Third CLIPS Conference Proceedings, volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riley, Gary (Editor)

1994-01-01

Expert systems are computer programs which emulate human expertise in well defined problem domains. The C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) is an expert system building tool, developed at the Johnson Space Center, which provides a complete environment for the development and delivery of rule and/or object based expert systems. CLIPS was specifically designed to provide a low cost option for developing and deploying expert system applications across a wide range of hardware platforms. The development of CLIPS has helped to improve the ability to deliver expert system technology throughout the public and private sectors for a wide range of applications and diverse computing environments. The Third Conference on CLIPS provided a forum for CLIPS users to present and discuss papers relating to CLIPS applications, uses, and extensions.

Ocular Biocompatibility of Nitinol Intraocular Clips

PubMed Central

Velez-Montoya, Raul; Erlanger, Michael

2012-01-01

Purpose. To evaluate the tolerance and biocompatibility of a preformed nitinol intraocular clip in an animal model after anterior segment surgery. Methods. Yucatan mini-pigs were used. A 30-gauge prototype injector was used to attach a shape memory nitinol clip to the iris of five pigs. Another five eyes received conventional polypropylene suture with a modified Seipser slip knot. The authors compared the surgical time of each technique. All eyes underwent standard full-field electroretinogram at baseline and 8 weeks after surgery. The animals were euthanized and eyes collected for histologic analysis after 70 days (10 weeks) postsurgery. The corneal thickness, corneal endothelial cell counts, specular microscopy parameters, retina cell counts, and electroretinogram parameters were compared between the groups. A two sample t-test for means and a P value of 0.05 were use for assessing statistical differences between measurements. Results. The injection of the nitinol clip was 15 times faster than conventional suturing. There were no statistical differences between the groups for corneal thickness, endothelial cell counts, specular microscopy parameters, retina cell counts, and electroretinogram measurements. Conclusions. The nitinol clip prototype is well tolerated and showed no evidence of toxicity in the short-term. The injectable delivery system was faster and technically less challenging than conventional suture techniques. PMID:22064995

Correction of clipped pixels in color images.

PubMed

Xu, Di; Doutre, Colin; Nasiopoulos, Panos

2011-03-01

Conventional images store a very limited dynamic range of brightness. The true luma in the bright area of such images is often lost due to clipping. When clipping changes the R, G, B color ratios of a pixel, color distortion also occurs. In this paper, we propose an algorithm to enhance both the luma and chroma of the clipped pixels. Our method is based on the strong chroma spatial correlation between clipped pixels and their surrounding unclipped area. After identifying the clipped areas in the image, we partition the clipped areas into regions with similar chroma, and estimate the chroma of each clipped region based on the chroma of its surrounding unclipped region. We correct the clipped R, G, or B color channels based on the estimated chroma and the unclipped color channel(s) of the current pixel. The last step involves smoothing of the boundaries between regions of different clipping scenarios. Both objective and subjective experimental results show that our algorithm is very effective in restoring the color of clipped pixels. © 2011 IEEE

Developing an Intelligent Computer-Aided Trainer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hua, Grace

1990-01-01

The Payload-assist module Deploys/Intelligent Computer-Aided Training (PD/ICAT) system was developed as a prototype for intelligent tutoring systems with the intention of seeing PD/ICAT evolve and produce a general ICAT architecture and development environment that can be adapted by a wide variety of training tasks. The proposed architecture is composed of a user interface, a domain expert, a training session manager, a trainee model and a training scenario generator. The PD/ICAT prototype was developed in the LISP environment. Although it has been well received by its peers and users, it could not be delivered toe its end users for practical use because of specific hardware and software constraints. To facilitate delivery of PD/ICAT to its users and to prepare for a more widely accepted development and delivery environment for future ICAT applications, we have ported this training system to a UNIX workstation and adopted use of a conventional language, C, and a C-based rule-based language, CLIPS. A rapid conversion of the PD/ICAT expert system to CLIPS was possible because the knowledge was basically represented as a forward chaining rule base. The resulting CLIPS rule base has been tested successfully in other ICATs as well. Therefore, the porting effort has proven to be a positive step toward our ultimate goal of building a general purpose ICAT development environment.

Integrating Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) graphics and extended memory packages with CLIPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Callegari, Andres C.

1990-01-01

This paper addresses the question of how to mix CLIPS with graphics and how to overcome PC's memory limitations by using the extended memory available in the computer. By adding graphics and extended memory capabilities, CLIPS can be converted into a complete and powerful system development tool, on the other most economical and popular computer platform. New models of PCs have amazing processing capabilities and graphic resolutions that cannot be ignored and should be used to the fullest of their resources. CLIPS is a powerful expert system development tool, but it cannot be complete without the support of a graphics package needed to create user interfaces and general purpose graphics, or without enough memory to handle large knowledge bases. Now, a well known limitation on the PC's is the usage of real memory which limits CLIPS to use only 640 Kb of real memory, but now that problem can be solved by developing a version of CLIPS that uses extended memory. The user has access of up to 16 MB of memory on 80286 based computers and, practically, all the available memory (4 GB) on computers that use the 80386 processor. So if we give CLIPS a self-configuring graphics package that will automatically detect the graphics hardware and pointing device present in the computer, and we add the availability of the extended memory that exists in the computer (with no special hardware needed), the user will be able to create more powerful systems at a fraction of the cost and on the most popular, portable, and economic platform available such as the PC platform.

Preparation of digital movie clips for online journal publication.

PubMed

Yam, Chun-Shan

2006-07-01

This article presents general guidelines for preparing movie clips for online journal publication. As more and more radiology journals establish an online presence, radiologists wishing to submit journal articles with movie clips need to understand the electronic submission process. Viewing a movie clip via an online journal is different from viewing one with PowerPoint using a local desktop computer because the movie file must first be downloaded onto the client computer before it can be displayed. Users thus should be cautious in selecting movie format and compression when creating movie clips for online journals. This article provides step-by-step demonstrations and general guidelines for movie format and compression selections.

Comparative evaluation of anchorage loss between self-ligating appliance and Conventional pre-adjusted edgewise appliance using sliding mechanics - A retrospective study.

PubMed

Juneja, Pankaj; Shivaprakash, G; Chopra, S S; Kambalyal, P B

2015-12-01

Although a number of studies have been undertaken to evaluate the friction characteristics of self-ligating brackets, there have been only few studies which have actually evaluated the clinical efficiency of these self-ligating brackets. This study was done to evaluate the clinical efficiency of Passive SLB (Smart Clip) in terms of anchorage loss and total treatment duration by comparing it with a Conventional pre-adjusted edgewise (M.B.T.) bracket system. This was a retrospective study in which the study sample comprised of ten patients treated with Passive SLB (Smart Clip, 0.022″) and ten patients treated with Conventional pre-adjusted edgewise (M.B.T.) bracket system (0.022″) who required therapeutic extraction of U/L first premolars as a part of their orthodontic treatment plan. Pretreatment and post treatment lateral cephalograms were taken to evaluate the amount of anchorage loss. The total time required to complete the treatment was also recorded. Anchorage loss observed with Passive SLB (Smart Clip) sagittally was 1.90 ± 0.68 mm in the maxilla and 1.90 ± 0.43 mm in the mandible and vertically was 0.52 ± 0.53 mm in the maxilla and 0.70 ± 0.69 mm in the mandible. Anchorage loss observed with Conventional pre-adjusted edgewise (M.B.T.) bracket system sagittally was 2.08 ± 0.43 mm in the maxilla and 1.95 ± 0.44 mm in the mandible and vertically was 0.50 ± 0.49 mm in the maxilla and 0.68 ± 0.53 mm in the mandible. The average time taken for the completion of treatment in Passive SLB (Smart Clip) and Conventional pre-adjusted edgewise (M.B.T.) bracket system was 14.0 ± 2.4 and 17.2 ± 2.6 months respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the quantum of anchor loss between Smart Clip self-ligating bracket system and Conventional pre-adjusted edgewise (M.B.T.) bracket system although Smart Clip self-ligating bracket system is efficient in reducing the overall treatment time.

Comparative evaluation of anchorage loss between self-ligating appliance and Conventional pre-adjusted edgewise appliance using sliding mechanics – A retrospective study

PubMed Central

Juneja, Pankaj; Shivaprakash, G.; Chopra, S.S.; Kambalyal, P.B.

2015-01-01

Background Although a number of studies have been undertaken to evaluate the friction characteristics of self-ligating brackets, there have been only few studies which have actually evaluated the clinical efficiency of these self-ligating brackets. This study was done to evaluate the clinical efficiency of Passive SLB (Smart Clip) in terms of anchorage loss and total treatment duration by comparing it with a Conventional pre-adjusted edgewise (M.B.T.) bracket system. Methods This was a retrospective study in which the study sample comprised of ten patients treated with Passive SLB (Smart Clip, 0.022″) and ten patients treated with Conventional pre-adjusted edgewise (M.B.T.) bracket system (0.022″) who required therapeutic extraction of U/L first premolars as a part of their orthodontic treatment plan. Pretreatment and post treatment lateral cephalograms were taken to evaluate the amount of anchorage loss. The total time required to complete the treatment was also recorded. Results Anchorage loss observed with Passive SLB (Smart Clip) sagittally was 1.90 ± 0.68 mm in the maxilla and 1.90 ± 0.43 mm in the mandible and vertically was 0.52 ± 0.53 mm in the maxilla and 0.70 ± 0.69 mm in the mandible. Anchorage loss observed with Conventional pre-adjusted edgewise (M.B.T.) bracket system sagittally was 2.08 ± 0.43 mm in the maxilla and 1.95 ± 0.44 mm in the mandible and vertically was 0.50 ± 0.49 mm in the maxilla and 0.68 ± 0.53 mm in the mandible. The average time taken for the completion of treatment in Passive SLB (Smart Clip) and Conventional pre-adjusted edgewise (M.B.T.) bracket system was 14.0 ± 2.4 and 17.2 ± 2.6 months respectively. Conclusion There was no statistically significant difference in the quantum of anchor loss between Smart Clip self-ligating bracket system and Conventional pre-adjusted edgewise (M.B.T.) bracket system although Smart Clip self-ligating bracket system is efficient in reducing the overall treatment time. PMID:26843751

Median Supraorbital Keyhole Approach for Clipping Ruptured Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysm: Technical Report with Review of Literature.

PubMed

Dhandapani, Sivashanmugam; Sahoo, Sushant Kumar

2018-04-01

The minimally invasive approach to distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms has not gained much acceptance due to difficulties associated with the conventional frontal paramedian approach. The more proximal basal interhemispheric approach, however, necessitates extensive dissection of soft tissues. We describe a novel minimally invasive median supraorbital keyhole craniotomy with a basal interhemispheric approach for clipping a ruptured DACA aneurysm. A 62-year-old patient presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Computed tomography angiography revealed a DACA aneurysm. The surgical technique involved a keyhole craniotomy made via an eyebrow incision extending between the supraorbital notches, and flush with the anterior cranial fossa. The dura was opened at the anterior part, the falx was cut, an interhemispheric dissection was carried out, adequate proximal control was obtained, and the aneurysm neck was dissected and clipped. A relevant review of the literature was carried out. The patient recovered well, with no residual aneurysm or forehead numbness, with good cosmesis. Compared with the previously described "keyhole unilateral interhemispheric" approaches, our technique has less likelihood of encountering bridging veins; easier cisternal cerebrospinal fluid release, making it feasible even in swollen brain; better proximal vascular control; and trajectory toward the neck rather than dome. The median supraorbital keyhole approach is a minimally invasive technique sufficient for clipping most DACA aneurysms, with easier access, better proximal control, and good cosmesis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

CLIPS: The C language integrated production system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riley, Gary

1994-01-01

Expert systems are computer programs which emulate human expertise in well defined problem domains. The potential payoff from expert systems is high: valuable expertise can be captured and preserved, repetitive and/or mundane tasks requiring human expertise can be automated, and uniformity can be applied in decision making processes. The C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) is an expert system building tool, developed at the Johnson Space Center, which provides a complete environment for the development and delivery of rule and/or object based expert systems. CLIPS was specifically designed to provide a low cost option for developing and deploying expert system applications across a wide range of hardware platforms. The commercial potential of CLIPS is vast. Currently, CLIPS is being used by over 5,000 individuals throughout the public and private sector. Because the CLIPS source code is readily available, numerous groups have used CLIPS as the basis for their own expert system tools. To date, three commercially available tools have been derived from CLIPS. In general, the development of CLIPS has helped to improve the ability to deliver expert system technology throughout the public and private sectors for a wide range of applications and diverse computing environments.

Splitting a colon geometry with multiplanar clipping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahn, David K.; Vining, David J.; Ge, Yaorong; Stelts, David R.

1998-06-01

Virtual colonoscopy, a recent three-dimensional (3D) visualization technique, has provided radiologists with a unique diagnostic tool. Using this technique, a radiologist can examine the internal morphology of a patient's colon by navigating through a surface-rendered model that is constructed from helical computed tomography image data. Virtual colonoscopy can be used to detect early forms of colon cancer in a way that is less invasive and expensive compared to conventional endoscopy. However, the common approach of 'flying' through the colon lumen to visually search for polyps is tedious and time-consuming, especially when a radiologist loses his or her orientation within the colon. Furthermore, a radiologist's field of view is often limited by the 3D camera position located inside the colon lumen. We have developed a new technique, called multi-planar geometry clipping, that addresses these problems. Our algorithm divides a complex colon anatomy into several smaller segments, and then splits each of these segments in half for display on a static medium. Multi-planar geometry clipping eliminates virtual colonoscopy's dependence upon expensive, real-time graphics workstations by enabling radiologists to globally inspect the entire internal surface of the colon from a single viewpoint.

Digital video clips for improved pedagogy and illustration of scientific research — with illustrative video clips on atomic spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michel, Robert G.; Cavallari, Jennifer M.; Znamenskaia, Elena; Yang, Karl X.; Sun, Tao; Bent, Gary

1999-12-01

This article is an electronic publication in Spectrochimica Acta Electronica (SAE), a section of Spectrochimica Acta Part B (SAB). The hardcopy text is accompanied by an electronic archive, stored on the CD-ROM accompanying this issue. The archive contains video clips. The main article discusses the scientific aspects of the subject and explains the purpose of the video files. Short, 15-30 s, digital video clips are easily controllable at the computer keyboard, which gives a speaker the ability to show fine details through the use of slow motion. Also, they are easily accessed from the computer hard drive for rapid extemporaneous presentation. In addition, they are easily transferred to the Internet for dissemination. From a pedagogical point of view, the act of making a video clip by a student allows for development of powers of observation, while the availability of the technology to make digital video clips gives a teacher the flexibility to demonstrate scientific concepts that would otherwise have to be done as 'live' demonstrations, with all the likely attendant misadventures. Our experience with digital video clips has been through their use in computer-based presentations by undergraduate and graduate students in analytical chemistry classes, and by high school and middle school teachers and their students in a variety of science and non-science classes. In physics teaching laboratories, we have used the hardware to capture digital video clips of dynamic processes, such as projectiles and pendulums, for later mathematical analysis.

Preoperative computed tomography-guided percutaneous hookwire localization of metallic marker clips in the breast with a radial approach: initial experience.

PubMed

Uematsu, T; Kasami, M; Uchida, Y; Sanuki, J; Kimura, K; Tanaka, K; Takahashi, K

2007-06-01

Hookwire localization is the current standard technique for radiological marking of nonpalpable breast lesions. Stereotactic directional vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (SVAB) is of sufficient sensitivity and specificity to replace surgical biopsy. Wire localization for metallic marker clips placed after SVAB is needed. To describe a method for performing computed tomography (CT)-guided hookwire localization using a radial approach for metallic marker clips placed percutaneously after SVAB. Nineteen women scheduled for SVAB with marker-clip placement, CT-guided wire localization of marker clips, and, eventually, surgical excision were prospectively entered into the study. CT-guided wire localization was performed with a radial approach, followed by placement of a localizing marker-clip surgical excision. Feasibility and reliability of the procedure and the incidence of complications were examined. CT-guided wire localization surgical excision was successfully performed in all 19 women without any complications. The mean total procedure time was 15 min. The median distance on CT image from marker clip to hookwire was 2 mm (range 0-3 mm). CT-guided preoperative hookwire localization with a radial approach for marker clips after SVAB is technically feasible.

Expert System Software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) is a software shell for developing expert systems is designed to allow research and development of artificial intelligence on conventional computers. Originally developed by Johnson Space Center, it enables highly efficient pattern matching. A collection of conditions and actions to be taken if the conditions are met is built into a rule network. Additional pertinent facts are matched to the rule network. Using the program, E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co. is monitoring chemical production machines; California Polytechnic State University is investigating artificial intelligence in computer aided design; Mentor Graphics has built a new Circuit Synthesis system, and Brooke and Brooke, a law firm, can determine which facts from a file are most important.

Appropriate Use Policies for Computers in College/University Libraries. CLIP Note.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tuten, Jane, Comp.; Junker, Karen, Comp.

The purpose of this College Library Information Packet (CLIP) Note is to help libraries identify desirable elements found in computer use policies and to provide guidelines for college and small university libraries that want to develop policies or have been directed to implement policies for computer usage in their libraries. In January 2001, a…

Clips as a knowledge based language

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harrington, James B.

1987-01-01

CLIPS is a language for writing expert systems applications on a personal or small computer. Here, the CLIPS programming language is described and compared to three other artificial intelligence (AI) languages (LISP, Prolog, and OPS5) with regard to the processing they provide for the implementation of a knowledge based system (KBS). A discussion is given on how CLIPS would be used in a control system.

Implementing a frame representation in CLIPS/COOL

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Myers, Leonard; Snyder, James

1991-01-01

An implementation is described and evaluated of frames in COOL. The test case is a frame based semantic network previously implemented in CLIPS (C Language Integrated Production System) Version 4.3 as part of the Intelligent Computer Aided Design System (ICADS) and reported at the first CLIPS conference.

CLIPS: An expert system building tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riley, Gary

1991-01-01

The C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) is an expert system building tool, which provides a complete environment for the development and delivery of rule and/or object based expert systems. CLIPS was specifically designed to provide a low cost option for developing and deploying expert system applications across a wide range of hardware platforms. The commercial potential of CLIPS is vast. Currently, CLIPS is being used by over 3,300 individuals throughout the public and private sector. Because the CLIPS source code is readily available, numerous groups have used CLIPS as a basis for their own expert system tools. To date, three commercially available tools have been derived from CLIPS. In general, the development of CLIPS has helped to improve the ability to deliver expert system technology throughout the public and private sectors for a wide range of applications and diverse computing environments.

Using PVM to host CLIPS in distributed environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Myers, Leonard; Pohl, Kym

1994-01-01

It is relatively easy to enhance CLIPS (C Language Integrated Production System) to support multiple expert systems running in a distributed environment with heterogeneous machines. The task is minimized by using the PVM (Parallel Virtual Machine) code from Oak Ridge Labs to provide the distributed utility. PVM is a library of C and FORTRAN subprograms that supports distributive computing on many different UNIX platforms. A PVM deamon is easily installed on each CPU that enters the virtual machine environment. Any user with rsh or rexec access to a machine can use the one PVM deamon to obtain a generous set of distributed facilities. The ready availability of both CLIPS and PVM makes the combination of software particularly attractive for budget conscious experimentation of heterogeneous distributive computing with multiple CLIPS executables. This paper presents a design that is sufficient to provide essential message passing functions in CLIPS and enable the full range of PVM facilities.

Low-peak-to-average power ratio and low-complexity asymmetrically clipped optical orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing uplink transmission scheme for long-reach passive optical network.

PubMed

Zhou, Ji; Qiao, Yaojun

2015-09-01

In this Letter, we propose a discrete Hartley transform (DHT)-spread asymmetrically clipped optical orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (DHT-S-ACO-OFDM) uplink transmission scheme in which the multiplexing/demultiplexing process also uses the DHT algorithm. By designing a simple encoding structure, the computational complexity of the transmitter can be reduced from O(Nlog(2)(N)) to O(N). At the probability of 10(-3), the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of 2-ary pulse amplitude modulation (2-PAM)-modulated DHT-S-ACO-OFDM is approximately 9.7 dB lower than that of 2-PAM-modulated conventional ACO-OFDM. To verify the feasibility of the proposed scheme, a 4-Gbit/s DHT-S-ACO-OFDM uplink transmission scheme with a 1∶64 way split has been experimentally implemented using 100-km standard single-mode fiber (SSMF) for a long-reach passive optical network (LR-PON).

Machine-assisted editing of user-generated content

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cremer, Markus; Cook, Randall

2009-02-01

Over recent years user-generated content has become ubiquitously available and an attractive entertainment source for millions of end-users. Particularly for larger events, where many people use their devices to capture the action, a great number of short video clips are made available through appropriate web services. The objective of this presentation is to describe a way to combine these clips by analyzing them, and automatically reconstruct the time line in which the individual video clips were captured. This will enable people to easily create a compelling multimedia experience by leveraging multiple clips taken by different users from different angles, and across different time spans. The user will be able to shift into the role of a movie director mastering a multi-camera recording of the event. To achieve this goal, the audio portion of the video clips is analyzed, and waveform characteristics are computed with high temporal granularity in order to facilitate precise time alignment and overlap computation of the user-generated clips. Special care has to be given not only to the robustness of the selected audio features against ambient noise and various distortions, but also to the matching algorithm used to align the user-generated clips properly.

Image quality and artefact generation post-cerebral aneurysm clipping using a 64-row multislice computer tomography angiography (MSCTA) technology: A retrospective study and review of the literature.

PubMed

Zachenhofer, Iris; Cejna, Manfred; Schuster, Antonius; Donat, Markus; Roessler, Karl

2010-06-01

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a time and cost saving investigation for postoperative evaluation of clipped cerebral aneurysm patients. A retrospective study was conducted to analyse image quality and artefact generation due to implanted aneurysm clips using a new technology. MSCTA was performed pre- and postoperatively using a Philips Brilliance 64-detector-row CT scanner. Altogether, 32 clipping sites were analysed in 27 patients (11 female and 16 male, mean ages 52a, from 24 to 72 years). Clip number per aneurysm was 2.3 mean (from 1 to 4), 54 clips were made of titanium alloy and 5 of cobalt alloy. Altogether, image quality was rated 1.8 mean, using a scale from 1 (very good) to 5 (unserviceable) and clip artefacts were rated 2.4 mean, using a 5 point rating scale (1 no artefacts, 5 unserviceable due to artefacts). A significant loss of image quality and rise of artefacts was found when using cobalt alloy clips (1.4 versus 4.2 and 2.1 versus 4.0). In 72% of all investigations, an excellent image quality was found. Excluding the cobalt clip group, 85% of scans showed excellent image quality. Artefacts were absent or minimal (grade 1 or 2) in 69% of all investigations and in 81% in the pure titanium clip group. In 64-row MSCTA of good image quality with low artefacts, it was possible to detect small aneurysm remnants of 2mm size in individual patients. By using titanium alloy clips, in our study up to 85% of postoperative CTA images were of excellent quality with absent or minimal artefacts in 81% and seem adequate to detect small aneurysm remnants. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of left atrial respiratory and cardiac motion for cardiac ablation therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rettmann, M. E.; Holmes, D. R.; Johnson, S. B.; Lehmann, H. I.; Robb, R. A.; Packer, D. L.

2015-03-01

Cardiac ablation therapy is often guided by models built from preoperative computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. One of the challenges in guiding a procedure from a preoperative model is properly synching the preoperative models with cardiac and respiratory motion through computational motion models. In this paper, we describe a methodology for evaluating cardiac and respiratory motion in the left atrium and pulmonary veins of a beating canine heart. Cardiac catheters were used to place metal clips within and near the pulmonary veins and left atrial appendage under fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance and a contrast-enhanced, 64-slice multidetector CT scan was collected with the clips in place. Each clip was segmented from the CT scan at each of the five phases of the cardiac cycle at both end-inspiration and end-expiration. The centroid of each segmented clip was computed and used to evaluate both cardiac and respiratory motion of the left atrium. A total of three canine studies were completed, with 4 clips analyzed in the first study, 5 clips in the second study, and 2 clips in the third study. Mean respiratory displacement was 0.2+/-1.8 mm in the medial/lateral direction, 4.7+/-4.4 mm in the anterior/posterior direction (moving anterior on inspiration), and 9.0+/-5.0 mm superior/inferior (moving inferior with inspiration). At end inspiration, the mean left atrial cardiac motion at the clip locations was 1.5+/-1.3 mm in the medial/lateral direction, and 2.1+/-2.0 mm in the anterior/posterior and 1.3+/-1.2 mm superior/inferior directions. At end expiration, the mean left atrial cardiac motion at the clip locations was 2.0+/-1.5mm in the medial/lateral direction, 3.0+/-1.8mm in the anterior/posterior direction, and 1.5+/-1.5 mm in the superior/inferior directions.

Incorporating CLIPS into a personal-computer-based Intelligent Tutoring System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mueller, Stephen J.

1990-01-01

A large number of Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS's) have been built since they were first proposed in the early 1970's. Research conducted on the use of the best of these systems has demonstrated their effectiveness in tutoring in selected domains. Computer Sciences Corporation, Applied Technology Division, Houston Operations has been tasked by the Spacecraft Software Division at NASA/Johnson Space Center (NASA/JSC) to develop a number of lTS's in a variety of domains and on many different platforms. This paper will address issues facing the development of an ITS on a personal computer using the CLIPS (C Language Integrated Production System) language. For an ITS to be widely accepted, not only must it be effective, flexible, and very responsive, it must also be capable of functioning on readily available computers. There are many issues to consider when using CLIPS to develop an ITS on a personal computer. Some of these issues are the following: when to use CLIPS and when to use a procedural language such as C, how to maximize speed and minimize memory usage, and how to decrease the time required to load your rule base once you are ready to deliver the system. Based on experiences in developing the CLIPS Intelligent Tutoring System (CLIPSITS) on an IBM PC clone and an intelligent Physics Tutor on a Macintosh 2, this paper reports results on how to address some of these issues. It also suggests approaches for maintaining a powerful learning environment while delivering robust performance within the speed and memory constraints of the personal computer.

A distributed Clips implementation: dClips

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Y. Philip

1993-01-01

A distributed version of the Clips language, dClips, was implemented on top of two existing generic distributed messaging systems to show that: (1) it is easy to create a coarse-grained parallel programming environment out of an existing language if a high level messaging system is used; and (2) the computing model of a parallel programming environment can be changed easily if we change the underlying messaging system. dClips processes were first connected with a simple master-slave model. A client-server model with intercommunicating agents was later implemented. The concept of service broker is being investigated.

Integrating CLIPS applications into heterogeneous distributed systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adler, Richard M.

1991-01-01

SOCIAL is an advanced, object-oriented development tool for integrating intelligent and conventional applications across heterogeneous hardware and software platforms. SOCIAL defines a family of 'wrapper' objects called agents, which incorporate predefined capabilities for distributed communication and control. Developers embed applications within agents and establish interactions between distributed agents via non-intrusive message-based interfaces. This paper describes a predefined SOCIAL agent that is specialized for integrating C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS)-based applications. The agent's high-level Application Programming Interface supports bidirectional flow of data, knowledge, and commands to other agents, enabling CLIPS applications to initiate interactions autonomously, and respond to requests and results from heterogeneous remote systems. The design and operation of CLIPS agents are illustrated with two distributed applications that integrate CLIPS-based expert systems with other intelligent systems for isolating and mapping problems in the Space Shuttle Launch Processing System at the NASA Kennedy Space Center.

The computational structural mechanics testbed architecture. Volume 2: The interface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Felippa, Carlos A.

1988-01-01

This is the third set of five volumes which describe the software architecture for the Computational Structural Mechanics Testbed. Derived from NICE, an integrated software system developed at Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory, the architecture is composed of the command language CLAMP, the command language interpreter CLIP, and the data manager GAL. Volumes 1, 2, and 3 (NASA CR's 178384, 178385, and 178386, respectively) describe CLAMP and CLIP and the CLIP-processor interface. Volumes 4 and 5 (NASA CR's 178387 and 178388, respectively) describe GAL and its low-level I/O. CLAMP, an acronym for Command Language for Applied Mechanics Processors, is designed to control the flow of execution of processors written for NICE. Volume 3 describes the CLIP-Processor interface and related topics. It is intended only for processor developers.

The computational structural mechanics testbed architecture. Volume 2: Directives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Felippa, Carlos A.

1989-01-01

This is the second of a set of five volumes which describe the software architecture for the Computational Structural Mechanics Testbed. Derived from NICE, an integrated software system developed at Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory, the architecture is composed of the command language (CLAMP), the command language interpreter (CLIP), and the data manager (GAL). Volumes 1, 2, and 3 (NASA CR's 178384, 178385, and 178386, respectively) describe CLAMP and CLIP and the CLIP-processor interface. Volumes 4 and 5 (NASA CR's 178387 and 178388, respectively) describe GAL and its low-level I/O. CLAMP, an acronym for Command Language for Applied Mechanics Processors, is designed to control the flow of execution of processors written for NICE. Volume 2 describes the CLIP directives in detail. It is intended for intermediate and advanced users.

Plastic bread-bag clips in the gastrointestinal tract: report of 5 cases and review of the literature

PubMed Central

Newell, K J; Taylor, B; Walton, J C; Tweedie, E J

2000-01-01

Plastic bread-bag clips have been identified as a cause of local perforation or obstruction at many sites in the gastrointestinal tract. This study is the largest case series yet reported, consisting of 3 cases presenting as small-bowel perforation, 1 case in which the clip was found incidentally in the small bowel at laparotomy during vascular surgery and 1 case in which the clip was found incidentally in the small bowel at autopsy. In all cases there was no radiographic evidence to suggest a foreign body in the gastrointestinal tract. People older than 60 years of age who have either partial or full dentures seem to be particularly at risk for the accidental ingestion of these devices. If accidentally ingested, plastic bread-bag clips represent a significant health hazard. As the population ages, small-bowel perforation secondary to ingestion of such clips may occur with increasing frequency. The authors recommend elimination or redesign of the clips, to prevent their being swallowed and becoming impacted in the small bowel or to allow them to be identified in the gastrointestinal tract by conventional radiography. PMID:10701390

Third CLIPS Conference Proceedings, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riley, Gary (Editor)

1994-01-01

Expert systems are computed programs which emulate human expertise in well defined problem domains. The potential payoff from expert systems is high: valuable expertise can be captured and preserved, repetitive and/or mundane tasks requiring human expertise can be automated, and uniformity can be applied in decision making processes. The C Language Integrated Production Systems (CLIPS) is an expert system building tool, developed at the Johnson Space Center, which provides a complete environment for the development and delivery of rule and/or object based expert systems. CLIPS was specifically designed to provide a low cost option for developing and deploying expert system applications across a wide range of hardware platforms. The development of CLIPS has helped to improve the ability to deliver expert systems technology throughout the public and private sectors for a wide range of applications and diverse computing environments.

CLIPS on the NeXT computer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Charnock, Elizabeth; Eng, Norman

1990-01-01

This paper discusses the integration of CLIPS into a hybrid expert system neural network AI tool for the NeXT computer. The main discussion is devoted to the joining of these two AI paradigms in a mutually beneficial relationship. We conclude that expert systems and neural networks should not be considered as competing AI implementation methods, but rather as complimentary components of a whole.

Recurrence of ICA-PCoA aneurysms after neck clipping.

PubMed

Sakaki, T; Takeshima, T; Tominaga, M; Hashimoto, H; Kawaguchi, S

1994-01-01

Between 1975 and 1992, 2211 patients underwent aneurysmal neck clipping at the Nara Medical University clinic and associated hospitals. The aneurysm in 931 of these patients was situated at the junction of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and posterior communicating artery (PCoA). Seven patients were readmitted 4 to 17 years after the first surgery because of regrowth and rupture of an ICA-PCoA aneurysmal sac that had arisen from the residual neck. On angiograms obtained following aneurysmal neck clipping, a large primitive type of PCoA was demonstrated in six patients and a small PCoA in one. A small residual aneurysm was confirmed in only two patients and angiographically complete neck clipping in five. Recurrent ICA-PCoA aneurysms were separated into two types based on the position of the old clip in relation to the new growth. Type 1 aneurysms regrow from the entire neck and balloon eccentrically. In this type, it is possible to apply the clip at the neck as in conventional clipping for a ruptured aneurysm. Type 2 includes aneurysms in which the proximal portion of a previous clip is situated at the corner of the ICA and aneurysmal neck and the distal portion on the enlarged dome of the aneurysm, because the sac is regrowing from a portion of the residual neck. In this type of aneurysm, a Sugita fenestrated clip can occlude the residual neck, overriding the old clip. Classifying these aneurysms into two groups is very useful from a surgical point of view because it is possible to apply a new clip without removing the old clip, which was found to be adherent to surrounding tissue.

Vascular closure staples-a new technique for biliary reconstruction: prospective randomized comparison with manual suture in an animal model.

PubMed

Birth, Matthias; Markert, Uwe; Strik, Martin; Wohlschläger, Charlotte; Brugmans, Frederik; Gerberding, Jürgen; Bruch, Hans P

2002-01-15

In orthotopic liver transplantation the incidence of biliary complications is up to 49%. In view of the relative frequency of such complications despite seemingly good preconditions, method-related disadvantages of conventional suture must also be considered as a possible cause. These include perforating needle injury of the choledochal wall with at least temporary exposure of suture material in the lumen, suboptimal approximation of the mucosa, and an additional decrease in blood flow in the choledochal stumps as a result of suture-related tissue strangulation. Hence the search for alternative anastomosis techniques. To evaluate the surgical suitability of extramucosal titanium clips (Vascular Closure Staples; VCS) in comparison with conventional manual suture, a study was performed in 36 pigs, which were randomly assigned to 4 groups, each containing 9 animals. Choledochal excision was performed in 18 pigs and transection in the other 18 pigs; end-to-end anastomosis was then carried out, using a VCS stapler in half of the animals in each of these two groups and conventional manual suture in the other half. Pre- and postanastomotic blood flow was measured during the surgery with the aid of a laser Doppler flow meter. The long-term behavior of the closure techniques was ascertained by regular laboratory checks over the ensuing 6-month observation period, after which the pigs were killed so that the specimens could be harvested. Using medium-sized VCS clips, we were able to create a tension-free, everted biliary anastomosis with exact mucosal approximation and no narrowing of the lumen, and without any technical problems during the performance of the procedure. Measurements with the laser Doppler flow meter showed well-preserved anastomotic blood flow after clip reconstruction, with significantly higher perfusion values than after manual suture. The postoperative courses of the investigated laboratory parameters did not reveal any significant differences between the two methods. In contrast, histomorphometric evaluation showed wall thickness and thus fibrosis in the anastomosis region to be less in the clip group than in the suture group (median: 510 microm versus 660 microm, P<0.001). In the pigs in which clip anastomosis was used, there were no detectable anastomotic stenoses; in the pigs in which conventional suture was used, however, ultrasonography revealed five anastomoses with varying degrees of narrowing. Extramucosal VCS clip anastomosis not only offers potential advantages with respect to nonpenetrating and optimal mucosal contact, investigations in animals also show it to be superior to conventional manual suture as regards anastomotic blood flow and medium-term fibrosis formation. We believe that our data and the available literature warrant a clinical evaluation of this technique in appropriate studies.

HyperCLIPS: A HyperCard interface to CLIPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pickering, Brad; Hill, Randall W., Jr.

1990-01-01

HyperCLIPS combines the intuitive, interactive user interface of the Apple Macintosh(TM) with the powerful symbolic computation of an expert system interpreter. HyperCard(TM) is an excellent environment for quickly developing the front end of an application with buttons, dialogs, and pictures, while the CLIPS interpreter provides a powerful inference engine for complex problem solving and analysis. By integrating HyperCard and CLIPS the advantages and uses of both packages are made available for a wide range of uses: rapid prototyping of knowledge-based expert systems, interactive simulations of physical systems, and intelligent control of hypertext processes, to name a few. Interfacing HyperCard and CLIPS is natural. HyperCard was designed to be extended through the use of external commands (XCMDs), and CLIPS was designed to be embedded through the use of the I/O router facilities and callable interface routines. With the exception of some technical difficulties which will be discussed later, HyperCLIPS implements this interface in a straight forward manner, using the facilities provided. An XCMD called 'ClipsX' was added to HyperCard to give access to the CLIPS routines: clear, load, reset, and run. And an I/O router was added to CLIPS to handle the communication of data between CLIPS and HyperCard.

CLIPS: A proposal for improved usability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patton, Charles R.

1990-01-01

This paper proposes the enhancement of the CLIPS user interface to improve the over-all usability of the CLIPS development environment. It suggests some directions for the long term growth of the user interface, and discusses some specific strengths and weaknesses of the current CLIPS PC user interface. Every user of CLIPS shares a common experience: his/her first interaction with the system itself. As with any new language, between the process of installing CLIPS on the appropriate computer and the completion of a large application, an intensive learning process takes place. For those with extensive programming knowledge and LISP backgrounds, this experience may have been mostly interesting and pleasant. Being familiar with products that are similar to CLIPS in many ways, these users enjoy a relatively short training period with the product. Already familiar with many of the functions they wish to employ, experienced users are free to focus on the capabilities of CLIPS that make it uniquely useful within their working environment.

Second CLIPS Conference Proceedings, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giarratano, Joseph (Editor); Culbert, Christopher J. (Editor)

1991-01-01

Topics covered at the 2nd CLIPS Conference held at the Johnson Space Center, September 23-25, 1991 are given. Topics include rule groupings, fault detection using expert systems, decision making using expert systems, knowledge representation, computer aided design and debugging expert systems.

Process development for high-resolution 3D-printing of bioresorbable vascular stents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ware, Henry Oliver T.; Farsheed, Adam C.; van Lith, Robert; Baker, Evan; Ameer, Guillermo; Sun, Cheng

2017-02-01

The recent development of "continuous projection microstereolithography" also known as CLIP technology has successfully alleviated the main obstacles surrounding 3D printing technologies: production speed and part quality. Following the same working principle, we further developed the μCLIP process to address the needs for high-resolution 3D printing of biomedical devices with micron-scale precision. Compared to standard stereolithography (SLA) process, μCLIP fabrication can reduce fabrication time from several hours to as little as a few minutes. μCLIP can also produce better surface finish and more uniform mechanical properties than conventional SLA, as each individual "fabrication layer" continuously polymerizes into the subsequent layer. In this study, we report the process development in manufacturing high-resolution bioresorbable stents using our own μCLIP system. The bioresorbable photopolymerizable biomaterial (B-ink) used in this study is methacrylated poly(1, 12 dodecamethylene citrate) (mPDC). Through optimization of our μCLIP process and concentration of B-ink components, we have created a customizable bioresorbable stent with similar mechanical properties exhibited by nitinol stents. Upon optimization, fabricating a 2 cm tall vascular stent that comprises 4000 layers was accomplished in 26.5 minutes.

Intelligent tutoring using HyperCLIPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hill, Randall W., Jr.; Pickering, Brad

1990-01-01

HyperCard is a popular hypertext-like system used for building user interfaces to databases and other applications, and CLIPS is a highly portable government-owned expert system shell. We developed HyperCLIPS in order to fill a gap in the U.S. Army's computer-based instruction tool set; it was conceived as a development environment for building adaptive practical exercises for subject-matter problem-solving, though it is not limited to this approach to tutoring. Once HyperCLIPS was developed, we set out to implement a practical exercise prototype using HyperCLIPS in order to demonstrate the following concepts: learning can be facilitated by doing; student performance evaluation can be done in real-time; and the problems in a practical exercise can be adapted to the individual student's knowledge.

Stone formation from nonabsorbable clip migration into the collecting system after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy.

PubMed

Lee, Ziho; Reilly, Christopher E; Moore, Blake W; Mydlo, Jack H; Lee, David I; Eun, Daniel D

2014-01-01

We describe a case in which a Weck Hem-o-lok clip (Teleflex, Research Triangle Park, USA) migrated into the collecting system and acted as a nidus for stone formation in a patient after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. The patient presented 2 years postoperatively with left-sided renal colic. Abdominal computed tomography scan showed a 10 millimeter renal calculus in the left middle pole. After using laser lithotripsy to fragment the overlying renal stone, a Weck Hem-o-lok clip was found to be embedded in the collecting system. A laser fiber through a flexible ureteroscope was used to successfully dislodge the clip from the renal parenchyma, and a stone basket was used to extract the clip.

Practical Use of the Extended No Action Level (eNAL) Correction Protocol for Breast Cancer Patients With Implanted Surgical Clips

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

Penninkhof, Joan, E-mail: j.penninkhof@erasmusmc.nl; Quint, Sandra; Baaijens, Margreet

Purpose: To describe the practical use of the extended No Action Level (eNAL) setup correction protocol for breast cancer patients with surgical clips and evaluate its impact on the setup accuracy of both tumor bed and whole breast during simultaneously integrated boost treatments. Methods and Materials: For 80 patients, two orthogonal planar kilovoltage images and one megavoltage image (for the mediolateral beam) were acquired per fraction throughout the radiotherapy course. For setup correction, the eNAL protocol was applied, based on registration of surgical clips in the lumpectomy cavity. Differences with respect to application of a No Action Level (NAL) protocolmore » or no protocol were quantified for tumor bed and whole breast. The correlation between clip migration during the fractionated treatment and either the method of surgery or the time elapsed from last surgery was investigated. Results: The distance of the clips to their center of mass (COM), averaged over all clips and patients, was reduced by 0.9 {+-} 1.2 mm (mean {+-} 1 SD). Clip migration was similar between the group of patients starting treatment within 100 days after surgery (median, 53 days) and the group starting afterward (median, 163 days) (p = 0.20). Clip migration after conventional breast surgery (closing the breast superficially) or after lumpectomy with partial breast reconstructive techniques (sutured cavity). was not significantly different either (p = 0.22). Application of eNAL on clips resulted in residual systematic errors for the clips' COM of less than 1 mm in each direction, whereas the setup of the breast was within about 2 mm of accuracy. Conclusions: Surgical clips can be safely used for high-accuracy position verification and correction. Given compensation for time trends in the clips' COM throughout the treatment course, eNAL resulted in better setup accuracies for both tumor bed and whole breast than NAL.« less

Epicardial clip occlusion of the left atrial appendage during cardiac surgery provides optimal surgical results and long-term stability.

PubMed

Kurfirst, Vojtech; Mokrácek, Aleš; Canádyová, Júlia; Frána, Radim; Zeman, Petr

2017-07-01

Occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) has become an integral and important part of the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation. Different methods of surgical occlusion of the LAA have been associated with varying levels of short- and long-term success for closure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term results of epicardial placement and endocardial occlusion in patients undergoing cardiac operative procedures. A total of 101 patients (average age 65.7 years) undergoing cardiac operative procedures with the epicardial AtriClip Exclusion System of the LAA were enrolled in the study. The AtriClip was placed via a sternotomy or a thoracotomy or from a thoracoscopic approach. Postoperative variables, such as thromboembolic events, clip stability and endocardial leakage around the device, were examined by transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and/or computed tomography. Perioperative clip implantation was achieved in 98% of patients. TEE and/or computed tomography conducted during the follow-up period, comprising 1873 patient-months with a mean duration of 18 ± 11 months, revealed no clip migration, no leakage around the device and no clot formation near the remnant cul-de-sac. During the follow-up period, 4 of the cardiac patients experienced transitory ischaemic attacks, whereas no patient experienced a cerebrovascular attack. The Epicardial AtriClip Exclusion System of the LAA appears to be a feasable and safe operative method with a high success rate. Long-term follow-up confirmed clip stability, complete occlussion of the LAA and absence of any atrial fibrilation-related thromboembolic events. These results need to be confirmed by a larger, multicentre study. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

Tips from the Classroom: Introducing the Friendly and Useful Computer; Using Annotations to Identify Composition Errors; Building a Scaffold with Video Clips; Movie Karaoke; Gotcha.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dudley, Albert P.; And Others

1997-01-01

Presents various tips that are useful in the classroom for teaching second languages. These tips focus on teaching basic computer operations; using annotations to foster error corrections in language; using video clips as a part of a U.S. history or culture-based English-as-a-Second-Language lesson; using karaoke to speak with less inhibition; and…

A New Sliding-Loop Technique in Renorrhaphy for Partial Nephrectomy: A Feasibility Study in a Porcine Model.

PubMed

Lee, Jung Keun; Oh, Jong Jin; Lee, Sangchul; Lee, Seung Bae; Byun, Seok-Soo; Lee, Sang Eun; Jeong, Chang Wook

2016-04-01

We developed a sliding-loop technique that narrowed both sides of the parenchyma in a porcine model and compared it with the conventional sliding-clip technique. Three pigs (30-40 kg) were reused following another experiment conducted by the same researchers. Bilateral kidneys were harvested within 30 minutes after euthanasia. Two partial nephrectomies per kidney were performed on opposite surfaces. All kidney defects were of the same size (diameter of 2.5-3 cm with a depth of 1.0-1.5 cm). The sliding-clip technique and sliding-loop technique were performed separately. In the sliding-loop technique, we created a 1-cm loop at the end of a Vicryl and placed a tetrafluoroethylene polymer pledget in front of the knots passing through the needle. The needle then crossed the loop after passing through the renal parenchyma. A Weck clip was placed and slid on one side to tighten the suture. Tightening was controlled with an equivalent force using a digital push-pull gauge. Three stitches were placed at each renorrhaphy site. The distance between repaired renal surfaces was measured at 5 different points (3 suture sites and 2 middle sites between sutures). The results of the 2 techniques were compared by using the independent t test. The mean distance between renal surfaces was significantly narrower in the sliding-loop technique than in the conventional technique (1.80 ± 1.08 mm vs 5.28 ± 2.46 mm, P < .001). In the porcine model, the sliding-loop technique more effectively closed the partial nephrectomy defects compared with the conventional sliding-clip technique. © The Author(s) 2015.

Three-Dimensional Printing of Surgical Clips: An In Vitro Pilot Study and Trial of Efficacy.

PubMed

Canvasser, Noah E; De, Shuvro; Koseoglu, Ersin; Lay, Aaron H; Sorokin, Igor; Fernandez, Raul; Cadeddu, Jeffrey A

2017-09-01

Three-dimensional (3D) printing applications have increased over the past decade. Our objective was to test rapid prototyping of a 3D printed surgical clip for intraoperative use. Our prototype was modeled after the 10 mm Weck ® Hem-o-lok ® polymer clip (Teleflex, Inc., Wayne, PA). A 3D computer-aided design model of the Hem-o-lok clip was reverse engineered using commercial microscopy and printing was done using an Objet Connex500 multijetting system (Stratasys, Eden Prairie, MN). The initial polymer was Objet VeroWhitePlus RGD835; the addition of Objet TangoBlackPlus FLX980 during the design process improved hinge flexibility. The 3D printed clips were then pressure tested on rubber Penrose tubing and compared in vitro versus commercial Hem-o-lok clips. Initial 3D printed clips were not functional as they split at the hinge upon closure of the clip jaws. Design changes were made to add Objet TangoBlackPlus FLX980 at the hinge to improve flexibility. Additional modifications were made to allow for clips to be compatible with the Hem-o-lok endoscopic clip applier. A total of 50 clips were tested. Fracture rate for the printed clips using a clip applier was 54% (n = 27), whereas none of the commercial Hem-o-lok clips broke upon closure. Of the 23 printed clips that closed, mean leak was at 20.7 κPa (range 4.8-42.7). In contrast, none of the commercial clips leaked, and fill continued until Penrose rupture at mean 46.2 κPa (44.8-47.6). This pilot study demonstrates feasibility of 3D printing functional surgical clips. However, the performance of our first generation clips is poor compared with commercial grade product. Refinement in printers and materials available may allow for customization of such printed surgical instruments that could be economically competitive to purchasing and stocking product.

Blowout Monitor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1994-01-01

C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS), a NASA-developed software shell for developing expert systems, has been embedded in a PC-based expert system for training oil rig personnel in monitoring oil drilling. Oil drilling rigs if not properly maintained for possible blowouts pose hazards to human life, property and the environment may be destroyed. CLIPS is designed to permit the delivery of artificial intelligence on computer. A collection of rules is set up and, as facts become known, these rules are applied. In the Well Site Advisor, CLIPS provides the capability to accurately process, predict and interpret well data in a real time mode. CLIPS was provided to INTEQ by COSMIC.

Biocompatibility of Plastic Clip in Neurocranium - Experimental Study on Dogs.

PubMed

Delibegovic, Samir; Dizdarevic, Kemal; Cickusic, Elmir; Katica, Muhamed; Obhodjas, Muamer; Ocus, Muhamed

2016-01-01

A potential advantage of the use of the plastic clips in neurosurgery is their property of causing fewer artifacts than titanium clips as assessed by computed tomography and magnetic resonance scans. The biocompatibility of plastic clips was demonstrated in the peritoneal cavity, but their behavior in the neurocranium is not known. Twelve aggressive stray dogs designated for euthanasia were taken for this experimental study. The animals were divided into two groups. In all cases, after anesthesia, a craniotomy was performed, and after opening the dura, a proximal part titanium clip was placed on the isolated superficial Sylvian vein (a permanent Yasargil FT 746 T clip at a 90° angle, while a plastic Hem-o-lok clip ML was placed on another part of the vein). The first group of animals was sacrificed on the 7 < sup > th < /sup > postoperative day and the second group on the 60 < sup > th < /sup > postoperative day. Samples of tissue around the clips were taken for a histopathological evaluation. The plastic clip caused a more intensive tissue reaction than the titanium clip on the 7 < sup > th < /sup > postoperative day, but there was no statistical difference. Even on the 60 < sup > th < /sup > postoperative day there was no significant difference in tissue reaction between the titanium and plastic clips. These preliminary results confirm the possibility for the use of plastic clips in neurosurgery. Before their use in human neurosurgery, further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of the presence of plastic clips in the neurocranium, as well as studies of the aneurysmal model.

Radiologic advantages of potential use of polymer plastic clips in neurosurgery.

PubMed

Delibegović, Samir

2014-01-01

Plastic clips are made of diamagnetic material and may result in fewer computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance artifacts than titanium clips. Considering that polymer plastic clips are increasingly being used in endoscopic surgery, our study examined the CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of plastic clips after application in the neurocranium and compared them with titanium clips. Craniotomy was performed on the heads of domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domestica), and, at an angle of 90°, a permanent Yasargil FT 746 T clip was placed in a frontobasal, interhemispheric position. A plastic polymer medium-large Hem-o-lok clip was placed in the same position into another animal. After this procedure, CT of the brain was performed using Siemens 16 slice, followed by an MRI scan, on Philips MRI, 1.5 Tesla. The CT and magnetic resonance scans were analyzed. On axial CT sections through the site of placement of titanium clips, dotted hyperdensity with a high value of Hounsfield units (HUI) of about 2800-3000 could be clearly seen. At the site where the plastic polymer clips were placed, discrete hyperdensity was observed, measuring 130-140 HUI. MRI of the brain in which titanium clips were used revealed a hypointensive T1W signal in the interhemispheric fissure, with a hypointensive T2W signal. On the other hand, upon examination of the MRI of the brain in which plastic clips were used, the T1W signal described above did not occur, and there was also no T2W signal, and no artifacts observed. The plastic clips are made of a diamagnetic, nonconductive material that results in fewer CT and MRI artifacts than titanium clips. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

New concept of 3D printed bone clip (polylactic acid/hydroxyapatite/silk composite) for internal fixation of bone fractures.

PubMed

Yeon, Yeung Kyu; Park, Hae Sang; Lee, Jung Min; Lee, Ji Seung; Lee, Young Jin; Sultan, Md Tipu; Seo, Ye Bin; Lee, Ok Joo; Kim, Soon Hee; Park, Chan Hum

Open reduction with internal fixation is commonly used for the treatment of bone fractures. However, postoperative infection associated with internal fixation devices (intramedullary nails, plates, and screws) remains a significant complication, and it is technically difficult to fix multiple fragmented bony fractures using internal fixation devices. In addition, drilling in the bone to install devices can lead to secondary fracture, bone necrosis associated with postoperative infection. In this study, we developed bone clip type internal fixation device using three- dimensional (3D) printing technology. Standard 3D model of the bone clip was generated based on computed tomography (CT) scan of the femur in the rat. Polylacticacid (PLA), hydroxyapatite (HA), and silk were used for bone clip material. The purpose of this study was to characterize 3D printed PLA, PLA/HA, and PLA/HA/Silk composite bone clip and evaluate the feasibility of these bone clips as an internal fixation device. Based on the results, PLA/HA/Silk composite bone clip showed similar mechanical property, and superior biocompatibility compared to other types of the bone clip. PLA/HA/Silk composite bone clip demonstrated excellent alignment of the bony segments across the femur fracture site with well-positioned bone clip in an animal study. Our 3D printed bone clips have several advantages: (1) relatively noninvasive (drilling in the bone is not necessary), (2) patient-specific design (3) mechanically stable device, and (4) it provides high biocompatibility. Therefore, we suggest that our 3D printed PLA/HA/Silk composite bone clip is a possible internal fixation device.

The computational structural mechanics testbed architecture. Volume 1: The language

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Felippa, Carlos A.

1988-01-01

This is the first set of five volumes which describe the software architecture for the Computational Structural Mechanics Testbed. Derived from NICE, an integrated software system developed at Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory, the architecture is composed of the command language CLAMP, the command language interpreter CLIP, and the data manager GAL. Volumes 1, 2, and 3 (NASA CR's 178384, 178385, and 178386, respectively) describe CLAMP and CLIP, and the CLIP-processor interface. Volumes 4 and 5 (NASA CR's 178387 and 178388, respectively) describe GAL and its low-level I/O. CLAMP, an acronym for Command Language for Applied Mechanics Processors, is designed to control the flow of execution of processors written for NICE. Volume 1 presents the basic elements of the CLAMP language and is intended for all users.

Robotic digital subtraction angiography systems within the hybrid operating room.

PubMed

Murayama, Yuichi; Irie, Koreaki; Saguchi, Takayuki; Ishibashi, Toshihiro; Ebara, Masaki; Nagashima, Hiroyasu; Isoshima, Akira; Arakawa, Hideki; Takao, Hiroyuki; Ohashi, Hiroki; Joki, Tatsuhiro; Kato, Masataka; Tani, Satoshi; Ikeuchi, Satoshi; Abe, Toshiaki

2011-05-01

Fully equipped high-end digital subtraction angiography (DSA) within the operating room (OR) environment has emerged as a new trend in the fields of neurosurgery and vascular surgery. To describe initial clinical experience with a robotic DSA system in the hybrid OR. A newly designed robotic DSA system (Artis zeego; Siemens AG, Forchheim, Germany) was installed in the hybrid OR. The system consists of a multiaxis robotic C arm and surgical OR table. In addition to conventional neuroendovascular procedures, the system was used as an intraoperative imaging tool for various neurosurgical procedures such as aneurysm clipping and spine instrumentation. Five hundred one neurosurgical procedures were successfully conducted in the hybrid OR with the robotic DSA. During surgical procedures such as aneurysm clipping and arteriovenous fistula treatment, intraoperative 2-/3-dimensional angiography and C-arm-based computed tomographic images (DynaCT) were easily performed without moving the OR table. Newly developed virtual navigation software (syngo iGuide; Siemens AG) can be used in frameless navigation and in access to deep-seated intracranial lesions or needle placement. This newly developed robotic DSA system provides safe and precise treatment in the fields of endovascular treatment and neurosurgery.

COSMIC monthly progress report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

Activities of the Computer Software Management and Information Center (COSMIC) are summarized for the month of August, 1993. Tables showing the current inventory of programs available from COSMIC are presented and program processing and evaluation activities are discussed. Ten articles were prepared for publication in the NASA Tech Brief Journal. These articles (included in this report) describe the following software items: (1) MOM3D - A Method of Moments Code for Electromagnetic Scattering (UNIX Version); (2) EM-Animate - Computer Program for Displaying and Animating the Steady-State Time-Harmonic Electromagnetic Near Field and Surface-Current Solutions; (3) MOM3D - A Method of Moments Code for Electromagnetic Scattering (IBM PC Version); (4) M414 - MIL-STD-414 Variable Sampling Procedures Computer Program; (5) MEDOF - Minimum Euclidean Distance Optimal Filter; (6) CLIPS 6.0 - C Language Integrated Production System, Version 6.0 (Macintosh Version); (7) CLIPS 6.0 - C Language Integrated Production System, Version 6.0 (IBM PC Version); (8) CLIPS 6.0 - C Language Integrated Production System, Version 6.0 (UNIX Version); (9) CLIPS 6.0 - C Language Integrated Production System, Version 6.0 (DEC VAX VMS Version); and (10) TFSSRA - Thick Frequency Selective Surface with Rectangular Apertures. Activities in the areas of marketing, customer service, benefits identification, maintenance and support, and dissemination are also described along with a budget summary.

A comparison of CLIPS- and LISP-based approaches to the development of a real-time expert system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frainier, R.; Groleau, N.; Bhatnagar, R.; Lam, C.; Compton, M.; Colombano, S.; Lai, S.; Szolovits, P.; Manahan, M.; Statler, I.

1990-01-01

This paper describes an ongoing expert system development effort started in 1988 which is evaluating both CLIPS- and LISP- based approaches. The expert system is being developed to a project schedule and is planned for flight on Space Shuttle Mission SLS-2 in 1992. The expert system will help astronauts do the best possible science for a vestibular physiology experiment already scheduled for that mission. The system gathers and reduces data from the experiment, flags 'interesting' results, and proposes changes in the experiment both to exploit the in-flight observations and to stay within the time allowed by Mission Control for the experiment. These tasks must all be performed in real time. Two Apple Macintosh computers are used. The CLIPS- and LISP- based environments are layered above the Macintosh computer Operating System. The 'CLIPS-based' environment includes CLIPS and HyperCard. The LlSP-based environment includes Common LISP, Parmenides (a frame system), and FRuleKit (a rule system). Important evaluation factors include ease of programming, performance against real-time requirements, usability by an astronaut, robustness, and ease of maintenance. Current results on the factors of ease of programming, performance against real-time requirements, and ease of maintenance are discussed.

CLIPS 6.0 - C LANGUAGE INTEGRATED PRODUCTION SYSTEM, VERSION 6.0 (UNIX VERSION)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Donnell, B.

1994-01-01

CLIPS, the C Language Integrated Production System, is a complete environment for developing expert systems -- programs which are specifically intended to model human expertise or knowledge. It is designed to allow artificial intelligence research, development, and delivery on conventional computers. CLIPS 6.0 provides a cohesive tool for handling a wide variety of knowledge with support for three different programming paradigms: rule-based, object-oriented, and procedural. Rule-based programming allows knowledge to be represented as heuristics, or "rules-of-thumb" which specify a set of actions to be performed for a given situation. Object-oriented programming allows complex systems to be modeled as modular components (which can be easily reused to model other systems or create new components). The procedural programming capabilities provided by CLIPS 6.0 allow CLIPS to represent knowledge in ways similar to those allowed in languages such as C, Pascal, Ada, and LISP. Using CLIPS 6.0, one can develop expert system software using only rule-based programming, only object-oriented programming, only procedural programming, or combinations of the three. CLIPS provides extensive features to support the rule-based programming paradigm including seven conflict resolution strategies, dynamic rule priorities, and truth maintenance. CLIPS 6.0 supports more complex nesting of conditional elements in the if portion of a rule ("and", "or", and "not" conditional elements can be placed within a "not" conditional element). In addition, there is no longer a limitation on the number of multifield slots that a deftemplate can contain. The CLIPS Object-Oriented Language (COOL) provides object-oriented programming capabilities. Features supported by COOL include classes with multiple inheritance, abstraction, encapsulation, polymorphism, dynamic binding, and message passing with message-handlers. CLIPS 6.0 supports tight integration of the rule-based programming features of CLIPS with COOL (that is, a rule can pattern match on objects created using COOL). CLIPS 6.0 provides the capability to define functions, overloaded functions, and global variables interactively. In addition, CLIPS can be embedded within procedural code, called as a subroutine, and integrated with languages such as C, FORTRAN and Ada. CLIPS can be easily extended by a user through the use of several well-defined protocols. CLIPS provides several delivery options for programs including the ability to generate stand alone executables or to load programs from text or binary files. CLIPS 6.0 provides support for the modular development and execution of knowledge bases with the defmodule construct. CLIPS modules allow a set of constructs to be grouped together such that explicit control can be maintained over restricting the access of the constructs by other modules. This type of control is similar to global and local scoping used in languages such as C or Ada. By restricting access to deftemplate and defclass constructs, modules can function as blackboards, permitting only certain facts and instances to be seen by other modules. Modules are also used by rules to provide execution control. The CRSV (Cross-Reference, Style, and Verification) utility included with previous version of CLIPS is no longer supported. The capabilities provided by this tool are now available directly within CLIPS 6.0 to aid in the development, debugging, and verification of large rule bases. COSMIC offers four distribution versions of CLIPS 6.0: UNIX (MSC-22433), VMS (MSC-22434), MACINTOSH (MSC-22429), and IBM PC (MSC-22430). Executable files, source code, utilities, documentation, and examples are included on the program media. All distribution versions include identical source code for the command line version of CLIPS 6.0. This source code should compile on any platform with an ANSI C compiler. Each distribution version of CLIPS 6.0, except that for the Macintosh platform, includes an executable for the command line version. For the UNIX version of CLIPS 6.0, the command line interface has been successfully implemented on a Sun4 running SunOS, a DECstation running DEC RISC ULTRIX, an SGI Indigo Elan running IRIX, a DEC Alpha AXP running OSF/1, and an IBM RS/6000 running AIX. Command line interface executables are included for Sun4 computers running SunOS 4.1.1 or later and for the DEC RISC ULTRIX platform. The makefiles may have to be modified slightly to be used on other UNIX platforms. The UNIX, Macintosh, and IBM PC versions of CLIPS 6.0 each have a platform specific interface. Source code, a makefile, and an executable for the Windows 3.1 interface version of CLIPS 6.0 are provided only on the IBM PC distribution diskettes. Source code, a makefile, and an executable for the Macintosh interface version of CLIPS 6.0 are provided only on the Macintosh distribution diskettes. Likewise, for the UNIX version of CLIPS 6.0, only source code and a makefile for an X-Windows interface are provided. The X-Windows interface requires MIT's X Window System, Version 11, Release 4 (X11R4), the Athena Widget Set, and the Xmu library. The source code for the Athena Widget Set is provided on the distribution medium. The X-Windows interface has been successfully implemented on a Sun4 running SunOS 4.1.2 with the MIT distribution of X11R4 (not OpenWindows), an SGI Indigo Elan running IRIX 4.0.5, and a DEC Alpha AXP running OSF/1 1.2. The VAX version of CLIPS 6.0 comes only with the generic command line interface. ASCII makefiles for the command line version of CLIPS are provided on all the distribution media for UNIX, VMS, and DOS. Four executables are provided with the IBM PC version: a windowed interface executable for Windows 3.1 built using Borland C++ v3.1, an editor for use with the windowed interface, a command line version of CLIPS for Windows 3.1, and a 386 command line executable for DOS built using Zortech C++ v3.1. All four executables are capable of utilizing extended memory and require an 80386 CPU or better. Users needing an 8086/8088 or 80286 executable must recompile the CLIPS source code themselves. Users who wish to recompile the DOS executable using Borland C++ or MicroSoft C must use a DOS extender program to produce an executable capable of using extended memory. The version of CLIPS 6.0 for IBM PC compatibles requires DOS v3.3 or later and/or Windows 3.1 or later. It is distributed on a set of three 1.4Mb 3.5 inch diskettes. A hard disk is required. The Macintosh version is distributed in compressed form on two 3.5 inch 1.4Mb Macintosh format diskettes, and requires System 6.0.5, or higher, and 1Mb RAM. The version for DEC VAX/VMS is available in VAX BACKUP format on a 1600 BPI 9-track magnetic tape (standard distribution medium) or a TK50 tape cartridge. The UNIX version is distributed in UNIX tar format on a .25 inch streaming magnetic tape cartridge (Sun QIC-24). For the UNIX version, alternate distribution media and formats are available upon request. The CLIPS 6.0 documentation includes a User's Guide and a three volume Reference Manual consisting of Basic and Advanced Programming Guides and an Interfaces Guide. An electronic version of the documentation is provided on the distribution medium for each version: in MicroSoft Word format for the Macintosh and PC versions of CLIPS, and in both PostScript format and MicroSoft Word for Macintosh format for the UNIX and DEC VAX versions of CLIPS. CLIPS was developed in 1986 and Version 6.0 was released in 1993.

CLIPS 6.0 - C LANGUAGE INTEGRATED PRODUCTION SYSTEM, VERSION 6.0 (IBM PC VERSION)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Donnell, B.

1994-01-01

CLIPS, the C Language Integrated Production System, is a complete environment for developing expert systems -- programs which are specifically intended to model human expertise or knowledge. It is designed to allow artificial intelligence research, development, and delivery on conventional computers. CLIPS 6.0 provides a cohesive tool for handling a wide variety of knowledge with support for three different programming paradigms: rule-based, object-oriented, and procedural. Rule-based programming allows knowledge to be represented as heuristics, or "rules-of-thumb" which specify a set of actions to be performed for a given situation. Object-oriented programming allows complex systems to be modeled as modular components (which can be easily reused to model other systems or create new components). The procedural programming capabilities provided by CLIPS 6.0 allow CLIPS to represent knowledge in ways similar to those allowed in languages such as C, Pascal, Ada, and LISP. Using CLIPS 6.0, one can develop expert system software using only rule-based programming, only object-oriented programming, only procedural programming, or combinations of the three. CLIPS provides extensive features to support the rule-based programming paradigm including seven conflict resolution strategies, dynamic rule priorities, and truth maintenance. CLIPS 6.0 supports more complex nesting of conditional elements in the if portion of a rule ("and", "or", and "not" conditional elements can be placed within a "not" conditional element). In addition, there is no longer a limitation on the number of multifield slots that a deftemplate can contain. The CLIPS Object-Oriented Language (COOL) provides object-oriented programming capabilities. Features supported by COOL include classes with multiple inheritance, abstraction, encapsulation, polymorphism, dynamic binding, and message passing with message-handlers. CLIPS 6.0 supports tight integration of the rule-based programming features of CLIPS with COOL (that is, a rule can pattern match on objects created using COOL). CLIPS 6.0 provides the capability to define functions, overloaded functions, and global variables interactively. In addition, CLIPS can be embedded within procedural code, called as a subroutine, and integrated with languages such as C, FORTRAN and Ada. CLIPS can be easily extended by a user through the use of several well-defined protocols. CLIPS provides several delivery options for programs including the ability to generate stand alone executables or to load programs from text or binary files. CLIPS 6.0 provides support for the modular development and execution of knowledge bases with the defmodule construct. CLIPS modules allow a set of constructs to be grouped together such that explicit control can be maintained over restricting the access of the constructs by other modules. This type of control is similar to global and local scoping used in languages such as C or Ada. By restricting access to deftemplate and defclass constructs, modules can function as blackboards, permitting only certain facts and instances to be seen by other modules. Modules are also used by rules to provide execution control. The CRSV (Cross-Reference, Style, and Verification) utility included with previous version of CLIPS is no longer supported. The capabilities provided by this tool are now available directly within CLIPS 6.0 to aid in the development, debugging, and verification of large rule bases. COSMIC offers four distribution versions of CLIPS 6.0: UNIX (MSC-22433), VMS (MSC-22434), MACINTOSH (MSC-22429), and IBM PC (MSC-22430). Executable files, source code, utilities, documentation, and examples are included on the program media. All distribution versions include identical source code for the command line version of CLIPS 6.0. This source code should compile on any platform with an ANSI C compiler. Each distribution version of CLIPS 6.0, except that for the Macintosh platform, includes an executable for the command line version. For the UNIX version of CLIPS 6.0, the command line interface has been successfully implemented on a Sun4 running SunOS, a DECstation running DEC RISC ULTRIX, an SGI Indigo Elan running IRIX, a DEC Alpha AXP running OSF/1, and an IBM RS/6000 running AIX. Command line interface executables are included for Sun4 computers running SunOS 4.1.1 or later and for the DEC RISC ULTRIX platform. The makefiles may have to be modified slightly to be used on other UNIX platforms. The UNIX, Macintosh, and IBM PC versions of CLIPS 6.0 each have a platform specific interface. Source code, a makefile, and an executable for the Windows 3.1 interface version of CLIPS 6.0 are provided only on the IBM PC distribution diskettes. Source code, a makefile, and an executable for the Macintosh interface version of CLIPS 6.0 are provided only on the Macintosh distribution diskettes. Likewise, for the UNIX version of CLIPS 6.0, only source code and a makefile for an X-Windows interface are provided. The X-Windows interface requires MIT's X Window System, Version 11, Release 4 (X11R4), the Athena Widget Set, and the Xmu library. The source code for the Athena Widget Set is provided on the distribution medium. The X-Windows interface has been successfully implemented on a Sun4 running SunOS 4.1.2 with the MIT distribution of X11R4 (not OpenWindows), an SGI Indigo Elan running IRIX 4.0.5, and a DEC Alpha AXP running OSF/1 1.2. The VAX version of CLIPS 6.0 comes only with the generic command line interface. ASCII makefiles for the command line version of CLIPS are provided on all the distribution media for UNIX, VMS, and DOS. Four executables are provided with the IBM PC version: a windowed interface executable for Windows 3.1 built using Borland C++ v3.1, an editor for use with the windowed interface, a command line version of CLIPS for Windows 3.1, and a 386 command line executable for DOS built using Zortech C++ v3.1. All four executables are capable of utilizing extended memory and require an 80386 CPU or better. Users needing an 8086/8088 or 80286 executable must recompile the CLIPS source code themselves. Users who wish to recompile the DOS executable using Borland C++ or MicroSoft C must use a DOS extender program to produce an executable capable of using extended memory. The version of CLIPS 6.0 for IBM PC compatibles requires DOS v3.3 or later and/or Windows 3.1 or later. It is distributed on a set of three 1.4Mb 3.5 inch diskettes. A hard disk is required. The Macintosh version is distributed in compressed form on two 3.5 inch 1.4Mb Macintosh format diskettes, and requires System 6.0.5, or higher, and 1Mb RAM. The version for DEC VAX/VMS is available in VAX BACKUP format on a 1600 BPI 9-track magnetic tape (standard distribution medium) or a TK50 tape cartridge. The UNIX version is distributed in UNIX tar format on a .25 inch streaming magnetic tape cartridge (Sun QIC-24). For the UNIX version, alternate distribution media and formats are available upon request. The CLIPS 6.0 documentation includes a User's Guide and a three volume Reference Manual consisting of Basic and Advanced Programming Guides and an Interfaces Guide. An electronic version of the documentation is provided on the distribution medium for each version: in MicroSoft Word format for the Macintosh and PC versions of CLIPS, and in both PostScript format and MicroSoft Word for Macintosh format for the UNIX and DEC VAX versions of CLIPS. CLIPS was developed in 1986 and Version 6.0 was released in 1993.

CLIPS 6.0 - C LANGUAGE INTEGRATED PRODUCTION SYSTEM, VERSION 6.0 (MACINTOSH VERSION)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riley, G.

1994-01-01

CLIPS, the C Language Integrated Production System, is a complete environment for developing expert systems -- programs which are specifically intended to model human expertise or knowledge. It is designed to allow artificial intelligence research, development, and delivery on conventional computers. CLIPS 6.0 provides a cohesive tool for handling a wide variety of knowledge with support for three different programming paradigms: rule-based, object-oriented, and procedural. Rule-based programming allows knowledge to be represented as heuristics, or "rules-of-thumb" which specify a set of actions to be performed for a given situation. Object-oriented programming allows complex systems to be modeled as modular components (which can be easily reused to model other systems or create new components). The procedural programming capabilities provided by CLIPS 6.0 allow CLIPS to represent knowledge in ways similar to those allowed in languages such as C, Pascal, Ada, and LISP. Using CLIPS 6.0, one can develop expert system software using only rule-based programming, only object-oriented programming, only procedural programming, or combinations of the three. CLIPS provides extensive features to support the rule-based programming paradigm including seven conflict resolution strategies, dynamic rule priorities, and truth maintenance. CLIPS 6.0 supports more complex nesting of conditional elements in the if portion of a rule ("and", "or", and "not" conditional elements can be placed within a "not" conditional element). In addition, there is no longer a limitation on the number of multifield slots that a deftemplate can contain. The CLIPS Object-Oriented Language (COOL) provides object-oriented programming capabilities. Features supported by COOL include classes with multiple inheritance, abstraction, encapsulation, polymorphism, dynamic binding, and message passing with message-handlers. CLIPS 6.0 supports tight integration of the rule-based programming features of CLIPS with COOL (that is, a rule can pattern match on objects created using COOL). CLIPS 6.0 provides the capability to define functions, overloaded functions, and global variables interactively. In addition, CLIPS can be embedded within procedural code, called as a subroutine, and integrated with languages such as C, FORTRAN and Ada. CLIPS can be easily extended by a user through the use of several well-defined protocols. CLIPS provides several delivery options for programs including the ability to generate stand alone executables or to load programs from text or binary files. CLIPS 6.0 provides support for the modular development and execution of knowledge bases with the defmodule construct. CLIPS modules allow a set of constructs to be grouped together such that explicit control can be maintained over restricting the access of the constructs by other modules. This type of control is similar to global and local scoping used in languages such as C or Ada. By restricting access to deftemplate and defclass constructs, modules can function as blackboards, permitting only certain facts and instances to be seen by other modules. Modules are also used by rules to provide execution control. The CRSV (Cross-Reference, Style, and Verification) utility included with previous version of CLIPS is no longer supported. The capabilities provided by this tool are now available directly within CLIPS 6.0 to aid in the development, debugging, and verification of large rule bases. COSMIC offers four distribution versions of CLIPS 6.0: UNIX (MSC-22433), VMS (MSC-22434), MACINTOSH (MSC-22429), and IBM PC (MSC-22430). Executable files, source code, utilities, documentation, and examples are included on the program media. All distribution versions include identical source code for the command line version of CLIPS 6.0. This source code should compile on any platform with an ANSI C compiler. Each distribution version of CLIPS 6.0, except that for the Macintosh platform, includes an executable for the command line version. For the UNIX version of CLIPS 6.0, the command line interface has been successfully implemented on a Sun4 running SunOS, a DECstation running DEC RISC ULTRIX, an SGI Indigo Elan running IRIX, a DEC Alpha AXP running OSF/1, and an IBM RS/6000 running AIX. Command line interface executables are included for Sun4 computers running SunOS 4.1.1 or later and for the DEC RISC ULTRIX platform. The makefiles may have to be modified slightly to be used on other UNIX platforms. The UNIX, Macintosh, and IBM PC versions of CLIPS 6.0 each have a platform specific interface. Source code, a makefile, and an executable for the Windows 3.1 interface version of CLIPS 6.0 are provided only on the IBM PC distribution diskettes. Source code, a makefile, and an executable for the Macintosh interface version of CLIPS 6.0 are provided only on the Macintosh distribution diskettes. Likewise, for the UNIX version of CLIPS 6.0, only source code and a makefile for an X-Windows interface are provided. The X-Windows interface requires MIT's X Window System, Version 11, Release 4 (X11R4), the Athena Widget Set, and the Xmu library. The source code for the Athena Widget Set is provided on the distribution medium. The X-Windows interface has been successfully implemented on a Sun4 running SunOS 4.1.2 with the MIT distribution of X11R4 (not OpenWindows), an SGI Indigo Elan running IRIX 4.0.5, and a DEC Alpha AXP running OSF/1 1.2. The VAX version of CLIPS 6.0 comes only with the generic command line interface. ASCII makefiles for the command line version of CLIPS are provided on all the distribution media for UNIX, VMS, and DOS. Four executables are provided with the IBM PC version: a windowed interface executable for Windows 3.1 built using Borland C++ v3.1, an editor for use with the windowed interface, a command line version of CLIPS for Windows 3.1, and a 386 command line executable for DOS built using Zortech C++ v3.1. All four executables are capable of utilizing extended memory and require an 80386 CPU or better. Users needing an 8086/8088 or 80286 executable must recompile the CLIPS source code themselves. Users who wish to recompile the DOS executable using Borland C++ or MicroSoft C must use a DOS extender program to produce an executable capable of using extended memory. The version of CLIPS 6.0 for IBM PC compatibles requires DOS v3.3 or later and/or Windows 3.1 or later. It is distributed on a set of three 1.4Mb 3.5 inch diskettes. A hard disk is required. The Macintosh version is distributed in compressed form on two 3.5 inch 1.4Mb Macintosh format diskettes, and requires System 6.0.5, or higher, and 1Mb RAM. The version for DEC VAX/VMS is available in VAX BACKUP format on a 1600 BPI 9-track magnetic tape (standard distribution medium) or a TK50 tape cartridge. The UNIX version is distributed in UNIX tar format on a .25 inch streaming magnetic tape cartridge (Sun QIC-24). For the UNIX version, alternate distribution media and formats are available upon request. The CLIPS 6.0 documentation includes a User's Guide and a three volume Reference Manual consisting of Basic and Advanced Programming Guides and an Interfaces Guide. An electronic version of the documentation is provided on the distribution medium for each version: in MicroSoft Word format for the Macintosh and PC versions of CLIPS, and in both PostScript format and MicroSoft Word for Macintosh format for the UNIX and DEC VAX versions of CLIPS. CLIPS was developed in 1986 and Version 6.0 was released in 1993.

CLIPS 6.0 - C LANGUAGE INTEGRATED PRODUCTION SYSTEM, VERSION 6.0 (DEC VAX VMS VERSION)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Donnell, B.

1994-01-01

CLIPS, the C Language Integrated Production System, is a complete environment for developing expert systems -- programs which are specifically intended to model human expertise or knowledge. It is designed to allow artificial intelligence research, development, and delivery on conventional computers. CLIPS 6.0 provides a cohesive tool for handling a wide variety of knowledge with support for three different programming paradigms: rule-based, object-oriented, and procedural. Rule-based programming allows knowledge to be represented as heuristics, or "rules-of-thumb" which specify a set of actions to be performed for a given situation. Object-oriented programming allows complex systems to be modeled as modular components (which can be easily reused to model other systems or create new components). The procedural programming capabilities provided by CLIPS 6.0 allow CLIPS to represent knowledge in ways similar to those allowed in languages such as C, Pascal, Ada, and LISP. Using CLIPS 6.0, one can develop expert system software using only rule-based programming, only object-oriented programming, only procedural programming, or combinations of the three. CLIPS provides extensive features to support the rule-based programming paradigm including seven conflict resolution strategies, dynamic rule priorities, and truth maintenance. CLIPS 6.0 supports more complex nesting of conditional elements in the if portion of a rule ("and", "or", and "not" conditional elements can be placed within a "not" conditional element). In addition, there is no longer a limitation on the number of multifield slots that a deftemplate can contain. The CLIPS Object-Oriented Language (COOL) provides object-oriented programming capabilities. Features supported by COOL include classes with multiple inheritance, abstraction, encapsulation, polymorphism, dynamic binding, and message passing with message-handlers. CLIPS 6.0 supports tight integration of the rule-based programming features of CLIPS with COOL (that is, a rule can pattern match on objects created using COOL). CLIPS 6.0 provides the capability to define functions, overloaded functions, and global variables interactively. In addition, CLIPS can be embedded within procedural code, called as a subroutine, and integrated with languages such as C, FORTRAN and Ada. CLIPS can be easily extended by a user through the use of several well-defined protocols. CLIPS provides several delivery options for programs including the ability to generate stand alone executables or to load programs from text or binary files. CLIPS 6.0 provides support for the modular development and execution of knowledge bases with the defmodule construct. CLIPS modules allow a set of constructs to be grouped together such that explicit control can be maintained over restricting the access of the constructs by other modules. This type of control is similar to global and local scoping used in languages such as C or Ada. By restricting access to deftemplate and defclass constructs, modules can function as blackboards, permitting only certain facts and instances to be seen by other modules. Modules are also used by rules to provide execution control. The CRSV (Cross-Reference, Style, and Verification) utility included with previous version of CLIPS is no longer supported. The capabilities provided by this tool are now available directly within CLIPS 6.0 to aid in the development, debugging, and verification of large rule bases. COSMIC offers four distribution versions of CLIPS 6.0: UNIX (MSC-22433), VMS (MSC-22434), MACINTOSH (MSC-22429), and IBM PC (MSC-22430). Executable files, source code, utilities, documentation, and examples are included on the program media. All distribution versions include identical source code for the command line version of CLIPS 6.0. This source code should compile on any platform with an ANSI C compiler. Each distribution version of CLIPS 6.0, except that for the Macintosh platform, includes an executable for the command line version. For the UNIX version of CLIPS 6.0, the command line interface has been successfully implemented on a Sun4 running SunOS, a DECstation running DEC RISC ULTRIX, an SGI Indigo Elan running IRIX, a DEC Alpha AXP running OSF/1, and an IBM RS/6000 running AIX. Command line interface executables are included for Sun4 computers running SunOS 4.1.1 or later and for the DEC RISC ULTRIX platform. The makefiles may have to be modified slightly to be used on other UNIX platforms. The UNIX, Macintosh, and IBM PC versions of CLIPS 6.0 each have a platform specific interface. Source code, a makefile, and an executable for the Windows 3.1 interface version of CLIPS 6.0 are provided only on the IBM PC distribution diskettes. Source code, a makefile, and an executable for the Macintosh interface version of CLIPS 6.0 are provided only on the Macintosh distribution diskettes. Likewise, for the UNIX version of CLIPS 6.0, only source code and a makefile for an X-Windows interface are provided. The X-Windows interface requires MIT's X Window System, Version 11, Release 4 (X11R4), the Athena Widget Set, and the Xmu library. The source code for the Athena Widget Set is provided on the distribution medium. The X-Windows interface has been successfully implemented on a Sun4 running SunOS 4.1.2 with the MIT distribution of X11R4 (not OpenWindows), an SGI Indigo Elan running IRIX 4.0.5, and a DEC Alpha AXP running OSF/1 1.2. The VAX version of CLIPS 6.0 comes only with the generic command line interface. ASCII makefiles for the command line version of CLIPS are provided on all the distribution media for UNIX, VMS, and DOS. Four executables are provided with the IBM PC version: a windowed interface executable for Windows 3.1 built using Borland C++ v3.1, an editor for use with the windowed interface, a command line version of CLIPS for Windows 3.1, and a 386 command line executable for DOS built using Zortech C++ v3.1. All four executables are capable of utilizing extended memory and require an 80386 CPU or better. Users needing an 8086/8088 or 80286 executable must recompile the CLIPS source code themselves. Users who wish to recompile the DOS executable using Borland C++ or MicroSoft C must use a DOS extender program to produce an executable capable of using extended memory. The version of CLIPS 6.0 for IBM PC compatibles requires DOS v3.3 or later and/or Windows 3.1 or later. It is distributed on a set of three 1.4Mb 3.5 inch diskettes. A hard disk is required. The Macintosh version is distributed in compressed form on two 3.5 inch 1.4Mb Macintosh format diskettes, and requires System 6.0.5, or higher, and 1Mb RAM. The version for DEC VAX/VMS is available in VAX BACKUP format on a 1600 BPI 9-track magnetic tape (standard distribution medium) or a TK50 tape cartridge. The UNIX version is distributed in UNIX tar format on a .25 inch streaming magnetic tape cartridge (Sun QIC-24). For the UNIX version, alternate distribution media and formats are available upon request. The CLIPS 6.0 documentation includes a User's Guide and a three volume Reference Manual consisting of Basic and Advanced Programming Guides and an Interfaces Guide. An electronic version of the documentation is provided on the distribution medium for each version: in MicroSoft Word format for the Macintosh and PC versions of CLIPS, and in both PostScript format and MicroSoft Word for Macintosh format for the UNIX and DEC VAX versions of CLIPS. CLIPS was developed in 1986 and Version 6.0 was released in 1993.

Improving NAVFAC's total quality management of construction drawings with CLIPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Antelman, Albert

1991-01-01

A diagnostic expert system to improve the quality of Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) construction drawings and specification is described. C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) and computer aided design layering standards are used in an expert system to check and coordinate construction drawings and specifications to eliminate errors and omissions.

The Allocation of Visual Attention in Multimedia Search Interfaces

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hughes, Edith Allen

2017-01-01

Multimedia analysts are challenged by the massive numbers of unconstrained video clips generated daily. Such clips can include any possible scene and events, and generally have limited quality control. Analysts who must work with such data are overwhelmed by its volume and lack of computational tools to probe it effectively. Even with advances…

An Exploration of Gender Bias in Computer Clip Art.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dyrud, Marilyn A.

1997-01-01

Examines over 14,000 clip art images for gender bias. Finds that only 4% of images depicted women and that those images present women in stereotypical roles, such as secretaries, nurses, teachers. Notes the irony that communication instructors expend much effort persuading students that gender-free prose is the new model--while visually still…

Enhanced subcarrier-index modulation-based asymmetrically clipped optical OFDM using even subcarriers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guan, Rui; Xu, Wei; Yang, Zhaohui; Huang, Nuo; Wang, Jin-Yuan; Chen, Ming

2017-11-01

In this paper, we propose a subcarrier-index modulation-based asymmetrically clipped optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (SACO-OFDM) scheme for optical wireless communication (OWC) systems, which benefits from the subcarrier-index modulation (SIM) and asymmetrically clipped optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (ACO-OFDM) techniques. SACO-OFDM conveys additional information via the subcarrier indexing, and the error rate of the bit transmitted by the subcarrier indexing is much lower than that of the conventional M-ary modulation scheme. On the other hand, as the signal constellation in M-ary modulation is relieved, SACO-OFDM has simple transceiver structure and low detection complexity. Moreover, considering the spectral, an enhanced SACO-OFDM (ESACO-OFDM) using even subcarriers is proposed. In this technique, the odd subcarriers are activated for SACO-OFDM, and the imaginary part of even subcarriers are activated for pulse-amplitude-modulated discrete multitone (PAM-DMT). Clearly, ESACO-OFDM achieves better spectral efficiency than the conventional optical OFDM, since all subcarriers are used for data transmission. Simulation results verify the significant bit error rate (BER) and peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) improvement by the proposed ESACO-OFDM, especially for the medium-to-high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regime.

The Use of Harmonic Scalpel for Free Flap Dissection in Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery

PubMed Central

Albert, Sebastien; Guedon, Charles; Halimi, Caroline; Cristofari, Jean Pierre; Barry, Beatrix

2012-01-01

Surgeons conventionally use electrocautery dissection and surgical clip appliers to harvest free flaps. The ultrasonic Harmonic Scalpel is a new surgical instrument that provides high-quality dissection and hemostasis and minimizes tissue injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and advantages of the ultrasonic Harmonic Scalpel compared to conventional surgical instruments in free flap surgery. This prospective study included 20 patients who underwent head and neck reconstructive surgery between March 2009 and May 2010. A forearm free flap was used for reconstruction in 12 patients, and a fibular flap was used in 8 patients. In half of the patients, electrocautery and surgical clips were used for free flap harvesting (the EC group), and in the other half of the patients, ultrasonic dissection was performed using the Harmonic Scalpel (the HS group). The following parameters were significantly lower in the HS group compared to the EC group: the operative time of flap dissection (35% lower in the HS group), blood loss, number of surgical clips and cost of surgical materials. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of the Harmonic Scalpel in forearm and fibular free flap dissections that may be extended to other free flaps. PMID:22693666

The computational structural mechanics testbed architecture. Volume 4: The global-database manager GAL-DBM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wright, Mary A.; Regelbrugge, Marc E.; Felippa, Carlos A.

1989-01-01

This is the fourth of a set of five volumes which describe the software architecture for the Computational Structural Mechanics Testbed. Derived from NICE, an integrated software system developed at Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory, the architecture is composed of the command language CLAMP, the command language interpreter CLIP, and the data manager GAL. Volumes 1, 2, and 3 (NASA CR's 178384, 178385, and 178386, respectively) describe CLAMP and CLIP and the CLIP-processor interface. Volumes 4 and 5 (NASA CR's 178387 and 178388, respectively) describe GAL and its low-level I/O. CLAMP, an acronym for Command Language for Applied Mechanics Processors, is designed to control the flow of execution of processors written for NICE. Volume 4 describes the nominal-record data management component of the NICE software. It is intended for all users.

Projective simulation for artificial intelligence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Briegel, Hans J.; de Las Cuevas, Gemma

2012-05-01

We propose a model of a learning agent whose interaction with the environment is governed by a simulation-based projection, which allows the agent to project itself into future situations before it takes real action. Projective simulation is based on a random walk through a network of clips, which are elementary patches of episodic memory. The network of clips changes dynamically, both due to new perceptual input and due to certain compositional principles of the simulation process. During simulation, the clips are screened for specific features which trigger factual action of the agent. The scheme is different from other, computational, notions of simulation, and it provides a new element in an embodied cognitive science approach to intelligent action and learning. Our model provides a natural route for generalization to quantum-mechanical operation and connects the fields of reinforcement learning and quantum computation.

Projective simulation for artificial intelligence

PubMed Central

Briegel, Hans J.; De las Cuevas, Gemma

2012-01-01

We propose a model of a learning agent whose interaction with the environment is governed by a simulation-based projection, which allows the agent to project itself into future situations before it takes real action. Projective simulation is based on a random walk through a network of clips, which are elementary patches of episodic memory. The network of clips changes dynamically, both due to new perceptual input and due to certain compositional principles of the simulation process. During simulation, the clips are screened for specific features which trigger factual action of the agent. The scheme is different from other, computational, notions of simulation, and it provides a new element in an embodied cognitive science approach to intelligent action and learning. Our model provides a natural route for generalization to quantum-mechanical operation and connects the fields of reinforcement learning and quantum computation. PMID:22590690

Dynamic array processing for computationally intensive expert systems in CLIPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Athavale, N. N.; Ragade, R. K.; Fenske, T. E.; Cassaro, M. A.

1990-01-01

This paper puts forth an architecture for implementing a loop for advanced data structure of arrays in CLIPS. An attempt is made to use multi-field variables in such an architecture to process a set of data during the decision making cycle. Also, current limitations on the expert system shells are discussed in brief in this paper. The resulting architecture is designed to circumvent the current limitations set by the expert system shell and also by the operating environment. Such advanced data structures are needed for tightly coupling symbolic and numeric computation modules.

Feasibility of UltraFast Doppler in Post-operative Evaluation of Hepatic Artery in Recipients following Liver Transplantation.

PubMed

Kim, Se-Young; Kim, Kyoung Won; Choi, Sang Hyun; Kwon, Jae Hyun; Song, Gi-Won; Kwon, Heon-Ju; Yun, Young Ju; Lee, Jeongjin; Lee, Sung-Gyu

2017-11-01

To determine the feasibility of using UltraFast Doppler in post-operative evaluation of the hepatic artery (HA) after liver transplantation (LT), we evaluated 283 simultaneous conventional and UltraFast Doppler sessions in 126 recipients over a 2-mo period after LT, using an Aixplorer scanner The Doppler indexes of the HA (peak systolic velocity [PSV], end-diastolic velocity [EDV], resistive index [RI] and systolic acceleration time [SAT]) by retrospective analysis of retrieved waves from UltraFast Doppler clips were compared with those obtained by conventional spectral Doppler. Correlation, performance in diagnosing the pathologic wave, examination time and reproducibility were evaluated. The PSV, EDV, RI and SAT of spectral and UltraFast Doppler measurements exhibited excellent correlation with favorable diagnostic performance. During the bedside examination, the mean time spent for UltraFast clip storing was significantly shorter than that for conventional Doppler US measurements. Both conventional and UltraFast Doppler exhibited good to excellent inter-analysis consistency. In conclusion, compared with conventional spectral Doppler, UltraFast Doppler values correlated excellently and yielded acceptable pathologic wave diagnostic performance with reduced examination time at the bedside and excellent reproducibility. Copyright © 2017 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The computational structural mechanics testbed architecture. Volume 5: The Input-Output Manager DMGASP

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Felippa, Carlos A.

1989-01-01

This is the fifth of a set of five volumes which describe the software architecture for the Computational Structural Mechanics Testbed. Derived from NICE, an integrated software system developed at Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory, the architecture is composed of the command language (CLAMP), the command language interpreter (CLIP), and the data manager (GAL). Volumes 1, 2, and 3 (NASA CR's 178384, 178385, and 178386, respectively) describe CLAMP and CLIP and the CLIP-processor interface. Volumes 4 and 5 (NASA CR's 178387 and 178388, respectively) describe GAL and its low-level I/O. CLAMP, an acronym for Command Language for Applied Mechanics Processors, is designed to control the flow of execution of processors written for NICE. Volume 5 describes the low-level data management component of the NICE software. It is intended only for advanced programmers involved in maintenance of the software.

Exploring the Use of Isolated Expressions and Film Clips to Evaluate Emotion Recognition by People with Traumatic Brain Injury

PubMed Central

Zupan, Barbra; Neumann, Dawn

2016-01-01

The current study presented 60 people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 60 controls with isolated facial emotion expressions, isolated vocal emotion expressions, and multimodal (i.e., film clips) stimuli that included contextual cues. All stimuli were presented via computer. Participants were required to indicate how the person in each stimulus was feeling using a forced-choice format. Additionally, for the film clips, participants had to indicate how they felt in response to the stimulus, and the level of intensity with which they experienced that emotion. PMID:27213280

Results from extrapleural clipping of a patent ductus arteriosus in seriously ill preterm infants.

PubMed

Demirturk, Orhan; Güvener, Murat; Coşkun, Isa; Tünel, Hüseyin Ali

2011-12-01

Minithoracotomy for extrapleural closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in seriously ill patients offers a fast and less invasive alternative to conventional transpleural ductal closure. This study reports the immediate postoperative clinical outcomes for 24 extrapleurally clipped premature infants presenting with congestive heart failure in high-risk comorbidity status between March 2007 and November 2010. The demographics, preoperative clinical characteristics, and postoperative outcomes of the patients, including echocardiographic assessments, were evaluated. No surgery-related mortalities occurred. Four mortalities occurred after surgery due to sepsis and bleeding diathesis. All 20 surviving patients exhibited normal left ventricular dimensions and systolic function in the immediate follow-up period. The study shows that extrapleural clip closure in seriously ill premature infants has an acceptable overall short-term mortality and complication rate with a high rate of ductal closure.

Development of a novel marking system for laparoscopic gastrectomy using endoclips with radio frequency identification tags: feasibility study in a canine model.

PubMed

Kojima, Fumitsugu; Sato, Toshihiko; Tsunoda, Shigeru; Takahata, Hiromi; Hamaji, Masatsugu; Komatsu, Teruya; Okada, Minoru; Sugiura, Tadao; Oshiro, Osamu; Sakai, Yoshiharu; Date, Hiroshi; Nakamura, Tatsuo

2014-09-01

Intraoperative identification of early gastric cancer is difficult to conduct during laparoscopic procedures. In this study, we investigated the feasibility and accuracy of a newly developed marking system using endoclips with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags in a canine model. RFID is a wireless near field communication technology. Among the open frequency bands available for medical use, 13.56 MHz is suitable for a surgical marking system because of the similar and linear signal decay both in air and in biological tissues. The proposed system consists of four parts: (a) endoclips with RFID tags, (b) endo-clip applier equipment, (c) laparoscopic locating probe, and (d) signal processing units with audio interface. In the experimental setting using canine models, RFID-tagged endoclips were applied to the mucosa of each dog's stomach. During the subsequent operation, the clips with RFID tags placed in five dogs were located by the detection of the RFID signal from the tag (RFID group), and the conventional clips in the other six dogs were located by finger palpation (FP group). The detected sites were marked by ablation on the serosal surface. Distance between the clips and the metal pin needles indicating ablated sites were measured with X-ray radiographs of the resected specimen. All clips were successfully detected by the marking system in the RFID group (10/10) and by finger palpation in the FP group (17/17). The medians of detection times were 31.5 and 25.0 s, respectively; the distances were 5.63 and 7.62 mm, respectively. The differences were not statistically significant. No adverse event related to the procedures was observed. Endoclips with RFID tags were located by our novel marking system in an experimental laparoscopic setting using canine stomachs with substantial accuracy comparable to conventional endoclips located by finger palpation through an open approach.

An SQL query generator for CLIPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Snyder, James; Chirica, Laurian

1990-01-01

As expert systems become more widely used, their access to large amounts of external information becomes increasingly important. This information exists in several forms such as statistical, tabular data, knowledge gained by experts and large databases of information maintained by companies. Because many expert systems, including CLIPS, do not provide access to this external information, much of the usefulness of expert systems is left untapped. The scope of this paper is to describe a database extension for the CLIPS expert system shell. The current industry standard database language is SQL. Due to SQL standardization, large amounts of information stored on various computers, potentially at different locations, will be more easily accessible. Expert systems should be able to directly access these existing databases rather than requiring information to be re-entered into the expert system environment. The ORACLE relational database management system (RDBMS) was used to provide a database connection within the CLIPS environment. To facilitate relational database access a query generation system was developed as a CLIPS user function. The queries are entered in a CLlPS-like syntax and are passed to the query generator, which constructs and submits for execution, an SQL query to the ORACLE RDBMS. The query results are asserted as CLIPS facts. The query generator was developed primarily for use within the ICADS project (Intelligent Computer Aided Design System) currently being developed by the CAD Research Unit in the California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). In ICADS, there are several parallel or distributed expert systems accessing a common knowledge base of facts. Expert system has a narrow domain of interest and therefore needs only certain portions of the information. The query generator provides a common method of accessing this information and allows the expert system to specify what data is needed without specifying how to retrieve it.

Differences in displacement of the proximal and distal ends of mid-upper thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Qiu, Guoqin; Wen, Dengshun; DU, Xianghui; Sheng, Liming; Zhou, Xia; Ji, Yongling; Bao, Wuan; Zhang, Danhong; Cheng, Lei

2016-07-01

In the present study, clips were used as markers to evaluate displacement differences between proximal and distal ends of esophageal tumors and to test whether their internal target volume (ITV) margins should be determined separately. A total of 23 patients with mid-upper thoracic esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma, a tumor length of ≤8 cm and an esophageal lumen suitable for endoscopic ultrasonography were recruited for the present study. Clips were implanted endoscopically at the proximal and distal ends of the esophageal tumor (upper and lower clips). In a further exploratory study on 16 of the patients, a third clip was placed at the distal esophagus 2 cm above the gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) (cardiac clip). The clips were contoured for all 10 phases of the four-dimensional computed tomography and the maximum displacements of the clip centroids among different breathing phases in left-right (LR), superior-inferior (SI) and anterior-posterior (AP) directions were marked as x, y and z, respectively. The ITV margins that covered 95% of the LR, SI and AP motion were 2.89, 5.00 and 2.36 mm, respectively. Axial displacement (y) was greater than radial displacement (x, z; P<0.05). It was also revealed that LR(x), SI(y) and AP(z) displacement of cardiac clips was greater than that of upper or lower clips (P<0.05). Differences in the axial and radial displacement of the upper and lower clips indicated that axial and radial ITV margins should be determined separately. However, further study is required on patients in whom the distal tumor end is located in proximity to the GEJ.

Conventional Surgery for Early and Late Symptomatic Mitral Valve Stenosis After MitraClip® Intervention: An Institutional Experience With Four Consecutive Patients.

PubMed

Alozie, Anthony; Paranskaya, Liliya; Westphal, Bernd; Kaminski, Alexander; Steinhoff, Gustav; Sherif, Mohammad; Ince, Hüseyin; Öner, Alper

2017-12-01

Surgical mitral valve repair is the gold standard for treatment of mitral regurgitation. Recently, the transcatheter treatment of mitral regurgitation with the MitraClip ® device (Abbot Vascular Structural Heart, Menlo Park, CA) has demonstrated promising results in treating patients not amenable for surgical correction of mitral valve regurgitation. Most patients reported in the literature requiring surgical bailout after MitraClip treatment presented with residual or recurrent mitral valve regurgitation. Mitral valve stenosis after MitraClip treatment has been rarely reported. From February 2010 to December 2014, four patients out of 165 patients who underwent MitraClip therapy developed symptomatic mitral valve stenosis (2.4%) and needed surgical correction. Data of the four patients were reviewed retrospectively. Follow-up data were obtained from each patient's general practitioner/cardiologist by phone calls and facsimile and were complete in all patients. All four patients were treated with ≥ 2 MitraClip (MC) devices during their initial presentation. All four patients underwent MV replacement with a tissue valve. The postoperative course was uneventful and there was no 30-day mortality. At 6-month follow-up, all patients were alive and in NYHA class I-III. Placement of multiple clip devices may lead to slightly elevated transmitral gradients. This may not necessarily interpret into symptomatic mitral stenosis. However, in some cases this is possible. Caution should be exercised at this phase of the learning curve of the percutaneous MC treatment, especially in use of multiple MC devices. Copyright © 2017 Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Number of pins in two-stage stratified sampling for estimating herbage yield

Treesearch

William G. O' Regan; C. Eugene Conrad

1975-01-01

In a two-stage stratified procedure for sampling herbage yield, plots are stratified by a pin frame in stage one, and clipped. In stage two, clippings from selected plots are sorted, dried, and weighed. Sample size and distribution of plots between the two stages are determined by equations. A way to compute the effect of number of pins on the variance of estimated...

An intelligent tutoring system for space shuttle diagnosis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, William B.; Norton, Jeffrey E.; Duncan, Phillip C.

1988-01-01

An Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) transcends conventional computer-based instruction. An ITS is capable of monitoring and understanding student performance thereby providing feedback, explanation, and remediation. This is accomplished by including models of the student, the instructor, and the expert technician or operator in the domain of interest. The space shuttle fuel cell is the technical domain for the project described below. One system, Microcomputer Intelligence for Technical Training (MITT), demonstrates that ITS's can be developed and delivered, with a reasonable amount of effort and in a short period of time, on a microcomputer. The MITT system capitalizes on the diagnostic training approach called Framework for Aiding the Understanding of Logical Troubleshooting (FAULT) (Johnson, 1987). The system's embedded procedural expert was developed with NASA's C-Language Integrated Production (CLIP) expert system shell (Cubert, 1987).

Enforcing compatibility and constraint conditions and information retrieval at the design action

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woodruff, George W.

1990-01-01

The design of complex entities is a multidisciplinary process involving several interacting groups and disciplines. There is a need to integrate the data in such environments to enhance the collaboration between these groups and to enforce compatibility between dependent data entities. This paper discusses the implementation of a workstation based CAD system that is integrated with a DBMS and an expert system, CLIPS, (both implemented on a mini computer) to provide such collaborative and compatibility enforcement capabilities. The current implementation allows for a three way link between the CAD system, the DBMS and CLIPS. The engineering design process associated with the design and fabrication of sheet metal housing for computers in a large computer manufacturing facility provides the basis for this prototype system.

Knowledge based translation and problem solving in an intelligent individualized instruction system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jung, Namho; Biegel, John E.

1994-01-01

An Intelligent Individualized Instruction I(sup 3) system is being built to provide computerized instruction. We present the roles of a translator and a problem solver in an intelligent computer system. The modular design of the system provides for easier development and allows for future expansion and maintenance. CLIPS modules and classes are utilized for the purpose of the modular design and inter module communications. CLIPS facts and rules are used to represent the system components and the knowledge base. CLIPS provides an inferencing mechanism to allow the I(sup 3) system to solve problems presented to it in English.

Calculation Software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1994-01-01

MathSoft Plus 5.0 is a calculation software package for electrical engineers and computer scientists who need advanced math functionality. It incorporates SmartMath, an expert system that determines a strategy for solving difficult mathematical problems. SmartMath was the result of the integration into Mathcad of CLIPS, a NASA-developed shell for creating expert systems. By using CLIPS, MathSoft, Inc. was able to save the time and money involved in writing the original program.

MOM: A meteorological data checking expert system in CLIPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Odonnell, Richard

1990-01-01

Meteorologists have long faced the problem of verifying the data they use. Experience shows that there is a sizable number of errors in the data reported by meteorological observers. This is unacceptable for computer forecast models, which depend on accurate data for accurate results. Most errors that occur in meteorological data are obvious to the meteorologist, but time constraints prevent hand-checking. For this reason, it is necessary to have a 'front end' to the computer model to ensure the accuracy of input. Various approaches to automatic data quality control have been developed by several groups. MOM is a rule-based system implemented in CLIPS and utilizing 'consistency checks' and 'range checks'. The system is generic in the sense that it knows some meteorological principles, regardless of specific station characteristics. Specific constraints kept as CLIPS facts in a separate file provide for system flexibility. Preliminary results show that the expert system has detected some inconsistencies not noticed by a local expert.

Computational Test Cases for a Clipped Delta Wing with Pitching and Trailing-Edge Control Surface Oscillations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bennett, Robert M.; Walker, Charlotte E.

1999-01-01

Computational test cases have been selected from the data set for a clipped delta wing with a six-percent-thick circular-arc airfoil section that was tested in the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel. The test cases include parametric variation of static angle of attack, pitching oscillation frequency, trailing-edge control surface oscillation frequency, and Mach numbers from subsonic to low supersonic values. Tables and plots of the measured pressures are presented for each case. This report provides an early release of test cases that have been proposed for a document that supplements the cases presented in AGARD Report 702.

Iatrogenic Subtotal Stenosis of the Right Subclavian Artery Treated With Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty

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

Smeenk, Robert M., E-mail: r.m.smeenk@asz.nl; Kock, Mark C. J. M.; Elgersma, Otto E. H.

2011-02-15

This report describes a rare vascular complication of surgical placement of a marking clip and a possible approach to problem solving. A 55-year-old patient presented with loss of sensation in the fingers and loss of peripheral pulsations in the right arm 4 days after right upper lobectomy for a pT2N1 moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the lung. Duplex examination and computed tomography were performed the same day and showed a subtotal stenosis of the right subclavian artery, which was caused by the surgical placement of a metal clip to mark the surgical boundary. Selective angiography was subsequently performed. Percutaneous transluminal angioplastymore » (PTA) successfully dilated the stenosis and pushed the clip off. Flow in the right subclavian artery (RSA) was completely restored as were neurology and peripheral pulses. In conclusion, arterial stenosis by a surgical (marking) clip may be feasibly treated with PTA.« less

Comparison of frictional resistance among conventional, active and passive selfligating brackets with different combinations of arch wires: a finite elements study.

PubMed

Gómez, Sandra L; Montoya, Yesid; Garcia, Nora L; Virgen, Ana L; Botero, Javier E

2016-09-01

The aim of this study was to compare frictional resistance among conventional, passive and active selfligating brackets using Finite Elements Analysis (FEA). Seventynine (79) slide tests were performed by combining an upper first bicuspid conventional bracket, 0.018" stainless steel wires and 0.010" ligature by means of an INSTRON 3345 load system to obtain average maximum static frictional resistance (MSFR). This value was compared to the FR (frictional resistance) obtained by simulation of a slide of the same combination by FEA following conventional bracket modeling by means of Computer Aided Design (CAD). Once the FEA was validated, bracket CADs were designed (upper right first bicuspid conventional, active and passive selfligating bracket) and bracket properties calculated. MSFR was compared among conventional, active and passive selfligating brackets with different alloys and archwire cross sections such as 0.018", 0.019" x 0.025"and 0.020" x 0.020". Passive selfligating brackets had the lowest MSFR, followed by conventional brackets and active selfligating brackets. In conventional brackets, a 0.018" archwire produced a linear pattern of stress with maximum concentration at the center. Conversely, stress in 0.020 x 0.020" and 0.019 x 0.025" archwires was distributed across the width of the slot. The highest normal forces were 1.53 N for the 0.018" archwire, 4.85 N for the 0.020 x 0.020" archwire and 8.18 N for the 0.019 x 0.025" archwire. Passive selfligating brackets presented less frictional resistance than conventional and active selfligating brackets. Regardless of bracket type, greater contact area between the slot and the archwire and the spring clip increased frictional resistance. Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría.

Energy sources for laparoscopic colectomy: a prospective randomized comparison of conventional electrosurgery, bipolar computer-controlled electrosurgery and ultrasonic dissection. Operative outcome and costs analysis.

PubMed

Targarona, Eduardo Ma; Balague, Carmen; Marin, Juan; Neto, Rene Berindoague; Martinez, Carmen; Garriga, Jordi; Trias, Manuel

2005-12-01

The development of operative laparoscopic surgery is linked to advances in ancillary surgical instrumentation. Ultrasonic energy devices avoid the use of electricity and provide effective control of small- to medium-sized vessels. Bipolar computer-controlled electrosurgical technology eliminates the disadvantages of electrical energy, and a mechanical blade adds a cutting action. This instrument can provide effective hemostasis of large vessels up to 7 mm. Such devices significantly increase the cost of laparoscopic procedures, however, and the amount of evidence-based information on this topic is surprisingly scarce. This study compared the effectiveness of three different energy sources on the laparoscopic performance of a left colectomy. The trial included 38 nonselected patients with a disease of the colon requiring an elective segmental left-sided colon resection. Patients were preoperatively randomized into three groups. Group I had electrosurgery; vascular dissection was performed entirely with an electrosurgery generator, and vessels were controlled with clips. Group II underwent computer-controlled bipolar electrosurgery; vascular and mesocolon section was completed by using the 10-mm Ligasure device alone. In group III, 5-mm ultrasonic shears (Harmonic Scalpel) were used for bowel dissection, vascular pedicle dissection, and mesocolon transection. The mesenteric vessel pedicle was controlled with an endostapler. Demographics (age, sex, body mass index, comorbidity, previous surgery and diagnoses requiring surgery) were recorded, as were surgical details (operative time, conversion, blood loss), additional disposable instruments (number of trocars, EndoGIA charges, and clip appliers), and clinical outcome. Intraoperative economic costs were also evaluated. End points of the trial were operative time and intraoperative blood loss, and an intention-to-treat principle was followed. The three groups were well matched for demographic and pathologic features. Surgical time was significantly longer in patients operated on with conventional electrosurgery vs the Harmonic Scalpel or computed-based bipolar energy devices. This finding correlated with a significant reduction in intraoperative blood loss. Conversion to other endoscopic techniques was more frequent in Group I; however, conversion to open surgery was similar in all three groups. No intraoperative accident related to the use of the specific device was observed in any group. Immediate outcome was similar in the three groups, without differences in morbidity, mortality, or hospital stay. Analysis of operative costs showed no significant differences between the three groups. High-energy power sources specifically adapted for endoscopic surgery reduce operative time and blood loss and may be considered cost-effective when left colectomy is used as a model.

Photoelastic analysis to compare implant-retained and conventional obturator dentures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goiato, Marcelo Coelho; Prado Ribeiro, Paula do; Pellizzer, Eduardo Piza; Pesqueira, Aldiéris Alves; Haddad, Marcela Filiè; dos Santos, Daniela Micheline; Moreno, Amália

2012-06-01

The use of photoelastic analysis contributes to the rehabilitation of patients with oral-sinus-nasal sequelae, which in turn affect important functions such as chewing, swallowing, and speech. The prosthetic rehabilitation with implant-retained dentures is a suitable treatment option. The purpose of this study was to verify, by using a photoelastic analysis, the stress distribution in implant-retained palatal obturator dentures (relined or not) associated with different attachment systems (O-ring, bar-clip, and bar-clip associated with distally placed O-rings). Two photoelastic models were obtained from an experimental maxillary cast presenting an oral-nasal communication. One model had two 13-mm length implants placed on the left region. A total of eight colorless maxillary obturators were fabricated and subsequently four of them were relined with soft silicone soft, and three had attachment systems associated. The assembly (model/attachment system/prosthesis) was positioned in a circular polariscope and a 100-N load was applied at 10 mm/s. The results showed that the denture relining influenced the distribution and amount of stress on the models. The O-ring group displayed the lowest stress levels, followed by bar-clip system associated with distally placed O-rings and bar-clip groups.

Software life cycle methodologies and environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fridge, Ernest

1991-01-01

Products of this project will significantly improve the quality and productivity of Space Station Freedom Program software processes by: improving software reliability and safety; and broadening the range of problems that can be solved with computational solutions. Projects brings in Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) technology for: Environments such as Engineering Script Language/Parts Composition System (ESL/PCS) application generator, Intelligent User Interface for cost avoidance in setting up operational computer runs, Framework programmable platform for defining process and software development work flow control, Process for bringing CASE technology into an organization's culture, and CLIPS/CLIPS Ada language for developing expert systems; and methodologies such as Method for developing fault tolerant, distributed systems and a method for developing systems for common sense reasoning and for solving expert systems problems when only approximate truths are known.

CLIPS application user interface for the PC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jenkins, Jim; Holbrook, Rebecca; Shewhart, Mark; Crouse, Joey; Yarost, Stuart

1991-01-01

The majority of applications that utilize expert system development programs for their knowledge representation and inferencing capability require some form of interface with the end user. This interface is more than likely an interaction through the computer screen. When building an application the user interface can prove to be the most difficult and time consuming aspect to program. Commercial products currently exist which address this issue. To keep pace C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) will need to find a solution for their lack of an easy to use Application User Interface (AUI). This paper represents a survey of the DoD CLIPS' user community and provides the backbone of a possible solution.

CLIP-seq analysis of multi-mapped reads discovers novel functional RNA regulatory sites in the human transcriptome.

PubMed

Zhang, Zijun; Xing, Yi

2017-09-19

Crosslinking or RNA immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (CLIP-seq or RIP-seq) allows transcriptome-wide discovery of RNA regulatory sites. As CLIP-seq/RIP-seq reads are short, existing computational tools focus on uniquely mapped reads, while reads mapped to multiple loci are discarded. We present CLAM (CLIP-seq Analysis of Multi-mapped reads). CLAM uses an expectation-maximization algorithm to assign multi-mapped reads and calls peaks combining uniquely and multi-mapped reads. To demonstrate the utility of CLAM, we applied it to a wide range of public CLIP-seq/RIP-seq datasets involving numerous splicing factors, microRNAs and m6A RNA methylation. CLAM recovered a large number of novel RNA regulatory sites inaccessible by uniquely mapped reads. The functional significance of these sites was demonstrated by consensus motif patterns and association with alternative splicing (splicing factors), transcript abundance (AGO2) and mRNA half-life (m6A). CLAM provides a useful tool to discover novel protein-RNA interactions and RNA modification sites from CLIP-seq and RIP-seq data, and reveals the significant contribution of repetitive elements to the RNA regulatory landscape of the human transcriptome. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Microsurgery Simulator of Cerebral Aneurysm Clipping with Interactive Cerebral Deformation Featuring a Virtual Arachnoid.

PubMed

Shono, Naoyuki; Kin, Taichi; Nomura, Seiji; Miyawaki, Satoru; Saito, Toki; Imai, Hideaki; Nakatomi, Hirofumi; Oyama, Hiroshi; Saito, Nobuhito

2018-05-01

A virtual reality simulator for aneurysmal clipping surgery is an attractive research target for neurosurgeons. Brain deformation is one of the most important functionalities necessary for an accurate clipping simulator and is vastly affected by the status of the supporting tissue, such as the arachnoid membrane. However, no virtual reality simulator implementing the supporting tissue of the brain has yet been developed. To develop a virtual reality clipping simulator possessing interactive brain deforming capability closely dependent on arachnoid dissection and apply it to clinical cases. Three-dimensional computer graphics models of cerebral tissue and surrounding structures were extracted from medical images. We developed a new method for modifiable cerebral tissue complex deformation by incorporating a nonmedical image-derived virtual arachnoid/trabecula in a process called multitissue integrated interactive deformation (MTIID). MTIID made it possible for cerebral tissue complexes to selectively deform at the site of dissection. Simulations for 8 cases of actual clipping surgery were performed before surgery and evaluated for their usefulness in surgical approach planning. Preoperatively, each operative field was precisely reproduced and visualized with the virtual brain retraction defined by users. The clear visualization of the optimal approach to treating the aneurysm via an appropriate arachnoid incision was possible with MTIID. A virtual clipping simulator mainly focusing on supporting tissues and less on physical properties seemed to be useful in the surgical simulation of cerebral aneurysm clipping. To our knowledge, this article is the first to report brain deformation based on supporting tissues.

Driver comprehension of managed lane signing.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-09-01

A statewide survey of driver comprehension of managed lane signing is reported. Computer-based surveys were conducted using video clips of computer animations as well as still images of signs. The surveys were conducted in four Texas cities with a to...

Evaluation of stereoscopic medical video content on an autostereoscopic display for undergraduate medical education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilgner, Justus F. R.; Kawai, Takashi; Shibata, Takashi; Yamazoe, Takashi; Westhofen, Martin

2006-02-01

Introduction: An increasing number of surgical procedures are performed in a microsurgical and minimally-invasive fashion. However, the performance of surgery, its possibilities and limitations become difficult to teach. Stereoscopic video has evolved from a complex production process and expensive hardware towards rapid editing of video streams with standard and HDTV resolution which can be displayed on portable equipment. This study evaluates the usefulness of stereoscopic video in teaching undergraduate medical students. Material and methods: From an earlier study we chose two clips each of three different microsurgical operations (tympanoplasty type III of the ear, endonasal operation of the paranasal sinuses and laser chordectomy for carcinoma of the larynx). This material was added by 23 clips of a cochlear implantation, which was specifically edited for a portable computer with an autostereoscopic display (PC-RD1-3D, SHARP Corp., Japan). The recording and synchronization of left and right image was performed at the University Hospital Aachen. The footage was edited stereoscopically at the Waseda University by means of our original software for non-linear editing of stereoscopic 3-D movies. Then the material was converted into the streaming 3-D video format. The purpose of the conversion was to present the video clips by a file type that does not depend on a television signal such as PAL or NTSC. 25 4th year medical students who participated in the general ENT course at Aachen University Hospital were asked to estimate depth clues within the six video clips plus cochlear implantation clips. Another 25 4th year students who were shown the material monoscopically on a conventional laptop served as control. Results: All participants noted that the additional depth information helped with understanding the relation of anatomical structures, even though none had hands-on experience with Ear, Nose and Throat operations before or during the course. The monoscopic group generally estimated resection depth to much lesser values than in reality. Although this was the case with some participants in the stereoscopic group, too, the estimation of depth features reflected the enhanced depth impression provided by stereoscopy. Conclusion: Following first implementation of stereoscopic video teaching, medical students who are inexperienced with ENT surgical procedures are able to reproduce depth information and therefore anatomically complex structures to a greater extent following stereoscopic video teaching. Besides extending video teaching to junior doctors, the next evaluation step will address its effect on the learning curve during the surgical training program.

Evaluation of an expert system for fault detection, isolation, and recovery in the manned maneuvering unit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rushby, John; Crow, Judith

1990-01-01

The authors explore issues in the specification, verification, and validation of artificial intelligence (AI) based software, using a prototype fault detection, isolation and recovery (FDIR) system for the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU). They use this system as a vehicle for exploring issues in the semantics of C-Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS)-style rule-based languages, the verification of properties relating to safety and reliability, and the static and dynamic analysis of knowledge based systems. This analysis reveals errors and shortcomings in the MMU FDIR system and raises a number of issues concerning software engineering in CLIPs. The authors came to realize that the MMU FDIR system does not conform to conventional definitions of AI software, despite the fact that it was intended and indeed presented as an AI system. The authors discuss this apparent disparity and related questions such as the role of AI techniques in space and aircraft operations and the suitability of CLIPS for critical applications.

Fast and efficient search for MPEG-4 video using adjacent pixel intensity difference quantization histogram feature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Feifei; Kotani, Koji; Chen, Qiu; Ohmi, Tadahiro

2010-02-01

In this paper, a fast search algorithm for MPEG-4 video clips from video database is proposed. An adjacent pixel intensity difference quantization (APIDQ) histogram is utilized as the feature vector of VOP (video object plane), which had been reliably applied to human face recognition previously. Instead of fully decompressed video sequence, partially decoded data, namely DC sequence of the video object are extracted from the video sequence. Combined with active search, a temporal pruning algorithm, fast and robust video search can be realized. The proposed search algorithm has been evaluated by total 15 hours of video contained of TV programs such as drama, talk, news, etc. to search for given 200 MPEG-4 video clips which each length is 15 seconds. Experimental results show the proposed algorithm can detect the similar video clip in merely 80ms, and Equal Error Rate (ERR) of 2 % in drama and news categories are achieved, which are more accurately and robust than conventional fast video search algorithm.

Evaluation of a Novel Laser-assisted Coronary Anastomotic Connector - the Trinity Clip - in a Porcine Off-pump Bypass Model

PubMed Central

Stecher, David; Bronkers, Glenn; Noest, Jappe O.T.; Tulleken, Cornelis A.F.; Hoefer, Imo E.; van Herwerden, Lex A.; Pasterkamp, Gerard; Buijsrogge, Marc P.

2014-01-01

To simplify and facilitate beating heart (i.e., off-pump), minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery, a new coronary anastomotic connector, the Trinity Clip, is developed based on the excimer laser-assisted nonocclusive anastomosis technique. The Trinity Clip connector enables simplified, sutureless, and nonocclusive connection of the graft to the coronary artery, and an excimer laser catheter laser-punches the opening of the anastomosis. Consequently, owing to the complete nonocclusive anastomosis construction, coronary conditioning (i.e., occluding or shunting) is not necessary, in contrast to the conventional anastomotic technique, hence simplifying the off-pump bypass procedure. Prior to clinical application in coronary artery bypass grafting, the safety and quality of this novel connector will be evaluated in a long-term experimental porcine off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) study. In this paper, we describe how to evaluate the coronary anastomosis in the porcine OPCAB model using various techniques to assess its quality. Representative results are summarized and visually demonstrated. PMID:25490000

University of South Carolina CB Support, Basic Research in Materials and Techniques for Optical Computing Standoff Sensors

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-10-01

chloroform-soaked swab prior to making electrical contact with directly related to the oxidation and reduction potential of the an alligator clip. In...other cases, no cleaning protocol was used emitting layers.’.’ Wrighton et al.𔃺 examined the cyclic and a direct connection via an alligator clip was...applied to optical spectra of complex mix- samples requires techniques of simple multivariate patterntame (gasoline, blood , environmental samples

Acquisition, representation and rule generation for procedural knowledge

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ortiz, Chris; Saito, Tim; Mithal, Sachin; Loftin, R. Bowen

1991-01-01

Current research into the design and continuing development of a system for the acquisition of procedural knowledge, its representation in useful forms, and proposed methods for automated C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) rule generation is discussed. The Task Analysis and Rule Generation Tool (TARGET) is intended to permit experts, individually or collectively, to visually describe and refine procedural tasks. The system is designed to represent the acquired knowledge in the form of graphical objects with the capacity for generating production rules in CLIPS. The generated rules can then be integrated into applications such as NASA's Intelligent Computer Aided Training (ICAT) architecture. Also described are proposed methods for use in translating the graphical and intermediate knowledge representations into CLIPS rules.

[A Case of Aphasia after Neck Clipping of a Ruptured Aneurysm at the Origin of the Duplicated Middle Cerebral Artery].

PubMed

Miyoshi, Hiroyuki; Migita, Keisuke; Kumano, Kiyoshi; Hashimoto, Naomi; Toyota, Akihiro

2016-11-01

We report a case of aphasia after neck clipping of a ruptured aneurysm at the origin of the duplicated middle cerebral artery(DMCA). A 60-year-old woman had a sudden onset of headache and nausea. A computed tomography(CT)scan revealed diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage. Head three-dimensional CT angiography(3D-CTA)showed a left DMCA with a saccular aneurysm at the origin. She became aphasic on the third day after aneurysmal neck clipping. A CT scan revealed a low-density area in the anterior portion of the left temporal lobe, which is perfused by the DMCA. The DMCA was patent on 3D-CTA, but the angle between the ICA and the DMCA changed steep. It is suspected that the clip changed the branching angle at the DMCA origin, which may have led to decreased blood flow in the DMCA. She received linguistic rehabilitation for dysnomia and was discharged with slight difficulty in naming objects. Six months later, she recovered from the aphasia. One year later, the DMCA was patent on 3D-CTA. We should pay attention to ischemic complications in clipping because DMCAs are easily deformed.

A tale of two sequences: microRNA-target chimeric reads.

PubMed

Broughton, James P; Pasquinelli, Amy E

2016-04-04

In animals, a functional interaction between a microRNA (miRNA) and its target RNA requires only partial base pairing. The limited number of base pair interactions required for miRNA targeting provides miRNAs with broad regulatory potential and also makes target prediction challenging. Computational approaches to target prediction have focused on identifying miRNA target sites based on known sequence features that are important for canonical targeting and may miss non-canonical targets. Current state-of-the-art experimental approaches, such as CLIP-seq (cross-linking immunoprecipitation with sequencing), PAR-CLIP (photoactivatable-ribonucleoside-enhanced CLIP), and iCLIP (individual-nucleotide resolution CLIP), require inference of which miRNA is bound at each site. Recently, the development of methods to ligate miRNAs to their target RNAs during the preparation of sequencing libraries has provided a new tool for the identification of miRNA target sites. The chimeric, or hybrid, miRNA-target reads that are produced by these methods unambiguously identify the miRNA bound at a specific target site. The information provided by these chimeric reads has revealed extensive non-canonical interactions between miRNAs and their target mRNAs, and identified many novel interactions between miRNAs and noncoding RNAs.

Realizing the Promise of Visualization in the Theory of Computing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cogliati, Joshua J.; Goosey, Frances W.; Grinder, Michael T.; Pascoe, Bradley A.; Ross, Rockford J.; Williams, Cheston J.

2005-01-01

Progress on a hypertextbook on the theory of computing is presented. The hypertextbook is a novel teaching and learning resource built around web technologies that incorporates text, sound, pictures, illustrations, slide shows, video clips, and--most importantly--active learning models of the key concepts of the theory of computing into an…

Object oriented development of engineering software using CLIPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yoon, C. John

1991-01-01

Engineering applications involve numeric complexity and manipulations of a large amount of data. Traditionally, numeric computation has been the concern in developing an engineering software. As engineering application software became larger and more complex, management of resources such as data, rather than the numeric complexity, has become the major software design problem. Object oriented design and implementation methodologies can improve the reliability, flexibility, and maintainability of the resulting software; however, some tasks are better solved with the traditional procedural paradigm. The C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS), with deffunction and defgeneric constructs, supports the procedural paradigm. The natural blending of object oriented and procedural paradigms has been cited as the reason for the popularity of the C++ language. The CLIPS Object Oriented Language's (COOL) object oriented features are more versatile than C++'s. A software design methodology based on object oriented and procedural approaches appropriate for engineering software, and to be implemented in CLIPS was outlined. A method for sensor placement for Space Station Freedom is being implemented in COOL as a sample problem.

Preoperative simulation for the planning of microsurgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms.

PubMed

Marinho, Paulo; Vermandel, Maximilien; Bourgeois, Philippe; Lejeune, Jean-Paul; Mordon, Serge; Thines, Laurent

2014-12-01

The safety and success of intracranial aneurysm (IA) surgery could be improved through the dedicated application of simulation covering the procedure from the 3-dimensional (3D) description of the surgical scene to the visual representation of the clip application. We aimed in this study to validate the technical feasibility and clinical relevance of such a protocol. All patients preoperatively underwent 3D magnetic resonance imaging and 3D computed tomography angiography to build 3D reconstructions of the brain, cerebral arteries, and surrounding cranial bone. These 3D models were segmented and merged using Osirix, a DICOM image processing application. This provided the surgical scene that was subsequently imported into Blender, a modeling platform for 3D animation. Digitized clips and appliers could then be manipulated in the virtual operative environment, allowing the visual simulation of clipping. This simulation protocol was assessed in a series of 10 IAs by 2 neurosurgeons. The protocol was feasible in all patients. The visual similarity between the surgical scene and the operative view was excellent in 100% of the cases, and the identification of the vascular structures was accurate in 90% of the cases. The neurosurgeons found the simulation helpful for planning the surgical approach (ie, the bone flap, cisternal opening, and arterial tree exposure) in 100% of the cases. The correct number of final clip(s) needed was predicted from the simulation in 90% of the cases. The preoperatively expected characteristics of the optimal clip(s) (ie, their number, shape, size, and orientation) were validated during surgery in 80% of the cases. This study confirmed that visual simulation of IA clipping based on the processing of high-resolution 3D imaging can be effective. This is a new and important step toward the development of a more sophisticated integrated simulation platform dedicated to cerebrovascular surgery.

Building distributed rule-based systems using the AI Bus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schultz, Roger D.; Stobie, Iain C.

1990-01-01

The AI Bus software architecture was designed to support the construction of large-scale, production-quality applications in areas of high technology flux, running heterogeneous distributed environments, utilizing a mix of knowledge-based and conventional components. These goals led to its current development as a layered, object-oriented library for cooperative systems. This paper describes the concepts and design of the AI Bus and its implementation status as a library of reusable and customizable objects, structured by layers from operating system interfaces up to high-level knowledge-based agents. Each agent is a semi-autonomous process with specialized expertise, and consists of a number of knowledge sources (a knowledge base and inference engine). Inter-agent communication mechanisms are based on blackboards and Actors-style acquaintances. As a conservative first implementation, we used C++ on top of Unix, and wrapped an embedded Clips with methods for the knowledge source class. This involved designing standard protocols for communication and functions which use these protocols in rules. Embedding several CLIPS objects within a single process was an unexpected problem because of global variables, whose solution involved constructing and recompiling a C++ version of CLIPS. We are currently working on a more radical approach to incorporating CLIPS, by separating out its pattern matcher, rule and fact representations and other components as true object oriented modules.

Computer Courses in Higher-Education: Improving Learning by Screencast Technology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ghilay, Yaron; Ghilay, Ruth

2015-01-01

The aim of the study was to find out a method designated to improve the learning of computer courses by adding Screencast technology. The intention was to measure the influence of high-quality clips produced by Screencast technology, on the learning process of computer courses. It was required to find out the characteristics (pedagogical and…

Rater reliability and concurrent validity of the Keyboard Personal Computer Style instrument (K-PeCS).

PubMed

Baker, Nancy A; Cook, James R; Redfern, Mark S

2009-01-01

This paper describes the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability, and the concurrent validity of an observational instrument, the Keyboard Personal Computer Style instrument (K-PeCS), which assesses stereotypical postures and movements associated with computer keyboard use. Three trained raters independently rated the video clips of 45 computer keyboard users to ascertain inter-rater reliability, and then re-rated a sub-sample of 15 video clips to ascertain intra-rater reliability. Concurrent validity was assessed by comparing the ratings obtained using the K-PeCS to scores developed from a 3D motion analysis system. The overall K-PeCS had excellent reliability [inter-rater: intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC)=.90; intra-rater: ICC=.92]. Most individual items on the K-PeCS had from good to excellent reliability, although six items fell below ICC=.75. Those K-PeCS items that were assessed for concurrent validity compared favorably to the motion analysis data for all but two items. These results suggest that most items on the K-PeCS can be used to reliably document computer keyboarding style.

Development of a personal-computer-based intelligent tutoring system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mueller, Stephen J.

1988-01-01

A large number of Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs) have been built since they were first proposed in the early 1970's. Research conducted on the use of the best of these systems has demonstrated their effectiveness in tutoring in selected domains. A prototype ITS for tutoring students in the use of CLIPS language: CLIPSIT (CLIPS Intelligent Tutor) was developed. For an ITS to be widely accepted, not only must it be effective, flexible, and very responsive, it must also be capable of functioning on readily available computers. While most ITSs have been developed on powerful workstations, CLIPSIT is designed for use on the IBM PC/XT/AT personal computer family (and their clones). There are many issues to consider when developing an ITS on a personal computer such as the teaching strategy, user interface, knowledge representation, and program design methodology. Based on experiences in developing CLIPSIT, results on how to address some of these issues are reported and approaches are suggested for maintaining a powerful learning environment while delivering robust performance within the speed and memory constraints of the personal computer.

Dosimetric impact of tumor bed delineation variability based on 4DCT scan for external-beam partial breast irradiation.

PubMed

Guo, Bing; Li, Jianbin; Wang, Wei; Li, Fengxiang; Guo, Yanluan; Li, Yankang; Liu, Tonghai

2015-01-01

This study sought to evaluate the dosimetric impact of tumor bed delineation variability (based on clips, seroma or both clips and seroma) during external-beam partial breast irradiation (EB-PBI) planned utilizing four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) scans. 4DCT scans of 20 patients with a seroma clarity score (SCS) 3~5 and ≥5 surgical clips were included in this study. The combined volume of the tumor bed formed using clips, seroma, or both clips and seroma on the 10 phases of 4DCT was defined as the internal gross target volume (termed IGTVC, IGTVS and IGTVC+S, respectively). A 1.5-cm margin was added by defining the planning target volume (termed PTVC, PTVS and PTVC+S, respectively). Three treatment plans were established using the 4DCT images (termed EB-PBIC, EB-PBIS, EB-PBIC+S, respectively). The results showed that the volume of IGTVC+S was significantly larger than that of IGTVCand IGTVS. Similarly, the volume of PTVC+S was markedly larger than that of PTVC and PTVS. However, the PTV coverage for EB-PBIC+S was similar to that of EB-PBIC and EB-PBIS, and there were no significant differences in the homogeneity index or conformity index between the three treatment plans (P=0.878, 0.086). The EB-PBIS plan resulted in the lowest ipsilateral normal breast and ipsilateral lung doses compared with the EB-PBIC and EB-PBIC+S plans. To conclude, the volume variability delineated based on clips, seroma or both clips and seroma resulted in dosimetric variability for organs at risk, but did not show a marked influence on the dosimetric distribution.

Dosimetric impact of tumor bed delineation variability based on 4DCT scan for external-beam partial breast irradiation

PubMed Central

Guo, Bing; Li, Jianbin; Wang, Wei; Li, Fengxiang; Guo, Yanluan; Li, Yankang; Liu, Tonghai

2015-01-01

This study sought to evaluate the dosimetric impact of tumor bed delineation variability (based on clips, seroma or both clips and seroma) during external-beam partial breast irradiation (EB-PBI) planned utilizing four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) scans. 4DCT scans of 20 patients with a seroma clarity score (SCS) 3~5 and ≥5 surgical clips were included in this study. The combined volume of the tumor bed formed using clips, seroma, or both clips and seroma on the 10 phases of 4DCT was defined as the internal gross target volume (termed IGTVC, IGTVS and IGTVC+S, respectively). A 1.5-cm margin was added by defining the planning target volume (termed PTVC, PTVS and PTVC+S, respectively). Three treatment plans were established using the 4DCT images (termed EB-PBIC, EB-PBIS, EB-PBIC+S, respectively). The results showed that the volume of IGTVC+S was significantly larger than that of IGTVCand IGTVS. Similarly, the volume of PTVC+S was markedly larger than that of PTVC and PTVS. However, the PTV coverage for EB-PBIC+S was similar to that of EB-PBIC and EB-PBIS, and there were no significant differences in the homogeneity index or conformity index between the three treatment plans (P=0.878, 0.086). The EB-PBIS plan resulted in the lowest ipsilateral normal breast and ipsilateral lung doses compared with the EB-PBIC and EB-PBIC+S plans. To conclude, the volume variability delineated based on clips, seroma or both clips and seroma resulted in dosimetric variability for organs at risk, but did not show a marked influence on the dosimetric distribution. PMID:26885108

Changes in salivary testosterone concentrations and subsequent voluntary squat performance following the presentation of short video clips.

PubMed

Cook, Christian J; Crewther, Blair T

2012-01-01

Previous studies have shown that visual images can produce rapid changes in testosterone concentrations. We explored the acute effects of video clips on salivary testosterone and cortisol concentrations and subsequent voluntary squat performance in highly trained male athletes (n=12). Saliva samples were collected on 6 occasions immediately before and 15 min after watching a brief video clip (approximately 4 min in duration) on a computer screen. The watching of a sad, erotic, aggressive, training motivational, humorous or a neutral control clip was randomised. Subjects then performed a squat workout aimed at producing a 3 repetition maximum (3RM) lift. Significant (P<0.001) relative (%) increases in testosterone concentrations were noted with watching the erotic, humorous, aggressive and training videos (versus control and sad), with testosterone decreasing significantly (versus control) after the sad clip. The aggressive video also produced an elevated cortisol response (% change) and more so than the control and humorous videos (P<0.001). A significant (P<0.003) improvement in 3RM performance was noted after the erotic, aggressive and training clips (versus control). A strong within-individual correlation (mean r=0.85) was also noted between the relative changes in testosterone and the 3RM squats across all video sessions (P<0.001). In conclusion, different video clips were associated with different changes in salivary free hormone concentrations and the relative changes in testosterone closely mapped 3RM squat performance in a group of highly trained males. Thus, speculatively, using short video presentations in the pre-workout environment offers an opportunity for understanding the outcomes of hormonal change, athlete behaviour and subsequent voluntary performance. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Image Guidance in External Beam Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation: Comparison of Surrogates for the Lumpectomy Cavity

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

Hasan, Yasmin; Kim, Leonard; Martinez, Alvaro

Purpose: To compare localization of the lumpectomy cavity by using breast surface matching vs. clips for image-guided external beam accelerated partial breast irradiation. Methods and Materials: Twenty-seven patients with breast cancer with two computed tomography (CT) scans each had three CT registrations performed: (1) to bony anatomy, (2) to the center of mass (COM) of surgical clips, and (3) to the breast surface. The cavity COM was defined in both the initial and second CT scans after each type of registration, and distances between COMs ({delta}COM{sub Bone}, {delta}COM{sub Clips}, and {delta}COM{sub Surface}) were determined. Smaller {delta}COMs were interpreted as bettermore » localizations. Correlation coefficients were calculated for {delta}COM vs. several variables. Results: The {delta}COM{sub Bone} (mean, 7 {+-} 2 [SD] mm) increased with breast volume (r = 0.4; p = 0.02) and distance from the chest wall (r = 0.5; p = 0.003). Relative to bony registration, clip registration provided better localization ({delta}COM{sub Clips} < {delta}COM{sub Bone}) in 25 of 27 cases. Breast surface matching improved cavity localization ({delta}COM{sub Surface} < {delta}COM{sub Bone}) in 19 of 27 cases. Mean improvements ({delta}COM{sub Bone} - {delta}COM{sub ClipsorSurface}) were 4 {+-} 3 and 2 {+-} 4 mm, respectively. In terms of percentage of improvement ([{delta}COM{sub Bone} - {delta}COM{sub ClipsorSurface}]/{delta}COM{sub Bone}), only surface matching showed a correlation with breast volume. Clip localization outperformed surface registration for cavities located superior to the breast COM. Conclusions: Use of either breast surface or surgical clips as surrogates for the cavity results in improved localization in most patients compared with bony registration and may allow smaller planning target volume margins for external beam accelerated partial breast irradiation. Compared with surface registration, clip registration may be less sensitive to anatomic characteristics and therefore more broadly applicable.« less

Evaluation of Clipping Based Iterative PAPR Reduction Techniques for FBMC Systems

PubMed Central

Kollár, Zsolt

2014-01-01

This paper investigates filter bankmulticarrier (FBMC), a multicarrier modulation technique exhibiting an extremely low adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) compared to conventional orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technique. The low ACLR of the transmitted FBMC signal makes it especially favorable in cognitive radio applications, where strict requirements are posed on out-of-band radiation. Large dynamic range resulting in high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) is characteristic of all sorts of multicarrier signals. The advantageous spectral properties of the high-PAPR FBMC signal are significantly degraded if nonlinearities are present in the transceiver chain. Spectral regrowth may appear, causing harmful interference in the neighboring frequency bands. This paper presents novel clipping based PAPR reduction techniques, evaluated and compared by simulations and measurements, with an emphasis on spectral aspects. The paper gives an overall comparison of PAPR reduction techniques, focusing on the reduction of the dynamic range of FBMC signals without increasing out-of-band radiation. An overview is presented on transmitter oriented techniques employing baseband clipping, which can maintain the system performance with a desired bit error rate (BER). PMID:24558338

Do medical students watch video clips in eLearning and do these facilitate learning?

PubMed

Romanov, Kalle; Nevgi, Anne

2007-06-01

There is controversial evidence of the impact of individual learning style on students' performance in computer-aided learning. We assessed the association between the use of multimedia materials, such as video clips, and collaborative communication tools with learning outcome among medical students. One hundred and twenty-one third-year medical students attended a course in medical informatics (0.7 credits) consisting of lectures, small group sessions and eLearning material. The eLearning material contained six learning modules with integrated video clips and collaborative learning tools in WebCT. Learning outcome was measured with a course exam. Approximately two-thirds of students (68.6%) viewed two or more videos. Female students were significantly more active video-watchers. No significant associations were found between video-watching and self-test scores or the time used in eLearning. Video-watchers were more active in WebCT; they loaded more pages and more actively participated in discussion forums. Video-watching was associated with a better course grade. Students who watched video clips were more active in using collaborative eLearning tools and achieved higher course grades.

Left atrial remodeling in patients undergoing percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system: an advanced echocardiography study.

PubMed

Toprak, Cuneyt; Kahveci, Gokhan; Kilicgedik, Alev; Pala, Selcuk; Kirma, Cevat; Tabakci, Mehmet Mustafa; Inanir, Mehmet; Esen, Ali Metin

2016-10-01

The goal of this study was to determine changes in left atrial (LA) function with two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) and real-time full-volume three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) after percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system. Furthermore, we investigated whether baseline and/or changes in LA function after MitraClip repair had any impact on prognosis. A total of 25 consecutive patients (age: 57±12 years, 76% male) with moderate-to-severe or severe mitral regurgitation (MR) were included. Patients underwent 2DSTE and RT3DE before the clip implantation and after the 12-month follow-up. Prognostic data were also recorded via the use of telephone calls and follow-up visits for 12 months after the procedure. Compared with the baseline, the LA reservoir strain (LA-Res) (7.66±4.3% vs 11.15±7.5%, P<.001) and LA contraction strain (LA-Pump) (4.64±4.3% vs 7.63±5.8%, P=.001) improved significantly after MitraClip repair; significant improvements were also seen in three-dimensional (3D) minimum LA volume index (LAV min) and maximum LA volume index (LAV max). On the other hand, conventional LA indices did not change. In total, eleven major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were observed at the 1-year follow-up. In univariate analyses, the preprocedural echocardiographic parameters that were associated with the MACE within 1 year after MitraClip repair were 3D-LAV min and LA-Res. Furthermore, these indices significantly correlated with improved functional parameters and MR reduction. In conclusion, a successful MitraClip procedure can reverse the process of LA remodeling within 12 months, and this can be detected by 2DSTE and RT3DE. Also, patients with preprocedural lower LA-Res and higher 3D-LAV min had the worst prognoses at the 1-year follow-up. © 2016, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The outcome of a surgical protocol based on ischemia overprotection in large and giant aneurysms of the anterior cerebral circulation.

PubMed

Imai, Hideaki; Watanabe, Katsushige; Miyagishima, Takaaki; Yoshimoto, Yuhei; Kin, Taichi; Nakatomi, Hirofumi; Saito, Nobuhito

2016-07-01

Aiming to define the optimal treatment of large and giant aneurysms (LGAs) in the anterior circulation, we present our surgical protocol and patient outcome. A series of 42 patients with intracavernous LGAs (n = 16), paraclinoid (C2) LGAs (n = 17), and peripheral (middle cerebral artery-MCA or anterior cerebral artery-ACA) LGAs (n = 9) were treated after bypass under motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring. Preoperatively, three categories of ischemic tolerance during internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion were defined on conventional angiography: optimal, suboptimal, and insufficient collaterals. Accordingly, three types of bypass: low flow (LFB), middle flow (MFB) and high flow (HFB) were applied for the cases with optimal, suboptimal, and insufficient collaterals, respectively. Outcome was evaluated by the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). All patients had excellent GOS score except one, who suffered a major ischemic stroke immediately after surgery for a paraclinoid lesion. Forty-one patients were followed up for 87.1 ± 40.1 months (range 13-144 months). Intracavernous LGAs were all treated by proximal occlusion with bypass surgery. Of paraclinoid LGA patients, 15 patients had direct clipping under suction decompression and other 2 patients with recurrent aneurysms had ICA (C2) proximal clipping with HFB. MEP monitoring guided for temporary clipping time and clip repositioning, observing significant MEP changes for up to 6 min duration. Of 9 peripheral LGAs patients 7 MCA LGAs had reconstructive clipping (n = 4) or trapping (n = 3) with bypass including LFB in 3 cases, MFB in 1 and HFB in 1. Two ACA LGAs had clipping (n = 1) or trapping (n = 1) with A3-A3 bypass. The applied protocol provided excellent results in intracavernous, paraclinoid, and peripheral thrombosed LGAs of the anterior circulation.

Protocol design and current status of CLIVIT: a randomized controlled multicenter relevance trial comparing clips versus ligatures in thyroid surgery

PubMed Central

Seiler, CM; Fröhlich, BE; Veit, JA; Gazyakan, E; Wente, MN; Wollermann, C; Deckert, A; Witte, S; Victor, N; Buchler, MW; Knaebel, HP

2006-01-01

Background Annually, more than 90000 surgical procedures of the thyroid gland are performed in Germany. Strategies aimed at reducing the duration of the surgical procedure are relevant to patients and the health care system especially in the context of reducing costs. However, new techniques for quick and safe hemostasis have to be tested in clinically relevance randomized controlled trials before a general recommendation can be given. The current standard for occlusion of blood vessels in thyroid surgery is ligatures. Vascular clips may be a safe alternative but have not been investigated in a large RCT. Methods/design CLIVIT (Clips versus Ligatures in Thyroid Surgery) is an investigator initiated, multicenter, patient-blinded, two-group parallel relevance randomized controlled trial designed by the Study Center of the German Surgical Society. Patients scheduled for elective resection of at least two third of the gland for benign thyroid disease are eligible for participation. After surgical exploration patients are randomized intraoperatively into either the conventional ligature group, or into the clip group. The primary objective is to test for a relevant reduction in operating time (at least 15 min) when using the clip technique. Since April 2004, 121 of the totally required 420 patients were randomized in five centers. Discussion As in all trials the different forms of bias have to be considered, and as in this case, a surgical trial, the role of surgical expertise plays a key role, and will be documented and analyzed separately. This is the first randomized controlled multicenter relevance trial to compare different vessel occlusion techniques in thyroid surgery with adequate power and other detailed information about the design as well as framework. If significant, the results might be generalized and may change the current surgical practice. PMID:16948853

Surgical margin-negative endoscopic mucosal resection with simple three-clipping technique: a randomized prospective study (with video).

PubMed

Mori, Hirohito; Kobara, Hideki; Nishiyama, Noriko; Fujihara, Shintaro; Kobayashi, Nobuya; Ayaki, Maki; Masaki, Tsutomu

2016-11-01

Although endoscopic mucosal resection is an established colorectal polyp treatment, local recurrence occurs in 13 % of cases due to inadequate snaring. We evaluated whether pre-clipping to the muscularis propria resulted in resected specimens with negative surgical margins without thermal denaturation. Of 245 polyps from 114 patients with colorectal polyps under 20 mm, we included 188 polyps from 81 patients. We randomly allocated polyps to the conventional injection group (CG) (97 polyps) or the pre-clipping injection group (PG) (91 polyps). The PG received three-point pre-clipping to ensure ample gripping to the muscle layer on the oral and both sides of the tumor with 4 mL local injection. Endoscopic ultrasonography was performed to measure the resulting bulge. Outcomes included the number of instances of thermal denaturation of the horizontal/vertical margin (HMX/VMX) or positive horizontal/vertical margins (HM+/VM+), the shortest distance from tumor margins to resected edges, and the maximum bulge distances from tumor surface to the muscularis propria. The numbers of HMX and HM+ in the CG and PG were 27 and 6, and 9 and 2 (P = 0.001), and VMX and VM+ were 8 and 5, and 0 and 0 (P = 0.057). The shortest distance from tumor margin to resected edge [median (range), mm] in polyps in the CG and PG was 0.6 (0-2.7) and 4.7 (2.1-8.9) (P = 0.018). The maximum bulge distances were 4.6 (3.0-8.0) and 11.0 (6.8-17.0) (P = 0.005). Pre-clipping enabled surgical margin-negative resection without thermal denaturation.

Digital subtraction angiography-guided esophagography, intraluminal drainage, and endoscopic clipping-complex managements for intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomotic leak.

PubMed

Xu, Kai; Chen, Shaomu; Bian, Wen; Xie, Hongya; Ma, Haitao; Ni, Bin

2016-07-01

Intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomotic leak is a critical complication after esophagectomy. Recently, novel complex diagnostic and therapeutic managements for intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomotic leak have been performed at our institution. Sixty-seven consecutive patients with intrathoracic esophagogastric anastomotic leak after esophagectomy from January 2009 to May 2015 at our institution were reviewed. Thirty-nine patients received conventional managements (conventional group), in which they were diagnosed via contrast swallow when there was a suspicion of anastomotic leak and were subsequently treated with a metallic stent. Twenty-eight patients received complex managements (complex group), in which they were diagnosed using digital subtraction angiography, an intraluminal drainage tube was placed, and clips were subsequently performed under an endoscope. The outcomes of the two groups were retrospectively analyzed. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between the two groups in the preoperative general clinical data, whereas the postoperative data exhibited some differences. Compared with the conventional group, the confirmation time and recovery time are significantly decreased in the complex group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively), and the incidence of severe complications is also lower (P < 0.01); however, there were no significant differences in the mortality rate between the two groups (P > 0.05). Complex managements may represent a useful therapeutic option for postoperative esophagogastric anastomotic leak. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Using reactive transport codes to provide mechanistic biogeochemistry representations in global land surface models: CLM-PFLOTRAN 1.0

DOE PAGES

Tang, G.; Yuan, F.; Bisht, G.; ...

2015-12-17

We explore coupling to a configurable subsurface reactive transport code as a flexible and extensible approach to biogeochemistry in land surface models; our goal is to facilitate testing of alternative models and incorporation of new understanding. A reaction network with the CLM-CN decomposition, nitrification, denitrification, and plant uptake is used as an example. We implement the reactions in the open-source PFLOTRAN code, coupled with the Community Land Model (CLM), and test at Arctic, temperate, and tropical sites. To make the reaction network designed for use in explicit time stepping in CLM compatible with the implicit time stepping used in PFLOTRAN,more » the Monod substrate rate-limiting function with a residual concentration is used to represent the limitation of nitrogen availability on plant uptake and immobilization. To achieve accurate, efficient, and robust numerical solutions, care needs to be taken to use scaling, clipping, or log transformation to avoid negative concentrations during the Newton iterations. With a tight relative update tolerance to avoid false convergence, an accurate solution can be achieved with about 50 % more computing time than CLM in point mode site simulations using either the scaling or clipping methods. The log transformation method takes 60–100 % more computing time than CLM. The computing time increases slightly for clipping and scaling; it increases substantially for log transformation for half saturation decrease from 10 −3 to 10 −9 mol m −3, which normally results in decreasing nitrogen concentrations. The frequent occurrence of very low concentrations (e.g. below nanomolar) can increase the computing time for clipping or scaling by about 20 %; computing time can be doubled for log transformation. Caution needs to be taken in choosing the appropriate scaling factor because a small value caused by a negative update to a small concentration may diminish the update and result in false convergence even with very tight relative update tolerance. As some biogeochemical processes (e.g., methane and nitrous oxide production and consumption) involve very low half saturation and threshold concentrations, this work provides insights for addressing nonphysical negativity issues and facilitates the representation of a mechanistic biogeochemical description in earth system models to reduce climate prediction uncertainty.« less

CDC Vital Signs: Alcohol Screening and Counseling

MedlinePlus

... these services in state and community programs, using computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices. Help conduct community ... be made worse by drinking. Top of Page Science Behind the Issue MMWR Science Clips Related Pages ...

Efficient Boundary Extraction of BSP Solids Based on Clipping Operations.

PubMed

Wang, Charlie C L; Manocha, Dinesh

2013-01-01

We present an efficient algorithm to extract the manifold surface that approximates the boundary of a solid represented by a Binary Space Partition (BSP) tree. Our polygonization algorithm repeatedly performs clipping operations on volumetric cells that correspond to a spatial convex partition and computes the boundary by traversing the connected cells. We use point-based representations along with finite-precision arithmetic to improve the efficiency and generate the B-rep approximation of a BSP solid. The core of our polygonization method is a novel clipping algorithm that uses a set of logical operations to make it resistant to degeneracies resulting from limited precision of floating-point arithmetic. The overall BSP to B-rep conversion algorithm can accurately generate boundaries with sharp and small features, and is faster than prior methods. At the end of this paper, we use this algorithm for a few geometric processing applications including Boolean operations, model repair, and mesh reconstruction.

Biomechanical characteristics of self-ligating brackets in a vertically displaced canine model: a finite element analysis.

PubMed

Kim, S-J; Kwon, Y-H; Hwang, C-J

2016-05-01

The objective of this study was to compare the biomechanical characteristics between two types of self-ligating brackets and conventional metal brackets using finite element analysis of a vertically displaced canine model focusing on the desired force on the canine and undesirable forces on adjacent teeth. Three-dimensional finite element models of the maxillary dentition with 1-mm, 2-mm, and 3-mm vertically displaced canines were constructed. Two different self-ligating brackets (In-Ovation C and Smart clip) and a conventional metal bracket (Micro-arch) were modeled. After a 0.016-inch NiTi (0.40 mm, round) wire was engaged, the displacement of each tooth was calculated using x-, y-, and z-coordinates, and the tensile and compressive stresses were calculated. The extrusion and maximal tensile stress of the canine differed little between the three brackets, but the intrusion and minimal compressive stress values of the adjacent teeth differed considerably and were highest in the Smart clip and least in the In-Ovation C. The extrusion and maximal tensile stress of the canine in the 3-mm displacement model was less than that in the 2-mm displacement model, and the intrusion and minimal compressive stress of the adjacent teeth increased with the degree of displacement. Self-ligating brackets were not superior to conventional brackets in leveling a vertically displaced canine. A continuous arch wire may not be recommended for leveling of severely displaced canines whether using self-ligating or conventional brackets. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Stress analysis in oral obturator prostheses: imaging photoelastic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pesqueira, Aldiéris Alves; Goiato, Marcelo Coelho; dos Santos, Daniela Micheline; Haddad, Marcela Filié; Andreotti, Agda Marobo; Moreno, Amália

2013-06-01

Maxillary defects resulting from cancer, trauma, and congenital malformation affect the chewing efficiency and retention of dentures in these patients. The use of implant-retained palatal obturator dentures has improved the self-esteem and quality of life of several subjects. We evaluate the stress distribution of implant-retained palatal obturator dentures with different attachment systems by using the photoelastic analysis images. Two photoelastic models of the maxilla with oral-sinus-nasal communication were fabricated. One model received three implants on the left side of the alveolar ridge (incisive, canine, and first molar regions) and the other did not receive implants. Afterwards, a conventional palatal obturator denture (control) and two implant-retained palatal obturator dentures with different attachment systems (O-ring; bar-clip) were constructed. Models were placed in a circular polariscope and a 100-N axial load was applied in three different regions (incisive, canine, and first molar regions) by using a universal testing machine. The results were photographed and analyzed qualitatively using a software (Adobe Photoshop). The bar-clip system exhibited the highest stress concentration followed by the O-ring system and conventional denture (control). Images generated by the photoelastic method help in the oral rehabilitator planning.

Using Video Modeling via Handheld Computers to Improve Geometry Skills for High School Students with Learning Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cihak, David F.; Bowlin, Tammy

2009-01-01

The researchers examined the use of video modeling by means of a handheld computer as an alternative instructional delivery system for learning basic geometry skills. Three high school students with learning disabilities participated in this study. Through video modeling, teacher-developed video clips showing step-by-step problem solving processes…

CDC Vital Signs: Preventing Pregnancies in Younger Teens

MedlinePlus

... media and digital technology (e.g., cell phones, computers, tablets). Younger teens can Know both they and ... and condoms correctly every time. Top of Page Science Behind the Issue MMWR Science Clips Related Pages ...

CLIPSITS - CLIPS INTELLIGENT TUTORING SYSTEM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riley, G.

1994-01-01

The CLIPS Intelligent Tutoring System (CLIPSITS) is designed to be used to learn CLIPS, the C-language Integrated Production System expert system shell developed by the Software Technology Branch at Johnson Space Center. The goal of CLIPSITS is to provide the student with a tool to practice the syntax and concepts covered in the CLIPS User's Guide. It attempts to provide expert diagnosis and advice during problem solving which is typically not available without an instructor. CLIPSITS is divided into 10 lessons which mirror the first 10 chapters of the CLIPS User's Guide. This version of CLIPSITS is compatible with the Version 4.2 and 4.3 CLIPS User's Guide. However, the program does not cover any new features of CLIPS v4.3 that were added since the release of v4.2. The chapter numbers in the CLIPS User's Guide correspond directly with the lesson numbers in CLIPSITS. Each lesson in the program contains anywhere from 1 to 10 problems. Most of these have multiple parts. The student is given a subset of these problems from each lesson to work. The actual number of problems presented depends on how well the student masters the previous problem(s). The progression through these lessons is maintained in a personalized file under the student's name. As with most computer languages, there is usually more than one way to solve a problem. CLIPSITS attempts to be as flexible as possible and to allow as many correct solutions as possible. CLIPSITS gives the student the option of setting his/her own colors for the screen interface and the option of redefining special keystroke combinations used within the program. CLIPSITS requires an IBM PC compatible with 640K RAM and optional 2 or 3 button mouse. A 286- or 386-based machine is preferable. Performance will be somewhat slower on an XT class machine. The program must be installed on a hard disk with 825 KB space available. The program was developed in 1989. The standard distribution media is three 5.25" IBM PC DOS format diskettes. The program is also sold bundled with CLIPS for a special combined price as COS-10025. NOTE: Only the executable code is distributed. Supporting documentation is included on the diskettes. IBM, IBM PC and XT are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.

Crowdsourcing a Normative Natural Language Dataset: A Comparison of Amazon Mechanical Turk and In-Lab Data Collection

PubMed Central

Bex, Peter J; Woods, Russell L

2013-01-01

Background Crowdsourcing has become a valuable method for collecting medical research data. This approach, recruiting through open calls on the Web, is particularly useful for assembling large normative datasets. However, it is not known how natural language datasets collected over the Web differ from those collected under controlled laboratory conditions. Objective To compare the natural language responses obtained from a crowdsourced sample of participants with responses collected in a conventional laboratory setting from participants recruited according to specific age and gender criteria. Methods We collected natural language descriptions of 200 half-minute movie clips, from Amazon Mechanical Turk workers (crowdsourced) and 60 participants recruited from the community (lab-sourced). Crowdsourced participants responded to as many clips as they wanted and typed their responses, whereas lab-sourced participants gave spoken responses to 40 clips, and their responses were transcribed. The content of the responses was evaluated using a take-one-out procedure, which compared responses to other responses to the same clip and to other clips, with a comparison of the average number of shared words. Results In contrast to the 13 months of recruiting that was required to collect normative data from 60 lab-sourced participants (with specific demographic characteristics), only 34 days were needed to collect normative data from 99 crowdsourced participants (contributing a median of 22 responses). The majority of crowdsourced workers were female, and the median age was 35 years, lower than the lab-sourced median of 62 years but similar to the median age of the US population. The responses contributed by the crowdsourced participants were longer on average, that is, 33 words compared to 28 words (P<.001), and they used a less varied vocabulary. However, there was strong similarity in the words used to describe a particular clip between the two datasets, as a cross-dataset count of shared words showed (P<.001). Within both datasets, responses contained substantial relevant content, with more words in common with responses to the same clip than to other clips (P<.001). There was evidence that responses from female and older crowdsourced participants had more shared words (P=.004 and .01 respectively), whereas younger participants had higher numbers of shared words in the lab-sourced population (P=.01). Conclusions Crowdsourcing is an effective approach to quickly and economically collect a large reliable dataset of normative natural language responses. PMID:23689038

Microneurosurgical Management of Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm: A Contemporary Series from Helsinki.

PubMed

Thiarawat, Peeraphong; Jahromi, Behnam Rezai; Kozyrev, Danil A; Intarakhao, Patcharin; Teo, Mario K; Choque-Velasquez, Joham; Hernesniemi, Juha

2017-05-01

The objectives of this study were to analyze microsurgical techniques and to determine correlations between microsurgical techniques and the radiographic findings in the microneurosurgical treatment of posterior communicating artery aneurysms (PCoAAs). We retrospectively analyzed radiographic findings and videos of surgeries in 64 patients with PCoAAs who underwent microsurgical clipping by the senior author from August 2010 to 2014. From 64 aneurysms, 30 (47%) had acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) that necessitated lamina terminalis fenestration (odds ratio [OR], 67.67; P < 0.001) and Liliequist membrane fenestration (OR, 19.62; P < 0.001). The low-lying aneurysms significantly necessitated the coagulation of the dura covering the anterior clinoid process (ACP) (OR, 7.43; P = 0.003) or anterior clinoidectomy (OR, 91.0; P < 0.001). We preferred straight clips in 45 (83%) of 54 posterolateral projecting aneurysms (OR, 45.0; P < 0.001), but preferred curved clips for posteromedial projecting aneurysms (OR, 6.39; P = 0.008). The mean operative time from the brain retraction to the final clipping was 17 minutes and 43 seconds. Postoperative computed tomography angiography revealed complete occlusion of 60 (94%) aneurysms. Three (4.6%) patients with acute SAH suffered postoperative lacunar infarction. For ruptured aneurysms, lamina terminalis and Liliequist membrane fenestration are useful for additional cerebrospinal fluid drainage. For low-lying aneurysms, coagulation of the dura covering the ACP or tailored anterior clinoidectomy might be necessary for exposing the proximal aneurysm neck. Type of clips depends on the direction of projection. The microsurgical clipping of the PCoAAs can achieve good immediate complete occlusion rate with low postoperative stroke rate. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Implant-specific follow-up imaging of treated intracranial aneurysms: TOF-MRA vs. metal artifact reduced intravenous flat panel computed tomography angiography (FPCTA).

PubMed

Hänsel, N H; Schubert, G A; Scholz, B; Nikoubashman, O; Othman, A E; Wiesmann, M; Pjontek, R; Brockmann, M A

2018-02-01

To compare the diagnostic quality of time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) and metal-artefact-reduction (MAR) flat-panel-detector computed tomography angiography (FPCTA) and to determine the imaging technique best suited for evaluation endovascular and surgically treated aneurysms. The image quality of TOF-MRA and MAR-FPCTA of 44 intracranial implants (coiling: n=20; clipping: n=15; coiling + stenting: n=9) in a patient cohort of 25 was evaluated by two independent readers. Images obtained using MAR-FPCTA (20 second scan time, 496 projections, intravenous contrast medium administration; Artis Zee, Siemens Healthcare, Forchheim) were compared with TOF-MRA-images (1.5 or 3 T). Nominal data were analysed using McNemar's chi-square test and ordinal variables using the Wilcoxon rank test. Compared to TOF-MRA, MAR-FPCTA was significantly better suited to detect aneurysm remnants and to evaluate parent vessels after clipping (p<0.01). For coil packages >160 mm 3 , TOF-MRA provided significantly better assessment than MAR-FPCTA (p<0.01). For small coil packages (<160 mm 3 ), no significant difference between TOF-MRA and MAR-FPCTA (p=0.232) was observed. For different clip sizes (cut-off 492 mm 3 ) likewise no significant differences were found. The interobserver comparison showed high interrater agreement. MAR-FPCTA is significantly better suited for follow-up examinations of clipped aneurysms, whereas for larger coil packages TOF-MRA is preferable. Smaller coil packages can be analysed using MAR-FPCTA or TOF-MRA. Copyright © 2017 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Clipping the cosmos: the bias and bispectrum of large scale structure.

PubMed

Simpson, Fergus; James, J Berian; Heavens, Alan F; Heymans, Catherine

2011-12-30

A large fraction of the information collected by cosmological surveys is simply discarded to avoid length scales which are difficult to model theoretically. We introduce a new technique which enables the extraction of useful information from the bispectrum of galaxies well beyond the conventional limits of perturbation theory. Our results strongly suggest that this method increases the range of scales where the relation between the bispectrum and power spectrum in tree-level perturbation theory may be applied, from k(max) ∼ 0.1 to ∼0.7 hMpc(-1). This leads to correspondingly large improvements in the determination of galaxy bias. Since the clipped matter power spectrum closely follows the linear power spectrum, there is the potential to use this technique to probe the growth rate of linear perturbations and confront theories of modified gravity with observation.

Knock-Outs, Stick-Outs, Cut-Outs: Clipping Paths Separate Objects from Background.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson, Bradley

1998-01-01

Outlines a six-step process that allows computer operators, using Photoshop software, to create "knock-outs" to precisely define the path that will serve to separate the object from the background. (SR)

Virtual reality cerebral aneurysm clipping simulation with real-time haptic feedback.

PubMed

Alaraj, Ali; Luciano, Cristian J; Bailey, Daniel P; Elsenousi, Abdussalam; Roitberg, Ben Z; Bernardo, Antonio; Banerjee, P Pat; Charbel, Fady T

2015-03-01

With the decrease in the number of cerebral aneurysms treated surgically and the increase of complexity of those treated surgically, there is a need for simulation-based tools to teach future neurosurgeons the operative techniques of aneurysm clipping. To develop and evaluate the usefulness of a new haptic-based virtual reality simulator in the training of neurosurgical residents. A real-time sensory haptic feedback virtual reality aneurysm clipping simulator was developed using the ImmersiveTouch platform. A prototype middle cerebral artery aneurysm simulation was created from a computed tomographic angiogram. Aneurysm and vessel volume deformation and haptic feedback are provided in a 3-dimensional immersive virtual reality environment. Intraoperative aneurysm rupture was also simulated. Seventeen neurosurgery residents from 3 residency programs tested the simulator and provided feedback on its usefulness and resemblance to real aneurysm clipping surgery. Residents thought that the simulation would be useful in preparing for real-life surgery. About two-thirds of the residents thought that the 3-dimensional immersive anatomic details provided a close resemblance to real operative anatomy and accurate guidance for deciding surgical approaches. They thought the simulation was useful for preoperative surgical rehearsal and neurosurgical training. A third of the residents thought that the technology in its current form provided realistic haptic feedback for aneurysm surgery. Neurosurgical residents thought that the novel immersive VR simulator is helpful in their training, especially because they do not get a chance to perform aneurysm clippings until late in their residency programs.

[Virtual microscopy in pathology teaching and postgraduate training (continuing education)].

PubMed

Sinn, H P; Andrulis, M; Mogler, C; Schirmacher, P

2008-11-01

As with conventional microscopy, virtual microscopy permits histological tissue sections to be viewed on a computer screen with a free choice of viewing areas and a wide range of magnifications. This, combined with the possibility of linking virtual microscopy to E-Learning courses, make virtual microscopy an ideal tool for teaching and postgraduate training in pathology. Uses of virtual microscopy in pathology teaching include blended learning with the presentation of digital teaching slides in the internet parallel to presentation in the histology lab, extending student access to histology slides beyond the lab. Other uses are student self-learning in the Internet, as well as the presentation of virtual slides in the classroom with or without replacing real microscopes. Successful integration of virtual microscopy depends on its embedding in the virtual classroom and the creation of interactive E-learning content. Applications derived from this include the use of virtual microscopy in video clips, podcasts, SCORM modules and the presentation of virtual microscopy using interactive whiteboards in the classroom.

Single-Step Fabrication of Computationally Designed Microneedles by Continuous Liquid Interface Production

PubMed Central

Johnson, Ashley R.; Caudill, Cassie L.; Tumbleston, John R.; Bloomquist, Cameron J.; Moga, Katherine A.; Ermoshkin, Alexander; Shirvanyants, David; Mecham, Sue J.; Luft, J. Christopher; DeSimone, Joseph M.

2016-01-01

Microneedles, arrays of micron-sized needles that painlessly puncture the skin, enable transdermal delivery of medications that are difficult to deliver using more traditional routes. Many important design parameters, such as microneedle size, shape, spacing, and composition, are known to influence efficacy, but are notoriously difficult to alter due to the complex nature of microfabrication techniques. Herein, we utilize a novel additive manufacturing (“3D printing”) technique called Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP) to rapidly prototype sharp microneedles with tuneable geometries (size, shape, aspect ratio, spacing). This technology allows for mold-independent, one-step manufacturing of microneedle arrays of virtually any design in less than 10 minutes per patch. Square pyramidal CLIP microneedles composed of trimethylolpropane triacrylate, polyacrylic acid and photopolymerizable derivatives of polyethylene glycol and polycaprolactone were fabricated to demonstrate the range of materials that can be utilized within this platform for encapsulating and controlling the release of therapeutics. These CLIP microneedles effectively pierced murine skin ex vivo and released the fluorescent drug surrogate rhodamine. PMID:27607247

MARBLE: A system for executing expert systems in parallel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Myers, Leonard; Johnson, Coe; Johnson, Dean

1990-01-01

This paper details the MARBLE 2.0 system which provides a parallel environment for cooperating expert systems. The work has been done in conjunction with the development of an intelligent computer-aided design system, ICADS, by the CAD Research Unit of the Design Institute at California Polytechnic State University. MARBLE (Multiple Accessed Rete Blackboard Linked Experts) is a system of C Language Production Systems (CLIPS) expert system tool. A copied blackboard is used for communication between the shells to establish an architecture which supports cooperating expert systems that execute in parallel. The design of MARBLE is simple, but it provides support for a rich variety of configurations, while making it relatively easy to demonstrate the correctness of its parallel execution features. In its most elementary configuration, individual CLIPS expert systems execute on their own processors and communicate with each other through a modified blackboard. Control of the system as a whole, and specifically of writing to the blackboard is provided by one of the CLIPS expert systems, an expert control system.

Executing CLIPS expert systems in a distributed environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, James; Myers, Leonard

1990-01-01

This paper describes a framework for running cooperating agents in a distributed environment to support the Intelligent Computer Aided Design System (ICADS), a project in progress at the CAD Research Unit of the Design Institute at the California Polytechnic State University. Currently, the systems aids an architectural designer in creating a floor plan that satisfies some general architectural constraints and project specific requirements. At the core of ICADS is the Blackboard Control System. Connected to the blackboard are any number of domain experts called Intelligent Design Tools (IDT). The Blackboard Control System monitors the evolving design as it is being drawn and helps resolve conflicts from the domain experts. The user serves as a partner in this system by manipulating the floor plan in the CAD system and validating recommendations made by the domain experts. The primary components of the Blackboard Control System are two expert systems executed by a modified CLIPS shell. The first is the Message Handler. The second is the Conflict Resolver. The Conflict Resolver synthesizes the suggestions made by the domain experts, which can be either CLIPS expert systems, or compiled C programs. In DEMO1, the current ICADS prototype, the CLIPS domain expert systems are Acoustics, Lighting, Structural, and Thermal; the compiled C domain experts are the CAD system and the User Interface.

Reliability of smartphone-based teleradiology for evaluating thoracolumbar spine fractures.

PubMed

Stahl, Ido; Dreyfuss, Daniel; Ofir, Dror; Merom, Lior; Raichel, Michael; Hous, Nir; Norman, Doron; Haddad, Elias

2017-02-01

Timely interpretation of computed tomography (CT) scans is of paramount importance in diagnosing and managing spinal column fractures, which can be devastating. Out-of-hospital, on-call spine surgeons are often asked to evaluate CT scans of patients who have sustained trauma to the thoracolumbar spine to make diagnosis and to determine the appropriate course of urgent treatment. Capturing radiographic scans and video clips from computer screens and sending them as instant messages have become common means of communication between physicians, aiding in triaging and transfer decision-making in orthopedic and neurosurgical emergencies. The present study aimed to compare the reliability of interpreting CT scans viewed by orthopedic surgeons in two ways for diagnosing, classifying, and treatment planning for thoracolumbar spine fractures: (1) captured as video clips from standard workstation-based picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and sent via a smartphone-based instant messaging application for viewing on a smartphone; and (2) viewed directly on a PACS. Reliability and agreement study. Thirty adults with thoracolumbar spine fractures who had been consecutively admitted to the Division of Orthopedic Surgery of a Level I trauma center during 2014. Intraobserver agreement. CT scans were captured by use of an iPhone 6 smartphone from a computer screen displaying PACS. Then by use of the WhatsApp instant messaging application, video clips of the scans were sent to the personal smartphones of five spine surgeons. These evaluators were asked to diagnose, classify, and determine the course of treatment for each case. Evaluation of the cases was repeated 4 weeks later, this time using the standard method of workstation-based PACS. Intraobserver agreement was interpreted based on the value of Cohen's kappa statistic. The study did not receive any outside funding. Intraobserver agreement for determining fracture level was near perfect (κ=0.94). Intraobserver agreement for AO classification, proposed treatment, neural canal penetration, and Denis classification were substantial (κ values, 0.75, 0.73, 0.71, and 0.69, respectively). Intraobserver agreement for loss of vertebral height and kyphosis were moderate (κ values, 0.55 and 0.45, respectively) CONCLUSIONS: Video clips of CT scans can be readily captured by a smartphone from a workstation-based PACS and then transmitted by use of the WhatsApp instant messaging application. Diagnosing, classifying, and proposing treatment of fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine can be made with equal reliability by evaluating video clips of CT scans transmitted to a smartphone or by the standard method of viewing the CT scan on a workstation-based PACS. Evaluating video clips of CT scans transmitted to a smartphone is a readily accessible, simple, and inexpensive method. We believe that it can be reliably used for consultations between the emergency physicians or orthopedic or neurosurgical residents with offsite, on-call specialists. It might also enable rural orcommunity emergency department physicians to communicate more efficiently and effectively with surgeons in tertiary referral centers. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: FAMA code for stellar parameters and abundances (Magrini+, 2013)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magrini, L.; Randich, S.; Friel, E.; Spina, L.; Jacobson, H.; Cantat-Gaudin, T.; Donati, P.; Baglioni, R.; Maiorca, E.; Bragaglia, A.; Sordo, R.; Vallenari, A.

2013-07-01

FAMA v.1, July 2013, distributed with MOOGv2013 and Kurucz models. Perl Codes: read_out2.pl read_final.pl driver.pl sclipping_26.0.pl sclipping_final.pl sclipping_26.1.pl confronta.pl fama.pl Model atmopheres and interpolator (Kurucz models): MODEL_ATMO MOOG_files: files to compile MOOG (the most recent version of MOOG can be obtained from http://www.as.utexas.edu/~chris/moog.html) FAMAmoogfiles: files to update when compiling MOOG OUTPUT: directory in which the results will be stored, contains a sm macro to produce final plots automoog.par: files with parameters for FAMA 1) OUTPUTdir 2) MOOGdir 3) modelsdir 4) 1.0 (default) percentage of the dispersion of FeI abundances to be considered to compute the errors on the stellar parameters, 1.0 means 100%, thus to compute e.g., the error on Teff we allow to code to find the Teff corresponding to a slope given by σ(FeI)/range(EP). 5) 1.2 (default) σ clipping for FeI lines 6) 1.0 (default) σ clipping for FeII lines 7) 1.0 (default) σ clipping for the other elements 8) 1.0 (default) value of the QP parameter, higher values mean less strong convergence criteria. star.iron: EWs in the correct format to test the code sun.par: initial parameters for the test (1 data file).

Conventional versus traction-assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric neoplasms: a multicenter, randomized controlled trial (with video).

PubMed

Yoshida, Masao; Takizawa, Kohei; Suzuki, Sho; Koike, Yoshiki; Nonaka, Satoru; Yamasaki, Yasushi; Minagawa, Takeyoshi; Sato, Chiko; Takeuchi, Chihiro; Watanabe, Ko; Kanzaki, Hiromitsu; Morimoto, Hiroyuki; Yano, Takafumi; Sudo, Kosuke; Mori, Keita; Gotoda, Takuji; Ono, Hiroyuki

2018-05-01

The aim of this study was to clarify whether dental floss clip (DFC) traction improves the technical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). A superiority, randomized control trial was conducted at 14 institutions across Japan. Patients with single gastric neoplasm meeting the indications of the Japanese guidelines for gastric treatment were enrolled and assigned to receive conventional ESD or DFC traction-assisted ESD (DFC-ESD). Randomization was performed according to a computer-generated random sequence with stratification by institution, tumor location, tumor size, and operator experience. The primary endpoint was ESD procedure time, defined as the time from the start of the submucosal injection to the end of the tumor removal procedure. Between July 2015 and September 2016, 640 patients underwent randomization. Of these, 316 patients who underwent conventional ESD and 319 patients who underwent DFC-ESD were included in our analysis. The mean ESD procedure time was 60.7 and 58.1 minutes for conventional ESD and DFC-ESD, respectively (P = .45). Perforation was less frequent in the DFC-ESD group (2.2% vs .3%, P = .04). For lesions located in the greater curvature of the upper or middle stomach, the mean procedure time was significantly shorter in the DFC-ESD group (104.1 vs 57.2 minutes, P = .01). Our findings suggest that DFC-ESD does not result in shorter procedure time in the overall patient population, but it can reduce the risk of perforation. When selectively applied to lesions located in the greater curvature of the upper or middle stomach, DFC-ESD provides a remarkable reduction in procedure time. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Students' Beliefs about Mobile Devices vs. Desktop Computers in South Korea and the United States

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sung, Eunmo; Mayer, Richard E.

2012-01-01

College students in the United States and in South Korea completed a 28-item multidimensional scaling (MDS) questionnaire in which they rated the similarity of 28 pairs of multimedia learning materials on a 10-point scale (e.g., narrated animation on a mobile device Vs. movie clip on a desktop computer) and a 56-item semantic differential…

Automated Predictive Diagnosis (APD): A 3-tiered shell for building expert systems for automated predictions and decision making

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Steib, Michael

1991-01-01

The APD software features include: On-line help, Three level architecture, (Logic environments, Setup/Application environment, Data environment), Explanation capability, and File handling. The kinds of experimentation and record keeping that leads to effective expert systems is facilitated by: (1) a library of inferencing modules (in the logic environment); (2) an explanation capability which reveals logic strategies to users; (3) automated file naming conventions; (4) an information retrieval system; and (5) on-line help. These aid with effective use of knowledge, debugging and experimentation. Since the APD software anticipates the logical rules becoming complicated, it is embedded in a production system language (CLIPS) to insure the full power of the production system paradigm of CLIPS and availability of the procedural language C. The development is discussed of the APD software and three example applications: toy, experimental, and operational prototype for submarine maintenance predictions.

Preoperative Prediction of the Necessity for Anterior Clinoidectomy During Microsurgical Clipping of Ruptured Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms.

PubMed

Kamide, Tomoya; Burkhardt, Jan-Karl; Tabani, Halima; Safaee, Michael M; Lawton, Michael T

2018-01-01

Although most posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms can be clipped easily with excellent results, some require anterior clinoidectomy for safe and complete clipping. To review our microsurgical series of ruptured PCoA aneurysms and identify the preoperative predictors for anterior clinoidectomy during microsurgical clipping for PCoA aneurysms. Results from microsurgical clipping of 104 patients with ruptured PCoA aneurysms were reviewed retrospectively. Distances and angles were obtained from computed tomographic angiography and compared between the anterior and nonanterior clinoidectomy groups. Anterior clinoidectomy was required in 19 of the 104 cases (18%). None developed surgical complications due to anterior clinoid process (ACP) resection, including postoperative visual deficit. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the distances from the ACP tip to the aneurysmal proximal neck and from the ACP line to the aneurysmal proximal neck were statistically significant predictive factors for the need of anterior clinoidectomy. Based on a receiver operating characteristic analysis, the distances from the ACP tip to the aneurysmal proximal neck <4.0 mm and from the ACP line to the aneurysmal proximal neck ≤2.0 mm were selected as optimal cutoff values for predicting the necessity of anterior clinoidectomy, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values were 0.991 and 0.955, respectively. In case of ruptured PCoA aneurysm surgery, the distances from the ACP tip to the aneurysmal proximal neck and from the ACP line to the aneurysmal proximal neck were both found to be useful predictors of whether anterior clinoidectomy was required. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Virtual Reality Cerebral Aneurysm Clipping Simulation With Real-time Haptic Feedback

PubMed Central

Alaraj, Ali; Luciano, Cristian J.; Bailey, Daniel P.; Elsenousi, Abdussalam; Roitberg, Ben Z.; Bernardo, Antonio; Banerjee, P. Pat; Charbel, Fady T.

2014-01-01

Background With the decrease in the number of cerebral aneurysms treated surgically and the increase of complexity of those treated surgically, there is a need for simulation-based tools to teach future neurosurgeons the operative techniques of aneurysm clipping. Objective To develop and evaluate the usefulness of a new haptic-based virtual reality (VR) simulator in the training of neurosurgical residents. Methods A real-time sensory haptic feedback virtual reality aneurysm clipping simulator was developed using the Immersive Touch platform. A prototype middle cerebral artery aneurysm simulation was created from a computed tomography angiogram. Aneurysm and vessel volume deformation and haptic feedback are provided in a 3-D immersive VR environment. Intraoperative aneurysm rupture was also simulated. Seventeen neurosurgery residents from three residency programs tested the simulator and provided feedback on its usefulness and resemblance to real aneurysm clipping surgery. Results Residents felt that the simulation would be useful in preparing for real-life surgery. About two thirds of the residents felt that the 3-D immersive anatomical details provided a very close resemblance to real operative anatomy and accurate guidance for deciding surgical approaches. They believed the simulation is useful for preoperative surgical rehearsal and neurosurgical training. One third of the residents felt that the technology in its current form provided very realistic haptic feedback for aneurysm surgery. Conclusion Neurosurgical residents felt that the novel immersive VR simulator is helpful in their training especially since they do not get a chance to perform aneurysm clippings until very late in their residency programs. PMID:25599200

Which Clip? A Prospective Comparative Study of Retention Rates of Endoscopic Clips on Normal Mucosa and Ulcers in a Porcine Model

PubMed Central

Saxena, Payal; Ji-Shin, Eun; Haito-Chavez, Yamile; Valeshabad, Ali K.; Akshintala, Venkata; Aguila, Gerard; Kumbhari, Vivek; Ruben, Dawn S.; Lennon, Anne-Marie; Singh, Vikesh; Canto, Marcia; Kalloo, Anthony; Khashab, Mouen A.

2014-01-01

Background/Aim: There are currently no data on the relative retention rates of the Instinct clip, Resolution clip, and QuickClip2Long. Also, it is unknown whether retention rate differs when clips are applied to ulcerated rather than normal mucosa. The aim of this study is to compare the retention rates of three commonly used endoscopic clips. Materials and Methods: Six pigs underwent upper endoscopy with placement of one of each of the three types of clips on normal mucosa in the gastric body. Three mucosal resections were also performed to create “ulcers”. Each ulcer was closed with placement of one of the three different clips. Repeat endoscopy was performed weekly for up to 4 weeks. Results: Only the Instinct and Resolution clips remained attached for the duration of the study (4 weeks). At each time point, a greater proportion of Instinct clips were retained on normal mucosa, followed by Resolution clips. QuickClip2Long had the lowest retention rate on normal mucosa. Similar retention rates of Instinct clips and Resolution clips were seen on simulated ulcers, although both were superior to QuickClip2Long. However, the difference did not reach statistical significance. All QuickClip2Long clips were dislodged at 4 weeks in both the groups. Conclusions: The Resolution and Instinct clips have comparable retention rates and both appeared to be better than the QuickClip2Long on normal mucosa-simulated ulcers; however this did not reach statistical significance. Both the Resolution clip and the Instinct clip may be preferred in clinical situations when long-term clip attachment is required, including marking of tumors for radiotherapy and anchoring feeding tubes or stents. Either of the currently available clips may be suitable for closure of iatrogenic mucosal defects without features of chronicity. PMID:25434317

Restoring Fun to Game Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dixit, Avinash

2005-01-01

The author suggests methods for teaching game theory at an introductory level, using interactive games to be played in the classroom or in computer clusters, clips from movies to be screened and discussed, and excerpts from novels and historical books to be read and discussed.

Using CLIPS in a distributed system: The Network Control Center (NCC) expert system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wannemacher, Tom

1990-01-01

This paper describes an intelligent troubleshooting system for the Help Desk domain. It was developed on an IBM-compatible 80286 PC using Microsoft C and CLIPS and an AT&T 3B2 minicomputer using the UNIFY database and a combination of shell script, C programs and SQL queries. The two computers are linked by a lan. The functions of this system are to help non-technical NCC personnel handle trouble calls, to keep a log of problem calls with complete, concise information, and to keep a historical database of problems. The database helps identify hardware and software problem areas and provides a source of new rules for the troubleshooting knowledge base.

This Rock 'n' Roll Video Teaches Math

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Niess, Margaret L.; Walker, Janet M.

2009-01-01

Mathematics is a discipline that has significantly advanced through the use of digital technologies with improved computational, graphical, and symbolic capabilities. Digital videos can be used to present challenging mathematical questions for students. Video clips offer instructional possibilities for moving students from a passive mode of…

Lateral supraorbital approach to ipsilateral PCA-P1 and ICA-PCoA aneurysms.

PubMed

Goehre, Felix; Jahromi, Behnam Rezai; Elsharkawy, Ahmed; Lehto, Hanna; Shekhtman, Oleg; Andrade-Barazarte, Hugo; Munoz, Francisco; Hijazy, Ferzat; Makhkamov, Makhkam; Hernesniemi, Juha

2015-01-01

Aneurysms of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) are rare and often associated with anterior circulation aneurysms. The lateral supraorbital approach allows for a very fast and safe approach to the ipsilateral lesions Circle of Willis. A technical note on the successful clip occlusion of two aneurysms in the anterior and posterior Circle of Willis via this less invasive approach has not been published before. The objective of this technical note is to describe the simultaneous microsurgical clip occlusion of an ipsilateral PCA-P1 and an internal carotid artery - posterior communicating artery (ICA-PCoA) aneurysm via the lateral supraorbital approach. The authors present a technical report of successful clip occlusions of ipsilateral located PCA-P1 and ICA-PCoA aneurysms. A 59-year-old female patient was diagnosed with a PCA-P1 and an ipsilateral ICA-PCoA aneurysm by computed tomography angiography (CTA) after an ischemic stroke secondary to a contralateral ICA dissection. The patient underwent microsurgical clipping after a lateral supraorbital craniotomy. The intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography and the postoperative CTA showed a complete occlusion of both aneurysms; the parent vessels (ICA and PCA) were patent. The patient presents postoperative no new neurologic deficit. The lateral supraorbital approach is suitable for the simultaneous microsurgical treatment of proximal anterior circulation and ipsilateral proximal PCA aneurysms. Compared to endovascular treatment, direct visual control of brainstem perforators is possible.

Microsurgical Clipping of an Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Using a Novel Robotic Visualization Tool in Lieu of the Binocular Operating Microscope: Operative Video.

PubMed

Klinger, Daniel R; Reinard, Kevin A; Ajayi, Olaide O; Delashaw, Johnny B

2018-01-01

The binocular operating microscope has been the visualization instrument of choice for microsurgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms for many decades. To discuss recent technological advances that have provided novel visualization tools, which may prove to be superior to the binocular operating microscope in many regards. We present an operative video and our operative experience with the BrightMatterTM Servo System (Synaptive Medical, Toronto, Ontario, Canada) during the microsurgical clipping of an anterior communicating artery aneurysm. To the best of our knowledge, the use of this device for the microsurgical clipping of an intracranial aneurysm has never been described in the literature. The BrightMatterTM Servo System (Synaptive Medical) is a surgical exoscope which avoids many of the ergonomic constraints of the binocular operating microscope, but is associated with a steep learning curve. The BrightMatterTM Servo System (Synaptive Medical) is a maneuverable surgical exoscope that is positioned with a directional aiming device and a surgeon-controlled foot pedal. While utilizing this device comes with a steep learning curve typical of any new technology, the BrightMatterTM Servo System (Synaptive Medical) has several advantages over the conventional surgical microscope, which include a relatively unobstructed surgical field, provision of high-definition images, and visualization of difficult angles/trajectories. This device can easily be utilized as a visualization tool for a variety of cranial and spinal procedures in lieu of the binocular operating microscope. We anticipate that this technology will soon become an integral part of the neurosurgeon's armamentarium. Copyright © 2017 by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons

Evaluation of coded wire tags for marking lake trout

USGS Publications Warehouse

Elrod, Joseph H.; Schneider, Clifford P.

1986-01-01

Among hatchery-reared lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) of the 1979-1982 year classes stocked in New York waters of Lake Ontario, more than 3 million fish were marked with a coded wire tag (CWT) plus an adipose fin clip, and 1.5 million with only conventional fin clips. Altogether, 7,640 tags were recovered from fish collected with bottom trawls and gill nets or caught by anglers during 1980-1983. One person was able to extract and decipher 200 or more CWTs per day with about a 1% error rate in reading and recording codes. Presence of the CWT did not affect growth. The adipose fin clip did not regenerate. The occurrence of fish with an adipose fin clip but no CWT resulted primarily from the regeneration of paired fins among fish marked with a combination of the adipose fin and a paired fin. Loss of CWTs between marking and stocking (generally 4-5 months for fish stocked in spring and 1-8 d for fish stocked in fall) declined from nearly 11% for the 1979 year class stocked as fall fingerlings to less than 3% for the 1981 and 1982 year classes - a difference that primarily reflected improvements in instrumentation and tagging technique. The rate of CWT loss after the marked fish were stocked was probably less than 1% per year. The CWT is a reliable method for marking hatchery-reared lake trout. A large number of experimental groups can be uniquely marked, and fish from each group can be accurately identified throughout their life. Use of this technique should greatly facilitate evaluations of genetic strain, hatchery experience, condition at time of stocking, season of stocking, size at stocking, method of stocking and other factors that affect poststocking survival and performance of lake trout stocked in the Great Lakes.

Definition and visualisation of regions of interest in post-prostatectomy image-guided intensity modulated radiotherapy

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

Bell, Linda J, E-mail: linda.bell1@health.nsw.gov.au; Cox, Jennifer; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales

2014-09-15

Standard post-prostatectomy radiotherapy (PPRT) image verification uses bony anatomy alignment. However, the prostate bed (PB) moves independently of bony anatomy. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) can be used to soft tissue match, so radiation therapists (RTs) must understand pelvic anatomy and PPRT clinical target volumes (CTV). The aims of this study are to define regions of interest (ROI) to be used in soft tissue matching image guidance and determine their visibility on planning CT (PCT) and CBCT. Published CTV guidelines were used to select ROIs. The PCT scans (n = 23) and CBCT scans (n = 105) of 23 post-prostatectomymore » patients were reviewed. Details on ROI identification were recorded. Eighteen patients had surgical clips. All ROIs were identified on PCTs at least 90% of the time apart from mesorectal fascia (MF) (87%) due to superior image quality. When surgical clips are present, the seminal vesicle bed (SVB) was only seen in 2.3% of CBCTs and MF was unidentifiable. Most other structures were well identified on CBCT. The anterior rectal wall (ARW) was identified in 81.4% of images and penile bulb (PB) in 68.6%. In the absence of surgical clips, the MF and SVB were always identified; the ARW was identified in 89.5% of CBCTs and PB in 73.7%. Surgical clips should be used as ROIs when present to define SVB and MF. In the absence of clips, SVB, MF and ARW can be used. RTs must have a strong knowledge of soft tissue anatomy and PPRT CTV to ensure coverage and enable soft tissue matching.« less

Computer graphics testbed to simulate and test vision systems for space applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheatham, John B.

1991-01-01

Artificial intelligence concepts are applied to robotics. Artificial neural networks, expert systems and laser imaging techniques for autonomous space robots are being studied. A computer graphics laser range finder simulator developed by Wu has been used by Weiland and Norwood to study use of artificial neural networks for path planning and obstacle avoidance. Interest is expressed in applications of CLIPS, NETS, and Fuzzy Control. These applications are applied to robot navigation.

Modeling Endovascular Coils as Heterogeneous Porous Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadollahi Farsani, H.; Herrmann, M.; Chong, B.; Frakes, D.

2016-12-01

Minimally invasive surgeries are the stat-of-the-art treatments for many pathologies. Treating brain aneurysms is no exception; invasive neurovascular clipping is no longer the only option and endovascular coiling has introduced itself as the most common treatment. Coiling isolates the aneurysm from blood circulation by promoting thrombosis within the aneurysm. One approach to studying intra-aneurysmal hemodynamics consists of virtually deploying finite element coil models and then performing computational fluid dynamics. However, this approach is often computationally expensive and requires extensive resources to perform. The porous medium approach has been considered as an alternative to the conventional coil modeling approach because it lessens the complexities of computational fluid dynamics simulations by reducing the number of mesh elements needed to discretize the domain. There have been a limited number of attempts at treating the endovascular coils as homogeneous porous media. However, the heterogeneity associated with coil configurations requires a more accurately defined porous medium in which the porosity and permeability change throughout the domain. We implemented this approach by introducing a lattice of sample volumes and utilizing techniques available in the field of interactive computer graphics. We observed that the introduction of the heterogeneity assumption was associated with significant changes in simulated aneurysmal flow velocities as compared to the homogeneous assumption case. Moreover, as the sample volume size was decreased, the flow velocities approached an asymptotical value, showing the importance of the sample volume size selection. These results demonstrate that the homogeneous assumption for porous media that are inherently heterogeneous can lead to considerable errors. Additionally, this modeling approach allowed us to simulate post-treatment flows without considering the explicit geometry of a deployed endovascular coil mass, greatly simplifying computation.

Post-Vacuum-Assisted Stereotactic Core Biopsy Clip Displacement: A Comparison Between Commercially Available Clips and Surgical Clip.

PubMed

Yen, Peggy; Dumas, Sandra; Albert, Arianne; Gordon, Paula

2018-02-01

The placement of localization clips following percutaneous biopsy is a standard practice for a variety of situations. Subsequent clip displacement creates challenges for imaging surveillance and surgical planning, and may cause confusion amongst radiologists and between surgeons and radiologists. Many causes have been attributed for this phenomenon including the commonly accepted "accordion effect." Herein, we investigate the performance of a low cost surgical clip system against 4 commercially available clips. We retrospectively reviewed 2112 patients who underwent stereotactic vacuum-assisted core biopsy followed by clip placement between January 2013 and June 2016. The primary performance parameter compared was displacement >10 mm following vacuum-assisted stereotactic core biopsy. Within the group of clips that had displaced, the magnitude of displacement was compared. There was a significant difference in displacement among the clip types (P < .0001) with significant pairwise comparisons between pediatric surgical clips and SecureMark (38% vs 28%; P = .001) and SenoMark (38% vs 27%; P = .0001) in the proportion displaced. The surgical clips showed a significant magnitude of displacement of approximately 25% greater average distance displaced. As a whole, the commercial clips performed better than the surgical clip after stereotactic vacuum-assisted core biopsy suggesting the surrounding outer component acts to anchor the central clip and minimizes clip displacement. The same should apply to tomosynthesis-guided biopsy. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Algorithmic processing of intrinsic signals in affixed transmission speckle analysis (ATSA) (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghijsen, Michael T.; Tromberg, Bruce J.

2017-03-01

Affixed Transmission Speckle Analysis (ATSA) is a method recently developed to measure blood flow that is based on laser speckle imaging miniaturized into a clip-on form factor the size of a pulse-oximeter. Measuring at a rate of 250 Hz, ATSA is capable or obtaining the cardiac waveform in blood flow data, referred to as the Speckle-Plethysmogram (SPG). ATSA is also capable of simultaneously measuring the Photoplethysmogram (PPG), a more conventional signal related to light intensity. In this work we present several novel algorithms for extracting physiologically relevant information from the combined SPG-PPG waveform data. First we show that there is a slight time-delay between the SPG and PPG that can be extracted computationally. Second, we present a set of frequency domain algorithms that measure harmonic content on pulse-by-pulse basis for both the SPG and PPG. Finally, we apply these algorithms to data obtained from a set of subjects including healthy controls and individuals with heightened cardiovascular risk. We hypothesize that the time-delay and frequency content are correlated with cardiovascular health; specifically with vascular stiffening.

Object-oriented knowledge representation for expert systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scott, Stephen L.

1991-01-01

Object oriented techniques have generated considerable interest in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) community in recent years. This paper discusses an approach for representing expert system knowledge using classes, objects, and message passing. The implementation is in version 4.3 of NASA's C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS), an expert system tool that does not provide direct support for object oriented design. The method uses programmer imposed conventions and keywords to structure facts, and rules to provide object oriented capabilities.

Intraoperative loss of core biopsy clips: clinical implications.

PubMed

Calhoun, Kristine; Giuliano, Armando; Brenner, R James

2008-03-01

The purpose of this study was to report the occurrence of intraoperative loss of metallic marking clips placed during image-guided biopsy and to hypothesize the likely mechanism of this clinical problem. From January 2003 through December 2004, patients presenting for preoperative mammographic localization and operative excision of biopsy site marking clips were identified. Age, method of image-guided biopsy, number of excised specimens, and tissue diagnosis were determined. Specimen radiographs were used to identify cases of suspected intraoperative clip loss. Clips absent on specimen radiographs and postoperative mammograms were defined as lost intraoperatively. Biopsy site marking clips, surgical clips, and suction device apertures were measured. In 78 surgical procedures performed during the study period, three (3.8%) of the patients experienced clip loss. Specimen radiographs confirmed the absence of clips in all submitted tissues. A median of four (range, three to five) separate biopsy specimens were excised among these three cases. A healing biopsy site from the stereotactic biopsy preceding the clip placement procedure was confirmed in all cases. Absence of the metallic clip was confirmed on postoperative mammograms. The apertures of two types of suction device were four and two times those of the biopsy clips. Intraoperative loss of metallic clips placed at the conclusion of image-guided breast biopsy is unusual but can occur during subsequent surgical excision. Repeated inability to locate the clip on specimen radiographs after accurate preoperative localization should raise the suspicion that the target clip has been lost, not missed, during surgery, likely because of inadvertent removal of the clip with the suction device.

An in vitro Evaluation of Friction Characteristics of Conventional Stainless Steel and Self-ligating Stainless Steel Brackets with different Dimensions of Archwires in Various Bracket-archwire Combination.

PubMed

Sridharan, K; Sandbhor, Shailesh; Rajasekaran, U B; Sam, George; Ramees, M Mohamed; Abraham, Esther A

2017-08-01

The purpose of this research is to compare the frictional attributes of stainless steel conventional brackets and self-ligating stainless steel brackets with different dimensions of archwires. The test was carried with two sets of maxillary brackets: (1) Conventional stainless steel (Victory Series), (2) stainless steel self-ligating (SmartClip) without first premolar brackets. Stainless steel, nickel-titanium (NiTi), and beta-Ti which are the types of orthodontic wire alloys were tested in this study. To monitor the frictional force, a universal testing machine (Instron 33R 4467) that comprises 10 kg tension load cell was assigned on a range of 1 kg and determined from 0 to 2 kg, which allows moving of an archwire along the brackets. One-way analysis of variance was used to test the difference between groups. To analyze the statistical difference between the two groups, Student's t-test was used. For Victory Series in static friction, p-value was 0.946 and for kinetic friction it was 0.944; at the same time for SmartClip, the p value for static and kinetic frictional resistance was 0.497 and 0.518 respectively. Hence, there was no statistically significant difference between the NiTi and stainless steel archwires. It is concluded that when compared with conventional brackets with stainless steel ligatures, self-ligating brackets can produce significantly less friction during sliding. Beta-Ti archwires expressed high amount of frictional resistance and the stainless steel archwires comprise low frictional resistance among all the archwire materials. In orthodontics, frictional resistance has always had a major role. Its ability to impair tooth movement leads to the need for higher forces to move the teeth and it extends the treatment time which results in loss of posterior anchorage. Friction in orthodontics is related with sliding mechanics when a wire is moving through one or a series of bracket slots.

Efficacy and safety of the remOVE System for OTSC® and FTRD® clip removal: data from a PMCF analysis.

PubMed

Caputo, Antonio; Schmidt, Arthur; Caca, Karel; Bauerfeind, Peter; Schostek, Sebastian; Ho, Chi-Nghia; Gottwald, Thomas; Schurr, Marc O

2018-06-01

The remOVE System (Ovesco Endoscopy AG, Tuebingen, Germany) is a medical device for the endoscopic removal of OTSC or FTRD clips (Ovesco Endoscopy AG, Tuebingen, Germany). The aim of this paper is to assess the efficacy and safety of this system. A total of 74 patients underwent clip extraction. The standard removal procedure comprises fragmenting the clip by applying an electrical direct current pulse at two opposing sides of the clip. Clip fragmentation was successful in 72 of 74 patients (97.3%). In two cases (2.7%) clip fragmentation was not possible. In nine cases (12.2%) a clip fragment could not be removed and was left in place. Complications occurred in three cases (4.1%): two minor bleedings near the clip removal site (2.7%), and one superficial mucosal tear resulting from clip fragment extraction (1.4%). Based on this study, the use of the remOVE System for OTSC or FTRD clip removal can be considered safe and effective.

Modified CLIP with objective liver reserve assessment retains prognosis prediction for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

PubMed

Shao, Yu-Yun; Liu, Tsung-Hao; Lee, Ying-Hui; Hsu, Chih-Hung; Cheng, Ann-Lii

2016-07-01

The Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score is a commonly used staging system for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) helpful with predicting prognosis of advanced HCC. CLIP uses the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score to evaluate liver reserve. A new scoring system, the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, has been proposed as they objectively evaluate liver reserve. We examined whether the modification of CLIP with ALBI retained its prognosis prediction for patients with advanced HCC. We included patients who received first-line antiangiogenic therapy for advanced HCC. Liver reserve was assessed using CTP and ALBI scores, which were then incorporated into CLIP and ALBI-CLIP, respectively. To assess their efficacies of prognostic prediction, the Cox's proportional hazard model and concordance indexes were used. A total of 142 patients were included; 137 of them were classified CTP A and 5 patients CTP B. Patients could be divided into four or five groups with different prognosis according to CLIP and ALBI-CLIP, respectively. Higher R(2) (0.249 vs 0.216) and lower Akaike information criterion (995.0 vs 1001.1) were observed for ALBI-CLIP than for CLIP in the Cox's model predicting overall survival. ALBI-CLIP remained an independent predictor for overall survival when CLIP and ALBI-CLIP were simultaneously incorporated in Cox's models allowing variable selection with adjustment for hepatitis etiology, treatment, and performance status. The concordance index was also higher for ALBI-CLIP than for CLIP (0.724 vs 0.703). Modification of CLIP scoring with ALBI, which objectively assesses liver reserve, retains and might have improved prognosis prediction for advanced HCC. © 2016 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Rebleeding from clipped aneurysm after 35 years: Report of 2 cases

PubMed Central

Ishida, Atsushi; Matsuo, Seigo; Asakuno, Keizoh; Nemoto, Akio; Niimura, Kaku; Yoshimoto, Haruko; Shiramizu, Hideki; Yuzawa, Miki

2015-01-01

Background: A successfully applied clip for a ruptured aneurysm keeps the aneurysm's neck closed, preventing rerupture throughout the patient's life. Unfortunately, rebleeding from a clipped aneurysm does occur, but the likelihood declines with time. Since relatively old people suffer from subarachnoid hemorrhage, they die from diseases other than rebleeding, such as cancer. Therefore, rebleeding from a clipped aneurysm after two decades is quite rare. Case Description: Here, we report 2 cases of rerupture after an extremely long time since the initial clipping. In both cases, the old clip was removed, and the regrown gourd-shaped aneurysm was successfully obliterated. The clips in both cases were submitted to their manufacturers and inspected thoroughly. They were found to be second-generation, stainless steel clips, and were almost intact, even keeping their closing forces. In both cases, the clip existed on the surface of the newly made dome, and the previous dome completely disappeared. Conclusions: We experienced 2 cases of rebleeding from the clipped aneurysm after 35 years. In one of the cases, the clip was a Yasargil second generation stainless steel clip that retained its mechanical properties and surface elemental composition in vivo for a long time. These cases should be informative as they show extremely long-term course of a clip applied for a ruptured aneurysm. PMID:26322244

Optic neuropathy after anterior communicating artery aneurysm clipping: 3 cases and techniques to address a correctable pitfall.

PubMed

Linzey, Joseph R; Chen, Kevin S; Savastano, Luis; Thompson, B Gregory; Pandey, Aditya S

2018-06-01

Brain shifts following microsurgical clip ligation of anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms can lead to mechanical compression of the optic nerve by the clip. Recognition of this condition and early repositioning of clips can lead to reversal of vision loss. The authors identified 3 patients with an afferent pupillary defect following microsurgical clipping of ACoA aneurysms. Different treatment options were used for each patient. All patients underwent reexploration, and the aneurysm clips were repositioned to prevent clip-related compression of the optic nerve. Near-complete restoration of vision was achieved at the last clinic follow-up visit in all 3 patients. Clip ligation of ACoA aneurysms has the potential to cause clip-related compression of the optic nerve. Postoperative visual examination is of utmost importance, and if any changes are discovered, reexploration should be considered as repositioning of the clips may lead to resolution of visual deterioration.

The Development of a Technology-Based Hierarchy to Assess Chronic Low Back Pain and Pain-Related Anxiety From a Fear-Avoidance Model.

PubMed

Springer, Kristen S; George, Steven Z; Robinson, Michael E

2016-08-01

Previous studies have not examined the assessment of chronic low back pain (CLBP) and pain-related anxiety from a fear avoidance model through the use of motion-capture software and virtual human technologies. The aim of this study was to develop and assess the psychometric properties of an interactive, technologically based hierarchy that can be used to assess patients with pain and pain-related anxiety. We enrolled 30 licensed physical therapists and 30 participants with CLBP. Participants rated 21 video clips of a 3-D animated character (avatar) engaging in activities that are typically feared by patients with CLBP. The results of the study indicate that physical therapists found the virtual hierarchy clips acceptable and depicted realistic patient experiences. Most participants with CLBP reported at least 1 video clip as being sufficiently anxiety-provoking for use clinically. Therefore, this study suggests a hierarchy of fears can be created out of 21 virtual patient video clips paving the way for future clinical use in patients with CLBP. This report describes the development of a computer-based virtual patient system for the assessment of back pain-related fear and anxiety. Results show that people with back pain as well as physical therapists found the avatar to be realistic, and the depictions of behavior anxiety- and fear-provoking. Copyright © 2016 American Pain Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lateral supraorbital approach to ipsilateral PCA-P1 and ICA-PCoA aneurysms

PubMed Central

Goehre, Felix; Jahromi, Behnam Rezai; Elsharkawy, Ahmed; Lehto, Hanna; Shekhtman, Oleg; Andrade-Barazarte, Hugo; Munoz, Francisco; Hijazy, Ferzat; Makhkamov, Makhkam; Hernesniemi, Juha

2015-01-01

Background: Aneurysms of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) are rare and often associated with anterior circulation aneurysms. The lateral supraorbital approach allows for a very fast and safe approach to the ipsilateral lesions Circle of Willis. A technical note on the successful clip occlusion of two aneurysms in the anterior and posterior Circle of Willis via this less invasive approach has not been published before. The objective of this technical note is to describe the simultaneous microsurgical clip occlusion of an ipsilateral PCA-P1 and an internal carotid artery - posterior communicating artery (ICA-PCoA) aneurysm via the lateral supraorbital approach. Case Description: The authors present a technical report of successful clip occlusions of ipsilateral located PCA-P1 and ICA-PCoA aneurysms. A 59-year-old female patient was diagnosed with a PCA-P1 and an ipsilateral ICA-PCoA aneurysm by computed tomography angiography (CTA) after an ischemic stroke secondary to a contralateral ICA dissection. The patient underwent microsurgical clipping after a lateral supraorbital craniotomy. The intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography and the postoperative CTA showed a complete occlusion of both aneurysms; the parent vessels (ICA and PCA) were patent. The patient presents postoperative no new neurologic deficit. Conclusion: The lateral supraorbital approach is suitable for the simultaneous microsurgical treatment of proximal anterior circulation and ipsilateral proximal PCA aneurysms. Compared to endovascular treatment, direct visual control of brainstem perforators is possible. PMID:26060600

Poster — Thur Eve — 02: Measurement of CT radiation profile width using Fuji CR imaging plate raw data

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

Bjarnason, T A; Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Yang, C J

2014-08-15

Measuring the CT collimation width and assessing the shape of the overall profile is a relatively straightforward quality control (QC) measure that impacts both image quality and patient dose, and is often required at acceptance and routine testing. Most CT facilities have access to computed radiography (CR) systems, so performing CT collimation profile assessments using CR plates requires no additional equipment. Previous studies have shown how to effectively use CR plates to measure the radiation profile width. However, a major limitation of the previous work is that the full dynamic range of CR detector plates are not used, since themore » CR processing technology reduces the dynamic range of the DICOM output to 2{sup 10}, requiring the sensitivity and latitude settings of CR reader to be adjusted to prevent clipping of the CT profile data. Such adjustments to CR readers unnecessarily complicate the QC procedure. These clipping artefacts hinder the ability to accurately assess CT collimation width because the full-width at half maximum value of the penumbras are not properly determined if the maximum dose of the profile is not available. Furthermore, any inconsistencies in the radiation profile shape are lost if the profile plateau is clipped off. In this work we developed an opensource Matlab script for straightforward CT profile width measurements using raw CR data that also allows assessment of the profile shape without clipping, and applied this approach during CT QC.« less

Automated rule-base creation via CLIPS-Induce

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murphy, Patrick M.

1994-01-01

Many CLIPS rule-bases contain one or more rule groups that perform classification. In this paper we describe CLIPS-Induce, an automated system for the creation of a CLIPS classification rule-base from a set of test cases. CLIPS-Induce consists of two components, a decision tree induction component and a CLIPS production extraction component. ID3, a popular decision tree induction algorithm, is used to induce a decision tree from the test cases. CLIPS production extraction is accomplished through a top-down traversal of the decision tree. Nodes of the tree are used to construct query rules, and branches of the tree are used to construct classification rules. The learned CLIPS productions may easily be incorporated into a large CLIPS system that perform tasks such as accessing a database or displaying information.

CLIPS++: Embedding CLIPS into C++

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Obermeyer, Lance; Miranker, Daniel P.

1994-01-01

This paper describes a set of C++ extensions to the CLIPS language and their embodiment in CLIPS++. These extensions and the implementation approach of CLIPS++ provide a new level of embeddability with C and C++. These extensions are a C++ include statement and a defcontainer construct; (include (c++-header-file.h)) and (defcontainer (c++-type)). The include construct allows C++ functions to be embedded in both the LHS and RHS of CLIPS rules. The header file in an include construct is the same header file the programmer uses for his/her own C++ code, independent of CLIPS. The defcontainer construct allows the inference engine to treat C++ class instances as CLIPS deftemplate facts. Consequently existing C++ class libraries may be transparently imported into CLIPS. These C++ types may use advanced features like inheritance, virtual functions, and templates. The implementation has been tested with several class libraries, including Rogue Wave Software's Tools.h++, GNU's libg++, and USL's C++ Standard Components. The execution speed of CLIPS++ has been determined to be 5 to 700 times the execution speed of CLIPS 6.0 (10 to 20X typical).

The Virtual Lecture Hall: Utilisation, Effectiveness and Student Perceptions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cramer, Kenneth M.; Collins, Kandice R.; Snider, Don; Fawcett, Graham

2007-01-01

We presently introduce the Virtual Lecture Hall (VLH), an instructional computer-based platform for delivering Microsoft PowerPoint slides threaded with audio clips for later review. There were 839 male and female university students enrolled in an introductory psychology class who had access to review class lectures via the VLH. This tool was…

Kinematic Measures of Imitation Fidelity in Primary School Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Justin H. G.; Casey, Jackie M.; Braadbaart, Lieke; Culmer, Peter R.; Mon-Williams, Mark

2014-01-01

We sought to develop a method for measuring imitation accuracy objectively in primary school children. Children imitated a model drawing shapes on the same computer-tablet interface they saw used in video clips, allowing kinematics of model and observers' actions to be directly compared. Imitation accuracy was reported as a correlation reflecting…

Support-Staff Jobs Double in 20 Years, Outpacing Enrollment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brainard, Jeffrey; Fain, Paul; Masterson, Kathryn

2009-01-01

Colleges have added managers and support personnel at a steady, vigorous clip over the past 20 years, new research shows, far outpacing the growth in student enrollment and instructors. Support staff--like budget analysts, computer specialists, and loan counselors--nearly doubled from 1987 to 2007. Meanwhile, jobs for instructors increased by only…

Will Microfilm and Computers Replace Clippings?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oppendahl, Alison; And Others

Four speeches are presented, each of which deals with the use of conputers to organize and retrieve news stories. The first speech relates in detail the step-by-step process devised by the "Free Press" in Detroit to analyze, categorize, code, film, process, and retrieve news stories through the use of the electronic film retrieval…

The Power of Digital Storytelling to Support Teaching and Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robin, Bernard R.

2016-01-01

Although the term "digital storytelling" may not be familiar to all readers, over the last twenty years, an increasing number of educators, students and others around the world have created short movies by combining computer-based images, text, recorded audio narration, video clips and music in order to present information on various…

Designing Computer-Based Learning Contents: Influence of Digital Zoom on Attention

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glaser, Manuela; Lengyel, Dominik; Toulouse, Catherine; Schwan, Stephan

2017-01-01

In the present study, we investigated the role of digital zoom as a tool for directing attention while looking at visual learning material. In particular, we analyzed whether minimal digital zoom functions similarly to a rhetorical device by cueing mental zooming of attention accordingly. Participants were presented either static film clips, film…

New K-12 Curriculum Materials in the Government Documents Collection. 1989-1993.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keith, Diana J., Comp.

The purpose of this bibliography is to provide a list of government documents of special interest to students pursuing careers in education, teachers, and teachers of adult students. Types of materials indexed include: audiovisual materials, charts, clip art, coloring books, comic books, computer software, games and activities, map exercises, math…

Automated information retrieval using CLIPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raines, Rodney Doyle, III; Beug, James Lewis

1991-01-01

Expert systems have considerable potential to assist computer users in managing the large volume of information available to them. One possible use of an expert system is to model the information retrieval interests of a human user and then make recommendations to the user as to articles of interest. At Cal Poly, a prototype expert system written in the C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) serves as an Automated Information Retrieval System (AIRS). AIRS monitors a user's reading preferences, develops a profile of the user, and then evaluates items returned from the information base. When prompted by the user, AIRS returns a list of items of interest to the user. In order to minimize the impact on system resources, AIRS is designed to run in the background during periods of light system use.

Background estimation and player detection in badminton video clips using histogram of pixel values along temporal dimension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Yahui; Ma, Xiao; Gao, Xinyu; Zhou, Fangxu

2015-12-01

Computer vision is an important tool for sports video processing. However, its application in badminton match analysis is very limited. In this study, we proposed a straightforward but robust histogram-based background estimation and player detection methods for badminton video clips, and compared the results with the naive averaging method and the mixture of Gaussians methods, respectively. The proposed method yielded better background estimation results than the naive averaging method and more accurate player detection results than the mixture of Gaussians player detection method. The preliminary results indicated that the proposed histogram-based method could estimate the background and extract the players accurately. We conclude that the proposed method can be used for badminton player tracking and further studies are warranted for automated match analysis.

Dr. Peter Cavanaugh Explains the Need and Operation of the FOOT Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

This video clip is an interview with Dr. Peter Cavanaugh, principal investigator for the FOOT experiment. He explains the reasoning behind the experiment and shows some video clips of the FOOT experiment being calibrated and conducted in orbit. The heart of the FOOT experiment is an instrumented suit called the Lower Extremity Monitoring Suit (LEMS). This customized garment is a pair of Lycra cycling tights incorporating 20 carefully placed sensors and the associated wiring control units, and amplifiers. LEMS enables the electrical activity of the muscles, the angular motions of the hip, knee, and ankle joints, and the force under both feet to be measured continuously. Measurements are also made on the arm muscles. Information from the sensors can be recorded up to 14 hours on a small, wearable computer.

Learning Computational Models of Video Memorability from fMRI Brain Imaging.

PubMed

Han, Junwei; Chen, Changyuan; Shao, Ling; Hu, Xintao; Han, Jungong; Liu, Tianming

2015-08-01

Generally, various visual media are unequally memorable by the human brain. This paper looks into a new direction of modeling the memorability of video clips and automatically predicting how memorable they are by learning from brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We propose a novel computational framework by integrating the power of low-level audiovisual features and brain activity decoding via fMRI. Initially, a user study experiment is performed to create a ground truth database for measuring video memorability and a set of effective low-level audiovisual features is examined in this database. Then, human subjects' brain fMRI data are obtained when they are watching the video clips. The fMRI-derived features that convey the brain activity of memorizing videos are extracted using a universal brain reference system. Finally, due to the fact that fMRI scanning is expensive and time-consuming, a computational model is learned on our benchmark dataset with the objective of maximizing the correlation between the low-level audiovisual features and the fMRI-derived features using joint subspace learning. The learned model can then automatically predict the memorability of videos without fMRI scans. Evaluations on publically available image and video databases demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework.

Comparison of holding strength of suture anchors for hepatic and renal parenchyma.

PubMed

Ames, Caroline D; Perrone, Juan M; Frisella, Alison J; Morrissey, Kevin; Landman, Jaime

2005-12-01

Various laparoscopic devices have been described for suture anchoring during solidorgan parenchymal closure. Application of these devices expedites the closure of parenchymal defects and minimizes ischemia time. We compared different technologies as suture anchors for parenchymal closure. A tensometer was used to determine the amount of tension necessary to dislodge each of five different clips from Vicryl suture alone or against two different substrates (fresh pig kidney and liver) with and without an intervening pledget. The clips investigated were the Lapra-Ty (Ethicon), Endoclip II (US Surgical), small Horizon Ligating Clips (Weck), Hem-o-lok Medium Polymer Clips (Week), and a novel Suture-clip (Applied Medical). ANOVA and two-sided Fisher's exact test provided statistical analysis. The force required to dislodge the Lapra-Ty clip from bare suture for both 0 and 1 Vicryl (7.0 N) was approximately fourfold the force required to dislodge the Endoclips or the 5-mm or 10-mm Hem-o-lok clips (p<0.01). When clips were applied to suture running through renal or liver parenchyma, the novel Suture-clip required the greatest tension to dislodge (P<0.01), followed by the Horizon and Lapra-Ty clips. There were no statistically significant differences in the tension required to dislodge a given clip from the two parenchymal substrates or in the presence or absence of a pledget. In our experimental model, the Suture-clip, Lapra-Ty, and Horizon clips required significantly greater tension to dislodge than the Hem-o-lok and Endoclip clips. The addition of a pledget did not improve tension resistance.

Comparison of Frictional Forces Generated by a New Ceramic Bracket with the Conventional Brackets using Unconventional and Conventional Ligation System and the Self-ligating Brackets: An In Vitro Study.

PubMed

Pasha, Azam; Vishwakarma, Swati; Narayan, Anjali; Vinay, K; Shetty, Smitha V; Roy, Partha Pratim

2015-09-01

Fixed orthodontic mechanotherapy is associated with friction between the bracket - wire - ligature interfaces during the sliding mechanics. A sound knowledge of the various factors affecting the magnitude of friction is of paramount importance. The present study was done to analyze and compare the frictional forces generated by a new ceramic (Clarity Advanced) bracket with the conventional, (metal and ceramic) brackets using unconventional and conventional ligation system, and the self-ligating (metal and ceramic) brackets in the dry condition. The various bracket wire ligation combinations were tested in dry condition. The brackets used were of 0.022″ × 0.028″ nominal slot dimension of MBT prescription: Stainless steel (SS) self-ligating bracket (SLB) of (SmartClip), SS Conventional bracket (CB) (Victory series), Ceramic SLB (Clarity SL), Conventional Ceramic bracket with metal slot (Clarity Bracket), Clarity Advanced Ceramic Brackets (Clarity(™) ADVANCED, 3M Unitek). These brackets were used with two types of elastomeric ligatures: Conventional Elastomeric Ligatures (CEL) (Clear medium mini modules) and Unconventional Elastomeric Ligatures (UEL) (Clear medium slide ligatures, Leone orthodontic products). The aligning and the retraction wires were used, i.e., 0.014″ nickel titanium (NiTi) wires and 0.019″ × 0.025″ SS wires, respectively. A universal strength testing machine was used to measure the friction produced between the different bracket, archwires, and ligation combination. This was done with the use of a custom-made jig being in position. Mean, standard deviation, and range were computed for the frictional values obtained. Results were subjected to statistical analysis through ANOVA. The frictional resistance observed in the new Clarity Advanced bracket with a conventional elastomeric ligature was almost similar with the Clarity metal slot bracket with a conventional elastomeric ligature. When using the UEL, the Clarity Advanced bracket produced lesser friction than the conventional metal bracket; but not less than the ceramic metal slot bracket. Ceramic SLB produced lesser friction when compared with the Clarity Advanced bracket with UEL, but the metal SLB produced the least friction among all the groups and subgroups. The present study concluded that the SS SLB produced least friction among all groups. Using the archwire and ligation method, frictional forces observed in the Clarity Advanced bracket and the conventional ceramic with metal slot bracket were almost similar; but the least resistance was determined in SS CB using both the ligation (CEL and UEL) system.

Patient-specific cardiac phantom for clinical training and preprocedure surgical planning.

PubMed

Laing, Justin; Moore, John; Vassallo, Reid; Bainbridge, Daniel; Drangova, Maria; Peters, Terry

2018-04-01

Minimally invasive mitral valve repair procedures including MitraClip ® are becoming increasingly common. For cases of complex or diseased anatomy, clinicians may benefit from using a patient-specific cardiac phantom for training, surgical planning, and the validation of devices or techniques. An imaging compatible cardiac phantom was developed to simulate a MitraClip ® procedure. The phantom contained a patient-specific cardiac model manufactured using tissue mimicking materials. To evaluate accuracy, the patient-specific model was imaged using computed tomography (CT), segmented, and the resulting point cloud dataset was compared using absolute distance to the original patient data. The result, when comparing the molded model point cloud to the original dataset, resulted in a maximum Euclidean distance error of 7.7 mm, an average error of 0.98 mm, and a standard deviation of 0.91 mm. The phantom was validated using a MitraClip ® device to ensure anatomical features and tools are identifiable under image guidance. Patient-specific cardiac phantoms may allow for surgical complications to be accounted for preoperative planning. The information gained by clinicians involved in planning and performing the procedure should lead to shorter procedural times and better outcomes for patients.

A parallel strategy for implementing real-time expert systems using CLIPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ilyes, Laszlo A.; Villaseca, F. Eugenio; Delaat, John

1994-01-01

As evidenced by current literature, there appears to be a continued interest in the study of real-time expert systems. It is generally recognized that speed of execution is only one consideration when designing an effective real-time expert system. Some other features one must consider are the expert system's ability to perform temporal reasoning, handle interrupts, prioritize data, contend with data uncertainty, and perform context focusing as dictated by the incoming data to the expert system. This paper presents a strategy for implementing a real time expert system on the iPSC/860 hypercube parallel computer using CLIPS. The strategy takes into consideration not only the execution time of the software, but also those features which define a true real-time expert system. The methodology is then demonstrated using a practical implementation of an expert system which performs diagnostics on the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). This particular implementation uses an eight node hypercube to process ten sensor measurements in order to simultaneously diagnose five different failure modes within the SSME. The main program is written in ANSI C and embeds CLIPS to better facilitate and debug the rule based expert system.

Content-based video retrieval by example video clip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dimitrova, Nevenka; Abdel-Mottaleb, Mohamed

1997-01-01

This paper presents a novel approach for video retrieval from a large archive of MPEG or Motion JPEG compressed video clips. We introduce a retrieval algorithm that takes a video clip as a query and searches the database for clips with similar contents. Video clips are characterized by a sequence of representative frame signatures, which are constructed from DC coefficients and motion information (`DC+M' signatures). The similarity between two video clips is determined by using their respective signatures. This method facilitates retrieval of clips for the purpose of video editing, broadcast news retrieval, or copyright violation detection.

21 CFR 878.4320 - Removable skin clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Removable skin clip. 878.4320 Section 878.4320...) MEDICAL DEVICES GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Surgical Devices § 878.4320 Removable skin clip. (a) Identification. A removable skin clip is a clip-like device intended to connect skin tissues temporarily to aid...

Ratings for emotion film clips.

PubMed

Gabert-Quillen, Crystal A; Bartolini, Ellen E; Abravanel, Benjamin T; Sanislow, Charles A

2015-09-01

Film clips are widely utilized to elicit emotion in a variety of research studies. Normative ratings for scenes selected for these purposes support the idea that selected clips correspond to the intended target emotion, but studies reporting normative ratings are limited. Using an ethnically diverse sample of college undergraduates, selected clips were rated for intensity, discreteness, valence, and arousal. Variables hypothesized to affect the perception of stimuli (i.e., gender, race-ethnicity, and familiarity) were also examined. Our analyses generally indicated that males reacted strongly to positively valenced film clips, whereas females reacted more strongly to negatively valenced film clips. Caucasian participants tended to react more strongly to the film clips, and we found some variation by race-ethnicity across target emotions. Finally, familiarity with the films tended to produce higher ratings for positively valenced film clips, and lower ratings for negatively valenced film clips. These findings provide normative ratings for a useful set of film clips for the study of emotion, and they underscore factors to be considered in research that utilizes scenes from film for emotion elicitation.

Authoring Data-Driven Videos with DataClips.

PubMed

Amini, Fereshteh; Riche, Nathalie Henry; Lee, Bongshin; Monroy-Hernandez, Andres; Irani, Pourang

2017-01-01

Data videos, or short data-driven motion graphics, are an increasingly popular medium for storytelling. However, creating data videos is difficult as it involves pulling together a unique combination of skills. We introduce DataClips, an authoring tool aimed at lowering the barriers to crafting data videos. DataClips allows non-experts to assemble data-driven "clips" together to form longer sequences. We constructed the library of data clips by analyzing the composition of over 70 data videos produced by reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. We demonstrate that DataClips can reproduce over 90% of our data videos corpus. We also report on a qualitative study comparing the authoring process and outcome achieved by (1) non-experts using DataClips, and (2) experts using Adobe Illustrator and After Effects to create data-driven clips. Results indicated that non-experts are able to learn and use DataClips with a short training period. In the span of one hour, they were able to produce more videos than experts using a professional editing tool, and their clips were rated similarly by an independent audience.

Proposal for a CLIPS software library

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Porter, Ken

1991-01-01

This paper is a proposal to create a software library for the C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) expert system shell developed by NASA. Many innovative ideas for extending CLIPS were presented at the First CLIPS Users Conference, including useful user and database interfaces. CLIPS developers would benefit from a software library of reusable code. The CLIPS Users Group should establish a software library-- a course of action to make that happen is proposed. Open discussion to revise this library concept is essential, since only a group effort is likely to succeed. A response form intended to solicit opinions and support from the CLIPS community is included.

Fuzzy expert systems using CLIPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Le, Thach C.

1994-01-01

This paper describes a CLIPS-based fuzzy expert system development environment called FCLIPS and illustrates its application to the simulated cart-pole balancing problem. FCLIPS is a straightforward extension of CLIPS without any alteration to the CLIPS internal structures. It makes use of the object-oriented and module features in CLIPS version 6.0 for the implementation of fuzzy logic concepts. Systems of varying degrees of mixed Boolean and fuzzy rules can be implemented in CLIPS. Design and implementation issues of FCLIPS will also be discussed.

Restoration of clipped seismic waveforms using projection onto convex sets method

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jinhai; Hao, Jinlai; Zhao, Xu; Wang, Shuqin; Zhao, Lianfeng; Wang, Weimin; Yao, Zhenxing

2016-01-01

The seismic waveforms would be clipped when the amplitude exceeds the upper-limit dynamic range of seismometer. Clipped waveforms are typically assumed not useful and seldom used in waveform-based research. Here, we assume the clipped components of the waveform share the same frequency content with the un-clipped components. We leverage this similarity to convert clipped waveforms to true waveforms by iteratively reconstructing the frequency spectrum using the projection onto convex sets method. Using artificially clipped data we find that statistically the restoration error is ~1% and ~5% when clipped at 70% and 40% peak amplitude, respectively. We verify our method using real data recorded at co-located seismometers that have different gain controls, one set to record large amplitudes on scale and the other set to record low amplitudes on scale. Using our restoration method we recover 87 out of 93 clipped broadband records from the 2013 Mw6.6 Lushan earthquake. Estimating that we recover 20 clipped waveforms for each M5.0+ earthquake, so for the ~1,500 M5.0+ events that occur each year we could restore ~30,000 clipped waveforms each year, which would greatly enhance useable waveform data archives. These restored waveform data would also improve the azimuthal station coverage and spatial footprint. PMID:27966618

Impact of cardiac comorbidities on early and 1-year outcome after percutaneous mitral valve interventions: data from the German transcatheter mitral valve interventions (TRAMI) registry.

PubMed

Schwencke, Carsten; Bijuklic, Klaudija; Ouarrak, Taoufik; Lubos, Edith; Schillinger, Wolfgang; Plicht, Björn; Eggebrecht, Holger; Baldus, Stephan; Schymik, Gerhard; Boekstegers, Peter; Hoffmann, Rainer; Senges, Jochen; Schofer, Joachim

2017-04-01

The use of the MitraClip system has gained widespread acceptance for the treatment of patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) who are not suitable for the conventional surgery. This study sought to investigate the early and 1-year outcome after MitraClip therapy of patients with MR and cardiac comorbidities. Outcomes through 12-month follow-up of patients (n = 528) who underwent MitraClip implantation were obtained from the German transcatheter mitral valve interventions (TRAMI) registry. The majority of these patients (n = 409, 77.5 %) also suffered from coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients with a dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, n = 65, 12.3 %) or concomitant valvular aortic disease (AV, n = 54, 10.2 %) were less frequent. Although the prevalent pathogenesis was functional MR, patients with DCM had significantly more frequent a functional MR (96.9 %) compared to patients with CAD (74.9 %) or AV (62.5 %, p < 0.001). Technical success was achieved in 97.5 % of patients. Procedural echocardiograms demonstrated in the vast majority of patients a reduction from severe MR III to mild MR I with no difference between the groups (p = 0.83). The peri-procedural complication rate was very low. At 30-day and 12-month follow-up, the majority of patients were in NYHA functional class II or lower. The rate of death, stroke, and myocardial infarction (MACCE) was comparable in the three patient groups during 12-month follow-up (DCM 26.9 %, CAD 30.3 % and AV 27.5 %, p = 0.85). The MitraClip implantation is feasible and safe even in high-risk patients with MR and cardiac comorbidities.

Computed 3D visualisation of an extinct cephalopod using computer tomographs.

PubMed

Lukeneder, Alexander

2012-08-01

The first 3D visualisation of a heteromorph cephalopod species from the Southern Alps (Dolomites, northern Italy) is presented. Computed tomography, palaeontological data and 3D reconstructions were included in the production of a movie, which shows a life reconstruction of the extinct organism. This detailed reconstruction is according to the current knowledge of the shape and mode of life as well as habitat of this animal. The results are based on the most complete shell known thus far of the genus Dissimilites . Object-based combined analyses from computed tomography and various computed 3D facility programmes help to understand morphological details as well as their ontogentical changes in fossil material. In this study, an additional goal was to show changes in locomotion during different ontogenetic phases of such fossil, marine shell-bearing animals (ammonoids). Hence, the presented models and tools can serve as starting points for discussions on morphology and locomotion of extinct cephalopods in general, and of the genus Dissimilites in particular. The heteromorph ammonoid genus Dissimilites is interpreted here as an active swimmer of the Tethyan Ocean. This study portrays non-destructive methods of 3D visualisation applied on palaeontological material, starting with computed tomography resulting in animated, high-quality video clips. The here presented 3D geometrical models and animation, which are based on palaeontological material, demonstrate the wide range of applications, analytical techniques and also outline possible limitations of 3D models in earth sciences and palaeontology. The realistic 3D models and motion pictures can easily be shared amongst palaeontologists. Data, images and short clips can be discussed online and, if necessary, adapted in morphological details and motion-style to better represent the cephalopod animal.

Computed 3D visualisation of an extinct cephalopod using computer tomographs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lukeneder, Alexander

2012-08-01

The first 3D visualisation of a heteromorph cephalopod species from the Southern Alps (Dolomites, northern Italy) is presented. Computed tomography, palaeontological data and 3D reconstructions were included in the production of a movie, which shows a life reconstruction of the extinct organism. This detailed reconstruction is according to the current knowledge of the shape and mode of life as well as habitat of this animal. The results are based on the most complete shell known thus far of the genus Dissimilites. Object-based combined analyses from computed tomography and various computed 3D facility programmes help to understand morphological details as well as their ontogentical changes in fossil material. In this study, an additional goal was to show changes in locomotion during different ontogenetic phases of such fossil, marine shell-bearing animals (ammonoids). Hence, the presented models and tools can serve as starting points for discussions on morphology and locomotion of extinct cephalopods in general, and of the genus Dissimilites in particular. The heteromorph ammonoid genus Dissimilites is interpreted here as an active swimmer of the Tethyan Ocean. This study portrays non-destructive methods of 3D visualisation applied on palaeontological material, starting with computed tomography resulting in animated, high-quality video clips. The here presented 3D geometrical models and animation, which are based on palaeontological material, demonstrate the wide range of applications, analytical techniques and also outline possible limitations of 3D models in earth sciences and palaeontology. The realistic 3D models and motion pictures can easily be shared amongst palaeontologists. Data, images and short clips can be discussed online and, if necessary, adapted in morphological details and motion-style to better represent the cephalopod animal.

Computed 3D visualisation of an extinct cephalopod using computer tomographs

PubMed Central

Lukeneder, Alexander

2012-01-01

The first 3D visualisation of a heteromorph cephalopod species from the Southern Alps (Dolomites, northern Italy) is presented. Computed tomography, palaeontological data and 3D reconstructions were included in the production of a movie, which shows a life reconstruction of the extinct organism. This detailed reconstruction is according to the current knowledge of the shape and mode of life as well as habitat of this animal. The results are based on the most complete shell known thus far of the genus Dissimilites. Object-based combined analyses from computed tomography and various computed 3D facility programmes help to understand morphological details as well as their ontogentical changes in fossil material. In this study, an additional goal was to show changes in locomotion during different ontogenetic phases of such fossil, marine shell-bearing animals (ammonoids). Hence, the presented models and tools can serve as starting points for discussions on morphology and locomotion of extinct cephalopods in general, and of the genus Dissimilites in particular. The heteromorph ammonoid genus Dissimilites is interpreted here as an active swimmer of the Tethyan Ocean. This study portrays non-destructive methods of 3D visualisation applied on palaeontological material, starting with computed tomography resulting in animated, high-quality video clips. The here presented 3D geometrical models and animation, which are based on palaeontological material, demonstrate the wide range of applications, analytical techniques and also outline possible limitations of 3D models in earth sciences and palaeontology. The realistic 3D models and motion pictures can easily be shared amongst palaeontologists. Data, images and short clips can be discussed online and, if necessary, adapted in morphological details and motion-style to better represent the cephalopod animal. PMID:24850976

A systematic review of discomfort due to toe or ear clipping in laboratory rodents

PubMed Central

Geessink, Florentine J.; Brouwer, Michelle A. E.; Tillema, Alice; Ritskes-Hoitinga, Merel

2017-01-01

Toe clipping and ear clipping (also ear notching or ear punching) are frequently used methods for individual identification of laboratory rodents. These procedures potentially cause severe discomfort, which can reduce animal welfare and distort experimental results. However, no systematic summary of the evidence on this topic currently exists. We conducted a systematic review of the evidence for discomfort due to toe or ear clipping in rodents. The review methodology was pre-specified in a registered review protocol. The population, intervention, control, outcome (PICO) question was: In rodents, what is the effect of toe clipping or ear clipping, compared with no clipping or sham clipping, on welfare-related outcomes? Through a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and grey literature, we identified seven studies on the effect of ear clipping on animal welfare, and five such studies on toe clipping. Studies were included in the review if they contained original data from an in vivo experiment in rodents, assessing the effect of toe clipping or ear clipping on a welfare-related outcome. Case studies and studies applying unsuitable co-interventions were excluded. Study quality was appraised using an extended version of SYstematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE)’s risk of bias tool for animal studies. Study characteristics and outcome measures were highly heterogeneous, and there was an unclear or high risk of bias in all studies. We therefore present a narrative synthesis of the evidence identified. None of the studies reported a sample size calculation. Out of over 60 different outcomes, we found evidence of discomfort due to ear clipping in the form of increased respiratory volume, vocalization and blood pressure. For toe clipping, increased vocalization and decreased motor activity in pups were found, as well as long-term effects in the form of reduced grip strength and swimming ability in adults. In conclusion, there is too little evidence to reliably assess discomfort due to toe or ear clipping, and the quality of the available evidence is uncertain. Adequately powered, high-quality studies reporting reliable, relevant outcome measures are needed to accurately assess the impact of these identification techniques. Until more reliable evidence is available, any effect of toe clipping or ear clipping on animal welfare and study results cannot be confirmed or excluded. PMID:28429644

Taxonomic and Functional Responses of Soil Microbial Communities to Annual Removal of Aboveground Plant Biomass

PubMed Central

Guo, Xue; Zhou, Xishu; Hale, Lauren; Yuan, Mengting; Feng, Jiajie; Ning, Daliang; Shi, Zhou; Qin, Yujia; Liu, Feifei; Wu, Liyou; He, Zhili; Van Nostrand, Joy D.; Liu, Xueduan; Luo, Yiqi; Tiedje, James M.; Zhou, Jizhong

2018-01-01

Clipping, removal of aboveground plant biomass, is an important issue in grassland ecology. However, few studies have focused on the effect of clipping on belowground microbial communities. Using integrated metagenomic technologies, we examined the taxonomic and functional responses of soil microbial communities to annual clipping (2010–2014) in a grassland ecosystem of the Great Plains of North America. Our results indicated that clipping significantly (P < 0.05) increased root and microbial respiration rates. Annual temporal variation within the microbial communities was much greater than the significant changes introduced by clipping, but cumulative effects of clipping were still observed in the long-term scale. The abundances of some bacterial and fungal lineages including Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes were significantly (P < 0.05) changed by clipping. Clipping significantly (P < 0.05) increased the abundances of labile carbon (C) degrading genes. More importantly, the abundances of recalcitrant C degrading genes were consistently and significantly (P < 0.05) increased by clipping in the last 2 years, which could accelerate recalcitrant C degradation and weaken long-term soil carbon stability. Furthermore, genes involved in nutrient-cycling processes including nitrogen cycling and phosphorus utilization were also significantly increased by clipping. The shifts of microbial communities were significantly correlated with soil respiration and plant productivity. Intriguingly, clipping effects on microbial function may be highly regulated by precipitation at the interannual scale. Altogether, our results illustrated the potential of soil microbial communities for increased soil organic matter decomposition under clipping land-use practices. PMID:29904372

It is time for a better clip applier - 3 mm, percutaneous, non-crushing and locking.

PubMed

Yuval, Jonathan B; Weiss, Daniel J; Paz, Adrian; Bachar, Yehuda; Brodie, Ronit; Shapira, Yinon; Mintz, Yoav

2017-10-06

Since the advent of laparoscopy there have been attempts to minimize abdominal wall incisions. For this purpose smaller instruments have been produced. Our aim was to develop the first 3 mm percutaneous clip applier and to make it better than the standard clips of today. The ClipTip clip is made of Nitinol and has a crocodile shaped jaws, which when apposed effectively seal vessels. The shaft operates as a retractable needle permitting percutaneous insertion. Closing, reopening and reclosing is possible. The physical properties of the device were compared to three commercially available clip appliers. Surgeries were performed on porcine animals by experienced surgeons. In comparison to available clips, the superiority of the ClipTip is a combination of wide effective length alongside the ability to withstand strong forces. In live animal studies the Cliptip was inserted into the peritoneal cavity without any injuries. Vessels were ligated successfully and no clip dislodgement or leakage occurred. We developed the next generation clip applier with better properties. Advantages include its length, the needleoscopic caliber, non-crushing effect, locking mechanism and wide aperture. The device has performed safely and effectively in pre-clinical tests. Further studies are planned in humans.

Persistence in and Release of 2,4-D and Azoxystrobin from Turfgrass Clippings.

PubMed

Jeffries, Matthew D; Yelverton, Fred H; Ahmed, Khalied A; Gannon, Travis W

2016-11-01

Research has shown that pesticide residue in clippings from previously treated turfgrass may become bioavailable as grass decomposes, adversely affecting off-target organisms. We conducted a field study to quantify 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and azoxystrobin (methyl(E)-2-{2[6-(2-cyanophenoxy)pyrmidin-4-yloxy]phenyl}-3-methoxyacrylate) residues in turfgrass clippings collected from hybrid bermudagrass [ (L.) Pers. × Burtt-Davy], tall fescue [ (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire], and zoysiagrass ( Steud.). A subsequent greenhouse experiment was conducted to measure pesticide release from clippings into water. 2,4-D (1.6 kg a.i. ha) and azoxystrobin (0.6 kg a.i. ha) were applied to field plots at 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1, or 0 d before collection of the clippings. Clippings were collected from each experimental unit to quantify pesticide release from clippings into water. Both 2,4-D and azoxystrobin were detected when turfgrass was treated over the 32-d experimental period, suggesting that clipping management should be implemented for an extended period of time after application. Pesticide residue was detected in all water samples collected, confirming 2,4-D and azoxystrobin release from turfgrass clippings; however, pesticide release varied between compounds. Two days after clippings were incorporated in water, 39 and 10% of 2,4-D and azoxystrobin were released from clippings, respectively. Our research supports the currently recommended practice of returning clippings to the turfgrass stand when mowing because removal of 2,4-D and azoxystrobin in clippings may reduce pest control and cause adverse off-target impacts. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

The efficiency of the new Yasargil titanium fenestrated mini-clips for ideal clipping of a cerebral aneurysm

PubMed Central

Ota, Nakao; Tanikawa, Rokuya; Noda, Kosumo; Tsuboi, Toshiyuki; Kamiyama, Hiroyasu; Tokuda, Sadahisa

2015-01-01

Background: The fenestrated clip is sometimes useful in limited approach angle and narrow working space. However, before the development of the new Yasargil titanium fenestrated mini-clip, the only variations of fenestrated clips were those of larger sizes. And those larger clips have a problem of the triangle-shaped gap at the proximal end of the blade. The authors describe the efficiency, limitations and surgical technique of using the Yasargil titanium fenestrated mini-clip. Methods: Fifty-nine cases of aneurysms were treated using these mini-clips. Aneurysm location, size and dome neck ratio, mean follow-up period, neck remnant, and recurrence rate were also analyzed. Among these cases, we present eight characteristic cases, including a case with aneurysm recurrence, and we review the problems associated with the triangle-shaped gap at the proximal end of the clip. Results: The average size of the aneurysms was 5.57 mm, and the dome neck ratio was >2.0 in 1.69%, >1.5 in 11.8%, >1.2 in 35.6%, and <1.2 in 50.8% of cases. The mean follow-up period for the 59 cases was 5.5 months (range, 0.5–16 months). Angiographic recurrence of the treated portion occurred in 1 case (1.7%), including an aneurysm in the basilar artery tip aneurysm. Conclusion: The availability of the Yasargil titanium fenestrated mini-clip increases the options for clipping to minimize the remnant of the clipped aneurysm. However, there is still concern over the triangular space at the base of the blade, especially when treating an aneurysm with a thin vessel wall. Therefore, modification of the clipping technique is sometimes needed. PMID:26664871

SU-E-J-201: Position Verification in Breast Cancer Radiotherapy Using Tantalum Clips in the Lumpectomy Cavity

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

Santvoort, J van; Van der Drift, M; Kuipers, J

2014-06-01

Purpose: To find out whether tantalum surgical clips can be used for online position verification in treatment of the lumpectomy cavity (LC) in breast cancer patients. Tantalum is a high density metal that could be visible on Electronic Portal Images (EPIs) and be an affordable alternative to gold markers. Clips are considered more representative for the LC position than nearby bony structures. Methods: In twelve patients the surgeon had placed 2 to 5 tantalum clips in the LC. The AP and lateral fields used for portal imaging, were adapted. In doing so, both bony structures and tantalum clips were visiblemore » on EPIs. The following analyses were performed:1. Image degradation, with respect to delineating the CTV, of the axial CT slices by artefacts because of the tantalum clips was evaluated by a radiation oncologist;2. The visibility of the tantalum clips on the EPIs was evaluated by four radiation therapists (RTTs);3. Bony anatomy and tantalum clip matches were performed on the same images independently by two observers. Results: 1. Delineation of the CTV by the radiation oncologist was not hampered by CT image artefacts because of the clips.2. The mean score for visibility of the clips on the EPIs, analysed by the four RTTs, was 5.6 on a scale of 10 (range 3.9 – 8.0).3. In total 12 patients with 16 fractions each were analysed. The differences between clip match and bone match are significant with a mean vector length of 5.2 mm (SD 1.9 mm) for the difference. Conclusion: Results of matches on tantalum clips as compared to matches on bony structures differ substantially. Therefore clip matches can result in smaller CTV to PTV margins than bone matches. Visibility of the clips on EPIs is sufficient, so they can be an alternative to gold markers.« less

A memory efficient user interface for CLIPS micro-computer applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sterle, Mark E.; Mayer, Richard J.; Jordan, Janice A.; Brodale, Howard N.; Lin, Min-Jin

1990-01-01

The goal of the Integrated Southern Pine Beetle Expert System (ISPBEX) is to provide expert level knowledge concerning treatment advice that is convenient and easy to use for Forest Service personnel. ISPBEX was developed in CLIPS and delivered on an IBM PC AT class micro-computer, operating with an MS/DOS operating system. This restricted the size of the run time system to 640K. In order to provide a robust expert system, with on-line explanation, help, and alternative actions menus, as well as features that allow the user to back up or execute 'what if' scenarios, a memory efficient menuing system was developed to interface with the CLIPS programs. By robust, we mean an expert system that (1) is user friendly, (2) provides reasonable solutions for a wide variety of domain specific problems, (3) explains why some solutions were suggested but others were not, and (4) provides technical information relating to the problem solution. Several advantages were gained by using this type of user interface (UI). First, by storing the menus on the hard disk (instead of main memory) during program execution, a more robust system could be implemented. Second, since the menus were built rapidly, development time was reduced. Third, the user may try a new scenario by backing up to any of the input screens and revising segments of the original input without having to retype all the information. And fourth, asserting facts from the menus provided for a dynamic and flexible fact base. This UI technology has been applied successfully in expert systems applications in forest management, agriculture, and manufacturing. This paper discusses the architecture of the UI system, human factors considerations, and the menu syntax design.

Laparoscopic sterilization with the spring clip: instrumentation development and current clinical experience.

PubMed

Hulka, J F; Omran, K; Lieberman, B A; Gordon, A G

1979-12-15

Since the original spring clip sterilization studies were reported, a number of clinically important modifications to the spring clip and applicator have been developed. The spring-loaded clip, manufactured by Richard Wolf Medical Instruments Corporation of Chicago, Illinois, and Rocket of London, Inc., London, England, and New York, New York can be applied with either a one- or two-incision applicator and the clips and applicators currently available incorporate improvements to the original prototypes in design, manufacture, and quality control. The two-incision applicator is associated with significantly fewer misapplications and the high pregnancy rates reported with the original clip and applicator have not occurred with the current designs. Comparative studies between the clip and band have revealed less operative bleeding and pain associated with the clip. The method is appropriate to all women requesting sterilization but especially to those in the younger age group who may subsequently request reversal because of divorce and remarriage.

An object oriented extension to CLIPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sobkowicz, Clifford

1990-01-01

A presentation of software sub-system developed to augment C Language Production Systems (CLIPS) with facilities for object oriented Knowledge representation. Functions are provided to define classes, instantiate objects, access attributes, and assert object related facts. This extension is implemented via the CLIPS user function interface and does not require modification of any CLIPS code. It does rely on internal CLIPS functions for memory management and symbol representation.

Utility of nonpenetrating titanium clips for dural closure during spinal surgery to prevent postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

PubMed

Ito, Kiyoshi; Aoyama, Tatsuro; Horiuchi, Tetsuyoshi; Hongo, Kazuhiro

2015-12-01

The nonpenetrating titanium clip has been successfully used in peripheral arterial bypass surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the leakage pressures and patterns of nonpenetrating titanium clips using a simple model that mimicked spinal surgery. In addition, the authors describe their surgical experience with these clips and the follow-up results in 31 consecutive patients. The authors compared nonpenetrating titanium clips and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) sutures in relation to the water pressure that could be tolerated by sutured ePTFE sheets, and the leakage pressure patterns were determined. The changes in leakage pressures at 5 minutes, 30 minutes, and 12 hours were examined when the clips and sutures were used in combination with the mesh-and-glue technique in an in vitro study. Thirty-one patients underwent spinal intradural procedures using nonpenetrating titanium clips to suture the dura maters using the meshand-glue technique, involving fibrin glue and polyglycolic acid-fibrin sheets. A significant difference was apparent between the ePTFE suture group and the nonpenetrating titanium clip group, with the latter showing a leakage pressure that could be sustained and was 1508% higher than that of the former (p = 0.001). In relation to leakage patterns, the nonpenetrating titanium clips did not make any suture holes in the ePTFE sheet and fluid leakage occurred between the clips, whereas fluid leakage was associated with the pressure elevation that occurred at the suture holes made by the ePTFE sutures. Of the 31 patients who underwent spinal intradural procedures using nonpenetrating titanium clips, 1 (3.2%) experienced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage postoperatively. No other complications-for example, allergic reactions, adhesions, or infections--were encountered. The interrupted placement of nonpenetrating titanium clips enables dural closure without creating any holes. These clips facilitate improvements in the initial leakage pressure and reduce postoperative CSF leakage following spinal surgery. The authors conclude that it is very beneficial to suture the spinal dura mater using nonpenetrating titanium clips given the anatomical characteristics of the spinal dura mater and the fact that the clips do not create suture holes.

Using CLIPS as the cornerstone of a graduate expert systems course

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yue, Kwok-Bun

1991-01-01

The effective use of the C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) as a cornerstone in a graduate expert systems course is described. The course include 8 or 9 hours of in-depth lecturing in CLIPS, as well as a broad coverage of major topics and techniques in expert systems. As part of the requirements of the course, students solved two small yet non-trival problems in CLIPS before going on to develop a toy expert system in CLIPS in an incremental manner as the term project. Furthermore, students were required to evaluate CLIPS programs written by their classmates. An anonymous questionnaire at the end of the semester revealed that the students responded very favorably to the course, especially their experience with CLIPS.

MIRO: A debugging tool for CLIPS incorporating historical Rete networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tuttle, Sharon M.; Eick, Christoph F.

1994-01-01

At the last CLIPS conference, we discussed our ideas for adding a temporal dimension to the Rete network used to implement CLIPS. The resulting historical Rete network could then be used to store 'historical' information about a run of a CLIPS program, to aid in debugging. MIRO, a debugging tool for CLIPS built on top of CLIPS, incorporates such a historical Rete network and uses it to support its prototype question-answering capability. By enabling CLIPS users to directly ask debugging-related questions about the history of a program run, we hope to reduce the amount of single-stepping and program tracing required to debug a CLIPS program. In this paper, we briefly describe MIRO's architecture and implementation, and the current question-types that MIRO supports. These question-types are further illustrated using an example, and the benefits of the debugging tool are discussed. We also present empirical results that measure the run-time and partial storage overhead of MIRO, and discuss how MIRO may also be used to study various efficiency aspects of CLIPS programs.

Over-the-scope clip placement for closure of gastrointestinal fistula, postoperative leaks and refractory gastrointestinal bleed.

PubMed

Nasa, Mukesh; Sharma, Zubin Dev; Choudhary, Narendra S; Patil, Gaurav; Puri, Rajesh; Sud, Randhir

2016-09-01

The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) has been successfully used in the closure of fistula, perforation, dehiscence, and endoscopic hemostasis. We describe our experience with the OTSC application. Between April 2014 and April 2015, seven patients underwent OTSC application. In four patients, OTSC was applied for the closure of esophageal fistula, one had OTSC closure of persistent gastrocutaneous fistula after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy removal, and OTSC was applied in duodenum in two patients, for duodenal Dieulafoy's lesion after failed conventional endotherapy and massive rebleed in one and duodenal perforation in another. All procedures had technical success with no immediate complication related to OTSC application. Patients were followed up for every month with mean duration of follow up 10.2 months. One patient with bronchoesophageal fistula had development of another fistulous opening above the site of OTSC placement, which was successfully closed with another OTSC. One patient had superficial esophageal wall ulcer opposite the OTSC but it healed spontaneously. OTSC provided safe and successful closure in a number of settings.

The disappearing clip: an unusual complication in MRI biopsy

PubMed Central

Bourke, Anita Geraldine; Peter, Prasant; Jose, Chaitra Lesli

2014-01-01

MRI-guided biopsies are being increasingly used for otherwise occult breast lesions. Clip migration has been reported however, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no documented cases of entire disappearance of a marker clip. Absence of the postbiopsy marker clip was noted when our patient returned for preoperative hook-wire localisation even though accurate clip placement had been confirmed on the post-MRI biopsy mammogram. PMID:25139917

Using film clips to enhance nursing education.

PubMed

Herrman, Judith W

2006-01-01

Film clips in nursing education provide a unique way to promote active learning. Several methods for using film clips and combining them with other teaching strategies are discussed. Suggestions for the use of popular clips, logistical aspects of showing clips in class, and legal issues associated with copyright are addressed. Faculty are encouraged to use this strategy to evoke emotional responses, generate discussion, enhance clinical decision making, and provide vicarious learning.

Comparison of Intraoperative Indocyanine Green Angiography and Digital Subtraction Angiography for Clipping of Intracranial Aneurysms

PubMed Central

Doss, Vinodh T.; Goyal, Nitin; Humphries, William; Hoit, Dan; Arthur, Adam; Elijovich, Lucas

2015-01-01

Background Residual aneurysm after microsurgical clipping carries a risk of aneurysm growth and rupture. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) remains the standard to determine the adequacy of clipping. Intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) angiography is increasingly utilized to confirm optimal clip positioning across the neck and to evaluate the adjacent vasculature. Objective We evaluated the correlation between ICG and DSA in clipped intracranial aneurysms. Methods A retrospective study of patients who underwent craniotomy and microsurgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms with ICG for 2 years. Patient characteristics, presentation details, operative reports, and pre- and postclipping angiographic images were reviewed to determine the adequacy of the clipping. Results Forty-seven patients underwent clipping with ICG and postoperative DSA: 57 aneurysms were clipped; 23 patients (48.9%) presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Nine aneurysms demonstrated a residual on DSA not identified on ICG (residual sizes ranged from 0.5 to 4.3 mm; average size: 1.8 mm). Postoperative DSA demonstrated no branch occlusions. Conclusion Intraoperative ICG is useful in the clipping of intracranial aneurysms to ensure a gross patency of branch vessels; however, the presence of residual aneurysms and subtle changes in flow in branch vessels is best seen by DSA. This has important clinical implications with regard to follow-up imaging and surgical/endovascular management. PMID:26279659

Virtual Lecture Hall for In-Class and Online Sections: A Comparison of Utilization, Perceptions, and Benefits

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cramer, Kenneth M.; Collins, Kandice R.; Snider, Don; Fawcett, Graham

2006-01-01

We further evaluated the Virtual Lecture Hall (VLH) (Cramer, Collins, Snider, & Fawcett, in press), an instructional computer-based platform to deliver PowerPoint slides threaded with audio clips for later review. Students from either an in-class or online section (ns = 810 and 74 respectively) of introductory psychology had access to live…

CFD validation experiments at McDonnell Aircraft Company

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verhoff, August

1987-01-01

Information is given in viewgraph form on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) validation experiments at McDonnell Aircraft Company. Topics covered include a high speed research model, a supersonic persistence fighter model, a generic fighter wing model, surface grids, force and moment predictions, surface pressure predictions, forebody models with 65 degree clipped delta wings, and the low aspect ratio wing/body experiment.

Band-edge enhancement of magneto-optical rotation in a 1-d polymer lattice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crescimanno, Michael; Andrews, James; Mao, Guilin; Bishop, Aaron; Comeau, Kyle; Livingston, Ryan; Shakya, Bijayandra

2010-04-01

Faraday rotation, the rotation of the polarization of light propagating along an applied magnetic field, can be enhanced by modifying the dispersion relationship. We develop the theory and computational tools necessary to understand the enhancement measured in recent experiments conducted at YSU using a multilayer of polystyrene and PMMA prepared by the CLiPS NSF Center at CWRU.

Student and Teacher Perceptions of the Use of Multimedia Supported Predict-Observe-Explain Tasks To Probe Understanding.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kearney, Matthew; Treagust, David F.; Yeo, Shelley; Zadnik, Marjan G.

2001-01-01

Discusses student and teacher perceptions of a new development in the use of the predict-observe-explain (POE) strategy. This development involves the incorporation of POE tasks into a multimedia computer program that uses real-life, digital video clips of difficult, expensive, time consuming, or dangerous scenarios as stimuli for these tasks.…

It's a Wonderful Life: Using Public Domain Cinema Clips To Teach Affective Objectives and Illustrate Real-World Algebra Applications.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Palmer, Loretta

A basic algebra unit was developed at Utah Valley State College to emphasize applications of mathematical concepts in the work world, using video and computer-generated graphics to integrate textual material. The course was implemented in three introductory algebra sections involving 80 students and taught algebraic concepts using such areas as…

Computer Chips and Paper Clips. Technology and Women's Employment. Volume II. Case Studies and Policy Perspectives.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hartmann, Heidi I., Ed.; And Others

This volume contains 12 papers commissioned by the Panel on Technology and Women's Employment. "Technology, Women, and Work: Policy Perspectives" (Eli Ginzberg) is an overview that provides a context for the volume. The four case studies in Part II describe the impact of information technology in the insurance industry, among bookkeepers, among…

Temporal Reasoning and Default Logics.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-10-01

Aritificial Intelligence ", Computer Science Research Report, Yale University, forthcoming (1985). . 74 .-, A Axioms for Describing Persistences and Clipping...34Circumscription - A Form of Non-Monotonic Reasoning", Artificial Intelligence , vol. 13 (1980), pp. 27-39. [13] McCarthy, John, "Applications of...and P. J. Hayes, "Some philosophical problems from the standpoint of artificial intelligence ", in: B. Meltzer and D. Michie (eds.), Machine

Augmented reality in the surgery of cerebral aneurysms: a technical report.

PubMed

Cabrilo, Ivan; Bijlenga, Philippe; Schaller, Karl

2014-06-01

Augmented reality is the overlay of computer-generated images on real-world structures. It has previously been used for image guidance during surgical procedures, but it has never been used in the surgery of cerebral aneurysms. To report our experience of cerebral aneurysm surgery aided by augmented reality. Twenty-eight patients with 39 unruptured aneurysms were operated on in a prospective manner with augmented reality. Preoperative 3-dimensional image data sets (angio-magnetic resonance imaging, angio-computed tomography, and 3-dimensional digital subtraction angiography) were used to create virtual segmentations of patients' vessels, aneurysms, aneurysm necks, skulls, and heads. These images were injected intraoperatively into the eyepiece of the operating microscope. An example case of an unruptured posterior communicating artery aneurysm clipping is illustrated in a video. The described operating procedure allowed continuous monitoring of the accuracy of patient registration with neuronavigation data and assisted in the performance of tailored surgical approaches and optimal clipping with minimized exposition. Augmented reality may add to the performance of a minimally invasive approach, although further studies need to be performed to evaluate whether certain groups of aneurysms are more likely to benefit from it. Further technological development is required to improve its user friendliness.

Sex Differences in Emotional Evaluation of Film Clips: Interaction with Five High Arousal Emotional Categories.

PubMed

Maffei, Antonio; Vencato, Valentina; Angrilli, Alessandro

2015-01-01

The present study aimed to investigate gender differences in the emotional evaluation of 18 film clips divided into six categories: Erotic, Scenery, Neutral, Sadness, Compassion, and Fear. 41 female and 40 male students rated all clips for valence-pleasantness, arousal, level of elicited distress, anxiety, jittery feelings, excitation, and embarrassment. Analysis of positive films revealed higher levels of arousal, pleasantness, and excitation to the Scenery clips in both genders, but lower pleasantness and greater embarrassment in women compared to men to Erotic clips. Concerning unpleasant stimuli, unlike men, women reported more unpleasantness to the Compassion, Sadness, and Fear compared to the Neutral clips and rated them also as more arousing than did men. They further differentiated the films by perceiving greater arousal to Fear than to Compassion clips. Women rated the Sadness and Fear clips with greater Distress and Jittery feelings than men did. Correlation analysis between arousal and the other emotional scales revealed that, although men looked less aroused than women to all unpleasant clips, they also showed a larger variance in their emotional responses as indicated by the high number of correlations and their relatively greater extent, an outcome pointing to a masked larger sensitivity of part of male sample to emotional clips. We propose a new perspective in which gender difference in emotional responses can be better evidenced by means of film clips selected and clustered in more homogeneous categories, controlled for arousal levels, as well as evaluated through a number of emotion focused adjectives.

Automated revision of CLIPS rule-bases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murphy, Patrick M.; Pazzani, Michael J.

1994-01-01

This paper describes CLIPS-R, a theory revision system for the revision of CLIPS rule-bases. CLIPS-R may be used for a variety of knowledge-base revision tasks, such as refining a prototype system, adapting an existing system to slightly different operating conditions, or improving an operational system that makes occasional errors. We present a description of how CLIPS-R revises rule-bases, and an evaluation of the system on three rule-bases.

Early awareness of cerebrospinal fluid hypovolemia after craniotomy for microsurgical aneurysmal clipping.

PubMed

Kawahara, Ichiro; Tsutsumi, Keisuke; Matsunaga, Yuki; Takahata, Hideaki; Ono, Tomonori; Toda, Keisuke; Baba, Hiroshi

2013-08-01

Mild cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hypovolemia is a well-known clinical entity, but critical CSF hypovolemia that can cause transtentorial herniation is an unusual and rare clinical entity that occurs after craniotomy. We investigated CSF hypovolemia after microsurgical aneurysmal clipping for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This study included 144 consecutive patients with SAH. Lumbar drainage (LD) was inserted after general anesthesia or postoperatively as a standard perioperative protocol. CSF hypovolemia diagnosis was based on three criteria. Eleven patients (7.6%) were diagnosed with CSF hypovolemia according to diagnostic criteria in a postoperative range of 0-8 days. In all patients, signs or symptoms of CSF hypovolemia improved within 24 hours by clamping LD and using the Trendelenburg position. As a cause of acute clinical deterioration after aneurysmal clipping, CSF hypovolemia is likely under-recognized, and may actually be misdiagnosed as vasospasm or brain swelling. We should always take the etiology of CSF hypovolemia into consideration, and especially pay attention in patients with pneumocephalus and subdural fluid collection alongside brain sag on computed tomography. These patients are at higher risk developing of pressure gradients between their cranial and spinal compartments, and therefore, brain sagging after LD, than after ventricular drainage. We should be vigilant to strictly manage LD so as not to produce high pressure gradients.

Three CLIPS-based expert systems for solving engineering problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parkinson, W. J.; Luger, G. F.; Bretz, R. E.

1990-01-01

We have written three expert systems, using the CLIPS PC-based expert system shell. These three expert systems are rule based and are relatively small, with the largest containing slightly less than 200 rules. The first expert system is an expert assistant that was written to help users of the ASPEN computer code choose the proper thermodynamic package to use with their particular vapor-liquid equilibrium problem. The second expert system was designed to help petroleum engineers choose the proper enhanced oil recovery method to be used with a given reservoir. The effectiveness of each technique is highly dependent upon the reservoir conditions. The third expert system is a combination consultant and control system. This system was designed specifically for silicon carbide whisker growth. Silicon carbide whiskers are an extremely strong product used to make ceramic and metal composites. The manufacture of whiskers is a very complicated process. which to date. has defied a good mathematical model. The process was run by experts who had gained their expertise by trial and error. A system of rules was devised by these experts both for procedure setup and for the process control. In this paper we discuss the three problem areas of the design, development and evaluation of the CLIPS-based programs.

Fourier transform and particle swarm optimization based modified LQR algorithm for mitigation of vibrations using magnetorheological dampers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Gaurav; Kumar, Ashok

2017-11-01

Structural control has gained significant attention in recent times. The standalone issue of power requirement during an earthquake has already been solved up to a large extent by designing semi-active control systems using conventional linear quadratic control theory, and many other intelligent control algorithms such as fuzzy controllers, artificial neural networks, etc. In conventional linear-quadratic regulator (LQR) theory, it is customary to note that the values of the design parameters are decided at the time of designing the controller and cannot be subsequently altered. During an earthquake event, the response of the structure may increase or decrease, depending the quasi-resonance occurring between the structure and the earthquake. In this case, it is essential to modify the value of the design parameters of the conventional LQR controller to obtain optimum control force to mitigate the vibrations due to the earthquake. A few studies have been done to sort out this issue but in all these studies it was necessary to maintain a database of the earthquake. To solve this problem and to find the optimized design parameters of the LQR controller in real time, a fast Fourier transform and particle swarm optimization based modified linear quadratic regulator method is presented here. This method comprises four different algorithms: particle swarm optimization (PSO), the fast Fourier transform (FFT), clipped control algorithm and the LQR. The FFT helps to obtain the dominant frequency for every time window. PSO finds the optimum gain matrix through the real-time update of the weighting matrix R, thereby, dispensing with the experimentation. The clipped control law is employed to match the magnetorheological (MR) damper force with the desired force given by the controller. The modified Bouc-Wen phenomenological model is taken to recognize the nonlinearities in the MR damper. The assessment of the advised method is done by simulation of a three-story structure having an MR damper at the ground floor level subjected to three different near-fault historical earthquake time histories, and the outcomes are equated with those of simple conventional LQR. The results establish that the advised methodology is more effective than conventional LQR controllers in reducing inter-storey drift, relative displacement, and acceleration response.

Seismic signals hard clipping overcoming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olszowa, Paula; Sokolowski, Jakub

2018-01-01

In signal processing the clipping is understand as the phenomenon of limiting the signal beyond certain threshold. It is often related to overloading of a sensor. Two particular types of clipping are being recognized: soft and hard. Beyond the limiting value soft clipping reduces the signal real gain while the hard clipping stiffly sets the signal values at the limit. In both cases certain amount of signal information is lost. Obviously if one possess the model which describes the considered signal and the threshold value (which might be slightly more difficult to obtain in the soft clipping case), the attempt of restoring the signal can be made. Commonly it is assumed that the seismic signals take form of an impulse response of some specific system. This may lead to belief that the sine wave may be the most appropriate to fit in the clipping period. However, this should be tested. In this paper the possibility of overcoming the hard clipping in seismic signals originating from a geoseismic station belonging to an underground mine is considered. A set of raw signals will be hard-clipped manually and then couple different functions will be fitted and compared in terms of least squares. The results will be then analysed.

76 FR 26242 - Paper Clips From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Expedited Sunset Review of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-06

... order are plastic and vinyl covered paper clips, butterfly clips, binder clips, or other paper fasteners... order is revoked. Parties can obtain a public copy of the I&D Memo from the Central Records Unit, room...

Annual Removal of Aboveground Plant Biomass Alters Soil Microbial Responses to Warming

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

Xue, Kai; Yuan, Mengting M.; Xie, Jianping

Clipping (i.e., harvesting aboveground plant biomass) is common in agriculture and for bioenergy production. However, microbial responses to clipping in the context of climate warming are poorly understood. We investigated the interactive effects of grassland warming and clipping on soil properties and plant and microbial communities, in particular, on microbial functional genes. Clipping alone did not change the plant biomass production, but warming and clipping combined increased the C4 peak biomass by 47% and belowground net primary production by 110%. Clipping alone and in combination with warming decreased the soil carbon input from litter by 81% and 75%, respectively. Withmore » less carbon input, the abundances of genes involved in degrading relatively recalcitrant carbon increased by 38% to 137% in response to either clipping or the combined treatment, which could weaken long-term soil carbon stability and trigger positive feedback with respect to warming. Clipping alone also increased the abundance of genes for nitrogen fixation, mineralization, and denitrification by 32% to 39%. Such potentially stimulated nitrogen fixation could help compensate for the 20% decline in soil ammonium levels caused by clipping alone and could contribute to unchanged plant biomass levels. Moreover, clipping tended to interact antagonistically with warming, especially with respect to effects on nitrogen cycling genes, demonstrating that single-factor studies cannot predict multifactorial changes. These results revealed that clipping alone or in combination with warming altered soil and plant properties as well as the abundance and structure of soil microbial functional genes. Aboveground biomass removal for biofuel production needs to be reconsidered, as the long-term soil carbon stability may be weakened. IMPORTANCE Global change involves simultaneous alterations, including those caused by climate warming and land management practices (e.g., clipping). Data on the interactive effects of warming and clipping on ecosystems remain elusive, particularly in microbial ecology. This study found that clipping alters microbial responses to warming and demonstrated the effects of antagonistic interactions between clipping and warming on microbial functional genes. Clipping alone or combined with warming enriched genes degrading relatively recalcitrant carbon, likely reflecting the decreased quantity of soil carbon input from litter, which could weaken long-term soil C stability and trigger positive warming feedback. These results have important implications in assessing and predicting the consequences of global climate change and indicate that the removal of aboveground biomass for biofuel production may need to be reconsidered.« less

Annual Removal of Aboveground Plant Biomass Alters Soil Microbial Responses to Warming

DOE PAGES

Xue, Kai; Yuan, Mengting M.; Xie, Jianping; ...

2016-09-27

Clipping (i.e., harvesting aboveground plant biomass) is common in agriculture and for bioenergy production. However, microbial responses to clipping in the context of climate warming are poorly understood. We investigated the interactive effects of grassland warming and clipping on soil properties and plant and microbial communities, in particular, on microbial functional genes. Clipping alone did not change the plant biomass production, but warming and clipping combined increased the C4 peak biomass by 47% and belowground net primary production by 110%. Clipping alone and in combination with warming decreased the soil carbon input from litter by 81% and 75%, respectively. Withmore » less carbon input, the abundances of genes involved in degrading relatively recalcitrant carbon increased by 38% to 137% in response to either clipping or the combined treatment, which could weaken long-term soil carbon stability and trigger positive feedback with respect to warming. Clipping alone also increased the abundance of genes for nitrogen fixation, mineralization, and denitrification by 32% to 39%. Such potentially stimulated nitrogen fixation could help compensate for the 20% decline in soil ammonium levels caused by clipping alone and could contribute to unchanged plant biomass levels. Moreover, clipping tended to interact antagonistically with warming, especially with respect to effects on nitrogen cycling genes, demonstrating that single-factor studies cannot predict multifactorial changes. These results revealed that clipping alone or in combination with warming altered soil and plant properties as well as the abundance and structure of soil microbial functional genes. Aboveground biomass removal for biofuel production needs to be reconsidered, as the long-term soil carbon stability may be weakened. IMPORTANCE Global change involves simultaneous alterations, including those caused by climate warming and land management practices (e.g., clipping). Data on the interactive effects of warming and clipping on ecosystems remain elusive, particularly in microbial ecology. This study found that clipping alters microbial responses to warming and demonstrated the effects of antagonistic interactions between clipping and warming on microbial functional genes. Clipping alone or combined with warming enriched genes degrading relatively recalcitrant carbon, likely reflecting the decreased quantity of soil carbon input from litter, which could weaken long-term soil C stability and trigger positive warming feedback. These results have important implications in assessing and predicting the consequences of global climate change and indicate that the removal of aboveground biomass for biofuel production may need to be reconsidered.« less

Dual-Channel Endoscopic Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Angiography for Clipping of Cerebral Aneurysms.

PubMed

Cho, Won-Sang; Kim, Jeong Eun; Kang, Hyun-Seung; Ha, Eun Jin; Jung, Minwoong; Lee, Choonghee; Shin, Il Hyung; Kang, Uk

2017-04-01

Neuroendoscopy is useful for assessing status of perforators, parent arteries, and aneurysms beyond the straight line of microscopic view during aneurysm clipping. We aimed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of our endoscopic indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) system, which can simultaneously display visible light and indocyanine green fluorescent images. Surgical clipping of 16 unruptured aneurysms in 10 patients was performed via the keyhole approach. Using our endoscopic ICGA and commercial microscopic ICGA systems, we prospectively compared 10 targeted cerebral aneurysms at the posterior communicating (n = 4) and anterior choroidal (n = 6) arteries. Microscopic ICGA and endoscopic ICGA were feasible during surgery. Microscopic ICGA displayed 50% of branch orifices, 100% of branch trunks, and 20% of exact clip positions, whereas endoscopic ICGA showed 100% of these. Based on endoscopic ICGA findings such as incomplete clipping and compromise of parent arteries or branches, clips were repositioned in 2 cases, and additional clips were applied in 2 cases. Complete occlusion and residual neck states were achieved in 6 and 4 aneurysms after surgery. There were no neurologic deficits within 3 months after surgery except for frontalis palsy and anosmia in each patient. The endoscopic ICGA system with dual imaging of visible light and indocyanine green fluorescence was very useful for assessing geometry of aneurysms and surrounding vessels before clipping and for evaluating completeness of clip position after clipping. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neural correlates of emotional regulation while viewing films.

PubMed

Shimamura, Arthur P; Marian, Diane E; Haskins, Andrew L

2013-03-01

Negative and arousal-inducing film clips were used to assess the neural correlates of emotional expression and suppression. Compared to viewing neutral clips, both negative (disgusting) and arousal (action) clips activated primarily posterior regions in the parietal and occipital cortex when participants were instructed to express their emotions. When instructed to suppress their emotions while viewing negative clips, a broad frontoparietal network was activated that included lateral, medial, and orbital regions in the prefrontal cortex as well as lateral and medial regions of the posterior parietal cortex. The suppression of arousal clips also activated prefrontal and parietal regions, though not to the same extent as the suppression of negative clips. The findings demonstrate the potency of using movies to engage emotional processes and highlight a broad frontoparietal network that is engaged during the suppression of negative film clips.

IDENTIFICATION BADGE WITH DETACHABLE CLIP

DOEpatents

Burns, M.T.

1962-09-18

The clip has a long slot with a round enlarged end, flat on one side. The badge has a headed member that is circular except for a flat side. The badge is connected to, or disconnected from, the clip by insertion of the headed member through the enlarged end of the slot in the clip. The badge is unlikely to be accidentally disconnected from the clip while being worn on a worker's clothing, because the weight of the badge keeps the headed member away from the enlarged end of the slot in the clip, and the headed member can pass through the enlarged end of the slot only at one relative angular position between badge and clip, namely, that angle at which the flat side of the headed member is coincident with the flat side of the enlarged end of the slot. (AEC)

Sex Differences in Emotional Evaluation of Film Clips: Interaction with Five High Arousal Emotional Categories

PubMed Central

Maffei, Antonio; Vencato, Valentina; Angrilli, Alessandro

2015-01-01

The present study aimed to investigate gender differences in the emotional evaluation of 18 film clips divided into six categories: Erotic, Scenery, Neutral, Sadness, Compassion, and Fear. 41 female and 40 male students rated all clips for valence-pleasantness, arousal, level of elicited distress, anxiety, jittery feelings, excitation, and embarrassment. Analysis of positive films revealed higher levels of arousal, pleasantness, and excitation to the Scenery clips in both genders, but lower pleasantness and greater embarrassment in women compared to men to Erotic clips. Concerning unpleasant stimuli, unlike men, women reported more unpleasantness to the Compassion, Sadness, and Fear compared to the Neutral clips and rated them also as more arousing than did men. They further differentiated the films by perceiving greater arousal to Fear than to Compassion clips. Women rated the Sadness and Fear clips with greater Distress and Jittery feelings than men did. Correlation analysis between arousal and the other emotional scales revealed that, although men looked less aroused than women to all unpleasant clips, they also showed a larger variance in their emotional responses as indicated by the high number of correlations and their relatively greater extent, an outcome pointing to a masked larger sensitivity of part of male sample to emotional clips. We propose a new perspective in which gender difference in emotional responses can be better evidenced by means of film clips selected and clustered in more homogeneous categories, controlled for arousal levels, as well as evaluated through a number of emotion focused adjectives. PMID:26717488

Software tools for developing an acoustics multimedia CD-ROM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bigelow, Todd W.; Wheeler, Paul A.

2003-10-01

A multimedia CD-ROM was developed to accompany the textbook, Science of Sound, by Tom Rossing. This paper discusses the multimedia elements included in the CD-ROM and the various software packages used to create them. PowerPoint presentations with an audio-track background were converted to web pages using Impatica. Animations of acoustic examples and quizzes were developed using Flash by Macromedia. Vegas Video and Sound Forge by Sonic Foundry were used for editing video and audio clips while Cleaner by Discreet was used to compress the clips for use over the internet. Math tutorials were presented as whiteboard presentations using Hitachis Starboard to create the graphics and TechSmiths Camtasia Studio to record the presentations. The CD-ROM is in a web-page format created with Macromedias Dreamweaver. All of these elements are integrated into a single course supplement that can be viewed by any computer with a web browser.

Treatment of Traumatic Esophagopleural Fistula Using the Over-the-Scope-Clip System.

PubMed

Kim, Ji Hyoung; Park, Jong-Jae; Jung, Il Woo; Kim, Sang Hoon; Kim, Hee Dong; Choe, Jung Wan; Joo, Moon Kyung; Kim, Hyun Gu

2015-09-01

Esophagopleural fistula (EPF) is a rare condition that is usually accompanied by severe infection and life-threatening morbidity. Here, we report the successful treatment of an EPF by closing an esophageal orifice using the over-the-scope-clip (OTSC) system without postprocedural complications. A 41-year-old man had serious thoracic and abdominal trauma due to a traffic accident. Computed tomography revealed findings suggestive of esophageal rupture due to Boerhaave syndrome. An emergent explorative operation was performed for primary repair with the insertion of a vacuum-assisted closure device. A postoperative upper gastrointestinal series revealed an EPF tract connecting the left pleural space and distal esophagus. We performed an endoscopic procedure using the "traumatic-type"OTSC to seal the EPF, and the esophageal orifice was completely healed 2 weeks postoperatively. The OTSC system might represent a safe and feasible modality for the treatment of EPF.

Compact binary hashing for music retrieval

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, Jin S.

2014-03-01

With the huge volume of music clips available for protection, browsing, and indexing, there is an increased attention to retrieve the information contents of the music archives. Music-similarity computation is an essential building block for browsing, retrieval, and indexing of digital music archives. In practice, as the number of songs available for searching and indexing is increased, so the storage cost in retrieval systems is becoming a serious problem. This paper deals with the storage problem by extending the supervector concept with the binary hashing. We utilize the similarity-preserving binary embedding in generating a hash code from the supervector of each music clip. Especially we compare the performance of the various binary hashing methods for music retrieval tasks on the widely-used genre dataset and the in-house singer dataset. Through the evaluation, we find an effective way of generating hash codes for music similarity estimation which improves the retrieval performance.

Measuring surface flow velocity with smartphones: potential for citizen observatories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weijs, Steven V.; Chen, Zichong; Brauchli, Tristan; Huwald, Hendrik

2014-05-01

Stream flow velocity is an important variable for discharge estimation and research on sediment dynamics. Given the influence of the latter on rating curves (stage-discharge relations), and the relative scarcity of direct streamflow measurements, surface velocity measurements can offer important information for, e.g., flood warning, hydropower, and hydrological science and engineering in general. With the growing amount of sensing and computing power in the hands of more outdoorsy individuals, and the advances in image processing techniques, there is now a tremendous potential to obtain hydrologically relevant data from motivated citizens. This is the main focus of the interdisciplinary "WeSenseIt" project, a citizen observatory of water. In this subproject, we investigate the feasibility of stream flow surface velocity measurements from movie clips taken by (smartphone-) cameras. First results from movie-clip derived velocity information will be shown and compared to reference measurements.

The MovieClassroom: An Internet Based Application for Students and Instructors to Create Captioned Animations.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urbano, L.

2005-12-01

We have developed and tested an internet based application that facilitates the creation of animations for use in lectures and permits movie production by students in laboratory classes. Animation have been found to be extremely useful educational aids in the geosciences, particularly relating to topics requiring comprehension of geospatial relationships. With this program, instructors are able to assemble and caption animations using an online video clip catalogue and present these movies through a standard internet browser. Captioning increases student comprehension by increasing the multimodality of information delivery. For student use, we developed an exercise for introductory, undergraduate, laboratory class sections that was informed by learning pedagogy, particularly as related to game-based learning. Students were asked to assemble video clips and captions into a coherent movie to explain geospatial concepts, with questions such as "Explain why we have seasons?" The affinity of students to digital technology, particularly computer games and digital media, makes this type of exercise particularly captivating to the typical undergraduate. The opportunity to select and arrange video clips (and add background music) into a unique production offers students a greater degree of ownership of the learning process and allows unique non-linear pathways for accomplishing learning objectives. Use in a laboratory section permitted rapid feedback from the instructor. The application was created using open-sourced software and the database populated with video clips and music contributed by faculty and students under a non-commercial-use license. This tool has the potential to permit the wider dissemination of scientific research results given the increasing use animations for scientific visualization, because it eases the creation of multiple presentations targeted to various audiences and allows user participation in the creation of multimedia.

A clip-based protocol for breast boost radiotherapy provides clear target visualisation and demonstrates significant volume reduction over time

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

Lewis, Lorraine; Cox, Jennifer; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales

2015-09-15

The clinical target volume (CTV) for early stage breast cancer is difficult to clearly identify on planning computed tomography (CT) scans. Surgical clips inserted around the tumour bed should help to identify the CTV, particularly if the seroma has been reabsorbed, and enable tracking of CTV changes over time. A surgical clip-based CTV delineation protocol was introduced. CTV visibility and its post-operative shrinkage pattern were assessed. The subjects were 27 early stage breast cancer patients receiving post-operative radiotherapy alone and 15 receiving post-operative chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy. The radiotherapy alone (RT/alone) group received a CT scan at median 25 daysmore » post-operatively (CT1rt) and another at 40 Gy, median 68 days (CT2rt). The chemotherapy/RT group (chemo/RT) received a CT scan at median 18 days post-operatively (CT1ch), a planning CT scan at median 126 days (CT2ch), and another at 40 Gy (CT3ch). There was no significant difference (P = 0.08) between the initial mean CTV for each cohort. The RT/alone cohort showed significant CTV volume reduction of 38.4% (P = 0.01) at 40 Gy. The Chemo/RT cohort had significantly reduced volumes between CT1ch: median 54 cm{sup 3} (4–118) and CT2ch: median 16 cm{sup 3}, (2–99), (P = 0.01), but no significant volume reduction thereafter. Surgical clips enable localisation of the post-surgical seroma for radiotherapy targeting. Most seroma shrinkage occurs early, enabling CT treatment planning to take place at 7 weeks, which is within the 9 weeks recommended to limit disease recurrence.« less

21 CFR 882.4215 - Clip rack.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Clip rack. 882.4215 Section 882.4215 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Surgical Devices § 882.4215 Clip rack. (a) Identification. A clip rack is a...

21 CFR 882.4150 - Scalp clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Scalp clip. 882.4150 Section 882.4150 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Surgical Devices § 882.4150 Scalp clip. (a) Identification. A scalp clip is a...

21 CFR 882.4150 - Scalp clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Scalp clip. 882.4150 Section 882.4150 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Surgical Devices § 882.4150 Scalp clip. (a) Identification. A scalp clip is a...

21 CFR 886.1410 - Ophthalmic trial lens clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Ophthalmic trial lens clip. 886.1410 Section 886...) MEDICAL DEVICES OPHTHALMIC DEVICES Diagnostic Devices § 886.1410 Ophthalmic trial lens clip. (a) Identification. An ophthalmic trial lens clip is a device intended to hold prisms, spheres, cylinders, or...

21 CFR 882.4215 - Clip rack.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Clip rack. 882.4215 Section 882.4215 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Surgical Devices § 882.4215 Clip rack. (a) Identification. A clip rack is a...

21 CFR 882.4175 - Aneurysm clip applier.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Aneurysm clip applier. 882.4175 Section 882.4175...) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Surgical Devices § 882.4175 Aneurysm clip applier. (a) Identification. An aneurysm clip applier is a device used by the surgeon for holding and applying intracranial...

21 CFR 882.5200 - Aneurysm clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Aneurysm clip. 882.5200 Section 882.5200 Food and... NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Therapeutic Devices § 882.5200 Aneurysm clip. (a) Identification. An aneurysm clip is a device used to occlude an intracranial aneurysm (a balloonlike sac formed on a blood vessel...

21 CFR 882.4175 - Aneurysm clip applier.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Aneurysm clip applier. 882.4175 Section 882.4175...) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Surgical Devices § 882.4175 Aneurysm clip applier. (a) Identification. An aneurysm clip applier is a device used by the surgeon for holding and applying intracranial...

21 CFR 882.5200 - Aneurysm clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Aneurysm clip. 882.5200 Section 882.5200 Food and... NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Therapeutic Devices § 882.5200 Aneurysm clip. (a) Identification. An aneurysm clip is a device used to occlude an intracranial aneurysm (a balloonlike sac formed on a blood vessel...

21 CFR 882.5200 - Aneurysm clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Aneurysm clip. 882.5200 Section 882.5200 Food and... NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Therapeutic Devices § 882.5200 Aneurysm clip. (a) Identification. An aneurysm clip is a device used to occlude an intracranial aneurysm (a balloonlike sac formed on a blood vessel...

21 CFR 882.4175 - Aneurysm clip applier.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Aneurysm clip applier. 882.4175 Section 882.4175...) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Surgical Devices § 882.4175 Aneurysm clip applier. (a) Identification. An aneurysm clip applier is a device used by the surgeon for holding and applying intracranial...

Extravasal occlusion of large vessels with titanic clips: efficiency, indications, and contraindications.

PubMed

Vasilenko, Yu V; Kim, A I; Kotov, S A

2002-11-01

The mechanism of extravasal occlusion of blood vessels with titanic clips "Atrauclip" and "Ligaclip extra" was studied in order to reveal indications and contraindications to their use. Occlusion with the clips of both types was ineffective in vessels with a diameter of >7.0 mm. Arteritis or the presence of an intravascular occlusion facility in the vessel were also the contraindications for clip occlusion. In overcases the procedure of occlusion with titanic clips was efficient and atraumatic.

Influences of emotion on context memory while viewing film clips.

PubMed

Anderson, Lisa; Shimamura, Arthur P

2005-01-01

Participants listened to words while viewing film clips (audio off). Film clips were classified as neutral, positively valenced, negatively valenced, and arousing. Memory was assessed in three ways: recall of film content, recall of words, and context recognition. In the context recognition test, participants were presented a word and determined which film clip was showing when the word was originally presented. In two experiments, context memory performance was disrupted when words were presented during negatively valenced film clips, whereas it was enhanced when words were presented during arousing film clips. Free recall of words presented during the negatively valenced films was also disrupted. These findings suggest multiple influences of emotion on memory performance.

Tricuspid Clip: Step-by-Step and Clinical Data.

PubMed

Tang, Gilbert H L

2018-01-01

Symptomatic severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), if untreated, carries a dismal prognosis. These patients are at very high risk for surgical repair or replacement and transcatheter options to treat TR are emerging. More than 300 transcatheter tricuspid repairs with the MitraClip system have been performed worldwide with promising results. The TriClip system, with the MitraClip NT delivered via a dedicated tricuspid steerable guide catheter, is currently under investigation. This article describes the step-by-step technique on using the MitraClip system to perform transcatheter tricuspid repair using echocardiographic and fluoroscopic guidance. The latest data on worldwide experience with tricuspid clipping are also discussed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

THREE PORT LAPAROSCOPIC APPENDECTOMY TECHNIQUE WITH LOW COST AND AESTHETIC ADVANTAGE

PubMed Central

DOMENE, Carlos Eduardo; VOLPE, Paula; HEITOR, Frederico Almeida

2014-01-01

Introduction Despite dating more than 30 years after the first laparoscopic appendectomy, ileocecal appendix resection is still performed by laparotomy in more than 90% of cases, in our country. Aim To describe a technique for laparoscopic removal of the ileocecal appendix with three portals, at low cost and very good aesthetic appearance. Technique Three incisions, one umbilical and two suprapubic are made; permanent material used comprises: grasping forceps, hook, scissors, needle holders, three metal trocars and four other usual instruments, and a single strand of cotton. There is no need to use of operative extractors bags, clips, endoloops, staples or bipolar or harmonic energy instruments. Allows triangulation and instrumentation in the conventional manner. Conclusion The proposed technique is safe and reproducible, easily teachable, at very low cost and can be applied in general hospitals with conventional laparoscopic equipment. PMID:25409972

[Percutaneously implantable aortic valve: the JenaValve concept evolution].

PubMed

Figulla, Hans R; Ferrari, Markus

2006-10-01

Due to the increasing incidence of severe aortic stenosis in old and multimorbid patients, the percutaneous implantation of aortic valve-carrying stents has become an alternative to the surgical replacement of aortic valves. Starting in 1995, the authors developed a self-expanding stent which transferred the necessary forces for anchoring up to the aorta ascendens-a conception taken over from CoreValve. The further improvement of this idea over the past 11 years has led to a self-expanding, relatively short stent-valve system that is reliably positioned in the cusps of the old aortic valve and holds the old valve like a paper clip, thus transferring the holding forces physiologically. As compared to conventional systems, the sophisticated insertion catheter requires further chronic animal tests so as to represent a true alternative to the conventional surgical procedure.

21 CFR 884.2685 - Fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... Monitoring Devices § 884.2685 Fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator. (a) Identification. A fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator is a device designed to establish electrical contact between fetal skin... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator. 884...

21 CFR 884.2685 - Fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... Monitoring Devices § 884.2685 Fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator. (a) Identification. A fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator is a device designed to establish electrical contact between fetal skin... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator. 884...

21 CFR 884.2685 - Fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... Monitoring Devices § 884.2685 Fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator. (a) Identification. A fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator is a device designed to establish electrical contact between fetal skin... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator. 884...

21 CFR 884.2685 - Fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... Monitoring Devices § 884.2685 Fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator. (a) Identification. A fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator is a device designed to establish electrical contact between fetal skin... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator. 884...

21 CFR 884.2685 - Fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Monitoring Devices § 884.2685 Fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator. (a) Identification. A fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator is a device designed to establish electrical contact between fetal skin... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Fetal scalp clip electrode and applicator. 884...

The Effects of Multimodality through Storytelling Using Various Movie Clips

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, SoHee

2016-01-01

This study examines the salient multimodal approaches for communicative competence and learners' reactions through storytelling tasks with three different modes: a silent movie clip, a movie clip with only sound effects, and a movie clip with sound effects and dialogue. In order to measure different multimodal effects and to define better delivery…

Application of Micromirror in Microsurgical Clipping to the Intracranial Aneurysms.

PubMed

Zhao, Chao; Ma, Zhiguo; Zhang, Yuhai; Mou, Shanling; Yang, Yunxue; Yang, Yonglin; Sun, Guoqing; Yao, Weicheng

2018-05-01

The aim of the study was to explore the values and disadvantages of micromirror in the intracranial aneurysm clipping surgery. Micromirror was used to assist microsurgical clipping to 36 intracranial aneurysms in 31 patients, of which 3 were carotid-ophthalmic artery aneurysms, 3 were anterior choroidal artery aneurysms, 11 were posterior communicating artery aneurysms, 7 were middle cerebral artery aneurysms, 10 were anterior communicating artery or anterior cerebral artery aneurysms, and the rest were a posterior cerebral artery aneurysm and a posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm. The micromirror was used before and after clipping to observe the anatomic features of necks hidden behind and medial to aneurysms, to visualize surrounding neurovascular structures, and to verify the optimal clipping position. Intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescein angiography, postoperative computerized tomography angiography, and digital subtraction angiography confirmed the success of sufficient clipping. Intraoperative indocyanine green angiography, postoperative computerized tomography angiography , or digital subtraction angiography were performed and showed no case of wrong or insufficient clipping of aneurysm. Micromirror-assisted microsurgical clipping to the intracranial aneurysm is safe, sufficient, convenient, and practical.

Developing a Multimedia Instrument for Technical Vocabulary Learning: A Case of EFL Undergraduate Physics Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rusanganwa, Joseph Appolinary

2015-01-01

The aim of the present study is to investigate the process of constructing a Multimedia Assisted Vocabulary Learning (MAVL) instrument at a university in Rwanda in 2009. The instrument is used in a one-computer classroom where students were taught in a foreign language and had little access to books. It consists of video clips featuring images,…

Metal artifact suppression in megavoltage computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schreiner, L. John; Rogers, Myron; Salomons, Greg; Kerr, Andrew

2005-04-01

There has been considerable interest in megavoltage CT (MVCT) imaging associated with the development of image guided radiation therapy. It is clear that MVCT can provide good image quality for patient setup verification with soft tissue contrast much better than noted in conventional megavoltage portal imaging. In addition, it has been observed that MVCT images exhibit considerably reduced artifacts surrounding metal implants (e.g., surgical clips, hip implants, dental fillings) compared to conventional diagnostic CT images (kVCT). When encountered, these artifacts greatly limit the usefulness of kVCT images, and a variety of solutions have been proposed to remove the artifacts, but these have met with only partial success. In this paper, we investigate the potential for CT imaging in regions surrounding metal implants using high-energy photons from a Cobalt-60 source and from a 4 MV linear accelerator. MVCT and kVCT images of contrast phantoms and a phantom containing a hip prosthesis are compared and analysed. We show that MVCT scans provide good fidelity for CT number quantification in the high-density regions of the images, and in the regions immediately adjacent to the metal implants. They also provide structural details within the high-density inserts and implants. Calculations will show that practical clinical MVCT imaging, able to detect 3% contrast objects, should be achievable with doses of about 2.5cGy. This suggests that MVCT not only has a role in radiotherapy treatment planning and guidance, but may also be indicated for surgical guidance and follow-up in regions where metal implants cannot be avoided.

Urinary corticosterone responses to capture and toe-clipping in the cane toad (Rhinella marina) indicate that toe-clipping is a stressor for amphibians.

PubMed

Narayan, Edward J; Molinia, Frank C; Kindermann, Christina; Cockrem, John F; Hero, Jean-Marc

2011-11-01

Toe-clipping, the removal of one or more toes, is a common method used to individually mark free-living animals. Whilst this method is widely used in studies of amphibians, the appropriateness of the method, and its potential detrimental effects have been the subject of debate. Here, we provide for the first time, evidence that toe-clipping is a stressor in a wild amphibian. We measured urinary corticosterone responses of male cane toads (Rhinella marina) to capture and handling only, and to toe-clipping under field conditions. Urinary testosterone concentrations and white blood cell proportions were also measured. Urinary corticosterone metabolite concentrations increased 6h after capture and handling only and remained high for 24h; corticosterone returned to baseline levels after 48 h and remained low at 72 h post capture and handling. Corticosterone concentrations in toads subjected to toe-clipping increased at 6h to significantly higher concentrations than after capture and handling only, then decreased more slowly than after capture and handling, and were still elevated (approximately double basal level) 72 h after toe-clipping. Testosterone did not change significantly after capture and handling only, whereas after toe-clipping testosterone decreased at 6h and remained low at 72 h. There were weak short-term effects of toe-clipping compared with capture and handling only on white blood cell proportions. We have clearly shown that toe-clipping is a distinctly stronger stressor than capture and handling alone. This indicates that there is an ethical cost of toe-clipping, and this should be considered when planning studies of amphibians. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Annual Removal of Aboveground Plant Biomass Alters Soil Microbial Responses to Warming

PubMed Central

Xue, Kai; Yuan, Mengting M.; Xie, Jianping; Li, Dejun; Qin, Yujia; Wu, Liyou; Deng, Ye; He, Zhili; Van Nostrand, Joy D.; Luo, Yiqi; Tiedje, James M.

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Clipping (i.e., harvesting aboveground plant biomass) is common in agriculture and for bioenergy production. However, microbial responses to clipping in the context of climate warming are poorly understood. We investigated the interactive effects of grassland warming and clipping on soil properties and plant and microbial communities, in particular, on microbial functional genes. Clipping alone did not change the plant biomass production, but warming and clipping combined increased the C4 peak biomass by 47% and belowground net primary production by 110%. Clipping alone and in combination with warming decreased the soil carbon input from litter by 81% and 75%, respectively. With less carbon input, the abundances of genes involved in degrading relatively recalcitrant carbon increased by 38% to 137% in response to either clipping or the combined treatment, which could weaken long-term soil carbon stability and trigger positive feedback with respect to warming. Clipping alone also increased the abundance of genes for nitrogen fixation, mineralization, and denitrification by 32% to 39%. Such potentially stimulated nitrogen fixation could help compensate for the 20% decline in soil ammonium levels caused by clipping alone and could contribute to unchanged plant biomass levels. Moreover, clipping tended to interact antagonistically with warming, especially with respect to effects on nitrogen cycling genes, demonstrating that single-factor studies cannot predict multifactorial changes. These results revealed that clipping alone or in combination with warming altered soil and plant properties as well as the abundance and structure of soil microbial functional genes. Aboveground biomass removal for biofuel production needs to be reconsidered, as the long-term soil carbon stability may be weakened. PMID:27677789

The effect of correct cross-chest clip use on injury outcomes in young children during motor vehicle crashes.

PubMed

Woodford, Evangeline; Brown, Julie; Bilston, Lynne E

2018-05-19

Traffic crashes have high mortality and morbidity for young children. Though many specialized child restraint systems improve injury outcomes, no large-scale studies have investigated the cross-chest clip's role during a crash, despite concerns in some jurisdictions about the potential for neck contact injuries from the clips. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cross-chest clip use and injury outcomes in children between 0 and 4 years of age. Child passengers between 0 and 4 years of age were selected from the NASS-CDS data sets (2003-2014). Multiple regression analysis was used to model injury outcomes while controlling for age, crash severity, crash direction, and restraint type. The primary outcomes were overall Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) 2+ injury, and the presence of any neck injury. Across all children aged 0-4 years, correct chest clip use was associated with decreased Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) 2+ injury (odds ratio [OR] = 0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.21-0.91) and was not associated with neck injury. However, outcomes varied by age. In children <12 months old, chest clip use was associated with decreased AIS 2+ injury (OR = 0.09, 95% CI, 0.02-0.44). Neck injury (n = 7, all AIS 1) for this age group only occurred with correct cross-chest clip use. For 1- to 4-year-old children, cross-chest clip use had no association with AIS 2+ injury, and correct use significantly decreased the odds of neck injury (OR = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.27-0.87) compared to an incorrectly used or absent cross-chest clip. No serious injuries were directly caused by the chest clips. Correct cross-chest clip use appeared to reduce injury in crashes, and there was no evidence of serious clip-induced injury in children in 5-point harness restraints.

Prophylactic clipping for the prevention of bleeding following wide-field endoscopic mucosal resection of laterally spreading colorectal lesions: an economic modeling study.

PubMed

Bahin, Farzan F; Rasouli, Khalid N; Williams, Stephen J; Lee, Eric Y T; Bourke, Michael J

2016-08-01

Clinically significant bleeding (CSPEB) is the most common adverse event following endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of large sessile and laterally spreading colorectal lesions (LSLs), and is associated with morbidity and resource utilization. CSPEB occurs more frequently with proximal LSLs. Prophylactic clipping of the post-EMR defect may be beneficial in CSPEB prevention. The aim of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of a prophylactic clipping strategy. We hypothesized that prophylactic clipping in the proximal colon was cost-effective. An economic model was applied to outcomes from the Australian Colonic Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (ACE) Study. Clip distances of 3, 5, 8, and 10 mm were analyzed. The cost of treating CSPEB was determined from an independent costing agency. The funds needed to spend (FNS) was the cost incurred in order to prevent one episode of CSPEB. A break-even analysis was performed to determine cost equivalence of the costs of clipping and CSPEB. Outcomes of 1717 LSLs (mean size 35.8 mm; 52.6 % proximal colon) that underwent EMR were analyzed. The overall rate of CSPEB was 6.4 % (proximal 8.9 %; distal 3.7 %). Endoscopic management was required in 45 % of CSPEB episodes. With a clip distance of 3 mm, the expected cost of prophylactic clipping was € 1106 per lesion compared with € 157 per lesion for the expected cost of CSPEB without clipping. At 100 % clipping efficacy, the FNS was € 14 826 (proximal and distal lesions € 9309 and € 29 540, respectively). A clip price of € 10.35 was required for the cost of clipping to offset the cost of CSPEB. A prophylactic clipping strategy is not cost-effective and at present cannot be justified for all lesions or selectively for lesions in the proximal colon. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01368289). © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Prospective, randomized comparison of 3 different hemoclips for the treatment of acute upper GI hemorrhage in an established experimental setting.

PubMed

Kato, Masayuki; Jung, Yunho; Gromski, Mark A; Chuttani, Ram; Matthes, Kai

2012-01-01

Recently, endoscopic clip application devices have undergone redesign and improvements to optimize their clinical use and effectiveness. Initially designed for the treatment of bleeding nonvariceal lesions, these devices are also increasingly used for the closure of perforations, fistulas, and anastomotic leaks. Several clinical studies, both randomized and nonrandomized, have used endoscopic hemoclips for hemostasis. However, no comparative studies have yet been reported in the literature comparing the latest endoscopic clip devices for usability and effectiveness for hemostasis of acute upper GI hemorrhage. We aimed to compare the usability and efficacy of 3 different types of endoscopic clip application devices in an established experimental setting by using a porcine ex-vivo simulator of upper GI hemorrhage. Randomized, controlled, ex-vivo study. Academic medical center. Spurting vessels were created within ex-vivo porcine stomachs as published in prior studies. The vessels were attached to a pressure transducer to record the pressure of the circulating blood replacement. Before the initiation of bleeding, each vessel was randomized to 1 of 3 endoscopic clipping devices: 2 different commonly used hemoclips deployed through the working channel and 1 novel clip deployed via an over-the-scope applications device. Two investigators treated 45 bleeding sites (15 bleeding sites for each device at various randomized locations in the stomach: fundus, body, and antrum). Usability was measured via the endpoints of procedure time and quantity of clips required to achieve hemostasis. Efficacy was measured via the endpoint of pressure increase (Δp) from baseline to after treatment. All of the 45 hemostasis treatments were carried out successfully. The mean procedure times were significantly different among the hemoclips, with the clip deployed in an over-the-scope fashion requiring significantly less time to attain hemostasis compared with the other 2 clips. For number of clips needed to attain hemostasis, the clip deployed in an over-the-scope fashion was significantly superior to the others. There were also significant differences among the changes in pressure (Δp ± SD) among the different hemoclips tested. Ex-vivo study. In this prospective, randomized ex-vivo study, we observed significant differences in the usability (time to achieve hemostasis and number of clips required) and the efficacy (change in pressure achieved by the hemoclips) among the 3 clips. The clip applied in the over-the-scope fashion was superior to the other 2 tested clips with regard to time to achieve hemostasis and number of clips required. Copyright © 2012 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Emotion-Related Consciousness Detection in Patients With Disorders of Consciousness Through an EEG-Based BCI System

PubMed Central

Pan, Jiahui; Xie, Qiuyou; Huang, Haiyun; He, Yanbin; Sun, Yuping; Yu, Ronghao; Li, Yuanqing

2018-01-01

For patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC), such as vegetative state (VS) and minimally conscious state (MCS), detecting and assessing the residual cognitive functions of the brain remain challenging. Emotion-related cognitive functions are difficult to detect in patients with DOC using motor response-based clinical assessment scales such as the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) because DOC patients have motor impairments and are unable to provide sufficient motor responses for emotion-related communication. In this study, we proposed an EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI) system for emotion recognition in patients with DOC. Eight patients with DOC (5 VS and 3 MCS) and eight healthy controls participated in the BCI-based experiment. During the experiment, two movie clips flashed (appearing and disappearing) eight times with a random interstimulus interval between flashes to evoke P300 potentials. The subjects were instructed to focus on the crying or laughing movie clip and to count the flashes of the corresponding movie clip cued by instruction. The BCI system performed online P300 detection to determine which movie clip the patients responsed to and presented the result as feedback. Three of the eight patients and all eight healthy controls achieved online accuracies based on P300 detection that were significantly greater than chance level. P300 potentials were observed in the EEG signals from the three patients. These results indicated the three patients had abilities of emotion recognition and command following. Through spectral analysis, common spatial pattern (CSP) and differential entropy (DE) features in the delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma frequency bands were employed to classify the EEG signals during the crying and laughing movie clips. Two patients and all eight healthy controls achieved offline accuracies significantly greater than chance levels in the spectral analysis. Furthermore, stable topographic distribution patterns of CSP and DE features were observed in both the healthy subjects and these two patients. Our results suggest that cognitive experiments may be conducted using BCI systems in patients with DOC despite the inability of such patients to provide sufficient behavioral responses. PMID:29867421

Emotion-Related Consciousness Detection in Patients With Disorders of Consciousness Through an EEG-Based BCI System.

PubMed

Pan, Jiahui; Xie, Qiuyou; Huang, Haiyun; He, Yanbin; Sun, Yuping; Yu, Ronghao; Li, Yuanqing

2018-01-01

For patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC), such as vegetative state (VS) and minimally conscious state (MCS), detecting and assessing the residual cognitive functions of the brain remain challenging. Emotion-related cognitive functions are difficult to detect in patients with DOC using motor response-based clinical assessment scales such as the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) because DOC patients have motor impairments and are unable to provide sufficient motor responses for emotion-related communication. In this study, we proposed an EEG-based brain-computer interface (BCI) system for emotion recognition in patients with DOC. Eight patients with DOC (5 VS and 3 MCS) and eight healthy controls participated in the BCI-based experiment. During the experiment, two movie clips flashed (appearing and disappearing) eight times with a random interstimulus interval between flashes to evoke P300 potentials. The subjects were instructed to focus on the crying or laughing movie clip and to count the flashes of the corresponding movie clip cued by instruction. The BCI system performed online P300 detection to determine which movie clip the patients responsed to and presented the result as feedback. Three of the eight patients and all eight healthy controls achieved online accuracies based on P300 detection that were significantly greater than chance level. P300 potentials were observed in the EEG signals from the three patients. These results indicated the three patients had abilities of emotion recognition and command following. Through spectral analysis, common spatial pattern (CSP) and differential entropy (DE) features in the delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma frequency bands were employed to classify the EEG signals during the crying and laughing movie clips. Two patients and all eight healthy controls achieved offline accuracies significantly greater than chance levels in the spectral analysis. Furthermore, stable topographic distribution patterns of CSP and DE features were observed in both the healthy subjects and these two patients. Our results suggest that cognitive experiments may be conducted using BCI systems in patients with DOC despite the inability of such patients to provide sufficient behavioral responses.

76 FR 31360 - Paper Clips From China; Scheduling of an Expedited Five-Year Review Concerning the Antidumping...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-31

... INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION [Investigation No. 731-TA-663 Third Review] Paper Clips From China; Scheduling of an Expedited Five-Year Review Concerning the Antidumping Duty Order on Paper Clips From China... paper clips from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a...

76 FR 44575 - Paper Clips From the People's Republic of China: Continuation of the Antidumping Duty Order

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-26

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A-570-826] Paper Clips From the People... the antidumping duty order on paper clips from the People's Republic of China (``PRC'') would likely... of the antidumping duty order on paper clips from the PRC pursuant to section 751(c) of the Tariff...

78 FR 78319 - Media Bureau Seeks Comment on Application of the IP Closed Captioning Rules to Video Clips

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-26

... Seeks Comment on Application of the IP Closed Captioning Rules to Video Clips AGENCY: Federal... captioning of video clips delivered by Internet protocol (``IP''), including the extent to which industry has voluntarily captioned IP- delivered video clips. The Commission directed the Media Bureau to issue this...

Catheter Entrapment During Posterior Mitral Leaflet Pushing Maneuver for MitraClip Implantation.

PubMed

Castrodeza, Javier; Amat-Santos, Ignacio J; Tobar, Javier; Varela-Falcón, Luis H

2016-06-01

MitraClip (Abbott Vascular) therapy has been reported to be an effective procedure for mitral regurgitation, especially in high-risk patients. Recently, the novel pushing maneuver technique has been described for approaching restricted and short posterior leaflets with a pigtail catheter in order to facilitate grasping of the clip. However, complications or unexpected situations may occur. We report the case of an 84-year-old patient who underwent MitraClip implantation wherein the pushing maneuver was complicated by the clip accidentally gripping the pigtail catheter along with the two leaflets.

Integrating an object system into CLIPS: Language design and implementation issues

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Auburn, Mark

1990-01-01

This paper describes the reasons why an object system with integrated pattern-matching and object-oriented programming facilities is desirable for CLIPS and how it is possible to integrate such a system into CLIPS while maintaining the run-time performance and the low memory usage for which CLIPS is known. The requirements for an object system in CLIPS that includes object-oriented programming and integrated pattern-matching are discussed and various techniques for optimizing the object system and its integration with the pattern-matcher are presented.

CLIPS: A tool for the development and delivery of expert systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riley, Gary

1991-01-01

The C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) is a forward chaining rule-based language developed by the Software Technology Branch at the Johnson Space Center. CLIPS provides a complete environment for the construction of rule-based expert systems. CLIPS was designed specifically to provide high probability, low cost, and easy integration with external systems. Other key features of CLIPS include a powerful rule syntax, an interactive development environment, high performance, extensibility, a verification/validation tool, extensive documentation, and source code availability. The current release of CLIPS, version 4.3, is being used by over 2,500 users throughout the public and private community including: all NASA sites and branches of the military, numerous Federal bureaus, government contractors, 140 universities, and many companies.

Three-dimensional aerodynamic shape optimization of supersonic delta wings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burgreen, Greg W.; Baysal, Oktay

1994-01-01

A recently developed three-dimensional aerodynamic shape optimization procedure AeSOP(sub 3D) is described. This procedure incorporates some of the most promising concepts from the area of computational aerodynamic analysis and design, specifically, discrete sensitivity analysis, a fully implicit 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methodology, and 3D Bezier-Bernstein surface parameterizations. The new procedure is demonstrated in the preliminary design of supersonic delta wings. Starting from a symmetric clipped delta wing geometry, a Mach 1.62 asymmetric delta wing and two Mach 1. 5 cranked delta wings were designed subject to various aerodynamic and geometric constraints.

Flat panel angiography images in the post-operative follow-up of surgically clipped intracranial aneurysms.

PubMed

Budai, Caterina; Cirillo, Luigi; Patruno, Francesco; Dall'olio, Massimo; Princiotta, Ciro; Leonardi, Marco

2014-04-01

Cerebral aneurysms must be monitored for varying periods after surgical and/or endovascular treatment and the duration of follow-up will depend on the type of therapy and the immediate post-operative outcome. Surgical clipping for intracranial aneurysms is a valid treatment but the metal clips generate artefacts so that follow-up monitoring still relies on catheter angiography. This study reports our preliminary experience with volumetric angiography using a Philips Allura Xper FD biplane system in the post-operative monitoring of aneurysm residues or major vascular changes following the surgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms. Volumetric angiography yields not only volume-rendered (VR) images, but a volume CT can also be reconstructed at high spatial and contrast resolution from a single acquisition, significantly enhancing the technique's diagnostic power. Between August 2012 and April 2013, we studied 19 patients with a total of 26 aneurysms treated by surgical clipping alone or in combination with endovascular treatment. All patients underwent standard post-operative angiographic follow-up including a rotational volumetric acquisition. Follow-up monitoring disclosed eight aneurysm residues whose assessment was optimal after surgical clipping both in patients with one metal clip and in those with two or more clips. In addition, small residues (1.3 mm) could be monitored together with any change in the calibre or course of vessels located adjacent to the clips. In conclusion, flat panel volume CT is much more reliable than the old 3D acquisitions that yielded only VR images. This is particularly true in patients with small aneurysm residues or lesions with multiple metal clips.

Virtual Cerebral Aneurysm Clipping with Real-Time Haptic Force Feedback in Neurosurgical Education.

PubMed

Gmeiner, Matthias; Dirnberger, Johannes; Fenz, Wolfgang; Gollwitzer, Maria; Wurm, Gabriele; Trenkler, Johannes; Gruber, Andreas

2018-04-01

Realistic, safe, and efficient modalities for simulation-based training are highly warranted to enhance the quality of surgical education, and they should be incorporated in resident training. The aim of this study was to develop a patient-specific virtual cerebral aneurysm-clipping simulator with haptic force feedback and real-time deformation of the aneurysm and vessels. A prototype simulator was developed from 2012 to 2016. Evaluation of virtual clipping by blood flow simulation was integrated in this software, and the prototype was evaluated by 18 neurosurgeons. In 4 patients with different medial cerebral artery aneurysms, virtual clipping was performed after real-life surgery, and surgical results were compared regarding clip application, surgical trajectory, and blood flow. After head positioning and craniotomy, bimanual virtual aneurysm clipping with an original forceps was performed. Blood flow simulation demonstrated residual aneurysm filling or branch stenosis. The simulator improved anatomic understanding for 89% of neurosurgeons. Simulation of head positioning and craniotomy was considered realistic by 89% and 94% of users, respectively. Most participants agreed that this simulator should be integrated into neurosurgical education (94%). Our illustrative cases demonstrated that virtual aneurysm surgery was possible using the same trajectory as in real-life cases. Both virtual clipping and blood flow simulation were realistic in broad-based but not calcified aneurysms. Virtual clipping of a calcified aneurysm could be performed using the same surgical trajectory, but not the same clip type. We have successfully developed a virtual aneurysm-clipping simulator. Next, we will prospectively evaluate this device for surgical procedure planning and education. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Energizing Staff Development Using Film Clips: Memorable Movie Moments that Promote Reflection, Conversation, and Action

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olsen, Walter R.; Sommers, William A.

2005-01-01

Video and DVD clips give participants an opportunity to explore values and ideas, learn about one another, and, in the process, build a stronger learning community. "Energizing Staff Development Using Film Clips" is a collection of film and television clips that staff developers can use to encourage discussion and reflection on pertinent, common…

[Reliable fixation of cochlear implant electrode mountings in children and adults--initial experiences with a new titanium clip].

PubMed

Müller, J; Schön, F; Helms, J

1998-04-01

There is a reported 1% incidence of delayed migration of extrusions of the electrode arrays out of the cochlea. A titanium clip to fix the electrode array of the MED EL Combi 40 Cochlear Implant System is described. The clip is designed and shaped in a double U configuration. The clip material allows easy adaption to the individual anatomical situation. The clip is fixed to a bony bridge at the incus bar and fixes the electrode in a plane parallel to the chorda facial angle. It is closed around the electrode similarly to a stapes piston around the incus. Additional tests which examined the possible risk of damaging the electrode carrier and clinical findings are described. The clip was used in 23 cases with a follow-up period up to 1 year. No signs for dislocation of the electrode were found. In one revision case the clip was covered with a thin mucosal layer. The electrode array showed no signs of damage. Intraoperative findings confirmed the experimental tests on the electrode fixation. The titanium clip facilitates safe and quick fixation of the electrode array and prevents dislocation. its flexibility and shape minimizes the risk of damage.

Comparison of Sonography versus Digital Breast Tomosynthesis to Locate Intramammary Marker Clips

PubMed Central

Schulz-Wendtland, R.; Dankerl, P.; Dilbat, G.; Bani, M.; Fasching, P. A.; Heusinger, K.; Lux, M. P.; Loehberg, C. R.; Jud, S. M.; Rauh, C.; Bayer, C. M.; Beckmann, M. W.; Wachter, D. L.; Uder, M.; Meier-Meitinger, M.; Brehm, B.

2015-01-01

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of sonography versus digital breast tomosynthesis to locate intramammary marker clips placed under ultrasound guidance. Patients and Methods: Fifty patients with suspicion of breast cancer (lesion diameter less than 2 cm [cT1]) had ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy with placement of a marker clip in the center of the tumor. Intramammary marker clips were subsequently located with both sonography and digital breast tomosynthesis. Results: Sonography detected no dislocation of intrammammary marker clips in 42 of 50 patients (84 %); dislocation was reported in 8 patients (16 %) with a maximum dislocation of 7 mm along the x-, y- or z-axis. Digital breast tomosynthesis showed accurate placement without dislocation of the intramammary marker clip in 48 patients (96 %); 2 patients (4 %) had a maximum clip dislocation of 3 mm along the x-, y- or z-axis (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of digital breast tomosynthesis could improve the accuracy when locating intramammary marker clips compared to sonography and could, in future, be used to complement or even completely replace sonography. PMID:25684789

A defect in the CLIP1 gene (CLIP-170) can cause autosomal recessive intellectual disability.

PubMed

Larti, Farzaneh; Kahrizi, Kimia; Musante, Luciana; Hu, Hao; Papari, Elahe; Fattahi, Zohreh; Bazazzadegan, Niloofar; Liu, Zhe; Banan, Mehdi; Garshasbi, Masoud; Wienker, Thomas F; Ropers, H Hilger; Galjart, Niels; Najmabadi, Hossein

2015-03-01

In the context of a comprehensive research project, investigating novel autosomal recessive intellectual disability (ARID) genes, linkage analysis based on autozygosity mapping helped identify an intellectual disability locus on Chr.12q24, in an Iranian family (LOD score = 3.7). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) following exon enrichment in this novel interval, detected a nonsense mutation (p.Q1010*) in the CLIP1 gene. CLIP1 encodes a member of microtubule (MT) plus-end tracking proteins, which specifically associates with the ends of growing MTs. These proteins regulate MT dynamic behavior and are important for MT-mediated transport over the length of axons and dendrites. As such, CLIP1 may have a role in neuronal development. We studied lymphoblastoid and skin fibroblast cell lines established from healthy and affected patients. RT-PCR and western blot analyses showed the absence of CLIP1 transcript and protein in lymphoblastoid cells derived from affected patients. Furthermore, immunofluorescence analyses showed MT plus-end staining only in fibroblasts containing the wild-type (and not the mutant) CLIP1 protein. Collectively, our data suggest that defects in CLIP1 may lead to ARID.

A defect in the CLIP1 gene (CLIP-170) can cause autosomal recessive intellectual disability

PubMed Central

Larti, Farzaneh; Kahrizi, Kimia; Musante, Luciana; Hu, Hao; Papari, Elahe; Fattahi, Zohreh; Bazazzadegan, Niloofar; Liu, Zhe; Banan, Mehdi; Garshasbi, Masoud; Wienker, Thomas F; Ropers, H Hilger; Galjart, Niels; Najmabadi, Hossein

2015-01-01

In the context of a comprehensive research project, investigating novel autosomal recessive intellectual disability (ARID) genes, linkage analysis based on autozygosity mapping helped identify an intellectual disability locus on Chr.12q24, in an Iranian family (LOD score=3.7). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) following exon enrichment in this novel interval, detected a nonsense mutation (p.Q1010*) in the CLIP1 gene. CLIP1 encodes a member of microtubule (MT) plus-end tracking proteins, which specifically associates with the ends of growing MTs. These proteins regulate MT dynamic behavior and are important for MT-mediated transport over the length of axons and dendrites. As such, CLIP1 may have a role in neuronal development. We studied lymphoblastoid and skin fibroblast cell lines established from healthy and affected patients. RT-PCR and western blot analyses showed the absence of CLIP1 transcript and protein in lymphoblastoid cells derived from affected patients. Furthermore, immunofluorescence analyses showed MT plus-end staining only in fibroblasts containing the wild-type (and not the mutant) CLIP1 protein. Collectively, our data suggest that defects in CLIP1 may lead to ARID. PMID:24569606

The Emotional Movie Database (EMDB): a self-report and psychophysiological study.

PubMed

Carvalho, Sandra; Leite, Jorge; Galdo-Álvarez, Santiago; Gonçalves, Oscar F

2012-12-01

Film clips are an important tool for evoking emotional responses in the laboratory. When compared with other emotionally potent visual stimuli (e.g., pictures), film clips seem to be more effective in eliciting emotions for longer periods of time at both the subjective and physiological levels. The main objective of the present study was to develop a new database of affective film clips without auditory content, based on a dimensional approach to emotional stimuli (valence, arousal and dominance). The study had three different phases: (1) the pre-selection and editing of 52 film clips (2) the self-report rating of these film clips by a sample of 113 participants and (3) psychophysiological assessment [skin conductance level (SCL) and the heart rate (HR)] on 32 volunteers. Film clips from different categories were selected to elicit emotional states from different quadrants of affective space. The results also showed that sustained exposure to the affective film clips resulted in a pattern of a SCL increase and HR deceleration in high arousal conditions (i.e., horror and erotic conditions). The resulting emotional movie database can reliably be used in research requiring the presentation of non-auditory film clips with different ratings of valence, arousal and dominance.

The effect of positive and negative movie alcohol portrayals on transportation and attitude toward the movie.

PubMed

Koordeman, Renske; Anschutz, Doeschka J; Engels, Rutger C M E

2014-07-01

This study examined the effects of alcohol portrayals on transportation and attitude toward a movie. In addition, we examined whether positive and negative movie alcohol portrayals affect transportation into and attitude toward the movie. A within-subject design was used in which participants were exposed to 8 different movie clips containing alcohol (positive or negative context) or no alcohol portrayals in a controlled laboratory setting. A total of 159 college students (84 males and 75 females) ages 18 to 30 participated in the experiment. Transportation and attitude toward the movie were measured after each movie clip. Participants were more transported into and had a more positive attitude toward movie clips with alcohol portrayals compared to the same movie clips with no alcohol portrayal. In addition, participants were more transported into movie clips with negative alcohol (NA) portrayals compared to clips with positive alcohol (PA) portrayals. For attitude toward the movie, opposite results were found. Participants had a more positive attitudes toward clips with PA portrayals compared to clips with NA portrayals. The way alcohol is portrayed in movies may contribute to how people evaluate and get transported in movies. Copyright © 2014 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

PCLIPS: Parallel CLIPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hall, Lawrence O.; Bennett, Bonnie H.; Tello, Ivan

1994-01-01

A parallel version of CLIPS 5.1 has been developed to run on Intel Hypercubes. The user interface is the same as that for CLIPS with some added commands to allow for parallel calls. A complete version of CLIPS runs on each node of the hypercube. The system has been instrumented to display the time spent in the match, recognize, and act cycles on each node. Only rule-level parallelism is supported. Parallel commands enable the assertion and retraction of facts to/from remote nodes working memory. Parallel CLIPS was used to implement a knowledge-based command, control, communications, and intelligence (C(sup 3)I) system to demonstrate the fusion of high-level, disparate sources. We discuss the nature of the information fusion problem, our approach, and implementation. Parallel CLIPS has also be used to run several benchmark parallel knowledge bases such as one to set up a cafeteria. Results show from running Parallel CLIPS with parallel knowledge base partitions indicate that significant speed increases, including superlinear in some cases, are possible.

Short term exposure to attractive and muscular singers in music video clips negatively affects men's body image and mood.

PubMed

Mulgrew, K E; Volcevski-Kostas, D

2012-09-01

Viewing idealized images has been shown to reduce men's body satisfaction; however no research has examined the impact of music video clips. This was the first study to examine the effects of exposure to muscular images in music clips on men's body image, mood and cognitions. Ninety men viewed 5 min of clips containing scenery, muscular or average-looking singers, and completed pre- and posttest measures of mood and body image. Appearance schema activation was also measured. Men exposed to the muscular clips showed poorer posttest levels of anger, body and muscle tone satisfaction compared to men exposed to the scenery or average clips. No evidence of schema activation was found, although potential problems with the measure are noted. These preliminary findings suggest that even short term exposure to music clips can produce negative effects on men's body image and mood. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Virus-Clip: a fast and memory-efficient viral integration site detection tool at single-base resolution with annotation capability.

PubMed

Ho, Daniel W H; Sze, Karen M F; Ng, Irene O L

2015-08-28

Viral integration into the human genome upon infection is an important risk factor for various human malignancies. We developed viral integration site detection tool called Virus-Clip, which makes use of information extracted from soft-clipped sequencing reads to identify exact positions of human and virus breakpoints of integration events. With initial read alignment to virus reference genome and streamlined procedures, Virus-Clip delivers a simple, fast and memory-efficient solution to viral integration site detection. Moreover, it can also automatically annotate the integration events with the corresponding affected human genes. Virus-Clip has been verified using whole-transcriptome sequencing data and its detection was validated to have satisfactory sensitivity and specificity. Marked advancement in performance was detected, compared to existing tools. It is applicable to versatile types of data including whole-genome sequencing, whole-transcriptome sequencing, and targeted sequencing. Virus-Clip is available at http://web.hku.hk/~dwhho/Virus-Clip.zip.

Apparatus for the compact cooling of modules

DOEpatents

Iyengar, Madhusudan K.; Parida, Pritish R.

2015-07-07

An apparatus for the compact cooling of modules. The apparatus includes a clip, a first cover plate coupled to a first side of the clip, a second cover plate coupled to a second side of the clip opposite to the first side of the clip, a first frame thermally coupled to the first cover plate, and a second frame thermally coupled to the second cover plate. Each of the first frame and the second frame may include a plurality of channels for passing coolant through the first frame and the second frame, respectively. Additionally, the apparatus may further include a filler for directing coolant through the plurality of channels, and for blocking coolant from flowing along the first side of the clip and the second side of the clip.

Importance of nasal clipping in screening investigations of flow volume curve.

PubMed

Yanev, I

1992-01-01

Comparative analysis of some basic lung indices obtained from a screening investigation of the flow volume curve by using two techniques, with a nose clip and without a nose clip, was made on a cohort of 86 workers in a factory shop for the production of bearings. We found no statistically significant differences between the indices obtained by the two techniques. Our study showed that the FVC and FEV1 obtained in workers without using nose clips were equal to or better than those obtained using nose clips in 60% of the workers. The reproducibility of the two methods was similar. The analysis of the data has shown that the flow volume curve investigation gives better results when performed without a nose clip, especially in industrial conditions.

Reading Emotion From Mouse Cursor Motions: Affective Computing Approach.

PubMed

Yamauchi, Takashi; Xiao, Kunchen

2018-04-01

Affective computing research has advanced emotion recognition systems using facial expressions, voices, gaits, and physiological signals, yet these methods are often impractical. This study integrates mouse cursor motion analysis into affective computing and investigates the idea that movements of the computer cursor can provide information about emotion of the computer user. We extracted 16-26 trajectory features during a choice-reaching task and examined the link between emotion and cursor motions. Participants were induced for positive or negative emotions by music, film clips, or emotional pictures, and they indicated their emotions with questionnaires. Our 10-fold cross-validation analysis shows that statistical models formed from "known" participants (training data) could predict nearly 10%-20% of the variance of positive affect and attentiveness ratings of "unknown" participants, suggesting that cursor movement patterns such as the area under curve and direction change help infer emotions of computer users. Copyright © 2017 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

A spatio-temporal index for aerial full waveform laser scanning data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laefer, Debra F.; Vo, Anh-Vu; Bertolotto, Michela

2018-04-01

Aerial laser scanning is increasingly available in the full waveform version of the raw signal, which can provide greater insight into and control over the data and, thus, richer information about the scanned scenes. However, when compared to conventional discrete point storage, preserving raw waveforms leads to vastly larger and more complex data volumes. To begin addressing these challenges, this paper introduces a novel bi-level approach for storing and indexing full waveform (FWF) laser scanning data in a relational database environment, while considering both the spatial and the temporal dimensions of that data. In the storage scheme's upper level, the full waveform datasets are partitioned into spatial and temporal coherent groups that are indexed by a two-dimensional R∗-tree. To further accelerate intra-block data retrieval, at the lower level a three-dimensional local octree is created for each pulse block. The local octrees are implemented in-memory and can be efficiently written to a database for reuse. The indexing solution enables scalable and efficient three-dimensional (3D) spatial and spatio-temporal queries on the actual pulse data - functionalities not available in other systems. The proposed FWF laser scanning data solution is capable of managing multiple FWF datasets derived from large flight missions. The flight structure is embedded into the data storage model and can be used for querying predicates. Such functionality is important to FWF data exploration since aircraft locations and orientations are frequently required for FWF data analyses. Empirical tests on real datasets of up to 1 billion pulses from Dublin, Ireland prove the almost perfect scalability of the system. The use of the local 3D octree in the indexing structure accelerated pulse clipping by 1.2-3.5 times for non-axis-aligned (NAA) polyhedron shaped clipping windows, while axis-aligned (AA) polyhedron clipping was better served using only the top indexing layer. The distinct behaviours of the hybrid indexing for AA and NAA clipping windows are attributable to the different proportion of the local-index-related overheads with respect to the total querying costs. When temporal constraints were added, generally the number of costly spatial checks were reduced, thereby shortening the querying times.

CLIPS/Ada: An Ada-based tool for building expert systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

White, W. A.

1990-01-01

Clips/Ada is a production system language and a development environment. It is functionally equivalent to the CLIPS tool. CLIPS/Ada was developed in order to provide a means of incorporating expert system technology into projects where the use of the Ada language had been mandated. A secondary purpose was to glean information about the Ada language and its compilers. Specifically, whether or not the language and compilers were mature enough to support AI applications. The CLIPS/Ada tool is coded entirely in Ada and is designed to be used by Ada systems that require expert reasoning.

Computational analysis of ribonomics datasets identifies long non-coding RNA targets of γ-herpesviral miRNAs.

PubMed

Sethuraman, Sunantha; Thomas, Merin; Gay, Lauren A; Renne, Rolf

2018-05-29

Ribonomics experiments involving crosslinking and immuno-precipitation (CLIP) of Ago proteins have expanded the understanding of the miRNA targetome of several organisms. These techniques, collectively referred to as CLIP-seq, have been applied to identifying the mRNA targets of miRNAs expressed by Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). However, these studies focused on identifying only those RNA targets of KSHV and EBV miRNAs that are known to encode proteins. Recent studies have demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are also targeted by miRNAs. In this study, we performed a systematic re-analysis of published datasets from KSHV- and EBV-driven cancers. We used CLIP-seq data from lymphoma cells or EBV-transformed B cells, and a crosslinking, ligation and sequencing of hybrids dataset from KSHV-infected endothelial cells, to identify novel lncRNA targets of viral miRNAs. Here, we catalog the lncRNA targetome of KSHV and EBV miRNAs, and provide a detailed in silico analysis of lncRNA-miRNA binding interactions. Viral miRNAs target several hundred lncRNAs, including a subset previously shown to be aberrantly expressed in human malignancies. In addition, we identified thousands of lncRNAs to be putative targets of human miRNAs, suggesting that miRNA-lncRNA interactions broadly contribute to the regulation of gene expression.

Successful removal of football helmet face-mask clips after 1 season of use.

PubMed

Scibek, Jason S; Gatti, Joseph M; McKenzie, Jennifer I

2012-01-01

Whereas many researchers have assessed the ability to remove loop straps in traditional face-mask attachment systems after at least 1 season of use, research in which the effectiveness of the Riddell Quick Release (QR) Face Guard Attachment System clip after 1 season has been assessed is limited. To examine the success rate of removing the QR clips after 1 season of use at the Football Championship Subdivision level. We hypothesized that 1 season of use would negatively affect the removal rate of the QR clip but repeated clip-removal trials would improve the removal rate. Retrospective, quasi-experimental design. Controlled laboratory study. Sixty-three football helmets from a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I university located in western Pennsylvania used during the 2008 season were tested. Three certified athletic trainers (2 men, 1 woman; age = 31.3 ± 3.06 years, time certified = 9.42 ± 2.65 years) attempted to remove the QR clips from each helmet with the tool provided by the manufacturer. Helmets then were reassembled to allow each athletic trainer to attempt clip removal. The dependent variables were total left clips removed (TCR-L), total right clips removed (TCR-R), and total clips removed (TCR). Success rate of clip removal (SRCR) also was assessed. Percentages for TCR-L, TCR-R, and TCR were 100% (189 of 189), 96.30% (182 of 189), and 98.15% (371 of 378), respectively. A paired-samples t test revealed a difference between TCR-R and TCR-L (t(188) = 2.689, P = .008, μ(d) = 0.037, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.064, 0.010). The percentage for SRCR was 96.30% (n = 182), whereas SRCR percentages for trials 1, 2, and 3 were 95.24% (n = 60), 98.41% (n = 62), and 95.24% (n = 60), respectively, and did not represent a difference (F(2,186) = 0.588, P = .56, 95% (CI) = 0.94, 0.99). Our results indicated favorable and consistent success rates for QR clip removal after 1 season of use. Whereas the QR clip is an advancement in face-mask technology, continued examination of this system is required to ensure the highest level of function, allowing for effective management of the helmeted athlete.

Successful Removal of Football Helmet Face-Mask Clips After 1 Season of Use

PubMed Central

Scibek, Jason S.; Gatti, Joseph M.; McKenzie, Jennifer I.

2012-01-01

Context Whereas many researchers have assessed the ability to remove loop straps in traditional face-mask attachment systems after at least 1 season of use, research in which the effectiveness of the Riddell Quick Release (QR) Face Guard Attachment System clip after 1 season has been assessed is limited. Objective To examine the success rate of removing the QR clips after 1 season of use at the Football Championship Subdivision level. We hypothesized that 1 season of use would negatively affect the removal rate of the QR clip but repeated clip-removal trials would improve the removal rate. Design Retrospective, quasi-experimental design. Setting Controlled laboratory study. Patients or Other Participants Sixty-three football helmets from a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I university located in western Pennsylvania used during the 2008 season were tested. Intervention(s) Three certified athletic trainers (2 men, 1 woman; age = 31.3 ± 3.06 years, time certified = 9.42 ± 2.65 years) attempted to remove the QR clips from each helmet with the tool provided by the manufacturer. Helmets then were reassembled to allow each athletic trainer to attempt clip removal. Main Outcome Measure(s) The dependent variables were total left clips removed (TCR-L), total right clips removed (TCR-R), and total clips removed (TCR). Success rate of clip removal (SRCR) also was assessed. Results Percentages for TCR-L, TCR-R, and TCR were 100% (189 of 189), 96.30% (182 of 189), and 98.15% (371 of 378), respectively. A paired-samples t test revealed a difference between TCR-R and TCR-L (t188 = −2.689, P = .008, μd = 0.037, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.064, −0.010). The percentage for SRCR was 96.30% (n = 182), whereas SRCR percentages for trials 1, 2, and 3 were 95.24% (n = 60), 98.41% (n = 62), and 95.24% (n = 60), respectively, and did not represent a difference (F2,186 = 0.588, P = .56, 95% CI = 0.94, 0.99). Conclusions Our results indicated favorable and consistent success rates for QR clip removal after 1 season of use. Whereas the QR clip is an advancement in face-mask technology, continued examination of this system is required to ensure the highest level of function, allowing for effective management of the helmeted athlete. PMID:22889659

Rapid Transient Pressure Field Computations in the Nearfield of Circular Transducers using Frequency Domain Time-Space Decomposition

PubMed Central

Alles, E. J.; Zhu, Y.; van Dongen, K. W. A.; McGough, R. J.

2013-01-01

The fast nearfield method, when combined with time-space decomposition, is a rapid and accurate approach for calculating transient nearfield pressures generated by ultrasound transducers. However, the standard time-space decomposition approach is only applicable to certain analytical representations of the temporal transducer surface velocity that, when applied to the fast nearfield method, are expressed as a finite sum of products of separate temporal and spatial terms. To extend time-space decomposition such that accelerated transient field simulations are enabled in the nearfield for an arbitrary transducer surface velocity, a new transient simulation method, frequency domain time-space decomposition (FDTSD), is derived. With this method, the temporal transducer surface velocity is transformed into the frequency domain, and then each complex-valued term is processed separately. Further improvements are achieved by spectral clipping, which reduces the number of terms and the computation time. Trade-offs between speed and accuracy are established for FDTSD calculations, and pressure fields obtained with the FDTSD method for a circular transducer are compared to those obtained with Field II and the impulse response method. The FDTSD approach, when combined with the fast nearfield method and spectral clipping, consistently achieves smaller errors in less time and requires less memory than Field II or the impulse response method. PMID:23160476

Effect of apical meristem clipping on carbon allocation and morphological development of white oak seedlings

Treesearch

Paul P. Kormanik; Shi-Jean S. Sung; T.L. Kormanik; Stanley J. Zarnoch

1994-01-01

Seedlings from three open-pollinated half-sib white oak seedlots were clipped in mid-July and their development was compared to nonclipped controls after one growing season.In general when data were analyzed by family, clipped seedlings were significantly less desirable in three to six of the eight variables tested.Numerically, in all families seedlots, the clipped...

Developmental and Behavioral Effects of Toe Clipping on Neonatal and Preweanling Mice with and without Vapocoolant Anesthesia

PubMed Central

Paluch, Lee-Ronn; Lieggi, Christine C; Dumont, Magali; Monette, Sebastien; Riedel, Elyn R; Lipman, Neil S

2014-01-01

Toe clipping is used to identify and genotype preweanling mice, but the procedure generates concerns relevant to pain and distress. The few pertinent studies available evaluated mice between postnatal days (PND) 3 and 7, advocate the use of toe clipping in mice PND 7 or younger, and identify handling as the most distressing aspect of the procedure. Because both toe and tail clipping may be necessary in older mice to obtain sufficient DNA for genotyping, we surmised that performing these procedures concurrently to minimize handling would be beneficial. We also examined reflex development until PND 21 and adult behavior at 8 to 10 wk of age in mice toe clipped at PND 7 or 17 and the benefits of using topical vapocoolant anesthesia. C57BL/6J pups at PND 7 and 17 were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: 1) clipping of digit 3 of contralateral fore- and hindpaws; 2) toe clipping after topical vapocoolant anesthesia; 3) unclipped, unsprayed controls; and, 4) unclipped and vapocoolant-sprayed. Compared with unanesthetized pups, those sprayed with vapocoolant vocalized and struggled more when handled and had more bleeding, erythema, and swelling, which persisted for as long as 12 h after toe clipping. Reflex development, anxiety, locomotion, and motor coordination were not different among groups or with regard to the age of toe clipping. No tissue reaction was noted microscopically in paws collected at 10 wk of age. We conclude that the use of vapocoolant cannot be recommended due to its harmful effects and that toe clipping at PND 7 or 17 does not significantly affect the long-term welfare of mice. PMID:24602538

A novel vascular clip design for the reliable induction of 2-kidney, 1-clip hypertension in the rat

PubMed Central

Chelko, Stephen P.; Schmiedt, Chad W.; Lewis, Tristan H.; Lewis, Stephen J.

2012-01-01

The 2-kidney, 1-clip (2K1C) model has provided many insights into the pathogenesis of renovascular hypertension. However, studies using the 2K1C model often report low success rates of hypertension, with typical success rates of just 40–60%. We hypothesized that these low success rates are due to fundamental design flaws in the clips traditionally used in 2K1C models. Specifically, the gap widths of traditional silver clips may not be maintained during investigator handling and these clips may also be easily dislodged from the renal artery following placement. Therefore, we designed and tested a novel vascular clip possessing design features to maintain both gap width and position around the renal artery. In this initial study, application of these new clips to the left renal artery produced reliable and consistent levels of hypertension in rats. Nine-day application of clips with gap widths of 0.27, 0.25, and 0.23 mm elicited higher mean arterial blood pressures of 112 ± 4, 121 ± 6, and 135 ± 7 mmHg, respectively (n = 8 for each group), than those of sham-operated controls (95 ± 2 mmHg, n = 8). Moreover, 8 out of 8 rats in each of the 0.23 and 0.25 mm 2K1C groups were hypertensive, whereas 7 out of 8 rats in the 0.27 mm 2K1C group were hypertensive. Plasma renin concentrations were also increased in all 2K1C groups compared with sham-operated controls. In summary, this novel clip design may help eliminate the large degree of unreliability commonly encountered with the 2K1C model. PMID:22074718

A novel vascular clip design for the reliable induction of 2-kidney, 1-clip hypertension in the rat.

PubMed

Chelko, Stephen P; Schmiedt, Chad W; Lewis, Tristan H; Lewis, Stephen J; Robertson, Tom P

2012-02-01

The 2-kidney, 1-clip (2K1C) model has provided many insights into the pathogenesis of renovascular hypertension. However, studies using the 2K1C model often report low success rates of hypertension, with typical success rates of just 40-60%. We hypothesized that these low success rates are due to fundamental design flaws in the clips traditionally used in 2K1C models. Specifically, the gap widths of traditional silver clips may not be maintained during investigator handling and these clips may also be easily dislodged from the renal artery following placement. Therefore, we designed and tested a novel vascular clip possessing design features to maintain both gap width and position around the renal artery. In this initial study, application of these new clips to the left renal artery produced reliable and consistent levels of hypertension in rats. Nine-day application of clips with gap widths of 0.27, 0.25, and 0.23 mm elicited higher mean arterial blood pressures of 112 ± 4, 121 ± 6, and 135 ± 7 mmHg, respectively (n = 8 for each group), than those of sham-operated controls (95 ± 2 mmHg, n = 8). Moreover, 8 out of 8 rats in each of the 0.23 and 0.25 mm 2K1C groups were hypertensive, whereas 7 out of 8 rats in the 0.27 mm 2K1C group were hypertensive. Plasma renin concentrations were also increased in all 2K1C groups compared with sham-operated controls. In summary, this novel clip design may help eliminate the large degree of unreliability commonly encountered with the 2K1C model.

Plastic bag clip discovered in partial colectomy accompanying proposal for phylogenic plastic bag clip classification

PubMed Central

Lehmer, Larisa M; Ragsdale, Bruce D; Daniel, John; Hayashi, Edwin; Kvalstad, Robert

2011-01-01

A plastic bag clip was incidentally found anchored in the mucosa of a partial colectomy specimen 2.6 cm proximal to a ruptured diverticulum for which the patient, a mentally retarded, diabetic, 58-year-old man, underwent surgery. Over 20 cases of accidental ingestion of plastic bag clips have been published. Known complications include small bowel perforation, obstruction, dysphagia, gastrointestinal bleeding and colonic impaction. Preoperative diagnosis of plastic clips lodged in the gastrointestinal tract is frustrated due to radiographic translucency. This occult threat could likely be prevented by the design of gastrointestinally safe, plastic-bag-sealing devices. Presented here is a morphologically based classification of bag clips as a possible guide for determining the most hazardous varieties and to aid further discussions of their impact on health. PMID:22679182

CLIPS interface development tools and their application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Engel, Bernard A.; Rewerts, Chris C.; Srinivasan, Raghavan; Rogers, Joseph B.; Jones, Don D.

1990-01-01

A package of C-based PC user interface development functions has been developed and integrated into CLIPS. The primary function is ASK which provides a means to ask the user questions via multiple choice menus or the keyboard and then returns the user response to CLIPS. A parameter-like structure supplies information for the interface. Another function, SHOW, provides a means to paginate and display text. A third function, TITLE, formats and displays title screens. A similar set of C-based functions that are more general and thus will run on UNIX and machines have also been developed. Seven expert system applications were transformed from commercial development environments into CLIPS and utilize ASK, SHOW, and TITLE. Development of numerous new expert system applications using CLIPS and these interface functions has started. These functions greatly reduce the time required to build interfaces for CLIPS applications.

Effects of Japanese beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) and silk clipping in field corn.

PubMed

Steckel, Sandy; Stewart, S D; Tindall, K V

2013-10-01

Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica Newman) is an emerging silk-feeding insect found in fields in the lower Corn Belt and Midsouthern United States. Studies were conducted in 2010 and 2011 to evaluate how silk clipping in corn affects pollination and yield parameters. Manually clipping silks once daily had modest effects on yield parameters. Sustained clipping by either manually clipping silks three times per day or by caging Japanese beetles onto ears affected total kernel weight if it occurred during early silking (R1 growth stage). Manually clipping silks three times per day for the first 5 d of silking affected the number of kernels per ear, total kernel weight, and the weight of individual kernels. Caged beetles fed on silks and, depending on the number of beetles caged per ear, reduced the number of kernels per ear. Caging eight beetles per ear significantly reduced total kernel weight compared with noninfested ears. Drought stress before anthesis appeared to magnify the impact of silk clipping by Japanese beetles. There was evidence of some compensation for reduced pollination by increasing the size of pollinated kernels within the ear. Our results showed that it requires sustained silk clipping during the first week of silking to have substantial impacts on pollination and yield parameters, at least under good growing conditions. Some states recommend treating for Japanese beetle when three Japanese beetles per ear are found, silks are clipped to < 13 mm, and pollination is < 50% complete, and that recommendation appears to be adequate.

Suture retraction technique to prevent parent vessel obstruction following aneurysm tandem clipping.

PubMed

Rayan, Tarek; Amin-Hanjani, Sepideh

2015-08-01

With large or giant aneurysms, the use of multiple tandem clips can be essential for complete obliteration of the aneurysm. One potential disadvantage, however, is the considerable cumulative weight of these clips, which may lead to kinking of the underlying parent vessels and obstruction of flow. The authors describe a simple technique to address this problem, guided by intraoperative blood flow measurements, in a patient with a ruptured near-giant 2.2 × 1.7-cm middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm that was treated with the tandem clipping technique. A total of 11 clips were applied in a vertical stacked fashion. The cumulative weight of the clips caused kinking of the temporal M2 branch of the bifurcation with reduction of flow. A 4-0 Nurolon suture tie was applied to the hub of one of the clips and was tethered to the dura of the sphenoid ridge by a small mini-clip and reinforced by application of tissue sealant. The patient underwent intraoperative indocyanine green videoangiography as well as catheter angiography, which demonstrated complete aneurysmal obliteration and preservation of vessel branches. Postoperative angiography confirmed patency of the bifurcation vessels with mild vasospasm. The patient had a full recovery with no postoperative complications and was neurologically intact at her 6-month follow-up. The suture retraction technique allows a simple solution to parent vessel obstruction following aneurysm tandem clipping, in conjunction with the essential guidance provided by intraoperative flow measurements.

Expert system technologies for Space Shuttle decision support: Two case studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ortiz, Christopher J.; Hasan, David A.

1994-01-01

This paper addresses the issue of integrating the C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) into distributed data acquisition environments. In particular, it presents preliminary results of some ongoing software development projects aimed at exploiting CLIPS technology in the new mission control center (MCC) being built at NASA Johnson Space Center. One interesting aspect of the control center is its distributed architecture; it consists of networked workstations which acquire and share data through the NASA/JSC-developed information sharing protocol (ISP). This paper outlines some approaches taken to integrate CLIPS and ISP in order to permit the development of intelligent data analysis applications which can be used in the MCC. Three approaches to CLIPS/IPS integration are discussed. The initial approach involves clearly separating CLIPS from ISP using user-defined functions for gathering and sending data to and from a local storage buffer. Memory and performance drawbacks of this design are summarized. The second approach involves taking full advantage of CLIPS and the CLIPS Object-Oriented Language (COOL) by using objects to directly transmit data and state changes from ISP to COOL. Any changes within the object slots eliminate the need for both a data structure and external function call thus taking advantage of the object matching capabilities within CLIPS 6.0. The final approach is to treat CLIPS and ISP as peer toolkits. Neither is embedded in the other; rather the application interweaves calls to each directly in the application source code.

Effect of bar cross-section and female housing material on retention of mandibular implant bar overdentures: A comparative in vitro study.

PubMed

Abdel-Khalek, Elsayed A; Ibrahim, Abdullah M

2017-01-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of different cross-sections of bar connecting two implants on the retention of mandibular overdentures with Hader clip or lined with heat-cured resilient liner as a housing material. The retentive values after simulated 1.5 years of service were also recorded. Edentulous mandibular acrylic model was constructed with two dummy implants located in the canine region and connected with cast bar assembly. According to bar cross-section and anchoring method, four groups ( n = 10) of identical overdentures were used as Hader bar/clip group (HCG), Hader bar/silicone liner female housing group (HSG), oval bar/silicone liner female housing group (OSG), and round bar/silicone liner female housing group (RSG). Each overdenture sample was subjected to simulated wear up to 2740 manual insertions/separations. The mean retentive forces were measured at the baseline and after every 500 insertions. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. The present study demonstrated that all bar cross-sections showed a significant difference at the baseline ( P < 0.05), but HSG showed greater initial retention compared to HCG, OSG, and RSG. OSG showed a significant higher retention after 2740 insertions (simulated five insertions/day). Within the limitation of this in vitro study and for a similar period of service, heat-cured silicone female housing for Hader bar could maintain greater retention for two-implant-retained overdentures than provided by conventional plastic clip after 1.5 year. The oval bar recorded reasonable initial retention values and maintained these values for 1.5 years of service.

Posterior Mandibular Ridge Resorption Associated with Different Retentive Systems for Overdentures: A 7-Year Retrospective Preliminary Study.

PubMed

Elsyad, Moustafa Abdou; Mohamed, Shahinaz Sayed; Shawky, Ahmad Fathalla

This retrospective study compared posterior mandibular residual ridge resorption with two different retentive mechanisms for overdentures after 7 years. A convenience sample of 18 edentulous men was assigned to one of two equal groups. Two implants were placed in the mandibular canine areas for each patient using the conventional two-stage surgical protocol, and the implants were splinted with a round bar 3 months later. New mandibular overdentures were then connected to the bars with clips (clip-retained overdentures, CR group) or resilient liners (resilient liner-retained overdentures, RR group). Posterior mandibular ridge resorption (PMRR) was recorded using proportional measurements and posterior area index (PAI) on panoramic radiographs taken immediately after overdenture insertion (T 0 ) and 7 years later (T 7 ). A linear regression model was used to verify the relationship between PAI and the following considerations: attachment type, age, initial mandibular ridge height, period of mandibular edentulism, number of previously worn dentures, and relining events. After 7 years, the RR group demonstrated a significantly (P = .014) higher change in PAI (0.11 ± 0.02) than the CR group (0.06 ± 0.04). The average PMRR for each mm of posterior mandibular ridge was 0.79 mm (0.11 mm/year) in the CR group and 1.4 mm (0.2 mm/year) in the RR group. Attachment type, initial mandibular ridge height, and relining times were significantly correlated with change in the PAI (P = .004, P = .035, and P = .045, respectively). Within the limitations of this preliminary study's design, it was observed that following a 7-year period of use, resilient liner attachments for bar/implant-retained overdentures appear to be associated with greater posterior mandibular ridge resorption when compared to clip attachments.

Retractable pin dual in-line package test clip

DOEpatents

Bandzuch, Gregory S.; Kosslow, William J.

1996-01-01

This invention is a Dual In-Line Package (DIP) test clip for use when troubleshooting circuits containing DIP integrated circuits. This test clip is a significant improvement over existing DIP test clips in that it has retractable pins which will permit troubleshooting without risk of accidentally shorting adjacent pins together when moving probes to different pins on energized circuits or when the probe is accidentally bumped while taking measurements.

Establishing the minimal number of virtual reality simulator training sessions necessary to develop basic laparoscopic skills competence: evaluation of the learning curve.

PubMed

Duarte, Ricardo Jordão; Cury, José; Oliveira, Luis Carlos Neves; Srougi, Miguel

2013-01-01

Medical literature is scarce on information to define a basic skills training program for laparoscopic surgery (peg and transferring, cutting, clipping). The aim of this study was to determine the minimal number of simulator sessions of basic laparoscopic tasks necessary to elaborate an optimal virtual reality training curriculum. Eleven medical students with no previous laparoscopic experience were spontaneously enrolled. They were submitted to simulator training sessions starting at level 1 (Immersion Lap VR, San Jose, CA), including sequentially camera handling, peg and transfer, clipping and cutting. Each student trained twice a week until 10 sessions were completed. The score indexes were registered and analyzed. The total of errors of the evaluation sequences (camera, peg and transfer, clipping and cutting) were computed and thereafter, they were correlated to the total of items evaluated in each step, resulting in a success percent ratio for each student for each set of each completed session. Thereafter, we computed the cumulative success rate in 10 sessions, obtaining an analysis of the learning process. By non-linear regression the learning curve was analyzed. By the non-linear regression method the learning curve was analyzed and a r2 = 0.73 (p < 0.001) was obtained, being necessary 4.26 (∼five sessions) to reach the plateau of 80% of the estimated acquired knowledge, being that 100% of the students have reached this level of skills. From the fifth session till the 10th, the gain of knowledge was not significant, although some students reached 96% of the expected improvement. This study revealed that after five simulator training sequential sessions the students' learning curve reaches a plateau. The forward sessions in the same difficult level do not promote any improvement in laparoscopic basic surgical skills, and the students should be introduced to a more difficult training tasks level.

Quantitative analysis of patients with celiac disease by video capsule endoscopy: A deep learning method.

PubMed

Zhou, Teng; Han, Guoqiang; Li, Bing Nan; Lin, Zhizhe; Ciaccio, Edward J; Green, Peter H; Qin, Jing

2017-06-01

Celiac disease is one of the most common diseases in the world. Capsule endoscopy is an alternative way to visualize the entire small intestine without invasiveness to the patient. It is useful to characterize celiac disease, but hours are need to manually analyze the retrospective data of a single patient. Computer-aided quantitative analysis by a deep learning method helps in alleviating the workload during analysis of the retrospective videos. Capsule endoscopy clips from 6 celiac disease patients and 5 controls were preprocessed for training. The frames with a large field of opaque extraluminal fluid or air bubbles were removed automatically by using a pre-selection algorithm. Then the frames were cropped and the intensity was corrected prior to frame rotation in the proposed new method. The GoogLeNet is trained with these frames. Then, the clips of capsule endoscopy from 5 additional celiac disease patients and 5 additional control patients are used for testing. The trained GoogLeNet was able to distinguish the frames from capsule endoscopy clips of celiac disease patients vs controls. Quantitative measurement with evaluation of the confidence was developed to assess the severity level of pathology in the subjects. Relying on the evaluation confidence, the GoogLeNet achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity for the testing set. The t-test confirmed the evaluation confidence is significant to distinguish celiac disease patients from controls. Furthermore, it is found that the evaluation confidence may also relate to the severity level of small bowel mucosal lesions. A deep convolutional neural network was established for quantitative measurement of the existence and degree of pathology throughout the small intestine, which may improve computer-aided clinical techniques to assess mucosal atrophy and other etiologies in real-time with videocapsule endoscopy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A technique system for the measurement, reconstruction and character extraction of rice plant architecture

PubMed Central

Li, Xumeng; Wang, Xiaohui; Wei, Hailin; Zhu, Xinguang; Peng, Yulin; Li, Ming; Li, Tao; Huang, Huang

2017-01-01

This study developed a technique system for the measurement, reconstruction, and trait extraction of rice canopy architectures, which have challenged functional–structural plant modeling for decades and have become the foundation of the design of ideo-plant architectures. The system uses the location-separation-measurement method (LSMM) for the collection of data on the canopy architecture and the analytic geometry method for the reconstruction and visualization of the three-dimensional (3D) digital architecture of the rice plant. It also uses the virtual clipping method for extracting the key traits of the canopy architecture such as the leaf area, inclination, and azimuth distribution in spatial coordinates. To establish the technique system, we developed (i) simple tools to measure the spatial position of the stem axis and azimuth of the leaf midrib and to capture images of tillers and leaves; (ii) computer software programs for extracting data on stem diameter, leaf nodes, and leaf midrib curves from the tiller images and data on leaf length, width, and shape from the leaf images; (iii) a database of digital architectures that stores the measured data and facilitates the reconstruction of the 3D visual architecture and the extraction of architectural traits; and (iv) computation algorithms for virtual clipping to stratify the rice canopy, to extend the stratified surface from the horizontal plane to a general curved surface (including a cylindrical surface), and to implement in silico. Each component of the technique system was quantitatively validated and visually compared to images, and the sensitivity of the virtual clipping algorithms was analyzed. This technique is inexpensive and accurate and provides high throughput for the measurement, reconstruction, and trait extraction of rice canopy architectures. The technique provides a more practical method of data collection to serve functional–structural plant models of rice and for the optimization of rice canopy types. Moreover, the technique can be easily adapted for other cereal crops such as wheat, which has numerous stems and leaves sheltering each other. PMID:28558045

Advanced CLIPS capabilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riley, Gary

1991-01-01

The C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) is a forward chaining rule based language developed by NASA. CLIPS was designed specifically to provide high portability, low cost, and easy integration with external systems. The current release of CLIPS, version 4.3, is being used by over 2500 users throughout the public and private community. The primary addition to the next release of CLIPS, version 5.0, will be the CLIPS Object Oriented Language (COOL). The major capabilities of COOL are: class definition with multiple inheritance and no restrictions on the number, types, or cardinality of slots; message passing which allows procedural code bundled with an object to be executed; and query functions which allow groups of instances to be examined and manipulated. In addition to COOL, numerous other enhancements were added to CLIPS including: generic functions (which allow different pieces of procedural code to be executed depending upon the types or classes of the arguments); integer and double precision data type support; multiple conflict resolution strategies; global variables; logical dependencies; type checking on facts; full ANSI compiler support; and incremental reset for rules.

Clipping in neurocontrol by adaptive dynamic programming.

PubMed

Fairbank, Michael; Prokhorov, Danil; Alonso, Eduardo

2014-10-01

In adaptive dynamic programming, neurocontrol, and reinforcement learning, the objective is for an agent to learn to choose actions so as to minimize a total cost function. In this paper, we show that when discretized time is used to model the motion of the agent, it can be very important to do clipping on the motion of the agent in the final time step of the trajectory. By clipping, we mean that the final time step of the trajectory is to be truncated such that the agent stops exactly at the first terminal state reached, and no distance further. We demonstrate that when clipping is omitted, learning performance can fail to reach the optimum, and when clipping is done properly, learning performance can improve significantly. The clipping problem we describe affects algorithms that use explicit derivatives of the model functions of the environment to calculate a learning gradient. These include backpropagation through time for control and methods based on dual heuristic programming. However, the clipping problem does not significantly affect methods based on heuristic dynamic programming, temporal differences learning, or policy-gradient learning algorithms.

Preliminary results from the use of the novel Interactive binocular treatment (I-BiT) system, in the treatment of strabismic and anisometropic amblyopia.

PubMed

Waddingham, P E; Butler, T K H; Cobb, S V; Moody, A D R; Comaish, I F; Haworth, S M; Gregson, R M; Ash, I M; Brown, S M; Eastgate, R M; Griffiths, G D

2006-03-01

We have developed a novel application of adapted virtual reality (VR) technology, for the binocular treatment of amblyopia. We describe the use of the system in six children. Subjects consisted of three conventional treatment 'failures' and three conventional treatment 'refusers', with a mean age of 6.25 years (5.42-7.75 years). Treatment consisted of watching video clips and playing interactive games with specifically designed software to allow streamed binocular image presentation. Initial vision in the amblyopic eye ranged from 6/12 to 6/120 and post-treatment 6/7.5 to 6/24-1. Total treatment time was a mean of 4.4 h. Five out of six children have shown an improvement in their vision (average increase of 10 letters), including those who had previously failed to comply with conventional occlusion. Improvements in vision were demonstrable within a short period of time, in some children after 1 h of treatment. This system is an exciting and promising application of VR technology as a new treatment for amblyopia.

Assessment of construct validity of a virtual reality laparoscopy simulator.

PubMed

Rosenthal, Rachel; Gantert, Walter A; Hamel, Christian; Hahnloser, Dieter; Metzger, Juerg; Kocher, Thomas; Vogelbach, Peter; Scheidegger, Daniel; Oertli, Daniel; Clavien, Pierre-Alain

2007-08-01

The aim of this study was to assess whether virtual reality (VR) can discriminate between the skills of novices and intermediate-level laparoscopic surgical trainees (construct validity), and whether the simulator assessment correlates with an expert's evaluation of performance. Three hundred and seven (307) participants of the 19th-22nd Davos International Gastrointestinal Surgery Workshops performed the clip-and-cut task on the Xitact LS 500 VR simulator (Xitact S.A., Morges, Switzerland). According to their previous experience in laparoscopic surgery, participants were assigned to the basic course (BC) or the intermediate course (IC). Objective performance parameters recorded by the simulator were compared to the standardized assessment by the course instructors during laparoscopic pelvitrainer and conventional surgery exercises. IC participants performed significantly better on the VR simulator than BC participants for the task completion time as well as the economy of movement of the right instrument, not the left instrument. Participants with maximum scores in the pelvitrainer cholecystectomy task performed the VR trial significantly faster, compared to those who scored less. In the conventional surgery task, a significant difference between those who scored the maximum and those who scored less was found not only for task completion time, but also for economy of movement of the right instrument. VR simulation provides a valid assessment of psychomotor skills and some basic aspects of spatial skills in laparoscopic surgery. Furthermore, VR allows discrimination between trainees with different levels of experience in laparoscopic surgery establishing construct validity for the Xitact LS 500 clip-and-cut task. Virtual reality may become the gold standard to assess and monitor surgical skills in laparoscopic surgery.

Immediate increase of cardiac output after percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) determined by echocardiographic and invasive parameters: Patzelt: Increase of cardiac output after PMVR.

PubMed

Patzelt, Johannes; Zhang, Yingying; Magunia, Harry; Jorbenadze, Rezo; Droppa, Michal; Ulrich, Miriam; Cai, Shanglang; Lausberg, Henning; Walker, Tobias; Wengenmayer, Tobias; Rosenberger, Peter; Schreieck, Juergen; Seizer, Peter; Gawaz, Meinrad; Langer, Harald F

2017-06-01

Successful percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) causes changes in hemodynamics. Echocardiographic calculation of cardiac output (CO) has not been evaluated in the setting of PMVR, so far. Here we evaluated hemodynamics before and after PMVR with the MitraClip system using pulmonary artery catheterization, transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiography. 101 patients with severe MR not eligible for conventional surgery underwent PMVR. Hemodynamic parameters were determined during and after the intervention. We evaluated changes in CO and pulmonary artery systolic pressure before and after PMVR. CO was determined with invasive parameters using the Fick method (COi) and by a combination of TTE and TEE (COe). All patients had successful clip implantation, which was associated with increased COi (from 4.6±1.4l/min to 5.4±1.6l/min, p<0.001). Furthermore, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) showed a significant decrease after PMVR (47.6±16.1 before, 44.7±15.5mmHg after, p=0.01). In accordance with invasive measurements, COe increased significantly (COe from 4.3±1.7l/min to 4.8±1.7l/min, p=0.003). Comparing both methods to calculate CO, we observed good agreement between COi and COe using Bland Altman plots. CO increased significantly after PMVR as determined by echocardiography based and invasive calculation of hemodynamics during PMVR. COe shows good agreement with COi before and after the intervention and, thus, represents a potential non-invasive method to determine CO in patients with MR not accessible by conventional surgery. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Film clips and narrative text as subjective emotion elicitation techniques.

PubMed

Zupan, Barbra; Babbage, Duncan R

2017-01-01

Film clips and narrative text are useful techniques in eliciting emotion in a laboratory setting but have not been examined side-by-side using the same methodology. This study examined the self-identification of emotions elicited by film clip and narrative text stimuli to confirm that selected stimuli appropriately target the intended emotions. Seventy participants viewed 30 film clips, and 40 additional participants read 30 narrative texts. Participants identified the emotion experienced (happy, sad, angry, fearful, neutral-six stimuli each). Eighty-five percent of participants self-identified the target emotion for at least two stimuli for all emotion categories of film clips, except angry (only one) and for all categories of narrative text, except fearful (only one). The most effective angry text was correctly identified 74% of the time. Film clips were more effective in eliciting all target emotions in participants for eliciting the correct emotion (angry), intensity rating (happy, sad), or both (fearful).

Mounting clips for panel installation

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

Cavieres, Andres; Al-Haddad, Tristan; Goodman, Joseph

2017-02-14

An exemplary mounting clip for removably attaching panels to a supporting structure comprises a base, spring locking clips, a lateral flange, a lever flange, and a spring bonding pad. The spring locking clips extend upwardly from the base. The lateral flange extends upwardly from a first side of the base. The lateral flange comprises a slot having an opening configured to receive at least a portion of one of the one or more panels. The lever flange extends outwardly from the lateral flange. The spring bonding flange extends downwardly from the lever flange. At least a portion of the firstmore » spring bonding flange comprises a serrated edge for gouging at least a portion of the one or more panels when the one or more panels are attached to the mounting clip to electrically and mechanically couple the one or more panels to the mounting clip.« less

The use of video clips in teleconsultation for preschool children with movement disorders.

PubMed

Gorter, Hetty; Lucas, Cees; Groothuis-Oudshoorn, Karin; Maathuis, Carel; van Wijlen-Hempel, Rietje; Elvers, Hans

2013-01-01

To investigate the reliability and validity of video clips in assessing movement disorders in preschool children. The study group included 27 children with neuromotor concerns. The explorative validity group included children with motor problems (n = 21) or with typical development (n = 9). Hempel screening was used for live observation of the child, full recording, and short video clips. The explorative study tested the validity of the clinical classifications "typical" or "suspect." Agreement between live observation and the full recording was almost perfect; Agreement for the clinical classification "typical" or "suspect" was substantial. Agreement between the full recording and short video clips was substantial to moderate. The explorative validity study, based on short video clips and the presence of a neuromotor developmental disorder, showed substantial agreement. Hempel screening enables reliable and valid observation of video clips, but further research is necessary to demonstrate the predictive value.

Embedding CLIPS in a database-oriented diagnostic system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Conway, Tim

1990-01-01

This paper describes the integration of C Language Production Systems (CLIPS) into a powerful portable maintenance aid (PMA) system used for flightline diagnostics. The current diagnostic target of the system is the Garrett GTCP85-180L, a gas turbine engine used as an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) on some C-130 military transport aircraft. This project is a database oriented approach to a generic diagnostic system. CLIPS is used for 'many-to-many' pattern matching within the diagnostics process. Patterns are stored in database format, and CLIPS code is generated by a 'compilation' process on the database. Multiple CLIPS rule sets and working memories (in sequence) are supported and communication between the rule sets is achieved via the export and import commands. Work is continuing on using CLIPS in other portions of the diagnostic system and in re-implementing the diagnostic system in the Ada language.

Use of a surgical rehearsal platform and improvement in aneurysm clipping measures: results of a prospective, randomized trial.

PubMed

Chugh, A Jessey; Pace, Jonathan R; Singer, Justin; Tatsuoka, Curtis; Hoffer, Alan; Selman, Warren R; Bambakidis, Nicholas C

2017-03-01

OBJECTIVE The field of neurosurgery is constantly undergoing improvements and advances, both in technique and technology. Cerebrovascular neurosurgery is no exception, with endovascular treatments changing the treatment paradigm. Clipping of aneurysms is still necessary, however, and advances are still being made to improve patient outcomes within the microsurgical treatment of aneurysms. Surgical rehearsal platforms are surgical simulators that offer the opportunity to rehearse a procedure prior to entering the operative suite. This study is designed to determine whether use of a surgical rehearsal platform in aneurysm surgery is helpful in decreasing aneurysm dissection time and clip manipulation of the aneurysm. METHODS The authors conducted a blinded, prospective, randomized study comparing key effort and time variables in aneurysm clip ligation surgery with and without preoperative use of the SuRgical Planner (SRP) surgical rehearsal platform. Initially, 40 patients were randomly assigned to either of two groups: one in which surgery was performed after use of the SRP (SRP group) and one in which surgery was performed without use of the SRP (control group). All operations were videotaped. After exclusion of 6 patients from the SRP group and 9 from the control group, a total of 25 surgical cases were analyzed by a reviewer blinded to group assignment. The videos were analyzed for total microsurgical time, number of clips used, and number of clip placement attempts. Means and standard deviations (SDs) were calculated and compared between groups. RESULTS The mean (± SD) amount of operative time per clip used was 920 ± 770 seconds in the SRP group and 1294 ± 678 seconds in the control group (p = 0.05). In addition, the mean values for the number of clip attempts, total operative time, ratio of clip attempts to clips used, and time per clip attempt were all lower in the SRP group, although the between-group differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative rehearsal with SRP increased efficiency and safety in aneurysm microsurgery as demonstrated by the statistically significant improvement in time per clip used. Although the rest of the outcomes did not demonstrate statistically significant between-group differences, the fact that the SRP group showed improvement in mean values for all measures studied suggests that preoperative rehearsal may increase the efficiency and safety of aneurysm microsurgery. Future studies aimed at improving patient outcome and safety during surgical clipping of aneurysms will be needed to keep pace with the quickly advancing endovascular field.

Assessing arsenic and selenium in a single nail clipping using portable X-ray fluorescence.

PubMed

Fleming, David E B; Nader, Michel N; Foran, Kelly A; Groskopf, Craig; Reno, Michael C; Ware, Chris S; Tehrani, Mina; Guimarães, Diana; Parsons, Patrick J

2017-02-01

The feasibility of measuring arsenic and selenium contents in a single nail clipping was investigated using a small-focus portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instrument with monochromatic excitation beams. Nail clipping phantoms supplemented with arsenic and selenium to produce materials with 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20µg/g were used for calibration purposes. In total, 10 different clippings were analyzed at two different measurement positions. Energy spectra were fit with detection peaks for arsenic K α , selenium K α , arsenic K β , selenium K β , and bromine K α characteristic X-rays. Data analysis was performed under two distinct conditions of fitting constraint. Calibration lines were established from the amplitude of each of the arsenic and selenium peaks as a function of the elemental contents in the clippings. The slopes of the four calibration lines were consistent between the two conditions of analysis. The calculated minimum detection limit (MDL) of the method, when considering the K α peak only, ranged from 0.210±0.002µg/g selenium under one condition of analysis to 0.777±0.009µg/g selenium under another. Compared with previous portable XRF nail clipping studies, MDLs were substantially improved for both arsenic and selenium. The new measurement technique had the additional benefits of being short in duration (~3min) and requiring only a single nail clipping. The mass of the individual clipping used did not appear to play a major role in signal strength, but positioning of the clipping is important. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A CLIPS based personal computer hardware diagnostic system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitson, George M.

1991-01-01

Often the person designated to repair personal computers has little or no knowledge of how to repair a computer. Described here is a simple expert system to aid these inexperienced repair people. The first component of the system leads the repair person through a number of simple system checks such as making sure that all cables are tight and that the dip switches are set correctly. The second component of the system assists the repair person in evaluating error codes generated by the computer. The final component of the system applies a large knowledge base to attempt to identify the component of the personal computer that is malfunctioning. We have implemented and tested our design with a full system to diagnose problems for an IBM compatible system based on the 8088 chip. In our tests, the inexperienced repair people found the system very useful in diagnosing hardware problems.

The meteorological monitoring system for the Kennedy Space Center/Cape Canaveral Air Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dianic, Allan V.

1994-01-01

The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Cape Canaveral Air Station (CCAS) are involved in many weather-sensitive operations. Manned and unmanned vehicle launches, which occur several times each year, are obvious example of operations whose success and safety are dependent upon favorable meteorological conditions. Other operations involving NASA, Air Force, and contractor personnel, including daily operations to maintain facilities, refurbish launch structures, prepare vehicles for launch, and handle hazardous materials, are less publicized but are no less weather-sensitive. The Meteorological Monitoring System (MMS) is a computer network which acquires, processes, disseminates, and monitors near real-time and forecast meteorological information to assist operational personnel and weather forecasters with the task of minimizing the risk to personnel, materials, and the surrounding population. CLIPS has been integrated into the MMS to provide quality control analysis and data monitoring. This paper describes aspects of the MMS relevant to CLIPS including requirements, actual implementation details, and results of performance testing.

Mitral stenosis due to dynamic clip-leaflet interaction during the MitraClip procedure: Case report and review of current knowledge.

PubMed

Singh, Gagan D; Smith, Thomas W; Rogers, Jason H

2017-06-01

The goal of MitraClip therapy is to achieve mitral regurgitation reduction without iatrogenic creation of clinically significant MS. In some series, up to 35% of patients are left with mild MS. There are many contributors to the final transmitral gradient achieved in patients undergoing MitraClip therapy. Additionally, there are many modalities used for the intraprocedural assessment of MS with no one modality considered to be the benchmark. We herein describe a case which illustrates the dynamic nature of clip-leaflet interaction, and review intraprocedural techniques for invasively and noninvasively assessing MS. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

CLIPS: A tool for corn disease diagnostic system and an aid to neural network for automated knowledge acquisition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, Cathy; Taylor, Pam; Whitson, George; Smith, Cathy

1990-01-01

This paper describes the building of a corn disease diagnostic expert system using CLIPS, and the development of a neural expert system using the fact representation method of CLIPS for automated knowledge acquisition. The CLIPS corn expert system diagnoses 21 diseases from 52 symptoms and signs with certainty factors. CLIPS has several unique features. It allows the facts in rules to be broken down to object-attribute-value (OAV) triples, allows rule-grouping, and fires rules based on pattern-matching. These features combined with the chained inference engine result to a natural user query system and speedy execution. In order to develop a method for automated knowledge acquisition, an Artificial Neural Expert System (ANES) is developed by a direct mapping from the CLIPS system. The ANES corn expert system uses the same OAV triples in the CLIPS system for its facts. The LHS and RHS facts of the CLIPS rules are mapped into the input and output layers of the ANES, respectively; and the inference engine of the rules is imbedded in the hidden layer. The fact representation by OAC triples gives a natural grouping of the rules. These features allow the ANES system to automate rule-generation, and make it efficient to execute and easy to expand for a large and complex domain.

What kind of erotic film clips should we use in female sex research? An exploratory study.

PubMed

Woodard, Terri L; Collins, Karen; Perez, Mindy; Balon, Richard; Tancer, Manuel E; Kruger, Michael; Moffat, Scott; Diamond, Michael P

2008-01-01

Erotic film clips are used in sex research, including studies of female sexual dysfunction and arousal. However, little is known about which clips optimize female sexual response. Furthermore, their use is not well standardized. To identify the types of film clips that are most mentally appealing and physically arousing to women for use in future sexual function and dysfunction studies; to explore the relationship between mental appeal and reported physical arousal; to characterize the content of the films that were found to be the most and least appealing and arousing. Twenty-one women viewed 90 segments of erotic film clips. They rated how (i) mentally appealing and (ii) how physically aroused they were by each clip. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The means of the mental and self-reported physical responses were calculated to determine the most and least appealing/arousing film clips. Pearson correlations were calculated to assess the relationship between mental appeal and reported physical arousal. Self-reported mental and physical arousal. Of 90 film clips, 18 were identified as the most mentally appealing and physically arousing while nine were identified as the least mentally appealing and physically arousing. The level of mental appeal positively correlated with the level of perceived physical arousal in both categories (r = 0.61, P < 0.05 and r = 0.62, P < 0.05). The most appealing and physically arousing films tended to exhibit heterosexual behavior with vaginal intercourse. The least appealing and least physically arousing films tended to depict male homosexual behavior, fellatio, and anal intercourse. Erotic film clips reliably produced a state of self-reported arousal in women. The most appealing and arousing films tended to depict heterosexual vaginal intercourse. Film clips with these attributes should be used in future research of sexual function and response of women.

Duodenal Ulcer Induced by Hem-o-Lok clip after Reduced Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

PubMed

Soga, Koichi; Kassai, Kyoichi; Itani, Kenji

2016-03-01

The patient was a 66-year-old woman who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Lap-C) secondary to chronic cholecystitis status post endoscopic choledocholithotomy 13 months previously. During surgery, Hem-o-Lok clips were used to control the cystic duct and the cystic artery. Due to the presence of extensive adhesions of the cystic duct and surrounding tissue, the surgeons had difficulty in debriding the area. Thirteen months after Lap-C, the patient underwent a screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which demonstrated clip appearance at the inferior wall of the first part of the duodenum. In the EGD, duodenal erosions and edema were observed around the clip. We appreciated that endoscopic clip removal would be difficult because of the presence of severe adhesions and inflammation of the duodenal bulb. On clinical examination of the patient, no major abnormalities or physical findings were noted. Therefore, we decided not to attempt to remove the clip. The patient was treated with an oral proton pump inhibitor to prevent extensive duodenal mucosal injury. Two months later, we repeated the EGD, which revealed that the clip was no longer present, and the duodenum was covered with normal mucosa surrounding the scar.

Age-Related Differences in Judgments of Inappropriate Behavior are Related to Humor Style Preferences

PubMed Central

Stanley, Jennifer Tehan; Lohani, Monika; Isaacowitz, Derek M.

2014-01-01

Identifying social gaffes is important for maintaining relationships. Older adults are less able than young to discriminate between socially appropriate and inappropriate behavior in video clips. One open question is how these social appropriateness ratings relate to potential age differences in the perception of what is actually funny or not. In the present study, young, middle-aged, and older adults were equally able to discriminate between appropriate and inappropriate social behavior in a diverse set of clips relevant to both age groups. However, young and middle-aged adults rated the gaffe clips as funnier than control clips and young adults smiled more during the inappropriate clips than the control clips. Older adults did not show this pattern, suggesting that they did not find the inappropriate clips funny. Additionally, young adults endorsed a more aggressive humor style than middle-aged and older adults and aggressive humor style endorsement mediated age differences in social appropriateness ratings. Results are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms such as cohort differences in humor and developmental prioritization of certain humor styles, as well as the importance of investigating age differences in both abilities and preferences. PMID:25244473

21 CFR 868.6225 - Nose clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... ANESTHESIOLOGY DEVICES Miscellaneous § 868.6225 Nose clip. (a) Identification. A nose clip is a device intended to close a patient's external nares (nostrils) during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. (b... from the current good manufacturing practice requirements of the quality system regulation in part 820...

A CLIPS expert system for clinical flow cytometry data analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salzman, G. C.; Duque, R. E.; Braylan, R. C.; Stewart, C. C.

1990-01-01

An expert system is being developed using CLIPS to assist clinicians in the analysis of multivariate flow cytometry data from cancer patients. Cluster analysis is used to find subpopulations representing various cell types in multiple datasets each consisting of four to five measurements on each of 5000 cells. CLIPS facts are derived from results of the clustering. CLIPS rules are based on the expertise of Drs. Stewart, Duque, and Braylan. The rules incorporate certainty factors based on case histories.

Effects of fin clipping on survival and position-holding behavior of brown darters, Etheostoma edwini

USGS Publications Warehouse

Champagne, C.E.; Austin, J.D.; Jelks, H.L.; Jordan, F.

2008-01-01

Advent of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has allowed conservation biologists to use small portions of tissue to obtain genetic material for population genetic and taxonomic study. Fin clips are used extensively in large-sized fishes, but it is unclear how clipping enough fin tissue for genetic analysis will affect survival of smaller fishes such as minnows and darters, which are among the most threatened organisms in North America. We tested for effects of fin clipping on survival and swimming performance of non-threatened Brown Darters (Etheostoma edwini) in order to justify similar tissue collection in co-occurring endangered Okaloosa Darters (E. okaloosae). We collected 48 E. edwini from a small stream in northwest Florida, transported them to the laboratory, and randomly assigned them to one of three experimental groups: control, entire right pectoral fin removed, or rear half of caudal fin removed. Successful amplification of DNA indicated that our fin clips were large enough for genetic analysis using PCR. No mortality occurred during a two-month observation period. Fin regeneration was almost complete and we could not visually distinguish clipped fins from control fins after two months. We then randomly assigned fish into the same three experimental groups, clipped fins, and evaluated their ability to hold position at 20 cm/sec in an experimental flow chamber. Neither fish size nor treatment type affected position-holding behavior. Fin clipping does not adversely affect survival and swimming performance of E. edwini maintained in the laboratory. Additional research on the effects of fin clipping on small-sized fishes should be conducted in the field to evaluate survival under natural conditions. ?? 2008 by the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists.

Efficacy of electrocoagulation in sealing the cystic artery and cystic duct occluded with only one absorbable clip during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

PubMed

Yang, Chang-Ping; Cao, Jin-Lin; Yang, Ren-Rong; Guo, Hong-Rong; Li, Zhao-Hui; Guo, Hai-Ying; Shao, Yin-Can; Liu, Gui-Bao

2014-02-01

Even though laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) emerged over 20 years ago, controversies persist with regard to the best method to ligate the cystic duct and artery. We proposed to assess the effectiveness and safety of electrocoagulation to seal the cystic artery and cystic duct after their occlusion with only one absorbable clip. We retrospectively compared the clinical data for 635 patients undergoing LC using electrocoagulation to seal the cystic artery and cystic duct that were occluded with only one absorbable clip (Group 1) and 728 patients undergoing LC using titanium clips (Group 2). In parallel, 30 rabbits randomized into six groups underwent cholecystectomy. After cystic duct ligation with absorbable or titanium clips, the animals were sacrificed 1, 3, or 6 months later, and intraabdominal adhesions were assessed after celiotomy. The mean operative time was significantly shorter (41.6 versus 58.9 minutes, P<.01) in Group 1 than in Group 2. No cystic duct leaks occurred in any patients from Group 1, compared with seven leaks among the 728 (0.96%) patients from Group 2 (P<.05). The morbidity was significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (3.43% versus 1.58%). Mean intraoperative blood loss and hospitalization length were not significantly different between the two groups, and no deaths occurred in either group. In animal experiments, adhesion was tighter for absorbable than for titanium clips, but fibrous tissue encapsulation was thinner at the site of titanium clips. Electrocoagulation of the cystic artery and cystic duct that were occluded with only one absorbable clip is safe and effective during LC. This approach is associated with shortened operative times and reduced leakage, compared with the standard method using metal clips.

Aneurysm clip motion during magnetic resonance imaging: in vivo experimental study with metallurgical factor analysis.

PubMed

Dujovny, M; Kossovsky, N; Kossowsky, R; Valdivia, R; Suk, J S; Diaz, F G; Berman, S K; Cleary, W

1985-10-01

Because of various mechanical, metallurgical, and commercial constraints, aneurysm clips are manufactured from different alloys, including several stainless steel and cobalt alloys. Some of the steels contain volume fractions of the crystal phase known as martensite. Martensitic alloys have body-centered cubic structure, are prone to stress corrosion failure, and are ferromagnetic. Martensitic steel can be displaced like a compass needle when exposed to a magnetic field such as that generated during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The force exerted by the magnetic field is proportional to the volume fraction of the magnetic phase. We investigated the martensitic content and magnetic field-induced displacement of 12 common aneurysm clips. Four clips of each of the following types were examined: Sugita, Sundt-Kees Multi-Angle, Heifetz (two types), Vari-Angle McFadden, Yasargil (two types), Scoville, Mayfield, Vari-Angle, Pivot, and Kapp. Phase homogeneity and crystal structure were analyzed by x-ray diffraction using a Phillips x-ray diffractometer. Clip deflection in an Oxford Research Systems MRI spectrometer was measured in our in vivo rat abdominal aortic aneurysm model. Results showed that the volume fraction of the martensitic phase in the various clips correlated with the magnitude of the deflection. Among the clips examined, the Yasargil, Sugita, Heifetz Elgiloy, and Vari-Angle McFadden had a nonmartensitic composition and did not deflect in the magnetic field. The Scoville contained 5% martensite and deflected only marginally. Martensite comprised 35% of the Mayfield clip, which deflected 45 degrees, and 90% of the Heifetz, Vari-Angle, Pivot, and Sundt-Kees Multi-Angle clips, which deflected approximately 70 degrees or slipped off the aneurysm.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Power-efficient method for IM-DD optical transmission of multiple OFDM signals.

PubMed

Effenberger, Frank; Liu, Xiang

2015-05-18

We propose a power-efficient method for transmitting multiple frequency-division multiplexed (FDM) orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) signals in intensity-modulation direct-detection (IM-DD) optical systems. This method is based on quadratic soft clipping in combination with odd-only channel mapping. We show, both analytically and experimentally, that the proposed approach is capable of improving the power efficiency by about 3 dB as compared to conventional FDM OFDM signals under practical bias conditions, making it a viable solution in applications such as optical fiber-wireless integrated systems where both IM-DD optical transmission and OFDM signaling are important.

40 CFR 60.3078 - What definitions must I know?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... shavings. Wood waste does not include: (1) Grass, grass clippings, bushes, shrubs, and clippings from bushes and shrubs from residential, commercial/retail, institutional, or industrial sources as part of..., flake board, and oriented strand board). Yard waste means grass, grass clippings, bushes, shrubs, and...

40 CFR 60.2977 - What definitions must I know?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... shavings. Wood waste does not include: (1) Grass, grass clippings, bushes, shrubs, and clippings from bushes and shrubs from residential, commercial/retail, institutional, or industrial sources as part of..., flake board, and oriented strand board). Yard waste means grass, grass clippings, bushes, shrubs, and...

21 CFR 886.3100 - Ophthalmic tantalum clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... blood vessels in the eye. (b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The device is exempt from the...) MEDICAL DEVICES OPHTHALMIC DEVICES Prosthetic Devices § 886.3100 Ophthalmic tantalum clip. (a) Identification. An ophthalmic tantalum clip is a malleable metallic device intended to be implanted permanently...

A graphical interface to CLIPS using SunView

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feagin, Terry

1990-01-01

The importance of the incorporation of various graphics-oriented features into CLIPS is discussed. These popular features, which have been implemented in a version of CLIPS developed for a popular workstation, are described and their usefulness in the development of expert systems is examined.

PubMed Central

Bédard, S; Desrochers, A; Fecteau, G; Higgins, R

2001-01-01

This study was designed to evaluate 4 preoperative skin preparations, that is, more specifically, to compare the efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) and povidone-iodine (PI), as well as 2 hair removal techniques (clipper alone or clipper followed by razor) for preoperative skin preparation in cattle. The 4 protocols resulted in a significant decrease in the number of bacterial colony-forming units (cfu). Group 4 (clipping + shaving + CG) had a significantly lower number of preoperative cfu per gel plate compared with groups 1 (clipping + PI) and 3 (clipping + shaving + PI). Skin reaction frequency was significantly higher in groups 3 and 4 (47.8% for both protocols) than in groups 1 and 2 (clipping + PI or CG) (8.7% for both). Wound infection frequency was 4.3% (4/92) and no significant difference was observed between the 4 treatment groups. The 4 protocols tested were equivalent as to efficacy and satisfactorily decreased skin microflora. Clipping alone was shown to be preferable to clipping plus shaving as a method of hair removal in cattle, with fewer skin reactions and no more wound infections. PMID:11265188

Ruptured blebs and racing hearts: autonomic cardiac changes in neurosurgeons during microsurgical clipping of aneurysms.

PubMed

Ganne, Chaitanya; Talkad, Sathyaprabha N; Srinivas, Dwarakanath; Somanna, Sampath

2016-08-01

In this study, we intend to evaluate the autonomic changes occurring in neurosurgeons and thus the stress during microsurgical clipping of aneurysms. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the heart rate variability (HRV) of the neurosurgeons during microsurgical clipping of aneurysm by using continuous real time monitoring of the ECG intraoperatively. Lead II ECG was recorded using Bioharness(®) (Zephyr Technologies, Annapolis, MD) in 4 healthy neurosurgeons who performed 29 microsurgical clipping of aneurysms. ECG from 21 surgeries was analysed (LabChart(®) software, ADInstruments, Dunedin, New Zealand) across five stages: Baseline (BL), sylvian fissure dissection (SFD), perianeurysmal dissection (PAD), clipping of the aneurysm (CLIP) and haemostasis (HEMO). There was a reduction in TP and an increased LF/HF ratio in spite of suppression of both LF and HF powers. Contrary to the common understanding that the sympathetic limb of the autonomic system mostly mediates responses during stress and anxiety, we found that there was a significant contribution of the parasympathetic system too.

From tricuspid to double orifice Morphology: Percutaneous tricuspid regurgitation repair with the MitraClip device in congenitally corrected-transposition of great arteries.

PubMed

Picard, Fabien; Tadros, Victor-Xavier; Asgar, Anita W

2017-09-01

Edge to edge transcatheter mitral valve repair with MitraClip (Abbott Vascular, Menlo Park, CA) is increasing for high-risk surgical patients with significant mitral regurgitation. Patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) presenting with tricuspid valve regurgitation of a systemic right ventricle may represent particularly challenging candidates for MitraClip given their anatomy. We report the case of a 67-year-old gentleman with CCTGA and severe tricuspid regurgitation who was referred for MitraClip implantation after heart team consensus. Successful implantation of one clip was performed, achieving a significant reduction of the regurgitation. Similarly, favorable findings were confirmed at 6 months, 1 and 2 years follow-up and the patient had no recurrent heart failure admissions after 2-year follow-up. We describe the technical considerations and the importance of 3D-transoesophageal echocardiography for performing the MitraClip of a trileaflet systemic atrioventricular valve. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation of color mapping algorithms in different color spaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bronner, Timothée.-Florian; Boitard, Ronan; Pourazad, Mahsa T.; Nasiopoulos, Panos; Ebrahimi, Touradj

2016-09-01

The color gamut supported by current commercial displays is only a subset of the full spectrum of colors visible by the human eye. In High-Definition (HD) television technology, the scope of the supported colors covers 35.9% of the full visible gamut. For comparison, Ultra High-Definition (UHD) television, which is currently being deployed on the market, extends this range to 75.8%. However, when reproducing content with a wider color gamut than that of a television, typically UHD content on HD television, some original color information may lie outside the reproduction capabilities of the television. Efficient gamut mapping techniques are required in order to fit the colors of any source content into the gamut of a given display. The goal of gamut mapping is to minimize the distortion, in terms of perceptual quality, when converting video from one color gamut to another. It is assumed that the efficiency of gamut mapping depends on the color space in which it is computed. In this article, we evaluate 14 gamut mapping techniques, 12 combinations of two projection methods across six color spaces as well as R'G'B' Clipping and wrong gamut interpretation. Objective results, using the CIEDE2000 metric, show that the R'G'B' Clipping is slightly outperformed by only one combination of color space and projection method. However, analysis of images shows that R'G'B' Clipping can result in loss of contrast in highly saturated images, greatly impairing the quality of the mapped image.

Frictional resistance of self-ligating versus conventional brackets in different bracket-archwire-angle combinations

PubMed Central

MONTEIRO, Maria Regina Guerra; da SILVA, Licinio Esmeraldo; ELIAS, Carlos Nelson; VILELLA, Oswaldo de Vasconcellos

2014-01-01

Objective To compare the influence of archwire material (NiTi, beta-Ti and stainless steel) and brackets design (self-ligating and conventional) on the frictional force resistance. Material and Methods Two types of brackets (self-ligating brackets - Smartclip, 3M/Unitek - and conventional brackets - Gemini, 3M/Unitek) with three (0, 5, and 10 degrees) slot angulation attached with elastomeric ligatures (TP Orthodontics) were tested. All brackets were tested with archwire 0.019"x0.025" nickel-titanium, beta-titanium, and stainless steel (Unitek/3M). The mechanical testing was performed with a universal testing machine eMIC DL 10000 (eMIC Co, Brazil). The wires were pulled from the bracket slots at a cross-head speed of 3 mm/min until 2 mm displacement. Results Self-ligating brackets produced significantly lower friction values compared with those of conventional brackets. Frictional force resistance values were directly proportional to the increase in the bracket/ wire angulation. With regard to conventional brackets, stainless steel wires had the lowest friction force values, followed by nickel-titanium and beta-titanium ones. With regard to self-ligating brackets, the nickel-titanium wires had the lowest friction values, significantly lower than those of other materials. Conclusion even at different angulations, the self-ligating brackets showed significantly lower friction force values than the conventional brackets. Combined with nickel-titanium wires, the self-ligating brackets exhibit much lower friction, possibly due to the contact between nickel-titanium clips and wires of the same material. PMID:25025564

Modeling the effect of toe clipping on treefrog survival: Beyond the return rate

USGS Publications Warehouse

Waddle, J.H.; Rice, K.G.; Mazzotti, F.J.; Percival, H.F.

2008-01-01

Some studies have described a negative effect of toe clipping on return rates of marked anurans, but the return rate is limited in that it does not account for heterogeneity of capture probabilities. We used open population mark-recapture models to estimate both apparent survival (ϕ) and the recapture probability (p) of two treefrog species individually marked by clipping 2–4 toes. We used information-theoretic model selection to examine the effect of toe clipping on survival while accounting for variation in capture probability. The model selection results indicate strong support for an effect of toe clipping on survival of Green Treefrogs (Hyla cinerea) and only limited support for an effect of toe clipping on capture probability. We estimate there was a mean absolute decrease in survival of 5.02% and 11.16% for Green Treefrogs with three and four toes removed, respectively, compared to individuals with just two toes removed. Results for Squirrel Treefrogs (Hyla squirella) indicate little support for an effect of toe clipping on survival but may indicate some support for a negative effect on capture probability. We believe that the return rate alone should not be used to examine survival of marked animals because constant capture probability must be assumed, and our examples demonstrate how capture probability may vary over time and among groups. Mark-recapture models provide a method for estimating the effect of toe clipping on anuran survival in situations where unique marks are applied.

Measurement Of The Deformation Of Rail Track Fastening Clips By Holographic Interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ennos, A. E.

1985-01-01

One method of attaching railway rails to the sleepers (ties) is to use spring steel clips, mounted on either side of the rail, that exert a downward force on the foot of the rail. In service these will flex with the passing of a train. Holographic interferometry has been used to measure quantitatively the manner in which the spring clips deform when the rail is given a displacement in a prescribed direction. The information can be used both to provide data on the bending and torsion of the clip, and as a means of testing the validity of finite element analysis calculations. Measurements on three different designs of commercial clip were carried out on a section of sleeper holding a short length of rail. A controlled upward displacement of the rail was achieved pneumatically by means of plastic pipes interposed between rail and concrete sleeper. Double exposure holograms were recorded on large photographic plates, allowing views of the fringe patterns from widely spaced directions. The three components of displacement at points along the length of the clip were calculated from fringe information taken from nine directions, using least squares fit to obtain increased accuracy. Rotations of the surface were calculated from the fringe directions and spacings. In addition to deformation measurements of the clip under service conditions, information on local yielding of the clip under increasing stress was also obtained by means of real-time interferometry, using an instant hologram camera.

Spatially controlled coating of continuous liquid Interface production microneedles for transdermal protein delivery.

PubMed

Caudill, Cassie L; Perry, Jillian L; Tian, Shaomin; Luft, J Christopher; DeSimone, Joseph M

2018-06-09

Microneedle patches, arrays of micron-scale projections that penetrate skin in a minimally invasive manner, are a promising tool for transdermally delivering therapeutic proteins. However, current microneedle fabrication techniques are limited in their ability to fabricate microneedles rapidly and with a high degree of control over microneedle design parameters. We have previously demonstrated the ability to fabricate microneedle patches with a range of compositions and geometries using the novel additive manufacturing technique Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP). Here, we establish a method for dip coating CLIP microneedles with protein cargo in a spatially controlled manner. Microneedle coating mask devices were fabricated with CLIP and utilized to coat polyethylene glycol-based CLIP microneedles with model proteins bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin, and lysozyme. The design of the coating mask device was used to control spatial deposition and loading of coated protein cargo on the microneedles. CLIP microneedles rapidly released coated protein cargo both in solution and upon insertion into porcine skin. The model enzyme lysozyme was shown to retain its activity throughout the CLIP microneedle coating process, and permeation of bovine serum albumin across full thickness porcine skin was observed after application with coated CLIP microneedles. Protein-coated CLIP microneedles were applied to live mice and showed sustained retention of protein cargo in the skin over 72 h. These results demonstrate the utility of a versatile coating platform for preparation of precisely coated microneedles for transdermal therapeutic delivery. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Impulsivity Moderates the Effects of Movie Alcohol Portrayals on Adolescents’ Willingness to Drink

PubMed Central

Gibbons, Frederick X.; Kingsbury, John H.; Wills, Thomas A.; Finneran, Stephanie D.; Cin, Sonya Dal; Gerrard, Meg

2016-01-01

This study examined impulsivity as a moderator of adolescents’ reactions to positive vs. negative portrayals of drinking in American movie clips. Impulsivity, along with willingness and intentions to drink in the future, were assessed in a pretest session. In the experimental sessions, adolescents viewed a series of clips that showed drinking associated with either positive outcomes (e.g., social facilitation) or negative outcomes (fights, arguments). A third group viewed clips with similar positive or negative outcomes, but no alcohol consumption. All participants then responded to an implicit measure of attentional bias regarding alcohol (a dot probe), followed by explicit alcohol measures (self-reports of willingness and intentions to drink). Hypotheses, based on dual-processing theories, were: a) high-impulsive adolescents would respond more favorably than low-impulsive adolescents to the positive clips, but not the negative clips; and b) this difference in reactions to the positive clips would be larger on the willingness than the intention measures. Results supported the hypotheses: Adolescents high in impulsivity reported the highest willingness to drink in the positive-clip condition, but were slightly less willing than others in the negative-clip condition. In addition, results on the dot probe task indicated that reaction times to alcohol words were negatively correlated with changes in alcohol willingness, but not intention; i.e., the faster their response to the alcohol words, the more their willingness increased. The results highlight the utility of a dual-processing perspective on media influence. PMID:27099959

Angiographic and epidemiological characteristics associated with aneurysm remnants after microsurgical clipping

PubMed Central

Dellaretti, Marcos; da Silva Martins, Warley Carvalho; Dourado, Jules Carlos; Faglioni, Wilson; Quadros, Ricardo Souza; de Souza Moraes, Vítor Vieira; de Souza Filho, Carlos Batista Alves

2017-01-01

Background: Despite new techniques for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms, the percentage of aneurysm remnants after surgical intervention seems to be relatively constant. The objective of this study was to assess angiographic and epidemiological features associated with aneurysm remnants after microsurgical clipping. Methods: This study was conducted from February 2009 to August 2012 on a series of 90 patients with 105 aneurysms referred to the Santa Casa of Belo Horizonte who were surgically treated and angiographically controlled. Results: Surgical clipping was considered incomplete in 13.3% of the aneurysms. The mean age of cases with an aneurysm remnant was 57.5 years, whereas the mean age without aneurysm remnant was 49.7 years (P = 0.02). Aneurysm remnants were detected more frequently on the internal carotid artery, nevertheless, no statistically significant differences were verified when comparing the locations. Aneurysm size in the preoperative angiography verified that the mean size of aneurysms operated was 6.56 mm, such that in cases showing a postoperative remnant, the mean size was 9.7 mm and in cases with complete clipping it was 6.08 mm (P = 0.02). Postoperative angiography showed that, in cases with residual aneurysm, the number of clips used was higher – a mean of 1.8 for complete clipping and 3.1 for incomplete clipping (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Aneurysm size and patient age showed significant correlations with residual intracranial aneurysm. The mean number of clips used was higher in cases with incomplete occlusion. PMID:28904825

Impact of Oncoming Headlight Glare With Cataracts: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Hwang, Alex D.; Tuccar-Burak, Merve; Goldstein, Robert; Peli, Eli

2018-01-01

Purpose: Oncoming headlight glare (HLG) reduces the visibility of objects on the road and may affect the safety of nighttime driving. With cataracts, the impact of oncoming HLG is expected to be more severe. We used our custom HLG simulator in a driving simulator to measure the impact of HLG on pedestrian detection by normal vision subjects with simulated mild cataracts and by patients with real cataracts. Methods: Five normal vision subjects drove nighttime scenarios under two HLG conditions (with and without HLG: HLGY and HLGN, respectively), and three vision conditions (with plano lens, simulated mild cataract, and optically blurred clip-on). Mild cataract was simulated by applying a 0.8 Bangerter diffusion foil to clip-on plano lenses. The visual acuity with the optically blurred lenses was individually chosen to match the visual acuity with the simulated cataract clip-ons under HLGN. Each nighttime driving scenario contains 24 pedestrian encounters, encompassing four pedestrian types; walking along the left side of the road, walking along the right side of the road, crossing the road from left to right, and crossing the road from right to left. Pedestrian detection performances of five patients with mild real cataracts were measured using the same setup. The cataract patients were tested only in HLGY and HLGN conditions. Participants’ visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were also measured in the simulator with and without stationary HLG. Results: For normal vision subjects, both the presence of oncoming HLG and wearing the simulated cataract clip-on reduced pedestrian detection performance. The subjects performed worst in events where the pedestrian crossed from the left, followed by events where the pedestrian crossed from the right. Significant interactions between HLG condition and other factors were also found: (1) the impact of oncoming HLG with the simulated cataract clip-on was larger than with the plano lens clip-on, (2) the impact of oncoming HLG was larger with the optically blurred clip-on than with the plano lens clip-on, but smaller than with the simulated cataract clip-on, and (3) the impact was larger for the pedestrians that crossed from the left than those that crossed from the right, and for the pedestrians walking along the left side of the road than walking along the right side of the road, suggesting that the pedestrian proximity to the glare source contributed to the performance reduction. Under HLGN, almost no pedestrians were missed with the plano lens or the simulated cataract clip-on (0 and 0.5%, respectively), but under HLGY, the rate of pedestrian misses increased to 0.5 and 6%, respectively. With the optically blurred clip-on, the percent of missed pedestrians under HLGN and HLGY did not change much (5% and 6%, respectively). Untimely response rate increased under HLGY with the plano lens and simulated cataract clip-ons, but the increase with the simulated cataract clip-on was significantly larger than with the plano lens clip-on. The contrast sensitivity with the simulated cataract clip-on was significantly degraded under HLGY. The visual acuity with the plano lens clip-on was significantly improved under HLGY, possibly due to pupil myosis. The impact of HLG measured for real cataract patients was similar to the impact on performance of normal vision subjects with simulated cataract clip-ons. Conclusion: Even with mild (simulated or real) cataracts, a substantial negative effect of oncoming HLG was measurable in the detection of crossing and walking-along pedestrians. The lowered pedestrian detection rates and longer response times with HLGY demonstrate a possible risk that oncoming HLG poses to patients driving with cataracts. PMID:29559933

21 CFR 882.4200 - Clip removal instrument.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Clip removal instrument. 882.4200 Section 882.4200 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Surgical Devices § 882.4200 Clip removal instrument. (a...

21 CFR 882.4175 - Aneurysm clip applier.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Aneurysm clip applier. 882.4175 Section 882.4175 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Surgical Devices § 882.4175 Aneurysm clip applier. (a...

21 CFR 882.5225 - Implanted malleable clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Implanted malleable clip. 882.5225 Section 882.5225 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Therapeutic Devices § 882.5225 Implanted malleable clip...

21 CFR 882.4190 - Clip forming/cutting instrument.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Clip forming/cutting instrument. 882.4190 Section 882.4190 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Surgical Devices § 882.4190 Clip forming...

21 CFR 882.5225 - Implanted malleable clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Implanted malleable clip. 882.5225 Section 882.5225 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Therapeutic Devices § 882.5225 Implanted malleable clip...

21 CFR 882.4175 - Aneurysm clip applier.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Aneurysm clip applier. 882.4175 Section 882.4175 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Surgical Devices § 882.4175 Aneurysm clip applier. (a...

21 CFR 882.5200 - Aneurysm clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Aneurysm clip. 882.5200 Section 882.5200 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Therapeutic Devices § 882.5200 Aneurysm clip. (a) Identification. An aneurysm...

21 CFR 882.5200 - Aneurysm clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Aneurysm clip. 882.5200 Section 882.5200 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Therapeutic Devices § 882.5200 Aneurysm clip. (a) Identification. An aneurysm...

21 CFR 882.4200 - Clip removal instrument.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Clip removal instrument. 882.4200 Section 882.4200 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES NEUROLOGICAL DEVICES Neurological Surgical Devices § 882.4200 Clip removal instrument. (a...

21 CFR 870.3250 - Vascular clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Vascular clip. 870.3250 Section 870.3250 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Prosthetic Devices § 870.3250 Vascular clip. (a) Identification. A vascular...

21 CFR 870.3250 - Vascular clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Vascular clip. 870.3250 Section 870.3250 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Prosthetic Devices § 870.3250 Vascular clip. (a) Identification. A vascular...

21 CFR 878.4300 - Implantable clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Implantable clip. 878.4300 Section 878.4300 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Surgical Devices § 878.4300 Implantable clip. (a...

21 CFR 878.4300 - Implantable clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Implantable clip. 878.4300 Section 878.4300 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Surgical Devices § 878.4300 Implantable clip. (a...

21 CFR 878.4300 - Implantable clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Implantable clip. 878.4300 Section 878.4300 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Surgical Devices § 878.4300 Implantable clip. (a...

21 CFR 878.4300 - Implantable clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Implantable clip. 878.4300 Section 878.4300 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Surgical Devices § 878.4300 Implantable clip. (a...

21 CFR 878.4300 - Implantable clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Implantable clip. 878.4300 Section 878.4300 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Surgical Devices § 878.4300 Implantable clip. (a...

Can We Use the Disposable Laparoscopic Clip Appliers as Suture Anchors? An In Vitro Feasibility Study.

PubMed

Buchholz, Vered; Sadot, Eran; Spivak, Hadar

2015-08-01

Intracorporeal suturing is time-consuming and could be difficult in certain operative circumstances. Instead of knot tying, specially designed clips have been introduced to anchor and secure the end of a single strand or suture. Although these clips provide a maximal required holding grip (HG), they considerably increase the cost of the procedure. The aim of this in vitro study was to identify the feasibility, and means of achieving the best HG, of commonly used disposable automatic clip appliers (LCAs) over regular strands. We placed 2-0 PDS (rigid) and 2-0 Vicryl (soft) sutures through fresh gastric wall specimens. Six different commercial-type LCAs, all having large or medium/large clips, were applied at the distal end of each suture. An IMDA manual digital force gauge was used to measure the HG of each clip at 2 positions: the middle clip position and the angle (at the crouch) position. A total of 192 measurements were taken. The results were classified into 3 HG levels measured by Newton units (N): the strongest grip (> 1 N), medium grip (> 0.5 and < 1 N), and weak grip (< 0.5 N). The strongest HG was obtained by applying 10 to 12 mm LCAs with large or medium/large clips over PDS at an angle position (HG = 1.1 ± 0.2 to 1.6 ± 0.3 N). The weakest grip was obtained by applying any type of LCA over Vicryl at the middle position (HG = 0.08 ± 0.04 to 0.2 ± 0.06 N, P < 0.001). The latter was associated with clips freely falling off the sutures even before applying any force. In general, more force was needed to dislodge any brand clip from the PDS compared with Vicryl suture (0.8 ± 0.6 vs. 0.4 ± 0.3 N, P < 0.001). The angle position was always stronger than the middle position (0.9 ± 0.6 vs. 0.3 ± 0.2 N, P < 0.001). There was a trend for the 10 to 12 mm LCA to have a better HG than the 5 mm ones (0.65 ± 0.5 vs. 0.51 ± 0.5 N, P = 0.08). We propose that 10 to 12 mm LCAs generate enough HG to secure a single strand when clips are placed at the angle position. This is especially true over PDS (hard) strands. The application of 5 mm LCA clips to secure the end of the Vicryl strand is not recommended. Further clinical studies are warranted.

Effect of metal artifact reduction software on image quality of C-arm cone-beam computed tomography during intracranial aneurysm treatment.

PubMed

Enomoto, Yukiko; Yamauchi, Keita; Asano, Takahiko; Otani, Katharina; Iwama, Toru

2018-01-01

Background and purpose C-arm cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has the drawback that image quality is degraded by artifacts caused by implanted metal objects. We evaluated whether metal artifact reduction (MAR) prototype software can improve the subjective image quality of CBCT images of patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with coils or clips. Materials and methods Forty-four patients with intracranial aneurysms implanted with coils (40 patients) or clips (four patients) underwent one CBCT scan from which uncorrected and MAR-corrected CBCT image datasets were reconstructed. Three blinded readers evaluated the image quality of the image sets using a four-point scale (1: Excellent, 2: Good, 3: Poor, 4: Bad). The median scores of the three readers of uncorrected and MAR-corrected images were compared with the paired Wilcoxon signed-rank and inter-reader agreement of change scores was assessed by weighted kappa statistics. The readers also recorded new clinical findings, such as intracranial hemorrhage, air, or surrounding anatomical structures on MAR-corrected images. Results The image quality of MAR-corrected CBCT images was significantly improved compared with the uncorrected CBCT image ( p < 0.001). Additional clinical findings were seen on CBCT images of 70.4% of patients after MAR correction. Conclusion MAR software improved image quality of CBCT images degraded by metal artifacts.

Evaluation of an interactive case simulation system in dermatology and venereology for medical students

PubMed Central

Wahlgren, Carl-Fredrik; Edelbring, Samuel; Fors, Uno; Hindbeck, Hans; Ståhle, Mona

2006-01-01

Background Most of the many computer resources used in clinical teaching of dermatology and venereology for medical undergraduates are information-oriented and focus mostly on finding a "correct" multiple-choice alternative or free-text answer. We wanted to create an interactive computer program, which facilitates not only factual recall but also clinical reasoning. Methods Through continuous interaction with students, a new computerised interactive case simulation system, NUDOV, was developed. It is based on authentic cases and contains images of real patients, actors and healthcare providers. The student selects a patient and proposes questions for medical history, examines the skin, and suggests investigations, diagnosis, differential diagnoses and further management. Feedback is given by comparing the user's own suggestions with those of a specialist. In addition, a log file of the student's actions is recorded. The program includes a large number of images, video clips and Internet links. It was evaluated with a student questionnaire and by randomising medical students to conventional teaching (n = 85) or conventional teaching plus NUDOV (n = 31) and comparing the results of the two groups in a final written examination. Results The questionnaire showed that 90% of the NUDOV students stated that the program facilitated their learning to a large/very large extent, and 71% reported that extensive working with authentic computerised cases made it easier to understand and learn about diseases and their management. The layout, user-friendliness and feedback concept were judged as good/very good by 87%, 97%, and 100%, respectively. Log files revealed that the students, in general, worked with each case for 60–90 min. However, the intervention group did not score significantly better than the control group in the written examination. Conclusion We created a computerised case simulation program allowing students to manage patients in a non-linear format supporting the clinical reasoning process. The student gets feedback through comparison with a specialist, eliminating the need for external scoring or correction. The model also permits discussion of case processing, since all transactions are stored in a log file. The program was highly appreciated by the students, but did not significantly improve their performance in the written final examination. PMID:16907972

Chinese Language Video Clips. [CD-ROM].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fleming, Stephen; Hipley, David; Ning, Cynthia

This compact disc includes video clips covering six topics for the learner of Chinese: personal information, commercial transactions, travel and leisure, health and sports, food and school. Filmed on location in Beijing, these naturalistic video clips consist mainly of unrehearsed interviews of ordinary people. The learner is lead through a series…

21 CFR 870.3260 - Vena cava clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Vena cava clip. 870.3260 Section 870.3260 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Prosthetic Devices § 870.3260 Vena cava clip. (a) Identification. A vena...

A Simple Recipe for Whitening Old Newspaper Clippings.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carter, Henry A.

1995-01-01

Describes a method for experimenting with both whitening and deacidifying old newspaper clippings using sodium borohydride bleaching. Clippings are soaked in distilled water then immersed in sodium borohydride for 15-20 minutes. After rinsing with distilled water, the paper is washed with saturated Ca(OH)2 solution. Readers should not begin…

Understanding and Applying Psychology through Use of News Clippings.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rider, Elizabeth A.

1992-01-01

Discusses a student project for psychology courses in which students collect newspaper clippings that illustrate psychological concepts. Explains that the students record the source and write a brief description of the clipping, explaining how it relates to a psychological concept or theory. Includes results of student evaluations of the…

21 CFR 882.4190 - Clip forming/cutting instrument.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Clip forming/cutting instrument. 882.4190 Section 882.4190 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.../cutting instrument. (a) Identification. A clip forming/cutting instrument is a device used by the...

21 CFR 870.3260 - Vena cava clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Vena cava clip. 870.3260 Section 870.3260 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Prosthetic Devices § 870.3260 Vena cava clip. (a) Identification. A vena...

Task acceptability and workload of driving city streets, rural roads, and expressways : ratings from video clips.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-05-01

Subjects rated the workload of clips of forward road scenes (from the advanced collision avoidance system (ACAS) field operational test) in relation to 2 anchor clips of Level of Service (LOS) A and E (light and heavy traffic), and indicated if they ...

21 CFR 878.4320 - Removable skin clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Removable skin clip. 878.4320 Section 878.4320 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Surgical Devices § 878.4320 Removable skin clip. (a...

21 CFR 878.4320 - Removable skin clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Removable skin clip. 878.4320 Section 878.4320 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Surgical Devices § 878.4320 Removable skin clip. (a...

21 CFR 878.4320 - Removable skin clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Removable skin clip. 878.4320 Section 878.4320 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Surgical Devices § 878.4320 Removable skin clip. (a...

21 CFR 878.4320 - Removable skin clip.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Removable skin clip. 878.4320 Section 878.4320 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) MEDICAL DEVICES GENERAL AND PLASTIC SURGERY DEVICES Surgical Devices § 878.4320 Removable skin clip. (a...

Constructing complex graphics applications with CLIPS and the X window system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Faul, Ben M.

1990-01-01

This article will demonstrate how the artificial intelligence concepts in CLIPS used to solve problems encountered in the design and implementation of graphics applications within the UNIX-X Window System environment. The design of an extended version of CLIPS, called XCLIPS, is presented to show how the X Windows System graphics can be incorporated without losing DOS compatibility. Using XCLIPS, a sample scientific application is built that applies solving capabilities of both two and three dimensional graphics presentations in conjunction with the standard CLIPS features.

Attaching solar collectors to a structural framework utilizing a flexible clip

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

Kruse, John S

Methods and apparatuses described herein provide for the attachment of solar collectors to a structural framework in a solar array assembly. A flexible clip is attached to either end of each solar collector and utilized to attach the solar collector to the structural framework. The solar collectors are positioned to allow a member of the framework to engage a pair of flexible clips attached to adjacent solar collectors during assembly of the solar array. Each flexible clip may have multiple frame-engaging portions, each with a flange on one end to cause the flexible clip to deflect inward when engaged bymore » the framework member during assembly and to guide each of the frame-engaging portions into contact with a surface of the framework member for attachment.« less

The Use of Film Clips in a Viewing Time Task of Sexual Interests.

PubMed

Lalumière, Martin L; Babchishin, Kelly M; Ebsworth, Megan

2018-04-01

Viewing time tasks using still pictures to assess age and gender sexual interests have been well validated and are commonly used. The use of film clips in a viewing time task would open up interesting possibilities for the study of sexual interest toward sexual targets or activities that are not easily captured in still pictures. We examined the validity of a viewing time task using film clips to assess sexual interest toward male and female targets, in a sample of 52 young adults. Film clips produced longer viewing times than still pictures. For both men and women, the indices derived from the film viewing time task were able to distinguish individuals who identified as homosexual (14 men, 8 women) from those who identified as heterosexual (15 men, 15 women), and provided comparable group differentiation as indices derived from a viewing time task using still pictures. Men's viewing times were more gender-specific than those of women. Viewing times to film clips were correlated with participants' ratings of sexual appeal of the same clips, and with viewing times to pictures. The results support the feasibility of a viewing time measure of sexual interest that utilizes film clips and, thus, expand the types of sexual interests that could be investigated (e.g., sadism, biastophilia).

[Effects of clipping on nitrogen allocation strategy and compensatory growth of Leymus chinensis under saline-alkali conditions].

PubMed

Zheng, Cong Cong; Wang, Yong Jing; Sun, Hao; Wang, Xin Yu; Gao, Ying Zhi

2017-07-18

Soil salinization and overgrazing are two main factors limiting animal husbandry in the Songnen Grassland. Leymus chinensis is a dominant rhizome grass, resistant to grazing as well as to-lerant to salt stress. Foliar labeled with 15 N-urea was used to study the nitrogen allocation strategy and compensatory growth response to clipping under saline-alkali conditions. The results showed that the total absorbed 15 N allocated to the aboveground part was more than 60%. Compared with the control treatment (no saline-alkali, no clipping), saline-alkali increased the distribution of 15 N by 5.1% in root; the 15 N distribution into aboveground in the moderate clipping and saline-alkali treatment was 11.6% higher than that of the control, exhibiting over-compensatory growth of aboveground biomass and total biomass, however, 15 N allocated to stem base was significantly increased by 9.5% under severe clipping level and saline-alkali addition, showing under-compensatory growth of shoot, root and total biomass. These results suggested that L. chinensis adapted to mode-rate clipping by over-compensatory growth under salt-alkali stress condition. However, L. chinensis would take a relatively conservative growth strategy through the enhanced N allocation to stem base for storage under severe saline-alkali and clipping conditions.

Acquisition and processing pitfall with clipped traces in surface-wave analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Lingli; Pan, Yudi

2016-02-01

Multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) is widely used in estimating near-surface shear (S)-wave velocity. In the MASW method, generating a reliable dispersion image in the frequency-velocity (f-v) domain is an important processing step. A locus along peaks of dispersion energy at different frequencies allows the dispersion curves to be constructed for inversion. When the offsets are short, the output seismic data may exceed the dynamic ranges of geophones/seismograph, as a result of which, peaks and (or) troughs of traces will be squared off in recorded shot gathers. Dispersion images generated by the raw shot gathers with clipped traces would be contaminated by artifacts, which might be misidentified as Rayleigh-wave phase velocities or body-wave velocities and potentially lead to incorrect results. We performed some synthetic models containing clipped traces, and analyzed amplitude spectra of unclipped and clipped waves. The results indicate that artifacts in the dispersion image are dependent on the level of clipping. A real-world example also shows how clipped traces would affect the dispersion image. All the results suggest that clipped traces should be removed from the shot gathers before generating dispersion images, in order to pick accurate phase velocities and set reasonable initial inversion models.

Assessment of a simple, novel endoluminal method for gastrotomy closure in NOTES.

PubMed

Lee, Sang Soo; Oelschlager, Brant K; Wright, Andrew S; Soares, Renato V; Sinan, Huseyin; Montenovo, Martin I; Hwang, Joo Ha

2011-10-01

A reliable method for gastrotomy closure in NOTES will be essential for NOTES to become viable clinically. However, methods using existing and widely available endoscopic accessories have been ineffective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a new simple method for gastric closure (retracted clip-assisted loop closure) that uses existing endoscopic accessories with minor modifications. The retracted clip-assisted loop closure technique involves deploying 3-4 Resolution(®) clips (modified by attaching a 90-cm length of suture to the end of each clip) along the margin of the gastrotomy with one jaw on the serosal surface and the other jaw on the mucosal surface. The suture strings are threaded through an endoloop. Traction is then applied to the strings causing the gastric wall to tent. The endoloop is secured below the tip of the clips, completing a full-thickness gastrotomy closure. The main outcome measures were feasibility, efficacy, and safety of the new retracted clip-assisted loop closure technique for NOTES gastrotomy closure. An air-tight seal was achieved in 100% (n = 9) of stomachs. The mean leak pressure was 116.3 (±19.4) mmHg. The retracted clip-assisted loop closure technique can be used to perform NOTES gastrotomy closure by using existing endoscopic accessories with minor modifications.

Smoking motives in movies are important for understanding adolescent smoking: A preliminary investigation

PubMed Central

Martino, Steven C.; Haviland, Amelia; Setodji, Claude; Primack, Brian A.

2010-01-01

Introduction: Exposure to smoking in movies is strongly associated with smoking uptake and maintenance among adolescents. However, little is known about what features of movies (e.g., the context for smoking or motives for a character smoking) moderate the association between exposure to movie smoking and adolescent smoking. This laboratory study examined whether exposure to movie smoking that is portrayed as having a clear motive is associated with the desire to smoke differently than smoking that is portrayed as having no clear motive. Methods: A sample of 77 middle school students (mean age of 12.8 years, 62% male, 60% Caucasian) viewed movie clips that portrayed smoking as helping to facilitate social interaction, to relax, to appear rebellious, or as having no clear motive. After exposure to each clip, participants rated their desire to smoke. Results: Exposure to clips where smoking was portrayed as helping characters to relax was associated with a significantly stronger desire to smoke compared with clips where the motive for smoking was unclear. Desire to smoke was similar for clips where no motive was clear, social smoking clips, and rebellious smoking clips. Discussion: These results suggest that the way that smoking is portrayed in movies is important in determining its effect on adolescent smoking. PMID:20576800

Smoking motives in movies are important for understanding adolescent smoking: a preliminary investigation.

PubMed

Shadel, William G; Martino, Steven C; Haviland, Amelia; Setodji, Claude; Primack, Brian A

2010-08-01

Exposure to smoking in movies is strongly associated with smoking uptake and maintenance among adolescents. However, little is known about what features of movies (e.g., the context for smoking or motives for a character smoking) moderate the association between exposure to movie smoking and adolescent smoking. This laboratory study examined whether exposure to movie smoking that is portrayed as having a clear motive is associated with the desire to smoke differently than smoking that is portrayed as having no clear motive. A sample of 77 middle school students (mean age of 12.8 years, 62% male, 60% Caucasian) viewed movie clips that portrayed smoking as helping to facilitate social interaction, to relax, to appear rebellious, or as having no clear motive. After exposure to each clip, participants rated their desire to smoke. Exposure to clips where smoking was portrayed as helping characters to relax was associated with a significantly stronger desire to smoke compared with clips where the motive for smoking was unclear. Desire to smoke was similar for clips where no motive was clear, social smoking clips, and rebellious smoking clips. These results suggest that the way that smoking is portrayed in movies is important in determining its effect on adolescent smoking.

Anticipation of high arousal aversive and positive movie clips engages common and distinct neural substrates

PubMed Central

Carlson, Joshua M.; Rubin, Denis; Cha, Jiook; Mujica-Parodi, Lilianne

2015-01-01

The neural correlates of anxious anticipation have been primarily studied with aversive and neutral stimuli. In this study, we examined the effect of valence on anticipation by using high arousal aversive and positive stimuli and a condition of uncertainty (i.e. either positive or aversive). The task consisted of predetermined cues warning participants of upcoming aversive, positive, ‘uncertain’ (either aversive or positive) and neutral movie clips. Anticipation of all affective clips engaged common regions including the anterior insula, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, thalamus, caudate, inferior parietal and prefrontal cortex that are associated with emotional experience, sustained attention and appraisal. In contrast, the nucleus accumbens and medial prefrontal cortex, regions implicated in reward processing, were selectively engaged during anticipation of positive clips (depicting sexually explicit content) and the mid-insula, which has been linked to processing aversive stimuli, was selectively engaged during anticipation of aversive clips (depicting graphic medical procedures); these three areas were also activated during anticipation of ‘uncertain’ clips reflecting a broad preparatory response for both aversive and positive stimuli. These results suggest that a common circuitry is recruited in anticipation of affective clips regardless of valence, with additional areas preferentially engaged depending on whether expected stimuli are negative or positive. PMID:24984958

The utility of dual-energy CT for metal artifact reduction from intracranial clipping and coiling.

PubMed

Mera Fernández, D; Santos Armentia, E; Bustos Fiore, A; Villanueva Campos, A M; Utrera Pérez, E; Souto Bayarri, M

2018-04-23

To assess the ability of dual-energy CT (DECT) to reduce metal-related artifacts in patients with clips and coils in head CT angiography, and to analyze the differences in this reduction between both type of devices. Thirteen patients (6 clips, 7 coils) were selected and retrospectively analized. Virtual monoenergetic images (MEI) with photon energies from 40 to 150 keV were obtained. Noise was measured at the area of maximum artifact. Subjective evaluation of streak artifact was performed by two radiologists independently. Differences between noise values in all groups were tested by using the ANOVA test. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences between clips and coils. Coheńs κ statistic was used to determine interobserver agreement. The lowest noise value was observed at high energy levels (p<0,05). Noise was higher in the coil group than in the clip group (p<0.001). Interobserver agreement was good (κ=0.72). TCED with MEI helps to minimize the artifact from clips ands coils in patients who undergo head CT angiography. The reduction of the artifact is greater in patients with surgical clipping than in patients with endovascular coiling. Copyright © 2018 SERAM. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

CT-image-based conformal brachytherapy of breast cancer. The significance of semi-3-D and 3-D treatment planning.

PubMed

Polgár, C; Major, T; Somogyi, A; Takácsi-Nagy, Z; Mangel, L C; Forrai, G; Sulyok, Z; Fodor, J; Németh, G

2000-03-01

To compare the conventional 2-D, the simulator-guided semi-3-D and the recently developed CT-guided 3-D brachytherapy treatment planning in the interstitial radiotherapy of breast cancer. In 103 patients with T1-2, N0-1 breast cancer the tumor bed was clipped during breast conserving surgery. Fifty-two of them received boost brachytherapy after 46 to 50 Gy teletherapy and 51 patients were treated with brachytherapy alone via flexible implant tubes. Single, double and triple plane implant was used in 6, 89 and 8 cases, respectively. The dose of boost brachytherapy and sole brachytherapy prescribed to dose reference points was 3 times 4.75 Gy and 7 times 5.2 Gy, respectively. The positions of dose reference points varied according to the level (2-D, semi-3-D and 3-D) of treatment planning performed. The treatment planning was based on the 3-D reconstruction of the surgical clips, implant tubes and skin points. In all cases the implantations were planned with a semi-3-D technique aided by simulator. In 10 cases a recently developed CT-guided 3-D planning system was used. The semi-3-D and 3-D treatment plans were compared to hypothetical 2-D plans using dose-volume histograms and dose non-uniformity ratios. The values of mean central dose, mean skin dose, minimal clip dose, proportion of underdosaged clips and mean target surface dose were evaluated. The accuracy of tumor bed localization and the conformity of planning target volume and treated volume were also analyzed in each technique. With the help of conformal semi-3-D and 3-D brachytherapy planning we could define reference dose points, active source positions and dwell times individually. This technique decreased the mean skin dose with 22.2% and reduced the possibility of geographical miss. We could achieve the best conformity between the planning target volume and the treated volume with the CT-image based 3-D treatment planning, at the cost of worse dose homogeneity. The mean treated volume was reduced by 25.1% with semi-3-D planning, however, it was increased by 16.2% with 3-D planning, compared to the 2-D planning. The application of clips into the tumor bed and the conformal (semi-3-D and 3-D) planning help to avoid geographical miss. CT is suitable for 3-D brachytherapy planning. Better local control with less side effects might be achieved with these new techniques. Conformal 3-D brachytherapy calls for new treatment planning concepts, taking the irregular 3-D shape of the target volume into account. The routine clinical application of image-based 3-D brachytherapy is a real aim in the very close future.

Management of a large mucosal defect after duodenal endoscopic resection

PubMed Central

Fujihara, Shintaro; Mori, Hirohito; Kobara, Hideki; Nishiyama, Noriko; Matsunaga, Tae; Ayaki, Maki; Yachida, Tatsuo; Masaki, Tsutomu

2016-01-01

Duodenal endoscopic resection is the most difficult type of endoscopic treatment in the gastrointestinal tract (GI) and is technically challenging because of anatomical specificities. In addition to these technical difficulties, this procedure is associated with a significantly higher rate of complication than endoscopic treatment in other parts of the GI tract. Postoperative delayed perforation and bleeding are hazardous complications, and emergency surgical intervention is sometimes required. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to establish a management protocol for preventing serious complications. For instance, the prophylactic closure of large mucosal defects after endoscopic resection may reduce the risk of hazardous complications. However, the size of mucosal defects after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is relatively large compared with the size after endoscopic mucosal resection, making it impossible to achieve complete closure using only conventional clips. The over-the-scope clip and polyglycolic acid sheets with fibrin gel make it possible to close large mucosal defects after duodenal ESD. In addition to the combination of laparoscopic surgery and endoscopic resection, endoscopic full-thickness resection holds therapeutic potential for difficult duodenal lesions and may overcome the disadvantages of endoscopic resection in the near future. This review aims to summarize the complications and closure techniques of large mucosal defects and to highlight some directions for management after duodenal endoscopic treatment. PMID:27547003

CLIPS, AppleEvents, and AppleScript: Integrating CLIPS with commercial software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Compton, Michael M.; Wolfe, Shawn R.

1994-01-01

Many of today's intelligent systems are comprised of several modules, perhaps written in different tools and languages, that together help solve the user's problem. These systems often employ a knowledge-based component that is not accessed directly by the user, but instead operates 'in the background' offering assistance to the user as necessary. In these types of modular systems, an efficient, flexible, and eady-to-use mechanism for sharing data between programs is crucial. To help permit transparent integration of CLIPS with other Macintosh applications, the AI Research Branch at NASA Ames Research Center has extended CLIPS to allow it to communicate transparently with other applications through two popular data-sharing mechanisms provided by the Macintosh operating system: Apple Events (a 'high-level' event mechanism for program-to-program communication), and AppleScript, a recently-released scripting language for the Macintosh. This capability permits other applications (running on either the same or a remote machine) to send a command to CLIPS, which then responds as if the command were typed into the CLIPS dialog window. Any result returned by the command is then automatically returned to the program that sent it. Likewise, CLIPS can send several types of Apple Events directly to other local or remote applications. This CLIPS system has been successfully integrated with a variety of commercial applications, including data collection programs, electronics forms packages, DBMS's, and email programs. These mechanisms can permit transparent user access to the knowledge base from within a commercial application, and allow a single copy of the knowledge base to service multiple users in a networked environment.

Retreatment of Recurrent Internal Carotid-Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm after Coil Embolization

PubMed Central

TOYOTA, Shingo; TAKI, Takuyu; WAKAYAMA, Akatsuki; YOSHIMINE, Toshiki

2015-01-01

Internal carotid-posterior communicating artery (IC-PC) aneurysms account for more than 20% of all intracranial aneurysms. As a result of the increase in coiling, there has also been an increase in recurrent IC-PC aneurysms after coiling. We present our experience of 10 recurrent IC-PC aneurysms after coiling that were retreated using surgical or endovascular techniques in order to discuss the choice of treatment and the points of clipping without removal of coils. From 2007 to 2014, 10 recurrent IC-PC aneurysms after coiling were retreated. When the previous frames covered the aneurysms all around or almost around except a part of the neck, coiling was chosen. In other cases, clipping was chosen. Clipping was attempted without removal of coils when it was technically feasible. Among the 10 IC-PC aneurysms retreated, 3 were retreated with coiling and 7 were retreated with clipping. In all three cases retreated with coiling, almost complete occlusion was accomplished. In the seven cases retreated with clipping, coil extrusion was observed during surgery in six cases. In most of them, it was necessary to dissect strong adhesions around the coiled aneurysms and to utilize temporary occlusion of the internal carotid artery. In all seven cases, neck clipping was accomplished without the removal of coils. There were no neurological complications in any cases. The management of recurrent lesions of embolized IC-PC aneurysms requires appropriate choice of treatment using both coiling and clipping. Clipping, especially without the removal of coils, plays an important role in safe treatment. PMID:26437796

Retreatment of Recurrent Internal Carotid-Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm after Coil Embolization.

PubMed

Toyota, Shingo; Taki, Takuyu; Wakayama, Akatsuki; Yoshimine, Toshiki

2015-01-01

Internal carotid-posterior communicating artery (IC-PC) aneurysms account for more than 20% of all intracranial aneurysms. As a result of the increase in coiling, there has also been an increase in recurrent IC-PC aneurysms after coiling. We present our experience of 10 recurrent IC-PC aneurysms after coiling that were retreated using surgical or endovascular techniques in order to discuss the choice of treatment and the points of clipping without removal of coils. From 2007 to 2014, 10 recurrent IC-PC aneurysms after coiling were retreated. When the previous frames covered the aneurysms all around or almost around except a part of the neck, coiling was chosen. In other cases, clipping was chosen. Clipping was attempted without removal of coils when it was technically feasible. Among the 10 IC-PC aneurysms retreated, 3 were retreated with coiling and 7 were retreated with clipping. In all three cases retreated with coiling, almost complete occlusion was accomplished. In the seven cases retreated with clipping, coil extrusion was observed during surgery in six cases. In most of them, it was necessary to dissect strong adhesions around the coiled aneurysms and to utilize temporary occlusion of the internal carotid artery. In all seven cases, neck clipping was accomplished without the removal of coils. There were no neurological complications in any cases. The management of recurrent lesions of embolized IC-PC aneurysms requires appropriate choice of treatment using both coiling and clipping. Clipping, especially without the removal of coils, plays an important role in safe treatment.

Zirconia-Polyurethane Aneurysm Clip.

PubMed

Cho, Won-Sang; Cho, Kyung-Il; Kim, Jeong Eun; Jang, Tae-Sik; Ha, Eun Jin; Kang, Hyun-Seung; Son, Young-Je; Choi, Seung Hong; Lee, Seunghyun; Kim, Chong-Chan; Sun, Jeong-Yun; Kim, Hyoun-Ee

2018-03-27

Susceptibility artifacts from metal clips in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging present an obstacle to evaluating the status of clipped aneurysms, parent arteries and adjacent brain parenchyma. We aimed to develop MR-compatible aneurysm clips. Considering the mechanical and biological properties, and MR compatibility of candidate materials, a prototype clip with a zirconia body and a polyurethane head spring (ZC, straight, 9-mm long) was developed. The closing forces, opening width of blades, and in vitro and in vivo artifact volumes in 3 tesla MR imaging were compared among the prototype and commercial metal clips such as a Yasargil ® clip (YC, curved type, 8.3-mm long) and a Sugita ® clip (SC, straight type, 10-mm long). An in vivo animal study was performed with a canine venous pouch aneurysm model. The closing forces (N) at 1 and 8 mm from the blade tip were 2.09 and 3.77 in YC, 1.85 and 3.04 in SC, and 2.05 and 4.60 in ZC. The maximum opening widths (mm) was 6.8, 9.0, and 3.0 in YC, SC, and ZC, respectively. The in vitro artifact volumes of YC, SC and ZC in time-of-flight MR imaging were 26.9, 29.7 and 1.9 times larger than the respective real volumes. The in vivo artifact volumes of YC, SC, and ZC were respectively 21.4, 29.4, and 2.6 times larger than real ones. ZC showed the smallest susceptibility artifacts and satisfactory closing forces. However, the narrow opening width of the blades was a weak point. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Hem-o-lok clip: a neglected cause of severe bladder neck contracture and consequent urinary incontinence after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

PubMed

Cormio, Luigi; Massenio, Paolo; Lucarelli, Giuseppe; Di Fino, Giuseppe; Selvaggio, Oscar; Micali, Salvatore; Carrieri, Giuseppe

2014-02-20

Hem-o-lok clips are widely used during robot-assisted and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy to control the lateral pedicles. There are a few reports of hem-o-lok clip migration into the bladder or vesico-urethral anastomosis and only four cases of hem-o-lok clip migration resulting into bladder neck contracture. Herein, we describe the first case, to our knowledge, of hem-o-lok clip migration leading to severe bladder neck contracture and subsequent stress urinary incontinence. A 62-year-old Caucasian man underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for a T1c Gleason 8 prostate cancer. One month after surgery the patient was fully continent; however, three months later, he presented with acute urinary retention requiring suprapubic drainage. Urethroscopy showed a hem-o-lok clip strongly attached to the area between the vesico-urethral anastomosis and the urethral sphincter and a severe bladder neck contracture behind it. Following cold-knife urethral incision and clip removal, the bladder neck contracture was widely resected. At 3-month follow-up, the patient voided spontaneously with a peak flow rate of 9.5 ml/sec and absence of post-void residual urine, but leaked 240 ml urine at the 24-hour pad test. To date, at 1-year follow-up, his voiding situation remains unchanged. The present report provides further evidence for the risk of hem-o-lok clip migration causing bladder neck contracture, and is the first to demonstrate the potential of such complication to result into stress urinary incontinence.

Impulsivity moderates the effects of movie alcohol portrayals on adolescents' willingness to drink.

PubMed

Gibbons, Frederick X; Kingsbury, John H; Wills, Thomas A; Finneran, Stephanie D; Dal Cin, Sonya; Gerrard, Meg

2016-05-01

This study examined impulsivity as a moderator of adolescents' reactions to positive versus negative portrayals of drinking in American movie clips. Impulsivity, along with willingness and intentions to drink in the future, were assessed in a pretest session. In the experimental sessions, adolescents viewed a series of clips that showed drinking associated with either positive outcomes (e.g., social facilitation) or negative outcomes (fights, arguments). A third group viewed clips with similar positive or negative outcomes, but no alcohol consumption. All participants then responded to an implicit measure of attentional bias regarding alcohol (a dot probe), followed by explicit alcohol measures (self-reports of willingness and intentions to drink). Hypotheses, based on dual-processing theories, were: (a) high-impulsive adolescents would respond more favorably than low-impulsive adolescents to the positive clips, but not the negative clips; and (b) this difference in reactions to the positive clips would be larger on the willingness than the intention measures. Results supported the hypotheses: Adolescents high in impulsivity reported the highest willingness to drink in the positive-clip condition, but were slightly less willing than others in the negative-clip condition. In addition, results on the dot probe task indicated that RTs to alcohol words were negatively correlated with changes in alcohol willingness, but not intention; that is, the faster their response to the alcohol words, the more their willingness increased. The results highlight the utility of a dual-processing perspective on media influence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Fabrication and Characterization of ZnO Nano-Clips by the Polyol-Mediated Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Mei; Li, Ai-Dong; Kong, Ji-Zhou; Gong, You-Pin; Zhao, Chao; Tang, Yue-Feng; Wu, Di

2018-02-01

ZnO nano-clips with better monodispersion were prepared successfully using zinc acetate hydrate (Zn(OAc)2·nH2O) as Zn source and ethylene glycol (EG) as solvent by a simple solution-based route-polyol process. The effect of solution concentration on the formation of ZnO nano-clips has been investigated deeply. We first prove that the 0.01 M Zn(OAc)2·nH2O can react with EG without added water or alkaline, producing ZnO nano-clips with polycrystalline wurtzite structure at 170 °C. As-synthesized ZnO nano-clips contain a lot of aggregated nanocrystals ( 5 to 15 nm) with high specific surface area of 88 m2/g. The shapes of ZnO nano-clips basically keep constant with improved crystallinity after annealing at 400-600 °C. The lower solution concentration and slight amount of H2O play a decisive role in ZnO nano-clip formation. When the solution concentration is ≤ 0.0125 M, the complexing and polymerization reactions between Zn(OAc)2·nH2O and EG predominate, mainly elaborating ZnO nano-clips. When the solution concentration is ≥ 0.015 M, the alcoholysis and polycondensation reactions of Zn(OAc)2·nH2O and EG become dominant, leading to ZnO particle formation with spherical and elliptical shapes. The possible growth mechanism based on a competition between complexing and alcoholysis of Zn(OAc)2·nH2O and EG has been proposed.

A clip domain serine protease involved in moulting in the silkworm, Bombyx mori: cloning, characterization, expression patterns and functional analysis.

PubMed

Liu, H-W; Wang, L-L; Meng, Z; Tang, X; Li, Y-S; Xia, Q-Y; Zhao, P

2017-10-01

Clip domain serine proteases (CLIPs), characterized by one or more conserved clip domains, are essential components of extracellular signalling cascades in various biological processes, especially in innate immunity and the embryonic development of insects. Additionally, CLIPs may have additional non-immune functions in insect development. In the present study, the clip domain serine protease gene Bombyx mori serine protease 95 (BmSP95), which encodes a 527-residue protein, was cloned from the integument of B. mori. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that BmSP95 is a typical CLIP of the subfamily D and possesses a clip domain at the N terminus, a trypsin-like serine protease (tryp_spc) domain at the C terminus and a conserved proline-rich motif between these two domains. At the transcriptional level, BmSP95 is expressed in the integument during moulting and metamorphosis, and the expression pattern is consistent with the fluctuating 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) titre in B. mori. At the translational level, BmSP95 protein is synthesized in the epidermal cells, secreted as a zymogen and activated in the moulting fluid. Immunofluorescence revealed that BmSP95 is distributed into the old endocuticle in the moulting stage. The expression of BmSP95 was upregulated by 20E. Moreover, expression of BmSP95 was downregulated by pathogen infection. RNA interference-mediated silencing of BmSP95 led to delayed moulting from pupa to moth. These results suggest that BmSP95 is involved in integument remodelling during moulting and metamorphosis. © 2017 The Royal Entomological Society.

Using Humorous Sitcom Clips in Teaching Federal Income Taxes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cecil, H. Wayne

2014-01-01

This article shares the motivation, process, and outcomes of using humorous scenes from television comedies to teach the real world of tax practice. The article advances the literature by reviewing the use of video clips in a previously unexplored discipline, discussing the process of identifying and selecting appropriate clips, and introducing…

Assessment of Caudal Fin Clips as a Non-lethal Technique for Predicting Muscle Tissue Mercury Concentrations in Largeouth Bass

EPA Science Inventory

The statistical relationship between total mercury (Hg) concentration in clips from the caudal fin and muscle tissue of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) from 26 freshwater sites in Rhode Island, USA was developed and evaluated to determine the utility of fin clip analysis ...

Capturing Students' Attention: Movie Clips Set the Stage for Learning in Abnormal Psychology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Badura, Amy S.

2002-01-01

Presents results of a study that evaluated using popular movie clips, shown in the first class meeting of an abnormal psychology course, in relation to student enthusiasm. Compares two classes of female juniors, one using clips and one class not using them. States that the films portrayed psychological disorders. (CMK)

First CLIPS Conference Proceedings, volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

The topics of volume 2 of First CLIPS Conference are associated with following applications: quality control; intelligent data bases and networks; Space Station Freedom; Space Shuttle and satellite; user interface; artificial neural systems and fuzzy logic; parallel and distributed processing; enchancements to CLIPS; aerospace; simulation and defense; advisory systems and tutors; and intelligent control.

Endoscopic removal of over-the-scope clips using a novel cutting device: a retrospective case series.

PubMed

Schmidt, Arthur; Riecken, Bettina; Damm, Michael; Cahyadi, Oscar; Bauder, Markus; Caca, Karel

2014-09-01

Over-the-scope clips (OTSCs; Ovesco Endoscopy, Tübingen, Germany) are extensively used for treatment of gastrointestinal perforations, leakages, fistulas, and bleeding. In this report, a new method of removing OTSCs using a prototype bipolar cutting device is described. A total of 11 patients underwent endoscopic removal of an OTSC. The OTSC was cut at two opposing sites by a prototype device (DC ClipCutter; Ovesco Endoscopy). The remaining clip fragments were extracted using a standard forceps. Mean procedure time was 47 minutes (range 35 - 75 minutes). Cutting of the OTSC at two opposing sites was successful in all cases (100 %). Complete retrieval of all clip fragments was possible in 10 patients (91 %). The overall success rate for cutting and complete removal of the clip was 91 %. No major complications were observed. Removal of OTSCs with the prototype device was feasible and effective. The device may be valuable for OTSC removal in emergency as well as elective indications. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Public Awareness of Melioidosis in Thailand and Potential Use of Video Clips as Educational Tools

PubMed Central

Chansrichavala, Praveen; Wongsuwan, Nittayasee; Suddee, Suthee; Malasit, Mayura; Hongsuwan, Maliwan; Wannapinij, Prapass; Kitphati, Rungreung; Day, Nicholas P. J.; Michie, Susan; Peacock, Sharon J.; Limmathurotsakul, Direk

2015-01-01

Background Melioidosis causes more than 1,000 deaths in Thailand each year. Infection occurs via inoculation, ingestion or inhalation of the causative organism (Burkholderia pseuodmallei) present in soil and water. Here, we evaluated public awareness of melioidosis using a combination of population-based questionnaire, a public engagement campaign to obtain video clips made by the public, and viewpoints on these video clips as potential educational tools about the disease and its prevention. Methods A questionnaire was developed to evaluate public awareness of melioidosis, and knowledge about its prevention. From 1 March to 31 April 2012, the questionnaire was delivered to five randomly selected adults in each of 928 districts in Thailand. A video clip contest entitled “Melioidosis, an infectious disease that Thais must know” was run between May and October 2012. The best 12 video clips judged by a contest committee were shown to 71 people at risk from melioidosis (diabetics). Focus group interviews were used to evaluate their perceptions of the video clips. Results Of 4,203 Thais who completed our study questionnaire, 74% had never heard of melioidosis, and 19% had heard of the disease but had no further knowledge. Most participants in all focus group sessions felt that video clips were beneficial and could positively influence them to increase adherence to recommended preventive behaviours, including drinking boiled water and wearing protective gear if in contact with soil or environmental water. Participants suggested that video clips should be presented in the local dialect with simple words rather than medical terms, in a serious manner, with a doctor as the one presenting the facts, and having detailed pictures of each recommended prevention method. Conclusions In summary, public awareness of melioidosis in Thailand is very low, and video clips could serve as a useful medium to educate people and promote disease prevention. Presented in Part World Melioidosis Congress 2013, Bangkok, Thailand, 18–20 September 2013 (abstract OS VII-04). PMID:25803048

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Economic Comparison Between Endovascular Coiling Versus Neurosurgical Clipping for Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaoxi; Li, Li; Hong, Bo; Xu, Yi; Liu, Yuan; Huang, Qinghai; Liu, Jianmin

2018-05-01

Healthcare expenditures and cost reduction have been under critical surveillance in all countries and are critical for policymakers. This review aims at qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing the difference of hospital costs and length of stay between endovascular coiling versus neurosurgical clipping in ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RAs). MEDLINE, the Cochrane database, Embase, and the Web of Science database were searched and evaluated independently by 2 authors according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies describing economic hospital cost or length of stay in patients with RAs. A total of 8 studies were included, describing 24,219 RAs treated with neurosurgical clipping and 24,962 RAs with endovascular coiling. Meta-analysis revealed that the total hospital costs (THCs) were similar between coiling versus clipping in RAs (standard mean difference [SMD], -0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.12 to 0.22; I 2  = 99%; P = 0.50). Subgroup analysis showed that THCs of clipping and coiling were similar in ruptured aneurysms in the United States. However, in South Korea, the THCs of coiling were significantly higher than clipping. In the long run, 1-year medical costs of endovascular treatment were significantly lower than that of clipping in RAs (SMD, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.05-0.25; I 2  = 66%; P = 0.005). In addition, the length of stay of coiled patients was significantly shorter than clipped patients (SMD, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.13-0.45; I 2  = 96%; P < 0.001). Medical costs were region-specified. In the United States, total hospital costs and 1-year medical costs were similar in RA patients treated with endovascular coiling and neurosurgical clipping. However, in countries like South Korea and China, coiling was more expensive. The length of stay was much shorter in coiled patients in all countries. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Maintainable substrate carrier for electroplating

DOEpatents

Chen, Chen-An [Milpitas, CA; Abas, Emmanuel Chua [Laguna, PH; Divino, Edmundo Anida [Cavite, PH; Ermita, Jake Randal G [Laguna, PH; Capulong, Jose Francisco S [Laguna, PH; Castillo, Arnold Villamor [Batangas, PH; Ma,; Xiaobing, Diana [Saratoga, CA

2012-07-17

One embodiment relates to a substrate carrier for use in electroplating a plurality of substrates. The carrier includes a non-conductive carrier body on which the substrates are placed and conductive lines embedded within the carrier body. A plurality of conductive clip attachment parts are attached in a permanent manner to the conductive lines embedded within the carrier body. A plurality of contact clips are attached in a removable manner to the clip attachment parts. The contact clips hold the substrates in place and conductively connecting the substrates with the conductive lines. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.

Maintainable substrate carrier for electroplating

DOEpatents

Chen, Chen-An; Abas, Emmanuel Chua; Divino, Edmundo Anida; Ermita, Jake Randal G.; Capulong, Jose Francisco S.; Castillo, Arnold Villamor; Ma, Diana Xiaobing

2016-08-02

One embodiment relates to a substrate carrier for use in electroplating a plurality of substrates. The carrier includes a non-conductive carrier body on which the substrates are placed and conductive lines embedded within the carrier body. A plurality of conductive clip attachment parts are attached in a permanent manner to the conductive lines embedded within the carrier body. A plurality of contact clips are attached in a removable manner to the clip attachment parts. The contact clips hold the substrates in place and conductively connecting the substrates with the conductive lines. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.

Delayed Vasospasm after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Behcet Syndrome.

PubMed

Kim, Jun Hak; Lee, Si-Un; Huh, Choonwoong; Oh, Chang Wan; Bang, Jae Seung; Kim, Tackeun

2016-03-01

A man visited the emergency room with a headache. Brain computed tomography showed aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and multiple aneurysms. After aneurysm clipping surgery, the patient was discharged. After 5 days, he was admitted to the hospital with skin ulceration and was diagnosed with Behcet syndrome. An angiogram taken 7 weeks after aneurysmal SAH showed intracranial vasospasm. Because inflammation in Behcet syndrome may aggravate intracranial vasospasm, intracranial vasospasm after aneurysmal SAH in Behcet syndrome should be monitored for longer compared to general aneurysmal SAH.

Delayed Vasospasm after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Behcet Syndrome

PubMed Central

Kim, Jun Hak; Lee, Si-Un; Huh, Choonwoong; Oh, Chang Wan; Bang, Jae Seung

2016-01-01

A man visited the emergency room with a headache. Brain computed tomography showed aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and multiple aneurysms. After aneurysm clipping surgery, the patient was discharged. After 5 days, he was admitted to the hospital with skin ulceration and was diagnosed with Behcet syndrome. An angiogram taken 7 weeks after aneurysmal SAH showed intracranial vasospasm. Because inflammation in Behcet syndrome may aggravate intracranial vasospasm, intracranial vasospasm after aneurysmal SAH in Behcet syndrome should be monitored for longer compared to general aneurysmal SAH. PMID:27114963

Anticipation of high arousal aversive and positive movie clips engages common and distinct neural substrates.

PubMed

Greenberg, Tsafrir; Carlson, Joshua M; Rubin, Denis; Cha, Jiook; Mujica-Parodi, Lilianne

2015-04-01

The neural correlates of anxious anticipation have been primarily studied with aversive and neutral stimuli. In this study, we examined the effect of valence on anticipation by using high arousal aversive and positive stimuli and a condition of uncertainty (i.e. either positive or aversive). The task consisted of predetermined cues warning participants of upcoming aversive, positive, 'uncertain' (either aversive or positive) and neutral movie clips. Anticipation of all affective clips engaged common regions including the anterior insula, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, thalamus, caudate, inferior parietal and prefrontal cortex that are associated with emotional experience, sustained attention and appraisal. In contrast, the nucleus accumbens and medial prefrontal cortex, regions implicated in reward processing, were selectively engaged during anticipation of positive clips (depicting sexually explicit content) and the mid-insula, which has been linked to processing aversive stimuli, was selectively engaged during anticipation of aversive clips (depicting graphic medical procedures); these three areas were also activated during anticipation of 'uncertain' clips reflecting a broad preparatory response for both aversive and positive stimuli. These results suggest that a common circuitry is recruited in anticipation of affective clips regardless of valence, with additional areas preferentially engaged depending on whether expected stimuli are negative or positive. © The Author (2014). Published by Oxford University Press. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Anterior petroclinoid fold fenestration: an adjunct to clipping of postero-laterally projecting posterior communicating aneurysms.

PubMed

Nossek, Erez; Setton, Avi; Dehdashti, Amir R; Chalif, David J

2014-10-01

Proximally located posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms, projecting postero-laterally in proximity to the tentorium, may pose a technical challenge for microsurgical clipping due to obscuration of the proximal aneurysmal neck by the anterior petroclinoid fold. We describe an efficacious technique utilizing fenestration of the anterior petroclinoid fold to facilitate visualization and clipping of PCoA aneurysms abutting this aspect of the tentorium. Of 86 cases of PCoA aneurysms treated between 2003 and 2013, the technique was used in nine (10.5 %) patients to allow for adequate clipping. A 3 mm fenestration in the anterior petroclinoid ligament is created adjacent and lateral to the anterior clinoid process. This fenestration is then widened into a small wedge corridor by bipolar coagulation. In all cases, the proximal aneurysm neck was visualized after the wedge fenestration. Additionally, an adequate corridor for placement of the proximal clip blade was uniformly established. All cases were adequately clipped, with complete occlusion of the aneurysm neck and fundus with preservation of the PCoA. There were two intraoperative ruptures not related to creation of the wedge fenestration. One patient experienced post-operative partial third nerve palsy, which resolved during follow-up. We describe a technique of fenestration of the anterior petroclinoid fold to establish a critical and safe corridor for both visualization and clipping of PCoA aneurysms.

In-depth statistical analysis of the use of a website providing patients' narratives on lifestyle change when living with chronic back pain or coronary heart disease.

PubMed

Schweier, Rebecca; Grande, Gesine; Richter, Cynthia; Riedel-Heller, Steffi G; Romppel, Matthias

2018-07-01

To investigate the use of lebensstil-aendern.de ("lifestyle change"), a website providing peer narratives of experiences with successful lifestyle change, and to analyze whether peer model characteristics, clip content, and media type have an influence on the number of visitors, dwell time, and exit rates. An in-depth statistical analysis of website use with multilevel regression analyses. In two years, lebensstil-aendern.de attracted 12,844 visitors. The in-depth statistical analysis of usage rates demonstrated that audio clips were less popular than video or text-only clips, longer clips attracted more visitors, and clips by younger and female interviewees were preferred. User preferences for clip content categories differed between heart and back pain patients. Clips about stress management drew the smallest numbers of visitors in both indication modules. Patients are interested in the experiences of others. Because the quality of information for user-generated content is generally low, healthcare providers should include quality-assured patient narratives in their interventions. User preferences for content, medium, and peer characteristics need to be taken into account. If healthcare providers decide to include patient experiences in their websites, they should plan their intervention according to the different needs and preferences of users. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of endomycorrhizal infection, artificial herbivory, and parental cross on growth of Lotus corniculatus L.

PubMed

Borowicz, V A; Fitter, A H

1990-03-01

We examined how combinations of parentage, fungicide application, and artificial herbivory influence growth and shoot phosphorus content in pre-reproductive Lotus corniculatus, using young offspring arising from three parental crosses, two of which had one parent in common. Soil with vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi was treated with either water or benomyl, an anti-VAM fungicide, and added to trays containing groups of four full siblings. There were two experiments; in the first no plants were clipped while in the second two of the four plants were clipped to simulate herbivory. In both experiments plants of the two related crosses accumulated more biomass and total shoot P than did plants of the third cross. Plants inoculated with watertreated soil had greater shoot mass and P concentration than did fungicide-treated replicates but the extent of increase in P concentration varied among crosses. In Experiment 2, clipping reduced root mass and resulted in higher shoot P concentration. In this experiment there was a significant interaction of fungicide application and clipping: both unclipped and clipped plants grew better in soil not treated with fungicide, but the increase in shoot mass, total mass, and total P was greater in unclipped plants. Significant interaction of fungicide treatment and clipping is most likely due to reduced availability of carbon to the roots of clipped plants, resulting in poorer symbiotic functioning.

Heavy metal phytoextraction by Sedum alfredii is affected by continual clipping and phosphorus fertilization amendment.

PubMed

Huang, Huagang; Li, Tingqiang; Gupta, D K; He, Zhenli; Yang, Xiao-E; Ni, Bingnan; Li, Mao

2012-01-01

Improving the efficacy of phytoextraction is critical for its successful application in metal contaminated soils. Mineral nutrition affects plant growth and metal absorption and subsequently the accumulation of heavy metal through hyper-accumulator plants. This study assessed the effects of di-hydrogen phosphates (KH2PO4, Ca(H2PO4)2, NaH2PO4 and NH4H2PO4) application at three levels (22, 88 and 352 mg P/kg soil) on Sedum alfredii growth and metal uptake by three consecutive harvests on aged and Zn/Cd combined contaminated paddy soil. The addition of phosphates (P) significantly increased the amount of Zn taken up by S. alfredii due to increased shoot Zn concentration and dry matter yield (DMY) (P < 0.05). The highest phytoextraction of Zn and Cd was observed in KH2PO4 and NH4H2PO4 treatment at 352 mg P/kg soil. The amount of Zn removed by phytoextraction increased in the order of 1st clipping < 2nd clipping < 3rd clipping, and for Cd extraction the order was 2nd clipping < 1st clipping < 3rd clipping. These results indicate that the application of P fertilizers coupled with multiple cuttings can enhance the removal of Zn and Cd from contaminated soils by S. alfredii, thus shortening the time needed for accomplishing remediation goals.

Tracking Solar Energy Conersion Unit Adapted For Field Assembly

DOEpatents

Kaminar, Neil R.; Ross, III, James G.; Carrie, Peter J.

2000-02-01

A modular solar energy collector having elongated V-shaped side walls formed by a pair of coplanar panels for each side wall. The upper panels, occupying most of the wall area are diffusely reflective, but the lower panels are specularly reflective. A Fresnel lens, having a snap fit relation to the side walls focuses some light on the lower specularly reflective panels which direct light to the solar cells at the base of the V-shaped walls. A heat sink provides support for the two panels with two opposed, upwardly extending wings terminating in opposed linear clips located near the lengthwise seam of the coplanar panels, each clip holding two coplanar panels in parallel alignment. The clips not only provide support for the panels, but also transfer heat to the remainder of the heat sink. The clips are shaped so that edges of the panels engage each clip by a snap fit, outside of the clip in one embodiment and inside of the clip in another embodiment. End caps are also formed with structures which snap to the wall panels. Since all junctions of components snap together, the collector of the present invention is easily assembled without specialized tools. Using side walls which are only partly specularly reflective permits a large angle of acceptance, yet provides an economical wall design because the entire wall need not be specularly reflective.

Mid-term survival analysis of closed wedge high tibial osteotomy: A comparative study of computer-assisted and conventional techniques.

PubMed

Bae, Dae Kyung; Song, Sang Jun; Kim, Kang Il; Hur, Dong; Jeong, Ho Yeon

2016-03-01

The purpose of the present study was to compare the clinical and radiographic results and survival rates between computer-assisted and conventional closing wedge high tibial osteotomies (HTOs). Data from a consecutive cohort comprised of 75 computer-assisted HTOs and 75 conventional HTOs were retrospectively reviewed. The Knee Society knee and function scores, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score and femorotibial angle (FTA) were compared between the two groups. Survival rates were also compared with procedure failure. The knee and function scores at one year postoperatively were slightly better in the computer-assisted group than those in conventional group (90.1 vs. 86.1) (82.0 vs. 76.0). The HSS scores at one year postoperatively were slightly better for the computer-assisted HTOs than those of conventional HTOs (89.5 vs. 81.8). The inlier of the postoperative FTA was wider in the computer-assisted group than that in the conventional HTO group (88.0% vs. 58.7%), and mean postoperative FTA was greater in the computer-assisted group that in the conventional HTO group (valgus 9.0° vs. valgus 7.6°, p<0.001). The five- and 10-year survival rates were 97.1% and 89.6%, respectively. No difference was detected in nine-year survival rates (p=0.369) between the two groups, although the clinical and radiographic results were better in the computer-assisted group that those in the conventional HTO group. Mid-term survival rates did not differ between computer-assisted and conventional HTOs. A comparative analysis of longer-term survival rate is required to demonstrate the long-term benefit of computer-assisted HTO. III. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Clipping affects flowering of California poppy at two growth stages

Treesearch

Raymond D. Ratliff; Richard L. Hubbard

1975-01-01

The effects of clipping California-poppy (Eschscholzia californica Cham.) at various growth stages on plant survival, flowering, herbage yield, and root production were studied at the San Joaquin Experimental Range, in central California. Plants were clipped once to a 2-cm stubble at one of six stages. Through the early reproductive stage, a single...

[Clip Sheets from BOCES. Opportunities. Health. Careers. = Oportunidades. Salud. Una Camera En...

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

State Univ. of New York, Geneseo. Coll. at Geneseo. Migrant Center.

This collection of 83 clip sheets, or classroom handouts, was created to help U.S. migrants learn more about health, careers, and general "opportunities" including education programs. They are written in both English and Spanish and are presented in an easily understandable format. Health clip-sheet topics include the following: Abuse; AIDS;…

The "Isms" of Art. Introduction to the 2001-2002 Clip and Save Art Prints.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hubbard, Guy

2001-01-01

Provides an introduction to the 2001-2002 Clip and Save Art Prints that will focus on ten art movements from the past 150 years. Includes information on three art movements, or "isms": Classicism, Romanticism, and Realism. Discusses the Clip and Save Art Print format and provides information on three artists. (CMK)

Combining Radiation Epidemiology With Molecular Biology-Changing From Health Risk Estimates to Therapeutic Intervention.

PubMed

Abend, Michael; Port, Matthias

2016-08-01

The authors herein summarize six presentations dedicated to the key session "molecular radiation epidemiology" of the ConRad meeting 2015. These presentations were chosen in order to highlight the promise when combining conventional radiation epidemiology with molecular biology. Conventional radiation epidemiology uses dose estimates for risk predictions on health. However, combined with molecular biology, dose-dependent bioindicators of effect hold the promise to improve clinical diagnostics and to provide target molecules for potential therapeutic intervention. One out of the six presentations exemplified the use of radiation-induced molecular changes as biomarkers of exposure by measuring stabile chromosomal translocations. The remaining five presentations focused on molecular changes used as bioindicators of the effect. These bioindicators of the effect could be used for diagnostic purposes on colon cancers (genomic instability), thyroid cancer (CLIP2), or head and neck squamous cell cancers. Therapeutic implications of gene expression changes were examined in Chernobyl thyroid cancer victims and Mayak workers.

Construct validity of individual and summary performance metrics associated with a computer-based laparoscopic simulator.

PubMed

Rivard, Justin D; Vergis, Ashley S; Unger, Bertram J; Hardy, Krista M; Andrew, Chris G; Gillman, Lawrence M; Park, Jason

2014-06-01

Computer-based surgical simulators capture a multitude of metrics based on different aspects of performance, such as speed, accuracy, and movement efficiency. However, without rigorous assessment, it may be unclear whether all, some, or none of these metrics actually reflect technical skill, which can compromise educational efforts on these simulators. We assessed the construct validity of individual performance metrics on the LapVR simulator (Immersion Medical, San Jose, CA, USA) and used these data to create task-specific summary metrics. Medical students with no prior laparoscopic experience (novices, N = 12), junior surgical residents with some laparoscopic experience (intermediates, N = 12), and experienced surgeons (experts, N = 11) all completed three repetitions of four LapVR simulator tasks. The tasks included three basic skills (peg transfer, cutting, clipping) and one procedural skill (adhesiolysis). We selected 36 individual metrics on the four tasks that assessed six different aspects of performance, including speed, motion path length, respect for tissue, accuracy, task-specific errors, and successful task completion. Four of seven individual metrics assessed for peg transfer, six of ten metrics for cutting, four of nine metrics for clipping, and three of ten metrics for adhesiolysis discriminated between experience levels. Time and motion path length were significant on all four tasks. We used the validated individual metrics to create summary equations for each task, which successfully distinguished between the different experience levels. Educators should maintain some skepticism when reviewing the plethora of metrics captured by computer-based simulators, as some but not all are valid. We showed the construct validity of a limited number of individual metrics and developed summary metrics for the LapVR. The summary metrics provide a succinct way of assessing skill with a single metric for each task, but require further validation.

Comparison of computed radiography and conventional radiography in detection of small volume pneumoperitoneum.

PubMed

Marolf, Angela; Blaik, Margaret; Ackerman, Norman; Watson, Elizabeth; Gibson, Nicole; Thompson, Margret

2008-01-01

The role of digital imaging is increasing as these systems are becoming more affordable and accessible. Advantages of computed radiography compared with conventional film/screen combinations include improved contrast resolution and postprocessing capabilities. Computed radiography's spatial resolution is inferior to conventional radiography; however, this limitation is considered clinically insignificant. This study prospectively compared digital imaging and conventional radiography in detecting small volume pneumoperitoneum. Twenty cadaver dogs (15-30 kg) were injected with 0.25, 0.25, and 0.5 ml for 1 ml total of air intra-abdominally, and radiographed sequentially using computed and conventional radiographic technologies. Three radiologists independently evaluated the images, and receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis compared the two imaging modalities. There was no statistical difference between computed and conventional radiography in detecting free abdominal air, but overall computed radiography was relatively more sensitive based on ROC analysis. Computed radiographic images consistently and significantly demonstrated a minimal amount of 0.5 ml of free air based on ROC analysis. However, no minimal air amount was consistently or significantly detected with conventional film. Readers were more likely to detect free air on lateral computed images than the other projections, with no significant increased sensitivity between film/screen projections. Further studies are indicated to determine the differences or lack thereof between various digital imaging systems and conventional film/screen systems.

Clipping Versus Coiling in the Management of Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms with Third Nerve Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Gaberel, Thomas; Borha, Alin; di Palma, Camille; Emery, Evelyne

2016-03-01

To compare surgical clipping with endovascular coiling in terms of recovery from oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) in the management of posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms causing third nerve palsy. We conducted a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis included 11 relevant studies involving 384 patients with third nerve palsy caused by PCoA aneurysms at baseline, of whom 257 (67.0%) were treated by clipping and 127 were treated by coiling (33.0%). Pooled odds ratios of the impact of clipping or coiling on complete ONP recovery, lack of ONP recovery, and procedure-related death were calculated. The overall complete ONP recovery rate was 42.5% in the coiling group compared with 83.6% in the clipping group. The increase in complete ONP recovery in the clipping group corresponds to an overall pooled Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio of 4.44 (95% confidence interval = 1.66-11.84). Subgroup analysis revealed a clear benefit of clipping over coiling in patients with ruptured aneurysms, but not in patients with unruptured aneurysms. No procedure-related deaths were reported by any of the 11 studies. Surgical clipping of PCoA aneurysms causing third nerve palsy achieves better ONP recovery than endovascular coiling; this could be particularly true in the case of ruptured aneurysms. In view of the purely observational data, statements about this effect should be made with great caution. A randomized trial would better address the therapeutic dilemma, but pending the results of such a trial, we recommend treating PCoA aneurysms causing ONP with surgery. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Oculomotor nerve palsy by posterior communicating artery aneurysms: influence of surgical strategy on recovery.

PubMed

Güresir, Erdem; Schuss, Patrick; Seifert, Volker; Vatter, Hartmut

2012-11-01

Resolution of oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) after clipping of posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms has been well documented. However, whether additional decompression of the oculomotor nerve via aneurysm sac dissection or resection is superior to pure aneurysm clipping is the subject of much debate. Therefore, the objective in the present investigation was to analyze the influence of surgical strategy--specifically, clipping with or without aneurysm dissection--on ONP resolution. Between June 1999 and December 2010, 18 consecutive patients with ruptured and unruptured PCoA aneurysms causing ONP were treated at the authors' institution. Oculomotor nerve palsy was evaluated on admission and at follow-up. The electronic database MEDLINE was searched for additional data in published studies of PCoA aneurysms causing ONP. Two reviewers independently extracted data. Overall, 8 studies from the literature review and 6 patients in the current series (121 PCoA aneurysms) met the study inclusion criteria. Ninety-four aneurysms were treated with simple aneurysm neck clipping and 27 with clipping plus aneurysm sac decompression. The surgical strategy, simple aneurysm neck clipping versus clipping plus oculomotor nerve decompression, had no effect on full ONP resolution on univariate (p = 0.5) and multivariate analyses. On multivariate analysis, patients with incomplete ONP at admission were more likely to have full resolution of the palsy than were those with complete ONP at admission (p = 0.03, OR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.1-16). Data in the present study indicated that ONP caused by PCoA aneurysms improves after clipping without and with oculomotor nerve decompression. The resolution of ONP is inversely associated with the initial severity of ONP.

Early retreatment after surgical clipping of ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

PubMed

Ito, Yoshiro; Yamamoto, Tetsuya; Ikeda, Go; Tsuruta, Wataro; Uemura, Kazuya; Komatsu, Yoji; Matsumura, Akira

2017-09-01

Although a rerupture after surgical clipping of ruptured intracranial aneurysms is rare, it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The causes for retreatment and rupture after surgical clipping are not clearly defined. From a prospectively maintained database of 244 patients who had undergone surgical clipping of ruptured intracranial aneurysms, we selected patients who experienced retreatment or rerupture within 30 days after surgical clipping. Aneurysm occlusions were examined by microvascular Doppler ultrasonography and indocyanine green video-angiography. Indications for retreatment included rerupture and partial occlusion. We analyzed the characteristics and causes of early retreatment. Six patients (2.5%, 95% CI 0.9 to 5.3%) were retreated within 30 days after surgical clipping, including two patients (0.8%, 95% CI 0.1 to 2.9%) who experienced a rerupture. The retreated aneurysms were found in the anterior communicating artery (AcomA) (n = 5) and basilar artery (n = 1). Retreatment of the AcomA (7.5%) was performed significantly more frequently than that of other arteries (0.56%) (p < 0.01). A laterally projected AcomA aneurysm (17.4%) was more frequently retreated than were other aneurysm types (2.3%). Cases of laterally projecting AcomA aneurysms tended to result from an incomplete clip placed using a pterional approach from the opposite side of the aneurysm projection. Despite developments, the rates of retreatment and rerupture after surgical clipping remain similar to those reported previously. Retreatment of the AcomA was significantly more frequent than was retreatment of other arteries. Patients underwent retreatment more frequently when they were originally treated for lateral type aneurysms using a pterional approach from the opposite side of the aneurysm projection. The treatment method and evaluation modalities should be considered carefully for AcomA aneurysms in particular.

Impact of metal artifact reduction software on image quality of gemstone spectral imaging dual-energy cerebral CT angiography after intracranial aneurysm clipping.

PubMed

Dunet, Vincent; Bernasconi, Martine; Hajdu, Steven David; Meuli, Reto Antoine; Daniel, Roy Thomas; Zerlauth, Jean-Baptiste

2017-09-01

We aimed to assess the impact of metal artifact reduction software (MARs) on image quality of gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) dual-energy (DE) cerebral CT angiography (CTA) after intracranial aneurysm clipping. This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, which waived patient written consent. From January 2013 to September 2016, single source DE cerebral CTA were performed in 45 patients (mean age: 60 ± 9 years, male 9) after intracranial aneurysm clipping and reconstructed with and without MARs. Signal-to-noise (SNR), contrast-to-noise (CNR), and relative CNR (rCNR) ratios were calculated from attenuation values measured in the internal carotid artery (ICA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA). Volume of clip and artifacts and relative clip blurring reduction (rCBR) ratios were also measured at each energy level with/without MARs. Variables were compared between GSI and GSI-MARs using the paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test. MARs significantly reduced metal artifacts at all energy levels but 130 and 140 keV, regardless of clips' location and number. The optimal rCBR was obtained at 110 and 80 keV, respectively, on GSI and GSI-MARs images, with up to 96% rCNR increase on GSI-MARs images. The best compromise between metal artifact reduction and rCNR was obtained at 70-75 and 65-70 keV for GSI and GSI-MARs images, respectively, with up to 15% rCBR and rCNR increase on GSI-MARs images. MARs significantly reduces metal artifacts on DE cerebral CTA after intracranial aneurysm clipping regardless of clips' location and number. It may be used to reduce radiation dose while increasing CNR.

Fabrication and Characterization of ZnO Nano-Clips by the Polyol-Mediated Process.

PubMed

Wang, Mei; Li, Ai-Dong; Kong, Ji-Zhou; Gong, You-Pin; Zhao, Chao; Tang, Yue-Feng; Wu, Di

2018-02-09

ZnO nano-clips with better monodispersion were prepared successfully using zinc acetate hydrate (Zn(OAc) 2 ·nH 2 O) as Zn source and ethylene glycol (EG) as solvent by a simple solution-based route-polyol process. The effect of solution concentration on the formation of ZnO nano-clips has been investigated deeply. We first prove that the 0.01 M Zn(OAc) 2 ·nH 2 O can react with EG without added water or alkaline, producing ZnO nano-clips with polycrystalline wurtzite structure at 170 °C. As-synthesized ZnO nano-clips contain a lot of aggregated nanocrystals (~ 5 to 15 nm) with high specific surface area of 88 m 2 /g. The shapes of ZnO nano-clips basically keep constant with improved crystallinity after annealing at 400-600 °C. The lower solution concentration and slight amount of H 2 O play a decisive role in ZnO nano-clip formation. When the solution concentration is ≤ 0.0125 M, the complexing and polymerization reactions between Zn(OAc) 2 ·nH 2 O and EG predominate, mainly elaborating ZnO nano-clips. When the solution concentration is ≥ 0.015 M, the alcoholysis and polycondensation reactions of Zn(OAc) 2 ·nH 2 O and EG become dominant, leading to ZnO particle formation with spherical and elliptical shapes. The possible growth mechanism based on a competition between complexing and alcoholysis of Zn(OAc) 2 ·nH 2 O and EG has been proposed.

HITS-CLIP yields genome-wide insights into brain alternative RNA processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Licatalosi, Donny D.; Mele, Aldo; Fak, John J.; Ule, Jernej; Kayikci, Melis; Chi, Sung Wook; Clark, Tyson A.; Schweitzer, Anthony C.; Blume, John E.; Wang, Xuning; Darnell, Jennifer C.; Darnell, Robert B.

2008-11-01

Protein-RNA interactions have critical roles in all aspects of gene expression. However, applying biochemical methods to understand such interactions in living tissues has been challenging. Here we develop a genome-wide means of mapping protein-RNA binding sites in vivo, by high-throughput sequencing of RNA isolated by crosslinking immunoprecipitation (HITS-CLIP). HITS-CLIP analysis of the neuron-specific splicing factor Nova revealed extremely reproducible RNA-binding maps in multiple mouse brains. These maps provide genome-wide in vivo biochemical footprints confirming the previous prediction that the position of Nova binding determines the outcome of alternative splicing; moreover, they are sufficiently powerful to predict Nova action de novo. HITS-CLIP revealed a large number of Nova-RNA interactions in 3' untranslated regions, leading to the discovery that Nova regulates alternative polyadenylation in the brain. HITS-CLIP, therefore, provides a robust, unbiased means to identify functional protein-RNA interactions in vivo.

Eliciting positive, negative and mixed emotional states: A film library for affective scientists.

PubMed

Samson, Andrea C; Kreibig, Sylvia D; Soderstrom, Blake; Wade, A Ayanna; Gross, James J

2016-08-01

We describe the creation of a film library designed for researchers interested in positive (amusing), negative (repulsive), mixed (amusing and repulsive) and neutral emotional states. Three hundred 20- to 33-second film clips videotaped by amateurs were selected from video-hosting websites and screened in laboratory studies by 75 female participants on self-reported amusement and repulsion (Experiments 1 and 2). On the basis of pre-defined cut-off values, 51 positive, 39 negative, 59 mixed and 50 neutral film clips were selected. These film clips were then presented to 411 male and female participants in a large online study to identify film clips that reliably induced the target emotions (Experiment 3). Depending on the goal of the study, researchers may choose positive, negative, mixed or neutral emotional film clips on the basis of Experiments 1 and 2 or Experiment 3 ratings.

Embedded CLIPS for SDI BM/C3 simulation and analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gossage, Brett; Nanney, Van

1990-01-01

Nichols Research Corporation is developing the BM/C3 Requirements Analysis Tool (BRAT) for the U.S. Army Strategic Defense Command. BRAT uses embedded CLIPS/Ada to model the decision making processes used by the human commander of a defense system. Embedding CLlPS/Ada in BRAT allows the user to explore the role of the human in Command and Control (C2) and the use of expert systems for automated C2. BRAT models assert facts about the current state of the system, the simulated scenario, and threat information into CLIPS/Ada. A user-defined rule set describes the decision criteria for the commander. We have extended CLIPS/Ada with user-defined functions that allow the firing of a rule to invoke a system action such as weapons release or a change in strategy. The use of embedded CLIPS/Ada will provide a powerful modeling tool for our customer at minimal cost.

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

Friedman-Hill, Ernest

Java Expert Shell System - Jess - is a rule engine and scripting environment written entirely in Sun's Java language, Jess was orginially inspired by the CLIPS expert system shell, but has grown int a complete, distinct JAVA-influenced environment of its own. Using Jess, you can build Java applets and applications that have the capacity to "reason" using knowledge you supply in the form of declarative rules. Jess is surprisingly fast, and for some problems is faster than CLIPS, in that many Jess scripts are valid CLIPS scripts and vice-versa. Like CLIPS, Jess uses the Rete algorithm to process rules,more » a very efficient mechanism for solving the difficult many-to-many matching problem. Jess adds many features to CLIPS, including backwards chaining and the ability to manipulate and directly reason about Java objects. Jess is also a powerful Java scripting environment, from which you can create Java objects and call Java methods without compiling any Java Code.« less

A 3D Kinematic Measurement of Knee Prosthesis Using X-ray Projection Images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirokawa, Shunji; Ariyoshi, Shogo; Hossain, Mohammad Abrar

We have developed a technique for estimating 3D motion of knee prosthesis from its 2D perspective projections. As Fourier descriptors were used for compact representation of library templates and contours extracted from the prosthetic X-ray images, the entire silhouette contour of each prosthetic component was required. This caused such a problem as our algorithm did not function when the silhouettes of tibio and femoral components overlapped with each other. Here we planned a novel method to overcome it; which was processed in two steps. First, the missing part of silhouette contour due to overlap was interpolated using a free-formed curvature such as Bezier. Then the first step position/orientation estimation was performed. In the next step, a clipping window was set in the projective coordinate so as to separate the overlapped silhouette drawn using the first step estimates. After that the localized library whose templates were clipped in shape was prepared and the second step estimation was performed. Computer model simulation demonstrated sufficient accuracies of position/orientation estimation even for overlapped silhouettes; equivalent to those without overlap.

Socrates: identification of genomic rearrangements in tumour genomes by re-aligning soft clipped reads

PubMed Central

Schröder, Jan; Hsu, Arthur; Boyle, Samantha E.; Macintyre, Geoff; Cmero, Marek; Tothill, Richard W.; Johnstone, Ricky W.; Shackleton, Mark; Papenfuss, Anthony T.

2014-01-01

Motivation: Methods for detecting somatic genome rearrangements in tumours using next-generation sequencing are vital in cancer genomics. Available algorithms use one or more sources of evidence, such as read depth, paired-end reads or split reads to predict structural variants. However, the problem remains challenging due to the significant computational burden and high false-positive or false-negative rates. Results: In this article, we present Socrates (SOft Clip re-alignment To idEntify Structural variants), a highly efficient and effective method for detecting genomic rearrangements in tumours that uses only split-read data. Socrates has single-nucleotide resolution, identifies micro-homologies and untemplated sequence at break points, has high sensitivity and high specificity and takes advantage of parallelism for efficient use of resources. We demonstrate using simulated and real data that Socrates performs well compared with a number of existing structural variant detection tools. Availability and implementation: Socrates is released as open source and available from http://bioinf.wehi.edu.au/socrates. Contact: papenfuss@wehi.edu.au Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. PMID:24389656

The Buffer Diagnostic Prototype: A fault isolation application using CLIPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Porter, Ken

1994-01-01

This paper describes problem domain characteristics and development experiences from using CLIPS 6.0 in a proof-of-concept troubleshooting application called the Buffer Diagnostic Prototype. The problem domain is a large digital communications subsystems called the real-time network (RTN), which was designed to upgrade the launch processing system used for shuttle support at KSC. The RTN enables up to 255 computers to share 50,000 data points with millisecond response times. The RTN's extensive built-in test capability but lack of any automatic fault isolation capability presents a unique opportunity for a diagnostic expert system application. The Buffer Diagnostic Prototype addresses RTN diagnosis with a multiple strategy approach. A novel technique called 'faulty causality' employs inexact qualitative models to process test results. Experimental knowledge provides a capability to recognize symptom-fault associations. The implementation utilizes rule-based and procedural programming techniques, including a goal-directed control structure and simple text-based generic user interface that may be reusable for other rapid prototyping applications. Although limited in scope, this project demonstrates a diagnostic approach that may be adapted to troubleshoot a broad range of equipment.

Assessment of historical masonry pillars reinforced by CFRP strips

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedele, Roberto; Rosati, Giampaolo; Biolzi, Luigi; Cattaneo, Sara

2014-10-01

In this methodological study, the ultimate response of masonry pillars strengthened by externally bonded Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) was investigated. Historical bricks were derived from a XVII century rural building, whilst a high strength mortar was utilized for the joints. The conventional experimental information, concerning the overall reaction force and relative displacements provided by "point" sensors (LVDTs and clip gauge), were herein enriched with no-contact, full-field kinematic measurements provided by 2D Digital Image Correlation (2D DIC). Experimental information were critically compared with prediction provided by an advanced three-dimensional models, based on nonlinear finite elements under the simplifying assumption of perfect adhesion between the reinforcement and the support.

Application of the CAP-TSD unsteady transonic small disturbance program to wing flutter. [Computational Aeroelasticity Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bennett, Robert M.; Batina, John T.

1989-01-01

The application and assessment of a computer program called CAP-TSD (Computational Aeroelasticity Program - Transonic Small Disturbance) for flutter predictions are described. Flutter calculations are presented for two thin swept-and-tapered wing planforms with well-defined modal properties. One planform is a series of 45-degree swept wings and the other planform is a clipped delta wing. Comparisons are made between the results of CAP-TSD using the linear equation and no airfoil thickness and the results obtained from a subsonic kernel function analysis. The calculations cover a Mach number range from low subsonic to low supersonic values, including the transonic range, and are compared with subsonic linear theory and experimental data. It is noted that since both wings have very thin airfoil sections, the effects of thickness are minimal.

Computer-assisted versus conventional free fibula flap technique for craniofacial reconstruction: an outcomes comparison.

PubMed

Seruya, Mitchel; Fisher, Mark; Rodriguez, Eduardo D

2013-11-01

There has been rising interest in computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing for preoperative planning and execution of osseous free flap reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes between computer-assisted and conventional fibula free flap techniques for craniofacial reconstruction. A two-center, retrospective review was carried out on patients who underwent fibula free flap surgery for craniofacial reconstruction from 2003 to 2012. Patients were categorized by the type of reconstructive technique: conventional (between 2003 and 2009) or computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (from 2010 to 2012). Demographics, surgical factors, and perioperative and long-term outcomes were compared. A total of 68 patients underwent microsurgical craniofacial reconstruction: 58 conventional and 10 computer-aided design and manufacturing fibula free flaps. By demographics, patients undergoing the computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing method were significantly older and had a higher rate of radiotherapy exposure compared with conventional patients. Intraoperatively, the median number of osteotomies was significantly higher (2.0 versus 1.0, p=0.002) and the median ischemia time was significantly shorter (120 minutes versus 170 minutes, p=0.004) for the computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing technique compared with conventional techniques; operative times were shorter for patients undergoing the computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing technique, although this did not reach statistical significance. Perioperative and long-term outcomes were equivalent for the two groups, notably, hospital length of stay, recipient-site infection, partial and total flap loss, and rate of soft-tissue and bony tissue revisions. Microsurgical craniofacial reconstruction using a computer-assisted fibula flap technique yielded significantly shorter ischemia times amidst a higher number of osteotomies compared with conventional techniques. Therapeutic, III.

What's Eating Gilbert Grape?: A Case Study of Chronic Illness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alexander, Matthew; Waxman, Dael; White, Patricia

2006-01-01

Cinemeducation refers to the use of movies or movie clips to educate learners about the psychosocial aspects of health care. This paper describes the use of a clip from the movie, "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" to teach medical students about chronic illness. The clip is used to set up a case study based on the lead character, Gilbert…

First CLIPS Conference Proceedings, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

The first Conference of C Language Production Systems (CLIPS) hosted by the NASA-Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in August 1990 is presented. Articles included engineering applications, intelligent tutors and training, intelligent software engineering, automated knowledge acquisition, network applications, verification and validation, enhancements to CLIPS, space shuttle quality control/diagnosis applications, space shuttle and real-time applications, and medical, biological, and agricultural applications.

Using Film Clips to Teach Teen Pregnancy Prevention: "The Gloucester 18" at a Teen Summit

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herrman, Judith W.; Moore, Christopher C.; Anthony, Becky

2012-01-01

Teaching pregnancy prevention to large groups offers many challenges. This article describes the use of film clips, with guided discussion, to teach pregnancy prevention. In order to analyze the costs associated with teen pregnancy, a film clip discussion session based with the film "The Gloucester 18" was the keynote of a youth summit. The lesson…

C Language Integrated Production System, Ada Version

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Culbert, Chris; Riley, Gary; Savely, Robert T.; Melebeck, Clovis J.; White, Wesley A.; Mcgregor, Terry L.; Ferguson, Melisa; Razavipour, Reza

1992-01-01

CLIPS/Ada provides capabilities of CLIPS v4.3 but uses Ada as source language for CLIPS executable code. Implements forward-chaining rule-based language. Program contains inference engine and language syntax providing framework for construction of expert-system program. Also includes features for debugging application program. Based on Rete algorithm which provides efficient method for performing repeated matching of patterns. Written in Ada.

PCLIPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krolak, Patrick D.

1990-01-01

CLIPS is an expert system, created specifically to allow rapid implementation of an expert system. CLIPS is written in C, and thus needs a very small amount of memory to run. Parallel CLIPS (PCLIPS) is an extension to CLIPS which is intended to be used in situations where a group of expert systems are expected to run simultaneously and occasionally communicate with each other on an integrated network. PCLIPS is a coarse-grained data distribution system. Its main goal is to take information in one knowledge base and distribute it to other knowledge bases so that all the executing expert systems are able to use that knowledge to solve their disparate problems.

Microleakage of different temporary filling materials in primary teeth.

PubMed

Odabas, Mesut Enes; Tulunoglu, Ozlem; Ozalp, Serife Ozdemir; Bodur, Haluk

2009-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the sealing properties of IRM, Coltosol, Cavit G, Adhesor and Clip, which used as temporary filling material in coronal access openings in extracted human primary teeth. Standardized access cavities of 2 x 2 mm were prepared in the eighty-four, caries-free human primary anterior teeth. The teeth were divided randomly into five groups of 16 teeth each. Temporary restorative materials Group A: IRM (Dentsply), Group B: Coltosol (Coltone), Group C: Cavit G (3M), Group D: Adhesor (Spofa Dental) and Group E: Clip (Voco) were applied according to the manufacturer's directions. The specimens were immersed silver nitrate and placed in film developer under fluorescent for 24 hours. The sectioned specimens were evaluated under a digital microscope at x 20 magnifications and blindly scored for microleakage. Clip presented the least microleakage value whereas; Adhesor and IRM presented the higher microleakage values. There were statistically significant differences between Clip and the others groups, while there were no statistically significant differences in microleakage between IRM, Adhesor, Coltosol and Cavit G. However the leakage scores of Clip and Cavit G were congruent (p = 0.454). Amongst the five materials, Clip exhibited a better sealing ability.

Rumen fluid fermentation for enhancement of hydrolysis and acidification of grass clipping.

PubMed

Wang, Siqi; Zhang, Guangming; Zhang, Panyue; Ma, Xiaowen; Li, Fan; Zhang, Haibo; Tao, Xue; Ye, Junpei; Nabi, Mohammad

2018-08-15

Rumen fluid, formed in rumen of ruminants, includes a complex microbial population of bacteria, protozoa, fungi and archaea, and has high ability to degrade lignocellulosic biomass. In this study, rumen fluid was used to ferment grass clipping for enhancing the hydrolysis and acidification of organic matters. Results showed that strict anaerobic condition, higher grass clipping content and smaller particle size of grass clipping were beneficial to the hydrolysis and acidification of organics. The increase of SCOD and total VFA concentration respectively reached 24.9 and 10.2 g/L with a suitable grass clipping content of 5%, a particle size <0.150 mm, and a fermentation time of 48 h. The VFA production was mainly attributed to the degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose with a total solid reduction of 55.7%. Firmicutes and Fibrobacteres were the major contributors to the degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose. The activity of carboxymethyl cellulose enzyme (CMCase), cellobiase and xylanase reached 0.027, 0.176 and 0.180 U/ml, respectively. The rumen fluid microorganisms successfully enhanced the hydrolysis and acidification of grass clipping. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Responses to water depth and clipping of twenty−three plant species in an Indian monsoonal wetland

USGS Publications Warehouse

Middleton, Beth A.; van der Valk, Arnold; Davis, Craig B.

2015-01-01

Responses of species to disturbances give insights into how species might respond to future wetland changes. In this study, species of monsoonal wetlands belonging to various functional types (graminoid and non−graminoid emergents, submersed aquatic, floating−leaved aquatic) varied in their growth responses to water depth and harvesting. We tested the effects of water depth (moist soil, flooded) and clipping (unclipped, and clipped) on the biomass and longevity of twenty−three dominant plant species of monsoonal wetlands in the Keoladeo National Park, India in a controlled experiment. With respect to total biomass and survival, six species responded positively to flooding and twelve species responded negatively to clipping. Responses to flooding and clipping, however, sometimes interacted. Individualistic responses of species to water levels and clipping regimes were apparent; species within a functional group did not always respond similarly. Therefore, detailed information on the individualistic responses of species may be needed to predict the vegetation composition of post−disturbance wetlands. In particular, as demands for fresh water increase around the world, studies of life history constraints and responses to hydrological changes will aid wetland managers in developing strategies to conserve biodiversity.

Effects of orally administered lavender essential oil on responses to anxiety-provoking film clips.

PubMed

Bradley, Belinda F; Brown, Stephen L; Chu, Simon; Lea, Robert W

2009-06-01

Lavender odour is commonly used to alleviate mild anxiety. Double blind studies are difficult to conduct with odours, and there are few reliable investigations of lavender's efficacy. Orally administered lavender capsules (placebo, 100, 200 microl) were tested in a randomised between-subjects (n = 97) double-blind study. Film clips were used to elicit anxiety. Measures included anxiety, State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), mood, positive and negative affect scale (PANAS), heart rate (HR), galvanic skin response (GSR), and heart rate variation (HRV). Following baseline measurements capsules were administered. Participants viewed a neutral film clip, then an anxiety-provoking and light-hearted recovery film clip. For the 200 microl lavender dose during the neutral film clip there was a trend towards reduced state anxiety, GSR and HR and increased HRV. In the anxiety-eliciting film, lavender was mildly beneficial in females but only on HRV measures. In males sympathetic arousal increased during the anxiety film (GSR). HRV significantly increased at 200 microl during all three film clips in females, suggesting decreased anxiety. These findings suggest that lavender has anxiolytic effects in humans under conditions of low anxiety, but these effects may not extend to conditions of high anxiety.

Alleviating travel anxiety through virtual reality and narrated video technology.

PubMed

Ahn, J C; Lee, O

2013-01-01

This study presents an empirical evidence of benefit of narrative video clips in embedded virtual reality websites of hotels for relieving travel anxiety. Even though it was proven that virtual reality functions do provide some relief in travel anxiety, a stronger virtual reality website can be built when narrative video clips that show video clips with narration about important aspects of the hotel. We posit that these important aspects are 1. Escape route and 2. Surrounding neighborhood information, which are derived from the existing research on anxiety disorder as well as travel anxiety. Thus we created a video clip that showed and narrated about the escape route from the hotel room, another video clip that showed and narrated about surrounding neighborhood. We then conducted experiments with this enhanced virtual reality website of a hotel by having human subjects play with the website and fill out a questionnaire. The result confirms our hypothesis that there is a statistically significant relationship between the degree of travel anxiety and psychological relief caused by the use of embedded virtual reality functions with narrative video clips of a hotel website (Tab. 2, Fig. 3, Ref. 26).

Teaching professionalism to first year medical students using video clips.

PubMed

Shevell, Allison Haley; Thomas, Aliki; Fuks, Abraham

2015-01-01

Medical schools are confronted with the challenge of teaching professionalism during medical training. The aim of this study was to examine medical students' perceptions of using video clips as a beneficial teaching tool to learn professionalism and other aspects of physicianship. As part of the longitudinal Physician Apprenticeship course at McGill University, first year medical students viewed video clips from the television series ER. The study used qualitative description and thematic analysis to interpret responses to questionnaires, which explored the educational merits of this exercise. Completed questionnaires were submitted by 112 students from 21 small groups. A major theme concerned the students' perceptions of the utility of video clips as a teaching tool, and consisted of comments organized into 10 categories: "authenticity and believability", "thought provoking", "skills and approaches", "setting", "medium", "level of training", "mentorship", "experiential learning", "effectiveness" and "relevance to practice". Another major theme reflected the qualities of physicianship portrayed in video clips, and included seven categories: "patient-centeredness", "communication", "physician-patient relationship", "professionalism", "ethical behavior", "interprofessional practice" and "mentorship". This study demonstrated that students perceived the value of using video clips from a television series as a means of teaching professionalism and other aspects of physicianship.

A random approach of test macro generation for early detection of hotspots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jong-hyun; Kim, Chin; Kang, Minsoo; Hwang, Sungwook; Yang, Jae-seok; Harb, Mohammed; Al-Imam, Mohamed; Madkour, Kareem; ElManhawy, Wael; Kwan, Joe

2016-03-01

Multiple-Patterning Technology (MPT) is still the preferred choice over EUV for the advanced technology nodes, starting the 20nm node. Down the way to 7nm and 5nm nodes, Self-Aligned Multiple Patterning (SAMP) appears to be one of the effective multiple patterning techniques in terms of achieving small pitch of printed lines on wafer, yet its yield is in question. Predicting and enhancing the yield in the early stages of technology development are some of the main objectives for creating test macros on test masks. While conventional yield ramp techniques for a new technology node have relied on using designs from previous technology nodes as a starting point to identify patterns for Design of Experiment (DoE) creation, these techniques are challenging to apply in the case of introducing an MPT technique like SAMP that did not exist in previous nodes. This paper presents a new strategy for generating test structures based on random placement of unit patterns that can construct more meaningful bigger patterns. Specifications governing the relationships between those unit patterns can be adjusted to generate layout clips that look like realistic SAMP designs. A via chain can be constructed to connect the random DoE of SAMP structures through a routing layer to external pads for electrical measurement. These clips are decomposed according to the decomposition rules of the technology into the appropriate mandrel and cut masks. The decomposed clips can be tested through simulations, or electrically on silicon to discover hotspots. The hotspots can be used in optimizing the fabrication process and models to fix them. They can also be used as learning patterns for DFM deck development. By expanding the size of the randomly generated test structures, more hotspots can be detected. This should provide a faster way to enhance the yield of a new technology node.

Impact of Aneurysm Projection on Intraoperative Complications During Surgical Clipping of Ruptured Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms.

PubMed

Fukuda, Hitoshi; Hayashi, Kosuke; Yoshino, Kumiko; Koyama, Takashi; Lo, Benjamin; Kurosaki, Yoshitaka; Yamagata, Sen

2016-03-01

Surgical clipping of ruptured posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms is a well-established procedure to date. However, preoperative factors associated with procedure-related risk require further elucidation. To investigate the impact of the direction of aneurysm projection on the incidence of procedure-related complications during surgical clipping of ruptured PCoA aneurysms. A total of 65 patients with ruptured PCoA aneurysms who underwent surgical clipping were retrospectively analyzed from a single-center, prospective, observational cohort database in this study. The aneurysms were categorized into lateral and posterior projection groups, depending on direction of the dome. Characteristics and operative findings of each projection group were identified. We also evaluated any correlation of aneurysm projection with the incidence of procedure-related complications. Patients with ruptured PCoA aneurysms with posterior projection more likely presented with good-admission-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (P = .01, χ test) and were less to also have intracerebral hematoma (P = .01). These aneurysms were found to be associated with higher incidence of intraoperative rupture (P = .02), complex clipping with fenestrated clips (P = .02), and dense adherence to PCoA or its perforators (P = .04) by univariate analysis. Aneurysms with posterior projection were also correlated with procedure-related complications, including postoperative cerebral infarction or hematoma formation (odds ratio, 5.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-31.1; P = .04) by multivariable analysis. Ruptured PCoA aneurysms with posterior projection carried a higher risk of procedure-related complications of surgical clipping than those with lateral projection.

The effect of music video clips on adolescent boys' body image, mood, and schema activation.

PubMed

Mulgrew, Kate E; Volcevski-Kostas, Diana; Rendell, Peter G

2014-01-01

There is limited research that has examined experimentally the effects of muscular images on adolescent boys' body image, with no research specifically examining the effects of music television. The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of viewing muscular and attractive singers in music video clips on early, mid, and late adolescent boys' body image, mood, and schema activation. Participants were 180 boys in grade 7 (mean age = 12.73 years), grade 9 (mean age = 14.40 years) or grade 11 (mean age = 16.15 years) who completed pre- and post-test measures of mood and body satisfaction after viewing music videos containing male singers of muscular or average appearance. They also completed measures of schema activation and social comparison after viewing the clips. The results showed that the boys who viewed the muscular clips reported poorer upper body satisfaction, lower appearance satisfaction, lower happiness, and more depressive feelings compared to boys who viewed the clips depicting singers of average appearance. There was no evidence of increased appearance schema activation but the boys who viewed the muscular clips did report higher levels of social comparison to the singers. The results suggest that music video clips are a powerful form of media in conveying information about the male ideal body shape and that negative effects are found in boys as young as 12 years.

A film set for the elicitation of emotion in research: A comprehensive catalog derived from four decades of investigation.

PubMed

Gilman, T Lee; Shaheen, Razan; Nylocks, K Maria; Halachoff, Danielle; Chapman, Jessica; Flynn, Jessica J; Matt, Lindsey M; Coifman, Karin G

2017-12-01

Emotions are highly influential to many psychological processes. Indeed, research employing emotional stimuli is rapidly escalating across the field of psychology. However, challenges remain regarding discrete evocation of frequently co-elicited emotions such as amusement and happiness, or anger and disgust. Further, as much contemporary work in emotion employs college students, we sought to additionally evaluate the efficacy of film clips to discretely elicit these more challenging emotions in a young adult population using an online medium. The internet is an important tool for investigating responses to emotional stimuli, but validations of emotionally evocative film clips across laboratory and web-based settings are limited in the literature. An additional obstacle is identifying stimuli amidst the numerous film clip validation studies. During our investigation, we recognized the lack of a categorical database to facilitate rapid identification of useful film clips for individual researchers' unique investigations. Consequently, here we also sought to produce the first compilation of such stimuli into an accessible and comprehensive catalog. We based our catalog upon prior work as well as our own, and identified 24 articles and 295 film clips from four decades of research. We present information on the validation of these clips in addition to our own research validating six clips using online administration settings. The results of our search in the literature and our own study are presented in tables designed to facilitate and improve a selection of highly valid film stimuli for future research.

Dive and Explore: An Interactive Web Visualization that Simulates Making an ROV Dive to an Active Submarine Volcano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiland, C.; Chadwick, W. W.

2004-12-01

Several years ago we created an exciting and engaging multimedia exhibit for the Hatfield Marine Science Center that lets visitors simulate making a dive to the seafloor with the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) named ROPOS. The exhibit immerses the user in an interactive experience that is naturally fun but also educational. The public display is located at the Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center in Newport, Oregon. We are now completing a revision to the project that will make this engaging virtual exploration accessible to a much larger audience. With minor modifications we will be able to put the exhibit onto the world wide web so that any person with internet access can view and learn about exciting volcanic and hydrothermal activity at Axial Seamount on the Juan de Fuca Ridge. The modifications address some cosmetic and logistic ISSUES confronted in the museum environment, but will mainly involve compressing video clips so they can be delivered more efficiently over the internet. The web version, like the museum version, will allow users to choose from 1 of 3 different dives sites in the caldera of Axial Volcano. The dives are based on real seafloor settings at Axial seamount, an active submarine volcano on the Juan de Fuca Ridge (NE Pacific) that is also the location of a seafloor observatory called NeMO. Once a dive is chosen, then the user watches ROPOS being deployed and then arrives into a 3-D computer-generated seafloor environment that is based on the real world but is easier to visualize and navigate. Once on the bottom, the user is placed within a 360 degree panorama and can look in all directions by manipulating the computer mouse. By clicking on markers embedded in the scene, the user can then either move to other panorama locations via movies that travel through the 3-D virtual environment, or they can play video clips from actual ROPOS dives specifically related to that scene. Audio accompanying the video clips informs the user where they are going or what they are looking at. After the user is finished exploring the dive site they end the dive by leaving the bottom and watching the ROV being recovered onto the ship at the surface. Within the three simulated dives there are a total of 6 arrival and departure movies, 7 seafloor panoramas, 12 travel movies, and 23 ROPOS video clips. This virtual exploration is part of the NeMO web site and will be at this URL http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/vents/dive.html

Management of horses with focus on blanketing and clipping practices reported by members of the Swedish and Norwegian equestrian community.

PubMed

Hartmann, E; Bøe, K E; Jørgensen, G H M; Mejdell, C M; Dahlborn, K

2017-03-01

Limited information is available on the extent to which blankets are used on horses and the owners' reasoning behind clipping the horse's coat. Research on the effects of those practices on horse welfare is scarce but results indicate that blanketing and clipping may not be necessary from the horse's perspective and can interfere with the horse's thermoregulatory capacities. Therefore, this survey collected robust, quantitative data on the housing routines and management of horses with focus on blanketing and clipping practices as reported by members of the Swedish and Norwegian equestrian community. Horse owners were approached via an online survey, which was distributed to equestrian organizations and social media. Data from 4,122 Swedish and 2,075 Norwegian respondents were collected, of which 91 and 84% of respondents, respectively, reported using blankets on horses during turnout. Almost all respondents owning warmblood riding horses used blankets outdoors (97% in Sweden and 96% in Norway) whereas owners with Icelandic horses and coldblood riding horses used blankets significantly less ( < 0.05). Blankets were mainly used during rainy, cold, or windy weather conditions and in ambient temperatures of 10°C and below. The horse's coat was clipped by 67% of respondents in Sweden and 35% of Norwegian respondents whereby owners with warmblood horses and horses primarily used for dressage and competition reported clipping the coat most frequently. In contrast to scientific results indicating that recovery time after exercise increases with blankets and that clipped horses have a greater heat loss capacity, only around 50% of respondents agreed to these statements. This indicates that evidence-based information on all aspects of blanketing and clipping has not yet been widely distributed in practice. More research is encouraged, specifically looking at the effect of blankets on sweaty horses being turned out after intense physical exercise and the effect of blankets on social interactions such as mutual grooming. Future efforts should be tailored to disseminate knowledge more efficiently, which can ultimately stimulate thoughtful decision-making by horse owners concerning the use of blankets and clipping the horse's coat.

Four-year trends in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms in Poland in 2009-2012.

PubMed

Tykocki, Tomasz; Kostyra, Kacper; Czyż, Marcin; Kostkiewicz, Bogusław

2014-05-01

The dilemma concerning the appropriate treatment of the intracranial aneurysms (IAs) has not yet been resolved and still remains under fierce debate. This study refers to the recent trends in the use of and outcomes related to coiling compared with clipping for unruptured and ruptured IAs in Poland over a 4-year period. The analysis refers to treatment of IAs performed in Poland between 2009-2012. Patients' records were cross-matched by ICD-9 codes for ruptured SAH (430) or unruptured cerebral aneurysm (437.3) along with codes for clipping (39.51) and coiling (39.79, 39.72, or 39.52). Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare in-hospital deaths, hospital length of stay (LOS), therapy allocation and aneurysm locations in unruptured vs. ruptured and clipped vs. coiled groups. Differences in the number of procedures between 16 administrative regions were standardized per 100,000 people. In 2009-2012, 11,051 procedures were identified, including 5,968 ruptured and 5,083 unruptured aneurysms. Overall increase was 2.3 % in clipping and 13.1 % in coiling; a significant trend was found in endovascular procedures (p = 0.044). Ruptured aneurysms were clipped more frequently (OR = 1.66;); in unruptured IAs, endovascular procedure was preferred 3.5 times more than clipping. The annual in-hospital mortality was 7.6 % in clipping and 6.7 % in endovascular treatment. LOS was two times longer after clipping in unruptured aneurysms (OR = 2.013). After the procedures were standardized per 100,000 people, the average for Poland was established as 9.09 in 2009, 10.86 in 2010, 10.55 in 2011, and 11.49 in 2012. This index had the highest values in Mazovia (12.9, 2009; 15.4, 2010; 17.4, 2011; 18.6, 2012. Data analysis revealed an increase in overall number of IAs treated in Poland between 2009-2012. A significant upward trend of endovascular procedures was found, whereas the number of clipped aneurysms remained relatively steady over the study period.

PCLIPS: Parallel CLIPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gryphon, Coranth D.; Miller, Mark D.

1991-01-01

PCLIPS (Parallel CLIPS) is a set of extensions to the C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) expert system language. PCLIPS is intended to provide an environment for the development of more complex, extensive expert systems. Multiple CLIPS expert systems are now capable of running simultaneously on separate processors, or separate machines, thus dramatically increasing the scope of solvable tasks within the expert systems. As a tool for parallel processing, PCLIPS allows for an expert system to add to its fact-base information generated by other expert systems, thus allowing systems to assist each other in solving a complex problem. This allows individual expert systems to be more compact and efficient, and thus run faster or on smaller machines.

Ischemic mass effect from biliary surgical clips.

PubMed

Mateo, Rod; Tsai, Steven; Stapfer, Maria V; Sher, Linda S; Selby, Rick; Genyk, Yuri S

2008-02-01

Migrating surgical clips in the hepatic hilum are known causes of biliary stricture or obstruction, most often due to direct intraluminal obstruction or secondary stone formation. Two cases are reported on patients with previous cholecystectomies presenting with delayed symptoms of biliary tract stricture. Both patients were successfully treated with a resection of the strictured area and a Roux-en-Y hepatico-jejunostomy. Resected specimens grossly demonstrated surgical clips adjacent to the stricture, but not directly within the lumen, suggestive of an ischemic mass effect, which was supported by histology. In addition to the direct intraluminal obstruction and lithogenic effects of migratory surgical clips, "clipomas" due to an ischemic mass effect can also lead to biliary tract strictures.

Construction of image database for newspapaer articles using CTS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamio, Tatsuo

Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Inc. developed a system of making articles' image database automatically by use of CTS (Computer Typesetting System). Besides the articles and the headlines inputted in CTS, it reproduces the image of elements of such as photography and graphs by article in accordance with information of position on the paper. So to speak, computer itself clips the articles out of the newspaper. Image database is accumulated in magnetic file and optical file and is output to the facsimile of users. With diffusion of CTS, newspaper companies which start to have structure of articles database are increased rapidly, the said system is the first attempt to make database automatically. This paper describes the device of CTS which supports this system and outline.

Portable inference engine: An extended CLIPS for real-time production systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Le, Thach; Homeier, Peter

1988-01-01

The present C-Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) architecture has not been optimized to deal with the constraints of real-time production systems. Matching in CLIPS is based on the Rete Net algorithm, whose assumption of working memory stability might fail to be satisfied in a system subject to real-time dataflow. Further, the CLIPS forward-chaining control mechanism with a predefined conflict resultion strategy may not effectively focus the system's attention on situation-dependent current priorties, or appropriately address different kinds of knowledge which might appear in a given application. Portable Inference Engine (PIE) is a production system architecture based on CLIPS which attempts to create a more general tool while addressing the problems of real-time expert systems. Features of the PIE design include a modular knowledge base, a modified Rete Net algorithm, a bi-directional control strategy, and multiple user-defined conflict resolution strategies. Problems associated with real-time applications are analyzed and an explanation is given for how the PIE architecture addresses these problems.

CLIP-related methodologies and their application to retrovirology.

PubMed

Bieniasz, Paul D; Kutluay, Sebla B

2018-05-02

Virtually every step of HIV-1 replication and numerous cellular antiviral defense mechanisms are regulated by the binding of a viral or cellular RNA-binding protein (RBP) to distinct sequence or structural elements on HIV-1 RNAs. Until recently, these protein-RNA interactions were studied largely by in vitro binding assays complemented with genetics approaches. However, these methods are highly limited in the identification of the relevant targets of RBPs in physiologically relevant settings. Development of crosslinking-immunoprecipitation sequencing (CLIP) methodology has revolutionized the analysis of protein-nucleic acid complexes. CLIP combines immunoprecipitation of covalently crosslinked protein-RNA complexes with high-throughput sequencing, providing a global account of RNA sequences bound by a RBP of interest in cells (or virions) at near-nucleotide resolution. Numerous variants of the CLIP protocol have recently been developed, some with major improvements over the original. Herein, we briefly review these methodologies and give examples of how CLIP has been successfully applied to retrovirology research.

Using popular films to enhance classroom learning: the good, the bad, and the interesting.

PubMed

Butler, Andrew C; Zaromb, Franklin M; Lyle, Keith B; Roediger, Henry L

2009-09-01

Popular history films sometimes contain major historical inaccuracies. Two experiments investigated how watching such films influences people's ability to remember associated texts. Subjects watched film clips and studied texts about various historical topics. Whereas the texts contained only correct information, the film clips contained both correct information (consistent with the text) and misinformation (contradicted by the text). Before watching each clip, subjects received a specific warning, a general warning, or no warning about the misinformation. One week later, they returned for a cued-recall test about the texts. Watching a film clip increased correct recall of consistent information relative to recall of the same information when subjects did not see the clip. However, when the information in the film contradicted the text, subjects often (falsely) recalled misinformation from the film. The specific warning substantially reduced this misinformation effect. Teachers should use popular history films with caution and should warn students about major inaccuracies in the films.

Optimizing assessment of sexual arousal in postmenopausal women using erotic film clips.

PubMed

Ramos Alarcon, Lauren G; Dai, Jing; Collins, Karen; Perez, Mindy; Woodard, Terri; Diamond, Michael P

2017-10-01

This study sought to assess sexual arousal in a subgroup of women by identifying erotic film clips that would be most mentally appealing and physically arousing to postmenopausal women. By measuring levels of mental appeal and self-reported physical arousal using a bidirectional scale, we aimed to elucidate the clips that would best be utilized for sexual health research in the postmenopausal or over 50-year-old subpopulation. Our results showed that postmenopausal women did not rate clips with older versus younger actors differently (p>0.05). The mean mental and mean physical scores were significantly correlated for both premenopausal subject ratings (r=0.69, p<0.001) and postmenopausal subject ratings (r=0.94, p<0.001). Thus postmenopausal women do not show a preference for the age of actors used in erotic film clips; this knowledge is relevant for design of future sexual function research. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

iCLIP reveals the function of hnRNP particles in splicing at individual nucleotide resolution

PubMed Central

König, Julian; Zarnack, Kathi; Rot, Gregor; Curk, Tomaž; Kayikci, Melis; Zupan, Blaž; Turner, Daniel J.; Luscombe, Nicholas M.; Ule, Jernej

2010-01-01

In the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, nascent transcripts are associated with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) particles that are nucleated by hnRNP C. Despite their abundance however, it remained unclear whether these particles control pre-mRNA processing. Here, we developed individual-nucleotide resolution UV-cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (iCLIP) to study the role of hnRNP C in splicing regulation. iCLIP data demonstrate that hnRNP C recognizes uridine tracts with a defined long-range spacing consistent with hnRNP particle organization. hnRNP particles assemble on both introns and exons, but remain generally excluded from splice sites. Integration of transcriptome-wide iCLIP data and alternative splicing profiles into an ‘RNA map’ indicates how the positioning of hnRNP particles determines their effect on inclusion of alternative exons. The ability of high-resolution iCLIP data to provide insights into the mechanism of this regulation holds promise for studies of other higher-order ribonucleoprotein complexes. PMID:20601959

Nitinol Thermoreactive Clips for Secondary Sternal Closure in Cases of Noninfective Sternal Dehiscence

PubMed Central

Gucu, Arif; Toktas, Faruk; Eris, Cuneyt; Ata, Yusuf; Turk, Tamer

2012-01-01

Postoperative sternal dehiscence is a potentially catastrophic sequela to median sternotomy that can cause not only chest-wall discomfort and pulmonary dysfunction but infection, both superficial and mediastinal. Nitinol thermoreactive clips use a novel material in the treatment of sternal dehiscence. We sought to determine whether the use of these clips is an effective remedy for noninfective sternal dehiscence. From January 2008 through December 2011, we retrospectively studied the data on 10 patients whose sternums had been closed with nitinol thermoreactive clips after the development of noninfective sternal dehiscence. Diagnosis was made on the bases of clinical criteria, chest radiography, and microbiological investigation. There was no control group. No procedure-related sequelae occurred. There was no recurrent sternal instability and dehiscence, sternal-related hemorrhage, superficial wound infection, or mediastinal infection. We believe that the use of nitinol thermoreactive clips is a safe, easy, and efficient method of secondary sternal closure for noninfective sternal dehiscence. PMID:22949767

Judgments of Nonverbal Behaviour by Children with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: Can They Detect Signs of Winning and Losing from Brief Video Clips?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ryan, Christian; Furley, Philip; Mulhall, Kathleen

2016-01-01

Typically developing children are able to judge who is winning or losing from very short clips of video footage of behaviour between active match play across a number of sports. Inferences from "thin slices" (short video clips) allow participants to make complex judgments about the meaning of posture, gesture and body language. This…

A Simple Recipe for Whitening Old Newspaper Clippings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carter, Henry A.

1995-07-01

Newspaper clippings tend to brown quickly with aging as the result of chromophores that form during the degradation of one or more components of paper. Newsprint that consists of approximately 40% lignin is particularly susceptible to browning due to the relative ease of the oxidation of lignin. For readers who wish to experiment with both whitening and deacidifying old newspaper clippings, a simple recipe requiring few materials is presented.

Speed Biases With Real-Life Video Clips

PubMed Central

Rossi, Federica; Montanaro, Elisa; de’Sperati, Claudio

2018-01-01

We live almost literally immersed in an artificial visual world, especially motion pictures. In this exploratory study, we asked whether the best speed for reproducing a video is its original, shooting speed. By using adjustment and double staircase methods, we examined speed biases in viewing real-life video clips in three experiments, and assessed their robustness by manipulating visual and auditory factors. With the tested stimuli (short clips of human motion, mixed human-physical motion, physical motion and ego-motion), speed underestimation was the rule rather than the exception, although it depended largely on clip content, ranging on average from 2% (ego-motion) to 32% (physical motion). Manipulating display size or adding arbitrary soundtracks did not modify these speed biases. Estimated speed was not correlated with estimated duration of these same video clips. These results indicate that the sense of speed for real-life video clips can be systematically biased, independently of the impression of elapsed time. Measuring subjective visual tempo may integrate traditional methods that assess time perception: speed biases may be exploited to develop a simple, objective test of reality flow, to be used for example in clinical and developmental contexts. From the perspective of video media, measuring speed biases may help to optimize video reproduction speed and validate “natural” video compression techniques based on sub-threshold temporal squeezing. PMID:29615875

Speed Biases With Real-Life Video Clips.

PubMed

Rossi, Federica; Montanaro, Elisa; de'Sperati, Claudio

2018-01-01

We live almost literally immersed in an artificial visual world, especially motion pictures. In this exploratory study, we asked whether the best speed for reproducing a video is its original, shooting speed. By using adjustment and double staircase methods, we examined speed biases in viewing real-life video clips in three experiments, and assessed their robustness by manipulating visual and auditory factors. With the tested stimuli (short clips of human motion, mixed human-physical motion, physical motion and ego-motion), speed underestimation was the rule rather than the exception, although it depended largely on clip content, ranging on average from 2% (ego-motion) to 32% (physical motion). Manipulating display size or adding arbitrary soundtracks did not modify these speed biases. Estimated speed was not correlated with estimated duration of these same video clips. These results indicate that the sense of speed for real-life video clips can be systematically biased, independently of the impression of elapsed time. Measuring subjective visual tempo may integrate traditional methods that assess time perception: speed biases may be exploited to develop a simple, objective test of reality flow, to be used for example in clinical and developmental contexts. From the perspective of video media, measuring speed biases may help to optimize video reproduction speed and validate "natural" video compression techniques based on sub-threshold temporal squeezing.

[Correction of aphakia with the implantation of the retropupillary iris clip intraocular artificial lens].

PubMed

Szabó, Antal; Papp, András; Borbándy, Ágnes; D Géhl, Zsuzsanna; Nagy, Zoltán Zsolt; Resch, Miklós

2017-01-01

The correction of aphakia might be a challenge for the surgeon. The aim of this study is to describe the authors' experience with the implantation of the retropupillary iris clip intraocular lens. Patients between January 2014 and December 2015 were included in the retrospective study. Retropupillary implantation of iris clip intraocular lens VRSA 54 (AMO Advanced Medical Optics, USA) was performed in all cases. The minimum follow up period was three months. The stability of the intraocular lens and the intraoperative and postoperative complications and the visual acuity were evaluated. During this time period 11 cases (1 female, 10 males) were included in the study. The mean age at the time of the implantation was 57.7 years (between 25-74 years). In 4 cases the iris clip lens was implanted during the first intervention, in 7 cases during the secondary procedure. In all cases the lens was fixated onto the iris posteriorly. The best corrected visual acuity before the iris clip implantation was 0.43 (0.1-1.0) and postoperatively at the time of the follow up 0.49 (0.04-1.0). With the use of the retropupillary implanted iris clip intraocular lens all of the patients could have been rehabilitated without major complications. Orv. Hetil., 2017, 158(1), 20-24.

SOFTWARE REVIEW: Multimedia Motion II. CD-ROM and Teacher's Guide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scaife, Jon A.

2000-05-01

This CD is the second edition of Multimedia Motion. It is an excellent resource for learning about kinematics. To run the software requires at least a good 486 processor with Windows 9x or 3.1. I used a P166 with Win 98. The CD contains 36 video clips, or `movies', of events ranging from a space shuttle launch, sporting activities and vehicle crash tests to familiar laboratory air-track experiments. For each event there are options to access concise on-screen notes and an audio commentary. The emphasis is strongly on user activity. The software design is very good, stimulating and supporting the user to think and make decisions about physics. `Inauthentic labour' is largely dealt with by the programme, and the result is that there is a high thinking-time to using-time ratio. The application is easy to install from scratch (it took under three minutes from first opening the box to running it for real). Basic use is as follows: you play a video clip through to get an idea of its contents. This takes a few seconds. Then you play it again, step by step, using the mouse to track a particular point of interest as it moves in the video (e.g. the tip of the space shuttle or the centre of a tennis ball). This results in a data set of x, y and t coordinates. The data can be plotted immediately, not only as x or y versus time but also with velocity or acceleration as the ordinate. There is an option for curve fitting, and if a linear or quadratic fit is chosen, the equation is displayed, from which it is simple to obtain gradients and intercepts, terms that often have significance in the physical system. It might be inferred from above that the package is designed for A-level and upper GCSE. While this is so, it could also be used with younger secondary students. The software is transparent and data gathering and graph plotting are very easy. The difference in the use of the application with younger students will be in the level of interpretation that the teacher would expect. This is an issue that is in the teacher's hands; the package is flexible enough to accommodate a wide range of learning aims. Audio clips are brief and to the point, with both female and male speakers. The commentary goes beyond the descriptive, raising interesting questions and issues and setting challenges for the user. The optional screen text is pitched at A-level. Video clips can be viewed at full screen, which is a big improvement over the first edition. There are some new clips and a few omissions from the first edition; further CDs of movie data are planned. Clips may be played forwards or backwards at various speeds using a scroll bar. This allows close control and analysis, which is useful for critical events in which changes are rapid, such as collisions. Printing of data and graphs is straightforward and the results are clear. Unlike the first edition, Multimedia Motion II only gives direct support to graphs with time as the abscissa. For graphs such as v(x) versus v(y), however, it is a simple matter to save the data directly into Excel or another spreadsheet. I encountered only one snag in using the CD: if I forgot to save my data before moving to a new clip I could not recover it. This failing could be mine, but I did try hard. The Teacher's Guide contains photocopiable worksheets and detailed discussion and graphs of the video clips. For each clip there is a section of `useful data and formulae'. The guide is not a necessity for using the CD-ROM but it would be a very handy A-level teaching resource, allowing the option of independent use by students. It is accompanied by a floppy disc containing sets of experimental data for the video clips, a useful option for quick demonstrations. In addition, the guide explains the interesting and creative option of making your own movie sequences from videotape, though access to a video card would be needed to do this. Imagine the motivational value of students recording themselves playing various sports, or even just riding a bike, and then analysing their own kinematic behaviour on the computer! In summary, this package has a lot to offer in the teaching of kinematics. It can be used in its full glory at A-level but has much to offer at, or even before, GCSE. It allows for the nearest realistic thing to direct experimentation in a wide range of well-chosen examples of motion.

Adjunctive intracardiac echocardiography imaging from the left ventricle to guide percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip in patients with failed prior surgical rings.

PubMed

Saji, Mike; Rossi, Ann M; Ailawadi, Gorav; Dent, John; Ragosta, Michael; Lim, D Scott

2016-02-01

We evaluated intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) for adjunctively guiding the MitraClip procedure in patients with prior surgical rings. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the standard imaging modality used to guide the MitraClip procedure (Abbott Vascular, CA). However, in patients with post-surgical anatomy, clear imaging of the mitral valve leaflets may be complex because of shadowing from the surgical ring. In these patients, TEE may be suboptimal for guiding the procedure, even using three-dimensional imaging. This retrospective analysis included data from 121 consecutive patients with mitral regurgitation who underwent MitraClip procedures at the University of Virginia. ICE was used adjunctively when there was difficulty with TEE, particularly for assessing the insertion of the posterior leaflet into the MitraClip's arms. The ICE catheter was introduced transarterially into the left ventricle and flexed to obtain the short-axis view. Six patients had prior surgical rings, and in five, we used adjunctive ICE. The etiology of the mitral regurgitation was prolapse of the posterior leaflet in one patient and restriction of the posterior leaflet due to ischemic tethering in the remainder. All images were obtained from the left ventricle, and were adequate for assessing posterior leaflet insertion and the perpendicularity of the MitraClip arms. The procedural success rate was 80%. There was no adverse event related to the ICE procedure. Mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system assisted by ICE is feasible in patients with prior surgical rings, achieving an excellent risk profile and satisfactory procedural success. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Mediastinal micro-vessels clipping during lymph node dissection may contribute to reduce postoperative pleural drainage

PubMed Central

Yan, Shi; Wang, Xing; Lv, Chao; Phan, Kevin; Wang, Yuzhao; Wang, Jia; Yang, Yue

2016-01-01

Background Postoperative pleural drainage markedly influences the length of postoperative stay and financial costs of medical care. The aim of this study is to retrospectively investigate potentially predisposing factors related to pleural drainage after curative thoracic surgery and to explore the impact of mediastinal micro-vessels clipping on pleural drainage control after lymph node dissection. Methods From February 2012 to November 2013, 322 consecutive cases of operable non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) undergoing lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection with or without application of clipping were collected. Total and daily postoperative pleural drainage were recorded. Propensity score matching (1:2) was applied to balance variables potentially impacting pleural drainage between group clip and group control. Analyses were performed to compare drainage volume, duration of chest tube and postoperative hospital stay between the two groups. Variables linked with pleural drainage in whole cohort were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results Propensity score matching resulted in 197 patients (matched cohort). Baseline patient characteristics were matched between two groups. Group clip showed less cumulative drainage volume (P=0.020), shorter duration of chest tube (P=0.031) and postoperative hospital stay (P=0.022) compared with group control. Risk factors significantly associated with high-output drainage in multivariable logistic regression analysis were being male, age >60 years, bilobectomy/sleeve lobectomy, pleural adhesion, the application of clip applier, duration of operation ≥220 minutes and chylothorax (P<0.05). Conclusions This study suggests that mediastinal micro-vessels clipping during lymph node dissection may reduce postoperative pleural drainage and thus shorten hospital stay. PMID:27076936

The effects of media violence on anxiety in late adolescence.

PubMed

Madan, Anjana; Mrug, Sylvie; Wright, Rex A

2014-01-01

Exposure to media violence is related to anxiety in youth, but the causality of the effect has not been established. This experimental study examined the effects of media violence on anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate in late adolescents. We also examined whether these responses varied by previous exposure to media and real-life violence. College students (N = 209; M age = 18.74; 75 % female; 50 % Caucasian, 34 % African American, 9 % Asian, 3 % Hispanic, and 3 % other racial minorities) were randomized to view either violent or nonviolent high-action movie clips. Participants reported on their anxiety before and after watching the clips, as well as their previous exposure to violence. Measures of blood pressure and heart rate were taken at baseline and during movie viewing. Participants watching violent movie clips showed a greater anxiety increase than those watching nonviolent clips. Both groups experienced increased blood pressure and reduced heart rate during movie watching compared to baseline. Prior exposure to media violence was associated with diminished heart rate response. Additionally, students previously exposed to high levels of real-life violence showed lower blood pressure increases when watching violent clips compared to nonviolent clips. Thus, relatively brief exposure to violent movie clips increased anxiety among late adolescents. Prior exposure to media and real-life violence were associated with lower physiological reactivity to high-action and violent movies, respectively, possibly indicating desensitization. Future studies should investigate long-term anxiety and physiological consequences of regular exposure to media violence in adolescence.

A P300 event related potential technique for assessment of sexually oriented interest.

PubMed

Vardi, Yoram; Volos, Michal; Sprecher, Elliot; Granovsky, Yelena; Gruenwald, Ilan; Yarnitsky, David

2006-12-01

Despite all of the modern, sophisticated tests that exist for diagnosing and assessing male and female sexual disorders, to our knowledge there is no objective psychophysiological test to evaluate sexual arousal and interest. We provide preliminary data showing a decrease in auditory P300 wave amplitude during exposure to sexually explicit video clips and a significant correlation between the auditory P300 amplitude decrease and self-reported scores of sexual arousal and interest in the clips. A total of 30 healthy subjects were exposed to several blocks of auditory stimuli administered using an oddball paradigm. Baseline auditory P300 amplitudes were obtained and auditory stimuli were then delivered while viewing visual clips with 3 types of content, including sport, scenery and sex. Auditory P300 amplitude significantly decreased during viewing clips of all contents. Viewing sexual content clips caused a maximal decrease in P300 amplitude (p <0.0001). In addition, a high correlation was found between the amplitude decrease and scores on the sexual arousal questionnaire regarding the viewed clips (r = 0.61, p <0.001). In addition, the P300 amplitude decrease was significantly related to the sexual interest score (r = 0.37, p = 0.042) but not to interest in clips of nonsexual content. The change in auditory P300 amplitude during exposure to visual stimuli with sexual context seems to be an objective measure of subject sexual interest. This method might be applied to assess therapeutic intervention and as a diagnostic tool for assessing disorders of impaired libido or psychogenic sexual dysfunction.

Treatment of Recurrent Intracranial Aneurysms After Clipping: A Report of 23 Cases and a Review of the Literature.

PubMed

Hokari, Masaaki; Kazumara, Ken; Nakayama, Naoki; Ushikoshi, Satoshi; Sugiyama, Taku; Asaoka, Katsunori; Uchida, Kazuki; Shimbo, Daisuke; Itamoto, Koji; Yokoyama, Yuka; Isobe, Masanori; Imai, Tetsuaki; Osanai, Toshiya; Houkin, Kiyohiro

2016-08-01

There are no established treatment strategies for aneurysms that recur after clipping. In this study, we present cases of patients who experienced recurrent aneurysms after clipping and subsequently underwent surgical intervention. Between 2004 and 2015, we surgically treated 23 aneurysms that recurred at a previously clipped site. Patient characteristics and clinical history were retrospectively reviewed. Patients included 19 women and 4 men 45-81 years old. Aneurysms recurred 3-31 years (mean, 15.4 years) after the initial operation. For 18 cases, the first clinical presentation was a subarachnoid hemorrhage; aneurysms were incidentally diagnosed in 5 patients. Aneurysm locations were as follows: 9 on the internal carotid artery; 4 on the middle cerebral artery; 7 on the anterior communicating artery; 2 on the distal anterior cerebral artery; and 1 on the basilar artery. The reasons for retreatment included subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 9) and aneurysm regrowth detected on follow-up examinations (n = 14). Endovascular treatment was performed in 10 cases, and direct surgery was performed in 13 cases (clipping in 8, clipping or trapping with bypass in 5). Various complex vascular reconstructions, including high-flow bypass and intracranial-intracranial in situ bypass, were performed for recurrent aneurysms. In our experience, coil embolization is a safe and effective procedure for treating recurrent aneurysms. When cases are unsuitable for coil embolization, surgical treatment often requires neurosurgeons not only to overcome the general technical difficulty of reoperative clipping but also to perform challenging vascular reconstruction. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

From tails to toes: developing nonlethal tissue indicators of mercury exposure in five amphibian species.

PubMed

Pfleeger, Adam Z; Eagles-Smith, Collin A; Kowalski, Brandon M; Herring, Garth; Willacker, James J; Jackson, Allyson K; Pierce, John R

2016-04-01

Exposure to environmental contaminants has been implicated as a factor in global amphibian decline. Mercury (Hg) is a particularly widespread contaminant that biomagnifies in amphibians and can cause a suite of deleterious effects. However, monitoring contaminant exposure in amphibian tissues may conflict with conservation goals if lethal take is required. Thus, there is a need to develop non-lethal tissue sampling techniques to quantify contaminant exposure in amphibians. Some minimally invasive sampling techniques, such as toe-clipping, are common in population-genetic research, but it is unclear if these methods can adequately characterize contaminant exposure. We examined the relationships between mercury (Hg) concentrations in non-lethally sampled tissues and paired whole-bodies in five amphibian species. Specifically, we examined the utility of three different tail-clip sections from four salamander species and toe-clips from one anuran species. Both tail and toe-clips accurately predicted whole-body THg concentrations, but the relationships differed among species and the specific tail-clip section or toe that was used. Tail-clips comprised of the distal 0-2 cm segment performed the best across all salamander species, explaining between 82 and 92% of the variation in paired whole-body THg concentrations. Toe-clips were less effective predictors of frog THg concentrations, but THg concentrations in outer rear toes accounted for up to 79% of the variability in frog whole-body THg concentrations. These findings suggest non-lethal sampling of tails and toes has potential applications for monitoring contaminant exposure and risk in amphibians, but care must be taken to ensure consistent collection and interpretation of samples.

Training in Cerebral Aneurysm Clipping Using Self-Made 3-Dimensional Models.

PubMed

Mashiko, Toshihiro; Kaneko, Naoki; Konno, Takehiko; Otani, Keisuke; Nagayama, Rie; Watanabe, Eiju

Recently, there have been increasingly fewer opportunities for junior surgeons to receive on-the-job training. Therefore, we created custom-built three-dimensional (3D) surgical simulators for training in connection with cerebral aneurysm clipping. Three patient-specific models were composed of a trimmed skull, retractable brain, and a hollow elastic aneurysm with its parent artery. The brain models were created using 3D printers via a casting technique. The artery models were made by 3D printing and a lost-wax technique. Four residents and 2 junior neurosurgeons attended the training courses. The trainees retracted the brain, observed the parent arteries and aneurysmal neck, selected the clip(s), and clipped the neck of an aneurysm. The duration of simulation was recorded. A senior neurosurgeon then assessed the trainee's technical skill and explained how to improve his/her performance for the procedure using a video of the actual surgery. Subsequently, the trainee attempted the clipping simulation again, using the same model. After the course, the senior neurosurgeon assessed each trainee's technical skill. The trainee critiqued the usefulness of the model and the effectiveness of the training course. Trainees succeeded in performing the simulation in line with an actual surgery. Their skills tended to improve upon completion of the training. These simulation models are easy to create, and we believe that they are very useful for training junior neurosurgeons in the surgical techniques needed for cerebral aneurysm clipping. Copyright © 2017 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Embracing the quantum limit in silicon computing.

PubMed

Morton, John J L; McCamey, Dane R; Eriksson, Mark A; Lyon, Stephen A

2011-11-16

Quantum computers hold the promise of massive performance enhancements across a range of applications, from cryptography and databases to revolutionary scientific simulation tools. Such computers would make use of the same quantum mechanical phenomena that pose limitations on the continued shrinking of conventional information processing devices. Many of the key requirements for quantum computing differ markedly from those of conventional computers. However, silicon, which plays a central part in conventional information processing, has many properties that make it a superb platform around which to build a quantum computer. © 2011 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved

21 CFR 884.1720 - Gynecologic laparoscope and accessories.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... accessory instruments include: the lens cleaning brush, biopsy brush, clip applier (without clips...), retractor, mechanical (noninflatable), snare, stylet, forceps, dissector, mechanical (noninflatable...

21 CFR 884.1720 - Gynecologic laparoscope and accessories.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... accessory instruments include: the lens cleaning brush, biopsy brush, clip applier (without clips...), retractor, mechanical (noninflatable), snare, stylet, forceps, dissector, mechanical (noninflatable...

21 CFR 884.1720 - Gynecologic laparoscope and accessories.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... accessory instruments include: the lens cleaning brush, biopsy brush, clip applier (without clips...), retractor, mechanical (noninflatable), snare, stylet, forceps, dissector, mechanical (noninflatable...