, Gabriel M.; Yu, Philip L. H.; Wong, Irene O. L.; Johnston, Janice M.; Tin, Keith Y. K.

2003-01-01

Objective: Given the slow adoption of medical informatics in Hong Kong and Asia, we sought to understand the contributory barriers and potential incentives associated with information technology implementation. Design and Measurements: A representative sample of 949 doctors (response rate = 77.0%) was asked through a postal survey to rank a list of nine barriers associated with clinical computerization according to self-perceived importance. They ranked seven incentives or catalysts that may influence computerization. We generated mean rank scores and used multidimensional preference analysis to explore key explanatory dimensions of these variables. A hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to identify homogenous subgroups of respondents. We further determined the relationships between the sets of barriers and incentives/catalysts collectively using canonical correlation. Results: Time costs, lack of technical support and large capital investments were the biggest barriers to computerization, whereas improved office efficiency and better-quality care were ranked highest as potential incentives to computerize. Cost vs. noncost, physician-related vs. patient-related, and monetary vs. nonmonetary factors were the key dimensions explaining the barrier variables. Similarly, within-practice vs external and “push” vs “pull” factors accounted for the incentive variables. Four clusters were identified for barriers and three for incentives/catalysts. Canonical correlation revealed that respondents who were concerned with the costs of computerization also perceived financial incentives and government regulation to be important incentives/catalysts toward computerization. Those who found the potential interference with communication important also believed that the promise of improved care from computerization to be a significant incentive. Conclusion: This study provided evidence regarding common barriers associated with clinical computerization. Our findings also identified possible incentive strategies that may be employed to accelerate uptake of computer systems. PMID:12595409

Can computerized tomography accurately stage childhood renal tumors?

PubMed

Abdelhalim, Ahmed; Helmy, Tamer E; Harraz, Ahmed M; Abou-El-Ghar, Mohamed E; Dawaba, Mohamed E; Hafez, Ashraf T

2014-07-01

Staging of childhood renal tumors is crucial for treatment planning and outcome prediction. We sought to identify whether computerized tomography could accurately predict the local stage of childhood renal tumors. We retrospectively reviewed our database for patients diagnosed with childhood renal tumors and treated surgically between 1990 and 2013. Inability to retrieve preoperative computerized tomography, intraoperative tumor spillage and nonWilms childhood renal tumors were exclusion criteria. Local computerized tomography stage was assigned by a single experienced pediatric radiologist blinded to the pathological stage, using a consensus similar to the Children's Oncology Group Wilms tumor staging system. Tumors were stratified into up-front surgery and preoperative chemotherapy groups. The radiological stage of each tumor was compared to the pathological stage. A total of 189 tumors in 179 patients met inclusion criteria. Computerized tomography staging matched pathological staging in 68% of up-front surgery (70 of 103), 31.8% of pre-chemotherapy (21 of 66) and 48.8% of post-chemotherapy scans (42 of 86). Computerized tomography over staged 21.4%, 65.2% and 46.5% of tumors in the up-front surgery, pre-chemotherapy and post-chemotherapy scans, respectively, and under staged 10.7%, 3% and 4.7%. Computerized tomography staging was more accurate in tumors managed by up-front surgery (p <0.001) and those without extracapsular extension (p <0.001). The validity of computerized tomography staging of childhood renal tumors remains doubtful. This staging is more accurate for tumors treated with up-front surgery and those without extracapsular extension. Preoperative computerized tomography can help to exclude capsular breach. Treatment strategy should be based on surgical and pathological staging to avoid the hazards of inaccurate staging. Copyright © 2014 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

15 CFR 950.9 - Computerized Environmental Data and Information Retrieval Service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Information Retrieval Service. 950.9 Section 950.9 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce... Computerized Environmental Data and Information Retrieval Service. The Environmental Data Index (ENDEX... computerized, information retrieval service provides a parallel subject-author-abstract referral service. A...

15 CFR 950.9 - Computerized Environmental Data and Information Retrieval Service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Information Retrieval Service. 950.9 Section 950.9 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce... Computerized Environmental Data and Information Retrieval Service. The Environmental Data Index (ENDEX... computerized, information retrieval service provides a parallel subject-author-abstract referral service. A...

15 CFR 950.9 - Computerized Environmental Data and Information Retrieval Service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Information Retrieval Service. 950.9 Section 950.9 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce... Computerized Environmental Data and Information Retrieval Service. The Environmental Data Index (ENDEX... computerized, information retrieval service provides a parallel subject-author-abstract referral service. A...

15 CFR 950.9 - Computerized Environmental Data and Information Retrieval Service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Information Retrieval Service. 950.9 Section 950.9 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce... Computerized Environmental Data and Information Retrieval Service. The Environmental Data Index (ENDEX... computerized, information retrieval service provides a parallel subject-author-abstract referral service. A...

15 CFR 950.9 - Computerized Environmental Data and Information Retrieval Service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Information Retrieval Service. 950.9 Section 950.9 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce... Computerized Environmental Data and Information Retrieval Service. The Environmental Data Index (ENDEX... computerized, information retrieval service provides a parallel subject-author-abstract referral service. A...

Innovations in Computerized Assessment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Drasgow, Fritz, Ed.; Olson-Buchanan, Julie B., Ed.

Chapters in this book present the challenges and dilemmas faced by researchers as they created new computerized assessments, focusing on issues addressed in developing, scoring, and administering the assessments. Chapters are: (1) "Beyond Bells and Whistles; An Introduction to Computerized Assessment" (Julie B. Olson-Buchanan and Fritz Drasgow);…

Advanced Composition and the Computerized Library.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hult, Christine

1989-01-01

Discusses four kinds of computerized access tools: online catalogs; computerized reference; online database searching; and compact disks and read only memory (CD-ROM). Examines how these technologies are changing research. Suggests how research instruction in advanced writing courses can be refocused to include the new technologies. (RS)

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in epilepsy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Leroy, R.F.

1991-12-31

Epilepsy is a common neurologic disorder which has just begun to be studied with single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT). Epilepsy usually is studied with electroencephalographic (EEG) techniques that demonstrate the physiologic changes that occur during seizures, and with neuroimaging techniques that show the brain structures where seizures originate. Neither method alone has been adequate to describe the pathophysiology of the patient with epilepsy. EEG techniques lack anatomic sensitivity, and there are no structural abnormalities shown by neuroimaging which are specific for epilepsy. Functional imaging (FI) has developed as a physiologic tool with anatomic sensitivity, and SPECT has been promotedmore » as a FI technique because of its potentially wide availability. However, SPECT is early in its development and its clinical utility for epilepsy still has to be demonstrated. To understand this role of SPECT, consideration must be given to the pathophysiology of epilepsy, brain physiology, types of seizure, epileptic syndromes, and the SPECT technique itself. 44 refs., 2 tabs.« less

Validation of a Self-Administered Computerized System to Detect Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults

PubMed Central

Brinkman, Samuel D.; Reese, Robert J.; Norsworthy, Larry A.; Dellaria, Donna K.; Kinkade, Jacob W.; Benge, Jared; Brown, Kimberly; Ratka, Anna; Simpkins, James W.

2015-01-01

There is increasing interest in the development of economical and accurate approaches to identifying persons in the community who have mild, undetected cognitive impairments. Computerized assessment systems have been suggested as a viable approach to identifying these persons. The validity of a computerized assessment system for identification of memory and executive deficits in older individuals was evaluated in the current study. Volunteers (N = 235) completed a 3-hr battery of neuropsychological tests and a computerized cognitive assessment system. Participants were classified as impaired (n = 78) or unimpaired (n = 157) on the basis of the Mini Mental State Exam, Wechsler Memory Scale-III and the Trail Making Test (TMT), Part B. All six variables (three memory variables and three executive variables) derived from the computerized assessment differed significantly between groups in the expected direction. There was also evidence of temporal stability and concurrent validity. Application of computerized assessment systems for clinical practice and for identification of research participants is discussed in this article. PMID:25332303

Computerized neurocognitive testing in the management of sport-related concussion: an update.

PubMed

Resch, Jacob E; McCrea, Michael A; Cullum, C Munro

2013-12-01

Since the late nineties, computerized neurocognitive testing has become a central component of sport-related concussion (SRC) management at all levels of sport. In 2005, a review of the available evidence on the psychometric properties of four computerized neuropsychological test batteries concluded that the tests did not possess the necessary criteria to warrant clinical application. Since the publication of that review, several more computerized neurocognitive tests have entered the market place. The purpose of this review is to summarize the body of published studies on psychometric properties and clinical utility of computerized neurocognitive tests available for use in the assessment of SRC. A review of the literature from 2005 to 2013 was conducted to gather evidence of test-retest reliability and clinical validity of these instruments. Reviewed articles included both prospective and retrospective studies of primarily sport-based adult and pediatric samples. Summaries are provided regarding the available evidence of reliability and validity for the most commonly used computerized neurocognitive tests in sports settings.

Imaging lung perfusion

PubMed Central

Wielpütz, Mark O.; Kauczor, Hans-Ulrich

2012-01-01

From the first measurements of the distribution of pulmonary blood flow using radioactive tracers by West and colleagues (J Clin Invest 40: 1–12, 1961) allowing gravitational differences in pulmonary blood flow to be described, the imaging of pulmonary blood flow has made considerable progress. The researcher employing modern imaging techniques now has the choice of several techniques, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). These techniques differ in several important ways: the resolution of the measurement, the type of contrast or tag used to image flow, and the amount of ionizing radiation associated with each measurement. In addition, the techniques vary in what is actually measured, whether it is capillary perfusion such as with PET and SPECT, or larger vessel information in addition to capillary perfusion such as with MRI and CT. Combined, these issues affect quantification and interpretation of data as well as the type of experiments possible using different techniques. The goal of this review is to give an overview of the techniques most commonly in use for physiological experiments along with the issues unique to each technique. PMID:22604884

Contrast-enhanced CT- and MRI-based perfusion assessment for pulmonary diseases: basics and clinical applications

PubMed Central

Ohno, Yoshiharu; Koyama, Hisanobu; Lee, Ho Yun; Miura, Sachiko; Yoshikawa, Takeshi; Sugimura, Kazuro

2016-01-01

Assessment of regional pulmonary perfusion as well as nodule and tumor perfusions in various pulmonary diseases are currently performed by means of nuclear medicine studies requiring radioactive macroaggregates, dual-energy computed tomography (CT), and dynamic first-pass contrast-enhanced perfusion CT techniques and unenhanced and dynamic first-pass contrast enhanced perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as time-resolved three-dimensional or four-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Perfusion scintigraphy, single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) and SPECT fused with CT have been established as clinically available scintigraphic methods; however, they are limited by perfusion information with poor spatial resolution and other shortcomings. Although positron emission tomography with 15O water can measure absolute pulmonary perfusion, it requires a cyclotron for generation of a tracer with an extremely short half-life (2 min), and can only be performed for academic purposes. Therefore, clinicians are concentrating their efforts on the application of CT-based and MRI-based quantitative and qualitative perfusion assessment to various pulmonary diseases. This review article covers 1) the basics of dual-energy CT and dynamic first-pass contrast-enhanced perfusion CT techniques, 2) the basics of time-resolved contrast-enhanced MRA and dynamic first-pass contrast-enhanced perfusion MRI, and 3) clinical applications of contrast-enhanced CT- and MRI-based perfusion assessment for patients with pulmonary nodule, lung cancer, and pulmonary vascular diseases. We believe that these new techniques can be useful in routine clinical practice for not only thoracic oncology patients, but also patients with different pulmonary vascular diseases. PMID:27523813

Character recognition using a neural network model with fuzzy representation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tavakoli, Nassrin; Seniw, David

1992-01-01

The degree to which digital images are recognized correctly by computerized algorithms is highly dependent upon the representation and the classification processes. Fuzzy techniques play an important role in both processes. In this paper, the role of fuzzy representation and classification on the recognition of digital characters is investigated. An experimental Neural Network model with application to character recognition was developed. Through a set of experiments, the effect of fuzzy representation on the recognition accuracy of this model is presented.

Preliminary Analysis of LORAN-C System Reliability for Civil Aviation.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-09-01

overviev of the analysis technique. Section 3 describes the computerized LORAN-C coverage model which is used extensively in the reliability analysis...Xth Plenary Assembly, Geneva, 1963, published by International Telecomunications Union. S. Braff, R., Computer program to calculate a Karkov Chain Reliability Model, unpublished york, MITRE Corporation. A-1 I.° , 44J Ili *Y 0E 00 ...F i8 1110 Prelim inary Analysis of Program Engineering & LORAN’C System ReliabilityMaintenance Service i ~Washington. D.C.

Software for visualization, analysis, and manipulation of laser scan images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burnsides, Dennis B.

1997-03-01

The recent introduction of laser surface scanning to scientific applications presents a challenge to computer scientists and engineers. Full utilization of this two- dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) data requires advances in techniques and methods for data processing and visualization. This paper explores the development of software to support the visualization, analysis and manipulation of laser scan images. Specific examples presented are from on-going efforts at the Air Force Computerized Anthropometric Research and Design (CARD) Laboratory.

[Colonoscopy for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer].

PubMed

Niv, Yaron

2010-08-01

Colonoscopy has a limited success in the prevention of colorectal cancer of the right colon. Thus, there is place for improvement. The potential reasons for colonoscopy failure are the different biology of polyps on the right side of the colon or procedure quality. Preparation, withdrawal time, detection of all polyps and their removal using the best technique will overcome this problem. Furthermore, the implementation of a computerized database and report that includes quality assurance fields, will improve colonoscopy success rates.

Centralized Storm Information System (CSIS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norton, C. C.

1985-01-01

A final progress report is presented on the Centralized Storm Information System (CSIS). The primary purpose of the CSIS is to demonstrate and evaluate real time interactive computerized data collection, interpretation and display techniques as applied to severe weather forecasting. CSIS objectives pertaining to improved severe storm forecasting and warning systems are outlined. The positive impact that CSIS has had on the National Severe Storms Forecast Center (NSSFC) is discussed. The benefits of interactive processing systems on the forecasting ability of the NSSFC are described.

Crew procedures development techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arbet, J. D.; Benbow, R. L.; Hawk, M. L.; Mangiaracina, A. A.; Mcgavern, J. L.; Spangler, M. C.

1975-01-01

The study developed requirements, designed, developed, checked out and demonstrated the Procedures Generation Program (PGP). The PGP is a digital computer program which provides a computerized means of developing flight crew procedures based on crew action in the shuttle procedures simulator. In addition, it provides a real time display of procedures, difference procedures, performance data and performance evaluation data. Reconstruction of displays is possible post-run. Data may be copied, stored on magnetic tape and transferred to the document processor for editing and documentation distribution.

Computerized Numerical Control Curriculum Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reneau, Fred; And Others

This guide is intended for use in a course in programming and operating a computerized numerical control system. Addressed in the course are various aspects of programming and planning, setting up, and operating machines with computerized numerical control, including selecting manual or computer-assigned programs and matching them with…

Lateral conduction effects on heat-transfer data obtained with the phase-change paint technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maise, G.; Rossi, M. J.

1974-01-01

A computerized tool, CAPE, (Conduction Analysis Program using Eigenvalues) has been developed to account for lateral heat conduction in wind tunnel models in the data reduction of the phase-change paint technique. The tool also accounts for the effects of finite thickness (thin wings) and surface curvature. A special reduction procedure using just one time of melt is also possible on leading edges. A novel iterative numerical scheme was used, with discretized spatial coordinates but analytic integration in time, to solve the inverse conduction problem involved in the data reduction. A yes-no chart is provided which tells the test engineer when various corrections are large enough so that CAPE should be used. The accuracy of the phase-change paint technique in the presence of finite thickness and lateral conduction is also investigated.

High lift selected concepts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henderson, M. L.

1979-01-01

The benefits to high lift system maximum life and, alternatively, to high lift system complexity, of applying analytic design and analysis techniques to the design of high lift sections for flight conditions were determined and two high lift sections were designed to flight conditions. The influence of the high lift section on the sizing and economics of a specific energy efficient transport (EET) was clarified using a computerized sizing technique and an existing advanced airplane design data base. The impact of the best design resulting from the design applications studies on EET sizing and economics were evaluated. Flap technology trade studies, climb and descent studies, and augmented stability studies are included along with a description of the baseline high lift system geometry, a calculation of lift and pitching moment when separation is present, and an inverse boundary layer technique for pressure distribution synthesis and optimization.

Multifocal recurrent periostitis responsive to colchicine.

PubMed

Festen, J J; Kuipers, F C; Schaars, A H

1985-01-01

A brother and sister with multifocal recurrent periostitis are presented. Their disease started at an early age and manifested itself as an episodic migrating arthropathy. At roentgenography, reversible solid periosteal reactions were visible along large tubular bones. Scintigraphic and histological investigations revealed a sterile osteitis and thickened periosteum, but there was no indication of a viral infection. The girl experienced spontaneous amelioration after puberty; the boy improved markedly on colchicine.

Detection of gastritis by /sup 99m/Tc-labeled red-blood-cell scintigraphy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wilton, G.P.; Wahl, R.L.; Juni, J.E.

1984-10-01

Gastritis is a common condition, with a variety of causes, that is diagnosed most often by barium upper gastrointestinal tract series or endoscopy. The authors report a case in which gastritis without active bleeding was apparent in scintiscans obtained during the evaluation of GI bleeding using /sup 99m/Tc-labeled red blood cells (TcRBC). The scintigraphic findings that suggest gastritis are described.

Hepatic dysfunction contributes to coagulation disturbances in patients undergoing whole body hyperthermia by use of extracorporeal circulation.

PubMed

Worel, Nina; Knöbl, Paul; Karanikas, Georgios; Fuchs, Eva-Maria; Bojic, Andja; Brodowicz, Thomas; Jilma, Petra; Zielinski, Christoph C; Köstler, Wolfgang J; Locker, Gottfried J

2014-09-01

This phase I study was performed to evaluate coagulation alterations during extracorporeal circulation (ECC) induced whole body hyperthermia (WBHT) in 12 patients with advanced soft tissue sarcomas. To distinguish between effects of normothermic ECC and ECC-WBHT, blood samples were drawn at different time points: at baseline, after 30 min on normothermic ECC, at the end of the heating period, and 24 h and 7 days thereafter. Standard coagulation tests, coagulation factors, thrombelastography,platelets and reticulated platelets, liver enzymes, and scintigraphic platelet imaging were performed. Normothermic ECC resulted in coagulation alterations most likely due to systemic anticoagulation. Induction of hyperthermia caused thrombocytopenia, increased fibrin degradation products,prolonged clotting times, alteration in coagulation factors, and increased liver enzymes. The majority of these effects was most pronounced 24 h after ECC-WBHT. In addition, late liver sequestration of platelets was demonstrated in scintigraphic imaging at that time point. Temporal correlation between hemostatic alterations and elevation in liver enzymes leads to the assumption that liver impairment might play a crucial role in coagulation disturbances observed during ECC-WBHT and thereafter, thus strongly supported by liver sequestration of platelets.Therefore a close monitoring of hepatic derived coagulation alterations in patients undergoing extracorporeal whole body hypothermia is warranted.

3D tomographic imaging with the γ-eye planar scintigraphic gamma camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tunnicliffe, H.; Georgiou, M.; Loudos, G. K.; Simcox, A.; Tsoumpas, C.

2017-11-01

γ-eye is a desktop planar scintigraphic gamma camera (100 mm × 50 mm field of view) designed by BET Solutions as an affordable tool for dynamic, whole body, small-animal imaging. This investigation tests the viability of using γ-eye for the collection of tomographic data for 3D SPECT reconstruction. Two software packages, QSPECT and STIR (software for tomographic image reconstruction), have been compared. Reconstructions have been performed using QSPECT’s implementation of the OSEM algorithm and STIR’s OSMAPOSL (Ordered Subset Maximum A Posteriori One Step Late) and OSSPS (Ordered Subsets Separable Paraboloidal Surrogate) algorithms. Reconstructed images of phantom and mouse data have been assessed in terms of spatial resolution, sensitivity to varying activity levels and uniformity. The effect of varying the number of iterations, the voxel size (1.25 mm default voxel size reduced to 0.625 mm and 0.3125 mm), the point spread function correction and the weight of prior terms were explored. While QSPECT demonstrated faster reconstructions, STIR outperformed it in terms of resolution (as low as 1 mm versus 3 mm), particularly when smaller voxel sizes were used, and in terms of uniformity, particularly when prior terms were used. Little difference in terms of sensitivity was seen throughout.

Sacroiliitis detected by bone scintiscanning: a clinical, radiological, and scintigraphic follow-up study.

PubMed Central

Chalmers, I M; Lentle, B C; Percy, J S; Russell, A S

1979-01-01

Twenty-four patients had abnormal sacroiliac joints detected by quantitative sacroiliac scintigraphy but no radiological evidence of sacroiliitis on original investigation. We studied them again after intervals of 12 to 36 months. Four patients developed radiological change. Two young, HLA B27-positive men had undoubted ankylosing spondylitis, and a young woman had possible ankylosing spondylitis. A middle-aged man had changes that could be attributed to post-traumatic osteoarthrosis. Of the remaining 20 cases 15 had symptoms and signs suggestive of inflammatory disease of the axial skeleton (and peripheral arthropathy in 5 cases). The sexes were affected equally (8 females, 7 males), and only 2 of the 15 were B27-positive. The response to anti-inflammatory medication was generally good to excellent, and scintiscans tended to improve. Of the remaining 5 patients, 3 had mechanical or traumatic problems, and in 2 there was no explanation for the abnormal sacroiliac scintiscan. We conclude that quantitative sacroiliac scintigraphy may detect ankylosing spondylitis prior to the develpment of radiological change and that it can identify an organic basis for backache in patients with a spondylitis-like syndrome. The clinical circumstances must be taken into account, as scintigraphic abnormalities are not diagnostic of any specific disease entity. PMID:443879

Effects of alga polysaccharide capsule shells on in-vivo bioavailability and disintegration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ting; Guo, Shuju; Ma, Lin; Yuan, Yi; Han, Lijun

2012-01-01

Gelatin has been used in hard capsule shells for more than a century, and some shortcomings have appeared, such as high moisture content and risk of transmitting diseases of animal origin to people. Based on available studies regarding gelatin and vegetable shells, we developed a new type of algal polysaccharide capsule (APPC) shells. To test whether our products can replace commercial gelatin shells, we measured in-vivo plasma concentration of 12 selected volunteers with a model drug, ibuprofen, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), by calculating the relative bioavailability of APPC and Qualicaps® referenced to gelatin capsules and assessing bioequivalence of the three types of shells, and calculated pharmacokinetic parameters with the software DAS 2.0 (China). The results show that APPC shells possess bioequivalence with Qualicaps® and gelatin shells. Moreover, the disintegration behavior of four types of shells (APPC, Vegcaps®, Qualicaps® and gelatin shells) with the content of lactose and radioactive element (99mTc) was observed via gamma-scintigraphic images. The bioavailability and gamma-scintigraphic studies showed that APPC was not statistically different from other vegetable and gelatin capsule shells with respect to in-vivo behavior. Hence, it can be concluded that APPCs are exchangeable with other vegetable and gelatin shells.

An Application of the Rasch Model to Computerized Adaptive Testing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wisniewski, Dennis R.

Three questions concerning the Binary Search Method (BSM) of computerized adaptive testing were studied: (1) whether it provided a reliable and valid estimation of examinee ability; (2) its effect on examinee attitudes toward computerized adaptive testing and conventional paper-and-pencil testing; and (3) the relationship between item response…

The Reality, Direction, and Future of Computerized Publications

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Levenstein, Nicholas

2012-01-01

Sharing information in digital form by using a computer is a growing phenomenon. Many universities are making their applications available on computer. More than one hundred and thirty-six universities have developed computerized applications on their own or through a commercial vendor. Universities developed computerized applications in order to…

Evaluating a Computerized Aid for Conducting a Cognitive Task Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-01-01

in conducting a cognitive task analysis . The conduct of a cognitive task analysis is costly and labor intensive. As a result, a few computerized aids...evaluation of a computerized aid, specifically CAT-HCI (Cognitive Analysis Tool - Human Computer Interface), for the conduct of a detailed cognitive task analysis . A

Computerized Classification Testing with the Rasch Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eggen, Theo J. H. M.

2011-01-01

If classification in a limited number of categories is the purpose of testing, computerized adaptive tests (CATs) with algorithms based on sequential statistical testing perform better than estimation-based CATs (e.g., Eggen & Straetmans, 2000). In these computerized classification tests (CCTs), the Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) (Wald,…

Severity of Organized Item Theft in Computerized Adaptive Testing: A Simulation Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yi, Qing; Zhang, Jinming; Chang, Hua-Hua

2008-01-01

Criteria had been proposed for assessing the severity of possible test security violations for computerized tests with high-stakes outcomes. However, these criteria resulted from theoretical derivations that assumed uniformly randomized item selection. This study investigated potential damage caused by organized item theft in computerized adaptive…

Computerized Adaptive Assessment of Cognitive Abilities among Disabled Adults.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Engdahl, Brian

This study examined computerized adaptive testing and cognitive ability testing of adults with cognitive disabilities. Adult subjects (N=250) were given computerized tests on language usage and space relations in one of three administration conditions: paper and pencil, fixed length computer adaptive, and variable length computer adaptive.…

Development and Evaluation of a Confidence-Weighting Computerized Adaptive Testing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yen, Yung-Chin; Ho, Rong-Guey; Chen, Li-Ju; Chou, Kun-Yi; Chen, Yan-Lin

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the efficiency, precision, and validity of computerized adaptive testing (CAT) could be improved by assessing confidence differences in knowledge that examinees possessed. We proposed a novel polytomous CAT model called the confidence-weighting computerized adaptive testing (CWCAT), which combined a…

Year 2000 Computerized Farm Project. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGrann, James M.; Lippke, Lawrence A.

An ongoing project was funded to develop and demonstrate a computerized approach to operation and management of a commercial-sized farm. Other project objectives were to facilitate the demonstration of the computerized farm to the public and to develop individual software packages and make them available to the public. Project accomplishments…

10 CFR 719.44 - What categories of costs require advance approval?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... application software, or non-routine computerized databases, if they are specifically created for a particular matter. For costs associated with the creation and use of computerized databases, contractors and retained legal counsel must ensure that the creation and use of computerized databases is necessary and...

Computerized Diagnostic Testing: Problems and Possibilities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McArthur, David L.

The use of computers to build diagnostic inferences is explored in two contexts. In computerized monitoring of liquid oxygen systems for the space shuttle, diagnoses are exact because they can be derived within a world which is closed. In computerized classroom testing of reading comprehension, programs deliver a constrained form of adaptive…

45 CFR 307.13 - Security and confidentiality for computerized support enforcement systems in operation after...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS § 307.13 Security and confidentiality for computerized support enforcement systems in... systems in operation after October 1, 1997. (a) Information integrity and security. Have safeguards... 45 Public Welfare 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Security and confidentiality for computerized...

A First Life with Computerized Business Simulations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thavikulwat, Precha

2011-01-01

The author discusses the theoretical lens, origins, and environment of his work on computerized business simulations. Key ideas that inform his work include the two dimensions (control and interaction) of computerized simulation, the two ways of representing a natural process (phenotypical and genotypical) in a simulation, which he defines as a…

45 CFR 307.15 - Approval of advance planning documents for computerized support enforcement systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMPUTERIZED SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS..., organization, services and constraints related to the computerized support enforcement system; (4) The APD must... design, development, installation or enhancement; (5) The APD must contain a description of each...

45 CFR 307.15 - Approval of advance planning documents for computerized support enforcement systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMPUTERIZED SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS..., organization, services and constraints related to the computerized support enforcement system; (4) The APD must... design, development, installation or enhancement; (5) The APD must contain a description of each...

45 CFR 307.15 - Approval of advance planning documents for computerized support enforcement systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMPUTERIZED SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS..., organization, services and constraints related to the computerized support enforcement system; (4) The APD must... design, development, installation or enhancement; (5) The APD must contain a description of each...

Protecting Privacy in Computerized Medical Information.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. Office of Technology Assessment.

This report analyzes the implications of computerized medical information and the challenges it brings to individual privacy. The report examines the nature of the privacy interest in health care information and the current state of the law protecting that information; the nature of proposals to computerize health care information and the…

45 CFR 310.25 - What conditions apply to acquisitions of Computerized Tribal IV-D Systems?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMPUTERIZED TRIBAL IV-D SYSTEMS AND OFFICE AUTOMATION... Acquisition Threshold; (c) Software and ownership rights. (1) All procurement and contract instruments must... Computerized Tribal IV-D System software or enhancements thereof and all associated documentation designed...

Computerization of the Newspaper in the 1980s.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garrison, Bruce

A review of the literature on the computerization of newspaper newsrooms shows that since 1960, computers have assumed an increasingly important role in information collection, news writing and editing, pagination, and news transmission. When newspaper libraries are computerized, reporters are able to find information more quickly and to use…

[Computerized medical record: deontology and legislation].

PubMed

Allaert, F A; Dusserre, L

1996-02-01

Computerization of medical records is making headway for patients' follow-up, scientific research, and health expenses control, but it must not alter the guarantees provided to the patients by the medical code of ethics and the law of January 6, 1978. This law, modified on July 1, 1994, requires to register all computerized records of personal data and establishes rights to protect privacy against computer misdemeanor. All medical practitioners using computerized medical records must be aware that the infringement of this law may provoke suing in professional, civil or criminal court.

Is there a link between the hospital-acquired injurious fall rates in US acute care hospitals and these institutions' implementation levels of computerized systems?

PubMed

Tzeng, Huey-Ming; Hu, Hsou Mei; Yin, Chang-Yi

2011-12-01

Medicare no longer reimburses acute care hospitals for the costs of additional care required due to hospital-acquired injuries. Consequently, this study explored the effective computerized systems to inform practice for better interventions to reduce fall risk. It provided a correlation between type of computerized system and hospital-acquired injurious fall rates at acute care hospitals in California, Florida, and New York. It used multiple publicly available data sets, with the hospital as the unit of analysis. Descriptive and Pearson correlation analyses were used. The analysis included 462 hospitals. Significant correlations could be categorized into two groups: (1) meaningful computerized systems that were associated with lower injurious fall rates: the decision support systems for drug allergy alerts, drug-drug interaction alerts, and drug-laboratory interaction alerts; and (2) computerized systems that were associated with higher injurious fall rates: the decision support system for drug-drug interaction alerts and the computerized provider order entry system for radiology tests. Future research may include additional states, multiple years of data, and patient-level data to validate this study's findings. This effort may further inform policy makers and the public about effective clinical computerized systems provided to clinicians to improve their practice decisions and care outcomes.

Computerized Ultrasonic Testing System (CUTS) for in-process thickness determination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frankel, J.; Doxbeck, M.; Schroeder, S. C.; Abbate, A.

1994-01-01

A Computerized Ultrasonic Testing System (CUTS) was developed to measure, in real-time, the rate of deposition and thickness of chromium plated on the inside of thick steel tubes. The measurements are made from the outside of the tubes with the ultrasonic pulse-echo technique. The resolution of the system is 2.5 micron. (0.0001 in.) and the accuracy is better than 10 micron (0.0004 in.). The thickness is measured using six transducers mounted at different locations on the tube. In addition, two transducers are mounted on two reference standards, thereby allowing the system to be continuously calibrated. The tube temperature varies during the process, thus the input from eight thermocouples, located at the measurement sites, is used to calculate and compensate for the change in return time of the ultrasonic echo due to the temperature dependence of the sound velocity. CUTS is applicable to any commercial process where real-time change of thickness of a sample has to be known, with the advantage of facilitating increased efficiency and of improving process control.

A computerized clinical decision support system as a means of implementing depression guidelines.

PubMed

Trivedi, Madhukar H; Kern, Janet K; Grannemann, Bruce D; Altshuler, Kenneth Z; Sunderajan, Prabha

2004-08-01

The authors describe the history and current use of computerized systems for implementing treatment guidelines in general medicine as well as the development, testing, and early use of a computerized decision support system for depression treatment among "real-world" clinical settings in Texas. In 1999 health care experts from Europe and the United States met to confront the well-documented challenges of implementing treatment guidelines and to identify strategies for improvement. They suggested the integration of guidelines into computer systems that is incorporated into clinical workflow. Several studies have demonstrated improvements in physicians' adherence to guidelines when such guidelines are provided in a computerized format. Although computerized decision support systems are being used in many areas of medicine and have demonstrated improved patient outcomes, their use in psychiatric illness is limited. The authors designed and developed a computerized decision support system for the treatment of major depressive disorder by using evidence-based guidelines, transferring the knowledge gained from the Texas Medication Algorithm Project (TMAP). This computerized decision support system (CompTMAP) provides support in diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and preventive care and can be incorporated into the clinical setting. CompTMAP has gone through extensive testing to ensure accuracy and reliability. Physician surveys have indicated a positive response to CompTMAP, although the sample was insufficient for statistical testing. CompTMAP is part of a new era of comprehensive computerized decision support systems that take advantage of advances in automation and provide more complete clinical support to physicians in clinical practice.

Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) Applications and Item Response Theory Models for Polytomous Items

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aybek, Eren Can; Demirtasli, R. Nukhet

2017-01-01

This article aims to provide a theoretical framework for computerized adaptive tests (CAT) and item response theory models for polytomous items. Besides that, it aims to introduce the simulation and live CAT software to the related researchers. Computerized adaptive test algorithm, assumptions of item response theory models, nominal response…

Computerized Testing of Level III Associate Degree Nursing Students versus Paper and Pencil Testing Methods

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gullo, Shirna R.

2014-01-01

Computerized testing may be one solution to enhance performance on the curricular Health Education Systems Inc. (HESI) exam and the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Due to the integration of improved technological processes and procedures in healthcare for computerized documentation and electronicmedical records,…

Computerized Dynamic Adaptive Tests with Immediately Individualized Feedback for Primary School Mathematics Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wu, Huey-Min; Kuo, Bor-Chen; Wang, Su-Chen

2017-01-01

In this study, a computerized dynamic assessment test with both immediately individualized feedback and adaptively property was applied to Mathematics learning in primary school. For evaluating the effectiveness of the computerized dynamic adaptive test, the performances of three types of remedial instructions were compared by a pre-test/post-test…

Computerized Management of Physical Plant Services.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hawkey, Earl W.; Kleinpeter, Joseph

Outlining the major areas to be considered when deciding whether or not to computerize physical plant services in higher education institutions, the author points out the shortcomings of manual record keeping systems. He gives five factors to consider when deciding to computerize: (1) time and money, (2) extent of operation, (3) current and future…

The Evaluation of SISMAKOM (Computerized SDI Project).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

University of Science, Penang (Malaysia).

A survey of 88 users of SISMAKOM, a computerized selective dissemination of information (SDI) and document delivery service provided by the Universiti Sains Malaysia and four other Malaysian universities, was conducted in August 1982 in order to collect data about SISMAKOM and to assess the value of a computerized SDI service in a developing…

An Assistive Computerized Learning Environment for Distance Learning Students with Learning Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klemes, Joel; Epstein, Alit; Zuker, Michal; Grinberg, Nira; Ilovitch, Tamar

2006-01-01

The current study examines how a computerized learning environment assists students with learning disabilities (LD) enrolled in a distance learning course at the Open University of Israel. The technology provides computer display of the text, synchronized with auditory output and accompanied by additional computerized study skill tools which…

The Effect of College Students' Self-Generated Computerized Mind Mapping on Their Reading Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sabbah, Sabah Salman

2015-01-01

This study explored the potential effect of college students' self-generated computerized mind maps on their reading comprehension. It also investigated the subjects' attitudes toward generating computerized mind maps for reading comprehension. The study was conducted in response to the inability of the foundation-level students, who were learning…

The Impact of Computerization on Archival Finding Aids: A RAMP Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kitching, Christopher

This report is based on a questionnaire sent to 32 selected National Archives and on interviews with archivists from eight countries. Geared to the needs of developing countries, the report covers: (1) the impact of computerization on finding aids; (2) advantages and problems of computerization, including enhanced archival control, integration of…

The effects of whole body vibration combined computerized postural control training on the lower extremity muscle activity and cerebral cortex activity in stroke patients.

PubMed

Uhm, Yo-Han; Yang, Dae-Jung

2018-02-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of computerized postural control training using whole body vibration on lower limb muscle activity and cerebral cortical activation in acute stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty stroke patients participated and were divided into groups of 10, a group of the computerized postural control training using whole body vibration (Group I), the computerized postural control training combined with aero step (Group II) and computerized postural control training (Group III). MP100 was used to measure lower limb muscle activity, and QEEG-8 was used to measure cerebral cortical activation. [Results] Comparison of muscle activity and cerebral cortical activation before and after intervention between groups showed that Group I had significant differences in lower limb muscle activity and cerebral cortical activation compared to Groups II and III. [Conclusion] This study showed that whole body vibration combined computerized postural control training is effective for improving muscle activity and cerebral cortex activity in stroke patients.

Making cognitive decision support work: Facilitating adoption, knowledge and behavior change through QI.

PubMed

Weir, Charlene; Brunker, Cherie; Butler, Jorie; Supiano, Mark A

2017-07-01

This paper evaluates the role of facilitation in the successful implementation of Computerized Decision Support (CDS). Facilitation processes include education, specialized computerized decision support, and work process reengineering. These techniques, as well as modeling and feedback enhance self-efficacy, which we propose is one of the factors that mediate the effectiveness of any CDS. In this study, outpatient clinics implemented quality improvement (QI) projects focused on improving geriatric care. Quality Improvement is the systematic process of improving quality through continuous measurement and targeted actions. The program, entitled "Advancing Geriatric Education through Quality Improvement" (AGE QI), consisted of a 6-month, QI based, intervention: (1) 2h didactic session, (2) 1h QI planning session, (3) computerized decision support design and implementation, (4) QI facilitation activities, (5) outcome feedback, and (6) 20h of CME. Specifically, we examined the impact of the QI based program on clinician's perceived self-efficacy in caring for older adults and the relationship of implementation support and facilitation on perceived success. The intervention was implemented at 3 institutions, 27 community healthcare system clinics, and 134 providers. This study reports the results of pre/post surveys for the forty-nine clinicians who completed the full CME program. Self-efficacy ratings for specific clinical behaviors related to care of older adults were assessed using a Likert based instrument. Self-ratings of efficacy improved across the following domains (depression, falls, end-of-life, functional status and medication management) and specifically in QI targeted domains and were associated with overall clinic improvements. Published by Elsevier Inc.

[Is the ICU staff satisfied with the computerized physician order entry? A cross-sectional survey study].

PubMed

Fumis, Renata Rego Lins; Costa, Eduardo Leite Vieira; Martins, Paulo Sergio; Pizzo, Vladimir; Souza, Ivens Augusto; Schettino, Guilherme de Paula Pinto

2014-01-01

To evaluate the satisfaction of the intensive care unit staff with a computerized physician order entry and to compare the concept of the computerized physician order entry relevance among intensive care unit healthcare workers. We performed a cross-sectional survey to assess the satisfaction of the intensive care unit staff with the computerized physician order entry in a 30-bed medical/surgical adult intensive care unit using a self-administered questionnaire. The questions used for grading satisfaction levels were answered according to a numerical scale that ranged from 1 point (low satisfaction) to 10 points (high satisfaction). The majority of the respondents (n=250) were female (66%) between the ages of 30 and 35 years of age (69%). The overall satisfaction with the computerized physician order entry scored 5.74±2.14 points. The satisfaction was lower among physicians (n=42) than among nurses, nurse technicians, respiratory therapists, clinical pharmacists and diet specialists (4.62±1.79 versus 5.97±2.14, p<0.001); satisfaction decreased with age (p<0.001). Physicians scored lower concerning the potential of the computerized physician order entry for improving patient safety (5.45±2.20 versus 8.09±2.21, p<0.001) and the ease of using the computerized physician order entry (3.83±1.88 versus 6.44±2.31, p<0.001). The characteristics independently associated with satisfaction were the system's user-friendliness, accuracy, capacity to provide clear information, and fast response time. Six months after its implementation, healthcare workers were satisfied, albeit not entirely, with the computerized physician order entry. The overall users' satisfaction with computerized physician order entry was lower among physicians compared to other healthcare professionals. The factors associated with satisfaction included the belief that digitalization decreased the workload and contributed to the intensive care unit quality with a user-friendly and accurate system and that digitalization provided concise information within a reasonable time frame.

Fuzzy similarity measures for ultrasound tissue characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emara, Salem M.; Badawi, Ahmed M.; Youssef, Abou-Bakr M.

1995-03-01

Computerized ultrasound tissue characterization has become an objective means for diagnosis of diseases. It is difficult to differentiate diffuse liver diseases, namely cirrhotic and fatty liver from a normal one, by visual inspection from the ultrasound images. The visual criteria for differentiating diffused diseases is rather confusing and highly dependent upon the sonographer's experience. The need for computerized tissue characterization is thus justified to quantitatively assist the sonographer for accurate differentiation and to minimize the degree of risk from erroneous interpretation. In this paper we used the fuzzy similarity measure as an approximate reasoning technique to find the maximum degree of matching between an unknown case defined by a feature vector and a family of prototypes (knowledge base). The feature vector used for the matching process contains 8 quantitative parameters (textural, acoustical, and speckle parameters) extracted from the ultrasound image. The steps done to match an unknown case with the family of prototypes (cirr, fatty, normal) are: Choosing the membership functions for each parameter, then obtaining the fuzzification matrix for the unknown case and the family of prototypes, then by the linguistic evaluation of two fuzzy quantities we obtain the similarity matrix, then by a simple aggregation method and the fuzzy integrals we obtain the degree of similarity. Finally, we find that the similarity measure results are comparable to the neural network classification techniques and it can be used in medical diagnosis to determine the pathology of the liver and to monitor the extent of the disease.

Automated segmentation of foveal avascular zone in fundus fluorescein angiography.

PubMed

Zheng, Yalin; Gandhi, Jagdeep Singh; Stangos, Alexandros N; Campa, Claudio; Broadbent, Deborah M; Harding, Simon P

2010-07-01

PURPOSE. To describe and evaluate the performance of a computerized automated segmentation technique for use in quantification of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ). METHODS. A computerized technique for automated segmentation of the FAZ using images from fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) was applied to 26 transit-phase images obtained from patients with various grades of diabetic retinopathy. The area containing the FAZ zone was first extracted from the original image and smoothed by a Gaussian kernel (sigma = 1.5). An initializing contour was manually placed inside the FAZ of the smoothed image and iteratively moved by the segmentation program toward the FAZ boundary. Five tests with different initializing curves were run on each of 26 images to assess reproducibility. The accuracy of the program was also validated by comparing results obtained by the program with the FAZ boundaries manually delineated by medical retina specialists. Interobserver performance was then evaluated by comparing delineations from two of the experts. RESULTS. One-way analysis of variance indicated that the disparities between different tests were not statistically significant, signifying excellent reproducibility for the computer program. There was a statistically significant linear correlation between the results obtained by automation and manual delineations by experts. CONCLUSIONS. This automated segmentation program can produce highly reproducible results that are comparable to those made by clinical experts. It has the potential to assist in the detection and management of foveal ischemia and to be integrated into automated grading systems.

Ionospheric Tomography Using Faraday Rotation of Automatic Dependant Surveillance Broadcast UHF Signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cushley, A. C.

2013-12-01

The proposed launch of a satellite carrying the first space-borne ADS-B receiver by the Royal Military College of Canada (RMCC) will create a unique opportunity to study the modification of the 1090 MHz radio waves following propagation through the ionosphere from the transmitting aircraft to the passive satellite receiver(s). Experimental work successfully demonstrated that ADS-B data can be used to reconstruct two dimensional (2D) electron density maps of the ionosphere using computerized tomography (CT). The goal of this work is to evaluate the feasibility of CT reconstruction. The data is modelled using Ray-tracing techniques. This allows us to determine the characteristics of individual waves, including the wave path and the state of polarization at the satellite receiver. The modelled Faraday rotation (FR) is determined and converted to total electron content (TEC) along the ray-paths. The resulting TEC is used as input for computerized ionospheric tomography (CIT) using algebraic reconstruction technique (ART). This study concentrated on meso-scale structures 100-1000 km in horizontal extent. The primary scientific interest of this thesis was to show the feasibility of a new method to image the ionosphere and obtain a better understanding of magneto-ionic wave propagation. Multiple feature input electron density profile to ray-tracing program. Top: reconstructed relative electron density map of ray-trace input (Fig. 1) using TEC measurements and line-of-sight path. Bottom: reconstructed electron density map of ray-trace input using quiet background a priori estimate.

Depth discrimination in acousto-optic cerebral blood flow measurement simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsalach, A.; Schiffer, Z.; Ratner, E.; Breskin, I.; Zeitak, R.; Shechter, R.; Balberg, M.

2016-03-01

Monitoring cerebral blood flow (CBF) is crucial, as inadequate perfusion, even for relatively short periods of time, may lead to brain damage or even death. Thus, significant research efforts are directed at developing reliable monitoring tools that will enable continuous, bed side, simple and cost-effective monitoring of CBF. All existing non invasive bed side monitoring methods, which are mostly NIRS based, such as Laser Doppler or DCS, tend to underestimate CBF in adults, due to the indefinite effect of extra-cerebral tissues on the obtained signal. If those are to find place in day to day clinical practice, the contribution of extra-cerebral tissues must be eliminated and data from the depth (brain) should be extracted and discriminated. Recently, a novel technique, based on ultrasound modulation of light was developed for non-invasive, continuous CBF monitoring (termed ultrasound-tagged light (UTL or UT-NIRS)), and shown to correlate with readings of 133Xe SPECT and laser Doppler. We have assembled a comprehensive computerized simulation, modeling this acousto-optic technique in a highly scattering media. Using the combination of light and ultrasound, we show how depth information may be extracted, thus distinguishing between flow patterns taking place at different depths. Our algorithm, based on the analysis of light modulated by ultrasound, is presented and examined in a computerized simulation. Distinct depth discrimination ability is presented, suggesting that using such method one can effectively nullify the extra-cerebral tissues influence on the obtained signals, and specifically extract cerebral flow data.

Computerized tomography with 3-dimensional reconstruction for the evaluation of renal size and arterial anatomy in the living kidney donor.

PubMed

Janoff, Daniel M; Davol, Patrick; Hazzard, James; Lemmers, Michael J; Paduch, Darius A; Barry, John M

2004-01-01

Computerized tomography (CT) with 3-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction has gained acceptance as an imaging study to evaluate living renal donors. We report our experience with this technique in 199 consecutive patients to validate its predictions of arterial anatomy and kidney volumes. Between January 1997 and March 2002, 199 living donor nephrectomies were performed at our institution using an open technique. During the operation arterial anatomy was recorded as well as kidney weight in 98 patients and displacement volume in 27. Each donor had been evaluated preoperatively by CT angiography with 3-D reconstruction. Arterial anatomy described by a staff radiologist was compared with intraoperative findings. CT estimated volumes were reported. Linear correlation graphs were generated to assess the reliability of CT volume predictions. The accuracy of CT angiography for predicting arterial anatomy was 90.5%. However, as the number of renal arteries increased, predictive accuracy decreased. The ability of CT to predict multiple arteries remained high with a positive predictive value of 95.2%. Calculated CT volume and kidney weight significantly correlated (0.654). However, the coefficient of variation index (how much average CT volume differed from measured intraoperative volume) was 17.8%. CT angiography with 3-D reconstruction accurately predicts arterial vasculature in more than 90% of patients and it can be used to compare renal volumes. However, accuracy decreases with multiple renal arteries and volume comparisons may be inaccurate when the difference in kidney volumes is within 17.8%.

Spacelab user implementation assessment study (software requirements analysis). Volume 1: Executive study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

The primary objective of this study was to develop an integrated approach for the development, implementation, and utilization of all software that is required to efficiently and cost-effectively support advanced technology laboratory flight and ground operations. It was recognized that certain aspects of the operations would be mandatory computerized services; computerization of other aspects would be optional. Thus, the analyses encompassed not only alternate computer utilization and implementations but trade studies of the programmatic effects of non-computerized versus computerized approaches to the operations. A general overview of the study is presented.

Planning: supporting and optimizing clinical guidelines execution.

PubMed

Anselma, Luca; Montani, Stefania

2008-01-01

A crucial feature of computerized clinical guidelines (CGs) lies in the fact that they may be used not only as conventional documents (as if they were just free text) describing general procedures that users have to follow. In fact, thanks to a description of their actions and control flow in some semiformal representation language, CGs can also take advantage of Computer Science methods and Information Technology infrastructures and techniques, to become executable documents, in the sense that they may support clinical decision making and clinical procedures execution. In order to reach this goal, some advanced planning techniques, originally developed within the Artificial Intelligence (AI) community, may be (at least partially) resorted too, after a proper adaptation to the specific CG needs has been carried out.

An array processing system for lunar geochemical and geophysical data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eliason, E. M.; Soderblom, L. A.

1977-01-01

A computerized array processing system has been developed to reduce, analyze, display, and correlate a large number of orbital and earth-based geochemical, geophysical, and geological measurements of the moon on a global scale. The system supports the activities of a consortium of about 30 lunar scientists involved in data synthesis studies. The system was modeled after standard digital image-processing techniques but differs in that processing is performed with floating point precision rather than integer precision. Because of flexibility in floating-point image processing, a series of techniques that are impossible or cumbersome in conventional integer processing were developed to perform optimum interpolation and smoothing of data. Recently color maps of about 25 lunar geophysical and geochemical variables have been generated.

Plasma arc welding repair of space flight hardware

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoffman, David S.

1993-01-01

A technique to weld repair the main combustion chamber of Space Shuttle Main Engines has been developed. The technique uses the plasma arc welding process and active cooling to seal cracks and pinholes in the hot-gas wall of the main combustion chamber liner. The liner hot-gas wall is made of NARloy-Z, a copper alloy previously thought to be unweldable using conventional arc welding processes. The process must provide extensive heat input to melt the high conductivity NARloy-Z while protecting the delicate structure of the surrounding material. The higher energy density of the plasma arc process provides the necessary heat input while active water cooling protects the surrounding structure. The welding process is precisely controlled using a computerized robotic welding system.

Computerized data reduction techniques for nadir viewing remote sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tiwari, S. N.; Gormsen, Barbara B.

1985-01-01

Computer resources have been developed for the analysis and reduction of MAPS experimental data from the OSTA-1 payload. The MAPS Research Project is concerned with the measurement of the global distribution of mid-tropospheric carbon monoxide. The measurement technique for the MAPS instrument is based on non-dispersive gas filter radiometer operating in the nadir viewing mode. The MAPS experiment has two passive remote sensing instruments, the prototype instrument which is used to measure tropospheric air pollution from aircraft platforms and the third generation (OSTA) instrument which is used to measure carbon monoxide in the mid and upper troposphere from space platforms. Extensive effort was also expended in support of the MAPS/OSTA-3 shuttle flight. Specific capabilities and resources developed are discussed.

Computerized general practice based networks yield comparable performance with sentinel data in monitoring epidemiological time-course of influenza-like illness and acute respiratory illness.

PubMed

Truyers, Carla; Lesaffre, Emmanuel; Bartholomeeusen, Stefaan; Aertgeerts, Bert; Snacken, René; Brochier, Bernard; Yane, Fernande; Buntinx, Frank

2010-03-22

Computerized morbidity registration networks might serve as early warning systems in a time where natural epidemics such as the H1N1 flu can easily spread from one region to another. In this contribution we examine whether general practice based broad-spectrum computerized morbidity registration networks have the potential to act as a valid surveillance instrument of frequently occurring diseases. We compare general practice based computerized data assessing the frequency of influenza-like illness (ILI) and acute respiratory infections (ARI) with data from a well established case-specific sentinel network, the European Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS). The overall frequency and trends of weekly ILI and ARI data are compared using both networks. Detection of influenza-like illness and acute respiratory illness occurs equally fast in EISS and the computerized network. The overall frequency data for ARI are the same for both networks, the overall trends are similar, but the increases and decreases in frequency do not occur in exactly the same weeks. For ILI, the overall rate was slightly higher for the computerized network population, especially before the increase of ILI, the overall trend was almost identical and the increases and decreases occur in the same weeks for both networks. Computerized morbidity registration networks are a valid tool for monitoring frequent occurring respiratory diseases and the detection of sudden outbreaks.

45 CFR 310.20 - What are the conditions for funding the installation, operation, maintenance and enhancement of...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... installation, operation, maintenance and enhancement of Computerized Tribal IV-D Systems and Office Automation... HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMPUTERIZED TRIBAL IV-D SYSTEMS AND OFFICE AUTOMATION Funding for Computerized Tribal IV-D Systems and Office Automation § 310.20 What are the conditions for funding the installation...

45 CFR 310.35 - Under what circumstances would emergency FFP be available for Computerized Tribal IV-D Systems?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Under what circumstances would emergency FFP be... AND OFFICE AUTOMATION Funding for Computerized Tribal IV-D Systems and Office Automation § 310.35 Under what circumstances would emergency FFP be available for Computerized Tribal IV-D Systems? (a...

A Case Study of Different Types of Arguments Emerging from Explorations in an Interactive Computerized Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lavy, Ilana

2006-01-01

This paper presents a description of the different types of arguments that emerged as two students, working in a computerized environment, engaged in an investigation of several number theory concepts. The emerging arguments are seen as a result of the influence of the computerized environment together with collaborative learning. Using…

Development of a Computerized In-Basket Exercise for the Classroom: A Sales Management Example

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pearson, Michael M.; Barnes, John W.; Onken, Marina H.

2006-01-01

This article follows the development of a sales management in-basket exercise for use in the classroom. The authors have computerized the exercise and added features to allow for additional and more quantitative input from the students. The exercise has evolved and been tested in numerous classroom situations. The computerized in-basket exercise…

Technology and Language Testing. A Collection of Papers from the Annual Colloquium on Language Testing Research (7th, Princeton, New Jersey, April 6-9, 1985).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stansfield, Charles W., Ed.

This collection of essays on measurement theory and language testing includes: "Computerized Adaptive Testing: Implications for Language Test Developers" (Peter Tung); "The Promise and Threat of Computerized Adaptive Assessment of Reading Comprehension" (Michael Canale); "Computerized Rasch Analysis of Item Bias in ESL…

Vocational Education as an Innovation in the Republic of China--Computerization of School Administration.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chang, Frank Tien-Jin

Computerized school administration has become one of the most crucial innovations in vocational education in Taiwan in the Republic of China. As these educators begin to design or purchase computerized information systems for their own schools, they must first define their specific information needs. Next, they should pay attention to…

Assessment Outcomes: Computerized Instruction in a Human Gross Anatomy Course.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bukowski, Elaine L.

2002-01-01

The first of three successive classes of beginning physical therapy students (n=17) completed traditional cadaver anatomy lecture/lab; the next 17 a self-study computerized anatomy lab, and the next 20 both lectures and computer lab. No differences in study times and course or licensure exam performance appeared. Computerized self-study is a…

The study of interaction of modified fatty acid with {sup 99m}Tc in alcoholic media

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Skuridin, V. S.; Stasyuk, E. S.; Varlamova, N. V.

2016-08-02

The paper presents the results of laboratory research aimed at the development of methods of synthesis of new radiodiagnostic agents based on modified fatty acid labelled with technetium-99m intended for scintigraphic evaluation of myocardial metabolism. In particular, the interaction of substance with {sup 99m}Tc in alcoholic media and the use of ethanol as solvent in the synthesis of the radiopharmaceutical were studied.

Evaluation of proliferation potential in thyroid normo-/hypofunctioning and hyperfunctioning nodules.

PubMed

Cornianu, Marioara; Stan, V; Lazăr, Elena; Dema, Alis; Golu, Ioana; Tăban, Sorina; Vlad, Mihaela; Faur, Alexandra; Vărcuş, F; Babău, F

2011-01-01

Thyroid follicular adenomas (FA) and adenomatous thyroid nodules (AN) - lesions that are frequently found in areas with iodine deficiency, can be normo-/hypofunctioning (scintigraphically cold - SCN) or hyperfunctioning (scintigraphically hot - SHN) nodules. Evaluation of proliferation potential in thyroid nodules on tissue samples obtained at surgery from euthyroid patients clinically diagnosed with SCN and from patients with thyroid hyperfunction and SHN. We investigated the proliferation activity estimated by assessing PCNA and Ki-67 proliferation markers in 20 SCN (eight FA and 12 AN) and 16 toxic nodules (six hyperfunctioning FA and 10 toxic multinodular goiters), on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue samples, 4-5 μm thick; we used the immunohistochemical technique in LSAB system (DAB visualization) with anti-PCNA (PC10) and anti-Ki-67 (MIB-1) monoclonal antibodies. For each case, we calculated the proliferation index PI-PCNA and PI-Ki-67. The dates were statistically evaluated using the t-unpaired test. We observed a higher PI-PCNA in thyroid nodules than in the normal surrounding thyroid tissue, with statistically significant values for FA (14.3% vs. 3.8%; p<0.029) and also for AN (8.36% vs. 1.24%; p<0.001). The mean PI-Ki-67 in nodules vs. surrounding thyroid tissue was 1.64% vs. 1.10% in FA (p<0.35) and 1.07% vs. 0.51% in AN (p>0.05). We also noted: (1) significantly higher PI-PCNA values (p < 0.01) in FA (14.03%) than in AN (8.36%), as compared to statistically insignificant values for Ki-67 (1.64% vs. 1.07%; p>0.05); (2) increased proliferation rate (p<0.01) in thyroid nodules with aspects of lymphocytic thyroiditis (LT) (PI-Ki-67 was 1.21%) as compared to nodules without LT (PI-Ki-67 was 0.12%); (3) a mean PI-PCNA of 8.5% and PI-Ki-67 of 4.61% in toxic thyroid nodules (TTN) vs. 3.01% and 1.5% in normal surrounding thyroid, respectively. The clinical expression of SCN is the consequence of increased thyrocyte proliferation in the nodules; the increased proliferative potential of TTN thyrocytes is a common feature of nodules, independent of their histopathological characteristics.

Radiation dose to technologists per nuclear medicine examination and estimation of annual dose.

PubMed

Bayram, Tuncay; Yilmaz, A Hakan; Demir, Mustafa; Sonmez, Bircan

2011-03-01

Conventional diagnostic nuclear medicine applications have been continuously increasing in most nuclear medicine departments in Turkey, but to our knowledge no one has studied the doses to technologists who perform nuclear medicine procedures. Most nuclear medicine laboratories do not have separate control rooms for technologists, who are quite close to the patient during data acquisition. Technologists must therefore stay behind lead shields while performing their task if they are to reduce the radiation dose received. The aim of this study was to determine external radiation doses to technologists during nuclear medicine procedures with and without a lead shield. Another aim was to investigate the occupational annual external radiation doses to Turkish technologists. This study used a Geiger-Müller detector to measure dose rates to technologists at various distances from patients (0.25, 0.50, 1, and 2 m and behind a lead shield) and determined the average time spent by technologists at these distances. Deep-dose equivalents to technologists were obtained. The following conventional nuclear medicine procedures were considered: thyroid scintigraphy performed using (99m)Tc pertechnetate, whole-body bone scanning performed using (99m)Tc-methylene diphosphonate, myocardial perfusion scanning performed using (99m)Tc-methoxyisobutyl isonitrile, and (201)Tl (thallous chloride) and renal scanning performed using (99m)Tc-dimercaptosuccinic acid. The measured deep-dose equivalent to technologists per procedure was within the range of 0.13 ± 0.05 to 0.43 ± 0.17 μSv using a lead shield and 0.21 ± 0.07 to 1.01 ± 0.46 μSv without a lead shield. Also, the annual individual dose to a technologist performing only a particular scintigraphic procedure throughout a year was estimated. For a total of 95 clinical cases (71 patients), effective external radiation doses to technologists were found to be within the permissible levels. This study showed that a 2-mm lead shield markedly reduced the external dose to technologists. The doses to technologists varied significantly for different diagnostic applications. Consequently, the estimated annual dose to a technologist performing only a particular scintigraphic procedure is very different from one type of procedure to another. The results of this study should help in determining the rotation time of technologists in different procedures and differences in their individual techniques.

Investigation of optimal use of computer-aided detection systems: the role of the "machine" in decision making process.

PubMed

Paquerault, Sophie; Hardy, Paul T; Wersto, Nancy; Chen, John; Smith, Robert C

2010-09-01

The aim of this study was to explore different computerized models (the "machine") as a means to achieve optimal use of computer-aided detection (CAD) systems and to investigate whether these models can play a primary role in clinical decision making and possibly replace a clinician's subjective decision for combining his or her own assessment with that provided by a CAD system. Data previously collected from a fully crossed, multiple-reader, multiple-case observer study with and without CAD by seven observers asked to identify simulated small masses on two separate sets of 100 mammographic images (low-contrast and high-contrast sets; ie, low-contrast and high-contrast simulated masses added to random locations on normal mammograms) were used. This allowed testing two relative sensitivities between the observers and CAD. Seven models that combined detection assessments from CAD standalone, unaided read, and CAD-aided read (second read and concurrent read) were developed using the leave-one-out technique for training and testing. These models were personalized for each observer. Detection performance accuracies were analyzed using the area under a portion of the free-response receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUFC), sensitivity, and number of false-positives per image. For the low-contrast set, the use of computerized models resulted in significantly higher AUFCs compared to the unaided read mode for all readers, whereas the increased AUFCs between CAD-aided (second and concurrent reads; ie, decisions made by the readers) and unaided read modes were statistically significant for a majority, but not all, of the readers (four and five of the seven readers, respectively). For the high-contrast set, there were no significant trends in the AUFCs whether or not a model was used to combine the original reading modes. Similar results were observed when using sensitivity as the figure of merit. However, the average number of false-positives per image resulting from the computerized models remained the same as that obtained from the unaided read modes. Individual computerized models (the machine) that combine image assessments from CAD standalone, unaided read, and CAD-aided read can increase detection performance compared to the reading done by the observer. However, relative sensitivity (ie, the difference in sensitivity between CAD standalone and unaided read) was a critical factor that determined incremental improvement in decision making, whether made by the observer or using computerized models. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A randomized controlled trial of the Cool Teens CD-ROM computerized program for adolescent anxiety.

PubMed

Wuthrich, Viviana M; Rapee, Ronald M; Cunningham, Michael J; Lyneham, Heidi J; Hudson, Jennifer L; Schniering, Carolyn A

2012-03-01

Computerized cognitive behavioral interventions for anxiety disorders in adults have been shown to be efficacious, but limited data are available on the use of computerized interventions with young persons. Adolescents in particular are difficult to engage in treatment and may be especially suited to computerized technologies. This paper describes the results of a small randomized controlled trial of the Cool Teens program for adolescent anxiety, and examines potential barriers to treatment and user preferences of computerized technology in this population. Forty-three adolescents with a primary diagnosis of anxiety were randomly allocated to the Cool Teens program, a 12-week computerized cognitive-behavioral therapy program for anxiety management, or a 12-week wait list. Effects on symptoms, negative thoughts, and life interference were assessed at post-treatment and 3-month follow-up, based on diagnosis as well as self and maternal report. Using mixed-model analyses, at post-treatment and follow-up assessments, adolescents in the Cool Teens condition, compared with those on the wait list, were found to have significant reductions in the total number of anxiety disorders, the severity of the primary anxiety disorder, and the average severity for all disorders. These results were matched by significant reductions in mother and child questionnaire reports of anxiety, internalizing symptoms, automatic thoughts, and life interference. Further few barriers to treatment were found, and user preferences indicated that the computerized treatment was well suited to adolescents with anxiety. The Cool Teens program is efficacious for treatment of adolescent anxiety. Clinical trial registration information-A randomized controlled trial of the Cool Teens computerized program for anxious adolescents compared with waist list; http://www.anzctr.org.au; ACTRN12611000508976. Copyright © 2012 American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of Computerized Sounding Out on Spelling Performance for Children who do and not rely on AAC

PubMed Central

McCarthy, Jillian H.; Hogan, Tiffany P.; Beukelman, David R.; Schwarz, Ilsa E.

2015-01-01

Purpose Spelling is an important skill for individuals who rely on augmentative alternative communication (AAC). The purpose of this study was to investigate how computerized sounding out influenced spelling accuracy of pseudo-words. Computerized sounding out was defined as a word elongated, thus providing an opportunity for a child to hear all the sounds in the word at a slower rate. Methods Seven children with cerebral palsy, four who use AAC and three who do not, participated in a single subject AB design. Results The results of the study indicated that the use of computerized sounding out increased the phonologic accuracy of the pseudo-words produced by participants. Conclusion The study provides preliminary evidence for the use of computerized sounding out during spelling tasks for children with cerebral palsy who do and do not use AAC. Future directions and clinical implications are discussed. PMID:24512195

Genalogical approaches to ethical implications of informational assimilative integrated discovery systems (AIDS) in business

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pharhizgar, K.D.; Lunce, S.E.

1994-12-31

Development of knowledge-based technological acquisition techniques and customers` information profiles are known as assimilative integrated discovery systems (AIDS) in modern organizations. These systems have access through processing to both deep and broad domains of information in modern societies. Through these systems organizations and individuals can predict future trend probabilities and events concerning their customers. AIDSs are new techniques which produce new information which informants can use without the help of the knowledge sources because of the existence of highly sophisticated computerized networks. This paper has analyzed the danger and side effects of misuse of information through the illegal, unethical andmore » immoral access to the data-base in an integrated and assimilative information system as described above. Cognivistic mapping, pragmatistic informational design gathering, and holistic classifiable and distributive techniques are potentially abusive systems whose outputs can be easily misused by businesses when researching the firm`s customers.« less

A WebGIS-based command control system for forest fire fighting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jianyu; Ming, Dongping; Zhang, Xiaodong; Huang, Haitao

2006-10-01

Forest is a finite resource and fire prevention is crucial work. However, once a forest fire or accident occurs, timely and effective fire-fighting is the only necessary measure. The aim of this research is to build a computerized command control system based on WEBGIS to direct fire-fighting. Firstly, this paper introduces the total technique flow and functional modules of the system. Secondly, this paper analyses the key techniques for building the system, and they are data obtaining, data organizing & management, architecture of WebGIS and sharing & interoperation technique. In the end, this paper demonstrates the on line martial symbol editing function to show the running result of system. The practical application of this system showed that it played very important role in the forest fire fighting work. In addition, this paper proposes some strategic recommendations for the further development of the system.

Model based Computerized Ionospheric Tomography in space and time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuna, Hakan; Arikan, Orhan; Arikan, Feza

2018-04-01

Reconstruction of the ionospheric electron density distribution in space and time not only provide basis for better understanding the physical nature of the ionosphere, but also provide improvements in various applications including HF communication. Recently developed IONOLAB-CIT technique provides physically admissible 3D model of the ionosphere by using both Slant Total Electron Content (STEC) measurements obtained from a GPS satellite - receiver network and IRI-Plas model. IONOLAB-CIT technique optimizes IRI-Plas model parameters in the region of interest such that the synthetic STEC computations obtained from the IRI-Plas model are in accordance with the actual STEC measurements. In this work, the IONOLAB-CIT technique is extended to provide reconstructions both in space and time. This extension exploits the temporal continuity of the ionosphere to provide more reliable reconstructions with a reduced computational load. The proposed 4D-IONOLAB-CIT technique is validated on real measurement data obtained from TNPGN-Active GPS receiver network in Turkey.

45 CFR 310.15 - What are the safeguards and processes that comprehensive Tribal IV-D agencies must have in place...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... comprehensive Tribal IV-D agencies must have in place to ensure the security and privacy of Computerized Tribal... ensure the security and privacy of Computerized Tribal IV-D Systems and Office Automation? (a..., accuracy, completeness, access to, and use of data in the Computerized Tribal IV-D System and Office...

Computerized Adaptive Testing for Polytomous Motivation Items: Administration Mode Effects and a Comparison with Short Forms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hol, A. Michiel; Vorst, Harrie C. M.; Mellenbergh, Gideon J.

2007-01-01

In a randomized experiment (n = 515), a computerized and a computerized adaptive test (CAT) are compared. The item pool consists of 24 polytomous motivation items. Although items are carefully selected, calibration data show that Samejima's graded response model did not fit the data optimally. A simulation study is done to assess possible…

Does the Computer Make a Difference? Computerized versus Face-to-Face versus Self-Report Assessment of Alcohol, Drug and Tobacco Use.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skinner, Harvey A.; Allen, Barbara A.

1983-01-01

Compared histories of alcohol, drug, and tobacco use obtained by computerized interview, face-to-face interview, and self-report in clients (N=150) from an addiction treatment center. Multivariate analyses revealed no important differences. The computerized interview was rated less friendly but faster and more interesting. (Author/JAC)

Computerized and Paper-and-Pencil Versions of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale: A Comparison of Psychometric Features and Respondent Preferences.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vispoel, Walter P.; Boo, Jaeyool; Bleiler, Timothy

2001-01-01

Evaluated the characteristics of computerized and paper-and-pencil versions of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES) using scores for 224 college students. Results show that mode of administration has little effect on the psychometric properties of the SES although the computerized version took longer and was preferred by examinees. (SLD)

Chemical Understanding and Graphing Skills in an Honors Case-Based Computerized Chemistry Laboratory Environment: The Value of Bidirectional Visual and Textual Representations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dori, Yehudit J.; Sasson, Irit

2008-01-01

The case-based computerized laboratory (CCL) is a chemistry learning environment that integrates computerized experiments with emphasis on scientific inquiry and comprehension of case studies. The research objective was to investigate chemical understanding and graphing skills of high school honors students via bidirectional visual and textual…

Performances on the CogState and Standard Neuropsychological Batteries Among HIV Patients Without Dementia

PubMed Central

Overton, Edgar Turner; Kauwe, John S.K.; Paul, Rob; Tashima, Karen; Tate, David F.; Patel, Pragna; Carpenter, Chuck; Patty, David; Brooks, John T.; Clifford, David B

2013-01-01

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remain prevalent but challenging to diagnose particularly among non-demented individuals. To determine whether a brief computerized battery correlates with formal neurocognitive testing, we identified 46 HIV-infected persons who had undergone both formal neurocognitive testing and a brief computerized battery. Simple detection tests correlated best with formal neuropsychological testing. By multivariable regression model, 53% of the variance in the composite Global Deficit Score was accounted for by elements from the brief computerized tool (p<0.01). These data confirm previous correlation data with the computerized battery, yet illustrate remaining challenges for neurocognitive screening. PMID:21877204

The equivalence of computerized and paper-and-pencil psychological instruments: implications for measures of negative affect.

PubMed

Schulenberg, S E; Yutrzenka, B A

1999-05-01

The use of computerized psychological assessment is a growing practice among contemporary mental health professionals. Many popular and frequently used paper-and-pencil instruments have been adapted into computerized versions. Although equivalence for many instruments has been evaluated and supported, this issue is far from resolved. This literature review deals with recent research findings that suggest that computer aversion negatively impacts computerized assessment, particularly as it relates to measures of negative affect. There is a dearth of equivalence studies that take into account computer aversion's potential impact on the measurement of negative affect. Recommendations are offered for future research in this area.

Comparing the reliability of a trigonometric technique to goniometry and inclinometry in measuring ankle dorsiflexion.

PubMed

Sidaway, Ben; Euloth, Tracey; Caron, Heather; Piskura, Matthew; Clancy, Jessica; Aide, Alyson

2012-07-01

The purpose of this study was to compare the reliability of three previously used techniques for the measurement of ankle dorsiflexion ROM, open-chained goniometry, closed-chained goniometry, and inclinometry, to a novel trigonometric technique. Twenty-one physiotherapy students used four techniques (open-chained goniometry, closed-chained goniometry, inclinometry, and trigonometry) to assess dorsiflexion range of motion in 24 healthy volunteers. All student raters underwent training to establish competence in the four techniques. Raters then measured dorsiflexion with a randomly assigned measuring technique four times over two sessions, one week apart. Data were analyzed using a technique by session analysis of variance, technique measurement variability being the primary index of reliability. Comparisons were also made between the measurements derived from the four techniques and those obtained from a computerized video analysis system. Analysis of the rater measurement variability around the technique means revealed significant differences between techniques with the least variation being found in the trigonometric technique. Significant differences were also found between the technique means but no differences between sessions were evident. The trigonometric technique produced mean ROMs closest in value to those derived from computer analysis. Application of the trigonometric technique resulted in the least variability in measurement across raters and consequently should be considered for use when changes in dorsiflexion ROM need to be reliably assessed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Concurrent Distributed System for Aircraft Tactical Decision Generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McManus, John W.

1990-01-01

A research program investigating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to aid in the development of a Tactical Decision Generator (TDG) for Within Visual Range (WVR) air combat engagements is discussed. The application of AI programming and problem solving methods in the development and implementation of a concurrent version of the Computerized Logic For Air-to-Air Warfare Simulations (CLAWS) program, a second generation TDG, is presented. Concurrent computing environments and programming approaches are discussed and the design and performance of a prototype concurrent TDG system are presented.

Ontology-Driven Information Integration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tissot, Florence; Menzel, Chris

2005-01-01

Ontology-driven information integration (ODII) is a method of computerized, automated sharing of information among specialists who have expertise in different domains and who are members of subdivisions of a large, complex enterprise (e.g., an engineering project, a government agency, or a business). In ODII, one uses rigorous mathematical techniques to develop computational models of engineering and/or business information and processes. These models are then used to develop software tools that support the reliable processing and exchange of information among the subdivisions of this enterprise or between this enterprise and other enterprises.

Current Trends in the Management of Blunt Solid Organ Injuries.

PubMed

Taviloglu, Korhan; Yanar, Hakan

2009-04-01

The management of patients with solid organ injuries has changed since the introduction of technically advanced imaging tools, such as ultrasonography and multiple scan computerized tomography, interventional radiological techniques and modern intensive care units. In spite of this development in the management of these patients, major solid organ traumas can still be challenging. There has been great improvement in the non-operative management (NOM) of intra-abdominal solid organ injury in recent decades. In most cases treatment of injuries has shifted from early surgical treatment to NOM.

Integrated Application of Active Controls (IAAC) technology to an advanced subsonic transport project: Current and advanced act control system definition study. Volume 2: Appendices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanks, G. W.; Shomber, H. A.; Dethman, H. A.; Gratzer, L. B.; Maeshiro, A.; Gangsaas, D.; Blight, J. D.; Buchan, S. M.; Crumb, C. B.; Dorwart, R. J.

1981-01-01

The current status of the Active Controls Technology (ACT) for the advanced subsonic transport project is investigated through analysis of the systems technical data. Control systems technologies under examination include computerized reliability analysis, pitch axis fly by wire actuator, flaperon actuation system design trade study, control law synthesis and analysis, flutter mode control and gust load alleviation analysis, and implementation of alternative ACT systems. Extensive analysis of the computer techniques involved in each system is included.

Process and control systems for composites manufacturing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsiang, T. H.; Wanamaker, John L.

1992-01-01

A precise control of composite material processing would not only improve part quality, but it would also directly reduce the overall manufacturing cost. The development and incorporation of sensors will help to generate real-time information for material processing relationships and equipment characteristics. In the present work, the thermocouple, pressure transducer, and dielectrometer technologies were investigated. The monitoring sensors were integrated with the computerized control system in three non-autoclave fabrication techniques: hot-press, self contained tool (self heating and pressurizing), and pressure vessel). The sensors were implemented in the parts and tools.

Recent progress in Precambrian paleobiology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schopf, J. W.

1986-01-01

Ongoing studies at UCLA include the following: (1) investigations in Archean and Proterozoic sequences of various locations; (2) laboratory and field studies of modern microbial biocoenoses (analogues of Precambrian microbial communities) especially those at Laguna Mormona, Baja California, Mexico; (3) development of new laboratory techniques for the separation and concentration of minute cellularly preserved fossils for isotopic and organic geochemical analyses; and (4) assembly of a computerized database for assessment of the timing and nature of major events occurring during Precambrian biotic evolution, and of the potential applicability of ancient microbiotas to problems of global biostratigraphy and biogeography.

A preliminary computer pattern analysis of satellite images of mature extratropical cyclones

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burfeind, Craig R.; Weinman, James A.; Barkstrom, Bruce R.

1987-01-01

This study has applied computerized pattern analysis techniques to the location and classification of features of several mature extratropical cyclones that were depicted in GOES satellite images. These features include the location of the center of the cyclone vortex core and the location of the associated occluded front. The cyclone type was classified in accord with the scheme of Troup and Streten. The present analysis was implemented on a personal computer; results were obtained within approximately one or two minutes without the intervention of an analyst.

Physics and engineering aspects of cell and tissue imaging systems: microscopic devices and computer assisted diagnosis.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaodong; Ren, Liqiang; Zheng, Bin; Liu, Hong

2013-01-01

The conventional optical microscopes have been used widely in scientific research and in clinical practice. The modern digital microscopic devices combine the power of optical imaging and computerized analysis, archiving and communication techniques. It has a great potential in pathological examinations for improving the efficiency and accuracy of clinical diagnosis. This chapter reviews the basic optical principles of conventional microscopes, fluorescence microscopes and electron microscopes. The recent developments and future clinical applications of advanced digital microscopic imaging methods and computer assisted diagnosis schemes are also discussed.

Whale Identification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

R:BASE for DOS, a computer program developed under NASA contract, has been adapted by the National Marine Mammal Laboratory and the College of the Atlantic to provide and advanced computerized photo matching technique for identification of humpback whales. The program compares photos with stored digitized descriptions, enabling researchers to track and determine distribution and migration patterns. R:BASE is a spinoff of RIM (Relational Information Manager), which was used to store data for analyzing heat shielding tiles on the Space Shuttle Orbiter. It is now the world's second largest selling line of microcomputer database management software.

45 CFR 310.30 - Under what circumstances would FFP be suspended or disallowed in the costs of Computerized Tribal...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Under what circumstances would FFP be suspended or... SYSTEMS AND OFFICE AUTOMATION Funding for Computerized Tribal IV-D Systems and Office Automation § 310.30 Under what circumstances would FFP be suspended or disallowed in the costs of Computerized Tribal IV-D...

Computerized Biomechanical Man-Model

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-07-01

Force Systems Command Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio ABSTRACT The COMputerized BIomechanical MAN-Model (called COMBIMAN) is a computer interactive graphics...concept was to build a mock- The use of mock-ups for biomechanical evalua- up which permitted the designer to visualize the tion has long been a tool...of the can become an obstacle to design change. Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory, we are developing a computerized biomechanical man-model

The Neurological Basis and Potential Modification of Emotional Intelligence through Affective/Behavioral Training

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-10-01

facial trustworthiness; facial displays of anger) presented subliminally . Furthermore, the responsiveness of these regions to subliminal stimulation ...develop, or program the computerized stimulation paradigms for use during functional neuroimaging (i.e., MJT; BMAT; EFAT). These paradigms will be...programming began on the computerized functional MRI stimulation paradigms using e-prime software. • Quarter #2: Programming of all computerized functional

Multimodal Intervention Trial for Cognitive Deficits in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Efficacy of Computerized Cognitive Training and Stimulant Medication

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-10-01

AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-15-1-0508 TITLE: Multimodal Intervention Trial for Cognitive Deficits in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Efficacy of...Computerized Cognitive Training and Stimulant Medication PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Maria T. Acosta, M.D. CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION: Children’s National Health...database. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Neurofibromatosis, cognition , pediatric, computerized training programs, working memory 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17

Computerized Memory Training Leads to Sustained Improvement in Visuospatial Short-Term Memory Skills in Children with Down Syndrome

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bennett, Stephanie J.; Holmes, Joni; Buckley, Sue

2013-01-01

This study evaluated the impact of a computerized visuospatial memory training intervention on the memory and behavioral skills of children with Down syndrome. Teaching assistants were trained to support the delivery of a computerized intervention program to individual children over a 10-16 week period in school. Twenty-one children aged 7-12…

A Study on the Implementation of the Ecotran Systems, Inc. Computerized Routing and Scheduling Pupil Transportation System. San Diego Unified School District, Superintendent's Organizational Study Team.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carriedo, Ruben; And Others

The San Diego Unified School District (California) began operating a computerized routing and scheduling system for its pupil transportation services at the beginning of the 1985-86 academic school year. The computerized system, provided by Ecotran Systems, Inc. (ECO) of Cleveland, Ohio experienced an inordinate number of difficulties. A…

Computerized tomography versus magnetic resonance imaging: a comparative study in hypothalamic-pituitary and parasellar pathology.

PubMed

Webb, S M; Ruscalleda, J; Schwarzstein, D; Calaf-Alsina, J; Rovira, A; Matos, G; Puig-Domingo, M; de Leiva, A

1992-05-01

We wished to analyse the relative value of computerized tomography and magnetic resonance in patients referred for evaluation of pituitary and parasellar lesions. We performed a separate evaluation by two independent neuroradiologists of computerized tomography and magnetic resonance images ordered numerically and anonymously, with no clinical data available. We studied 40 patients submitted for hypothalamic-pituitary study; 31 were carried out preoperatively, of which histological confirmation later became available in 14. The remaining nine patients were evaluated postoperatively. Over 40 parameters relating to the bony margins, cavernous sinuses, carotid arteries, optic chiasm, suprasellar cisterns, pituitary, pituitary stalk and extension of the lesion were evaluated. These reports were compared with the initial ones offered when the scans were ordered, and with the final diagnosis. Concordance between initial computerized tomography and magnetic resonance was observed in 27 cases (67.5%); among the discordant cases computerized tomography showed the lesion in two, magnetic resonance in 10, while in the remaining case reported to harbour a microadenoma on computerized tomography the differential diagnosis between a true TSH-secreting microadenoma and pituitary resistance to thyroid hormones is still unclear. Both neuroradiologists coincided in their reports in 32 patients (80%); when the initial report was compared with those of the neuroradiologists, concordance was observed with at least one of them in 34 instances (85%). Discordant results were observed principally in microadenomas secreting ACTH or PRL and in delayed puberty. In the eight patients with Cushing's disease (histologically confirmed in six) magnetic resonance was positive in five and computerized tomography in two; the abnormal image correctly identified the side of the lesion at surgery. In patients referred for evaluation of Cushing's syndrome or hyperprolactinaemia (due to microadenomas) or after surgery, magnetic resonance is clearly preferable to computerized tomography. In macroadenomas both scans are equally diagnostic but magnetic resonance offers more information on pituitary morphology and neighbouring structures. Nevertheless, there are cases in which the results of computerized tomography and magnetic resonance will complement each other, since different parameters are analysed with each examination and discordant results are encountered.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sueyoshi, Eijun, E-mail: EijunSueyoshi@aol.com; Sakamoto, Ichiro; Okimoto, Tomoaki

Amyloidosis is a rare systemic disease. However, involvement of the heart is a common finding and is the most frequent cause of death in amyloidosis. We report the sonographic, scintigraphic, and MRI features of a pathologically proven case of cardiac amyloidosis. Delayed contrast-enhanced MR images, using an inversion recovery prepped gradient-echo sequence, revealed diffuse enhancement in the wall of both left and right ventricles. This enhancement suggested expansion of the extracellular space of the myocardium caused by diffuse myocardial necrosis secondary to deposition of amyloid.

Comparison of clinical, radionuclide, and radiographic features of osteoarthritis of the hands.

PubMed Central

Macfarlane, D G; Buckland-Wright, J C; Emery, P; Fogelman, I; Clark, B; Lynch, J

1991-01-01

Simultaneous clinical, scintigraphic, and macroradiographic assessments were carried out on 32 patients with hand osteoarthritis and the results at entry and one year reported. The presence and growth of osteophyte correlated with symptoms and a positive scan. The scan did not detect the radiographic features of juxta-articular radiolucencies, subchondral sclerosis, or cartilage thinning. Osteophytes, particularly when fast growing, produce pain, a 'hot' scan, and may predict disintegration of joint architecture. PMID:1929584

A new hypothesis for fluidification of vocal-fold mucus: scintigraphic study.

PubMed

Costa, Milton Melciades Barbosa; Maliska, Carmelindo

2012-05-01

Our aim was to establish a new hypothesis for the fluidification of the mucus of the vocal folds, by using a scintigraphic method to analyze the relationship of the saliva from the oral and pharyngeal cavities to the mucosa of the laryngeal vestibule. We theorized that the saliva that is adsorbed on the oral and pharyngeal mucosa enters the larynx and is also adsorbed on its mucosa, as a natural layer, fluidizing the mucus of the vestibule wall. A saline solution of sodium pertechnetate (Na(99m)TcO(4)) with radioactivity of 1.0 mCi was sprayed in the oral cavity of seven healthy volunteers, who were instructed to chew a piece of apple for as long as possible without swallowing. The migration of the radioactive saliva was recorded by a gamma-chamber apparatus. We observed radioactivity in the laryngeal mucosa in six of the seven volunteers, who developed no complaints and no respiratory-defense reactions. The results for frequency were statistically significant (Mann-Whitney test, P=0.05). The results indicate that an increased volume of saliva enters the larynx and is adsorbed in its mucosa, producing mucus fluidification. This supports our alternative hypothesis to the unlikely concept that hydration by water ingestion is the factor responsible for reduction of the mucus viscosity of the vocal folds. Copyright © 2012 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Dysphagia and sialorrhea: the relationship to Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Nicaretta, Denise Hack; Rosso, Ana Lucia; Mattos, James Pitágoras de; Maliska, Carmelindo; Costa, Milton M B

2013-01-01

Dysphagia and sialorrhea in patients with Parkinson's disease are both automatically accepted as dependent on this neurological disease. The aim were to establish if these two complaints are a consequence or associated manifestations of Parkinson's disease. Two Parkinson's diseases groups from the same outpatients' population were studied. Patients in the first group, with dysphagia, were studied by videofluoroscopy. The second, with sialorrhea, were studied by the scintigraphic method, Videofluoroscopic examination of the oral, pharyngeal and esophageal phases of swallowing showed that 94% of Parkinson's diseases patients present, structural causes, not related to Parkinson's diseases, able to produce or intensify the observed disphagia. The scintigraphic examination of Parkinson's diseases patients with sialorrhea showed that there is no increase of serous saliva production. Nevertheless, showed a significantly higher velocity of saliva excretion in the Parkinson's diseases patients. Dysphagia can be due to the muscular rigidity often present in the Parkinson's diseases patient, or more usually by non Parkinson's disease associated causes. In Parkinson's diseases patients, sialorrhea is produced by saliva retention. Nevertheless, sialorrhea can produce discomfort in swallowing, although without a formal complaint of dysphagia. In this case, subclinical dysphagia must be considered. Sialorrhea is indicative of dysphagia or at least of subclinical dysphagia. As final conclusion, Parkinson's diseases can be an isolated cause of dysphagia and/or sialorrhea, but frequently, a factor unrelated to Parkinson's diseases is the main cause of or at least aggravates the dysphagia.

Evaluation of the biliary and brain distribution of technetium Tc 99m sestamibi in healthy dogs with the ABCB1 wildtype genotype before and after treatment with spinosad.

PubMed

MacKay, Christopher S; Mattoon, John S; Roberts, Gregory D; Tucker, Russell L; Morimoto, Trevor R; Mealey, Katrina L

2012-06-01

To determine whether the reported drug-drug interaction between the flea medication spinosad and ivermectin is attributable to inhibition of P-glycoprotein by spinosad. 6 healthy adult dogs with the ABCB1 wildtype genotype. The study was conducted as a prospective, masked, randomized crossover design. Six dogs were allocated to 2 groups; each dog served as its own control animal. Dogs in one of the groups received spinosad at the manufacturer's recommended dose; the other group received no treatment. Forty-eight hours later, scintigraphic imaging of the head and abdomen were performed with the radiolabeled P-glycoprotein substrate methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile (sestamibi) in both groups of dogs. After a washout period of 60 days, the dogs in each group received the alternate treatment, and scintigraphic imaging again was performed 48 hours later. Gallbladder-to-liver and brain-to-neck musculature ratios of technetium Tc 99m sestamibi were calculated for each dog and compared between treatments. No significant differences in gallbladder-to-liver or brain-to-neck musculature ratios were found between treatments. Results provided evidence that spinosad did not inhibit P-glycoprotein function 48 hours after spinosad was administered at the manufacturer's recommended dose. Further investigations will be necessary to elucidate the mechanism of the reported toxic interaction between spinosad and ivermectin.

Gastric emptying and intragastric distribution of lipids in man. A new scintigraphic method of study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jian, R.; Vigneron, N.; Najean, Y.

1982-08-01

We measured gastric emptying of fat and water from a solid-liquid meal in healthy volunteers using a tubeless scintigraphic method. /sup 75/Se glycerol triether, incorporated in butter, was the lipid-phase marker, and /sup 99m/Tcm, ingested with 250 ml water, the non-lipid phase marker. In seven of these subjects we also measured the gastric emptying of solids and liquids with /sup 99m/Tc bound to cooked egg whites as the solid-phase marker and /sup 111/In ingested with 250 ml water as the marker of the solid and aqueous phases. Emptying and intragastric repartition of each marker were measured by detection of radioactivitymore » changes over the abdominal area using a gamma-camera. The stability and the specificity of the labeling was checked for each marker. Mean gastric emptying rate (expressed as percentage ingested marker emptied per hr) of lipids (17.4 +/- 2.4) was much lower than that of the rest of the meal (34.2 +/- 1.8) and slightly, but significantly, lower than that of solids (22.8 +/- 1.8). An intragastric layering of fat above nonlipids was observed only after the first postprandial hour and remained moderate. Thus, lipids are emptied more slowly than any other component of an ordinary meal, and this is not due only to layering of fat above water.« less

Atrial corrected Fourier amplitude ratios for the scintigraphic quantitation of valvar regurgitation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dae, M.W.; Botvinick, E.H.; O'Connell, J.W.

1984-01-01

Current scintigraphic methods commonly overestimate the degree of valvar regurgitation (VR), and displace normal ratios from unity, owing largely to RA contamination of the RV region of interest in the ''best septal'' LAO projection. The authors developed a method to correct for this overlap, using the Fourier amplitude (AMP) ratio. Amplitude is first ''weighted'' for phase angle using a vectorial sum, to improve assessment in patients (PTS) with contraction abnormalities. RV AMP is then corrected for underestimation by adding the product of mean LAO RA AMP times the difference between RA areas in anterior and LAO projections to the calculatedmore » RV AMP. In 15 PTS with aortic or mitral VR, corrected AMP ratios (CAR) were compared to ratios assessed angiographically and in 12 PTS without VR were compared to uncorrected AMP ratios (UAR), and to stroke volume ratios (SVR) from SV images (SVI), and ED and ES counts data (CT). CAR interobserver agreement was high (R=.97). When VR PTS ranked by CAR as mild (1.3-1.8), moderate (1.9-2.5), or severe (>2.5) were compared to similar chatheterization based ranks, there were no significant differences using the Mann Whitney test for ordinal data. CAR is a simple, objective and reproducible method of quantitating VR. It reduces the error in those without VR, allows sensitive identification of mild VR, and maintains accurate assessment of severe VR.« less

Formulation development of gastroretentive tablets of lamivudine using the floating-bioadhesive potential of optimized polymer blends.

PubMed

Singh, Bhupinder; Garg, Babita; Chaturvedi, Subhash Chand; Arora, Sharry; Mandsaurwale, Rachana; Kapil, Rishi; Singh, Baljinder

2012-05-01

The current studies entail successful formulation of optimized gastroretentive tablets of lamivudine using the floating-bioadhesive potential of carbomers and cellulosic polymers, and their subsequent in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation in animals and humans. Effervescent floating-bioadhesive hydrophilic matrices were prepared and evaluated for in-vitro drug release, floatation and ex-vivo bioadhesive strength. The optimal composition of polymer blends was systematically chosen using central composite design and overlay plots. Pharmacokinetic studies were carried out in rabbits, and various levels of in-vitro/in-vivo correlation (IVIVC) were established. In-vivo gamma scintigraphic studies were performed in human volunteers using (99m) Tc to evaluate formulation retention in the gastric milieu. The optimized formulation exhibited excellent bioadhesive and floatational characteristics besides possessing adequate drug-release control and pharmacokinetic extension of plasma levels. The successful establishment of various levels of IVIVC substantiated the judicious choice of in-vitro dissolution media for simulating the in-vivo conditions. In-vivo gamma scintigraphic studies ratified the gastroretentive characteristics of the optimized formulation with a retention time of 5 h or more. Besides unravelling the polymer synergism, the study helped in developing an optimal once-a-day gastroretentive drug delivery system with improved bioavailability potential exhibiting excellent swelling, floating and bioadhesive characteristics. © 2012 The Authors. JPP © 2012 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Fabrication of surfactant-free quercetin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles: evaluation of hepatoprotective efficacy by nuclear scintigraphy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganguly, Soumya; Gaonkar, Raghuvir H.; Sinha, Samarendu; Gupta, Amit; Chattopadhyay, Dipankar; Chattopadhyay, Sankha; Sachdeva, Satbir S.; Ganguly, Shantanu; Debnath, Mita C.

2016-07-01

The purpose of this study was to develop surfactant-free quercetin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (Qr-NPs) and investigate the hepatoprotective efficacy of the product non-invasively by nuclear scintigraphy. The nanoparticles were prepared using PLGA by dialysis method and ranged in size between 50 and 250 nm with a narrow range of distribution. They were found to arrive at the fenestra of liver sinusoidal epithelium for accumulation. The sizes of nanoparticles (batch S1) were optimal to reach the target and offer enough protection of the hepatocytes degenerated by CCl4 intoxication as determined by various biochemical and histopathological tests. In vitro studies exhibited the cytotoxic effect of the formulation against HepG2 cell line. The hepatoprotective efficacy of Qr-NPs evaluated non-invasively by nuclear scintigraphic technique using 99mTc-labelled sulphur colloid revealed abnormality in liver at the area of decreased uptake in rats of CCl4-treated group, which disappeared in Qr-NP-treated group. In dynamic studies with 99mTc-mebrofenin, excretion was severely impaired in CCl4-treated group but was moderate in drug-treated group, proving the recovery of animals from damage.

Mixed results in the safety performance of computerized physician order entry.

PubMed

Metzger, Jane; Welebob, Emily; Bates, David W; Lipsitz, Stuart; Classen, David C

2010-04-01

Computerized physician order entry is a required feature for hospitals seeking to demonstrate meaningful use of electronic medical record systems and qualify for federal financial incentives. A national sample of sixty-two hospitals voluntarily used a simulation tool designed to assess how well safety decision support worked when applied to medication orders in computerized order entry. The simulation detected only 53 percent of the medication orders that would have resulted in fatalities and 10-82 percent of the test orders that would have caused serious adverse drug events. It is important to ascertain whether actual implementations of computerized physician order entry are achieving goals such as improved patient safety.

Information technology and medication safety: what is the benefit?

PubMed Central

Kaushal, R; Bates, D

2002-01-01



 Medication errors occur frequently and have significant clinical and financial consequences. Several types of information technologies can be used to decrease rates of medication errors. Computerized physician order entry with decision support significantly reduces serious inpatient medication error rates in adults. Other available information technologies that may prove effective for inpatients include computerized medication administration records, robots, automated pharmacy systems, bar coding, "smart" intravenous devices, and computerized discharge prescriptions and instructions. In outpatients, computerization of prescribing and patient oriented approaches such as personalized web pages and delivery of web based information may be important. Public and private mandates for information technology interventions are growing, but further development, application, evaluation, and dissemination are required. PMID:12486992

Student Practices, Learning, and Attitudes When Using Computerized Ranking Tasks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Kevin M.; Prather, E. E.; Collaboration of Astronomy Teaching Scholars CATS

2011-01-01

Ranking Tasks are a novel type of conceptual exercise based on a technique called rule assessment. Ranking Tasks present students with a series of four to eight icons that describe slightly different variations of a basic physical situation. Students are then asked to identify the order, or ranking, of the various situations based on some physical outcome or result. The structure of Ranking Tasks makes it difficult for students to rely strictly on memorized answers and mechanical substitution of formulae. In addition, by changing the presentation of the different scenarios (e.g., photographs, line diagrams, graphs, tables, etc.) we find that Ranking Tasks require students to develop mental schema that are more flexible and robust. Ranking tasks may be implemented on the computer which requires students to order the icons through drag-and-drop. Computer implementation allows the incorporation of background material, grading with feedback, and providing additional similar versions of the task through randomization so that students can build expertise through practice. This poster will summarize the results of a study of student usage of computerized ranking tasks. We will investigate 1) student practices (How do they make use of these tools?), 2) knowledge and skill building (Do student scores improve with iteration and are there diminishing returns?), and 3) student attitudes toward using computerized Ranking Tasks (Do they like using them?). This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0715517, a CCLI Phase III Grant for the Collaboration of Astronomy Teaching Scholars (CATS). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

Computerized respiratory sounds: a comparison between patients with stable and exacerbated COPD.

PubMed

Jácome, Cristina; Oliveira, Ana; Marques, Alda

2017-09-01

Diagnosis of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is often challenging as it relies on patients' clinical presentation. Computerized respiratory sounds (CRS), namely crackles and wheezes, may have the potential to contribute for the objective diagnosis/monitoring of an AECOPD. This study explored if CRS differ during stable and exacerbation periods in patients with COPD. 13 patients with stable COPD and 14 with AECOPD were enrolled. CRS were recorded simultaneously at trachea, anterior, lateral and posterior chest locations using seven stethoscopes. Airflow (0.4-0.6l/s) was recorded with a pneumotachograph. Breathing phases were detected using airflow signals; crackles and wheezes with validated algorithms. At trachea, anterior and lateral chest, no significant differences were found between the two groups in the number of inspiratory/expiratory crackles or inspiratory wheeze occupation rate. At posterior chest, the number of crackles (median 2.97-3.17 vs. 0.83-1.2, P < 0.001) and wheeze occupation rate (median 3.28%-3.8% vs. 1.12%-1.77%, P = 0.014-0.016) during both inspiration and expiration were significantly higher in patients with AECOPD than in stable patients. During expiration, wheeze occupation rate was also significantly higher in patients with AECOPD at trachea (median 3.12% vs. 0.79%, P < 0.001) and anterior chest (median 3.55% vs. 1.28%, P < 0.001). Crackles and wheezes are more frequent in patients with AECOPD than in stable patients, particularly at posterior chest. These findings suggest that these CRS can contribute to the objective diagnosis/monitoring of AECOPD, which is especially valuable considering that they can be obtained by integrating computerized techniques with pulmonary auscultation, a noninvasive method that is a component of patients' physical examination. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

[Introduction of computerized anesthesia-recording systems and construction of comprehensive medical information network for patients undergoing surgery in the University of Tokyo Hospital].

PubMed

Kitamura, Takayuki; Hoshimoto, Hiroyuki; Yamada, Yoshitsugu

2009-10-01

The computerized anesthesia-recording systems are expensive and the introduction of the systems takes time and requires huge effort. Generally speaking, the efficacy of the computerized anesthesia-recording systems on the anesthetic managements is focused on the ability to automatically input data from the monitors to the anesthetic records, and tends to be underestimated. However, once the computerized anesthesia-recording systems are integrated into the medical information network, several features, which definitely contribute to improve the quality of the anesthetic management, can be developed; for example, to prevent misidentification of patients, to prevent mistakes related to blood transfusion, and to protect patients' personal information. Here we describe our experiences of the introduction of the computerized anesthesia-recording systems and the construction of the comprehensive medical information network for patients undergoing surgery in The University of Tokyo Hospital. We also discuss possible efficacy of the comprehensive medical information network for patients during surgery under anesthetic managements.

Antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia: the role of computerized neuropsychological assessment.

PubMed

Kertzman, Semion; Reznik, Ilya; Grinspan, Haim; Weizman, Abraham; Kotler, Moshe

2008-01-01

The present study analyzes the role of neurocognitive assessment instruments in the detection of the contribution of antipsychotic treatment to cognitive functioning. Recently, a panel of experts suggested six main domains (working memory; attention/vigilance; verbal/visual learning and memory; reasoning and problem solving; speed of processing) implicated in schizophrenia-related cognitive deficits, which serve as a theoretical base for creation of real-time computerized neurocognitive batteries. The high sensitivity of computerized neuropsychological testing is based on their ability to adopt the reaction time (RT) paradigm for the assessment of brain function in a real-time regime. This testing is highly relevant for the monitoring of the cognitive effects of antipsychotics. Computerized assessment assists in the identification of state- and trait-related cognitive impairments. The optimal real-time computerized neurocognitive battery should composite balance between broad and narrow coverage of cognitive domains relevant to the beneficial effects of antipsychotics and will enable better planning of treatment and rehabilitation programs.

Gaming against medical errors: methods and results from a design game on CPOE.

PubMed

Kanstrup, Anne Marie; Nøhr, Christian

2009-01-01

The paper presents design game as a technique for participatory design for a Computerized Decision Support System (CDSS) for minimizing medical errors. Design game is used as a technique for working with the skills of users, the complexity of the use practice and the negotiation of design here within the challenging domain of medication. The paper presents a developed design game based on game inspiration from a computer game, theoretical inspiration on electronic decision support, and empirical grounding in scenarios of medical errors. The game has been played in a two-hour workshop with six clinicians. The result is presented as a list of central themes for design of CDSS and derived design principles from these themes. These principles are currently under further exploration in follow up prototype based activities.

Features of Computerized Educational Games in Sciences of the Elementary Phase in Jordan from the Point of View of Specialists in Teaching Science and Computer Subjects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Al Sarhan, Khaled Ali; AlZboon, Saleem Odeh; Olimat, Khalaf Mufleh; Al-Zboon, Mohammad Saleem

2013-01-01

The study aims at introducing the features of the computerized educational games in sciences at the elementary school in Jordan according to the specialists in teaching science and computer subjects, through answering some questions such as: What are the features of the computerized educational games in sciences at the elementary schools in Jordan…

The Effects of a Computerized Professional Development Program on Teachers and Students with and without Disabilities in Secondary General Education Classes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schumaker, Jean B.; Fisher, Joseph B.; Walsh, Lisa D.

2010-01-01

Effects of a computerized professional development (PD) program were investigated in two studies. For each, teachers were randomly assigned to either a Virtual Workshop (VW) group that used a computerized program for PD or to an Actual Workshop (AW) group that participated in a live PD session. In Study 1, the teachers' knowledge about and…

Health technology assessment review: Computerized glucose regulation in the intensive care unit - how to create artificial control

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Current care guidelines recommend glucose control (GC) in critically ill patients. To achieve GC, many ICUs have implemented a (nurse-based) protocol on paper. However, such protocols are often complex, time-consuming, and can cause iatrogenic hypoglycemia. Computerized glucose regulation protocols may improve patient safety, efficiency, and nurse compliance. Such computerized clinical decision support systems (Cuss) use more complex logic to provide an insulin infusion rate based on previous blood glucose levels and other parameters. A computerized CDSS for glucose control has the potential to reduce overall workload, reduce the chance of human cognitive failure, and improve glucose control. Several computer-assisted glucose regulation programs have been published recently. In order of increasing complexity, the three main types of algorithms used are computerized flowcharts, Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID), and Model Predictive Control (MPC). PID is essentially a closed-loop feedback system, whereas MPC models the behavior of glucose and insulin in ICU patients. Although the best approach has not yet been determined, it should be noted that PID controllers are generally thought to be more robust than MPC systems. The computerized Cuss that are most likely to emerge are those that are fully a part of the routine workflow, use patient-specific characteristics and apply variable sampling intervals. PMID:19849827

Pain Perception: Computerized versus Traditional Local Anesthesia in Pediatric Patients.

PubMed

Mittal, M; Kumar, A; Srivastava, D; Sharma, P; Sharma, S

2015-01-01

Local anesthetic injection is one of the most anxiety- provoking procedure for both children and adult patients in dentistry. A computerized system for slow delivery of local anesthetic has been developed as a possible solution to reduce the pain related to the local anesthetic injection. The present study was conducted to evaluate and compare pain perception rates in pediatric patients with computerized system and traditional methods, both objectively and subjectively. It was a randomized controlled study in one hundred children aged 8-12 years in healthy physical and mental state, assessed as being cooperative, requiring extraction of maxillary primary molars. Children were divided into two groups by random sampling - Group A received buccal and palatal infiltration injection using Wand, while Group B received buccal and palatal infiltration using traditional syringe. Visual Analog scale (VAS) was used for subjective evaluation of pain perception by patient. Sound, Eye, Motor (SEM) scale was used as an objective method where sound, eye and motor reactions of patient were observed and heart rate measurement using pulse oximeter was used as the physiological parameter for objective evaluation. Patients experienced significantly less pain of injection with the computerized method during palatal infiltration, while less pain was not statistically significant during buccal infiltration. Heart rate increased during both buccal and palatal infiltration in traditional and computerized local anesthesia, but difference between traditional and computerized method was not statistically significant. It was concluded that pain perception was significantly more during traditional palatal infiltration injection as compared to computerized palatal infiltration, while there was no difference in pain perception during buccal infiltration in both the groups.

Pharmacokinetics and Scintigraphic Imaging of the Hypoxia-Imaging Agent [123I]IAZA in Healthy Adults Following Exercise-Based Cardiac Stress †

PubMed Central

Stypinski, Daria; McQuarrie, Stephen A.; McEwan, Alexander J. B.; Wiebe, Leonard I.

2018-01-01

The objective of this work is to evaluate the potential effect of cardiac stress exercise on the accumulation of [123I]IAZA, a radiopharmaceutical used to image focal tissue hypoxia, in otherwise normal myocardium in healthy volunteers, and to determine the impact of exercise on [123I]IAZA pharmacokinetics. The underlying goal is to establish a rational basis and a baseline for studies of focal myocardial hypoxia in cardiac patients using [123I]IAZA. Three healthy male volunteers ran the ‘Bruce’ treadmill protocol, a clinically-accepted protocol designed to expose myocardial ischemia in patients. The ‘Bruce’ criterion heart rate is 85% of [220–age]. Approximately one minute before reaching this level, [123I]IAZA (5.0 mCi/0.85 mg) was administered as a slow (1–3 min) single intravenous (i.v.) injection via an indwelling venous catheter. The volunteer continued running for an additional 1 min before being transferred to a gamma camera. Serum samples were collected from the arm contralateral to the administration site at pre-determined intervals from 1 min to 45 h post injection and were analyzed by radio HPLC. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were derived for [123I]IAZA and total radioactivity (total[123I]) using compartmental and noncompartmental analyses. Whole-body planar scintigraphic images were acquired from 0.75 to 24 h after dosing. PK data and scintigraphic images were compared to previously published [123I]IAZA data from healthy volunteers rest. Following exercise stress, both [123I]IAZA and total[123I] exhibited bi-exponential decline profiles, with rapid distribution phases [half-lives (t1/2α) of 1.2 and 1.4 min, respectively], followed by slower elimination phases [t1/2β of 195 and 290 min, respectively]. Total body clearance (CLTB) and the steady state volume of distribution (Vss) were 0.647 L/kg and 185 mL/min, respectively, for [123I]IAZA and 0.785 L/kg and 135 mL/min, respectively, for total[123I]. The t1/2β, CLTB and Vss values were comparable to those reported previously for rested volunteers. The t1/2α was approximately 4-fold shorter for [123I]IAZA and approximately 3-fold shorter for total[123I] under exercise relative to rested subjects. The heart region was visualized in early whole body scintigraphic images, but later images showed no accumulated radioactivity in this region, and no differences from images reported for rested volunteers were apparent. Minimal uptake of radiotracer in myocardium and skeletal muscle was consistent with uptake in non-stressed myocardium. Whole-body scintigrams for [123I]IAZA in exercise-stressed healthy volunteers were indistinguishable from images of non-exercised volunteers. There was no evidence of hypoxia-dependent binding in exercised but otherwise healthy myocardium, supporting the conclusion that exercise stress at Bruce protocol intensity does not induce measurable myocardial hypoxia. Effects of exercise on PK parameters were minimal; specifically, the t1/2α was shortened, reflecting increased cardiac output associated with exercise. It is concluded that because [123I]IAZA was not metabolically bound in exercise-stressed myocardium, a stress test will not create elevated myocardial background that would mask regions of myocardial perfusion deficiency. [123I]IAZA would therefore be suitable for the detection of viable, hypoxic myocardium in patients undergoing stress-test-based diagnosis. PMID:29470434

[Computerized evaluation of reparative processes of the cervix uteri].

PubMed

Pasquinucci, C; Contini, V

1990-01-01

This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), as reported in relevant literature, on cervical epithelia dynamics. Particularly, the interactions taking place between columnar epithelium and the squamous one have been examined. For the purposes of the study, the following computerized techniques, already widely known, have been used: The colposcope is joined to a videocamera connected with a computer (AT compatible). The computer is equipped with a graphic card capable to record and to digit the image, i.e. to make it recognizable by the computer itself. Thereafter, many operations can be performed on the colposcopic images: reductions, enlargements, retouches, record, recall, analysis, etc. Moreover, irregular epithelial areas can be easily determined to a good approximation and, using pre-established enlargement ratios, their evolution can be evaluated. By means of this technique 12 out-patients with uterine cervix ectopias, with or without normal transformation zone (NTZ), have been examined. The monthly therapy was 12 pessaries, each containing 5 mg polydeoxyribonucleotide (POLIDES 5--Farmigea), from the 7th to the 18th day of the cycle, repeated for 3 months. Since the first month of treatment a reduction of the ectopic columnar epithelium has been noted in most patients (9 on 12), with a squamous epithelium increase (peripheral reparative process). This process has kept on increasing during the following months in the 9 patients responding to the treatment, whose ectopic areas were covered by squamous epithelium (average 55% of the area; range 33%-78%). No response to the treatment has been shown in 3 cases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Computerized scoring algorithms for the Autobiographical Memory Test.

PubMed

Takano, Keisuke; Gutenbrunner, Charlotte; Martens, Kris; Salmon, Karen; Raes, Filip

2018-02-01

Reduced specificity of autobiographical memories is a hallmark of depressive cognition. Autobiographical memory (AM) specificity is typically measured by the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT), in which respondents are asked to describe personal memories in response to emotional cue words. Due to this free descriptive responding format, the AMT relies on experts' hand scoring for subsequent statistical analyses. This manual coding potentially impedes research activities in big data analytics such as large epidemiological studies. Here, we propose computerized algorithms to automatically score AM specificity for the Dutch (adult participants) and English (youth participants) versions of the AMT by using natural language processing and machine learning techniques. The algorithms showed reliable performances in discriminating specific and nonspecific (e.g., overgeneralized) autobiographical memories in independent testing data sets (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve > .90). Furthermore, outcome values of the algorithms (i.e., decision values of support vector machines) showed a gradient across similar (e.g., specific and extended memories) and different (e.g., specific memory and semantic associates) categories of AMT responses, suggesting that, for both adults and youth, the algorithms well capture the extent to which a memory has features of specific memories. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Application of the 4-D XCAT Phantoms in Biomedical Imaging and Beyond.

PubMed

Segars, W Paul; Tsui, B M W; Cai, Jing; Yin, Fang-Fang; Fung, George S K; Samei, Ehsan

2018-03-01

The four-dimensional (4-D) eXtended CArdiac-Torso (XCAT) series of phantoms was developed to provide accurate computerized models of the human anatomy and physiology. The XCAT series encompasses a vast population of phantoms of varying ages from newborn to adult, each including parameterized models for the cardiac and respiratory motions. With great flexibility in the XCAT's design, any number of body sizes, different anatomies, cardiac or respiratory motions or patterns, patient positions and orientations, and spatial resolutions can be simulated. As such, the XCAT phantoms are gaining a wide use in biomedical imaging research. There they can provide a virtual patient base from which to quantitatively evaluate and improve imaging instrumentation, data acquisition, techniques, and image reconstruction and processing methods which can lead to improved image quality and more accurate clinical diagnoses. The phantoms have also found great use in radiation dosimetry, radiation therapy, medical device design, and even the security and defense industry. This review paper highlights some specific areas in which the XCAT phantoms have found use within biomedical imaging and other fields. From these examples, we illustrate the increasingly important role that computerized phantoms and computer simulation are playing in the research community.

Computational Planning in Facial Surgery.

PubMed

Zachow, Stefan

2015-10-01

This article reflects the research of the last two decades in computational planning for cranio-maxillofacial surgery. Model-guided and computer-assisted surgery planning has tremendously developed due to ever increasing computational capabilities. Simulators for education, planning, and training of surgery are often compared with flight simulators, where maneuvers are also trained to reduce a possible risk of failure. Meanwhile, digital patient models can be derived from medical image data with astonishing accuracy and thus can serve for model surgery to derive a surgical template model that represents the envisaged result. Computerized surgical planning approaches, however, are often still explorative, meaning that a surgeon tries to find a therapeutic concept based on his or her expertise using computational tools that are mimicking real procedures. Future perspectives of an improved computerized planning may be that surgical objectives will be generated algorithmically by employing mathematical modeling, simulation, and optimization techniques. Planning systems thus act as intelligent decision support systems. However, surgeons can still use the existing tools to vary the proposed approach, but they mainly focus on how to transfer objectives into reality. Such a development may result in a paradigm shift for future surgery planning. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Microcomputer Network for Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT): Program Listing. Supplement.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-03-01

UMICROCOMPUTER NETWORK FOR COMPUTERIZED ADAPTIVE TESTING ( CAT ): PROGRAM LISTING in APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE;IDISTRIBUTION UNLIMITEDPs DTIC ’ Akf 3 0 1-d84...NETWORK FOR COMPUTERIZED ADAPTIVE TESTING ( CAT ).- PROGRAM LISTING , ,j Baldwin Quan Thomas A. Park Gary Sandahl John H. Wolfe Reviewed by James R. McBride A...Center San Diego, California 92152 V.% :-, CONTENTrS Page CATPROJECT.TEXT CAT system driver textfile I 1 ADMINDIR- Subdirectory - Test administration

Computerized Adaptive Screening Test (CAST): Development for Use in Military Recruiting Stations

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-01-01

testing ( CAT ) 20. ABSTRACT (Continuo on rover .. efdo II neco .. ., ond Identity bJ’ 11/oclr -llor) The Computerized Adaptive Screening Test (CAST...effort is in progress to develop a computerized adaptive testing ( CAT ) system and to evaluate its potential for use in the military entrance...U.S. Marine Corps) has been designated as lead service for CAT system development; and the Navy Personnel Research and Development Center, as lead

Application of a computerized environmental information system to master and sector planning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stewart, J. C.

1978-01-01

A computerized composite mapping system developed as an aid in the land use decision making process is described. Emphasis is placed on consideration of the environment in urban planning. The presence of alluvium, shallow bedrock, surface water, and vegetation growth are among the environmental factors considered. An analysis of the Shady Grove Sector planning is presented as an example of the use of computerized composite mapping for long range planning.

The ABC's required for establishing a practical computerized plant engineering management data base system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maiocco, F. R.; Hume, J. P.

1976-01-01

A system's approach is outlined in the paper to assist facility and Plant Engineers improve their organization's data management system. The six basic steps identified may appear somewhat simple; however, adequate planning, proper resources, and the involvement of management will determine the success of a computerized facility management data base. Helpful suggestions are noted throughout the paper to insure the development of a practical computerized data management system.

Current status of nuclear cardiology: a limited review

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Botvinick, E.H.; Dae, M.; Hattner, R.S.

1985-11-01

To summarize the current status of nuclear cardiology, the authors will focus on areas that the emphasize the specific advantages of nuclear cardiology methods: (a) their benign, noninvasive nature, (b) their pathophysiologic nature, and (c) the ease of their computer manipulation and analysis, permitting quantitative evaluation. The areas covered include: (a) blood pool scintigraphy and parametric imaging, (b) pharmacologic intervention for the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease, (c) scintigraphic studies for the diagnosis and prognosis of coronary artery disease, and (d) considerations of cost effectiveness.

Abnormal scintigraphic evolution in AA hepatic amyloidosis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lomena, F.; Rosello, R.; Pons, F.

1988-03-01

A patient with AA amyloidosis secondary to ankylosing spondylitis showed intense liver uptake of Tc-99m MDP on bone imaging. The biopsy showed hepatic amyloid deposition. A repeat bone scan with Tc-99m MDP 1 year later was negative, although the clinical signs and liver function tests of the patient had not changed. A mechanism might exist, other than the affinity of amyloid to calcium, which would explain the extraosseous uptake of pyrophosphates and diphosphonates in organs and soft tissues affected by systemic amyloidosis.

Technetium-99m-HMPAO labeled leukocyte single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) for assessing Crohn's disease extent and intestinal infiltration.

PubMed

Biancone, L; Schillaci, O; Capoccetti, F; Bozzi, R M; Fina, D; Petruzziello, C; Geremia, A; Simonetti, G; Pallone, F

2005-02-01

Scintigraphy using radiolabeled leukocytes is a useful technique for assessing intestinal infiltration in Crohn's disease (CD). However, limits of planar images include overlapping activity in other organs and low specificity. To investigate the usefulness of (99m)Tc-HMPAO (hexametyl propylene amine oxime) labeled leukocyte single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) for assessing CD lesions, in comparison with planar images. Twenty-two inflammatory bowel disease patients (19 CD; 2 ulcerative colitis, UC; 1 ileal pouch) assessed by conventional endoscopy or radiology were enrolled. Leukocytes were labeled with (99m)Tc-HMPAO. SPECT images were acquired at 2 h and planar images at 30 min and 2 h. Bowel uptake was quantitated in nine regions (score 0-3). Both SPECT and planar images detected a negative scintigraphy (score 0) in the UC patient with no pouchitis and a positive scintigraphy (score 1-3) in the 21 patients showing active inflammation by conventional techniques. SPECT showed a higher global score than planar images (0.71 +/- 0.09 vs 0.30 +/- 0.05; p < 0.001), and in particular in the right iliac fossa (p= 0.003), right and left flank (p < 0.001; p= 0.02), hypogastrium (p= 0.002), and mesogastrium (p < 0.001). SPECT provided a better visualization and a higher uptake than planar images in patients with ileal and ileocolonic CD (6.45 +/- 0.82 vs 2.8 +/- 0.55, p < 0.001; 5.5 +/- 1.6 vs 2.6 +/- 0.7, p= 0.03), and with perianal CD (6.6 +/- 1.6 vs 3.4 +/- 1.2; p= 0.03). (99m)Tc-HMPAO labeled leukocyte SPECT provides a more detailed visualization of CD lesions than planar images. This technique may better discriminate between intestinal and bone marrow uptake, thus being useful for assessing CD lesions within the pelvis, including perianal disease.

The Effectiveness of a 3D Computerized Tutorial to Enhance Learning of the Canine Larynx and Hyoid Apparatus.

PubMed

Nemanic, Sarah; Mills, Serena; Viehdorfer, Matt; Clark, Terri; Bailey, Mike

Teaching the anatomy of the canine larynx and hyoid apparatus is challenging because dissection disassembles and/or damages these structures, making it difficult to understand their three-dimensional (3D) anatomy and spatial interrelationships. This study assessed the effectiveness of an interactive, computerized 3D tutorial for teaching the anatomy of the canine larynx and hyoid apparatus using a randomized control design with students enrolled in the first-year professional program at Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine. All first-year students from 2 consecutive years were eligible. All students received the traditional methods of didactic teaching and dissection to learn the anatomy of the canine larynx and hyoid apparatus, after which they were divided into two statistically equal groups based on their cumulative anatomy test scores from the prior term. The tutorial group received an interactive, computerized tutorial developed by the investigators containing 3D images of the canine larynx and hyoid apparatus, while the control group received the same 3D images without the computerized tutorial. Both groups received the same post-learning assessment and survey. Sixty-three first-year students participated in the study, 28 in the tutorial group, and 35 in the control group. Post-learning assessment and survey scores were both significantly higher among students in the computerized tutorial group than those in the control group. This study demonstrates that a 3D computerized tutorial is more effective in teaching the anatomy of the canine hyoid apparatus and larynx than 3D images without a tutorial. Students likewise rated their learning experience higher when using the 3D computerized tutorial.

An Analysis of Minimum System Requirements to Support Computerized Adaptive Testing.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-09-01

adaptive test ( CAT ); adaptive test ing A;4SRAC:’ (Continue on reverie of necessary and ident4f by block number) % This pape-r discusses the minimum system...requirements needed to develop a computerized adaptive test ( CAT ). It lists some of the benefits of adaptive testing, establishes a set of...discusses the minimum system requirements needed to develop a computerized adaptive test ( CAT ). It lists some of the benefits of adaptive testing

Build Your Own Inventory System. Annual Cost: $100.00 (Approximate). Fixed Assets, Materials and Supplies. The Practical Elements for a Computerized, Continuing Inventory System in Schools and Use in Determining a Measure for Instructional Cost.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Payne, Arnold, Comp.

This publication presents performance flow charts and other accompanying forms that are elements of an economical computerized continuing inventory system. The system described here is intended to serve school systems as an adequate fixed asset system and to provide a computerized inventory model that offers support for costs of future educational…

Comparison of Centralized-Manual, Centralized-Computerized, and Decentralized-Computerized Order and Management Information Models for the Turkish Air Force Logistics System.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-09-01

differentiation between the systems. This study will investigate an appropriate Order Processing and Management Information System (OP&MIS) to link base-level...methodology: 1. Reviewed the current order processing and information model of the TUAF Logistics System. (centralized-manual model) 2. Described the...RDS program’s order processing and information system. (centralized-computerized model) 3. Described the order irocessing and information system of

Language Research Center's Computerized Test System (LRC-CTS) - Video-formatted tasks for comparative primate research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rumbaugh, Duane M.; Washburn, David A.; Savage-Rumbaugh, E. S.; Hopkins, William D.; Richardson, W. K.

1991-01-01

Automation of a computerized test system for comparative primate research is shown to improve the results of learning in standard paradigms. A mediational paradigm is used to determine the degree to which criterion in the learning-set testing reflects stimulus-response associative or mediational learning. Rhesus monkeys are shown to exhibit positive transfer as the criterion levels are shifted upwards, and the effectiveness of the computerized testing system is confirmed.

Clinical evaluation of the WOMAC 3.0 OA Index in numeric rating scale format using a computerized touch screen version.

PubMed

Theiler, R; Spielberger, J; Bischoff, H A; Bellamy, N; Huber, J; Kroesen, S

2002-06-01

The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index is a previously described self-administered questionnaire covering three domains: pain, stiffness and function. It has been validated in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip or knee in a paper-based format. To validate the WOMAC 3.0 using a numerical rating scale in a computerized touch screen format allowing immediate evaluation of the questionnaire. In the computed version cartoons, written and audio instruments were included in order facilitate application. Fifty patients, demographically balanced, with radiographically proven primary hip or knee OA completed the classical paper and the new computerized WOMAC version. Subjects were randomized either to paper format or computerized format first to balance possible order effects. The intra-class correlation coefficients for pain, stiffness and function values were 0.915, 0.745 and 0.940, respectively. The Spearman correlation coefficients for pain, stiffness and function were 0.88, 0.77 and 0.87, respectively. These data indicate that the computerized WOMAC OA index 3.0 is comparable to the paper WOMAC in all three dimensions. The computerized version would allow physicians to get an immediate result and if present a direct comparison with a previous exam. Copyright 2002 OsteoArthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multitasking capacities in persons diagnosed with schizophrenia: a preliminary examination of their neurocognitive underpinnings and ability to predict real world functioning.

PubMed

Laloyaux, Julien; Van der Linden, Martial; Levaux, Marie-Noëlle; Mourad, Haitham; Pirri, Anthony; Bertrand, Hervé; Domken, Marc-André; Adam, Stéphane; Larøi, Frank

2014-07-30

Difficulties in everyday life activities are core features of persons diagnosed with schizophrenia and in particular during multitasking activities. However, at present, patients׳ multitasking capacities have not been adequately examined in the literature due to the absence of suitable assessment strategies. We thus recently developed a computerized real-life activity task designed to take into account the complex and multitasking nature of certain everyday life activities where participants are required to prepare a room for a meeting. Twenty-one individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and 20 matched healthy controls completed the computerized task. Patients were also evaluated with a cognitive battery, measures of symptomatology and real world functioning. To examine the ecological validity, 14 other patients were recruited and were given the computerized version and a real version of the meeting preparation task. Results showed that performance on the computerized task was significantly correlated with executive functioning, pointing to the major implication of these cognitive processes in multitasking situations. Performance on the computerized task also significantly predicted up to 50% of real world functioning. Moreover, the computerized task demonstrated good ecological validity. These findings suggest the importance of evaluating multitasking capacities in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia in order to predict real world functioning. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Supporting Patient Care in the Emergency Department with a Computerized Whiteboard System

PubMed Central

Aronsky, Dominik; Jones, Ian; Lanaghan, Kevin; Slovis, Corey M.

2008-01-01

Efficient information management and communication within the emergency department (ED) is essential to providing timely and high-quality patient care. The ED whiteboard (census board) usually serves as an ED’s central access point for operational and patient-related information. This article describes the design, functionality, and experiences with a computerized ED whiteboard, which has the ability to display relevant operational and patient-related information in real time. Embedded functionality, additional whiteboard views, and the integration with ED and institutional information system components, such as the computerized patient record or the provider order entry system, provide rapid access to more detailed information. As an information center, the computerized whiteboard supports our ED environment not only for providing patient care, but also for operational, educational, and research activities. PMID:18096913

Virtual classroom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlowicz, Michael

After four decades of perfecting techniques for communication with spacecraft on the way to other worlds, space scientists are now working on new ways to reach students in this one. In a partnership between NASA and the University of North Dakota (UND), scientists and engineers from both institutions will soon lead an experiment in Internet learning.Starting January 22, UND will offer a threemonth computerized course in telerobotics. Using RealAudio and CU-SeeMe channels of the Internet to allow real-time transmission of video and audio, instructors will teach college-and graduate-level students the fundamentals of the remote operation and control of a robot.

Leveraging the UML Metamodel: Expressing ORM Semantics Using a UML Profile

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

CUYLER,DAVID S.

2000-11-01

Object Role Modeling (ORM) techniques produce a detailed domain model from the perspective of the business owner/customer. The typical process begins with a set of simple sentences reflecting facts about the business. The output of the process is a single model representing primarily the persistent information needs of the business. This type of model contains little, if any reference to a targeted computerized implementation. It is a model of business entities not of software classes. Through well-defined procedures, an ORM model can be transformed into a high quality objector relational schema.

Multivariate Analysis, Retrieval, and Storage System (MARS). Volume 1: MARS System and Analysis Techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hague, D. S.; Vanderberg, J. D.; Woodbury, N. W.

1974-01-01

A method for rapidly examining the probable applicability of weight estimating formulae to a specific aerospace vehicle design is presented. The Multivariate Analysis Retrieval and Storage System (MARS) is comprised of three computer programs which sequentially operate on the weight and geometry characteristics of past aerospace vehicles designs. Weight and geometric characteristics are stored in a set of data bases which are fully computerized. Additional data bases are readily added to the MARS system and/or the existing data bases may be easily expanded to include additional vehicles or vehicle characteristics.

[A new method of fabricating photoelastic model by rapid prototyping].

PubMed

Fan, Li; Huang, Qing-feng; Zhang, Fu-qiang; Xia, Yin-pei

2011-10-01

To explore a novel method of fabricating the photoelastic model using rapid prototyping technique. A mandible model was made by rapid prototyping with computerized three-dimensional reconstruction, then the photoelastic model with teeth was fabricated by traditional impression duplicating and mould casting. The photoelastic model of mandible with teeth, which was fabricated indirectly by rapid prototyping, was very similar to the prototype in geometry and physical parameters. The model was of high optical sensibility and met the experimental requirements. Photoelastic model of mandible with teeth indirectly fabricated by rapid prototyping meets the photoelastic experimental requirements well.

Wind Energy Resource Atlas of the Dominican Republic

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Elliott, D.; Schwartz, M.; George, R.

2001-10-01

The Wind Energy Resource Atlas of the Dominican Republic identifies the wind characteristics and the distribution of the wind resource in this country. This major project is the first of its kind undertaken for the Dominican Republic. The information contained in the atlas is necessary to facilitate the use of wind energy technologies, both for utility-scale power generation and off-grid wind energy applications. A computerized wind mapping system developed by NREL generated detailed wind resource maps for the entire country. This technique uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to produce high-resolution (1-square kilometer) annual average wind resource maps.

Radiographic evidence of disuse osteoporosis in the monkey /M. nemestrina/

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, D. R.; Schneider, V. S.

1981-01-01

Radiological techniques were utilized for monitoring progressive changes in compact bone in the tibia of monkeys during experimentally induced osteopenia. Bone mass loss in the tibia during restraint was evaluated from radiographs, from bone mineral analysis, and from images reconstructed from gamma ray computerized tomography. The losses during 6 months of restraint tended to occur predominantly in the proximal tibia and were characterized by subperiosteal bone loss, intracortical striations, and scalloped endosteal surfaces. Bone mineral content in the cross section of the tibia declined 17-21%. In 6 months of recovery, the mineral content of the proximal tibia remained depressed.

Assessment of the Biomechanical Performance of 5 Plating Techniques in Fixation of Mandibular Subcondylar Fracture Using Finite Element Analysis.

PubMed

Darwich, Mhd Ayham; Albogha, Mhd Hassan; Abdelmajeed, Adnan; Darwich, Khaldoun

2016-04-01

The aim of this study was to compare the performances of 5 plating techniques for fixation of unilateral mandibular subcondylar fracture. Five titanium plating techniques for fixation of condylar fracture were analyzed using the finite element method. The modeled techniques were 1) 1 straight plate, 2) 2 parallel straight plates, 3) 2 angulated straight plates, 4) 1 trapezoidal plate, and 5) 1 square plate. Three-dimensional models were generated using patient-specific geometry for the mandible obtained from a computerized tomographic image of a healthy living man. Plates were designed and combined with the mandible and analyzed under a 500-N load. The single straight plate presented the most inferior performance; it presented maximum displacement and strain on cortical bone. The trapezoidal plate induced the least amount of strain on cortical bone and was best at resisting displacement. The trapezoidal plate is recommended for fixation of subcondylar fracture. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis of endodontist posture utilizing cinemetry, surface electromyography and ergonomic checklists.

PubMed

Onety, Geraldo Celso da Silva; Leonel, Daniel Vilela; Saquy, Paulo César; Silva, Gabriel Pádua da; Ferreira, Bruno; Varise, Tiago Gilioli; Sousa, Luiz Gustavo de; Verri, Edson Donizetti; Siéssere, Selma; Semprini, Marisa; Nepomuceno, Victor Rodrigues; Regalo, Simone Cecilio Hallak

2014-01-01

The postural risk factors for dentists include the ease of vision in the workplace, cold, vibration and mechanical pressure in tissues, incorrect posture, functional fixity, cognitive requirements and work-related organizational and psychosocial factors. The objective was to analyze the posture of endodontists at the workplace. Eighteen right-handed endodontists aged 25 to 60 years (34±3) participated in the study. Electromyography, kinemetry, ergonomic scales (RULA and Couto's checklist) and biophotogrammetry were used to analyze the posture of endodontists during root canal treatment of the maxillary right first and second molars using rotary and manual instrumentation. The variations observed in the electromyographic activities during the performance of rotary and manual techniques suggest that the fibers of the longissimus region, anterior and medium deltoid, medium trapezium, biceps, triceps brachii, brachioradialis and short thumb abductor muscles underwent adaptations to provide more accurate functional movements. Computerized kinemetry and biophotogrammetry showed that, as far as posture is concerned, rotary technique was more demanding than the manual technique. In conclusion, the group of endodontists evaluated in this study exhibited posture disorders regardless of whether the rotary or manual technique was used.

Feasibility Study for a Computerized Serials Control System in the Defense Communications Agency Technical and Management Information Center.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-06-20

AD-A162 ±88 FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR A COMPUTERIZED SERIALS CONTROL 1/1 SYSTEM IN THE DEFENS (U) DEFENSE COMMUNICATIONS AGENCY WASHINGTON DC TECHNICAL...NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS- 1963-A 0FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR A COMPUTERIZED SERIALS CONTROL SYSTEM IN THE DEFENSE COMMUNICATIONS 0AGENCY TECHNICAL AND...ABSTRACT 21. ABSTRACT SECURITY CLASSIFICATION UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED R1 SAME AS RPT. 0 DTIC USERS 0 UNCLASSIFIED 22&. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL 22b

Combined single photon emission computerized tomography and conventional computerized tomography: Clinical value for the shoulder surgeons?

PubMed Central

Hirschmann, Michael T.; Schmid, Rahel; Dhawan, Ranju; Skarvan, Jiri; Rasch, Helmut; Friederich, Niklaus F.; Emery, Roger

2011-01-01

With the cases described, we strive to introduce single photon emission computerized tomography in combination with conventional computer tomography (SPECT/CT) to shoulder surgeons, illustrate the possible clinical value it may offer as new diagnostic radiologic modality, and discuss its limitations. SPECT/CT may facilitate the establishment of diagnosis, process of decision making, and further treatment for complex shoulder pathologies. Some of these advantages were highlighted in cases that are frequently seen in most shoulder clinics. PMID:22058640

A simple way to plan implant positioning: the "S-technique".

PubMed

Piano, Sergio

2011-01-01

This study presents a technique for improving implant placements. As is widely known, a correct positioning is essential in restoration-driven implants, as well as in tilted implants in order to obtain satisfactory final functional and esthetic results. To this end, some authors have emphasized the importance of using a diagnostic and/or surgical guide to plan the exact implant position. In practice, one of the clinical problems faced is how to check the accuracy of the template prior to initiating the surgical phase. A simple method called the "S-Technique" is proposed in order to evaluate and to change, if necessary, the projected position of the implants by way of metal rods as radiopaque markers. This device is easy to produce and is cost-saving to the clinician and, therefore, to the patient. Furthermore, in specific patients, this method could also decrease the need for computerized tomography scans and/or radiographs, thus reducing health risks for the patient.

Evaluation of cavity size, kind, and filling technique of composite shrinkage by finite element.

PubMed

Jafari, Toloo; Alaghehmad, Homayoon; Moodi, Ehsan

2018-01-01

Cavity preparation reduces the rigidity of tooth and its resistance to deformation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dimensional changes of the repaired teeth using two types of light cure composite and two methods of incremental and bulk filling by the use of finite element method. In this computerized in vitro experimental study, an intact maxillary premolar was scanned using cone beam computed tomography instrument (SCANORA, Switzerland), then each section of tooth image was transmitted to Ansys software using AUTOCAD. Then, eight sizes of cavity preparations and two methods of restoration (bulk and incremental) using two different types of composite resin materials (Heliomolar, Brilliant) were proposed on software and analysis was completed with Ansys software. Dimensional change increased by widening and deepening of the cavities. It was also increased using Brilliant composite resin and incremental filling technique. Increase in depth and type of filling technique has the greatest role of dimensional change after curing, but the type of composite resin does not have a significant role.