Symptomatic Giant Cavernous Haemangioma of the Liver: Is Enucleation a Safe Method?

PubMed Central

Alabaz, Ö.; Ağdemir, D.; Sungur, I.; Erkoçak, E. U.; Akinoğlu, A.; Alparslan, A.; Źorludemir, S.

1997-01-01

Twenty-three patients with symptomatic giant hemangioma of the liver were treated by surgery between 1979 and 1996 at the department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Çukurova. Twenty-three enucleations were performed in 21 patients, left lateral segmentectomy in one patient and enucleation plus left lobectomy in one patient. The tumors were enucleated along the interface between the hemangioma and normal liver tissue. The diameters of the tumors ranged from 5×5 to 25×15 cm. The mean blood loss for enucleations was 525 ml (range 500–1000 ml). There was no mortality and no postoperative bleeding. Three patients had postoperative complications. Enucleation is the best surgical technique for symptomatic giant hemangioma of the liver. It may be performed with no mortality, low morbidity and the preservation of all normal liver parenchyma. PMID:9298384

Functional Transcranial Doppler Sonography and a Spatial Orientation Paradigm Identify the Non-Dominant Hemisphere

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dorst, J.; Haag, A.; Knake, S.; Oertel, W. H.; Hamer, H. M.; Rosenow, F.

2008-01-01

Rationale: Functional transcranial Doppler sonography (fTCD) during word generation is well established for language lateralization. In this study, we evaluated a fTCD paradigm to reliably identify the non-dominant hemisphere. Methods: Twenty-nine right-handed healthy subjects (27.1 [plus or minus] 7.6 years) performed the "cube perspective test"…

Reasons Given by Older People for Limitation or Avoidance of Driving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ragland, David R.; Satariano, William A.; MacLeod, Kara E.

2004-01-01

Purpose: To understand the driving behavior of older adults, this study examines self-reported reasons for driving limitation or avoidance. Design and Methods: Baseline interviews were conducted (n = 2,046) as part of a community-based study of aging and physical performance in persons aged 55 years or older in Sonoma, California. Twenty-one…

The Oral Narrative Comprehension and Production Abilities of Verbal Preschoolers on the Autism Spectrum

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Westerveld, Marleen F.; Roberts, Jacqueline M. A.

2017-01-01

Purpose: This study described the oral narrative comprehension and production skills of verbal preschool-age children on the autism spectrum and investigated correlations between oral narrative ability and norm-referenced language test performance. Method: Twenty-nine preschool-age children (aged 4;0-5;9 years;months) with autism, who obtained an…

Deficits in Coordinative Bimanual Timing Precision in Children with Specific Language Impairment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vuolo, Janet; Goffman, Lisa; Zelaznik, Howard N.

2017-01-01

Purpose: Our objective was to delineate components of motor performance in specific language impairment (SLI); specifically, whether deficits in timing precision in one effector (unimanual tapping) and in two effectors (bimanual clapping) are observed in young children with SLI. Method: Twenty-seven 4- to 5-year-old children with SLI and 21…

Sex Comparisons for Relative Peak Torque and Electromyographic Mean Frequency during Fatigue

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stock, Matt S.; Beck, Travis W.; DeFreitas, Jason M.; Ye, Xin

2013-01-01

Purpose: This study compared the relative peak torque and normalized electromyographic (EMG) mean frequency (MNF) responses during fatiguing isokinetic muscle actions for men versus women. Method: Twenty men M[subscript age] ± SD = 22 ± 2 years) and 20 women M[subscript age] ± SD = 22 ± 1 years) performed 50 maximal concentric isokinetic muscle…

An Objective Comparison of Cell Tracking Algorithms

PubMed Central

Ulman, Vladimír; Maška, Martin; Magnusson, Klas E. G.; Ronneberger, Olaf; Haubold, Carsten; Harder, Nathalie; Matula, Pavel; Matula, Petr; Svoboda, David; Radojevic, Miroslav; Smal, Ihor; Rohr, Karl; Jaldén, Joakim; Blau, Helen M.; Dzyubachyk, Oleh; Lelieveldt, Boudewijn; Xiao, Pengdong; Li, Yuexiang; Cho, Siu-Yeung; Dufour, Alexandre C.; Olivo-Marin, Jean-Christophe; Reyes-Aldasoro, Constantino C.; Solis-Lemus, Jose A.; Bensch, Robert; Brox, Thomas; Stegmaier, Johannes; Mikut, Ralf; Wolf, Steffen; Hamprecht, Fred. A.; Esteves, Tiago; Quelhas, Pedro; Demirel, Ömer; Malmström, Lars; Jug, Florian; Tomancak, Pavel; Meijering, Erik; Muñoz-Barrutia, Arrate; Kozubek, Michal; Ortiz-de-Solorzano, Carlos

2017-01-01

We present a combined report on the results of three editions of the Cell Tracking Challenge, an ongoing initiative aimed at promoting the development and objective evaluation of cell tracking algorithms. With twenty-one participating algorithms and a data repository consisting of thirteen datasets of various microscopy modalities, the challenge displays today’s state of the art in the field. We analyze the results using performance measures for segmentation and tracking that rank all participating methods. We also analyze the performance of all algorithms in terms of biological measures and their practical usability. Even though some methods score high in all technical aspects, not a single one obtains fully correct solutions. We show that methods that either take prior information into account using learning strategies or analyze cells in a global spatio-temporal video context perform better than other methods under the segmentation and tracking scenarios included in the challenge. PMID:29083403

Cross-Linguistic and Cross-Cultural Effects on Verbal Working Memory and Vocabulary: Testing Language-Minority Children with an Immigrant Background

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Engel de Abreu, Pascale M. J.; Baldassi, Martine; Puglisi, Marina L.; Befi-Lopes, Debora M.

2013-01-01

Purpose: In this study, the authors explored the impact of test language and cultural status on vocabulary and working memory performance in multilingual language-minority children. Method: Twenty 7-year-old Portuguese-speaking immigrant children living in Luxembourg completed several assessments of first (L1)- and second-language (L2) vocabulary…

Effects of Isometric Hand-Grip Muscle Contraction on Young Adults' Free Recall and Recognition Memory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tomporowski, Phillip D.; Albrecht, Chelesa; Pendleton, Daniel M.

2017-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if physical arousal produced by isometric hand-dynamometer contraction performed during word-list learning affects young adults' free recall or recognition memory. Method: Twenty-four young adults (12 female; M[subscript age] = 22 years) were presented with 4 20-item word lists. Moderate arousal…

Braille Reading Accuracy of Students Who Are Visually Impaired: The Effects of Gender, Age at Vision Loss, and Level of Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Argyropoulos, Vassilis; Papadimitriou, Vassilios

2015-01-01

Introduction: The present study assesses the performance of students who are visually impaired (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) in braille reading accuracy and examines potential correlations among the error categories on the basis of gender, age at loss of vision, and level of education. Methods: Twenty-one visually impaired…

WebQuests in Special Primary Education: Learning in a Web-Based Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kleemans, Tijs; Segers, Eliane; Droop, Mienke; Wentink, Hanneke

2011-01-01

The present study investigated the differences in learning gain when performing a WebQuest with a well-defined versus an ill-defined assignment. Twenty boys and twenty girls (mean age 11; 10), attending a special primary education school, performed two WebQuests. In each WebQuest, they performed either a well-defined or an ill-defined assignment.…

Esophageal dilatation using the Eder Puestow dilators.

PubMed

Royston, C M; Dowling, B L; Gear, M W

1976-06-01

We have performed fifty-one dilatations in twenty-six patients using an end-viewing fiberoptic endoscope and Eder Puestow dilators. All (except two) were performed using intravenous diazepam, the majority on an outpatient basis. The only complication has been a single case of aspiration pneumonia. We have found this method of esophageal dilatation particularly useful in the preoperative dilatation of benign strictures, and in those elderly frail patients who are unsuitable for surgery. Transthoracic resection of the stricture is avoided and thus transabdominal repair of the hiatus hernia may be undertaken.

Clinical tooth preparations and associated measuring methods: a systematic review.

PubMed

Tiu, Janine; Al-Amleh, Basil; Waddell, J Neil; Duncan, Warwick J

2015-03-01

The geometries of tooth preparations are important features that aid in the retention and resistance of cemented complete crowns. The clinically relevant values and the methods used to measure these are not clear. The purpose of this systematic review was to retrieve, organize, and critically appraise studies measuring clinical tooth preparation parameters, specifically the methodology used to measure the preparation geometry. A database search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect with an additional hand search on December 5, 2013. The articles were screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria and information regarding the total occlusal convergence (TOC) angle, margin design, and associated measuring methods were extracted. The values and associated measuring methods were tabulated. A total of 1006 publications were initially retrieved. After removing duplicates and filtering by using exclusion and inclusion criteria, 983 articles were excluded. Twenty-three articles reported clinical tooth preparation values. Twenty articles reported the TOC, 4 articles reported margin designs, 4 articles reported margin angles, and 3 articles reported the abutment height of preparations. A variety of methods were used to measure these parameters. TOC values seem to be the most important preparation parameter. Recommended TOC values have increased over the past 4 decades from an unachievable 2- to 5-degree taper to a more realistic 10 to 22 degrees. Recommended values are more likely to be achieved under experimental conditions if crown preparations are performed outside of the mouth. We recommend that a standardized measurement method based on the cross sections of crown preparations and standardized reporting be developed for future studies analyzing preparation geometry. Copyright © 2015 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis of factors in successful nasal endoscopic resection of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.

PubMed

Ye, Dong; Shen, Zhisen; Wang, Guoli; Deng, Hongxia; Qiu, Shijie; Zhang, Yuna

2016-01-01

Endoscopic resection of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is less traumatic, causes less bleeding, and provides a good curative effect. Using pre-operative embolization and controlled hypotension, reasonable surgical strategies and techniques lead to successful resection tumors of a maximum Andrews-Fisch classification stage of III. To investigate surgical indications, methods, surgical technique, and curative effects of transnasal endoscopic resection of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, this study evaluated factors that improve diagnosis and treatment, prevent large intra-operative blood loss and residual tumor, and increase the cure rate. A retrospective analysis was performed of the clinical data and treatment programs of 23 patients with nasopharyngeal angiofibroma who underwent endoscopic resection with pre-operative embolization and controlled hypotension. The surgical method applied was based on the size of tumor and extent of invasion. Curative effects were observed. No intra-operative or perioperative complications were observed in 22 patients. Upon removal of nasal packing material 3-7 days post-operatively, one patient experienced heavy bleeding of the nasopharyngeal wound, which was treated compression hemostasis using post-nasal packing. Twenty-three patients were followed up for 6-60 months. Twenty-two patients experienced cure; one patient experienced recurrence 10 months post-operatively, and repeat nasal endoscopic surgery was performed and resulted in cure.

Limited connected speech experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landell, P. B.

1983-03-01

The purpose of this contract was to demonstrate that connected Speech Recognition (CSR) can be performed in real-time on a vocabulary of one hundred words and to test the performance of the CSR system for twenty-five male and twenty-five female speakers. This report describes the contractor's real-time laboratory CSR system, the data base and training software developed in accordance with the contract, and the results of the performance tests.

[Interlaboratory Study on Evaporation Residue Test for Food Contact Products (Report 2)].

PubMed

Ohno, Hiroyuki; Mutsuga, Motoh; Abe, Tomoyuki; Abe, Yutaka; Amano, Homare; Ishihara, Kinuyo; Ohsaka, Ikue; Ohno, Haruka; Ohno, Yuichiro; Ozaki, Asako; Kakihara, Yoshiteru; Kobayashi, Hisashi; Sakuragi, Hiroshi; Shibata, Hiroshi; Shirono, Katsuhiro; Sekido, Haruko; Takasaka, Noriko; Takenaka, Yu; Tajima, Yoshiyasu; Tanaka, Aoi; Tanaka, Hideyuki; Nakanishi, Toru; Nomura, Chie; Haneishi, Nahoko; Hayakawa, Masato; Miura, Toshihiko; Yamaguchi, Miku; Yamada, Kyohei; Watanabe, Kazunari; Sato, Kyoko

2018-01-01

An interlaboratory study was performed to evaluate the equivalence between an official method and a modified method of evaporation residue test using heptane as a food-simulating solvent for oily or fatty foods, based on the Japanese Food Sanitation Law for food contact products. Twenty-three laboratories participated, and tested the evaporation residues of nine test solutions as blind duplicates. In the official method, heating for evaporation was done with a water bath. In the modified method, a hot plate was used for evaporation, and/or a vacuum concentration procedure was skipped. In most laboratories, the test solutions were heated until just prior to dryness, and then allowed to dry under residual heat. Statistical analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between the two methods. Accordingly, the modified method provides performance equal to the official method, and is available as an alternative method. Furthermore, an interlaboratory study was performed to evaluate and compare two leaching solutions (95% ethanol and isooctane) used as food-simulating solvents for oily or fatty foods in the EU. The results demonstrated that there was no significant difference between heptane and these two leaching solutions.

Cognitive assessment in mathematics with the least squares distance method.

PubMed

Ma, Lin; Çetin, Emre; Green, Kathy E

2012-01-01

This study investigated the validation of comprehensive cognitive attributes of an eighth-grade mathematics test using the least squares distance method and compared performance on attributes by gender and region. A sample of 5,000 students was randomly selected from the data of the 2005 Turkish national mathematics assessment of eighth-grade students. Twenty-five math items were assessed for presence or absence of 20 cognitive attributes (content, cognitive processes, and skill). Four attributes were found to be misspecified or nonpredictive. However, results demonstrated the validity of cognitive attributes in terms of the revised set of 17 attributes. The girls had similar performance on the attributes as the boys. The students from the two eastern regions significantly underperformed on the most attributes.

Application of the desulfurization of phenothiazines for a sensitive detection method by high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Shimada, K; Mino, T; Nakajima, M; Wakabayashi, H; Yamato, S

1994-11-04

A simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the determination of phenothiazine (PHE) is described. PHE is converted to diphenylamine (DIP) by desulfurization with Raney nickel catalyst. DIP is highly sensitive to electrochemical detection. The calibration graph for PHE quantification after desulfurization was linear between 0.1 and 2.0 ng per injection. The detection limit (signal-to-noise ratio = 3) of PHE after desulfurization was 10 pg, which is twenty times higher than that of the parent compound PHE. The proposed desulfurization technique was applied to other PHE-related compounds. The structural confirmation of the desulfurized product of PHE was carried out by LC-MS using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization.

Testing an automated method to estimate ground-water recharge from streamflow records

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rutledge, A.T.; Daniel, C.C.

1994-01-01

The computer program, RORA, allows automated analysis of streamflow hydrographs to estimate ground-water recharge. Output from the program, which is based on the recession-curve-displacement method (often referred to as the Rorabaugh method, for whom the program is named), was compared to estimates of recharge obtained from a manual analysis of 156 years of streamflow record from 15 streamflow-gaging stations in the eastern United States. Statistical tests showed that there was no significant difference between paired estimates of annual recharge by the two methods. Tests of results produced by the four workers who performed the manual method showed that results can differ significantly between workers. Twenty-two percent of the variation between manual and automated estimates could be attributed to having different workers perform the manual method. The program RORA will produce estimates of recharge equivalent to estimates produced manually, greatly increase the speed od analysis, and reduce the subjectivity inherent in manual analysis.

Incorporating Wiki Technology in a Traditional Biostatistics Course: Effects on University Students' Collaborative Learning, Approaches to Learning and Course Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fong, Shirley S. M.; Chu, Samuel K. W.; Lau, Wilfred W.F.; Doherty, Iain; Hew, K. F.

2017-01-01

Aim/Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of incorporating wiki technology in an undergraduate biostatistics course for improving university students' collaborative learning, approaches to learning, and course performance. Methodology: During a three year longitudinal study, twenty-one and twenty-four undergraduate students were recruited by…

Automated Discrimination Method of Muscular and Subcutaneous Fat Layers Based on Tissue Elasticity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inoue, Masahiro; Fukuda, Osamu; Tsubai, Masayoshi; Muraki, Satoshi; Okumura, Hiroshi; Arai, Kohei

Balance between human body composition, e.g. bones, muscles, and fat, is a major and basic indicator of personal health. Body composition analysis using ultrasound has been developed rapidly. However, interpretation of echo signal is conducted manually, and accuracy and confidence in interpretation requires experience. This paper proposes an automated discrimination method of tissue boundaries for measuring the thickness of subcutaneous fat and muscular layers. A portable one-dimensional ultrasound device was used in this study. The proposed method discriminated tissue boundaries based on tissue elasticity. Validity of the proposed method was evaluated in twenty-one subjects (twelve women, nine men; aged 20-70 yr) at three anatomical sites. Experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve considerably high discrimination performance.

Assessment of Severity of Ovine Smoke Inhalation Injury by Analysis of Computed Tomographic Scans

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-09-01

Computerized analysis of three- dimensional reconstructed scans was also performed, based on Hounsfield unit ranges: hyperinflated, 1,000 to 900; normal...the interactive segmentation function of the software. The pulmonary parenchyma was separated into four regions based on the Hounsfield unit (HU...SII) severity. Methods: Twenty anesthetized sheep underwent graded SII: group I, no smoke; group II, 5 smoke units ; group III, 10 units ; and group IV

Methods to Protect from Skeletal Cardiovascular Insufficiency: Improving Soldier Performance in Adverse Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-11-01

A specific objective here is to determine the role and subtype of adenosine receptors that mediate skeletal muscle protection using a quantitative... using a mouse hindlimb model and it defined adenosine A3 receptors as one of the skeletal muscle protective adenosine receptors. The study also...from the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Human Subjects Research Review Board on 9/9/2005. Twenty two subjects were consented but

Twenty-First Century Literacy: A Matter of Scale from Micro to Mega

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Abbie; Slagter van Tryon, Patricia J.

2010-01-01

Twenty-first century technologies require educators to look for new ways to teach literacy skills. Current communication methods are combinations of traditional and newer, network-driven forms. This article describes the changes twenty-first century technologies cause in the perception of time, size, distance, audience, and available data, and…

Comparison of real-time PCR methods for the detection of Naegleria fowleri in surface water and sediment.

PubMed

Streby, Ashleigh; Mull, Bonnie J; Levy, Karen; Hill, Vincent R

2015-05-01

Naegleria fowleri is a thermophilic free-living ameba found in freshwater environments worldwide. It is the cause of a rare but potentially fatal disease in humans known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis. Established N. fowleri detection methods rely on conventional culture techniques and morphological examination followed by molecular testing. Multiple alternative real-time PCR assays have been published for rapid detection of Naegleria spp. and N. fowleri. Foursuch assays were evaluated for the detection of N. fowleri from surface water and sediment. The assays were compared for thermodynamic stability, analytical sensitivity and specificity, detection limits, humic acid inhibition effects, and performance with seeded environmental matrices. Twenty-one ameba isolates were included in the DNA panel used for analytical sensitivity and specificity analyses. N. fowleri genotypes I and III were used for method performance testing. Two of the real-time PCR assays were determined to yield similar performance data for specificity and sensitivity for detecting N. fowleri in environmental matrices.

Comparison of real-time PCR methods for the detection of Naegleria fowleri in surface water and sediment

PubMed Central

Streby, Ashleigh; Mull, Bonnie J.; Levy, Karen

2015-01-01

Naegleria fowleri is a thermophilic free-living ameba found in freshwater environments worldwide. It is the cause of a rare but potentially fatal disease in humans known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis. Established N. fowleri detection methods rely on conventional culture techniques and morphological examination followed by molecular testing. Multiple alternative real-time PCR assays have been published for rapid detection of Naegleria spp. and N. fowleri. Four such assays were evaluated for the detection of N. fowleri from surface water and sediment. The assays were compared for thermodynamic stability, analytical sensitivity and specificity, detection limits, humic acid inhibition effects, and performance with seeded environmental matrices. Twenty-one ameba isolates were included in the DNA panel used for analytical sensitivity and specificity analyses. N. fowleri genotypes I and III were used for method performance testing. Two of the real-time PCR assays were determined to yield similar performance data for specificity and sensitivity for detecting N. fowleri in environmental matrices. PMID:25855343

Fluorescence background removal method for biological Raman spectroscopy based on empirical mode decomposition.

PubMed

Leon-Bejarano, Maritza; Dorantes-Mendez, Guadalupe; Ramirez-Elias, Miguel; Mendez, Martin O; Alba, Alfonso; Rodriguez-Leyva, Ildefonso; Jimenez, M

2016-08-01

Raman spectroscopy of biological tissue presents fluorescence background, an undesirable effect that generates false Raman intensities. This paper proposes the application of the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) method to baseline correction. EMD is a suitable approach since it is an adaptive signal processing method for nonlinear and non-stationary signal analysis that does not require parameters selection such as polynomial methods. EMD performance was assessed through synthetic Raman spectra with different signal to noise ratio (SNR). The correlation coefficient between synthetic Raman spectra and the recovered one after EMD denoising was higher than 0.92. Additionally, twenty Raman spectra from skin were used to evaluate EMD performance and the results were compared with Vancouver Raman algorithm (VRA). The comparison resulted in a mean square error (MSE) of 0.001554. High correlation coefficient using synthetic spectra and low MSE in the comparison between EMD and VRA suggest that EMD could be an effective method to remove fluorescence background in biological Raman spectra.

Characterization of the chemical composition of white chrysanthemum flowers of Hangzhou by using high-performance ion trap mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Zhou, Xiahui; Chen, Xiaocheng; Wu, Xin; Cao, Gang; Zhang, Junjie

2016-04-01

In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with amaZon SL high-performance ion trap mass spectrometry was used to analyze the target components in white chrysanthemum flowers of Hangzhou. Twenty-one components were detected and identified in both white chrysanthemum flowers of Hangzhou samples by using target compound analysis. Furthermore, seven new compounds in white chrysanthemum flowers of Hangzhou were found and identified by analyzing the fragment ion behavior in the mass spectra. The established method can be expedient for the global quality investigation of complex components in herbal medicines and food. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The effects of Pilates breathing trainings on trunk muscle activation in healthy female subjects: a prospective study

PubMed Central

Kim, Sung-Tae; Lee, Joon-Hee

2017-01-01

[Purpose] To investigate the effects of Pilates breathing on trunk muscle activation. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-eight healthy female adults were selected for this study. Participants’ trunk muscle activations were measured while they performed curl-ups, chest-head lifts, and lifting tasks. Pilates breathing trainings were performed for 60 minutes per each session, 3 times per week for 2 weeks. Post-training muscle activations were measured by the same methods used for the pre-training muscle activations. [Results] All trunk muscles measured in this study had increased activities after Pilates breathing trainings. All activities of the transversus abdominis/internal abdominal oblique, and multifidus significantly increased. [Conclusion] Pilates breathing increased activities of the trunk stabilizer muscles. Activation of the trunk muscle indicates that practicing Pilates breathing while performing lifting tasks will reduce the risk of trunk injuries. PMID:28265138

The effects of Pilates breathing trainings on trunk muscle activation in healthy female subjects: a prospective study.

PubMed

Kim, Sung-Tae; Lee, Joon-Hee

2017-02-01

[Purpose] To investigate the effects of Pilates breathing on trunk muscle activation. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-eight healthy female adults were selected for this study. Participants' trunk muscle activations were measured while they performed curl-ups, chest-head lifts, and lifting tasks. Pilates breathing trainings were performed for 60 minutes per each session, 3 times per week for 2 weeks. Post-training muscle activations were measured by the same methods used for the pre-training muscle activations. [Results] All trunk muscles measured in this study had increased activities after Pilates breathing trainings. All activities of the transversus abdominis/internal abdominal oblique, and multifidus significantly increased. [Conclusion] Pilates breathing increased activities of the trunk stabilizer muscles. Activation of the trunk muscle indicates that practicing Pilates breathing while performing lifting tasks will reduce the risk of trunk injuries.

Picking the Right Horse? Dominant Maneuver in the Twenty-First Century

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-06-05

SUBTITLE Picking the Right Horse ? Dominant Maneuver in the Twenty-First Century 6.AUTH0RIS) Major Steven D. Russell, U.S. Army 7. PERFORMING...Z39-18 298-102 PICKING THE RIGHT HORSE ? DOMINANT MANEUVER IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY A thesis presented to the Faculty of the U.S. Army Command...unlimited. wc«’*u»»»«aBI PICKING THE RIGHT HORSE ? DOMINANT MANEUVER IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY A thesis presented to the Faculty of the U.S. Army

[Costing nuclear medicine diagnostic procedures].

PubMed

Markou, Pavlos

2005-01-01

To the Editor: Referring to a recent special report about the cost analysis of twenty-nine nuclear medicine procedures, I would like to clarify some basic aspects for determining costs of nuclear medicine procedure with various costing methodologies. Activity Based Costing (ABC) method, is a new approach in imaging services costing that can provide the most accurate cost data, but is difficult to perform in nuclear medicine diagnostic procedures. That is because ABC requires determining and analyzing all direct and indirect costs of each procedure, according all its activities. Traditional costing methods, like those for estimating incomes and expenses per procedure or fixed and variable costs per procedure, which are widely used in break-even point analysis and the method of ratio-of-costs-to-charges per procedure may be easily performed in nuclear medicine departments, to evaluate the variability and differences between costs and reimbursement - charges.

Twenty-four cases of imported zika virus infections diagnosed by molecular methods.

PubMed

Alejo-Cancho, Izaskun; Torner, Nuria; Oliveira, Inés; Martínez, Ana; Muñoz, José; Jane, Mireia; Gascón, Joaquim; Requena-Méndez, Ana; Vilella, Anna; Marcos, M Ángeles; Pinazo, María Jesús; Gonzalo, Verónica; Rodriguez, Natalia; Martínez, Miguel J

2016-10-01

Zika virus is an emerging flavivirus widely spreading through Latin America. Molecular diagnosis of the infection can be performed using serum, urine and saliva samples, although a well-defined diagnostic algorithm is not yet established. We describe a series of 24 cases of imported zika virus infection into Catalonia (northeastern Spain). Based on our findings, testing of paired serum and urine samples is recommended. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Granulomatous mastitis: changing clinical and imaging features with image-guided biopsy correlation.

PubMed

Handa, Priyanka; Leibman, A Jill; Sun, Derek; Abadi, Maria; Goldberg, Aryeh

2014-10-01

To review clinical presentation, revisit patient demographics and imaging findings in granulomatous mastitis and determine the optimal biopsy method for diagnosis. A retrospective study was performed to review the clinical presentation, imaging findings and biopsy methods in patients with granulomatous mastitis. Twenty-seven patients with pathology-proven granulomatous mastitis were included. The average age at presentation was 38.0 years (range, 21-73 years). Seven patients were between 48 and 73 years old. Twenty-four patients presented with symptoms and three patients were asymptomatic. Nineteen patients were imaged with mammography demonstrating mammographically occult lesions as the predominant finding. Twenty-six patients were imaged with ultrasound and the most common finding was a mass lesion. Pathological diagnosis was made by image-guided biopsy in 44 % of patients. The imaging features of granulomatous mastitis on mammography are infrequently described. Our study demonstrates that granulomatous mastitis can occur in postmenopausal or asymptomatic patients, although previously reported exclusively in young women with palpable findings. Presentation on mammography as calcifications requiring mammographically guided vacuum-assisted biopsy has not been previously described. The diagnosis of granulomatous mastitis can easily be made by image-guided biopsy and surgical excision should be reserved for definitive treatment. • Characterizes radiographic appearance of granulomatous mastitis in postmenopausal or asymptomatic patients. • Granulomatous mastitis can present exclusively as calcifications on mammography. • The diagnosis of granulomatous mastitis is made by image-guided biopsy techniques.

Science Teacher Education in the Twenty-First Century: A Pedagogical Framework for Technology-Integrated Social Constructivism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barak, Miri

2017-01-01

Changes in our global world have shifted the skill demands from acquisition of structured knowledge to mastery of skills, often referred to as twenty-first century competencies. Given these changes, a sequential explanatory mixed methods study was undertaken to (a) examine predominant instructional methods and technologies used by teacher…

Augmentation of the Nasal Dorsum Using the Multistrip Autologous Cartilage Technique.

PubMed

Liu, Liqiang; Bu, Zhaoyun; Fan, Jincai; Tian, Jia; Gan, Cheng; Yang, Zengjie; Jiao, Hu

2017-12-01

Nasal augmentation is a popular modern technique requested by many Asian people. There are two kinds of autologous cartilage used to augment the nose at present: carved as a monobloc or diced into pieces. Each approach has its pros and cons. The authors performed their surgical technique on a group of 28 patients. Twenty of these patients had undergone rhinoplasties performed before referral to our hospital; eight of these patients had undergone a primary rhinoplasty. Bilateral conchal, nasal septum, or rib cartilage was harvested; deep temporal fascia or abdominal muscle fascia to be prepared for packing stripped cartilage was also removed at this time. The cartilage was placed on a plastic cutting board and cut into strips with a transverse section of 1 × 1 mm. Then, these strips were packed and covered by fascia to form the grafts. The median follow-up was 23 months (range, 12 to 48 months). Twenty-two patients were satisfied with their augmented noses. Through examinations, biopsies, and magnetic resonance imaging scans, less resorption was observed with the multistrip autologous cartilage technique. Junctional stepoffs, excessive prominence, and slanting grafts occurred in three patients, two of whom had revisions. Using multistrip autologous cartilage grafts is an easier method to perform and could be another alternative technique for augmentative and reconstructive rhinoplasties.

Pre- and post-operative Wisconsin card sorting test performance in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy due to hippocampal sclerosis

PubMed Central

Tisser, Luciana; Palmini, Andre; Paglioli, Eliseu; Portuguez, Mirna; Azambuja, Ney; da Costa, Jaderson Costa; Paglioli, Eduardo; Torres, Carolina; Martinez, Jose Victor

2007-01-01

Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy due to hippocampal sclerosis (TLE/HS) have a distinct neuropsychological profile, but there is still debate on whether executive dysfunction is part of this profile and also whether temporal lobe surgery can modify this dysfunction. Objective To study the presence and reversibility of executive dysfunction in patients with unilateral TLE/HS. Methods Twenty-five patients with refractory seizures due to TLE/HS underwent presurgical evaluation which included the application of the Wiconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Nineteen were re-evaluated in follow up, at least 6 months after selective amygdalo-hippocampectomy (SAH). Twenty-two control subjects matched for age and education also performed the WCST. Results Sixteen of the 25 patients (64%) completed fewer than four categories in the WCST whereas only 4 of the 22 controls (18%) did not complete at least four categories (p<0.005). In addition, the performance of the patients involved significantly more perseverative responses and errors compared to controls. The patient group demonstrated significant post-operative improvement in many measures of the WCST following SAH. Conclusions These findings support the presence of executive dysfunction in patients with TLE/HS and suggest that such dysfunction can be partially reversed by selective resection of epileptogenic mesial temporal structures. PMID:29213385

Performance of rapid test kits to assess household coverage of iodized salt.

PubMed

Gorstein, Jonathan; van der Haar, Frits; Codling, Karen; Houston, Robin; Knowles, Jacky; Timmer, Arnold

2016-10-01

The main indicator adopted to track universal salt iodization has been the coverage of adequately iodized salt in households. Rapid test kits (RTK) have been included in household surveys to test the iodine content in salt. However, laboratory studies of their performance have concluded that RTK are reliable only to distinguish between the presence and absence of iodine in salt, but not to determine whether salt is adequately iodized. The aim of the current paper was to examine the performance of RTK under field conditions and to recommend their most appropriate use in household surveys. Standard performance characteristics of the ability of RTK to detect the iodine content in salt at 0 mg/kg (salt with no iodine), 5 mg/kg (salt with any added iodine) and 15 mg/kg ('adequately' iodized salt) were calculated. Our analysis employed the agreement rate (AR) as a preferred metric of RTK performance. Setting/Subjects Twenty-five data sets from eighteen population surveys which assessed household iodized salt by both the RTK and a quantitative method (i.e. titration or WYD Checker) were obtained from Asian (nineteen data sets), African (five) and European (one) countries. In detecting iodine in salt at 0 mg/kg, the RTK had an AR>90 % in eight of twenty-three surveys, while eight surveys had an AR90 %. The RTK is not suited for assessment of adequately iodized salt coverage. Quantitative assessment, such as by titration or WYD Checker, is necessary for estimates of adequately iodized salt coverage.

Treating nailbiting: a comparative analysis of mild aversion and competing response therapies.

PubMed

Silber, K P; Haynes, C E

1992-01-01

This study compared two methods of treating nail-biting. One method involved the use of a mild aversive stimulus in which subjects painted a bitter substance on their nails, and the other required the subject to perform a competing response whenever they had the urge to bite or found themselves biting their nails. Both methods included self-monitoring of the behaviour, and a third group of subjects performed self-monitoring alone as a control condition. The study lasted four weeks. Twenty-one subjects, seven per group, participated. Both methods resulted in significant improvements in nail length, with the competing response method showing the most beneficial effect. There was no significant improvement for the control group. The competing response condition also yielded significant improvements along other dimensions such as degree of skin damage and subjects own ratings of their control over their habit. These were not seen for the other two conditions. The benefits of this abridged version of Azrin and Nunn's (Behaviour Research and Therapy, 11, 619-628, 1973) habit reversal method in terms of treatment success, use of therapist time and client satisfaction, are discussed.

Philosophy and Methods for China's Vocational Education Curriculum Reforms in the Early Twenty-First Century

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xu, Guoqing

2014-01-01

Curriculum reform is an important aspect of progress in China's vocational education in the twenty-first century. The past decade's round of reforms were unprecedented in China in terms of both the scope and depth of their impact. They have and will continue to dramatically alter the nation's vocational education curriculum and teaching methods.…

Methodology, status and plans for development and assessment of HEXTRAN, TRAB and APROS

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

Vanttola, T.; Rajamaeki, M.; Tiihonen, O.

1997-07-01

A number of transient and accident analysis codes have been developed in Finland during the past twenty years mainly for the needs of their own power plants, but some of the codes have also been utilized elsewhere. The continuous validation, simultaneous development and experiences obtained in commercial applications have considerably improved the performance and range of application of the codes. At present, the methods allow fairly covering accident analysis of the Finnish nuclear power plants.

Twenty-year follow-up study of radiocesium migration in soil.

PubMed

Clouvas, A; Xanthos, S; Takoudis, G; Antonopoulos-Domis, M; Zinoviadis, G; Vidmar, T; Likar, A

2007-01-01

The profile of (137)Cs present in undisturbed soil due to the Chernobyl accident was measured repeatedly for approximately 20 y. The vertical migration of (137)Cs in soil is a very slow process. The mean vertical migration velocity is estimated at approximately 0.1-0.2 cm y(-1). A method based on in situ gamma spectrometry measurements and Monte Carlo computations, aimed at estimating the profile of (137)Cs without performing any soil sampling, is investigated.

High altitude cognitive performance and COPD interaction

PubMed Central

Kourtidou-Papadeli, C; Papadelis, C; Koutsonikolas, D; Boutzioukas, S; Styliadis, C; Guiba-Tziampiri, O

2008-01-01

Introduction: Thousands of people work and perform everyday in high altitude environment, either as pilots, or shift workers, or mountaineers. The problem is that most of the accidents in this environment have been attributed to human error. The objective of this study was to assess complex cognitive performance as it interacts with respiratory insufficiency at altitudes of 8000 feet and identify the potential effect of hypoxia on safe performance. Methods: Twenty subjects participated in the study, divided in two groups: Group I with mild asymptomatic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and Group II with normal respiratory function. Altitude was simulated at 8000 ft. using gas mixtures. Results: Individuals with mild COPD experienced notable hypoxemia with significant performance decrements and increased number of errors at cabin altitude, compared to normal subjects, whereas their blood pressure significantly increased. PMID:19048098

Molecular modeling of drug-pathophysiological Mtb protein targets: Synthesis of some 2-thioxo-1, 3-thiazolidin-4-one derivatives as anti-tubercular agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noorulla, K. M.; Suresh, Ayyadurai Jerad; Devaraji, Vinod; Mathew, Bijo; Umesh, Devi

2017-11-01

Twenty novel 2-thioxo-1, 3-thiazolidin-4-one derivatives (5a-5t) were synthesized and evaluated for their antitubercular activity. The structure of the compounds was confirmed by IR, NMR and Mass Spectroscopy methods. In addition, single-crystal X-ray diffraction was performed for compound 5a. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their in-vitro antimycobacterial activity against MTB (H37RV, ATCC No: 27294) by Alamar Blue assay method. Compounds 5r, 5k, 5t displayed most potent in-vitro activity with MICs of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 μg/ml concentrations respectively which are comparatively potent than the standards. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed to find out the plausible mechanism of the titled compounds.

Extrapyramidal signs in normal pressure hydrocephalus: an objective assessment

PubMed Central

Mandir, Allen S; Hilfiker, Jennifer; Thomas, George; Minahan, Robert E; Crawford, Thomas O; Williams, Michael A; Rigamonti, Daniele

2007-01-01

Background Beyond the classic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) triad of gait disturbance, incontinence, and dementia are characteristic signs of motor dysfunction in NPH patients. We used highly sensitive and objective methods to characterize upper limb extrapyramidal signs in a series of NPH subjects compared with controls. Concentrated evaluation of these profound, yet underappreciated movement disorders of NPH before and after techniques of therapeutic intervention may lead to improved diagnosis, insight into pathophysiology, and targeted treatment. Methods Twenty-two (22) consecutive NPH patients and 17 controls performed an upper limb motor task battery where highly sensitive and objective measures of akinesia/bradykinesia, tone, and tremor were conducted. NPH subjects performed this test battery before and more than 36 h after continuous CSF drainage via a spinal catheter over 72 h and, in those subjects undergoing permanent ventriculo-peritoneal shunt placement, at least 12 weeks later. Control subjects performed the task battery at the same dates as the NPH subjects. Statistical analyses were applied to group populations of NPH and control subjects and repeated measures for within subject performance. Results Twenty (20) NPH subjects remained in the study following CSF drainage as did 14 controls. NPH subjects demonstrated akinesia/bradykinesia (prolonged reaction and movement times) and increased resting tone compared with controls. Furthermore, the NPH group demonstrated increased difficulty with self-initiated tasks compared with stimulus-initiated tasks. Following CSF drainage, some NPH subjects demonstrated reduced movement times with greater improvement in self- versus stimulus-initiated tasks. Group reaction time was unchanged. Resting tremor present in one NPH subject resolved following shunt placement. Tone measures were consistent for all subjects throughout the study. Conclusion Clinical motor signs of NPH subjects extend beyond gait deficits and include extrapyramidal manifestations of bradykinesia, akinesia, rigidity, and propensity to perform more poorly when external cues to move are absent. Objective improvement of some but not all of these features was seen following temporary or permanent CSF diversion. PMID:17697324

[Learning strategies of autonomous medical students].

PubMed

Márquez U, Carolina; Fasce H, Eduardo; Ortega B, Javiera; Bustamante D, Carolina; Pérez V, Cristhian; Ibáñez G, Pilar; Ortiz M, Liliana; Espinoza P, Camila; Bastías V, Nancy

2015-12-01

Understanding how autonomous students are capable of regulating their own learning process is essential to develop self-directed teaching methods. To understand how self-directed medical students approach learning in medical schools at University of Concepción, Chile. A qualitative and descriptive study, performed according to Grounded Theory guidelines, following Strauss & Corbin was performed. Twenty medical students were selected by the maximum variation sampling method. The data collection technique was carried out by a semi-structured thematic interview. Students were interviewed by researchers after an informed consent procedure. Data were analyzed by the open coding method using Atlas-ti 7.5.2 software. Self-directed learners were characterized by being good planners and managing their time correctly. Students performed a diligent selection of contents to study based on reliable literature sources, theoretical relevance and type of evaluation. They also emphasized the discussion of clinical cases, where theoretical contents can be applied. This modality allows them to gain a global view of theoretical contents, to verbalize knowledge and to obtain a learning feedback. The learning process of autonomous students is intentional and planned.

A Fully Automated Trial Selection Method for Optimization of Motor Imagery Based Brain-Computer Interface.

PubMed

Zhou, Bangyan; Wu, Xiaopei; Lv, Zhao; Zhang, Lei; Guo, Xiaojin

2016-01-01

Independent component analysis (ICA) as a promising spatial filtering method can separate motor-related independent components (MRICs) from the multichannel electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. However, the unpredictable burst interferences may significantly degrade the performance of ICA-based brain-computer interface (BCI) system. In this study, we proposed a new algorithm frame to address this issue by combining the single-trial-based ICA filter with zero-training classifier. We developed a two-round data selection method to identify automatically the badly corrupted EEG trials in the training set. The "high quality" training trials were utilized to optimize the ICA filter. In addition, we proposed an accuracy-matrix method to locate the artifact data segments within a single trial and investigated which types of artifacts can influence the performance of the ICA-based MIBCIs. Twenty-six EEG datasets of three-class motor imagery were used to validate the proposed methods, and the classification accuracies were compared with that obtained by frequently used common spatial pattern (CSP) spatial filtering algorithm. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed optimizing strategy could effectively improve the stability, practicality and classification performance of ICA-based MIBCI. The study revealed that rational use of ICA method may be crucial in building a practical ICA-based MIBCI system.

Basic gait analysis based on continuous wave radar.

PubMed

Zhang, Jun

2012-09-01

A gait analysis method based on continuous wave (CW) radar is proposed in this paper. Time-frequency analysis is used to analyze the radar micro-Doppler echo from walking humans, and the relationships between the time-frequency spectrogram and human biological gait are discussed. The methods for extracting the gait parameters from the spectrogram are studied in depth and experiments on more than twenty subjects have been performed to acquire the radar gait data. The gait parameters are calculated and compared. The gait difference between men and women are presented based on the experimental data and extracted features. Gait analysis based on CW radar will provide a new method for clinical diagnosis and therapy. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Paravertebral anaesthesia for breast surgery an initial experience at the University Hospital of the West Indies.

PubMed

Crawford-Sykes, A M; Chin, D E; Hambleton, I R

2004-06-01

Paravertebral blockade (PVB) is a regional anaesthetic technique that allows the injection of local anaesthetic agents into the paravertebral space. It has been used for acute and chronic pain relief and as an anaesthetic technique for unilateral surgery of the chest, breast, shoulder, kidney, and inguinal region. Paravertebral blockade has been performed on a limited basis for breast surgery at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) since 1998. This retrospective review was undertaken to report the initial experience with this block. We reviewed the notes of all patients who were given a PVB alone, or in combination with general anaesthesia (GA). Twenty-one patients had P VB: twenty females and one male, with age range of 24 to 90 years. Six were attempted with PVB alone, but two of these needed supplementation with a GA. Fifteen were done in combination with GA. No complications were recorded The initial experience shows that the performance of PVB is both possible and safe; it may offer an alternative to GA for breast surgery. A randomized prospective study is underway to allow a detailed comparison between the two methods.

A prospective clinical study to evaluate the safety and performance of wireless localization of nonpalpable breast lesions using radiofrequency identification technology.

PubMed

Dauphine, Christine; Reicher, Joshua J; Reicher, Murray A; Gondusky, Christina; Khalkhali, Iraj; Kim, Michelle

2015-06-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and performance of localizing nonpalpable breast lesions using radiofrequency identification technology. Twenty consecutive women requiring preoperative localization of a breast lesion were recruited. Subjects underwent placement of both a hook wire and a radiofrequency identification tag immediately before surgery. The radiofrequency identification tag was the primary method used by the operating surgeon to localize each lesion during excision, with the hook wire serving as backup in case of tag migration or failed localization. Successful localization with removal of the intended lesion was the primary outcome measured. Tag migration and postoperative infection were also noted to assess safety. Twenty patients underwent placement of a radiofrequency identification tag, 12 under ultrasound guidance and eight with stereotactic guidance. In all cases, the radiofrequency identification tag was successfully localized by the reader at the level of the skin before incision, and the intended lesion was removed along with the radiofrequency identification tag. There were no localization failures and no postoperative infections. Tag migration did not occur before incision, but in three cases, occurred as the lesion was being retracted with fingers to make the final cut along the deep surface of the specimen. In this initial clinical study, radiofrequency tags were safe and able to successfully localize nonpalpable breast lesions. Radiofrequency identification technology may represent an alternative method to hook wire localization.

Evaluating the safety, efficacy and complications of electrotherapy and its comparison with conventional method of hemorrhoidectomy

PubMed Central

Nikooiyan, Payam; Mohammadi Sardo, Hamzeh; Poursaeidi, Bahram; Zaherara, Motahareh; Ahmadi, Bijan

2016-01-01

Aim: This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and complications of electrotherapy compared with conventional hemorrhoidectomy (Ferguson technique). Background: Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy is always associated with considerable pain and postoperative complications. Still, the electrotherapy method in which the hemorrhoidal tissue is not removed may not improve critical complications. Patients and methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on patients with hemorrhoids referring to hospitals affiliated to the Kerman University of Medical Sciences during 2014-2015. One hundred and twenty patients presented with symptomatic hemorrhoids grade I, II, III, and IV were randomized into two groups. Group 1 (60 patients) underwent electrotherapy using 30 mA direct current and group 2 (60 patients) were submitted to Ferguson hemorrhoidectomy. The groups were compared regarding postoperative pain severity and complications, including recurrent symptoms, infection and recovery time to return to normal activities. The p≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: More than 70% of patients in group 2 complained of severe pain, but in group 1, no more than 30% of patients experienced severe pain up to 6 hours post-surgery and 70% complained of mild pain 2-3 days post-surgery. Twenty four-hour hospitalization in group 2 and group 1 were 97% and 78%, respectively, whilst patients in electrotherapy group could be treated as outpatients. The mean return time to usual activities was 15 and 1.5 days for group 2 and 1, respectively. Conclusion: Electrotherapy with a direct current of 30 mA significantly reduce postoperative pain and the recovery period. This method showed a good success rate and less complication than the Ferguson method. As a result, because of more effectiveness, less pain, as well as shorter recovery time and getting back to normal activities, we recommend this procedure for the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids grade I, II, and III. PMID:27895851

78 FR 20168 - Twenty Fourth Meeting: RTCA Special Committee 203, Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-03

... Washington, DC, on March 28, 2013. Paige Williams, Management Analyst, NextGen, Business Operations Group... Introductions Review Meeting Agenda Review/Approval of Twenty Third Plenary Meeting Summary Leadership Update... for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards Other Business Adjourn...

Robot-assisted radical cystectomy – first Polish clinical outcomes

PubMed Central

Juszczak, Kajetan; Poblocki, Pawel; Mikolajczak, Witold; Drewa, Tomasz

2017-01-01

Introduction Urothelial cell carcinoma is the most common neoplasm of the genito-urinary tract, which, in advanced stages, is treated with radical cystectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy. It can be performed by an open or minimally invasive approach (laparoscopic and robot-assisted radical cystectomy). Large meta-analyses showed a significantly lower complication rate in the RARC (robot-assisted radical cystectomy) group compared to ORC (open radical cystectomy) in thirty and ninety days after surgery, with similar oncological and functional outcomes. The clinical outcomes of the first forty Polish RARC are explored in this article. Material and methods The Polish Radical Robotic Cystectomy Program (PRRC) was started in 2016 at the Nicolaus Copernicus Hospital in Toruń. Forty consecutive patients, with indications for cystectomy were included into the study. During radical robot-assisted cystectomy, obturator, external, internal, common iliac and presacral lymph nodes were dissected. Oncological outcomes, early complication rate, and the clinical variables were analyzed. Results The mean age in the study group was sixty-seven years, with the majority of patients being overweight and assessed as American Society of Anesthesiology Scale (ASA) – ASA III and ASA IV (2/3 of patients). RARC was performed, with the median time of surgery being 324 minutes (170 minutes being the shortest). Mean blood loss was 365 ml (lowest – 50 ml), and only 2 patients required intraoperative blood transfusion. Twenty patients had ileal conduit, and nineteen had other methods of urinary diversion. Only twenty-nine out of forty patients had minor complications (Clavien I and II), 11 had Clavien III and IV. Clavien V was not present. Only 3 patients required reoperation. Conclusions RARC is a reproducible oncological procedure, which can be safely performed in centers with robotic expertise, with acceptable operative time, complications, and functional and oncologic outcomes. PMID:29732201

Performance evaluation of image-intensifier-TV fluoroscopy systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Putten, Wilhelm J.; Bouley, Shawn

1995-05-01

Through use of a computer model and an aluminum low contrast phantom developed in-house, a method has been developed which is able to grade the imaging performance of fluoroscopy systems through use of a variable, K. This parameter was derived from Rose's model of image perception and is here used as a figure of merit to grade fluoroscopy systems. From Rose's model for an ideal system, a typical value of K for the perception of low contrast details should be between 3 and 7, assuming threshold vision by human observers. Thus, various fluoroscopy systems are graded with different values of K, with a lower value of K indicating better imaging performance of the system. A series of fluoroscopy systems have been graded where the best system produces a value in the low teens, while the poorest systems produce a value in the low twenties. Correlation with conventional image quality measurements is good and the method has the potential for automated assessment of image quality.

On the use and the performance of software reliability growth models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keiller, Peter A.; Miller, Douglas R.

1991-01-01

We address the problem of predicting future failures for a piece of software. The number of failures occurring during a finite future time interval is predicted from the number failures observed during an initial period of usage by using software reliability growth models. Two different methods for using the models are considered: straightforward use of individual models, and dynamic selection among models based on goodness-of-fit and quality-of-prediction criteria. Performance is judged by the relative error of the predicted number of failures over future finite time intervals relative to the number of failures eventually observed during the intervals. Six of the former models and eight of the latter are evaluated, based on their performance on twenty data sets. Many open questions remain regarding the use and the performance of software reliability growth models.

Complex anal fistulas: plug or flap?

PubMed

Muhlmann, Mark D; Hayes, Julian L; Merrie, Arend E H; Parry, Bryan R; Bissett, Ian P

2011-10-01

Rectal mucosal advancement flaps (RMAF) and fistula plugs (FP) are techniques used to manage complex anal fistulas. The purpose of this study was to review and compare the results of these methods of repair. A retrospective review of all complex anal fistulas treated by either a RMAF or a FP at Auckland City Hospital from 2004 to 2008. Comparisons were made in terms of successful healing rates, time to failure and the use of magnetic resonance imaging. Overall, 70 operations were performed on 55 patients (55.7% male). The mean age was 44.9 years. Twenty-one patients (30%) had had at least one previous unsuccessful repair. Indications for repair included 57 high cryptoglandular anal (81%), 4 Crohn's anal (6%), 7 rectovaginal (10%), 1 rectourethral (1%) and 1 pouch-vaginal fistula (1%). All patients were followed up with a mean of 4.5 months. Forty-eight RMAFs (69% of total) were performed with 16 successful repairs (33%). Twenty-two FPs (31% of total) were performed with 7 successful repairs (32%, P = 0.9). In failed repairs, there was no difference in terms of mean time to failure (RMAF 4.8 months versus FP 4.1 months, P = 0.62). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 21 patients (37%) before the repair. The success rate in these patients was 20%. The results of treatment of complex anal fistulas are disappointing. The choice of operation of either a RMAF or a FP did not alter the poor healing rates of about one third of patients in each group.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Volatile Components of Zhengtian Pills Using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry and Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography.

PubMed

Liu, Cui-Ting; Zhang, Min; Yan, Ping; Liu, Hai-Chan; Liu, Xing-Yun; Zhan, Ruo-Ting

2016-01-01

Zhengtian pills (ZTPs) are traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) which have been commonly used to treat headaches. Volatile components of ZTPs extracted by ethyl acetate with an ultrasonic method were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Twenty-two components were identified, accounting for 78.884% of the total components of volatile oil. The three main volatile components including protocatechuic acid, ferulic acid, and ligustilide were simultaneously determined using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection (UHPLC-DAD). Baseline separation was achieved on an XB-C18 column with linear gradient elution of methanol-0.2% acetic acid aqueous solution. The UHPLC-DAD method provided good linearity (R (2) ≥ 0.9992), precision (RSD < 3%), accuracy (100.68-102.69%), and robustness. The UHPLC-DAD/GC-MS method was successfully utilized to analyze volatile components, protocatechuic acid, ferulic acid, and ligustilide, in 13 batches of ZTPs, which is suitable for discrimination and quality assessment of ZTPs.

Detection of respiratory viruses and bacteria in children using a twenty-two target reverse-transcription real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) panel.

PubMed

Ellis, Chelsey; Misir, Amita; Hui, Charles; Jabbour, Mona; Barrowman, Nicholas; Langill, Jonathan; Bowes, Jennifer; Slinger, Robert

2016-05-01

Rapid detection of the wide range of viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory infection in children is important for patient care and antibiotic stewardship. We therefore designed and evaluated a ready-to-use 22 target respiratory infection reverse-transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) panel to determine if this would improve detection of these agents at our pediatric hospital. RT-qPCR assays for twenty-two target organisms were dried-down in individual wells of 96 well plates and saved at room temperature. Targets included 18 respiratory viruses and 4 bacteria. After automated nucleic acid extraction of nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) samples, rapid qPCR was performed. RT-qPCR results were compared with those obtained by the testing methods used at our hospital laboratories. One hundred fifty-nine pediatric NPA samples were tested with the RT-qPCR panel. One or more respiratory pathogens were detected in 132/159 (83%) samples. This was significantly higher than the detection rate of standard methods (94/159, 59%) (P<0.001). This difference was mainly due to improved RT-qPCR detection of rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, bocavirus, and coronaviruses. The panel internal control assay performance remained stable at room temperature storage over a two-month testing period. The RT-qPCR panel was able to identify pathogens in a high proportion of respiratory samples. The panel detected more positive specimens than the methods in use at our hospital. The pre-made panel format was easy to use and rapid, with results available in approximately 90 minutes. We now plan to determine if use of this panel improves patient care and antibiotic stewardship.

Metacognitive Monitoring of Executive Control Engagement during Childhood

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chevalier, Nicolas; Blaye, Agnès

2016-01-01

Emerging executive control supports greater autonomy and increasingly adaptive behavior during childhood. The present study addressed whether children's greater monitoring of how they engage control drives executive control development. Gaze position was recorded while twenty-five 6-year-olds and twenty-eight 10-year-olds performed a self-paced…

Safety and efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the treatment of paediatric urolithiasis

PubMed Central

Veeratterapillay, R; Shaw, MBK; Williams, R; Haslam, P; Lall, A; De la Hunt, M; Hasan, ST; Thomas, DJ

2012-01-01

INTRODUCTION Paediatric percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has revolutionised the treatment of paediatric nephrolithiasis. Paediatric PCNL has been performed using both adult and paediatric instruments. Stone clearance rates and complications vary according to the technique used and surgeon experience. We present our experience with PCNL using adult instruments and a 28Fr access tract for large renal calculi in children under 18 years. METHODS All patients undergoing PCNL at our institution between 2000 and 2009 were reviewed. Demographics, surgical details and post-operative follow-up information were obtained to identify stone clearance rates and complications. RESULTS PCNL was performed in 32 renal units in 31 patients (mean age: 10.8 years). The mean stone diameter was 19mm (range: 5–40mm). Twenty-six cases required single puncture and six required multiple tracts. Overall, 11 staghorn stones, 10 multiple calyceal stones and 11 single stones were treated. Twenty-seven patients (84%) were completely stone free following initial PCNL. Two cases had extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for residual fragments, giving an overall stone free rate of 91% following treatment. There was no significant bleeding or sepsis encountered either during the operation or in the post-operative setting. No patient required or received a blood transfusion. CONCLUSIONS Paediatric PCNL can be performed safely with minimal morbidity using adult instruments for large stone burden, enabling rapid and complete stone clearance. PMID:23131231

Application of physical scaling towards downscaling climate model precipitation data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaur, Abhishek; Simonovic, Slobodan P.

2018-04-01

Physical scaling (SP) method downscales climate model data to local or regional scales taking into consideration physical characteristics of the area under analysis. In this study, multiple SP method based models are tested for their effectiveness towards downscaling North American regional reanalysis (NARR) daily precipitation data. Model performance is compared with two state-of-the-art downscaling methods: statistical downscaling model (SDSM) and generalized linear modeling (GLM). The downscaled precipitation is evaluated with reference to recorded precipitation at 57 gauging stations located within the study region. The spatial and temporal robustness of the downscaling methods is evaluated using seven precipitation based indices. Results indicate that SP method-based models perform best in downscaling precipitation followed by GLM, followed by the SDSM model. Best performing models are thereafter used to downscale future precipitations made by three global circulation models (GCMs) following two emission scenarios: representative concentration pathway (RCP) 2.6 and RCP 8.5 over the twenty-first century. The downscaled future precipitation projections indicate an increase in mean and maximum precipitation intensity as well as a decrease in the total number of dry days. Further an increase in the frequency of short (1-day), moderately long (2-4 day), and long (more than 5-day) precipitation events is projected.

A study on the evaluation of pneumothorax by imaging methods in patients presenting to the emergency department for blunt thoracic trauma.

PubMed

Kaya, Şeyhmus; Çevik, Arif Alper; Acar, Nurdan; Döner, Egemen; Sivrikoz, Cumhur; Özkan, Ragıp

2015-09-01

Pneumothorax (PNX) is the collection of air between parietal and visceral pleura, and collapsed lung develops as a complication of the trapped air. PNX is likely to develop spontaneously in people with risk factors. However, it is mostly seen with blunt or penetrating trauma. Diagnosis is generally confirmed by chest radiography [posteroanterior chest radiography (PACR)]. Chest ultrasound (US) is also a promising technique for the detection of PNX in trauma patients. There is not much literature on the evaluation of blunt thoracic trauma (BTT) and pneumothorax (PNX) in the emergency department (ED). The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of chest US for the diagnosis of PNX in patients presenting to ED with BTT. This study was carried out for a period of nine months in the ED of a university hospital. The chest US of patients was performed by emergency physicians trained in the field. The results were compared with anteroposterior chest radiography and/or CT scan of the chest. The APCR and chest CT results were evaluated by a radiology specialist blind to US findings. The evaluation of the radiology specialist was taken as the gold standard for diagnosis by imaging methods. Clinical follow-up was taken into consideration for the diagnosis of PNX in patients on whom CT scan was not performed. Chest US was performed on all two hundred and twelve patients (144 female and 68 male patients; mean age 45.8) who participated in this study. The supine APCR was performed on two hundred and ten (99%) patients and chest CT was performed on one hundred and twenty (56.6%). Out of the twenty-five (11.8%) diagnosed cases of PNX, 22 (88%) were diagnosed by chest US and 8 were diagnosed by APCR. For the detection of PNX, compared to clinical follow-up and chest CT, the sensitivity of chest US was 88%, specificity 99.5%, positive predictive value 95.7% and negative predictive value 98.4%. Chest US has not superseded supine and standing chest radiography for PNX diagnosis yet in many healthcare centers, but it is performed by emergency physicians and it is an effective and important method for early and bedside diagnosis of PNX.

Predictive performance and inter-laboratory reproducibility in assessing eye irritation potential of water- and oil-soluble mixtures using the Short Time Exposure test method.

PubMed

Abo, Takayuki; Hilberer, Allison; Behle-Wagner, Christine; Watanabe, Mika; Cameron, David; Kirst, Annette; Nukada, Yuko; Yuki, Takuo; Araki, Daisuke; Sakaguchi, Hitoshi; Itagaki, Hiroshi

2018-04-01

The Short Time Exposure (STE) test method is an alternative method for assessing eye irritation potential using Statens Seruminstitut Rabbit Cornea cells and has been adopted as test guideline 491 by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Its good predictive performance in identifying the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) No Category (NC) or Irritant Category has been demonstrated in evaluations of water-soluble substances, oil-soluble substances, and water-soluble mixtures. However, the predictive performance for oil-soluble mixtures was not evaluated. Twenty-four oil-soluble mixtures were evaluated using the STE test method. The GHS NC or Irritant Category of 22 oil-soluble mixtures were consistent with that of a Reconstructed human Cornea-like Epithelium (RhCE) test method. Inter-laboratory reproducibility was then confirmed using 20 water- and oil-soluble mixtures blind-coded. The concordance in GHS NC or Irritant Category among four laboratories was 90%-100%. In conclusion, the concordance in comparison with the results of RhCE test method using 24 oil-soluble mixtures and inter-laboratory reproducibility using 20 water- and oil-soluble mixtures blind-coded were good, indicating that the STE test method is a suitable alternative for predicting the eye irritation potential of both substances and mixtures. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quality evaluation of Desmodium styracifolium using high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Zhou, Chan; Luo, Jian-Guang; Kong, Ling-Yi

2012-01-01

Desmodium styracifolium, with C-flavone glycosides as main pharmacological effective compounds, is a popular Chinese medicinal herb and has been used to treat urination disturbance, urolithiasis, edema and jaundice. However, few systematic methods have been reported on the quality control of this natural herb. To develop a method for control the quality of D. styracifolium by combining chromatographic fingerprints and major constituent quantification. Separations were performed on an Ultimate XB-C-18 column by gradient elution using acetonitrile and 0.1% aqueous formic acid. Analytes were identified by HPLC coupled with electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry experiments. Twenty common peaks in chromatographic fingerprints were first identified among 15 batches of D. styracifolium from various regions. On basis of this, a HPLC-PAD method was established to simultaneously quantify five major constituents, which was validated for limit of qualification, linearity and interday variation of precision and accuracy. The assay developed could be considered as a suitable quality control method of D. styracifolium. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Fluorescent probes for nanoscopy: four categories and multiple possibilities.

PubMed

Ni, Ming; Zhuo, Shuangmu; So, Peter T C; Yu, Hanry

2017-01-01

Nanoscopy enables breaking down the light diffraction limit and reveals the nanostructures of objects being studied using light. In 2014, three scientists pioneered the development of nanoscopy and won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. This recognized the achievement of the past twenty years in the field of nanoscopy. However, fluorescent probes used in the field of nanoscopy are still numbered. Here, we review the currently available four categories of probes and existing methods to improve the performance of probes. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Quantitation of flavonoid constituents in citrus fruits.

PubMed

Kawaii, S; Tomono, Y; Katase, E; Ogawa, K; Yano, M

1999-09-01

Twenty-four flavonoids have been determined in 66 Citrus species and near-citrus relatives, grown in the same field and year, by means of reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Statistical methods have been applied to find relations among the species. The F ratios of 21 flavonoids obtained by applying ANOVA analysis are significant, indicating that a classification of the species using these variables is reasonable to pursue. Principal component analysis revealed that the distributions of Citrus species belonging to different classes were largely in accordance with Tanaka's classification system.

Clinical efficacy of electronic apex locators: systematic review.

PubMed

Martins, Jorge N R; Marques, Duarte; Mata, António; Caramês, João

2014-06-01

Apical constriction has been proposed as the most appropriate apical limit for the endodontic working length. Despite being the most used, some limitations are attributed to the radiographic method of working length determination. It lacks precision because it is based on the average position of the apical constriction. The electronic apex locators have been presented as an alternative to the odontometry performed by radiography. These devices detect the transition of the pulp to the periodontal tissue, which is anatomically very close to the apical constriction and may perform with improved accuracy. A systematic review was performed to compare the radiographic and electronic methods. Clinical studies that compared both methods were searched for on 7 electronic databases, a manual search was performed on the bibliography of articles collected on the electronic databases, and the authors were contacted to ask for references of more research not detected on the electronic and manual search. Twenty-one articles were selected. The majority were comparative or evaluation studies, and very few clinical studies comparing both methods are available. Several methodological limitations are present on the collected articles and debated in this review. Although the available scientific evidence base is short and at considerable risk of bias, it is still possible to conclude that the apical locator reduces the patient radiation exposure and also that the electronic method may perform better on the working length determination. At least one radiographic control should be performed to detect possible errors of the electronic devices. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of a neural network technique for KSTAR Thomson scattering diagnostics.

PubMed

Lee, Seung Hun; Lee, J H; Yamada, I; Park, Jae Sun

2016-11-01

Neural networks provide powerful approaches of dealing with nonlinear data and have been successfully applied to fusion plasma diagnostics and control systems. Controlling tokamak plasmas in real time is essential to measure the plasma parameters in situ. However, the χ 2 method traditionally used in Thomson scattering diagnostics hampers real-time measurement due to the complexity of the calculations involved. In this study, we applied a neural network approach to Thomson scattering diagnostics in order to calculate the electron temperature, comparing the results to those obtained with the χ 2 method. The best results were obtained for 10 3 training cycles and eight nodes in the hidden layer. Our neural network approach shows good agreement with the χ 2 method and performs the calculation twenty times faster.

PROMETHEE II: A knowledge-driven method for copper exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abedi, Maysam; Ali Torabi, S.; Norouzi, Gholam-Hossain; Hamzeh, Mohammad; Elyasi, Gholam-Reza

2012-09-01

This paper describes the application of a well-known Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) technique called Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE II) to explore porphyry copper deposits. Various raster-based evidential layers involving geological, geophysical, and geochemical geo-datasets are integrated to prepare a mineral prospectivity mapping (MPM). In a case study, thirteen layers of the Now Chun copper deposit located in the Kerman province of Iran are used to explore the region of interest. The PROMETHEE II technique is applied to produce the desired MPM, and the outputs are validated using twenty-one boreholes that have been classified into five classes. This proposed method shows a high performance when providing the MPM while reducing the cost of exploratory drilling in the study area.

What’s Causing Toxicity in Sediments? Results of Twenty Years of Toxicity Identification and Evaluations (TIEs)

EPA Science Inventory

Sediment Toxicity Identification and Evaluation (TIEs) methods have been used for twenty years to identify the causes of toxicity in sediments around the world. We summarized and categorized results of more than 80 peer-reviewed TIE studies into non-ionic organic, cationic, ammo...

Wound infection after median sternotomy during the war in Croatia.

PubMed

Jelić, I; Anić, D; Alfirević, I; Kalinić, S; Ugljen, R; Letica, D; Ante Korda, Z; Vucemilo, I; Bulat, C; Predrijevac, M; Corić, V; Husar, J; Jelic, M; Hulina, D; Depina, I; Dadić, D

1996-12-01

From 1990 to 1994 at Clinical Hospital Center, Zagreb, 1904 median sternotomies were performed for cardiac operations. Patients shared the same intensive care unit (ICU) with the wounded persons, admitted to the hospital from battlefield. Infection developed in 124 patients, an incidence of 6.51%. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was isolated from 90, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) from 19, and gram negative bacilli (GNB) from 56 patients, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 2, and Clostridium pneumoniae in 1 case. Ninety-six patients (5.04%) developed superficial localized infection of subcutaneous tissues and they were treated with frequent dressing changes with antibiotic-soaked gauze in combination with systemic antibiotics. Twenty-eight patients (1.47%) developed mediastinitis and sternal dehiscence. They were treated by operative debridement followed by reclosure of the sternum with continuous antibiotic irrigation. We obtained satisfactory results with our method of closure of sternum which is a modification of Robicsek's technique. Nine of them required further operation. In seven cases we performed muscle flaps and in two omentoplasty. One hundred and twenty patients were discharged in satisfactory condition. The uncontrolled mediastinal sepsis caused death in 4 patients. Higher infection rate after median sternotomy during 1991 and 1992 could be possibly explained with the war circumstances in Croatia, and especially with MRSA strain becoming endemic in surgical ICU.

Interdisciplinary Residential Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury: Effects on Symptom Severity and Occupational Performance and Satisfaction

PubMed Central

Speicher, Sarah M.; Walter, Kristen H.

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVE. This study examined outcomes of an 8-wk residential treatment program for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHOD. Twenty-six veterans completed the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, Beck Depression Inventory–2nd Edition, and PTSD Checklist before and after treatment. RESULTS. Veterans demonstrated significant improvements in occupational performance and satisfaction with their performance, as well as in PTSD and depression symptom severity after residential PTSD/TBI treatment. Additionally, improvements in occupational performance and satisfaction were associated with decreases in depression symptom severity. CONCLUSION. Although preliminary, results suggest that veterans with PTSD and a history of TBI experienced significant decreases in PTSD and depression symptom severity and improvement in self-perception of performance and satisfaction in problematic occupational areas. Changes in occupational areas and depression symptom severity were related, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary treatment. PMID:25005504

The Acquisition of Accusative Object Clitics by IA Children from China: Evidence of Early Age Effects?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Delcenserie, Audrey; Genesee, Fred

2015-01-01

The present study compared the performance of twenty-seven French-speaking internationally adopted (IA) children from China to that of twenty-seven monolingual non-adopted French-speaking children (CTL) matched for age, gender, and socioeconomic status on a Clitic Elicitation task. The IA children omitted significantly more accusative object…

Science Teacher Education in the Twenty-First Century: a Pedagogical Framework for Technology-Integrated Social Constructivism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barak, Miri

2017-04-01

Changes in our global world have shifted the skill demands from acquisition of structured knowledge to mastery of skills, often referred to as twenty-first century competencies. Given these changes, a sequential explanatory mixed methods study was undertaken to (a) examine predominant instructional methods and technologies used by teacher educators, (b) identify attributes for learning and teaching in the twenty-first century, and (c) develop a pedagogical framework for promoting meaningful usage of advanced technologies. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected via an online survey, personal interviews, and written reflections with science teacher educators and student teachers. Findings indicated that teacher educators do not provide sufficient models for the promotion of reform-based practice via web 2.0 environments, such as Wikis, blogs, social networks, or other cloud technologies. Findings also indicated four attributes for teaching and learning in the twenty-first century: (a) adapting to frequent changes and uncertain situations, (b) collaborating and communicating in decentralized environments, (c) generating data and managing information, and (d) releasing control by encouraging exploration. Guided by social constructivist paradigms and twenty-first century teaching attributes, this study suggests a pedagogical framework for fostering meaningful usage of advanced technologies in science teacher education courses.

Nano-material and method of fabrication

DOEpatents

Menchhofer, Paul A; Seals, Roland D; Howe, Jane Y; Wang, Wei

2015-02-03

A fluffy nano-material and method of manufacture are described. At 2000.times. magnification the fluffy nanomaterial has the appearance of raw, uncarded wool, with individual fiber lengths ranging from approximately four microns to twenty microns. Powder-based nanocatalysts are dispersed in the fluffy nanomaterial. The production of fluffy nanomaterial typically involves flowing about 125 cc/min of organic vapor at a pressure of about 400 torr over powder-based nano-catalysts for a period of time that may range from approximately thirty minutes to twenty-four hours.

Cemented Total Hip Replacement Cable Debris and Acetabular Construct Durability

PubMed Central

Altenburg, Aaron J.; Callaghan, John J.; Yehyawi, Tameem M.; Pedersen, Douglas R.; Liu, Steve S.; Leinen, Jessica A.; Dahl, Kevin A.; Goetz, Devon D.; Brown, Thomas D.; Johnston, Richard C.

2009-01-01

Background: Third-body wear can adversely affect the outcome of total hip arthroplasty by causing increased polyethylene wear, osteolysis, and component loosening. We hypothesized that there would be greater generation and migration of metal debris to the bearing surfaces in hips in which cobalt-chromium cables were used to reattach the osteotomized greater trochanter when compared with hips in which stainless steel wires were used. Methods: Between June 1981 and December 1983, 196 consecutive total hip arthroplasties were performed with use of an Iowa stem and a titanium-backed cemented acetabular component, with cobalt-chromium cable trochanteric reattachment. After nineteen to twenty years of follow-up, the patients were evaluated with regard to the depth of head penetration into the polyethylene (as a surrogate for wear), osteolysis, loosening, and the need for revision. The results were compared with those for a series of 304 total hip arthroplasties that were performed by the same surgeon from January 1984 to December 1985 with use of the same components and the same surgical technique, but with stainless steel wire trochanteric reattachment. The two groups had a comparable nineteen to twenty-year follow-up. All living patients (fifty-nine hips in the cable group and ninety-two hips in the wire group) had minimum ten-year follow-up radiographs. Results: The polyethylene wear rate was 0.101 mm/yr for the cable group and 0.082 mm/yr for the wire group (p = 0.039). For the living patients, the rate of revision of the acetabular component because of aseptic loosening was 37.3% (twenty-two hips) for the cable group and 20.7% (nineteen hips) for the wire group (p = 0.025). The rate of acetabular osteolysis was 44% (twenty-six hips) for the cable group and 26% (twenty-four hips) for the wire group (p = 0.022). Kaplan-Meier analysis with revision of the acetabular component because of aseptic loosening as the end point demonstrated survival rates of 73.7% ± 9% and 83% ± 7% for the cable and wire groups, respectively, at twenty years (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Because cable trochanteric attachment led to significantly greater polyethylene wear, osteolysis, acetabular loosening, and acetabular revision, presumably due to third-body metallic debris generation in this cemented total hip replacement construct, surgeons should be aware of the deleterious effects of third-body debris and avoid the use of potential debris generators in the total hip arthroplasty construct. If cable is used and fretting is recognized, especially with intra-articular migration of metallic material or nonunion of the greater trochanter, consideration should be given to cable removal. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. PMID:19571089

Portal Vein Embolization with Contralateral Application of Stem Cells Facilitates Increase of Future Liver Remnant Volume in Patients with Liver Metastases

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

Ludvík, Jaroslav, E-mail: ludvikj@fnplzen.cz; Duras, Petr; Třeška, Vladislav

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the progress of future liver remnant volume (FLRV) in patients with liver metastases after portal vein embolization (PVE) with the application of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and compare it with a patients control group after PVE only.MethodsTwenty patients (group 1) underwent PVE with contralateral HSC application. Subsequently, CT volumetry with the determination of FLRV was performed at weekly intervals, in total three weeks. A sample of twenty patients (group 2) who underwent PVE without HSC application was used as a control group.ResultsThe mean of FLRV increased by 173.2 mL during three weeks after the PVE/HSC procedure,more » whereas by 98.9 mL after PVE only (p = 0.015). Furthermore, the mean daily growth of FLRV by 7.6 mL in group 1 was significantly higher in comparison with 4.1 mL in group 2 (p = 0.007).ConclusionsPVE with the application of HSC significantly facilitates growth of FLRV in comparison with PVE only. This method could be one of the new suitable approaches to increase the resectability of liver tumours.« less

Availability of buprenorphine on the Internet for purchase without a prescription

PubMed Central

Bachhuber, Marcus A.; Cunningham, Chinazo O.

2012-01-01

Background Use of illicit buprenorphine is increasingly recognized, but it is unknown if the Internet currently represents an accessible source. Methods A series of Internet searches were conducted. Twenty searches were performed on two different search engines. The first 100 results of each search were classified into categories based on content. All Internet pharmacies were searched for buprenorphine preparations and if available, sites were examined to determine if a prescription was required for purchase, for the cost of buprenorphine, the geographical origin of the pharmacy, and evidence of validation by an online pharmacy verification service. Results Of the 2,000 links examined, 1422 were unique. Six percent of links were to illicit commercial sites, 2% were to legitimate commercial sites, and 2% were to illicit portal sites, which contained links to many illicit commercial sites. Twenty pharmacies offering buprenorphine for purchase without a prescription were identified. The monthly cost of a typical starting dose of 2 mg buprenorphine daily ranged between $232 and $1,163 USD. No pharmacies were listed by online pharmacy verification services. Conclusion Twenty online pharmacies advertising buprenorphine formulations for sale without a prescription were identified. Prices varied widely between illicit pharmacies but were uniformly more expensive than legitimate pharmacies. Illicitly obtained buprenorphine formulations appear to be relatively inaccessible and at high cost on the Internet. PMID:23201172

Orthopaedic resident preparedness for closed reduction and pinning of pediatric supracondylar fractures is improved by e-learning: a multisite randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Hearty, Thomas; Maizels, Max; Pring, Maya; Mazur, John; Liu, Raymond; Sarwark, John; Janicki, Joseph

2013-09-04

There is a need to provide more efficient surgical training methods for orthopaedic residents. E-learning could possibly increase resident surgical preparedness, confidence, and comfort for surgery. Using closed reduction and pinning of pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures as the index case, we hypothesized that e-learning could increase resident knowledge acquisition for case preparation in the operating room. An e-learning surgical training module was created on the Computer Enhanced Visual Learning platform. The module provides a detailed and focused road map of the procedure utilizing a multimedia format. A multisite prospective randomized controlled study design compared residents who used a textbook for case preparation (control group) with residents who used the same textbook plus completed the e-learning module (test group). All subjects completed a sixty-question test on the theory and methods of the case. After completion of the test, the control group then completed the module as well. All subjects were surveyed on their opinion regarding the effectiveness of the module after performing an actual surgical case. Twenty-eight subjects with no previous experience in this surgery were enrolled at four academic centers. Subjects were randomized into two equal groups. The test group scored significantly better (p < 0.001) and demonstrated competence on the test compared with the control group; the mean correct test score (and standard deviation) was 90.9% ± 6.8% for the test group and 73.5% ± 6.4% for the control group. All residents surveyed (n = 27) agreed that the module is a useful supplement to traditional methods for case preparation and twenty-two of twenty-seven residents agreed that it reduced their anxiety during the case and improved their attention to surgical detail. E-learning using the Computer Enhanced Visual Learning platform significantly improved preparedness, confidence, and comfort with percutaneous closed reduction and pinning of a pediatric supracondylar humeral fracture. We believe that adapting such methods into residency training programs will improve efficiency in surgical training.

Takayasu Arteritis in the pediatric population: a contemporary United States-Based Single Center Cohort

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Takayasu Arteritis is an idiopathic, chronic, large vessel vasculitis involving the aorta and its primary branches. Few studies have been done in pediatric patients to date with the largest case series of US patients published in 2003 consisting of only 6 patients. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients seen at Cleveland Clinic Children’s up until 2012 who met EULAR/PRINTO/PRES classification criteria for childhood Takayasu Arteritis. Results Twenty-one patients with a mean follow up of 2.3 years were studied. Weight loss, fatigue, and anorexia were the most common presenting complaints. 57.1% of patients were hypertensive at first visit. The most common examintation finding was diminished pulses (61.9%), followed by bruits, and then murmurs. Thoracic aorta stenosis was the most common vascular abnormality. Seven of twenty-one patients responded well to methotrexate and prednisone alone. Ten of twenty-one patients required an additional medication for symptom and disease control (infliximab most commonly). About two-thirds of patients required at least one anti-hypertensive medication. Eight of the twenty-one patients required surgical intervention for severe disease refractory to medications (renal artery stenosis being the most common indication). Almost all patients reported symptomatic improvement after surgical intervention. Two of the eight patients required a second surgery for return of symptoms. Disease sequelae included arterial aneurysms, resolved heart failure, and hypertensive emergencies. Conclusion Our study emphasizes that constitutional symptoms coupled with objective findings of diminished pulses, bruits, and hypertension should raise clinical suspicion for Takayasu Arteritis in pediatric patients. Pharmacologic therapy alone can be successful in controlling disease progression, however surgery was successful in minimizing symptoms when medical therapies failed. PMID:24955077

Twenty Golden Opportunities To Enhance Student Learning: Use Them or Lose Them.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sponder, Barry

In an average classroom period, a teacher has twenty or more opportunities to interact with students and thereby influence learning outcomes. As such, teachers should use these opportunities to reinforce instruction or give positive corrective feedback. Typical methods used in schools emphasize error correction at the expense of calling attention…

The Twenty-First NASTRAN (R) Users' Colloquium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

This publication contains the proceedings of the Twenty-First NASTRAN Users' Colloquium held in Tampa, FL, April 26 through April 30, 1993. It provides some comprehensive general papers on the application of finite elements in engineering, comparisons with other approaches, unique applications, pre-and postprocessing with other auxiliary programs and new methods of analysis with NASTRAN.

Twenty-first-century science.

PubMed Central

Greenwood, M R

1995-01-01

Scientific life is changing in fundamental ways as the twenty-first century approaches. Advances in technology are changing methods of scientific communications and dissemination of information, while diminishing resources lead to stabilization, politicization, increased public oversight, and the potential for significant downsizing. Libraries can foster the crucial interdisciplinary connections necessary to forge a new vision of scholarship. PMID:7703945

Visual Literacy: Does It Enhance Leadership Abilities Required for the Twenty-First Century?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bintz, Carol

2016-01-01

The twenty-first century hosts a well-established global economy, where leaders are required to have increasingly complex skills that include creativity, innovation, vision, relatability, critical thinking and well-honed communications methods. The experience gained by learning to be visually literate includes the ability to see, observe, analyze,…

The effect of two different visual presentation modalities on the narratives of mainstream grade 3 children.

PubMed

Klop, D; Engelbrecht, L

2013-12-01

This study investigated whether a dynamic visual presentation method (a soundless animated video presentation) would elicit better narratives than a static visual presentation method (a wordless picture book). Twenty mainstream grade 3 children were randomly assigned to two groups and assessed with one of the visual presentation methods. Narrative performance was measured in terms of micro- and macrostructure variables. Microstructure variables included productivity (total number of words, total number of T-units), syntactic complexity (mean length of T-unit) and lexical diversity measures (number of different words). Macrostructure variables included episodic structure in terms of goal-attempt-outcome (GAO) sequences. Both visual presentation modalities elicited narratives of similar quantity and quality in terms of the micro- and macrostructure variables that were investigated. Animation of picture stimuli did not elicit better narratives than static picture stimuli.

Development of a neural network technique for KSTAR Thomson scattering diagnostics

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

Lee, Seung Hun, E-mail: leesh81@nfri.re.kr; Lee, J. H.; Yamada, I.

Neural networks provide powerful approaches of dealing with nonlinear data and have been successfully applied to fusion plasma diagnostics and control systems. Controlling tokamak plasmas in real time is essential to measure the plasma parameters in situ. However, the χ{sup 2} method traditionally used in Thomson scattering diagnostics hampers real-time measurement due to the complexity of the calculations involved. In this study, we applied a neural network approach to Thomson scattering diagnostics in order to calculate the electron temperature, comparing the results to those obtained with the χ{sup 2} method. The best results were obtained for 10{sup 3} training cyclesmore » and eight nodes in the hidden layer. Our neural network approach shows good agreement with the χ{sup 2} method and performs the calculation twenty times faster.« less

Effects of visual feedback balance training on the balance and ankle instability in adult men with functional ankle instability.

PubMed

Nam, Seung-Min; Kim, Kyoung; Lee, Do Youn

2018-01-01

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of visual feedback balance training on the balance and ankle instability in adult men with functional ankle instability. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty eight adults with functional ankle instability, divided randomly into an experimental group, which performed visual feedback balance training for 20 minutes and ankle joint exercises for 10 minutes, and a control group, which performed ankle joint exercise for 30 minutes. Exercises were completed three times a week for 8 weeks. Bio rescue was used for balance ability. It measured limit of stability at one minute. For ankle instability was measured using Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT). This measure was performed before and after the experiments in each group. [Results] The experimental group had significant increase in the Limit of Stability and CAIT score. The control group had significant increase in CAIT score. While the Limit of Stability increased without significance. [Conclusion] In conclusion, visual feedback balance training can be recommended as a treatment method for patients with functional ankle instability.

Load-embedded inertial measurement unit reveals lifting performance.

PubMed

Tammana, Aditya; McKay, Cody; Cain, Stephen M; Davidson, Steven P; Vitali, Rachel V; Ojeda, Lauro; Stirling, Leia; Perkins, Noel C

2018-07-01

Manual lifting of loads arises in many occupations as well as in activities of daily living. Prior studies explore lifting biomechanics and conditions implicated in lifting-induced injuries through laboratory-based experimental methods. This study introduces a new measurement method using load-embedded inertial measurement units (IMUs) to evaluate lifting tasks in varied environments outside of the laboratory. An example vertical load lifting task is considered that is included in an outdoor obstacle course. The IMU data, in the form of the load acceleration and angular velocity, is used to estimate load vertical velocity and three lifting performance metrics: the lifting time (speed), power, and motion smoothness. Large qualitative differences in these parameters distinguish exemplar high and low performance trials. These differences are further supported by subsequent statistical analyses of twenty three trials (including a total of 115 total lift/lower cycles) from fourteen healthy participants. Results reveal that lifting time is strongly correlated with lifting power (as expected) but also correlated with motion smoothness. Thus, participants who lift rapidly do so with significantly greater power using motions that minimize motion jerk. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Twenty-First Century and Legal Studies in Business: Preparing Students to Perform in a Globally Competitive Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burke, Debra D.; Johnson, Ronald A.; Kemp, Deborah J.

2010-01-01

This article first examines the dynamic role business education must play in a flat world economy. Second, it explains how legal courses in the business curricula already equip students with portable twenty-first-century skills and relevant academic content. The article then advocates the acceptance of the Boyer Model of Scholarship, which defines…

Transformative Pedagogy, Leadership and School Organisation for the Twenty-First-Century Knowledge-Based Economy: The Case of Singapore

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dimmock, Clive; Goh, Jonathan W. P.

2011-01-01

Singapore has a high performing school system; its students top international tests in maths and science. Yet while the Singapore government cherishes its world class "brand", it realises that in a globally competitive world, its schools need to prepare students for the twenty-first-century knowledge-based economy (KBE). Accordingly,…

Masculinities in the Motherland: Gender and Authority in the Soviet Union during the Cold War, 1945-1968

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fraser, Erica L.

2009-01-01

This dissertation starts from the premise that World War II changed Soviet ideas about manhood. The Soviet Union lost twenty-seven million combatants and civilians in World War II--twenty million of whom were men. Delineating, performing, negotiating, and resisting a variety of cultural ideas about manliness shaped Soviet militarism and ideology…

A Pilot Study Examining Activity Participation, Sensory Responsiveness, and Competence in Children with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reynolds, Stacey; Bendixen, Roxanna M.; Lawrence, Tami; Lane, Shelly J.

2011-01-01

This pilot study explored activity patterns in children with and without ASD and examined the role of sensory responsiveness in determining children's level of competence in activity performance. Twenty-six children with high functioning ASD and twenty-six typically-developing children 6-12 years old were assessed using the Sensory Profile and the…

Physical exercises for breast cancer survivors: effects of 10 weeks of training on upper limb circumferences

PubMed Central

Di Blasio, Andrea; Morano, Teresa; Bucci, Ines; Di Santo, Serena; D’Arielli, Alberto; Castro, Cristina Gonzalez; Cugusi, Lucia; Cianchetti, Ettore; Napolitano, Giorgio

2016-01-01

[Purpose] The aims of this study were to verify the effects on upper limb circumferences and total body extracellular water of 10 weeks of Nordic Walking (NW) and Walking (W), both alone and combined with a series of exercises created for breast cancer survivors, the ISA method. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty breast cancer survivors were randomly assigned to 4 different training groups and evaluated for upper limb circumferences, total body and extracellular water. [Results] The breast cancer survivors who performed NW, alone and combined with the ISA method, and Walking combined with the ISA method (but not alone) showed significantly reduced arm and forearm circumferences homolateral to the surgical intervention. [Conclusion] For breast cancer survivors, NW, alone and combined with the ISA method, and Walking combined with the ISA method should be prescribed to prevent the onset and to treat light forms of upper limb lymphedema because Walking training practiced alone had no significant effect on upper limb circumference reduction. PMID:27821934

Structure and mechanical properties of parts obtained by selective laser melting of metal powder based on intermetallic compounds Ni3Al

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smelov, V. G.; Sotov, A. V.; Agapovichev, A. V.; Nosova, E. A.

2018-03-01

The structure and mechanical properties of samples are obtained from metal powder based on intermetallic compound by selective laser melting. The chemical analysis of the raw material and static tensile test of specimens were made. Change in the samples’ structure and mechanical properties after homogenization during four and twenty-four hours were investigated. A small-sized combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine was performed by the selective laser melting method. The print combustion chamber was subjected to the gas-dynamic test in a certain temperature and time range.

Passive Attenuating Communication Earphone (PACE): Noise Attenuation and Speech Intelligibility Performance When Worn in Conjunction with the HGU-56/P and HGU-55/P Flight Helmets

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-10-16

right) eartips The purpose of this study was to integrate the HGU-56/P and HGU-55/P flight helmets with PACE to measure the noise attenuation and...55/P flight helmet integrated with PACE 2.0 METHODS 2.1 Subjects Twenty paid volunteer subjects (9 male, 11 female) participated in the study ...Pan Pad Pat Path Pack Pass Buff Bus But Bug Buck Bun Sat Sag Sass Sack Sad Sap Run Sun Bun Gun Fun Nun 8 Distribution A: Approved for

Improving temporal bone dissection using self-directed virtual reality simulation: results of a randomized blinded control trial.

PubMed

Zhao, Yi Chen; Kennedy, Gregor; Yukawa, Kumiko; Pyman, Brian; O'Leary, Stephen

2011-03-01

A significant benefit of virtual reality (VR) simulation is the ability to provide self-direct learning for trainees. This study aims to determine whether there are any differences in performance of cadaver temporal bone dissections between novices who received traditional teaching methods and those who received unsupervised self-directed learning in a VR temporal bone simulator. Randomized blinded control trial. Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. Twenty novice trainees. After receiving an hour lecture, participants were randomized into 2 groups to receive an additional 2 hours of training via traditional teaching methods or self-directed learning using a VR simulator with automated guidance. The simulation environment presented participants with structured training tasks, which were accompanied by real-time computer-generated feedback as well as real operative videos and photos. After the training, trainees were asked to perform a cortical mastoidectomy on a cadaveric temporal bone. The dissection was videotaped and assessed by 3 otologists blinded to participants' teaching group. The overall performance scores of the simulator-based training group were significantly higher than those of the traditional training group (67% vs 29%; P < .001), with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.93, indicating excellent interrater reliability. Using other assessments of performance, such as injury size, the VR simulator-based training group also performed better than the traditional group. This study indicates that self-directed learning on VR simulators can be used to improve performance on cadaver dissection in novice trainees compared with traditional teaching methods alone.

Health technology assessment of medical devices: a survey of non-European union agencies.

PubMed

Ciani, Oriana; Wilcher, Britni; Blankart, Carl Rudolf; Hatz, Maximilian; Rupel, Valentina Prevolnik; Erker, Renata Slabe; Varabyova, Yauheniya; Taylor, Rod S

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to review and compare current health technology assessment (HTA) activities for medical devices across non-European Union HTA agencies. HTA activities for medical devices were evaluated from three perspectives: organizational structure, processes, and methods. Agencies were primarily selected upon membership of existing HTA networks. The data collection was performed in two stages: stage 1-agency Web-site assessment using a standardized questionnaire, followed by review and validation of the collected data by a representative of the agency; and stage 2-semi-structured telephone interviews with key informants of a sub-sample of agencies. In total, thirty-six HTA agencies across twenty non-EU countries assessing medical devices were included. Twenty-seven of thirty-six (75 percent) agencies were judged at stage 1 to have adopted HTA-specific approaches for medical devices (MD-specific agencies) that were largely organizational or procedural. There appeared to be few differences in the organization, process and methods between MD-specific and non-MD-specific agencies. Although the majority (69 percent) of both categories of agency had specific methods guidance or policy for evidence submission, only one MD-specific agency had developed methodological guidelines specific to medical devices. In stage 2, many MD-specific agencies cited insufficient resources (budget, skilled employees), lack of coordination (between regulator and reimbursement bodies), and the inability to generalize findings from evidence synthesis to be key challenges in the HTA of medical devices. The lack of evidence for differentiation in scientific methods for HTA of devices raises the question of whether HTA needs to develop new methods for medical devices but rather adapt existing methodological approaches. In contrast, organizational and/or procedural adaptation of existing HTA agency frameworks to accommodate medical devices appear relatively commonplace.

A Proposal for a Compilation of Requirements and Teaching Methods of Courses at Gaston College.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Dean H.

The purpose of this practicum was to determine the response of faculty members and students to the possibility of producing a pamphlet listing instructional methodologies and course requirements for classes at Gaston College (North Carolina). A questionnaire was completed by twenty-five instructors and twenty-five students, and additional…

Boar Semen Studies

PubMed Central

King, G. J.; Macpherson, J. W.

1967-01-01

A successful method for low temperature preservation of bull semen was modified for use with boar semen and resulted in recovery of twenty to fifty per cent motile cells immediately after thawing. Recovered cells did not survive five hours incubation at 37° C. and no pregnancies resulted following insemination of twenty-four sows and gilts with frozen semen. PMID:4226659

Reproducibility of a silicone-based test food to masticatory performance evaluation by different sieve methods.

PubMed

Sánchez-Ayala, Alfonso; Vilanova, Larissa Soares Reis; Costa, Marina Abrantes; Farias-Neto, Arcelino

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of the condensation silicone Optosil Comfort® as an artificial test food for masticatory performance evaluation. Twenty dentate subjects with mean age of 23.3±0.7 years were selected. Masticatory performance was evaluated using the simple (MPI), the double (IME) and the multiple sieve methods. Trials were carried out five times by three examiners: three times by the first, and once by the second and third examiners. Friedman's test was used to find the differences among time trials. Reproducibility was determined by the intra-class correlation (ICC) test (α=0.05). No differences among time trials were found, except for MPI-4 mm (p=0.022) from the first examiner results. The intra-examiner reproducibility (ICC) of almost all data was high (ICC≥0.92, p<0.001), being moderate only for MPI-0.50 mm (ICC=0.89, p<0.001). The inter-examiner reproducibility was high (ICC>0.93, p<0.001) for all results. For the multiple sieve method, the average mean of absolute difference from repeated measurements were lower than 1 mm. This trend was observed only from MPI-0.50 to MPI-1.4 for the single sieve method, and from IME-0.71/0.50 to IME-1.40/1.00 for the double sieve method. The results suggest that regardless of the method used, the reproducibility of Optosil Comfort® is high.

Analysis of Skeletal Muscle Metrics as Predictors of Functional Task Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ryder, Jeffrey W.; Buxton, Roxanne E.; Redd, Elizabeth; Scott-Pandorf, Melissa; Hackney, Kyle J.; Fiedler, James; Ploutz-Snyder, Robert J.; Bloomberg, Jacob J.; Ploutz-Snyder, Lori L.

2010-01-01

PURPOSE: The ability to predict task performance using physiological performance metrics is vital to ensure that astronauts can execute their jobs safely and effectively. This investigation used a weighted suit to evaluate task performance at various ratios of strength, power, and endurance to body weight. METHODS: Twenty subjects completed muscle performance tests and functional tasks representative of those that would be required of astronauts during planetary exploration (see table for specific tests/tasks). Subjects performed functional tasks while wearing a weighted suit with additional loads ranging from 0-120% of initial body weight. Performance metrics were time to completion for all tasks except hatch opening, which consisted of total work. Task performance metrics were plotted against muscle metrics normalized to "body weight" (subject weight + external load; BW) for each trial. Fractional polynomial regression was used to model the relationship between muscle and task performance. CONCLUSION: LPMIF/BW is the best predictor of performance for predominantly lower-body tasks that are ambulatory and of short duration. LPMIF/BW is a very practical predictor of occupational task performance as it is quick and relatively safe to perform. Accordingly, bench press work best predicts hatch-opening work performance.

Sample displacement chromatography as a method for purification of proteins and peptides from complex mixtures

PubMed Central

Gajdosik, Martina Srajer; Clifton, James; Josic, Djuro

2012-01-01

Sample displacement chromatography (SDC) in reversed-phase and ion-exchange modes was introduced approximately twenty years ago. This method takes advantage of relative binding affinities of components in a sample mixture. During loading, there is a competition among different sample components for the sorption on the surface of the stationary phase. SDC was first used for the preparative purification of proteins. Later, it was demonstrated that this kind of chromatography can also be performed in ion-exchange, affinity and hydrophobic-interaction mode. It has also been shown that SDC can be performed on monoliths and membrane-based supports in both analytical and preparative scale. Recently, SDC in ion-exchange and hydrophobic interaction mode was also employed successfully for the removal of trace proteins from monoclonal antibody preparations and for the enrichment of low abundance proteins from human plasma. In this review, the principals of SDC are introduced, and the potential for separation of proteins and peptides in micro-analytical, analytical and preparative scale is discussed. PMID:22520159

Engagement and Resistance at Last Chance High: A Case Study of Twenty-First-Century Literacies and Identities in One English Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hines, Mary Beth; Kersulov, Michael

2015-01-01

This article investigates the nature of student resistance to and engagement with digital media and twenty-first-century literacies in the English classroom at Last Chance High, an alternative high school. It traces the dynamic interplay of literacy practices and identity performances with and around digital media, exploring one student's…

Trumpet intonation pedagogy in the United States at the beginning of the twenty-first century

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flunker, Joel Kent

Although a wealth of pedagogical material exists for most aspects of trumpet performance, there is a comparatively small body of such material devoted to intonation. In addition, while there is general agreement that good intonation is essential to a successful performance, there is no widely accepted methodology for helping students achieve it. This study first identifies the factors that influence trumpet intonation and explores the reasons why intonation receives less pedagogical emphasis than other performance elements. It continues with an examination of how intonation is addressed in existing published materials. This summary of the approaches used in pedagogical publications is compared with methods practiced in applied trumpet studios, based on interviews with respected trumpet professors in major music schools and conservatories. The goal of the study is to define and highlight issues that can help provide a clear focus for future attempts to improve the way intonation is taught and studied.

Fast Gaussian kernel learning for classification tasks based on specially structured global optimization.

PubMed

Zhong, Shangping; Chen, Tianshun; He, Fengying; Niu, Yuzhen

2014-09-01

For a practical pattern classification task solved by kernel methods, the computing time is mainly spent on kernel learning (or training). However, the current kernel learning approaches are based on local optimization techniques, and hard to have good time performances, especially for large datasets. Thus the existing algorithms cannot be easily extended to large-scale tasks. In this paper, we present a fast Gaussian kernel learning method by solving a specially structured global optimization (SSGO) problem. We optimize the Gaussian kernel function by using the formulated kernel target alignment criterion, which is a difference of increasing (d.i.) functions. Through using a power-transformation based convexification method, the objective criterion can be represented as a difference of convex (d.c.) functions with a fixed power-transformation parameter. And the objective programming problem can then be converted to a SSGO problem: globally minimizing a concave function over a convex set. The SSGO problem is classical and has good solvability. Thus, to find the global optimal solution efficiently, we can adopt the improved Hoffman's outer approximation method, which need not repeat the searching procedure with different starting points to locate the best local minimum. Also, the proposed method can be proven to converge to the global solution for any classification task. We evaluate the proposed method on twenty benchmark datasets, and compare it with four other Gaussian kernel learning methods. Experimental results show that the proposed method stably achieves both good time-efficiency performance and good classification performance. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The use of the wavelet cluster analysis for asteroid family determination

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benjoya, Phillippe; Slezak, E.; Froeschle, Claude

1992-01-01

The asteroid family determination has been analysis method dependent for a longtime. A new cluster analysis based on the wavelet transform has allowed an automatic definition of families with a degree of significance versus randomness. Actually this method is rather general and can be applied to any kind of structural analysis. We will rather concentrate on the main features of the method. The analysis has been performed on the set of 4100 asteroid proper elements computed by Milani and Knezevic (see Milani and Knezevic 1990). Twenty one families have been found and influence of the chosen metric has been tested. The results have beem compared to Zappala et al.'s ones (see Zappala et al 1990) obtained by the use of a completely different method applied to the same set of data. For the first time, a good overlapping has been found between both method results, not only for the big well known families but also for the smallest ones.

Learning spinal manipulation: A best-evidence synthesis of teaching methods.

PubMed

Stainsby, Brynne E; Clarke, Michelle C S; Egonia, Jade R

2016-10-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different reported methods used to teach spinal manipulative therapy to chiropractic students. For this best-evidence literature synthesis, 5 electronic databases were searched from 1900 to 2015. Eligible studies were critically appraised using the criteria of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. Scientifically admissible studies were synthesized following best-evidence synthesis principles. Twenty articles were critically appraised, including 9 randomized clinical trials, 9 cohort studies, and 2 systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Eleven articles were accepted as scientifically admissible. The type of teaching method aids included a Thrust in Motion cervical manikin, instrumented cardiopulmonary reanimation manikin, padded contact with a load cell, instrumented treatment table with force sensor/transducer, and Dynadjust instrument. Several different methods exist in the literature for teaching spinal manipulative therapy techniques; however, future research in this developing area of chiropractic education is proposed. It is suggested that various teaching methods be included in the regular curricula of chiropractic colleges to aid in developing manipulation skills, efficiency, and knowledge of performance.

The effects of modified constraint-induced movement therapy and mirror therapy on upper extremity function and its influence on activities of daily living.

PubMed

Ju, Yumi; Yoon, In-Jin

2018-01-01

[Purpose] Modified constraint-induced movement therapy and mirror therapy are recognized as stroke rehabilitation methods. The aim of the present study was to determine whether these therapies influence upper extremity function and whether upper extremity function influences the ability to perform activities of daily living in further. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-eight stroke patients participated in the study. Interventions were administered five times per week for 3 weeks. Activities of daily living or self-exercise were performed after modified constraint-induced movement therapy or mirror therapy, respectively. Analyses were performed on the results of the Manual Function Test and the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index to determine the factors influencing activities of daily living. [Results] Both groups showed improvement in upper extremity function, but only the modified constraint-induced movement therapy group showed a correlation between upper extremity function and performance in the hygiene, eating, and dressing. The improved hand manipulation function found in the modified constraint-induced movement therapy had statistically significant influences on eating and dressing. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that a patient's attempts to move the affected side result in improved performance in activities of daily living as well as physical function.

The effects of modified constraint-induced movement therapy and mirror therapy on upper extremity function and its influence on activities of daily living

PubMed Central

Ju, Yumi; Yoon, In-Jin

2018-01-01

[Purpose] Modified constraint-induced movement therapy and mirror therapy are recognized as stroke rehabilitation methods. The aim of the present study was to determine whether these therapies influence upper extremity function and whether upper extremity function influences the ability to perform activities of daily living in further. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-eight stroke patients participated in the study. Interventions were administered five times per week for 3 weeks. Activities of daily living or self-exercise were performed after modified constraint-induced movement therapy or mirror therapy, respectively. Analyses were performed on the results of the Manual Function Test and the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index to determine the factors influencing activities of daily living. [Results] Both groups showed improvement in upper extremity function, but only the modified constraint-induced movement therapy group showed a correlation between upper extremity function and performance in the hygiene, eating, and dressing. The improved hand manipulation function found in the modified constraint-induced movement therapy had statistically significant influences on eating and dressing. [Conclusion] Our results suggest that a patient’s attempts to move the affected side result in improved performance in activities of daily living as well as physical function. PMID:29410571

An analysis of relational complexity in an air traffic control conflict detection task.

PubMed

Boag, Christine; Neal, Andrew; Loft, Shayne; Halford, Graeme S

2006-11-15

Theoretical analyses of air traffic complexity were carried out using the Method for the Analysis of Relational Complexity. Twenty-two air traffic controllers examined static air traffic displays and were required to detect and resolve conflicts. Objective measures of performance included conflict detection time and accuracy. Subjective perceptions of mental workload were assessed by a complexity-sorting task and subjective ratings of the difficulty of different aspects of the task. A metric quantifying the complexity of pair-wise relations among aircraft was able to account for a substantial portion of the variance in the perceived complexity and difficulty of conflict detection problems, as well as reaction time. Other variables that influenced performance included the mean minimum separation between aircraft pairs and the amount of time that aircraft spent in conflict.

Rapid analysis of the main components of the total glycosides of Ranunculus japonicus by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS.

PubMed

Rui, Wen; Chen, Hongyuan; Tan, Yuzhi; Zhong, Yanmei; Feng, Yifan

2010-05-01

A rapid method for the analysis of the main components of the total glycosides of Ranunculus japonicus (TGOR) was developed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS). The separation analysis was performed on a Waters Acquity UPLC system and the accurate mass of molecules and their fragment ions were determined by Q-TOF MS. Twenty compounds, including lactone glycosides, flavonoid glycosides and flavonoid aglycones, were identified and tentatively deduced on the basis of their elemental compositions, MS/MS data and relevant literature. The results demonstrated that lactone glycosides and flavonoids were the main constituents of TGOR. Furthermore, an effective and rapid pattern was established allowing for the comprehensive and systematic characterization of the complex samples.

Experience with extracorporeal renal operations and autotransplantation in the management of complicated urologic disorders.

PubMed

Novick, A C; Straffon, R A; Stewart, B H

1981-07-01

Renal autotransplantation with or without an extracorporeal renal operation was performed 45 times upon 43 patients. Twenty-one patients underwent renal autotransplantation as surgical treatment for renovascular hypertension, all of whom are cured or have improved postoperatively. Sixteen renal autotransplants were performed upon 14 patients with extensive ureteral disease, 14 of which were successful. Six patients with carcinoma centrally located in a solitary kidney underwent extracorporeal partial nephrectomy and autotransplantation. Three of these patients are alive with functioning autografts and are tumor-free from one to five years postoperatively. Two patients with multiple recurrent renal calculi were successfully treated by extracorporeal pyelolithotomy and autotransplantation with pyelovesicostomy. An extracorporeal renal operation and autotransplantation can provide the best solution for selected urologic problems not correctable by conventional methods.

Development of quality indicators for physiotherapy for patients with PAOD in the Netherlands: a Delphi study.

PubMed

Gijsbers, H J H; Lauret, G J; van Hofwegen, A; van Dockum, T A; Teijink, J A W; Hendriks, H J M

2016-06-01

The aim of the study was to develop quality indicators (QIs) for physiotherapy management of patients with intermittent claudication (IC) in the Netherlands. As part of an international six-step method to develop QIs, an online survey Delphi-procedure was completed. After two Delphi-rounds a validation round was performed. Twenty-six experts were recruited to participate in this study. Twenty-four experts completed two Delphi-rounds. A third round was conducted inviting 1200 qualified and registered physiotherapists of the Dutch integrated care network 'Claudicationet' to validate a draft set of quality indicators. Out of 83 potential QIs in the Dutch physiotherapy guideline on 'Intermittent claudication', consensus among the experts selected nine indicators. All nine quality indicators were validated by 300 physiotherapists. A final set of nine indicators was derived from (1) a Dutch evidence-based physiotherapy guideline, (2) an expert Delphi procedure and (3) a validation by 300 physiotherapists. This set of indicators should be validated in clinical practice. Copyright © 2015 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A RRKM study and a DFT assessment on gas-phase fragmentation of formamide-M(2+) (M = Ca, Sr).

PubMed

Martín-Sómer, Ana; Gaigeot, Marie-Pierre; Yáñez, Manuel; Spezia, Riccardo

2014-07-28

A kinetic study of the unimolecular reactivity of formamide-M(2+) (M = Ca, Sr) systems was carried out by means of RRKM statistical theory using high-level DFT. The results predict M(2+), [M(NH2)](+) and [HCO](+) as the main products, together with an intermediate that could eventually evolve to produce [M(NH3)](2+) and CO, for high values of internal energy. In this framework, we also evaluated the influence of the external rotational energy on the reaction rate constants. In order to find a method to perform reliable electronic structure calculations for formamide-M(2+) (M = Ca, Sr) at a relatively low computational cost, an assessment of different methods was performed. In the first assessment twenty-one functionals, belonging to different DFT categories, and an MP2 wave function method using a small basis set were evaluated. CCSD(T)/cc-pWCVTZ single point calculations were used as reference. A second assessment has been performed on geometries and energies. We found BLYP/6-31G(d) and G96LYP/6-31+G(d,p) as the best performing methods, for formamide-Ca(2+) and formamide-Sr(2+), respectively. Furthermore, a detailed assessment was done on RRKM reactivity and G96LYP/6-31G(d) provided results in agreement with higher level calculations. The combination of geometrical, energetics and kinetics (RRKM) criteria to evaluate DFT functionals is rather unusual and provides an original assessment procedure. Overall, we suggest using G96LYP as the best performing functional with a small basis set for both systems.

Evaluation of the pulse-contour method of determining stroke volume in man.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alderman, E. L.; Branzi, A.; Sanders, W.; Brown, B. W.; Harrison, D. C.

1972-01-01

The pulse-contour method for determining stroke volume has been employed as a continuous rapid method of monitoring the cardiovascular status of patients. Twenty-one patients with ischemic heart disease and 21 patients with mitral valve disease were subjected to a variety of hemodynamic interventions. The pulse-contour estimations, using three different formulas derived by Warner, Kouchoukos, and Herd, were compared with indicator-dilution outputs. A comparison of the results of the two methods for determining stroke volume yielded correlation coefficients ranging from 0.59 to 0.84. The better performing Warner formula yielded a coefficient of variation of about 20%. The type of hemodynamic interventions employed did not significantly affect the results using the pulse-contour method. Although the correlation of the pulse-contour and indicator-dilution stroke volumes is high, the coefficient of variation is such that small changes in stroke volume cannot be accurately assessed by the pulse-contour method. However, the simplicity and rapidity of this method compared to determination of cardiac output by Fick or indicator-dilution methods makes it a potentially useful adjunct for monitoring critically ill patients.

Evaluation of inorganic zinc-rich primers using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) in combination with atmospheric exposure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Calle, Luz M.

1994-01-01

This investigation explored the use of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) in combination with atmospheric exposure as a short term method for analyzing the performance of twenty-one commercially available zinc-rich primers. The twenty-one zinc-rich primers were: Carboline CZ-11, Ameron Devoe-Marine Catha-Coat 304, Briner V-65, Ameron D-21-9, Sherwin Williams Zinc Clad II, Carboline CZ-D7, Ameron D-4, Dupont Ganicin 347WB, Porter TQ-4374H, Inorganic Coatings IC-531, Subox Galvanox IV, Southern Coatings Chemtec 600, GLidden Glidzinc 5530, Byco SP-101, Tnemec 90E-75, Devoe Catha-Coat 302H, Glidden Glidzinc 5536, Koppers 701, Ameron D-21-5, Coronado 935-152, and Subox Galvanox V. Data were also collected on galvanized steel for comparison purposes. A library of Bode magnitude plots was generated for each coating including curves for the initial time and after each week of atmospheric exposure at the Beach Corrosion Test site near the Space Shuttle launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center for up to four weeks. Subsequent measurements were collected after 8 weeks and after one year of atmospheric exposure. Analysis of the impedance data was performed with the purpose of identifying parameters that could be used to predict the long-term performance of zinc-rich primers. It has been shown that there is a correlation between the long-term performance of zinc-rich primers and several parameters obtained from EIS measurements in combination with atmospheric exposure. The equivalent circuit R2(R2C(R3W)) provided a satisfactory fit for the EIS data. The corrosion potential and the R2 resistance are parameters indicative of the galvanic mechanism of protection. The capacitance of the coating is related to the barrier mechanism of protection.

A flammability study of thin plastic film materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skinner, S. Ballou

1990-01-01

The Materials Science Laboratory at the Kennedy Space Center presently conducts flammability tests on thin plastic film materials by using a small needle rake method. Flammability data from twenty-two thin plastic film materials were obtained and cross-checked by using three different testing methods: (1) the presently used small needle rake; (2) the newly developed large needle rake; and (3) the previously used frame. In order to better discern the melting-burning phenomenon of thin plastic film material, five additional specific experiments were performed. These experiments determined the following: (1) the heat sink effect of each testing method; (2) the effect of the burn angle on the burn length or melting/shrinkage length; (3) the temperature profile above the ignition source; (4) the melting point and the fire point of each material; and (5) the melting/burning profile of each material via infrared (IR) imaging. The results of these experimentations are presented.

Indicators and Methods for Evaluating Economic, Ecosystem ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The U.S. Human Well-being Index (HWBI) is a composite measure that incorporates economic, environmental, and societal well-being elements through the eight domains of connection to nature, cultural fulfillment, education, health, leisure time, living standards, safety and security, and social cohesion (USEPA 2012a; Smith et al. 2013). Twenty-eight services, represented by a collection of indicators and metrics, have been identified as influencing these domains of human well-being. By taking an inventory of stocks or measuring the results of a service, a relationship function can be derived to understand how changes in the provisioning of that service can influence the HWBI. An extensive review of existing services was performed to identify current services, indicators and metrics in use. This report describes the indicators and methods we have selected to evaluate the provisioning of economic, ecosystem, and social services related to human well-being. Provide metadata and methods for calculating services provisioning scores for HWBI modeling framework

Teaching history-taking: where are we?

PubMed Central

Nardone, D. A.; Reuler, J. B.; Girard, D. E.

1980-01-01

Knowledge in history-taking has increased rapidly over the last twenty years. Currently the principles to be taught include "conduct," "content," and "diagnostic reasoning." However, inattentiveness of medical schools, reluctance of busy faculty to be involved, and increasing enrollments have resulted in difficulties in teaching these skills. Studies have shown a beneficial short-term effect of teaching these materials on interview performance but it is unknown whether this effect is long-lasting. The methods for instruction include the bedside and videotape models utilizing the concept of the fifteen-minute interview technique, programmed instruction, patient instructors, and direct student feedback. Future research should focus on identifying strategies in diagnostic reasoning, developing graduated competency criteria for trainees at different levels of their education, refining methods to evaluate large numbers of students, measuring outcomes of effective training such as compliance, and comparing costs and effectiveness of various methods. In addition, there remains the need to establish an association of course directors. PMID:7405275

Development of RFLP-PCR method for the identification of medically important Aspergillus species using single restriction enzyme MwoI.

PubMed

Diba, K; Mirhendi, H; Kordbacheh, P; Rezaie, S

2014-01-01

In this study we attempted to modify the PCR-RFLP method using restriction enzyme MwoI for the identification of medically important Aspergillus species. Our subjects included nine standard Aspergillus species and 205 Aspergillus isolates of approved hospital acquired infections and hospital indoor sources. First of all, Aspergillus isolates were identified in the level of species by using morphologic method. A twenty four hours culture was performed for each isolates to harvest Aspergillus mycelia and then genomic DNA was extracted using Phenol-Chloroform method. PCR-RFLP using single restriction enzyme MwoI was performed in ITS regions of rDNA gene. The electrophoresis data were analyzed and compared with those of morphologic identifications. Total of 205 Aspergillus isolates included 153 (75%) environmental and 52 (25%) clinical isolates. A. flavus was the most frequently isolate in our study (55%), followed by A. niger 65(31.7%), A. fumigatus 18(8.7%), A. nidulans and A. parasiticus 2(1% each). MwoI enabled us to discriminate eight medically important Aspergillus species including A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. flavus as the most common isolated species. PCR-RFLP method using the restriction enzyme MwoI is a rapid and reliable test for identification of at least the most medically important Aspergillus species.

Development of RFLP-PCR method for the identification of medically important Aspergillus species using single restriction enzyme MwoI

PubMed Central

Diba, K.; Mirhendi, H.; Kordbacheh, P.; Rezaie, S.

2014-01-01

In this study we attempted to modify the PCR-RFLP method using restriction enzyme MwoI for the identification of medically important Aspergillus species. Our subjects included nine standard Aspergillus species and 205 Aspergillus isolates of approved hospital acquired infections and hospital indoor sources. First of all, Aspergillus isolates were identified in the level of species by using morphologic method. A twenty four hours culture was performed for each isolates to harvest Aspergillus mycelia and then genomic DNA was extracted using Phenol-Chloroform method. PCR-RFLP using single restriction enzyme MwoI was performed in ITS regions of rDNA gene. The electrophoresis data were analyzed and compared with those of morphologic identifications. Total of 205 Aspergillus isolates included 153 (75%) environmental and 52 (25%) clinical isolates. A. flavus was the most frequently isolate in our study (55%), followed by A. niger 65(31.7%), A. fumigatus 18(8.7%), A. nidulans and A. parasiticus 2(1% each). MwoI enabled us to discriminate eight medically important Aspergillus species including A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. flavus as the most common isolated species. PCR-RFLP method using the restriction enzyme MwoI is a rapid and reliable test for identification of at least the most medically important Aspergillus species. PMID:25242934

Teaching methods and surgical training in North American graduate periodontics programs: exploring the landscape.

PubMed

Ghiabi, Edmond; Taylor, K Lynn

2010-06-01

This project aimed at documenting the surgical training curricula offered by North American graduate periodontics programs. A survey consisting of questions on teaching methods employed and the content of the surgical training program was mailed to directors of all fifty-eight graduate periodontics programs in Canada and the United States. The chi-square test was used to assess whether the residents' clinical experience was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by having a) a structured preclinical program or b) another dental residency program in the institution. Thirty-four programs (59 percent) responded to the survey. Twenty-six programs (76 percent of respondents) reported offering a structured preclinical component. Traditional teaching methods such as slides, live demonstration, DVD/CD, and animal cadavers were the most common teaching methods used, whereas online courses, computer simulation, and various surgical mannequins were least commonly used. The most commonly performed surgical procedures were conventional flaps, periodontal plastic procedures, hard tissue grafts, and implants. Furthermore, residents in programs offering a structured preclinical component performed significantly more procedures (P=0.012) using lasers than those in programs not offering a structured preclinical program. Devising new and innovative teaching methods is a clear avenue for future development in North American graduate periodontics programs.

How Trust in Wikipedia Evolves: A Survey of Students Aged 11 to 25

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mothe, Josiane; Sahut, Gilles

2018-01-01

Introduction: Whether Wikipedia is to be considered a trusted source is frequently questioned in France. This paper reports the results of a survey examining the levels of trust shown by young people aged eleven to twenty-five. Method: We analyse the answers given by 841 young people, aged eleven to twenty-five, to a questionnaire. To our…

NATO’s Relevance in the Twenty-First Century

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-22

reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching...5d. PROJECT NUMBER Colonel John K. Jones 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES...Christopher Coker, Globalisation and Insecurity in the Twenty-first Century: NATO and the Management of Risk (The International Institute for Strategic

Towards systemic sustainable performance of TBI care systems: emergency leadership frontiers

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) continue as a twenty-first century subterranean and almost invisible scourge internationally. TBI care systems provide a safety net for survival, recovery, and reintegration into social communities from this scourge, particularly in Canada, the European Union, and the USA. Aims This paper examines the underlying issues of systemic performance and sustainability of TBI care systems, in the light of decreasing care resources and increasing demands for services. Methods This paper reviews the extant literature on TBI care systems, systems reengineering, and emergency leadership literature. Results This paper presents a seven care layer paradigm, which forms the essence of systemic performance in the care of patients with TBIs. It also identifies five key strategic drivers that hold promise for the future systemic sustainability of TBI care systems. Conclusions Transformational leadership and engagement from the international emergency medical community is the key to generating positive change. The sustainability/performance care framework is relevant and pertinent for consideration internationally and in the context of other emergency medical populations. PMID:21373305

Unsedation colonoscopy can be not that painful: Evaluation of the effect of "Lamaze method of colonoscopy".

PubMed

Yu, Shao-Ping; Lin, Xiao-Dong; Wu, Guang-Yao; Li, Song-Hu; Wen, Zong-Quan; Cen, Xiao-Hong; Huang, Xian-Guang; Huang, Mei-Ting

2015-10-25

To evaluate the pain relieving effect of intervention with "Lamaze method of colonoscopy" in the process of colonoscopy. Five hundred and eighty-five patients underwent colonoscopy were randomly divided into three groups, Lamaze group, anesthetic group and control group. Two hundred and twenty-four patients of Lamaze group, the "Lamaze method of colonoscopy" were practiced in the process of colonoscopy. The Lamaze method of colonoscopy is modified from the Lamaze method of childbirth, which helped patients to relieve pain through effective breathing control. One hundred and seventy-eight patients in anesthetic group accepted sedation colonoscopy. For 183 patients in control group, colonoscopy was performed without any intervention. The satisfactory of colon cleaning, intestinal lesions, intubation time, success ratio, pain grading and complications were recorded. All data were statistically analyzed. There were no significant differences at base line of the three groups (P > 0.05). Anesthetic group shows advantage in intubation time than the other two groups (P < 0.05). Lamaze group shows no advantage in intubation time than that in control group (P > 0.05). The anesthetic group showed an apparent advantage in relieving pain (P < 0.01). Therefore, the "Lamaze method of colonoscopy" performed in colonoscopy could relieve pain effectively comparing with control group (P < 0.05). The patients in anesthetic group had the highest incidence of complications (P < 0.05). The performance of the "Lamaze method of colonoscopy" in the process of colonoscopy could relieve patients' pain, minimize the incidence of complications, and is worthy promotion in clinical practice.

Leakage of Microbial Endotoxin through the Implant-Abutment Interface in Oral Implants: An In Vitro Study.

PubMed

Garrana, Rhoodie; Mohangi, Govindrau; Malo, Paulo; Nobre, Miguel

2016-01-01

Background . Endotoxin initiates osteoclastic activity resulting in bone loss. Endotoxin leakage through implant abutment connections negatively influences peri-implant bone levels. Objectives . (i) To determine if endotoxin can traverse different implant-abutment connection (IAC) designs; (ii) to quantify the amount of endotoxins traversing the IAC; (iii) to compare the in vitro comportments of different IACs. Materials and Methods . Twenty-seven IACs were inoculated with E. coli endotoxin. Six of the twenty-seven IACs were external connections from one system (Southern Implants) and the remaining twenty-one IACs were made up of seven internal IAC types from four different implant companies (Straumann, Ankylos, and Neodent, Southern Implants). Results . Of the 27 IACs tested, all 6 external IACs leaked measurable amounts of endotoxin. Of the remaining 21 internal IACs, 9 IACs did not show measurable leakage whilst the remaining 12 IACs leaked varying amounts. The mean log endotoxin level was significantly higher for the external compared to internal types ( p = 0.015). Conclusion . Within the parameters of this study, we can conclude that endotoxin leakage is dependent on the design of the IAC. Straumann Synocta, Straumann Cross-fit, and Ankylos displayed the best performances of all IACs tested with undetectable leakage after 7 days. Each of these IACs incorporated a morse-like component in their design. Speculation still exists over the impact of IAC endotoxin leakage on peri-implant tissues in vivo; hence, further investigations are required to further explore this.

Determining the anaerobic threshold in water aerobic exercises: a comparison between the heart rate deflection point and the ventilatory method.

PubMed

Alberton, C L; Kanitz, A C; Pinto, S S; Antunes, A H; Finatto, P; Cadore, E L; Kruel, L F M

2013-08-01

The aim of this study was to compare the cardiorespiratory variables corresponding to the anaerobic threshold (AT) between different water-based exercises using two methods of determining the AT, the heart rate deflection point and ventilatory method, and to correlate the variables in both methods. Twenty young women performed three exercise sessions in the water. Maximal tests were performed in the water-based exercises stationary running, frontal kick and cross country skiing. The protocol started at a rate of 80 cycles per minute (cycle.min-1) for 2 min with subsequent increments of 10 cycle.min-1 every minute until exhaustion, with measurements of heart rate, oxygen uptake and ventilation throughout test. After, the two methods were used to determine the values of these variables corresponding to the AT for each of the exercises. Comparisons were made using two-way ANOVA for repeated measures with Bonferroni's post hoc test. To correlate the same variables determined by the two methods, the intra-class correlation coefficient test (ICC) was used. For all the variables, no significant differences were found between the methods of determining the AT and the three exercises. Moreover, the ICC values of each variable determined by the two methods were high and significant. The estimation of the heart rate deflection point can be used as a simple and practical method of determining the AT, which can be used when prescribing these exercises. In addition, these cardiorespiratory parameters may be determined performing the test with only one of the evaluated exercises, since there were no differences in the evaluated variables.

An Investigation into Musicians' Thoughts and Perceptions during Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, Terry; Lisboa, Tânia; Williamon, Aaron

2014-01-01

Given the current state of understanding surrounding musicians' experiences while performing, this study sought to investigate musicians' thoughts and perceptions during performances and the perceived impact their evaluation of those thoughts and perceptions has on their subsequent musical activities. Twenty-nine student and professional classical…

[Intraesophageal pH in children with suspected reflux].

PubMed

Calva-Rodríguez, R; García-Aranda, J A; Bendimez-Cano, A; Estrada-Saavedra, R

1989-05-01

We study 22 children with clinical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. The main manifestations were: frequent vomiting, failure to thrive and repetitive pneumonia. In all of them we perform barium esophagogram (SEGD) with fluoroscopy, esophageal manometry (EM) and a four hours intraesophageal pH measurement. Thirteen of the twenty two children present a pathologic reflux (ERGE); in 16 we found SEGD that show reflux; three of them had an abnormal EM, the other 13 were normal. Seven patients showed alteration of the intraesophageal pH measurement. In conclusion the intraesophageal pH measurement in short period of time (4 hours) is a good method in the diagnosis of patients with ERGE.

[The influence of "hygienic minimum" course on quality of catering establishments].

PubMed

Venus, Miroslav; Petrovcić, Darija

2010-01-01

The aim of this article was to define the quality of catering establishments in Virovitica Podravina county before and after the course of "hygienic minimum". Research was realized through interview and assessment of microbiological swabs of the same catering establishments before and after the course of "hygienic minimum". All procedures were performed according to Regulations on standard specification in microbiological cleanness and methods of its determining. Twenty-five catering establishments from a group of restaurants and bars were analyzed. In all of them we found improvement in the most of examined parameters. So, implementation of the course through the existing program has proven to be justified.

A New Method for the Evaluation and Prediction of Base Stealing Performance.

PubMed

Bricker, Joshua C; Bailey, Christopher A; Driggers, Austin R; McInnis, Timothy C; Alami, Arya

2016-11-01

Bricker, JC, Bailey, CA, Driggers, AR, McInnis, TC, and Alami, A. A new method for the evaluation and prediction of base stealing performance. J Strength Cond Res 30(11): 3044-3050, 2016-The purposes of this study were to evaluate a new method using electronic timing gates to monitor base stealing performance in terms of reliability, differences between it and traditional stopwatch-collected times, and its ability to predict base stealing performance. Twenty-five healthy collegiate baseball players performed maximal effort base stealing trials with a right and left-handed pitcher. An infrared electronic timing system was used to calculate the reaction time (RT) and total time (TT), whereas coaches' times (CT) were recorded with digital stopwatches. Reliability of the TGM was evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and coefficient of variation (CV). Differences between the TGM and traditional CT were calculated with paired samples t tests Cohen's d effect size estimates. Base stealing performance predictability of the TGM was evaluated with Pearson's bivariate correlations. Acceptable relative reliability was observed (ICCs 0.74-0.84). Absolute reliability measures were acceptable for TT (CVs = 4.4-4.8%), but measures were elevated for RT (CVs = 32.3-35.5%). Statistical and practical differences were found between TT and CT (right p = 0.00, d = 1.28 and left p = 0.00, d = 1.49). The TGM TT seems to be a decent predictor of base stealing performance (r = -0.49 to -0.61). The authors recommend using the TGM used in this investigation for athlete monitoring because it was found to be reliable, seems to be more precise than traditional CT measured with a stopwatch, provides an additional variable of value (RT), and may predict future performance.

Eating Disorders, Physical Fitness and Sport Performance: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

El Ghoch, Marwan; Soave, Fabio; Calugi, Simona; Dalle Grave, Riccardo

2013-01-01

Background: Eating disorders are health problems that are particularly prevalent in adolescents and young adults. They are associated with considerable physical health and psychosocial morbidity, and increased risk of mortality. We set out to conduct a systematic review to determine their effect on physical fitness in the general population and on sport performance in athletes. Methods/Design: A systematic review of the relevant peer-reviewed literature was performed. For inclusion, articles retrieved from PubMed had to be published in English between 1977 and 2013. Wherever possible, methods and reporting adhere to the guidelines outlined in the PRISMA statement. Some additional studies were retrieved from among those cited in the reference lists of included studies and from non-electronic databases. Literature searches, study selection, method and quality appraisal were performed independently by two authors, and data was synthesized using a narrative approach. Results: Of the 1183 articles retrieved, twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were consequently analysed. The available data indicate that eating disorders have a negative effect on physical fitness and sport performance by causing low energy availability, excessive loss of fat and lean mass, dehydration, and electrolyte disturbance. Discussion: Although the paucity of the available data mean that findings to date should be interpreted with caution, the information collated in this review has several practical implications. First, eating disorders have a negative effect on both physical fitness and sport performance. Second athletics coaches should be targeted for education about the risk factors of eating disorders, as deterioration in sport performance in athletes, particularly if they are underweight or show other signs of an eating disorder, may indicate the need for medical intervention. However, future studies are needed, especially to assess the direct effect of eating disorders on sport performance. PMID:24352092

Learning spinal manipulation: A best-evidence synthesis of teaching methods*

PubMed Central

Stainsby, Brynne E.; Clarke, Michelle C.S.; Egonia, Jade R.

2016-01-01

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different reported methods used to teach spinal manipulative therapy to chiropractic students. Methods: For this best-evidence literature synthesis, 5 electronic databases were searched from 1900 to 2015. Eligible studies were critically appraised using the criteria of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. Scientifically admissible studies were synthesized following best-evidence synthesis principles. Results: Twenty articles were critically appraised, including 9 randomized clinical trials, 9 cohort studies, and 2 systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Eleven articles were accepted as scientifically admissible. The type of teaching method aids included a Thrust in Motion cervical manikin, instrumented cardiopulmonary reanimation manikin, padded contact with a load cell, instrumented treatment table with force sensor/transducer, and Dynadjust instrument. Conclusions: Several different methods exist in the literature for teaching spinal manipulative therapy techniques; however, future research in this developing area of chiropractic education is proposed. It is suggested that various teaching methods be included in the regular curricula of chiropractic colleges to aid in developing manipulation skills, efficiency, and knowledge of performance. PMID:26998630

Masking release due to linguistic and phonetic dissimilarity between the target and masker speech

PubMed Central

Calandruccio, Lauren; Brouwer, Susanne; Van Engen, Kristin J.; Dhar, Sumitrajit; Bradlow, Ann R.

2013-01-01

Purpose To investigate masking release for speech maskers for linguistically and phonetically close (English and Dutch) and distant (English and Mandarin) language pairs. Method Twenty monolingual speakers of English with normal-audiometric thresholds participated. Data are reported for an English sentence recognition task in English, Dutch and Mandarin competing speech maskers (Experiment I) and noise maskers (Experiment II) that were matched either to the long-term-average-speech spectra or to the temporal modulations of the speech maskers from Experiment I. Results Results indicated that listener performance increased as the target-to-masker linguistic distance increased (English-in-English < English-in-Dutch < English-in-Mandarin). Conclusions Spectral differences between maskers can account for some, but not all, of the variation in performance between maskers; however, temporal differences did not seem to play a significant role. PMID:23800811

A feasibility study on age-related factors of wrist pulse using principal component analysis.

PubMed

Jang-Han Bae; Young Ju Jeon; Sanghun Lee; Jaeuk U Kim

2016-08-01

Various analysis methods for examining wrist pulse characteristics are needed for accurate pulse diagnosis. In this feasibility study, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to observe age-related factors of wrist pulse from various analysis parameters. Forty subjects in the age group of 20s and 40s were participated, and their wrist pulse signal and respiration signal were acquired with the pulse tonometric device. After pre-processing of the signals, twenty analysis parameters which have been regarded as values reflecting pulse characteristics were calculated and PCA was performed. As a results, we could reduce complex parameters to lower dimension and age-related factors of wrist pulse were observed by combining-new analysis parameter derived from PCA. These results demonstrate that PCA can be useful tool for analyzing wrist pulse signal.

Cesium and Rubidium Frequency Standards Status and Performance on the GPS Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanMelle, M. J.

1996-01-01

This paper is an update of the on-orbit operational performance of the frequency standards on the last Block 1 Navstar satellite (GPS-10), the complete Block 2 Navstar satellites (GPS-13 to 21) and the Block 2A Navstar (GPS-22 to 40) satellites. Since the status of the GPS constellation is now at full operational capability (FOC), a minimum of twenty-four satellites are in position with all the necessary tests successfully completed. The evolution of frequency standards on board the GPS vehicles will be presented with corresponding results. Various methods and techniques will be presented to show on-orbit life time, down time, state of health telemetry, on-orbit trending and characterization of all the frequency standards. Other topics such as reliability, stability, clock quirks and idiosyncrasies of each vehicle will be covered.

Mental skills training effectively minimizes operative performance deterioration under stressful conditions: Results of a randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Anton, N E; Beane, J; Yurco, A M; Howley, L D; Bean, E; Myers, E M; Stefanidis, D

2018-02-01

Stress can negatively impact surgical performance, but mental skills may help. We hypothesized that a comprehensive mental skills curriculum (MSC) would minimize resident performance deterioration under stress. Twenty-four residents were stratified then randomized to receive mental skills and FLS training (MSC group), or only FLS training (control group). Laparoscopic suturing skill was assessed on a live porcine model with and without external stressors. Outcomes were compared with t-tests. Twenty-three residents completed the study. The groups were similar at baseline. There were no differences in suturing at posttest or transfer test under normal conditions. Both groups experienced significantly decreased performance when stress was applied, but the MSC group significantly outperformed controls under stress. This MSC enabled residents to perform significantly better than controls in the simulated OR under unexpected stressful conditions. These findings support the use of psychological skills as an integral part of a surgical resident training. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Deformable registration of CT and cone-beam CT with local intensity matching.

PubMed

Park, Seyoun; Plishker, William; Quon, Harry; Wong, John; Shekhar, Raj; Lee, Junghoon

2017-02-07

Cone-beam CT (CBCT) is a widely used intra-operative imaging modality in image-guided radiotherapy and surgery. A short scan followed by a filtered-backprojection is typically used for CBCT reconstruction. While data on the mid-plane (plane of source-detector rotation) is complete, off-mid-planes undergo different information deficiency and the computed reconstructions are approximate. This causes different reconstruction artifacts at off-mid-planes depending on slice locations, and therefore impedes accurate registration between CT and CBCT. In this paper, we propose a method to accurately register CT and CBCT by iteratively matching local CT and CBCT intensities. We correct CBCT intensities by matching local intensity histograms slice by slice in conjunction with intensity-based deformable registration. The correction-registration steps are repeated in an alternating way until the result image converges. We integrate the intensity matching into three different deformable registration methods, B-spline, demons, and optical flow that are widely used for CT-CBCT registration. All three registration methods were implemented on a graphics processing unit for efficient parallel computation. We tested the proposed methods on twenty five head and neck cancer cases and compared the performance with state-of-the-art registration methods. Normalized cross correlation (NCC), structural similarity index (SSIM), and target registration error (TRE) were computed to evaluate the registration performance. Our method produced overall NCC of 0.96, SSIM of 0.94, and TRE of 2.26 → 2.27 mm, outperforming existing methods by 9%, 12%, and 27%, respectively. Experimental results also show that our method performs consistently and is more accurate than existing algorithms, and also computationally efficient.

Deformable registration of CT and cone-beam CT with local intensity matching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Seyoun; Plishker, William; Quon, Harry; Wong, John; Shekhar, Raj; Lee, Junghoon

2017-02-01

Cone-beam CT (CBCT) is a widely used intra-operative imaging modality in image-guided radiotherapy and surgery. A short scan followed by a filtered-backprojection is typically used for CBCT reconstruction. While data on the mid-plane (plane of source-detector rotation) is complete, off-mid-planes undergo different information deficiency and the computed reconstructions are approximate. This causes different reconstruction artifacts at off-mid-planes depending on slice locations, and therefore impedes accurate registration between CT and CBCT. In this paper, we propose a method to accurately register CT and CBCT by iteratively matching local CT and CBCT intensities. We correct CBCT intensities by matching local intensity histograms slice by slice in conjunction with intensity-based deformable registration. The correction-registration steps are repeated in an alternating way until the result image converges. We integrate the intensity matching into three different deformable registration methods, B-spline, demons, and optical flow that are widely used for CT-CBCT registration. All three registration methods were implemented on a graphics processing unit for efficient parallel computation. We tested the proposed methods on twenty five head and neck cancer cases and compared the performance with state-of-the-art registration methods. Normalized cross correlation (NCC), structural similarity index (SSIM), and target registration error (TRE) were computed to evaluate the registration performance. Our method produced overall NCC of 0.96, SSIM of 0.94, and TRE of 2.26 → 2.27 mm, outperforming existing methods by 9%, 12%, and 27%, respectively. Experimental results also show that our method performs consistently and is more accurate than existing algorithms, and also computationally efficient.

The Impact of Level of Performance on Feedback Strategy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beaulieu, R. P.; Love, Kevin G.

2006-01-01

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the level of observed performance on the feedback strategy selected by a performance evaluator. One hundred and twenty-three actual performance evaluators from 15 different organizations and 123 college students reviewed, in groups which ranged from 2 to 20, a job description for…

Screening for increased cardiometabolic risk in primary care: a systematic review

PubMed Central

den Engelsen, Corine; Koekkoek, Paula S; Godefrooij, Merijn B; Spigt, Mark G; Rutten, Guy E

2014-01-01

Background Many programmes to detect and prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been performed, but the optimal strategy is not yet clear. Aim To present a systematic review of cardiometabolic screening programmes performed among apparently healthy people (not yet known to have CVD, diabetes, or cardiometabolic risk factors) and mixed populations (apparently healthy people and people diagnosed with risk factor or disease) to define the optimal screening strategy. Design and setting Systematic review of studies performed in primary care in Western countries. Method MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched for studies screening for increased cardiometabolic risk. Exclusion criteria were studies designed to assess prevalence of risk factors without follow-up or treatment; without involving a GP; when fewer than two risk factors were considered as the primary outcome; and studies constrained to ethnic minorities. Results The search strategy yielded 11 445 hits; 26 met the inclusion criteria. Five studies (1995–2012) were conducted in apparently healthy populations: three used a stepwise method. Response rates varied from 24% to 79%. Twenty-one studies (1967–2012) were performed in mixed populations; one used a stepwise method. Response rates varied from 50% to 75%. Prevalence rates could not be compared because of heterogeneity of used thresholds and eligible populations. Observed time trends were a shift from mixed to apparently healthy populations, increasing use of risk scores, and increasing use of stepwise screening methods. Conclusion The optimal screening strategy in primary care is likely stepwise, in apparently healthy people, with the use of risk scores. Increasing public awareness and actively involving GPs might facilitate screening efficiency and uptake. PMID:25267047

Development and Application of an HPLC–UV Procedure to Determine Multiple Flavonoids and Phenolics in Acanthopanax Leaf Extracts

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xiaodan; Zhou, Xinqi; Liu, Xiangqian; Li, Xiaolong; Whang, Wankyunn

2016-01-01

Acanthopanax species are used in traditional medicine to treat numerous diseases. A simultaneous high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and validated for the determination of the flavonoid and phenolic content of Acanthopanax leaves. HPLC analysis was performed on an AKZO NOBEL Kromasil 100-5C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) using a gradient elution of acetonitrile–water containing 0.2% formic acid with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, monitored at 320 nm. The method was linear over the range 1–500 µg/mL (determination coefficients R2 > 0.999). Satisfactory intraday and interday precision was achieved, with the relative standard deviation (RSD) <2.99%. The mean recoveries measured at the three concentrations were in the range of 90.11–104.83%, with RSD <2.91% for the targets. Twenty-four samples of Acanthopanax leaves from different species and locations were examined using this analytical method, and their chemical profiles provided information for the chemotaxonomic investigation. The established method is simple, rapid and reliable for the quality control of Acanthopanax leaves of various species from different collections. The complete phenolic and flavonoid profiles of Acanthopanax leaves of various species have been established. PMID:26711585

LC-MSMS assays of urinary cortisol, a comparison between four in-house assays.

PubMed

Brossaud, Julie; Leban, Monique; Corcuff, Jean-Benoit; Boux de Casson, Florence; Leloupp, Anne-Gaëlle; Masson, Damien; Moal, Valérie; Bach-Ngohou, Kalyane

2018-06-27

Twenty-four hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) determination can be used for screening and follow-up of Cushing syndrome (CS). As immunoassay methods lack specificity for UFC measurement, the use of high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (LC-MSMS) is recommended. The aim of our study was to compare UFC results using four LC-MSMS methods performed in four independent laboratories in order to evaluate interlaboratory agreement. Frozen aliquots of 24-h urine samples (78 healthy volunteers and 20 patients with CS) were sent to four different laboratories for analysis. Following liquid-liquid or solid-liquid extraction, UFC were determined using four different LC-MSMS assay. UFC intra- and interassays variation coefficients were lower than 10% for each centre. External quality control results were not significantly different. UFC normal ranges (established from healthy volunteers) were 17-126, 15-134, 12-118 and 27-157 nmol/day, respectively. Classification of UFC from healthy volunteers and patients with CS using a 95th percentile threshold was similar. However, for extreme UFC values (<50 or >270 nmol/day), negative or positive bias was noted. Even for highly specific methods such as LC-MSMS, variations of results can be found depending on analytical process. Validation of LC-MSMS methods including determination of the reference range is essential.

Arthrodesis of the knee following failed arthroplasty.

PubMed

Van Rensch, P J H; Van de Pol, G J; Goosen, J H M; Wymenga, A B; De Man, F H R

2014-08-01

Primary stability in arthrodesis of the knee can be achieved by external fixation, intramedullary nailing or plate fixation. Each method has different features and results. We present a practical algorithm for arthrodesis of the knee following a failed (infected) arthroplasty, based on our own results and a literature review. Between 2004 and 2010, patients were included with an indication for arthrodesis after failed (revision) arthroplasty of the knee. Patients were analyzed with respect to indication, fusion method and bone contact. End-point was solid fusion. Twenty-six arthrodeses were performed. Eighteen patients were treated because of an infected arthroplasty. In total, ten external fixators, ten intramedullary nails and six plate fixations were applied; solid fusion was achieved in 3/10, 8/10 and 3/6, respectively. There is no definite answer as to which method is superior in performing an arthrodesis of the knee. Intramedullary nailing achieved the best fusion rates, but was used most in cases without--or cured--infection. Our data and the contemporary literature suggest that external fixation can be abandoned as standard fusion method, but can be of use following persisting infection. The Ilizarov circular external fixator, however, seems to render high fusion rates. Good patient selection and appropriate individual treatment are the key to a successful arthrodesis. Based upon these findings, a practical algorithm was developed.

[Household food security: comparing an alternative method to a classical one].

PubMed

Herrán, Oscar F; Quintero, Doris C; Prada, Gloria E

2010-08-01

Establishing the performance of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) household food security scale (EPSA) which is being used in Latin-America and the Caribbean, compared to a traditionally-used method (food insecurity scale) which has led to establishing food security at individual and population level. The performance of the household food security scale (EPSA) was evaluated during 2007-2008 and compared to that of the food insecurity (FI) scale based on the energy usually consumed. Two hundred and eleven household participated in the study. The person responsible for preparing food in the home answered the EPSA questionnaire. Another household member filled in a form recording the last twenty-four hours' household consumption (R24H) (on two different occasions). The study was validated by food insecurity from R24H and supposed food security from the EPSA questionnaire. Food insecurity by R24H was 48.8 % and 19.4 % on the EPSA. The EPSA had 16.5 % sensitivity and 77.8 % specificity. Agreement between both methods according to Cohen's Kappa was -0.06 (-0.20-0.03 CI). Assuming equivalence of methods, the EPSA greatly underestimated household food insecurity. The EPSA results compared to those arising from the R24H were not very coherent. Some implications are discussed regarding related public policy.

Current use of imaging and electromagnetic source localization procedures in epilepsy surgery centers across Europe.

PubMed

Mouthaan, Brian E; Rados, Matea; Barsi, Péter; Boon, Paul; Carmichael, David W; Carrette, Evelien; Craiu, Dana; Cross, J Helen; Diehl, Beate; Dimova, Petia; Fabo, Daniel; Francione, Stefano; Gaskin, Vladislav; Gil-Nagel, Antonio; Grigoreva, Elena; Guekht, Alla; Hirsch, Edouard; Hecimovic, Hrvoje; Helmstaedter, Christoph; Jung, Julien; Kalviainen, Reetta; Kelemen, Anna; Kimiskidis, Vasilios; Kobulashvili, Teia; Krsek, Pavel; Kuchukhidze, Giorgi; Larsson, Pål G; Leitinger, Markus; Lossius, Morten I; Luzin, Roman; Malmgren, Kristina; Mameniskiene, Ruta; Marusic, Petr; Metin, Baris; Özkara, Cigdem; Pecina, Hrvoje; Quesada, Carlos M; Rugg-Gunn, Fergus; Rydenhag, Bertil; Ryvlin, Philippe; Scholly, Julia; Seeck, Margitta; Staack, Anke M; Steinhoff, Bernhard J; Stepanov, Valentin; Tarta-Arsene, Oana; Trinka, Eugen; Uzan, Mustafa; Vogt, Viola L; Vos, Sjoerd B; Vulliémoz, Serge; Huiskamp, Geertjan; Leijten, Frans S S; Van Eijsden, Pieter; Braun, Kees P J

2016-05-01

In 2014 the European Union-funded E-PILEPSY project was launched to improve awareness of, and accessibility to, epilepsy surgery across Europe. We aimed to investigate the current use of neuroimaging, electromagnetic source localization, and imaging postprocessing procedures in participating centers. A survey on the clinical use of imaging, electromagnetic source localization, and postprocessing methods in epilepsy surgery candidates was distributed among the 25 centers of the consortium. A descriptive analysis was performed, and results were compared to existing guidelines and recommendations. Response rate was 96%. Standard epilepsy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols are acquired at 3 Tesla by 15 centers and at 1.5 Tesla by 9 centers. Three centers perform 3T MRI only if indicated. Twenty-six different MRI sequences were reported. Six centers follow all guideline-recommended MRI sequences with the proposed slice orientation and slice thickness or voxel size. Additional sequences are used by 22 centers. MRI postprocessing methods are used in 16 centers. Interictal positron emission tomography (PET) is available in 22 centers; all using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). Seventeen centers perform PET postprocessing. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is used by 19 centers, of which 15 perform postprocessing. Four centers perform neither PET nor SPECT in children. Seven centers apply magnetoencephalography (MEG) source localization, and nine apply electroencephalography (EEG) source localization. Fourteen combinations of inverse methods and volume conduction models are used. We report a large variation in the presurgical diagnostic workup among epilepsy surgery centers across Europe. This diversity underscores the need for high-quality systematic reviews, evidence-based recommendations, and harmonization of available diagnostic presurgical methods. Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 International League Against Epilepsy.

The effects of text messaging on young novice driver performance

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-02-01

This project aimed to evaluate, using the advanced driving simulator located at the Monash University Accident Research Centre, the effects of text (SMS) messaging on the driving performance of young novice drivers. Twenty participants drove on a sim...

Multiple task performance as a predictor of the potential of air traffic controller trainees.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1972-01-01

Two hundred and twenty-nine air traffic controller trainees were tested on the CAMI Multiple Task Performance Battery. The battery provides objective measures of monitoring, arithmetical skills, visual discrimination, and group problem solving. The c...

Twenty-first century learning in schools: A case study of New Technology High School in Napa, California.

PubMed

Pearlman, Bob

2006-01-01

The most pertinent question concerning teaching and learning in the twenty-first century is not what knowledge and skills students need--that laundry list was identified over a decade ago--but rather how to foster twenty-first century learning. What curricula, experiences, assessments, environments, and technology best support twenty-first century learning? New Technology High School (NTHS) in Napa, California, is one example of a successful twenty-first century school. In this chapter, the author describes the components of this exemplary high school, illustrating an environment that will cultivate twenty-first century student learning. New Technology High School began by defining eight learning outcomes, aligned with the standards of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills; to graduate, students demonstrate mastery of these outcomes through an online portfolio. To help students achieve the outcomes, NTHS employs project- and problem-based learning. Whereas in traditional classrooms students work alone on short-term assignments that do not lend themselves to deep understanding, the project-based learning approach has students working in teams on long-term, in-depth, rigorous projects. Students' work is supported by the school's workplace-like environment and effectiv use of technology. Meaningful assessment is essential to project-based learning; students receive continuous feedback, helping them become self-directed learners. In fact, NTHS uses outcome-based grading through which students constantly know how they are performing on the twenty-first century outcomes. Research has shown that NTHS graduates are better prepared for postsecondary education, careers, and citizenship than their peers from other schools. To facilitate twenty-first century learning, all schools need to rethink their approach to teaching and learning. New Technology High School is one way to do so.

Design, installation and operating experience of 20 photovoltaic medical refrigerator systems on four continents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hein, G. F.

1982-01-01

The NASA Lewis Research Center in cooperation with the World Health Organization, U.S.A. I.D., the Pan American Health Organization and national government agencies in some developing countries sponsored the installation of twenty photovoltaic powered medical vaccine storage refrigerator-freezer (R/F) systems. The Solar Power Corporation was selected as the contractor to perform the design, development and installation of these twenty units. Solar Power's experiences are described herein.

Effects of high intensity exercise on isoelectric profiles and SDS-PAGE mobility of erythropoietin.

PubMed

Voss, S; Lüdke, A; Romberg, S; Schänzer, E; Flenker, U; deMarees, M; Achtzehn, S; Mester, J; Schänzer, W

2010-06-01

Exercise induced proteinuria is a common phenomenon in high performance sports. Based on the appearance of so called "effort urines" in routine doping analysis the purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of exercise induced proteinuria on IEF profiles and SDS-PAGE relative mobility values (rMVs) of endogenous human erythropoietin (EPO). Twenty healthy subjects performed cycle-ergometer exercise until exhaustion. VO (2)max, blood lactate, urinary proteins and urinary creatinine were analysed to evaluate the exercise performance and proteinuria. IEF and SDS-PAGE analyses were performed to test for differences in electrophoretic behaviour of the endogenous EPO before and after exercise. All subjects showed increased levels of protein/creatinine ratio after performance (8.8+/-5.2-26.1+/-14.4). IEF analysis demonstrated an elevation of the relative amount of basic band areas (13.9+/-11.3-36.4+/-12.6). Using SDS-PAGE analysis we observed a decrease in rMVs after exercise and no shift in direction of the recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) region (0.543+/-0.013-0.535+/-0.012). Following identification criteria of the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) all samples were negative. The implementation of the SDS-PAGE method represents a good solution to distinguish between results influenced by so called effort urines and results of rhEPO abuse. Thus this method can be used to confirm adverse analytical findings.

Comparative evaluation of twenty pilot workload assessment measure using a psychomotor task in a moving base aircraft simulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connor, S. A.; Wierwille, W. W.

1983-01-01

A comparison of the sensitivity and intrusion of twenty pilot workload assessment techniques was conducted using a psychomotor loading task in a three degree of freedom moving base aircraft simulator. The twenty techniques included opinion measures, spare mental capacity measures, physiological measures, eye behavior measures, and primary task performance measures. The primary task was an instrument landing system (ILS) approach and landing. All measures were recorded between the outer marker and the middle marker on the approach. Three levels (low, medium, and high) of psychomotor load were obtained by the combined manipulation of windgust disturbance level and simulated aircraft pitch stability. Six instrument rated pilots participated in four seasons lasting approximately three hours each.

Classification of the medicinal plants of the genus Atractylodes using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array and tandem mass spectrometry detection combined with multivariate statistical analysis.

PubMed

Cho, Hyun-Deok; Kim, Unyong; Suh, Joon Hyuk; Eom, Han Young; Kim, Junghyun; Lee, Seul Gi; Choi, Yong Seok; Han, Sang Beom

2016-04-01

Analytical methods using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array and tandem mass spectrometry detection were developed for the discrimination of the rhizomes of four Atractylodes medicinal plants: A. japonica, A. macrocephala, A. chinensis, and A. lancea. A quantitative study was performed, selecting five bioactive components, including atractylenolide I, II, III, eudesma-4(14),7(11)-dien-8-one and atractylodin, on twenty-six Atractylodes samples of various origins. Sample extraction was optimized to sonication with 80% methanol for 40 min at room temperature. High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection was established using a C18 column with a water/acetonitrile gradient system at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, and the detection wavelength was set at 236 nm. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was applied to certify the reliability of the quantitative results. The developed methods were validated by ensuring specificity, linearity, limit of quantification, accuracy, precision, recovery, robustness, and stability. Results showed that cangzhu contained higher amounts of atractylenolide I and atractylodin than baizhu, and especially atractylodin contents showed the greatest variation between baizhu and cangzhu. Multivariate statistical analysis, such as principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis, were also employed for further classification of the Atractylodes plants. The established method was suitable for quality control of the Atractylodes plants. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A Method for Multiple Mycotoxin Analysis in Wines by Solid Phase Extraction and Multifunctional Cartridge Purification, and Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry

PubMed Central

Tamura, Masayoshi; Takahashi, Ayumi; Uyama, Atsuo; Mochizuki, Naoki

2012-01-01

An analytical method using two solid phase extractions and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was developed for the identification and quantification of 14 mycotoxins (patulin, deoxynivalenol, aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2, M1, T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, zearalenone, fumonisins B1, B2, B3, and ochratoxin A) in domestic and imported wines. Mycotoxins were purified with an Oasis HLB cartridge, followed by a MultiSepTM #229 Ochra. As a result, sufficient removal of the pigments and highly polar matrices from the red wines was achieved. UHPLC conditions were optimized, and 14 mycotoxins were separated in a total of 13 min. Determinations performed using this method produced high correlation coefficients for the 14 mycotoxins (R > 0.990) and recovery rates ranging from 76 to 105% with good repeatability (relative standard deviation RSD < 12%). Twenty-seven samples of domestic and imported wines were analyzed using this method. Although ochratoxin A (OTA) and fumonisins (FMs) were detected in several samples, the FM levels were less than limits of quantification (LOQs) (1 μg/L), and even the largest of the OTA levels was below the EU regulatory level (2 μg/L). These results suggest that the health risk posed to consumers from the wines available in Japan is relatively low. PMID:22822458

Teaching Idiomatic Expressions: A Comparison of Two Instructional Methods.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rittenhouse, Robert K.; Kenyon, Patricia L.

1990-01-01

Twenty hearing-impaired adolescents were taught idiomatic expressions using captioned videotape presentations followed by classroom discussion, or by extended classroom discussions. Improvement in understanding idioms was significantly greater under the videotape method. (Author/JDD)

High Bar Swing Performance in Novice Adults: Effects of Practice and Talent

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Busquets, Albert; Marina, Michel; Irurtia, Alfredo; Ranz, Daniel; Angulo-Barroso, Rosa M.

2011-01-01

An individual's a priori talent can affect movement performance during learning. Also, task requirements and motor-perceptual factors are critical to the learning process. This study describes changes in high bar swing performance after a 2-month practice period. Twenty-five novice participants were divided by a priori talent level…

Lymphography prior to laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy to prevent postoperative hydrocele.

PubMed

Chiarenza, Salvatore F; D'Agostino, Sergio; Scarpa, Mariagrazia; Fabbro, Mariangelica; Costa, Lorenzo; Musi, Luciano

2006-08-01

We report our experience with preoperative lymphography to identify and perioperatively preserve the ligature of the lymphatic vessels to reduce the incidence of postoperative testicular hydrocele in patients undergoing laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy for adolescent varicocele. Twenty-seven consecutive patients with varicocele had preoperative lymphography. The mean age was 13.5 years (range, 8-18 years) and the mean grade of varicocele was III. We performed lymphography with intrascrotal isosulfan blue. The laparoscopic Palomo procedure was successfully carried out in all patients. In 17 patients (63%) we were able to identify and conserve the lymphatic vessels by lymphography. Mean follow-up was 9.5 months (range, 6-24 months). None of the 27 patients had a recurrence. None of the 17 patients with positive lymphography had a testicular hydrocele. One of the 10 remaining patients developed a sizable hydrocele. Preoperative lymphography prior to laparoscopic Palomo varicocelectomy is a simple and feasible method for preventing testicular hydrocele. However, the method should be standardized to identify the exact site, the correct level of injection of blue dye, and to determine the optimal time to perform lymphography prior to the procedure.

Intraoperative ultrasound in colorectal surgery.

PubMed

Greif, Franklin; Aranovich, David; Hananel, Nissim; Knizhnik, Mikhail; Belenky, Alexander

2009-09-01

To assess the accuracy of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) as a localizing technique for colorectal resections, and its impact on surgical management. Twenty-five patients (15 men and 10 women; mean age, 74.4 years) with early cancers (p T1), or polyps, not amenable to endoscopic removal were selected. IOUS was used as a sole method of intraoperative localization. Its performance was evaluated through review of preoperative colonoscopy reports, intraoperative findings, histopathology reports, and clinical follow-up. The lesions were situated in the cecum (n = 5), ascending colon (n = 3), transverse colon (n = 4), descending colon (n = 7), and rectum (n = 6). IOUS technique allowed correct localization in 24 of 25 patients, visualization of the bowel wall, and its penetration by malignant tumors. In rectal lesions, IOUS showed clearly the tumor and its margin, which facilitated performance sphincter-sparing procedure. In patients with small polyps and early cancers of colon and rectum, IOUS may be effectively used as a sole method of intraoperative localization and provide additional information that may alter decision making with regard to surgical technique. (c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

MLViS: A Web Tool for Machine Learning-Based Virtual Screening in Early-Phase of Drug Discovery and Development

PubMed Central

Korkmaz, Selcuk; Zararsiz, Gokmen; Goksuluk, Dincer

2015-01-01

Virtual screening is an important step in early-phase of drug discovery process. Since there are thousands of compounds, this step should be both fast and effective in order to distinguish drug-like and nondrug-like molecules. Statistical machine learning methods are widely used in drug discovery studies for classification purpose. Here, we aim to develop a new tool, which can classify molecules as drug-like and nondrug-like based on various machine learning methods, including discriminant, tree-based, kernel-based, ensemble and other algorithms. To construct this tool, first, performances of twenty-three different machine learning algorithms are compared by ten different measures, then, ten best performing algorithms have been selected based on principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis results. Besides classification, this application has also ability to create heat map and dendrogram for visual inspection of the molecules through hierarchical cluster analysis. Moreover, users can connect the PubChem database to download molecular information and to create two-dimensional structures of compounds. This application is freely available through www.biosoft.hacettepe.edu.tr/MLViS/. PMID:25928885

Residual performance effects of simulated sonic booms introduced during sleep.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1972-05-01

Twenty-four male subjects were tested on a complex performance device involving monitoring, mental arithmetic, and pattern discrimination. Three age-groups were used: 20 to 26, 40 to 45, and 60 to 72. Subjects were tested for 30 minutes each morning ...

Autonomic Correlates of Speech Versus Nonspeech Tasks in Children and Adults

PubMed Central

Arnold, Hayley S.; MacPherson, Megan K.; Smith, Anne

2015-01-01

Purpose To assess autonomic arousal associated with speech and nonspeech tasks in school-age children and young adults. Method Measures of autonomic arousal (electrodermal level, electrodermal response amplitude, blood pulse volume, and heart rate) were recorded prior to, during, and after the performance of speech and nonspeech tasks by twenty 7- to 9-year-old children and twenty 18- to 22-year-old adults. Results Across age groups, autonomic arousal was higher for speech tasks compared with nonspeech tasks, based on peak electrodermal response amplitude and blood pulse volume. Children demonstrated greater relative arousal, based on heart rate and blood pulse volume, for nonspeech oral motor tasks than adults but showed similar mean arousal levels for speech tasks as adults. Children demonstrated sex differences in autonomic arousal; specifically, autonomic arousal remained high for school-age boys but not girls in a more complex open-ended narrative task that followed a simple sentence production task. Conclusions Speech tasks elicit greater autonomic arousal than nonspeech tasks, and children demonstrate greater autonomic arousal for nonspeech oral motor tasks than adults. Sex differences in autonomic arousal associated with speech tasks in school-age children are discussed relative to speech-language differences between boys and girls. PMID:24686989

Cervical vertebral maturation as a biologic indicator of skeletal maturity.

PubMed

Santiago, Rodrigo César; de Miranda Costa, Luiz Felipe; Vitral, Robert Willer Farinazzo; Fraga, Marcelo Reis; Bolognese, Ana Maria; Maia, Lucianne Cople

2012-11-01

To identify and review the literature regarding the reliability of cervical vertebrae maturation (CVM) staging to predict the pubertal spurt. The selection criteria included cross-sectional and longitudinal descriptive studies in humans that evaluated qualitatively or quantitatively the accuracy and reproducibility of the CVM method on lateral cephalometric radiographs, as well as the correlation with a standard method established by hand-wrist radiographs. The searches retrieved 343 unique citations. Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Six articles had moderate to high scores, while 17 of 23 had low scores. Analysis also showed a moderate to high statistically significant correlation between CVM and hand-wrist maturation methods. There was a moderate to high reproducibility of the CVM method, and only one specific study investigated the accuracy of the CVM index in detecting peak pubertal growth. This systematic review has shown that the studies on CVM method for radiographic assessment of skeletal maturation stages suffer from serious methodological failures. Better-designed studies with adequate accuracy, reproducibility, and correlation analysis, including studies with appropriate sensitivity-specificity analysis, should be performed.

A knowledge-based approach to automated planning for hepatocellular carcinoma.

PubMed

Zhang, Yujie; Li, Tingting; Xiao, Han; Ji, Weixing; Guo, Ming; Zeng, Zhaochong; Zhang, Jianying

2018-01-01

To build a knowledge-based model of liver cancer for Auto-Planning, a function in Pinnacle, which is used as an automated inverse intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning system. Fifty Tomotherapy patients were enrolled to extract the dose-volume histograms (DVHs) information and construct the protocol for Auto-Planning model. Twenty more patients were chosen additionally to test the model. Manual planning and automatic planning were performed blindly for all twenty test patients with the same machine and treatment planning system. The dose distributions of target and organs at risks (OARs), along with the working time for planning, were evaluated. Statistically significant results showed that automated plans performed better in target conformity index (CI) while mean target dose was 0.5 Gy higher than manual plans. The differences between target homogeneity indexes (HI) of the two methods were not statistically significant. Additionally, the doses of normal liver, left kidney, and small bowel were significantly reduced with automated plan. Particularly, mean dose and V15 of normal liver were 1.4 Gy and 40.5 cc lower with automated plans respectively. Mean doses of left kidney and small bowel were reduced with automated plans by 1.2 Gy and 2.1 Gy respectively. In contrast, working time was also significantly reduced with automated planning. Auto-Planning shows availability and effectiveness in our knowledge-based model for liver cancer. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Medical student case presentation performance and perception when using mobile learning technology in the emergency department

PubMed Central

Tews, Matthew; Brennan, Kimberly; Begaz, Tomer; Treat, Robert

2011-01-01

Background Hand-held mobile learning technology provides opportunities for clinically relevant self-instructional modules to augment traditional bedside teaching. Using this technology as a teaching tool has not been well studied. We sought to evaluate medical students’ case presentation performance and perception when viewing short, just-in-time mobile learning videos using the iPod touch prior to patient encounters. Methods Twenty-two fourth-year medical students were randomized to receive or not to receive instruction by video, using the iPod Touch, prior to patient encounters. After seeing a patient, they presented the case to their faculty, who completed a standard data collection sheet. Students were surveyed on their perceived confidence and effectiveness after using these videos. Results Twenty-two students completed a total of 67 patient encounters. There was a statistically significant improvement in presentations when the videos were viewed for the first time (p=0.032). There was no difference when the presentations were summed for the entire rotation (p=0.671). The reliable (alpha=0.97) survey indicated that the videos were a useful teaching tool and gave students more confidence in their presentations. Conclusions Medical student patient presentations were improved with the use of mobile instructional videos following first time use, suggesting mobile learning videos may be useful in medical student education. If direct bedside teaching is unavailable, just-in-time iPod touch videos can be an alternative instructional strategy to improve first-time patient presentations by medical students. PMID:22013378

Twenty-First Century Educational Theory and the Challenges of Modern Education: Appealing to the Heritage of the General Teaching Theory of the Secondary Educational Curriculum and the Learning Process

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klarin, Mikhail V.

2016-01-01

The article presents an analysis of educational theory in light of the challenges confronting education in the twenty-first century. The author examines how our ideas about the methods for managing the transmission of culture, the subject of education, and the consequences of these changes for the theory of education have changed. The author…

The development of performance-monitoring function in the posterior medial frontal cortex

PubMed Central

Fitzgerald, Kate Dimond; Perkins, Suzanne C.; Angstadt, Mike; Johnson, Timothy; Stern, Emily R.; Welsh, Robert C.; Taylor, Stephan F.

2009-01-01

Background Despite its critical role in performance-monitoring, the development of posterior medial prefrontal cortex (pMFC) in goal-directed behaviors remains poorly understood. Performance monitoring depends on distinct, but related functions that may differentially activate the pMFC, such as monitoring response conflict and detecting errors. Developmental differences in conflict- and error-related activations, coupled with age-related changes in behavioral performance, may confound attempts to map the maturation of pMFC functions. To characterize the development of pMFC-based performance monitoring functions, we segregated interference and error-processing, while statistically controlling for performance. Methods Twenty-one adults and 23 youth performed an event-related version of the Multi-Source Interference Task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Linear modeling of interference and error contrast estimates derived from the pMFC were regressed on age, while covarying for performance. Results Interference- and error-processing were associated with robust activation of the pMFC in both youth and adults. Among youth, interference- and error-related activation of the pMFC increased with age, independent of performance. Greater accuracy associated with greater pMFC activity during error commission in both groups. Discussion Increasing pMFC response to interference and errors occurs with age, likely contributing to the improvement of performance monitoring capacity during development. PMID:19913101

Mnemonic strategy training improves memory for object location associations in both healthy elderly and patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment: a randomized, single-blind study

PubMed Central

Hampstead, Benjamin M.; Sathian, K.; Phillips, Pamela A.; Amaraneni, Akshay; Delaune, William R.; Stringer, Anthony Y.

2012-01-01

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of mnemonic strategy training versus a matched-exposure control condition and also to examine the relationship between training-related gains, neuropsychological abilities, and medial temporal lobe volumetrics in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and age-matched healthy controls. Methods Twenty-three of 45 screened healthy controls and 29 of 42 screened aMCI were randomized to mnemonic strategy or matched-exposure groups. Groups were run in parallel, with participants blind to the other intervention. All participants completed five sessions within two weeks. Memory testing for object-location associations was performed during sessions one and five and at a one-month follow-up. During sessions 2–4, participants received either mnemonic strategy training or a matched number of exposures with corrective feedback for a total of 45 object-location associations. Structural MRI was performed in most participants and medial temporal lobe volumetrics were acquired. Results Twenty-one healthy controls and 28 aMCI patients were included in data analysis. Mnemonic strategy training was significantly more beneficial than matched-exposure immediately after training, p =.006, pη2 = .16, and at one month, p<.001, pη2 = .35, regardless of diagnostic group (healthy controls or aMCI). Although aMCI patients demonstrated gains comparable to the healthy control groups, their overall performance generally remained reduced. Mnemonic strategy-related improvement was positively correlated with baseline memory and executive functioning and negatively with inferior lateral ventricle volume in aMCI patients; no significant relationships were evident in matched-exposure patients. Conclusions Mnemonic strategies effectively improve memory for specific content for at least one month in aMCI. PMID:22409311

Thermal stress analysis of ceramic structures with NASTRAN isoparametric solid elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lamberson, S. E.; Paul, D. B.

1978-01-01

The performance of the NASTRAN level 16.0, twenty node, isoparametric bricks (CIHEX2) at thermal loading was studied. A free ceramic plate was modelled using twenty node bricks of varying thicknesses. The thermal loading for this problem was uniform over the surface with an extremely large gradient through the thickness. No mechanical loading was considered. Temperature-dependent mechanical properties were considered in this analysis. The NASTRAN results were compared to one dimensional stress distributions calculated by direct numerical integration.

Twenty natural organic pigments for application in dye sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castillo, D.; Sánchez Juárez, A.; Espinosa Tapia, S.; Guaman, A.; Obregón Calderón, D.

2016-09-01

In this work we present the results of a study of twenty natural pigments obtained from plants and insects from southern Ecuador. Many of them will be considered as a potential natural sensitizer for the construction of DSSCs. The results indicate that these pigments have a good performance in the absorbance and wavelength spectra. Were selected four best pigments for the construction of DSSCs, Rumex tolimensis Wedd, Raphanus sativus, Hibiscus sabdariffa, and Prunus serótina, however the conversion efficiency is lower than 1%.

[An easy, safe and affective method for the treatment of intussusception: ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction].

PubMed

Ülger, Fatma Esra Bahadır; Ülger, Aykut; Karakaya, Ali Erdal; Tüten, Fatih; Katı, Ömer; Çolak, Mustafa

2014-03-01

Intussusception is one of the important causes of intestinal obstruction in children. Hydrostatic reduction under ultrasound guidance is a popular treatment method for intussusception. In the present study, we aimed to explain the demographic characteristics of and treatment approaches in patients diagnosed with intussusception by ultrasound. Forty-one patients diagnosed with intussusception by ultrasound between August 2011 and May 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-four of these patients who had no contraindications had been treated with ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction. Twenty-four of the patients were male and 17 were female, a 1.4/1 male-to-female ratio. The majority of the patients were between the ages of 6-24 months and 2-5 years. The mean age was 31.12±26.32 months (range 3-125). Patients were more frequently diagnosed in April and May. Seventeen patients who had clinical contraindications enrolled directly for surgery. In 20 of the 24 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction, reduction was achieved. Three experienced recurrence. In two of these patients, successful reduction was achieved with the second attempt. The remaining patient was enrolled for surgery. Hydrostatic reduction was performed 26 times on these 24 patients, and in 22, success was achieved (84.6%). No procedure-related complications occurred in the patients. Ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction, with its high success rates and lack of radiation risk, should be the first choice therapeutic approach for children diagnosed with intussusception.

A DRIED BLOOD SPOT METHOD TO EVALUATE CHOLINESTERASE ACTIVITY IN YOUNG CHILDREN

EPA Science Inventory

Field methods are needed to detect and monitor anticholinesterase pesticide exposure of young children. Twenty children, aged 11-18 months, living in an agricultural community along the US/Mexico border were enrolled in a pilot study investigating methods to detect pesticide expo...

PERSONAL EXPOSURES TO POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE NHEXAS PILOT

EPA Science Inventory

Personal exposure monitoring for select polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was performed as part of the National Human Exposure Assessment Survey (NHEXAS) Pilot Study in Baltimore, MD. Twenty-four hour PM10 sample collections (~5.7 m3) were performed using personal envi...

Multiple task performance as a predictor of the potential of air traffic controller trainees : a followup study.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1974-11-01

Two hundred and twenty-nine air traffic controller trainees were tested on the CAMI Multiple Task Performance Battery. The battery provides objective measures of monitoring, arithmetical skills, visual discrimination, and group problem solving. The c...

Introduction: Hazard mapping

USGS Publications Warehouse

Baum, Rex L.; Miyagi, Toyohiko; Lee, Saro; Trofymchuk, Oleksandr M

2014-01-01

Twenty papers were accepted into the session on landslide hazard mapping for oral presentation. The papers presented susceptibility and hazard analysis based on approaches ranging from field-based assessments to statistically based models to assessments that combined hydromechanical and probabilistic components. Many of the studies have taken advantage of increasing availability of remotely sensed data and nearly all relied on Geographic Information Systems to organize and analyze spatial data. The studies used a range of methods for assessing performance and validating hazard and susceptibility models. A few of the studies presented in this session also included some element of landslide risk assessment. This collection of papers clearly demonstrates that a wide range of approaches can lead to useful assessments of landslide susceptibility and hazard.

A randomized controlled trial of the different impression methods for the complete denture fabrication: Patient reported outcomes.

PubMed

Jo, Ayami; Kanazawa, Manabu; Sato, Yusuke; Iwaki, Maiko; Akiba, Norihisa; Minakuchi, Shunsuke

2015-08-01

To compare the effect of conventional complete dentures (CD) fabricated using two different impression methods on patient-reported outcomes in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). A cross-over RCT was performed with edentulous patients, required maxillomandibular CDs. Mandibular CDs were fabricated using two different methods. The conventional method used a custom tray border moulded with impression compound and a silicone. The simplified used a stock tray and an alginate. Participants were randomly divided into two groups. The C-S group had the conventional method used first, followed by the simplified. The S-C group was in the reverse order. Adjustment was performed four times. A wash out period was set for 1 month. The primary outcome was general patient satisfaction, measured using visual analogue scales, and the secondary outcome was oral health-related quality of life, measured using the Japanese version of the Oral Health Impact Profile for edentulous (OHIP-EDENT-J) questionnaire scores. Twenty-four participants completed the trial. With regard to general patient satisfaction, the conventional method was significantly more acceptable than the simplified. No significant differences were observed between the two methods in the OHIP-EDENT-J scores. This study showed CDs fabricated with a conventional method were significantly more highly rated for general patient satisfaction than a simplified. CDs, fabricated with the conventional method that included a preliminary impression made using alginate in a stock tray and subsequently a final impression made using silicone in a border moulded custom tray resulted in higher general patient satisfaction. UMIN000009875. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Urinalysis of MMX-mesalazine as a tool to monitor 5-ASA adherence in daily IBD practice.

PubMed

Römkens, Tessa E H; Te Morsche, Rene; Peters, Wilbert; Burger, David M; Hoentjen, Frank; Drenth, Joost P H

2018-03-01

Adherence is pivotal but challenging in ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment. Many methods to assess adherence are subjective or have limitations. (Nac-)5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) urinalysis by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) seems feasible and reproducible in healthy volunteers. We performed a prospective study in adult quiescent UC patients to evaluate the feasibility of spot (Nac-)5-ASA urinalysis by HPLC to assess adherence in daily inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care. Twenty-nine patients (51.7% male, mean age 52 ± 11 years) were included (median FU 9 months) and weekly spot urine samples were collected. We found large variation in spot (Nac-)5-ASA urinary excretion that was unrelated to brand, dosing schedule or dosage of 5-ASA. In conclusion, spot (Nac-)5-ASA urinalysis is not applicable to assess 5-ASA adherence in daily IBD care. © 2017 The British Pharmacological Society.

Generalized approach for identification and evaluation of technology-insertion options for military avionics systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harkness, Linda L.; Sjoberg, Eric S.

1996-06-01

The Georgia Tech Research Institute, sponsored by the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, has developed an approach for efficiently postulating and evaluating methods for extending the life of radars and other avionics systems. The technique identified specific assemblies for potential replacement and evaluates the system level impact, including performance, reliability and life-cycle cost of each action. The initial impetus for this research was the increasing obsolescence of integrated circuits contained in the AN/APG-63 system. The operational life of military electronics is typically in excess of twenty years, which encompasses several generations of IC technology. GTRI has developed a systems approach to inserting modern technology components into older systems based upon identification of those functions which limit the system's performance or reliability and which are cost drivers. The presentation will discuss the above methodology and a technique for evaluating and ranking the different potential system upgrade options.

Separated Flow over Wind Turbines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, David; Lewalle, Jacques

2015-11-01

The motion of the separation point on an airfoil under unsteady flow can affect its performance and longevity. Of interest is to understand and control the performance decrease in wind turbines subject to turbulent flow. We examine flow separation on an airfoil at a 19 degree angle of attack under unsteady flow conditions. We are using a DU-96-W180 airfoil of chord length 242 mm. The unsteadiness is generated by a cylinder with diameter 203 mm located 7 diameters upstream of the airfoil's leading edge. The data comes from twenty surface pressure sensors located on the top and bottom of the airfoil as well as on the upstream cylinder. Methods of analysis include Mexican hat transforms, Morlet wavelet transforms, power spectra, and various cross correlations. With this study I will explore how the differences of signals on the pressure and suction sides of an airfoil are related to the motion of the separation point.

Cognitive context detection in UAS operators using eye-gaze patterns on computer screens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mannaru, Pujitha; Balasingam, Balakumar; Pattipati, Krishna; Sibley, Ciara; Coyne, Joseph

2016-05-01

In this paper, we demonstrate the use of eye-gaze metrics of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operators as effective indices of their cognitive workload. Our analyses are based on an experiment where twenty participants performed pre-scripted UAS missions of three different difficulty levels by interacting with two custom designed graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that are displayed side by side. First, we compute several eye-gaze metrics, traditional eye movement metrics as well as newly proposed ones, and analyze their effectiveness as cognitive classifiers. Most of the eye-gaze metrics are computed by dividing the computer screen into "cells". Then, we perform several analyses in order to select metrics for effective cognitive context classification related to our specific application; the objective of these analyses are to (i) identify appropriate ways to divide the screen into cells; (ii) select appropriate metrics for training and classification of cognitive features; and (iii) identify a suitable classification method.

PVT properties and vapor-pressures of ordinary water substance in the critical region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morita, T.; Sato, H.; Uematsu, M.; Watanabe, K.

1989-03-01

For the purpose of revealing the rather complicated thermodynamic surface of ordinary water substance in the critical region, a series of measurements of the PVT properties and the vapor-pressures of this technically important fluid have been performed by means of a constant-volume method. Ninety-three PVT measurements along 14 isotherms between 638.15 K and 652.15 K have been completed covering pressures from 18.5 to 39.2 MPa and densities from 122 to 610kg/m 3. Twenty-six vapor-pressure measurements have also been performed at temperatures between 620.15 K and 647.05 K in the near vicinity of the critical point. Our measurements are compared with other available experimental data as well as with several equations of state. We also propose a new vapor-pressure correlation from the triple point to the critical point.

A second generation experiment in fault-tolerant software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knight, J. C.

1986-01-01

Information was collected on the efficacy of fault-tolerant software by conducting two large-scale controlled experiments. In the first, an empirical study of multi-version software (MVS) was conducted. The second experiment is an empirical evaluation of self testing as a method of error detection (STED). The purpose ot the MVS experiment was to obtain empirical measurement of the performance of multi-version systems. Twenty versions of a program were prepared at four different sites under reasonably realistic development conditions from the same specifications. The purpose of the STED experiment was to obtain empirical measurements of the performance of assertions in error detection. Eight versions of a program were modified to include assertions at two different sites under controlled conditions. The overall structure of the testing environment for the MVS experiment and its status are described. Work to date in the STED experiment is also presented.

Force production during squats performed with a rotational resistance device under stable versus unstable conditions.

PubMed

Moras, Gerard; Vázquez-Guerrero, Jairo

2015-11-01

[Purpose] Force production during a squat action on a rotational resistance device (RRD) under stable and unstable conditions. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-one healthy males were asked to perform six sets of six repetitions of squats on an RRD on either stable or unstable surfaces. The stable and unstable sets were performed on different days. Muscular outputs were obtained from a linear encoder and a strain gauge fixed to a vest. [Results] Overall, the results showed no significant differences for any of the dependent variables across exercise modes. Forcemean outputs were higher in the concentric phase than in the eccentric phase for each condition, but there were no differences in velocity, time or displacement. The forcepeak was similar in the eccentric and concentric phases of movement under both stable and unstable conditions. There were no significant differences in forcemean between sets per condition or between conditions. [Conclusion] These results suggest that performing squats with a RRD achieves similar forcemean and forcepeak under stable and unstable conditions. The forcepeak produced is also similar in concentric and eccentric phases.

Force production during squats performed with a rotational resistance device under stable versus unstable conditions

PubMed Central

Moras, Gerard; Vázquez-Guerrero, Jairo

2015-01-01

[Purpose] Force production during a squat action on a rotational resistance device (RRD) under stable and unstable conditions. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-one healthy males were asked to perform six sets of six repetitions of squats on an RRD on either stable or unstable surfaces. The stable and unstable sets were performed on different days. Muscular outputs were obtained from a linear encoder and a strain gauge fixed to a vest. [Results] Overall, the results showed no significant differences for any of the dependent variables across exercise modes. Forcemean outputs were higher in the concentric phase than in the eccentric phase for each condition, but there were no differences in velocity, time or displacement. The forcepeak was similar in the eccentric and concentric phases of movement under both stable and unstable conditions. There were no significant differences in forcemean between sets per condition or between conditions. [Conclusion] These results suggest that performing squats with a RRD achieves similar forcemean and forcepeak under stable and unstable conditions. The forcepeak produced is also similar in concentric and eccentric phases. PMID:26696707

A Comparison of Low Performing Students' Achievements in Factoring Cubic Polynomials Using Three Different Strategies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ogbonnaya, Ugorji I.; Mogari, David L.; Machisi, Eric

2013-01-01

In this study, repeated measures design was employed to compare low performing students' achievements in factoring cubic polynomials using three strategies. Twenty-five low-performing Grade 12 students from a secondary school in Limpopo province took part in the study. Data was collected using achievement test and was analysed using repeated…

Theory of Mind Development in Deaf Children: A Nonverbal Test of False-Belief Understanding.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Figueras-Costa, Berta; Harris, Paul

2001-01-01

Twenty-one children (ages 4-11) prelingually deaf and orally trained, were tested with verbal and nonverbal versions of a false-belief task. Children did not perform above chance in the verbal task. The nonverbal task significantly facilitated performance, however, only older children performed above change in the nonverbal false-belief tests.…

Predicting One Mile and Two Mile Run Performance from Physiological Measures.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sucec, A. A.

Twenty-three male distance runners between the ages of 16 and 23 who had achieved a ten-minute or better two-mile performance were tested to determine physical and physiological characteristics to be used in predictive research regarding running performance. Relative body fat ratio, metabolic data, and oxygen intake capability were among the…

Measurement of thermally ablated lesions in sonoelastographic images using level set methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castaneda, Benjamin; Tamez-Pena, Jose Gerardo; Zhang, Man; Hoyt, Kenneth; Bylund, Kevin; Christensen, Jared; Saad, Wael; Strang, John; Rubens, Deborah J.; Parker, Kevin J.

2008-03-01

The capability of sonoelastography to detect lesions based on elasticity contrast can be applied to monitor the creation of thermally ablated lesion. Currently, segmentation of lesions depicted in sonoelastographic images is performed manually which can be a time consuming process and prone to significant intra- and inter-observer variability. This work presents a semi-automated segmentation algorithm for sonoelastographic data. The user starts by planting a seed in the perceived center of the lesion. Fast marching methods use this information to create an initial estimate of the lesion. Subsequently, level set methods refine its final shape by attaching the segmented contour to edges in the image while maintaining smoothness. The algorithm is applied to in vivo sonoelastographic images from twenty five thermal ablated lesions created in porcine livers. The estimated area is compared to results from manual segmentation and gross pathology images. Results show that the algorithm outperforms manual segmentation in accuracy, inter- and intra-observer variability. The processing time per image is significantly reduced.

A New High-Throughput Approach to Genotype Ancient Human Gastrointestinal Parasites.

PubMed

Côté, Nathalie M L; Daligault, Julien; Pruvost, Mélanie; Bennett, E Andrew; Gorgé, Olivier; Guimaraes, Silvia; Capelli, Nicolas; Le Bailly, Matthieu; Geigl, Eva-Maria; Grange, Thierry

2016-01-01

Human gastrointestinal parasites are good indicators for hygienic conditions and health status of past and present individuals and communities. While microscopic analysis of eggs in sediments of archeological sites often allows their taxonomic identification, this method is rarely effective at the species level, and requires both the survival of intact eggs and their proper identification. Genotyping via PCR-based approaches has the potential to achieve a precise species-level taxonomic determination. However, so far it has mostly been applied to individual eggs isolated from archeological samples. To increase the throughput and taxonomic accuracy, as well as reduce costs of genotyping methods, we adapted a PCR-based approach coupled with next-generation sequencing to perform precise taxonomic identification of parasitic helminths directly from archeological sediments. Our study of twenty-five 100 to 7,200 year-old archeological samples proved this to be a powerful, reliable and efficient approach for species determination even in the absence of preserved eggs, either as a stand-alone method or as a complement to microscopic studies.

The Effect of Aquatic Exercise Therapy on Muscle Strength and Joint's Range of Motion in Hemophilia Patients.

PubMed

Kargarfard, Mehdi; Dehghadani, Mehdi; Ghias, Reza

2013-01-01

This study was to evaluate the effect of a period of aquatic exercise therapy on muscle strength and joints range of motion in hemophilia patients. This was a semiexperimental, pretest, post-test study with a control group. This semi-experimental study comprised twenty men suffering moderate hemophilia were selected by convenience sampling method from patients of a referral hospital. They were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups of equal number. The hemophilia patients who were referred to Sayedo-Shohada Hospital enrolled in this study. Twenty men suffering moderate hemophilia were selected using convenience sampling method and then divided randomly into intervention and control groups (10 patients in each group). Subjects of aquatic exercise therapy group underwent activity in water in three sessions (45-60 minutes) per week for 8 weeks, while the control group was only under follow-up and during this period did not experience any effective physical activity. The patients' muscle strength and joint range of motion were evaluated through standard laboratory tools, using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex, Systems III) and a standard goniometer in the beginning and at end of the study. Finally, data was analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The strength of the muscles around the knee joint (to perform extension and flexion movements) increased significantly in the case group while the control group experienced a significant reduction of strength in left leg, but in right leg remarkable change was observed. Range of motion in all joints was improved in the case group, while the control group did not improve significantly. The results showed that aquatic exercise therapy can be a useful method to improve joints' strength and range of motion in hemophilia patients in order to improve their daily functioning and quality of life.

Appropriateness of different pedagogical approaches to road safety education for children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).

PubMed

Purcell, C; Romijn, A R

2017-11-01

In 2016, 29% of pedestrians killed or seriously injured on the roads in Great Britain were under 15 years of age. Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), a chronic disorder affecting the acquisition and execution of motor skills, may be more vulnerable at the roadside than typically developing (TD) children. Current methods used to teach road safety are typically knowledge-based and do not necessarily improve behaviour in real traffic situations. Virtual reality road crossing tasks may be a viable alternative. The present study aimed to test the road crossing accuracy of children with and without DCD in virtual reality tasks that varied the viewpoint to simulate the teaching methods currently used in road safety educational programmes. Twenty-one children with DCD and twenty-one age and gender matched TD peers were required to locate the safest road crossing sites in two conditions: allocentric (aerial viewpoint) and egocentric (first-person viewpoint). All children completed both conditions and were required to navigate either themselves or an avatar across the road using the safest crossing route. The primary outcome was accuracy defined as the number of trials, out of 10, on which the child successfully identified and used the safest crossing route. Children with DCD performed equally poorly in both conditions, while TD children were significantly more accurate in the egocentric condition. This difference cannot be explained by self-reported prior road crossing education, practice or confidence. While TD children may benefit from the development of an egocentric virtual reality road crossing task, multimodal methods may be needed to effectively teach road safety to children with DCD. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Gamma-index method sensitivity for gauging plan delivery accuracy of volumetric modulated arc therapy.

PubMed

Park, Jong In; Park, Jong Min; Kim, Jung-In; Park, So-Yeon; Ye, Sung-Joon

2015-12-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the sensitivity of the gamma-index method according to various gamma criteria for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Twenty head and neck (HN) and twenty prostate VMAT plans were retrospectively selected for this study. Both global and local 2D gamma evaluations were performed with criteria of 3%/3 mm, 2%/2 mm, 1%/2 mm and 2%/1 mm. In this study, the global and local gamma-index calculated the differences in doses relative to the maximum dose and the dose at the current measurement point, respectively. Using log files acquired during delivery, the differences in parameters at every control point between the VMAT plans and the log files were acquired. The differences in dose-volumetric parameters between reconstructed VMAT plans using the log files and the original VMAT plans were calculated. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (rs) were calculated between the passing rates and those differences. Considerable correlations with statistical significances were observed between global 1%/2 mm, local 1%/2 mm and local 2%/1 mm and the MLC position differences (rs = -0.712, -0.628 and -0.581). The numbers of rs values with statistical significance between the passing rates and the changes in dose-volumetric parameters were largest in global 2%/2 mm (n = 16), global 2%/1 mm (n = 15) and local 2%/1 mm (n = 13) criteria. Local gamma-index method with 2%/1 mm generally showed higher sensitivity to detect deviations between a VMAT plan and the delivery of the VMAT plan. Copyright © 2015 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Post legalisation challenge: minimizing complications of abortion.

PubMed

Ojha, N; Sharma, S; Paudel, J

2004-01-01

Abortion has been legalized in Nepal since September 2002 by 11th amendment to the Muluki Ain. The present study was conducted in Paropakar Shree Panch Indra Rajya Laxmi Devi Maternity Hospital to assess the magnitude of induced abortion, its causes and the types of complications, in the post legalization phase. Prospective descriptive analyses of the patients who were admitted with history of induced abortion from 16th Dec 2003 to 13th March 2004 was carried out. A total of 305 cases of abortion complications were admitted during the three-month study period, which is 39.7% of the total gynaecological admissions (768). Of these 31 (10.25%) patients had history of induced abortion. Half of the induced abortion cases (52%) were of age group 21-29 yrs and 42% had three or more children. 39% of the cases had history of induced abortion at more than 12 weeks and almost half of the cases (48%) had history of family planning. The most common reason for seeking abortion was too many children (59%) followed by illegitimate pregnancy (16%). Twenty-one patients gave history of abortion being performed by doctors and the most common method used was D and C (75%). 77% of cases presented as incomplete abortion and one case presented with uterine perforation, bowel injury and peritonitis. Twenty patients had evacuation under sedation while five had manual vacuum aspiration (MVA); one patient required laparatomy. In two third of the patients intravenous fluid and antibiotics were used. Four patients required blood transfusion. Abortion complications constitute almost 40% of the total gynaecological admissions. Ten percent of the abortion cases had history of induced abortion. Medical persons, mainly doctors, performed most of the cases of induced abortion and D and C was the most commonly used method. However the patients had faced various types of complications. Untrained provider, resulting in serious life threatening injuries, performed more than a third of the cases of induced abortion at more than twelve weeks gestation. This points to the need for improved monitoring of the quality of services provided, and adherence to the criteria set by the procedural order.

Advanced navigation aids in the flight deck : effects on ground taxi performance under low visibility conditions

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-01-01

Reports the results of a part-task simulation evaluating the separate and combined effects of an electronic moving map display and newly developed HUD symbology on ground taxi performance, under moderate- and low-visibility conditions. Twenty-four co...

On 3D inelastic analysis methods for hot section components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcknight, R. L.; Chen, P. C.; Dame, L. T.; Holt, R. V.; Huang, H.; Hartle, M.; Gellin, S.; Allen, D. H.; Haisler, W. E.

1986-01-01

Accomplishments are described for the 2-year program, to develop advanced 3-D inelastic structural stress analysis methods and solution strategies for more accurate and cost effective analysis of combustors, turbine blades and vanes. The approach was to develop a matrix of formulation elements and constitutive models. Three constitutive models were developed in conjunction with optimized iterating techniques, accelerators, and convergence criteria within a framework of dynamic time incrementing. Three formulations models were developed; an eight-noded mid-surface shell element, a nine-noded mid-surface shell element and a twenty-noded isoparametric solid element. A separate computer program was developed for each combination of constitutive model-formulation model. Each program provides a functional stand alone capability for performing cyclic nonlinear structural analysis. In addition, the analysis capabilities incorporated into each program can be abstracted in subroutine form for incorporation into other codes or to form new combinations.

The 3D inelastic analysis methods for hot section components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcknight, R. L.; Maffeo, R. J.; Tipton, M. T.; Weber, G.

1992-01-01

A two-year program to develop advanced 3D inelastic structural stress analysis methods and solution strategies for more accurate and cost effective analysis of combustors, turbine blades, and vanes is described. The approach was to develop a matrix of formulation elements and constitutive models. Three constitutive models were developed in conjunction with optimized iterating techniques, accelerators, and convergence criteria within a framework of dynamic time incrementing. Three formulation models were developed: an eight-noded midsurface shell element; a nine-noded midsurface shell element; and a twenty-noded isoparametric solid element. A separate computer program has been developed for each combination of constitutive model-formulation model. Each program provides a functional stand alone capability for performing cyclic nonlinear structural analysis. In addition, the analysis capabilities incorporated into each program can be abstracted in subroutine form for incorporation into other codes or to form new combinations.

Automated volumetric evaluation of stereoscopic disc photography

PubMed Central

Xu, Juan; Ishikawa, Hiroshi; Wollstein, Gadi; Bilonick, Richard A; Kagemann, Larry; Craig, Jamie E; Mackey, David A; Hewitt, Alex W; Schuman, Joel S

2010-01-01

PURPOSE: To develop a fully automated algorithm (AP) to perform a volumetric measure of the optic disc using conventional stereoscopic optic nerve head (ONH) photographs, and to compare algorithm-produced parameters with manual photogrammetry (MP), scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements. METHODS: One hundred twenty-two stereoscopic optic disc photographs (61 subjects) were analyzed. Disc area, rim area, cup area, cup/disc area ratio, vertical cup/disc ratio, rim volume and cup volume were automatically computed by the algorithm. Latent variable measurement error models were used to assess measurement reproducibility for the four techniques. RESULTS: AP had better reproducibility for disc area and cup volume and worse reproducibility for cup/disc area ratio and vertical cup/disc ratio, when the measurements were compared to the MP, SLO and OCT methods. CONCLUSION: AP provides a useful technique for an objective quantitative assessment of 3D ONH structures. PMID:20588996

Impact of study design on development and evaluation of an activity-type classifier.

PubMed

van Hees, Vincent T; Golubic, Rajna; Ekelund, Ulf; Brage, Søren

2013-04-01

Methods to classify activity types are often evaluated with an experimental protocol involving prescribed physical activities under confined (laboratory) conditions, which may not reflect real-life conditions. The present study aims to evaluate how study design may impact on classifier performance in real life. Twenty-eight healthy participants (21-53 yr) were asked to wear nine triaxial accelerometers while performing 58 activity types selected to simulate activities in real life. For each sensor location, logistic classifiers were trained in subsets of up to 8 activities to distinguish between walking and nonwalking activities and were then evaluated in all 58 activities. Different weighting factors were used to convert the resulting confusion matrices into an estimation of the confusion matrix as would apply in the real-life setting by creating four different real-life scenarios, as well as one traditional laboratory scenario. The sensitivity of a classifier estimated with a traditional laboratory protocol is within the range of estimates derived from real-life scenarios for any body location. The specificity, however, was systematically overestimated by the traditional laboratory scenario. Walking time was systematically overestimated, except for lower back sensor data (range: 7-757%). In conclusion, classifier performance under confined conditions may not accurately reflect classifier performance in real life. Future studies that aim to evaluate activity classification methods are warranted to pay special attention to the representativeness of experimental conditions for real-life conditions.

Semiautomatic regional segmentation to measure orbital fat volumes in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. A validation study.

PubMed

Comerci, M; Elefante, A; Strianese, D; Senese, R; Bonavolontà, P; Alfano, B; Bonavolontà, B; Brunetti, A

2013-08-01

This study was designed to validate a novel semi-automated segmentation method to measure regional intra-orbital fat tissue volume in Graves' ophthalmopathy. Twenty-four orbits from 12 patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy, 24 orbits from 12 controls, ten orbits from five MRI study simulations and two orbits from a digital model were used. Following manual region of interest definition of the orbital volumes performed by two operators with different levels of expertise, an automated procedure calculated intra-orbital fat tissue volumes (global and regional, with automated definition of four quadrants). In patients with Graves' disease, clinical activity score and degree of exophthalmos were measured and correlated with intra-orbital fat volumes. Operator performance was evaluated and statistical analysis of the measurements was performed. Accurate intra-orbital fat volume measurements were obtained with coefficients of variation below 5%. The mean operator difference in total fat volume measurements was 0.56%. Patients had significantly higher intra-orbital fat volumes than controls (p<0.001 using Student's t test). Fat volumes and clinical score were significantly correlated (p<0.001). The semi-automated method described here can provide accurate, reproducible intra-orbital fat measurements with low inter-operator variation and good correlation with clinical data.

Designing human centered GeoVisualization application--the SanaViz--for telehealth users: a case study.

PubMed

Joshi, Ashish; de Araujo Novaes, Magdala; Machiavelli, Josiane; Iyengar, Sriram; Vogler, Robert; Johnson, Craig; Zhang, Jiajie; Hsu, Chiehwen E

2012-01-01

Public health data is typically organized by geospatial unit. GeoVisualization (GeoVis) allows users to see information visually on a map. Examine telehealth users' perceptions towards existing public health GeoVis applications and obtains users' feedback about features important for the design and development of Human Centered GeoVis application "the SanaViz". We employed a cross sectional study design using mixed methods approach for this pilot study. Twenty users involved with the NUTES telehealth center at Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Brazil were enrolled. Open and closed ended questionnaires were used to gather data. We performed audio recording for the interviews. Information gathered included socio-demographics, prior spatial skills and perception towards use of GeoVis to evaluate telehealth services. Card sorting and sketching methods were employed. Univariate analysis was performed for the continuous and categorical variables. Qualitative analysis was performed for open ended questions. Existing Public Health GeoVis applications were difficult to use. Results found interaction features zooming, linking and brushing and representation features Google maps, tables and bar chart as most preferred GeoVis features. Early involvement of users is essential to identify features necessary to be part of the human centered GeoVis application "the SanaViz".

Molecular analyses of two bacterial sampling methods in ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.

PubMed

Fontana, Carla Raquel; Grecco, Clovis; Bagnato, Vanderlei Salvador; de Freitas, Laura Marise; Boussios, Constantinos I; Soukos, Nikolaos S

2018-02-01

The prevalence profile of periodontal pathogens in dental plaque can vary as a function of the detection method; however, the sampling technique may also play a role in determining dental plaque microbial profiles. We sought to determine the bacterial composition comparing two sampling methods, one well stablished and a new one proposed here. In this study, a ligature-induced periodontitis model was used in 30 rats. Twenty-seven days later, ligatures were removed and microbiological samples were obtained directly from the ligatures as well as from the periodontal pockets using absorbent paper points. Microbial analysis was performed using DNA probes to a panel of 40 periodontal species in the checkerboard assay. The bacterial composition patterns were similar for both sampling methods. However, detection levels for all species were markedly higher for ligatures compared with paper points. Ligature samples provided more bacterial counts than paper points, suggesting that the technique for induction of periodontitis could also be applied for sampling in rats. Our findings may be helpful in designing studies of induced periodontal disease-associated microbiota.

Performance analysis of non-coplanar synergetic maneuvers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spriesterbach, Thomas P.

1991-12-01

Maneuvers employing atmospheric forces to assist in orbital changes hold potential for significant fuel savings over purely exoatmospheric propulsive methods. The term synergetic was coined to describe the combination of propulsive and atmospheric forces used by a maneuvering flight vehicle. This thesis concentrates on non-coplanar synergetic maneuvers using two different control methods for various lifting bodies over a range of heating rates and orbital speeds. The objective of this thesis is to study the aerocruise and aerobang maneuvers. The aerocruise maneuver was first studied more than twenty years ago and is commonly thought to be the fuel-optimal solution to a maneuver flown at a constant heating rate. A new maneuver, the aerobang, has recently raised doubts as to the optimality of the aerocrusie maneuver. The aerobang maneuver demonstrates the ability to yield a higher inclination change for a given amount of fuel as compared to the aerocruise maneuver. Within this thesis a computer code is developed to model both the aerobang and aerocruise maneuvers. It is shown that there exist flight regimes where the aerobang method is superior to the aerocruise method.

[Discrimination of varieties of brake fluid using visual-near infrared spectra].

PubMed

Jiang, Lu-lu; Tan, Li-hong; Qiu, Zheng-jun; Lu, Jiang-feng; He, Yong

2008-06-01

A new method was developed to fast discriminate brands of brake fluid by means of visual-near infrared spectroscopy. Five different brands of brake fluid were analyzed using a handheld near infrared spectrograph, manufactured by ASD Company, and 60 samples were gotten from each brand of brake fluid. The samples data were pretreated using average smoothing and standard normal variable method, and then analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). A 2-dimensional plot was drawn based on the first and the second principal components, and the plot indicated that the clustering characteristic of different brake fluid is distinct. The foregoing 6 principal components were taken as input variable, and the band of brake fluid as output variable to build the discriminate model by stepwise discriminant analysis method. Two hundred twenty five samples selected randomly were used to create the model, and the rest 75 samples to verify the model. The result showed that the distinguishing rate was 94.67%, indicating that the method proposed in this paper has good performance in classification and discrimination. It provides a new way to fast discriminate different brands of brake fluid.

Comparison of different agar diffusion methods for the detection of residues in the kidneys of pigs treated with antimicrobial drugs.

PubMed

Korkeala, H; Sorvettula, O; Mäki-Petäys, O; Hirn, J

1983-01-01

Residue analyses of the kidneys of twenty-six pigs treated with various antimicrobial drugs 20 h before slaughter and of eleven untreated pigs were performed. The effects of storage temperature of the kidneys, and of sampling location, on the residue analysis were also studied. No method alone was sufficient for the detection of residues. Oxytetracycline residues could be detected at pH 6, dihydrostreptomycin residues at pH 8, and sulphonamide residues if trimethoprim was present in the medium. Chloramphenicol, penicillin G procaine, tylosin and lincomycin residues were not detectable with the methods used. The concentration of ampicillin decreased during the storage of samples at +4°C. Most methods also yielded zones of inhibition for the frozen kidneys from untreated pigs. It seems necessary to use agar media of two different pH values: the addition of trimethoprim to the medium is also needed. The use of fresh pig kidneys, and samples containing both kidney medulla and kidney cortex, is recommended in residue analysis. Copyright © 1983. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Faecal indicator bacteria enumeration in beach sand: a comparison study of extraction methods in medium to coarse sands.

PubMed

Boehm, A B; Griffith, J; McGee, C; Edge, T A; Solo-Gabriele, H M; Whitman, R; Cao, Y; Getrich, M; Jay, J A; Ferguson, D; Goodwin, K D; Lee, C M; Madison, M; Weisberg, S B

2009-11-01

The absence of standardized methods for quantifying faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in sand hinders comparison of results across studies. The purpose of the study was to compare methods for extraction of faecal bacteria from sands and recommend a standardized extraction technique. Twenty-two methods of extracting enterococci and Escherichia coli from sand were evaluated, including multiple permutations of hand shaking, mechanical shaking, blending, sonication, number of rinses, settling time, eluant-to-sand ratio, eluant composition, prefiltration and type of decantation. Tests were performed on sands from California, Florida and Lake Michigan. Most extraction parameters did not significantly affect bacterial enumeration. anova revealed significant effects of eluant composition and blending; with both sodium metaphosphate buffer and blending producing reduced counts. The simplest extraction method that produced the highest FIB recoveries consisted of 2 min of hand shaking in phosphate-buffered saline or deionized water, a 30-s settling time, one-rinse step and a 10 : 1 eluant volume to sand weight ratio. This result was consistent across the sand compositions tested in this study but could vary for other sand types. Method standardization will improve the understanding of how sands affect surface water quality.

Effectiveness of robot-assisted therapy on ankle rehabilitation – a systematic review

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Objective The aim of this study was to provide a systematic review of studies that investigated the effectiveness of robot-assisted therapy on ankle motor and function recovery from musculoskeletal or neurologic ankle injuries. Methods Thirteen electronic databases of articles published from January, 1980 to June, 2012 were searched using keywords ‘ankle*’, ‘robot*’, ‘rehabilitat*’ or ‘treat*’ and a free search in Google Scholar based on effects of ankle rehabilitation robots was also conducted. References listed in relevant publications were further screened. Eventually, twenty-nine articles were selected for review and they focused on effects of robot-assisted ankle rehabilitation. Results Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria and a total of 164 patients and 24 healthy subjects participated in these trials. Ankle performance and gait function were the main outcome measures used to assess the therapeutic effects of robot-assisted ankle rehabilitation. The protocols and therapy treatments were varied, which made comparison among different studies difficult or impossible. Few comparative trials were conducted among different devices or control strategies. Moreover, the majority of study designs met levels of evidence that were no higher than American Academy for Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) level IV. Only one study used a Randomized Control Trial (RCT) approach with the evidence level being II. Conclusion All the selected studies showed improvements in terms of ankle performance or gait function after a period of robot-assisted ankle rehabilitation training. The most effective robot-assisted intervention cannot be determined due to the lack of universal evaluation criteria for various devices and control strategies. Future research into the effects of robot-assisted ankle rehabilitation should be carried out based on universal evaluation criteria, which could determine the most effective method of intervention. It is also essential to conduct trials to analyse the differences among different devices or control strategies. PMID:23517734

Managing School Districts for High Performance: Cases in Public Education Leadership

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Childress, Stacey, Ed.; Elmore, Richard F., Ed.; Grossman, Allen, Ed.; Johnson, Susan Moore, Ed.

2007-01-01

"Managing School Districts for High Performance" brings together more than twenty case studies and other readings that offer a powerful and transformative approach to advancing and sustaining the work of school improvement. At the center of this work is the concept of organizational coherence: aligning organizational design, human…

Video-Modeling and Pre-Performance Apprehension: Ignorance Is Bliss.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newburger, Craig; Hemphill, Michael

A study examined the effect of successful and unsuccessful video models on pre-performance public speaking anxiety of students enrolled in basic communication courses. Two hundred twenty-five students enrolled in the basic communication courses served as participants. Subjects were divided into four conditions according to how the instructions for…

Conservation Reasoning Ability and Performance on BSCS Blue Version Examinations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lawson, Anton E.; Nordland, Floyd H.

1977-01-01

Twenty-three high school biology students using the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) Blue Textbook were administered a weight conservation and two volume conservation tasks. A majority performed below formal-operational level, indicating that these students would be likely to encounter difficuluty with BSCS Blue Version materials. (MLH)

The PneuCarriage Project: A Multi-Centre Comparative Study to Identify the Best Serotyping Methods for Examining Pneumococcal Carriage in Vaccine Evaluation Studies

PubMed Central

Satzke, Catherine; Dunne, Eileen M.; Porter, Barbara D.; Klugman, Keith P.; Mulholland, E. Kim

2015-01-01

Background The pneumococcus is a diverse pathogen whose primary niche is the nasopharynx. Over 90 different serotypes exist, and nasopharyngeal carriage of multiple serotypes is common. Understanding pneumococcal carriage is essential for evaluating the impact of pneumococcal vaccines. Traditional serotyping methods are cumbersome and insufficient for detecting multiple serotype carriage, and there are few data comparing the new methods that have been developed over the past decade. We established the PneuCarriage project, a large, international multi-centre study dedicated to the identification of the best pneumococcal serotyping methods for carriage studies. Methods and Findings Reference sample sets were distributed to 15 research groups for blinded testing. Twenty pneumococcal serotyping methods were used to test 81 laboratory-prepared (spiked) samples. The five top-performing methods were used to test 260 nasopharyngeal (field) samples collected from children in six high-burden countries. Sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) were determined for the test methods and the reference method (traditional serotyping of >100 colonies from each sample). For the alternate serotyping methods, the overall sensitivity ranged from 1% to 99% (reference method 98%), and PPV from 8% to 100% (reference method 100%), when testing the spiked samples. Fifteen methods had ≥70% sensitivity to detect the dominant (major) serotype, whilst only eight methods had ≥70% sensitivity to detect minor serotypes. For the field samples, the overall sensitivity ranged from 74.2% to 95.8% (reference method 93.8%), and PPV from 82.2% to 96.4% (reference method 99.6%). The microarray had the highest sensitivity (95.8%) and high PPV (93.7%). The major limitation of this study is that not all of the available alternative serotyping methods were included. Conclusions Most methods were able to detect the dominant serotype in a sample, but many performed poorly in detecting the minor serotype populations. Microarray with a culture amplification step was the top-performing method. Results from this comprehensive evaluation will inform future vaccine evaluation and impact studies, particularly in low-income settings, where pneumococcal disease burden remains high. PMID:26575033

Brief Report: The Impact of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms on Academic Performance in an Adolescent Community Sample

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Birchwood, James; Daley, Dave

2012-01-01

Less is understood about the relationship between ADHD symptoms and academic performance in adolescents than the relationship in younger children. As such, the aim of the present study was to investigate the prospective relationship between ADHD symptoms and academic performance in a community adolescent sample. Three hundred and twenty-four…

Individual Differences in Executive Functioning Predict Preschoolers' Improvement from Theory-of-Mind Training

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Benson, Jeannette E.; Sabbagh, Mark A.; Carlson, Stephanie M.; Zelazo, Philip David

2013-01-01

Twenty-four 3.5-year-old children who initially showed poor performance on false-belief tasks participated in a training protocol designed to promote performance on these tasks. Our aim was to determine whether the extent to which children benefited from training was predicted by their performance on a battery of executive functioning tasks.…

Self-Monitoring of Attention versus Self-Monitoring of Performance: Effects on Attention and Academic Performance.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reid, Robert; Harris, Karen R.

1993-01-01

Twenty-eight students (ages 9-12) with learning disabilities were taught a spelling study procedure (SSP), followed by instruction in self-monitoring of performance (SMP) and self-monitoring of attention (SMA). On-task behavior was significantly higher in both SMA and SMP than in SSP. Neither SMP nor SMA were inherently superior across subjects,…

Smelling Anxiety Chemosignals Impairs Clinical Performance of Dental Students.

PubMed

Singh, Preet Bano; Young, Alix; Lind, Synnøve; Leegaard, Marie Cathinka; Capuozzo, Alessandra; Parma, Valentina

2018-05-15

Despite the fact that human body odors can transfer anxiety-related signals, the impact of such signals in real-life situations is scant. In this study, the effects of anxiety chemosignals on the performance of dental students operating on simulation units, wearing t-shirts imbued with human sweat and masked with eugenol were tested. Twenty-four 4th year dental students (17F) donated their body odors in two sessions (Anxiety and Rest). Twenty-four normosmic, sex- and age-matched test subjects who were3rd year dental students performed three dental procedures while smelling masked anxiety body odors, masked rest body odors or masker alone. The intensity and pleasantness ratings showed that the test subjects could not report perceptual differences between the odor conditions. When exposed to masked anxiety body odors the test subject's dental performance was significantly worse than when they were exposed to masked rest body odors and masker alone, indicating that their performance was modulated by exposure to the emotional tone of the odor. These findings call for a careful evaluation of the anxiety-inducing effects of body odors in performance-related tasks and provide the first ecological evaluation of human anxiety chemosignal communication.

Long-term results after Russe bone-grafting: the effect of malunion of the scaphoid.

PubMed

Jiranek, W A; Ruby, L K; Millender, L B; Bankoff, M S; Newberg, A H

1992-09-01

Twenty-five patients had Russe anterior corticocancellous bone-grafting between 1973 and 1984 for twenty-six symptomatic established non-unions of the scaphoid. The mean duration of follow-up was eleven years (range, seven to eighteen years). Twenty-one (81 per cent) of the twenty-six scaphoid bones united. We developed two rating scales to evaluate the results of the operation. One scale, based on objective findings, included the radiographic appearance of the wrist, the range of motion, and strength; the other scale, based on subjective findings, comprised function, pain, perception of a decrease in performance because of limitation of motion or strength, and satisfaction. These scales were used to compare the objective and subjective results in patients who had a malunion of the scaphoid in which the lateral intrascaphoid angle was more than 45 degrees convex dorsally between the proximal and distal poles (a so-called flexion or humpback deformity, which results in extension of the proximal fragment of the scaphoid at the radiocarpal joint) with the results in patients who had no such deformity. The lateral intrascaphoid angle was more than 45 degrees in thirteen (50 per cent) of the twenty-six wrists. Although the difference in the objective results between the wrists that had a malunion and those that did not have a malunion was highly significant (p = 0.001), there was no significant difference in the subjective results between the two groups, including satisfaction of the patient (p = 0.39). Twenty-three patients (92 per cent) returned to full-time employment and twenty-two (88 per cent), to sports activities. Twenty-three patients (92 per cent) reported that they had pronounced relief of pain and that the procedure had improved their quality of life. The presence of this deformity of the scaphoid after bone-grafting for a symptomatic non-union was not predictive of a poor long-term subjective outcome.

Fully automated contour detection of the ascending aorta in cardiac 2D phase-contrast MRI.

PubMed

Codari, Marina; Scarabello, Marco; Secchi, Francesco; Sforza, Chiarella; Baselli, Giuseppe; Sardanelli, Francesco

2018-04-01

In this study we proposed a fully automated method for localizing and segmenting the ascending aortic lumen with phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI). Twenty-five phase-contrast series were randomly selected out of a large population dataset of patients whose cardiac MRI examination, performed from September 2008 to October 2013, was unremarkable. The local Ethical Committee approved this retrospective study. The ascending aorta was automatically identified on each phase of the cardiac cycle using a priori knowledge of aortic geometry. The frame that maximized the area, eccentricity, and solidity parameters was chosen for unsupervised initialization. Aortic segmentation was performed on each frame using active contouring without edges techniques. The entire algorithm was developed using Matlab R2016b. To validate the proposed method, the manual segmentation performed by a highly experienced operator was used. Dice similarity coefficient, Bland-Altman analysis, and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used as performance metrics. Comparing automated and manual segmentation of the aortic lumen on 714 images, Bland-Altman analysis showed a bias of -6.68mm 2 , a coefficient of repeatability of 91.22mm 2 , a mean area measurement of 581.40mm 2 , and a reproducibility of 85%. Automated and manual segmentation were highly correlated (R=0.98). The Dice similarity coefficient versus the manual reference standard was 94.6±2.1% (mean±standard deviation). A fully automated and robust method for identification and segmentation of ascending aorta on PC-MRI was developed. Its application on patients with a variety of pathologic conditions is advisable. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The PneuCarriage Project: A Multi-Centre Comparative Study to Identify the Best Serotyping Methods for Examining Pneumococcal Carriage in Vaccine Evaluation Studies.

PubMed

Satzke, Catherine; Dunne, Eileen M; Porter, Barbara D; Klugman, Keith P; Mulholland, E Kim

2015-11-01

The pneumococcus is a diverse pathogen whose primary niche is the nasopharynx. Over 90 different serotypes exist, and nasopharyngeal carriage of multiple serotypes is common. Understanding pneumococcal carriage is essential for evaluating the impact of pneumococcal vaccines. Traditional serotyping methods are cumbersome and insufficient for detecting multiple serotype carriage, and there are few data comparing the new methods that have been developed over the past decade. We established the PneuCarriage project, a large, international multi-centre study dedicated to the identification of the best pneumococcal serotyping methods for carriage studies. Reference sample sets were distributed to 15 research groups for blinded testing. Twenty pneumococcal serotyping methods were used to test 81 laboratory-prepared (spiked) samples. The five top-performing methods were used to test 260 nasopharyngeal (field) samples collected from children in six high-burden countries. Sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) were determined for the test methods and the reference method (traditional serotyping of >100 colonies from each sample). For the alternate serotyping methods, the overall sensitivity ranged from 1% to 99% (reference method 98%), and PPV from 8% to 100% (reference method 100%), when testing the spiked samples. Fifteen methods had ≥70% sensitivity to detect the dominant (major) serotype, whilst only eight methods had ≥70% sensitivity to detect minor serotypes. For the field samples, the overall sensitivity ranged from 74.2% to 95.8% (reference method 93.8%), and PPV from 82.2% to 96.4% (reference method 99.6%). The microarray had the highest sensitivity (95.8%) and high PPV (93.7%). The major limitation of this study is that not all of the available alternative serotyping methods were included. Most methods were able to detect the dominant serotype in a sample, but many performed poorly in detecting the minor serotype populations. Microarray with a culture amplification step was the top-performing method. Results from this comprehensive evaluation will inform future vaccine evaluation and impact studies, particularly in low-income settings, where pneumococcal disease burden remains high.

Deficits in Coordinative Bimanual Timing Precision in Children With Specific Language Impairment

PubMed Central

Goffman, Lisa; Zelaznik, Howard N.

2017-01-01

Purpose Our objective was to delineate components of motor performance in specific language impairment (SLI); specifically, whether deficits in timing precision in one effector (unimanual tapping) and in two effectors (bimanual clapping) are observed in young children with SLI. Method Twenty-seven 4- to 5-year-old children with SLI and 21 age-matched peers with typical language development participated. All children engaged in a unimanual tapping and a bimanual clapping timing task. Standard measures of language and motor performance were also obtained. Results No group differences in timing variability were observed in the unimanual tapping task. However, compared with typically developing peers, children with SLI were more variable in their timing precision in the bimanual clapping task. Nine of the children with SLI performed greater than 1 SD below the mean on a standardized motor assessment. The children with low motor performance showed the same profile as observed across all children with SLI, with unaffected unimanual and impaired bimanual timing precision. Conclusions Although unimanual timing is unaffected, children with SLI show a deficit in timing that requires bimanual coordination. We propose that the timing deficits observed in children with SLI are associated with the increased demands inherent in bimanual performance. PMID:28174821

Determination of chewing efficiency using muscle work.

PubMed

Paphangkorakit, Jarin; Chaiyapanya, Nayiga; Sriladlao, Penprapa; Pimsupa, Sutasinee

2008-06-01

A new method was proposed to evaluate 'true' chewing efficiency in which the 'cost' of chewing was accounted for. Twenty-three subjects were asked to chew an almond for 5 cycles, after which the chewed particles were air-dried and passed through a 1.4-mm aperture sieve. The activity of both superficial masseter muscles was simultaneously recorded with surface EMG. Integrated EMG (IEMG) was used to calculate burst amplitude, burst duration and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). The percentage weight of particles passing the sieve was used to represent the conventional chewing efficiency (or masticatory performance). Muscle work (integral of IEMG bursts), muscle effort (muscle work normalized to maximum work) and masticatory effectiveness (the ratio between masticatory performance and muscle work) were also calculated. The results showed that (1) masticatory performance was significantly correlated with muscle work (R=0.45; p<0.005), MVC (R=0.31; p=0.04), but not correlated with muscle effort; (2) masticatory effectiveness was significantly correlated with MVC (R=0.58, p<0.001), but not correlated with masticatory performance. Persons with good masticatory performance were not necessarily effective (or efficient) chewers. They seemed to have larger MVCs and use more muscle work during the chewing task.

Assessing muscular oxygenation during incremental exercise using near-infrared spectroscopy: comparison of three different methods.

PubMed

Agbangla, N F; Audiffren, M; Albinet, C T

2017-12-20

Using continuous-wave near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), this study compared three different methods, namely the slope method (SM), the amplitude method (AM), and the area under the curve (AUC) method to determine the variations of intramuscular oxygenation level as a function of workload. Ten right-handed subjects (22+/-4 years) performed one isometric contraction at each of three different workloads (30 %, 50 % and 90 % of maximal voluntary strength) during a period of twenty seconds. Changes in oxyhemoglobin (delta[HbO(2)]) and deoxyhemoglobin (delta[HHb]) concentrations in the superficial flexor of fingers were recorded using continuous-wave NIRS. The results showed a strong consistency between the three methods, with standardized Cronbach alphas of 0.87 for delta[HHb] and 0.95 for delta[HbO(2)]. No significant differences between the three methods were observed concerning delta[HHb] as a function of workload. However, only the SM showed sufficient sensitivity to detect a significant decrease in delta[HbO(2)] between 30 % and 50 % of workload (p<0.01). Among these three methods, the SM appeared to be the only method that was well adapted and sensitive enough to determine slight changes in delta[HbO(2)]. Theoretical and methodological implications of these results are discussed.

The Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET)

PubMed Central

Koehler, Ryan J.; Amsdell, Simon; Arendt, Elizabeth A; Bisson, Leslie J; Braman, Jonathan P; Butler, Aaron; Cosgarea, Andrew J; Harner, Christopher D; Garrett, William E; Olson, Tyson; Warme, Winston J.; Nicandri, Gregg T.

2014-01-01

Background Surgeries employing arthroscopic techniques are among the most commonly performed in orthopaedic clinical practice however, valid and reliable methods of assessing the arthroscopic skill of orthopaedic surgeons are lacking. Hypothesis The Arthroscopic Surgery Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET) will demonstrate content validity, concurrent criterion-oriented validity, and reliability, when used to assess the technical ability of surgeons performing diagnostic knee arthroscopy on cadaveric specimens. Study Design Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3 Methods Content validity was determined by a group of seven experts using a Delphi process. Intra-articular performance of a right and left diagnostic knee arthroscopy was recorded for twenty-eight residents and two sports medicine fellowship trained attending surgeons. Subject performance was assessed by two blinded raters using the ASSET. Concurrent criterion-oriented validity, inter-rater reliability, and test-retest reliability were evaluated. Results Content validity: The content development group identified 8 arthroscopic skill domains to evaluate using the ASSET. Concurrent criterion-oriented validity: Significant differences in total ASSET score (p<0.05) between novice, intermediate, and advanced experience groups were identified. Inter-rater reliability: The ASSET scores assigned by each rater were strongly correlated (r=0.91, p <0.01) and the intra-class correlation coefficient between raters for the total ASSET score was 0.90. Test-retest reliability: there was a significant correlation between ASSET scores for both procedures attempted by each individual (r = 0.79, p<0.01). Conclusion The ASSET appears to be a useful, valid, and reliable method for assessing surgeon performance of diagnostic knee arthroscopy in cadaveric specimens. Studies are ongoing to determine its generalizability to other procedures as well as to the live OR and other simulated environments. PMID:23548808

Finding the Right Mix: Teaching Methods as Predictors for Student Progress on Learning Objectives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glover, Jacob I.

2012-01-01

This study extends existing student ratings research by exploring how teaching methods, individually and collectively, influence a minimum standard of student achievement on learning objectives and how class size impacts this influence. Twenty teaching methods were used to predict substantial or exceptional progress on each of 12 learning…

Vertebral derotation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis causes hypokyphosis of the thoracic spine

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that direct vertebral derotation by pedicle screws (PS) causes hypokyphosis of the thoracic spine in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients, using computer simulation. Methods Twenty AIS patients with Lenke type 1 or 2 who underwent posterior correction surgeries using PS were included in this study. Simulated corrections of each patient’s scoliosis, as determined by the preoperative CT scan data, were performed on segmented 3D models of the whole spine. Two types of simulated extreme correction were performed: 1) complete coronal correction only (C method) and 2) complete coronal correction with complete derotation of vertebral bodies (C + D method). The kyphosis angle (T5-T12) and vertebral rotation angle at the apex were measured before and after the simulated corrections. Results The mean kyphosis angle after the C + D method was significantly smaller than that after the C method (2.7 ± 10.0° vs. 15.0 ± 7.1°, p < 0.01). The mean preoperative apical rotation angle of 15.2 ± 5.5° was completely corrected after the C + D method (0°) and was unchanged after the C method (17.6 ± 4.2°). Conclusions In the 3D simulation study, kyphosis was reduced after complete correction of the coronal and rotational deformity, but it was maintained after the coronal-only correction. These results proved the hypothesis that the vertebral derotation obtained by PS causes hypokyphosis of the thoracic spine. PMID:22691717

Validity of two methods for estimation of vertical jump height.

PubMed

Dias, Jonathan Ache; Dal Pupo, Juliano; Reis, Diogo C; Borges, Lucas; Santos, Saray G; Moro, Antônio R P; Borges, Noé G

2011-07-01

The objectives of this study were (a) to determine the concurrent validity of the flight time (FT) and double integration of vertical reaction force (DIF) methods in the estimation of vertical jump height with the video method (VID) as reference; (b) to verify the degree of agreement among the 3 methods; (c) to propose regression equations to predict the jump height using the FT and DIF. Twenty healthy male and female nonathlete college students participated in this study. The experiment involved positioning a contact mat (CTM) on the force platform (FP), with a video camera 3 m from the FP and perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the subject being assessed. Each participant performed 15 countermovement jumps with 60-second intervals between the trials. Significant differences were found between the jump height obtained by VID and the results with FT (p ≤ 0.01) and DIF (p ≤ 0.01), showing that the methods are not valid. Additionally, the DIF showed a greater degree of agreement with the reference method than the FT did, and both presented a systematic error. From the linear regression test was determined the prediction equations with a high degree of linearity between the methods VID vs. DIF (R = 0.988) and VID vs. FT (R = 0.979). Therefore, the prediction equations suggested may allow coaches to measure the vertical jump performance of athletes by the FT and DIF, using a CTM or an FP, which represents more practical and viable approaches in the sports field; comparisons can then be made with the results of other athletes evaluated by VID.

Long-term outcomes in primary spinal osteochondroma: a multicenter study of 27 patients

PubMed Central

Sciubba, Daniel M.; Macki, Mohamed; Bydon, Mohamad; Germscheid, Niccole M.; Wolinsky, Jean-Paul; Boriani, Stefano; Bettegowda, Chetan; Chou, Dean; Luzzati, Alessandro; Reynolds, Jeremy J.; Szövérfi, Zsolt; Zadnik, Patti; Rhines, Laurence D.; Gokaslan, Ziya L.; Fisher, Charles G.; Varga, Peter Paul

2016-01-01

OBJECT Clinical outcomes in patients with primary spinal osteochondromas are limited to small series and sporadic case reports. The authors present data on the first long-term investigation of spinal osteochondroma cases. METHODS An international, multicenter ambispective study on primary spinal osteochondroma was performed. Patients were included if they were diagnosed with an osteochondroma of the spine and received surgical treatment between October 1996 and June 2012 with at least 1 follow-up. Perioperative prognostic variables, including patient age, tumor size, spinal level, and resection, were analyzed in reference to long-term local recurrence and survival. Tumor resections were compared using Enneking appropriate (EA) or Enneking inappropriate surgical margins. RESULTS Osteochondromas were diagnosed in 27 patients at an average age of 37 years. Twenty-two lesions were found in the mobile spine (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar) and 5 in the fixed spine (sacrum). Twenty-three cases (88%) were benign tumors (Enneking tumor Stages 1–3), whereas 3 (12%) exhibited malignant changes (Enneking tumor Stages IA–IIB). Sixteen patients (62%) underwent en bloc treatment—that is, wide or marginal resection—and 10 (38%) underwent intralesional resection. Twenty-four operations (92%) followed EA margins. No one received adjuvant therapy. Two patients (8%) experienced recurrences: one in the fixed spine and one in the mobile spine. Both recurrences occurred in latent Stage 1 tumors following en bloc resection. No osteochondroma-related deaths were observed. CONCLUSIONS In the present study, most patients underwent en bloc resection and were treated as EA cases. Both recurrences occurred in the Stage 1 tumor cohort. Therefore, although benign in character, osteochondromas still require careful management and thorough follow-up. PMID:25793467

Acute juvenile Paracoccidioidomycosis: A 9-year cohort study in the endemic area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

PubMed Central

Almeida-Paes, Rodrigo; Freitas, Dayvison Francis Saraiva; Varon, Andréa Gina; Paixão, Ariane Gomes; Romão, Anselmo Rocha; Coutinho, Ziadir Francisco; Pizzini, Claudia Vera; Zancopé-Oliveira, Rosely Maria; Francesconi do Valle, Antonio Carlos

2017-01-01

Background Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by pathogenic dimorphic fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides. It is the most important systemic mycosis in Latin America and the leading cause of hospitalizations and death among them in Brazil. Acute PCM is less frequent but relevant because vulnerable young patients are affected and the severity is usually higher than that of the chronic type. Methods The authors performed a retrospective cohort study from 2001 to 2009 including acute juvenile PCM patients from a reference center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Clinical, epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic data were reported. Results Twenty-nine patients were included. The average age was 23 years old and the male to female ratio was 1:1.07. All cases were referred from 3 of 9 existing health areas in the state of Rio de Janeiro, predominantly from urban areas (96.5%). Lymph nodes were the most affected organs (100%), followed by the skin and the spleen (31% each). Twenty-eight patients completed treatment (median 25 months) and progressed to clinical and serological cure; 1 death occurred. Twenty-four patients completed 48-month median follow-up. Four patients abandoned follow-up after the end of treatment. The most frequent sequela was low adrenal reserve. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis S1 was identified by partial sequencing of the arf and gp43 genes from 4 patients who presented a viable fungal culture. Conclusion Acute juvenile PCM is a severe disease with a high rate of complications. There are few cohort clinical studies of acute PCM in the literature. More studies should be developed to promote improvement in patients’ healthcare. PMID:28355221

Automated detection of hospital outbreaks: A systematic review of methods.

PubMed

Leclère, Brice; Buckeridge, David L; Boëlle, Pierre-Yves; Astagneau, Pascal; Lepelletier, Didier

2017-01-01

Several automated algorithms for epidemiological surveillance in hospitals have been proposed. However, the usefulness of these methods to detect nosocomial outbreaks remains unclear. The goal of this review was to describe outbreak detection algorithms that have been tested within hospitals, consider how they were evaluated, and synthesize their results. We developed a search query using keywords associated with hospital outbreak detection and searched the MEDLINE database. To ensure the highest sensitivity, no limitations were initially imposed on publication languages and dates, although we subsequently excluded studies published before 2000. Every study that described a method to detect outbreaks within hospitals was included, without any exclusion based on study design. Additional studies were identified through citations in retrieved studies. Twenty-nine studies were included. The detection algorithms were grouped into 5 categories: simple thresholds (n = 6), statistical process control (n = 12), scan statistics (n = 6), traditional statistical models (n = 6), and data mining methods (n = 4). The evaluation of the algorithms was often solely descriptive (n = 15), but more complex epidemiological criteria were also investigated (n = 10). The performance measures varied widely between studies: e.g., the sensitivity of an algorithm in a real world setting could vary between 17 and 100%. Even if outbreak detection algorithms are useful complementary tools for traditional surveillance, the heterogeneity in results among published studies does not support quantitative synthesis of their performance. A standardized framework should be followed when evaluating outbreak detection methods to allow comparison of algorithms across studies and synthesis of results.

The Effect of Aquatic Exercise Therapy on Muscle Strength and Joint's Range of Motion in Hemophilia Patients

PubMed Central

Kargarfard, Mehdi; Dehghadani, Mehdi; Ghias, Reza

2013-01-01

Background: This study was to evaluate the effect of a period of aquatic exercise therapy on muscle strength and joints range of motion in hemophilia patients. Methods: This was a semiexperimental, pretest, post-test study with a control group. This semi-experimental study comprised twenty men suffering moderate hemophilia were selected by convenience sampling method from patients of a referral hospital. They were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups of equal number. The hemophilia patients who were referred to Sayedo-Shohada Hospital enrolled in this study. Twenty men suffering moderate hemophilia were selected using convenience sampling method and then divided randomly into intervention and control groups (10 patients in each group). Subjects of aquatic exercise therapy group underwent activity in water in three sessions (45-60 minutes) per week for 8 weeks, while the control group was only under follow-up and during this period did not experience any effective physical activity. The patients’ muscle strength and joint range of motion were evaluated through standard laboratory tools, using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex, Systems III) and a standard goniometer in the beginning and at end of the study. Finally, data was analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: The strength of the muscles around the knee joint (to perform extension and flexion movements) increased significantly in the case group while the control group experienced a significant reduction of strength in left leg, but in right leg remarkable change was observed. Range of motion in all joints was improved in the case group, while the control group did not improve significantly. Conclusion: The results showed that aquatic exercise therapy can be a useful method to improve joints’ strength and range of motion in hemophilia patients in order to improve their daily functioning and quality of life. PMID:23412736

Frontal Hyperconnectivity Related to Discounting and Reversal Learning in Cocaine Subjects

PubMed Central

Camchong, Jazmin; MacDonald, Angus W; Nelson, Brent; Bell, Christopher; Mueller, Bryon A; Specker, Sheila; Lim, Kelvin O

2011-01-01

BACKGROUND Functional neuroimaging studies suggest that chronic cocaine use is associated with frontal lobe abnormalities. Functional connectivity (FC) alterations of cocaine dependent individuals (CD), however, are not yet clear. This is the first study to our knowledge that examines resting FC of anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in CD. Because ACC is known to integrate inputs from different brain regions to regulate behavior, we hypothesize that CD will have connectivity abnormalities in ACC networks. In addition, we hypothesized that abnormalities would be associated with poor performance in delayed discounting and reversal learning tasks. METHODS Resting functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected to look for FC differences between twenty-seven cocaine dependent individuals (CD) (5 females, age: M=39.73, SD=6.14) and twenty-four controls (5 females, age: M=39.76, SD = 7.09). Participants were assessed with delayed discounting and reversal learning tasks. Using seed-based FC measures, we examined FC in CD and controls within five ACC connectivity networks with seeds in subgenual, caudal, dorsal, rostral, and perigenual ACC. RESULTS CD showed increased FC within the perigenual ACC network in left middle frontal gyrus, ACC and middle temporal gyrus when compared to controls. FC abnormalities were significantly positively correlated with task performance in delayed discounting and reversal learning tasks in CD. CONCLUSIONS The present study shows that participants with chronic cocaine-dependency have hyperconnectivity within an ACC network known to be involved in social processing and mentalizing. In addition, FC abnormalities found in CD were associated with difficulties with delay rewards and slower adaptive learning. PMID:21371689

TU-H-CAMPUS-JeP1-02: Fully Automatic Verification of Automatically Contoured Normal Tissues in the Head and Neck

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

McCarroll, R; UT Health Science Center, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX; Beadle, B

Purpose: To investigate and validate the use of an independent deformable-based contouring algorithm for automatic verification of auto-contoured structures in the head and neck towards fully automated treatment planning. Methods: Two independent automatic contouring algorithms [(1) Eclipse’s Smart Segmentation followed by pixel-wise majority voting, (2) an in-house multi-atlas based method] were used to create contours of 6 normal structures of 10 head-and-neck patients. After rating by a radiation oncologist, the higher performing algorithm was selected as the primary contouring method, the other used for automatic verification of the primary. To determine the ability of the verification algorithm to detect incorrectmore » contours, contours from the primary method were shifted from 0.5 to 2cm. Using a logit model the structure-specific minimum detectable shift was identified. The models were then applied to a set of twenty different patients and the sensitivity and specificity of the models verified. Results: Per physician rating, the multi-atlas method (4.8/5 point scale, with 3 rated as generally acceptable for planning purposes) was selected as primary and the Eclipse-based method (3.5/5) for verification. Mean distance to agreement and true positive rate were selected as covariates in an optimized logit model. These models, when applied to a group of twenty different patients, indicated that shifts could be detected at 0.5cm (brain), 0.75cm (mandible, cord), 1cm (brainstem, cochlea), or 1.25cm (parotid), with sensitivity and specificity greater than 0.95. If sensitivity and specificity constraints are reduced to 0.9, detectable shifts of mandible and brainstem were reduced by 0.25cm. These shifts represent additional safety margins which might be considered if auto-contours are used for automatic treatment planning without physician review. Conclusion: Automatically contoured structures can be automatically verified. This fully automated process could be used to flag auto-contours for special review or used with safety margins in a fully automatic treatment planning system.« less

[Angioscanning in the diagnosis of breast neoplasms].

PubMed

Trishkin, V A; Fadeev, N P; Tetel'baum, B I; Dymarskiĭ, L Iu

1976-01-01

Angioscanning with macroalbumin J131 was performed in 30 patients with different mammary gland diseases (breast cancer--in 22, breast sarcoma--in 1, cystic fibroadenomatosis--in 6 and one patients without any breast pathology). Twenty eight of thirty patients were subjected to surgery, and the diagnosis was supported histologically. Injection of macroalbumin J131 in the subclavian artery enabled the authors to visualize malignant neoplasms, located mainly in the external quadrants of the mammary gland. The least size of the tumor, revealed by angioscanning, was 1.5 cm in diameter. The method of isotope injection directly in the subclavian artery, employed by the authors, may be recommended for patients, whose primary tumor is localized in the external half of the gland and in the axillary process.

Diffusion in liquid metal systems. [information on electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ukanwa, A. O.

1975-01-01

Physical properties of twenty liquid metals are reported; some of the data on such liquid metal properties as density, electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, and heat capacity are summarized in graphical form. Data on laboratory handling and safety procedure are summarized for each metal; heat-transfer-correlations for liquid metals under various conditions of laminar and turbulent flow are included. Where sufficient data were available, temperature equations of properties were obtained by the method of least-squares fit. All values of properties given are valid in the given liquid phase ranges only. Additional tabular data on some 40 metals are reported in the appendix. Included is a brief description of experiments that were performed to investigate diffusion in liquid indium-gallium systems.

Dopamine treatment and cognitive functioning in individuals with Parkinson's disease: the "cognitive flexibility" hypothesis seems to work.

PubMed

Costa, Alberto; Peppe, Antonella; Mazzù, Ilenia; Longarzo, Mariachiara; Caltagirone, Carlo; Carlesimo, Giovanni A

2014-01-01

Previous data suggest that (i) dopamine modulates the ability to implement nonroutine schemata and update operations (flexibility processes) and that (ii) dopamine-related improvement may be related to baseline dopamine levels in target pathways (inverted U-shaped hypothesis). To investigate above hypotheses in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Twenty PD patients were administered tasks varying as to flexibility load in two treatment conditions: (i) "off" condition, about 18 hours after dopamine dose and (ii) "on" condition, after dopamine administration. PD patients were separated into two groups: low performers (i.e., performance on Digit Span Backward below the sample mean) and high performers (i.e., performance above the mean). Twenty healthy individuals performed the tasks in two sessions without taking drugs. Passing from the "off" to the "on" state, only low performer PD patients significantly improved their performance on high-flexibility measures (interference condition of the Stroop test; P < 0.05); no significant effect was found on low-flexibility tasks. These findings document that high-flexibility processes are sensitive to dopamine neuromodulation in the early phases of PD. This is in line with the hypothesis that striatal dopamine pathways, affected early by PD, are precociously implicated in the expression of cognitive disorders in these individuals.

Effects of plant tannin extracts supplementation on animal performance and gastrointestinal parasites infestation in steers grazing winter wheat

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Twenty-six stocker cattle (286.1 ± 25.7 kg) were used to quantify the effect of commercial plant tannin extracts (control vs. mimosa and chestnut tannins) on animal performance, gastrointestinal parasites control, and plasma metabolite changes in heifers grazing winter wheat forage (Triticum aestivu...

Strengths and Weaknesses in Executive Functioning in Children with Intellectual Disability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Danielsson, Henrik; Henry, Lucy; Messer, David; Ronnberg, Jerker

2012-01-01

Children with intellectual disability (ID) were given a comprehensive range of executive functioning measures, which systematically varied in terms of verbal and non-verbal demands. Their performance was compared to the performance of groups matched on mental age (MA) and chronological age (CA), respectively. Twenty-two children were included in…

Neural Correlates of Performance Monitoring during the Transition to Young Adulthood

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kneževic, Martina; Veroude, Kim; Jolles, Jelle; Krabbendam, Lydia

2016-01-01

Cognitive challenges during transition to adulthood are generally high and require particular skills, such as self-control, performance evaluation, and behavioral adjustment for success in everyday living. However, age and sex differences in timing and efficiency of brain maturational processes in the early twenties are not well known. We used a…

Effects of Concurrent Motor, Linguistic, or Cognitive Tasks on Speech Motor Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dromey, Christopher; Benson, April

2003-01-01

This study examined the influence of 3 different types of concurrent tasks on speech motor performance. The goal was to uncover potential differences in speech movements relating to the nature of the secondary task. Twenty young adults repeated sentences either with or without simultaneous distractor activities. These distractions included a motor…

Constructing Domain-Specific Knowledge in Kindergarten: Relations among Knowledge, Intelligence, and Strategic Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alexander, Joyce M.; Johnson, Kathy E.; Leibham, Mary E.; DeBauge, Christiane

2005-01-01

Thirty kindergarten children from two classrooms participated in a 3-week curricular unit on dinosaurs designed to teach taxonomic relations and distinguishing features aligned with 15 dinosaur species. Both domain-specific learning and strategic performance on a Twenty Questions game were assessed twice throughout the curriculum, as well as…

Motivating Peak Performance: Leadership Behaviors That Stimulate Employee Motivation and Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Webb, Kerry

2007-01-01

The impact of leader behaviors on motivation levels of employees was examined in this study. Two hundred twenty-three vice presidents and chief officers from 104 member colleges and universities in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities were sampled. Leaders were administered the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-rater…

Piaget's Water-Level Task: The Impact of Vision on Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Papadopoulos, Konstantinos; Koustriava, Eleni

2011-01-01

In the present study, the aim was to examine the differences in performance between children and adolescents with visual impairment and sighted peers in the water-level task. Twenty-eight individuals with visual impairments, 14 individuals with blindness and 14 individuals with low vision, and 28 sighted individuals participated in the present…

Improving Silent Reading Performance through Feedback on Eye Movements: A Feasibility Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Korinth, Sebastian P.; Fiebach, Christian J.

2018-01-01

This feasibility study investigated if feedback about individual eye movements, reflecting varying word processing stages, can improve reading performance. Twenty-five university students read 90 newspaper articles during 9 eye-tracking sessions. Training group participants (n = 12) were individually briefed before each session, which eye movement…

Promoting Single-Parent Family Children's Attitudes toward Science and Science Performance through Extracurricular Science Intervention in Taiwan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hong, Zuway-R.; Lin, Huann-shyang; Lawrenz, Frances

2008-01-01

This study investigated the efficacy of extracurricular science intervention in promoting students' science learning performance and attitudes toward science. The Junior High School Student Questionnaire (JSSQ) was used to measure attitudes toward science, sexist attitudes and perceptions of the classroom learning environment. Twenty-eight eighth…

The Effect of Orthographic Neighborhood in the Reading Span Task

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robert, Christelle; Postal, Virginie; Mathey, Stéphanie

2015-01-01

This study aimed at examining whether and to what extent orthographic neighborhood of words influences performance in a working memory span task. Twenty-five participants performed a reading span task in which final words to be memorized had either no higher frequency orthographic neighbor or at least one. In both neighborhood conditions, each…

Separable Neural Mechanisms Contribute to Feedback Processing in a Rule-Learning Task

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zanolie, K.; Van Leijenhorst, L.; Rombouts, S. A. R. B.; Crone, E. A.

2008-01-01

To adjust performance appropriately to environmental demands, it is important to monitor ongoing action and process performance feedback for possible errors. In this study, we used fMRI to test whether medial prefrontal cortex (PFC)/anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and dorsolateral (DL) PFC have different roles in feedback processing. Twenty adults…

Quantitative measures with WREX usage.

PubMed

Shank, Tracy M; Wee, Jinyong; Ty, Jennifer; Rahman, Tariq

2017-07-01

This paper presents the results of two surveys conducted with users of a functional upper extremity orthosis called the Wilmington Robotic EXoskeleton (WREX). The WREX is a passive anti-gravity arm orthosis that allows people with neuromuscular disabilities to move their arms in three dimensions. An online user survey with 55 patients was conducted to determine the benefits of the WREX. The survey asked 10 questions related to upper extremity function with and without the WREX as well as subjective impressions of the device. A second survey used a phone interview based on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Parents rated their child's performance and satisfaction while partaking in important activities both with and without the exoskeleton device. Scores were assessed for change between the two conditions. Twenty-five families responded to this survey. Twenty-four out of 25 subjects reported greater levels of performance and satisfaction when they were wearing the WREX. The mean change in performance score was 3.61 points, and the mean change in satisfaction score was 4.44 points. Results show a statistically significant improvement in arm function for everyday tasks with the WREX.

The Effect of Task Repetition on Fluency and Accuracy of EFL Saudi Female Learners' Oral Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gashan, Amani K.; Almohaisen, Fahad M.

2014-01-01

This study aimed to examine the effect of task repetition on foreign language output. Twenty eight Saudi female students in the Preparatory Year (PY) at King Saud university, were randomly selected to conduct an oral information-gap task. The participants were asked to perform the task two times with two-week interval between the two performances.…

Antibiotic Resistance of Salmonella spp. Isolated from Shrimp Farming Freshwater Environment in Northeast Region of Brazil

PubMed Central

Carvalho, Fátima C. T.; Sousa, Oscarina V.; Carvalho, Edirsana M. R.; Hofer, Ernesto; Vieira, Regine H. S. F.

2013-01-01

This study investigated the presence and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella spp. in a shrimp farming environment in Northeast Region of Brazil. Samples of water and sediments from two farms rearing freshwater-acclimated Litopenaeus vannamei were examined for the presence of Salmonella. Afterwards, Salmonella isolates were serotyped, the antimicrobial resistance was determined by a disk diffusion method, and the plasmid curing was performed for resistant isolates. A total of 30 (16.12%) of the 186 isolates were confirmed to be Salmonella spp., belonging to five serovars: S. serovar Saintpaul, S. serovar Infantis, S. serovar Panama, S. serovar Madelia, and S. serovar Braenderup, along with 2 subspecies: S. enterica serovar houtenae and S. enterica serovar enterica. About twenty-three percent of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and twenty percent were resistant to at least two antibiotics. Three strains isolated from water samples (pond and inlet canal) exhibited multiresistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, oxytetracycline, and nitrofurantoin. One of them had a plasmid with genes conferring resistance to nitrofurantoin and ampicillin. The incidence of bacteria pathogenic to humans in a shrimp farming environment, as well as their drug-resistance pattern revealed in this study, emphasizes the need for a more rigorous attention to this area. PMID:24455280

Chemical UPLC-ESI-MS/MS profiling of aconitum alkaloids and their metabolites in rat plasma and urine after oral administration of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. Root extract.

PubMed

Zhang, Mingjie; Wang, Manman; Liang, Jiajia; Wen, Yongqing; Xiong, Zhili

2018-02-01

In this paper, an ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method in positive ion mode was established to systematically identify and to compare the major aconitum alkaloids and their metabolites in rat plasma and urine after oral administration of Fuzi extract. A total twenty-nine components including twenty-five C19-diterpenoid alkaloids and four C20-diterpenoid alkaloids were identified in Fuzi extract. Thirteen of the parent components and five metabolites were detected in rat plasma and sixteen parent compounds and six metabolites in urine. These parent components found in rat plasma and urine were mainly C19-diterpenoid alkaloids. All of the metabolites in vivo were demethylated metabolites (phase I metabolites), which suggested that demethylation was the major metabolic pathway of aconitum alkaloids in vivo. A comparison of the parent components in rat plasma and urine revealed that 3-deoxyacontine was found in plasma but not in urine, while kalacolidine, senbusine and 16-β-hydroxycardiopetaline existed in urine but not in plasma, which indicated that most alkaloids components were disposed and excreted in prototype form. This research provides some important information for further metabolic investigations of Fuzi in vivo. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Research on the Relationship between Reaction Ability and Mental State for Online Assessment of Driving Fatigue.

PubMed

Guo, Mengzhu; Li, Shiwu; Wang, Linhong; Chai, Meng; Chen, Facheng; Wei, Yunong

2016-11-24

Background: Driving fatigue affects the reaction ability of a driver. The aim of this research is to analyze the relationship between driving fatigue, physiological signals and driver's reaction time. Methods: Twenty subjects were tested during driving. Data pertaining to reaction time and physiological signals including electroencephalograph (EEG) were collected from twenty simulation experiments. Grey correlation analysis was used to select the input variable of the classification model. A support vector machine was used to divide the mental state into three levels. The penalty factor for the model was optimized using a genetic algorithm. Results: The results show that α/β has the greatest correlation to reaction time. The classification results show an accuracy of 86%, a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 85.53%. The average increase of reaction time is 16.72% from alert state to fatigued state. Females have a faster decrease in reaction ability than males as driving fatigue accumulates. Elderly drivers have longer reaction times than the young. Conclusions: A grey correlation analysis can be used to improve the classification accuracy of the support vector machine (SVM) model. This paper provides basic research that online detection of fatigue can be performed using only a simple device, which is more comfortable for users.

Research on the Relationship between Reaction Ability and Mental State for Online Assessment of Driving Fatigue

PubMed Central

Guo, Mengzhu; Li, Shiwu; Wang, Linhong; Chai, Meng; Chen, Facheng; Wei, Yunong

2016-01-01

Background: Driving fatigue affects the reaction ability of a driver. The aim of this research is to analyze the relationship between driving fatigue, physiological signals and driver’s reaction time. Methods: Twenty subjects were tested during driving. Data pertaining to reaction time and physiological signals including electroencephalograph (EEG) were collected from twenty simulation experiments. Grey correlation analysis was used to select the input variable of the classification model. A support vector machine was used to divide the mental state into three levels. The penalty factor for the model was optimized using a genetic algorithm. Results: The results show that α/β has the greatest correlation to reaction time. The classification results show an accuracy of 86%, a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 85.53%. The average increase of reaction time is 16.72% from alert state to fatigued state. Females have a faster decrease in reaction ability than males as driving fatigue accumulates. Elderly drivers have longer reaction times than the young. Conclusions: A grey correlation analysis can be used to improve the classification accuracy of the support vector machine (SVM) model. This paper provides basic research that online detection of fatigue can be performed using only a simple device, which is more comfortable for users. PMID:27886139

Evaluation of inorganic zinc-rich primers using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Calle, Luz M.

1993-01-01

This investigation explores the use of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) in combination with beach exposure as a short term method for analyzing the performance of twenty-one zinc-rich primers. The twenty-one zinc-rich primers were: Carboline CZ-11, Ameron Devoe-Marine Catha-Coat 304, Briner V-65, Ameron D-21-9, Sherwin Williams Zinc Clad II, Carboline CZ-D7, Ameron D-4, Dupont Ganicin 347WB, Porter TQ-4374H, Inorganic Coatings IC-531, Subox Galvanox IV, Southern Coatings Chemtec 600, Glidden Glidzinc 5530, Byco SP-101, Tnemec 90E-75, Devoe Catha-Coat 302H, Glidden Glidzinc 5536, Koppers 701, Ameron D-21-5, Coronado 935-152, and Subox Galvanoz V. Data were also collected on galvanized steel for comparison purposes. A library of Bode magnitude plots was generated for each coating including curves for the initial time and after each week of atmospheric exposure as Beach Corrosion Test Site near the Space Shuttle launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center for up to three weeks. An examination of the variation of the Bode magnitude plots with atmospheric exposure revealed no clearly identifiable trend at this point that could distinguish between the good and the poor coatings. The test will be continued by including EIS measurements after six months and one year of atmospheric exposure.

Construction of human chromosome 21-specific yeast artificial chromosomes

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

McCormick, M.K.; Shero, J.H.; Hieter, P.A.

1989-12-01

Chromosome 21-specific yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) have been constructed by a method that performs all steps in agarose, allowing size selection by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and the use of nanogram to microgram quantities of DNA. The DNA sources used were hybrid cell line WAV-17, containing chromosome 21 as the only human chromosome and flow-sorted chromosome 21. The transformation efficiency of ligation products was similar to that obtained in aqueous transformations and yielded YACs with sizes ranging from 100 kilobases (kb) to > 1 megabase when polyamines were included in the transformation procedure. Twenty-five YACs containing human DNA have been obtainedmore » from a mouse-human hybrid, ranging in size from 200 to > 1000 kb, with an average size of 410 kb. Ten of these YACs were localized to subregions of chromosome 21 by hybridization of RNA probes to a panel of somatic cell hybrid DNA. Twenty-one human YACs, ranging in size from 100 to 500 kb, with an average size of 150 kb, were obtained from {approx} 50 ng of flow-sorted chromosome 21 DNA. Three were localized to subregions of chromosome 21. YACs will aid the construction of a physical map of human chromosome 21 and the study of disorders associated with chromosome 21 such as Alzheimer disease and Down syndrome.« less

Prospective Controlled Study of Buttock Fat Transfer Using Ultrasound and Photographic Measurements

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Background: Buttock fat transfer is now the preferred method for gluteal augmentation. However, its efficacy has not been well-documented using measurements. Methods: Twenty-five consecutive patients underwent buttock fat transfer performed by the author. Twenty-one patients returned for measurements ≥3 months after surgery (inclusion rate, 84%). A separate group of 25 patients undergoing cosmetic surgery without buttock fat transfer served as controls. All patients underwent superwet liposuction using total intravenous anesthesia and no prone positioning. A closed filtration system was used to collect the fat. Subcutaneous fat thickness was assessed using ultrasound imaging. Measurements were made on standardized photographs. The data were controlled for change in body mass index. Clinical data were also evaluated. Results: The mean fat volume injected per buttock was 287 mL (range, 70–550 mL). Ultrasound measurements detected a significant increase in the subcutaneous fat thickness (P ≤ 0.001), with mean increments of 0.66 cm for the right buttock and 0.86 cm for the left buttock and no significant change for control patients. The mean calculated fat retention, based on the measured surface area injected, was 66%. Photographic measurements of buttock projection revealed a significant increase in treated patients (P < 0.01) and no significant change in control patients. There were no clinical complications at either recipient or donor sites and no evidence of oily cysts on ultrasound examinations. Conclusions: Photographic and ultrasound measurements, and clinical findings, confirm that buttock fat transfer effectively and safely increases buttock projection. PMID:27579222

Advising on Preferred Reporting Items for patient-reported outcome instrument development: the PRIPROID.

PubMed

Hou, Zheng-Kun; Liu, Feng-Bin; Fang, Ji-Qian; Li, Xiao-Ying; Li, Li-Juan; Lin, Chu-Hua

2013-03-01

The reporting of patient-reported outcomes (PRO) instrument development is vital for both researchers and clinicians to determine its validity, thus, we propose the Preferred Reporting Items for PRO Instrument Development (PRIPROID) to improve the quality of reports. Abiding by the guidance published by the Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research (EQUATOR) Network, we had performed 6 steps for items development: identified the need for a guideline, performed a literature review, obtained funding for the guideline initiative, identified participants, conducted a Delphi exercise and generated a list of PRIPROID items for consideration at the face-to-face meeting. Twenty three items subheadings under 7 topics were included: title and structured abstract, rationale, objectives, intention, eligibility criteria, conceptual framework, items generation, response options, scoring, times, administrative modes, burden assessment, properties assessment, statistical methods, participants, main results, and additional analysis, summary of evidence, limitations, clinical attentions, and conclusions, item pools or final form, and funding. The PRIPROID contains many elements of the PRO research, and this assists researchers to report their results more accurately and to a certain degree use this instrument to evaluate the quality of the research methods.

Incorporating Meaningful Gamification in a Blended Learning Research Methods Class: Examining Student Learning, Engagement, and Affective Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tan, Meng; Hew, Khe Foon

2016-01-01

In this study, we investigated how the use of meaningful gamification affects student learning, engagement, and affective outcomes in a short, 3-day blended learning research methods class using a combination of experimental and qualitative research methods. Twenty-two postgraduates were randomly split into two groups taught by the same…

Cognitive tasks promote automatization of postural control in young and older adults.

PubMed

Potvin-Desrochers, Alexandra; Richer, Natalie; Lajoie, Yves

2017-09-01

Researchers looking at the effects of performing a concurrent cognitive task on postural control in young and older adults using traditional center-of-pressure measures and complexity measures found discordant results. Results of experiments showing improvements of stability have suggested the use of strategies such as automatization of postural control or stiffening strategy. This experiment aimed to confirm in healthy young and older adults that performing a cognitive task while standing leads to improvements that are due to automaticity of sway by using sample entropy. Twenty-one young adults and twenty-five older adults were asked to stand on a force platform while performing a cognitive task. There were four cognitive tasks: simple reaction time, go/no-go reaction time, equation and occurrence of a digit in a number sequence. Results demonstrated decreased sway area and variability as well as increased sample entropy for both groups when performing a cognitive task. Results suggest that performing a concurrent cognitive task promotes the adoption of an automatic postural control in young and older adults as evidenced by an increased postural stability and postural sway complexity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Salmonella Mutagenicity Assay: The Stethoscope of Genetic Toxicology for the 21 st Century

EPA Science Inventory

OBJECTIVES: According to the 2007 National Research Council report Toxicology for the Twenty-first Century, modem methods ("omics," in vitro assays, high-throughput testing, computational methods, etc.) will lead to the emergence of a new approach to toxicology. The Salmonella ma...

Comparative performance of twenty-three types of flat plate solar energy collectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, F. F.

1975-01-01

Report compares efficiencies of 23 solar collectors for four different purposes: operating a Rankine-cycle engine, heating or absorption air conditioning, heating hot water, and heating a swimming pool.

Wearable inertial sensors in swimming motion analysis: a systematic review.

PubMed

de Magalhaes, Fabricio Anicio; Vannozzi, Giuseppe; Gatta, Giorgio; Fantozzi, Silvia

2015-01-01

The use of contemporary technology is widely recognised as a key tool for enhancing competitive performance in swimming. Video analysis is traditionally used by coaches to acquire reliable biomechanical data about swimming performance; however, this approach requires a huge computational effort, thus introducing a delay in providing quantitative information. Inertial and magnetic sensors, including accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers, have been recently introduced to assess the biomechanics of swimming performance. Research in this field has attracted a great deal of interest in the last decade due to the gradual improvement of the performance of sensors and the decreasing cost of miniaturised wearable devices. With the aim of describing the state of the art of current developments in this area, a systematic review of the existing methods was performed using the following databases: PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar, Scopus and Science Direct. Twenty-seven articles published in indexed journals and conference proceedings, focusing on the biomechanical analysis of swimming by means of inertial sensors were reviewed. The articles were categorised according to sensor's specification, anatomical sites where the sensors were attached, experimental design and applications for the analysis of swimming performance. Results indicate that inertial sensors are reliable tools for swimming biomechanical analyses.

Dissociative symptoms are associated with reduced neuropsychological performance in patients with recurrent depression and a history of trauma exposure

PubMed Central

Frewen, Paul A.; Oremus, Carolina; Lanius, Ruth A.; McKinnon, Margaret C.

2016-01-01

Background Although preliminary work suggests that dissociative symptoms may impact neuropsychological performance in trauma-exposed populations, the relation between dissociation and cognitive performance has not been explored in patients with depression. Objective The present study examined dissociative symptoms in relation to neuropsychological performance in participants with a primary diagnosis of recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD) and a history of trauma exposure. Method Twenty-three participants with MDD and 20 healthy controls who did not differ in age, sex, education, or IQ were assessed. In addition to a standardized neuropsychological battery assessing frontotemporally mediated cognitive processes, participants completed clinical measures assessing dissociative symptoms, illness severity, and past history of trauma exposure. Results Among participants with MDD, greater severity of derealization was associated with reduced performance on measures of delayed visuospatial recall and recognition on a task of verbal memory recognition. In addition, more severe depersonalization was associated with slower processing speed and a response style lending itself toward better performance in a less active environment. Conclusions These findings point toward dissociative symptoms as a transdiagnostic factor associated with neuropsychological dysfunction in patients with depression and a history of trauma. Limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed. PMID:26927902

Color temperature’s impact on task performance and brainwaves of school-age children

PubMed Central

Park, YunHee

2015-01-01

[Purpose] This study investigated color temperature’s impact on task performance. It presents a scientific analysis of brainwave and task performance time changes, and the results of a self-report type survey. [Subjects] Twenty-four elementary school fifth-grade boys and girls with no visual problems participated in the experiment. [Methods] Physiological reaction times of task performance were measured in a laboratory that could fix and maintain color temperature. Brainwave changes and the task performance times were measured, and a self-report questionnaire was conducted in order to measure of emotional reactions. [Results] Regarding the brainwave changes associated with color temperature, alpha waves were emitted in the O2 area when puzzle tasks were illuminated by orange light and low and high beta waves were emitted in the F3 area under white light. Five items (Brilliant, Soft, Lively, Relaxed, Open) were reported predominantly in responses to orange light in the self-report questionnaire. [Conclusion] The results of this study show that relaxation and stability are not assured when the color temperature is low, and that concentration and cognitive activity are not necessarily easier when the color temperature is high. The color temperature change when performing tasks promoted emotional factors more than brainwave, a biological change. PMID:26644662

Color temperature's impact on task performance and brainwaves of school-age children.

PubMed

Park, YunHee

2015-10-01

[Purpose] This study investigated color temperature's impact on task performance. It presents a scientific analysis of brainwave and task performance time changes, and the results of a self-report type survey. [Subjects] Twenty-four elementary school fifth-grade boys and girls with no visual problems participated in the experiment. [Methods] Physiological reaction times of task performance were measured in a laboratory that could fix and maintain color temperature. Brainwave changes and the task performance times were measured, and a self-report questionnaire was conducted in order to measure of emotional reactions. [Results] Regarding the brainwave changes associated with color temperature, alpha waves were emitted in the O2 area when puzzle tasks were illuminated by orange light and low and high beta waves were emitted in the F3 area under white light. Five items (Brilliant, Soft, Lively, Relaxed, Open) were reported predominantly in responses to orange light in the self-report questionnaire. [Conclusion] The results of this study show that relaxation and stability are not assured when the color temperature is low, and that concentration and cognitive activity are not necessarily easier when the color temperature is high. The color temperature change when performing tasks promoted emotional factors more than brainwave, a biological change.

Effects of gross motor function and manual function levels on performance-based ADL motor skills of children with spastic cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Park, Myoung-Ok

2017-02-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine effects of Gross Motor Function Classification System and Manual Ability Classification System levels on performance-based motor skills of children with spastic cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-three children with cerebral palsy were included. The Assessment of Motor and Process Skills was used to evaluate performance-based motor skills in daily life. Gross motor function was assessed using Gross Motor Function Classification Systems, and manual function was measured using the Manual Ability Classification System. [Results] Motor skills in daily activities were significantly different on Gross Motor Function Classification System level and Manual Ability Classification System level. According to the results of multiple regression analysis, children categorized as Gross Motor Function Classification System level III scored lower in terms of performance based motor skills than Gross Motor Function Classification System level I children. Also, when analyzed with respect to Manual Ability Classification System level, level II was lower than level I, and level III was lower than level II in terms of performance based motor skills. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate that performance-based motor skills differ among children categorized based on Gross Motor Function Classification System and Manual Ability Classification System levels of cerebral palsy.

[Verifying the function of hepaticojejunostomies by scintigraphy of the bile ducts].

PubMed

Champetier, J; Busquet, G; Letoublon, C; Vigneau, B; Yver, R; Rambeaud, J J

1984-01-01

Thirty six hepatobiliary scintigraphies with 99mTc-Dimethyl IDA were performed in thirty patients with an hepaticojejunostomy one month to ten years after surgery. Twenty patients underwent surgery for biliary disease and ten for duodenal or pancreatic disease. In most cases (twenty three), the radionuclide study has been systematically performed to assess the scintigraphic pattern of a normal hepaticojejunostomy. In seven cases this pattern was abnormal. Four times the biliary enteric anastomosis was involved. Three times it showed an abnormal liver morphology. After an hepaticojejunostomy, hepatobiliary scintigraphy seems to be the only examination providing dynamic information for the biliary enteric anastomosis and the intestinal loop. But it sometimes is difficult to analyse in all cases, it must be the screening test in patients when symptoms occur after hepaticojejunostomy; but a percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram cannot always be avoided.

Automated detection of hospital outbreaks: A systematic review of methods

PubMed Central

Buckeridge, David L.; Lepelletier, Didier

2017-01-01

Objectives Several automated algorithms for epidemiological surveillance in hospitals have been proposed. However, the usefulness of these methods to detect nosocomial outbreaks remains unclear. The goal of this review was to describe outbreak detection algorithms that have been tested within hospitals, consider how they were evaluated, and synthesize their results. Methods We developed a search query using keywords associated with hospital outbreak detection and searched the MEDLINE database. To ensure the highest sensitivity, no limitations were initially imposed on publication languages and dates, although we subsequently excluded studies published before 2000. Every study that described a method to detect outbreaks within hospitals was included, without any exclusion based on study design. Additional studies were identified through citations in retrieved studies. Results Twenty-nine studies were included. The detection algorithms were grouped into 5 categories: simple thresholds (n = 6), statistical process control (n = 12), scan statistics (n = 6), traditional statistical models (n = 6), and data mining methods (n = 4). The evaluation of the algorithms was often solely descriptive (n = 15), but more complex epidemiological criteria were also investigated (n = 10). The performance measures varied widely between studies: e.g., the sensitivity of an algorithm in a real world setting could vary between 17 and 100%. Conclusion Even if outbreak detection algorithms are useful complementary tools for traditional surveillance, the heterogeneity in results among published studies does not support quantitative synthesis of their performance. A standardized framework should be followed when evaluating outbreak detection methods to allow comparison of algorithms across studies and synthesis of results. PMID:28441422

Faecal indicator bacteria enumeration in beach sand: A comparison study of extraction methods in medium to coarse sands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Boehm, A.B.; Griffith, J.; McGee, C.; Edge, T.A.; Solo-Gabriele, H. M.; Whitman, R.; Cao, Y.; Getrich, M.; Jay, J.A.; Ferguson, D.; Goodwin, K.D.; Lee, C.M.; Madison, M.; Weisberg, S.B.

2009-01-01

Aims: The absence of standardized methods for quantifying faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in sand hinders comparison of results across studies. The purpose of the study was to compare methods for extraction of faecal bacteria from sands and recommend a standardized extraction technique. Methods and Results: Twenty-two methods of extracting enterococci and Escherichia coli from sand were evaluated, including multiple permutations of hand shaking, mechanical shaking, blending, sonication, number of rinses, settling time, eluant-to-sand ratio, eluant composition, prefiltration and type of decantation. Tests were performed on sands from California, Florida and Lake Michigan. Most extraction parameters did not significantly affect bacterial enumeration. anova revealed significant effects of eluant composition and blending; with both sodium metaphosphate buffer and blending producing reduced counts. Conclusions: The simplest extraction method that produced the highest FIB recoveries consisted of 2 min of hand shaking in phosphate-buffered saline or deionized water, a 30-s settling time, one-rinse step and a 10 : 1 eluant volume to sand weight ratio. This result was consistent across the sand compositions tested in this study but could vary for other sand types. Significance and Impact of the Study: Method standardization will improve the understanding of how sands affect surface water quality. ?? 2009 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

[Diagnostic performance of biliary ultrasound vs. magnetic resonance cholangiogram in patients with recurrent biliary obstruction.].

PubMed

Chávez-Valencia, V; Espinosa-Ortega, H F; Espinoza-Peralta, D; Arce-Salinas, C A

2009-01-01

Obstructive jaundice in patients with previous cholecystectomy requires a precise diagnosis. In the diagnostic algorithm, biliary ultrasound (BUS) and magnetic resonance cholangiogram (MRC) are used, although the accuracy of each method is unknown in our setting. No previous comparison of US and MRC in subjects with cholecystectomy has been made. To determine diagnostic accuracy of BUS and MRC in patients with recurrent biliary obstruction. Patients with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopacreatography (ERCP) demonstrating recurrent biliary obstruction by stones were included. All patients underwent BUS and MRC. We determined the diagnostic performance of each image study compared with ERCP. Twenty-seven patients with a mean age of 62.9 +/- 17.3 years-old were included. Sensitivity and specificity of BUS were 0.12 and 0.58, respectively. Figures for MRC were 0.88 and 0.82. Diagnostic agreement between ERCP and MRC was k= 0.66 whereas BUS had a k of only 0.26. MRC had good diagnostic performance for recurrent choledocolithiasis. BUS demonstrated lower accuracy compared with previous reports, so should not be considered in the initial approach of recurrent choledocus obstruction.

Quality of psychiatric care in the general hospital: referrer perceptions of an inpatient liaison psychiatry service.

PubMed

Solomons, Luke C; Thachil, Ajoy; Burgess, Caroline; Hopper, Adrian; Glen-Day, Vicky; Ranjith, Gopinath; Hodgkiss, Andrew

2011-01-01

To explore the experience of senior staff on acute medical wards using an established inpatient liaison psychiatry service and obtain their views on clinically relevant performance measures. Semistructured face-to-face interviews with consultants and senior nurses were taped, transcribed and analyzed manually using the framework method of analysis. Twenty-five referrers were interviewed. Four key themes were identified - benefits of the liaison service, potential areas of improvement, indices of service performance such as speed and quality of response and expanded substance misuse service. Respondents felt the liaison service benefited patients, staff and service delivery in the general hospital. Medical consultants wanted stepped management plans devised by consultant liaison psychiatrists. Senior nurses, who perceived themselves as frontline crisis managers, valued on-the-spot input on patient management. Consultants and senior nurses differed in their expectations of liaison psychiatry. Referrers valued speed of response and regarded time from referral to definitive management plan as a key performance indicator for benchmarking services. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Measuring Achievement Goal Orientations of Pharmacy Students

PubMed Central

Muthart, Thomas; Khan, Ghous M.

2014-01-01

Objectives. To measure the achievement goal orientations of pharmacy students attending a 3-year (accelerated) doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program. Methods. A 16-item survey based on the Achievement Goal Questionnaire (AGQ) was administered to first-year (P1) and second-year (P2) pharmacy students at the Appalachian College of Pharmacy (ACP). Students were instructed to indicate to what degree each statement was true for them using a 7-point Likert scale (1=not true of me, 7=very true of me). Results. One hundred twenty of the 155 students (77%) completed the survey. Most students had mastery-approach, mastery-avoidance, performance-approach, and/or performance-avoidance goal orientations; few had work-avoidance goal orientations. Second-year students and male students had higher work-avoidance mean scores than did P1 students and female students (p<0.05). Conclusion. Pharmacy students were mastery- and performance-oriented learners, and most did not have work-avoidance goal orientations. Male students and P2 students had higher work-avoidance than did female students and P1 students, respectively. More longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings. PMID:24761015

Intra-rater reliability and agreement of various methods of measurement to assess dorsiflexion in the Weight Bearing Dorsiflexion Lunge Test (WBLT) among female athletes.

PubMed

Langarika-Rocafort, Argia; Emparanza, José Ignacio; Aramendi, José F; Castellano, Julen; Calleja-González, Julio

2017-01-01

To examine the intra-observer reliability and agreement between five methods of measurement for dorsiflexion during Weight Bearing Dorsiflexion Lunge Test and to assess the degree of agreement between three methods in female athletes. Repeated measurements study design. Volleyball club. Twenty-five volleyball players. Dorsiflexion was evaluated using five methods: heel-wall distance, first toe-wall distance, inclinometer at tibia, inclinometer at Achilles tendon and the dorsiflexion angle obtained by a simple trigonometric function. For the statistical analysis, agreement was studied using the Bland-Altman method, the Standard Error of Measurement and the Minimum Detectable Change. Reliability analysis was performed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. Measurement methods using the inclinometer had more than 6° of measurement error. The angle calculated by trigonometric function had 3.28° error. The reliability of inclinometer based methods had ICC values < 0.90. Distance based methods and trigonometric angle measurement had an ICC values > 0.90. Concerning the agreement between methods, there was from 1.93° to 14.42° bias, and from 4.24° to 7.96° random error. To assess DF angle in WBLT, the angle calculated by a trigonometric function is the most repeatable method. The methods of measurement cannot be used interchangeably. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Large-scale performance and design for construction activity erosion control best management practices.

PubMed

Faucette, L B; Scholl, B; Beighley, R E; Governo, J

2009-01-01

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II requires construction activities to have erosion and sediment control best management practices (BMPs) designed and installed for site storm water management. Although BMPs are specified on storm water pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs) as part of the construction general permit (GP), there is little evidence in the research literature as to how BMPs perform or should be designed. The objectives of this study were to: (i) comparatively evaluate the performance of common construction activity erosion control BMPs under a standardized test method, (ii) evaluate the performance of compost erosion control blanket thickness, (iii) evaluate the performance of compost erosion control blankets (CECBs) on a variety of slope angles, and (iv) determine Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) cover management factors (C factors) for these BMPs to assist site designers and engineers. Twenty-three erosion control BMPs were evaluated using American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) D-6459, standard test method for determination of ECB performance in protecting hill slopes from rainfall induced erosion, on 4:1 (H:V), 3:1, and 2:1 slopes. Soil loss reduction for treatments exposed to 5 cm of rainfall on a 2:1 slope ranged from-7 to 99%. For rainfall exposure of 10 cm, treatment soil loss reduction ranged from 8 to 99%. The 2.5 and 5 cm CECBs significantly reduced erosion on slopes up to 2:1, while CECBs < 2.5 cm are not recommended on slopes >or= 4:1 when rainfall totals reach 5 cm. Based on the soil loss results, USLE C factors ranged from 0.01 to 0.9. These performance and design criteria should aid site planners and designers in decision-making processes.

Information Processing Differences and Similarities in Adults with Dyslexia and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder during a Continuous Performance Test: A Study of Cortical Potentials

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dhar, Monica; Been, Pieter H.; Minderaa, Ruud B.; Althaus, Monika

2010-01-01

Twenty male adults with ADHD, 16 dyslexic adults, 15 comorbid adults, and 16 normal controls were compared on performance and underlying brain responses, during a cued Continuous Performance Test (O-X CPT), with the aim of discovering features of information processing differentiating between the groups. The study evaluated both cue- and…

Detection of mechanically recovered chicken meat using capillary gel electrophoresis.

PubMed

Day, L; Brown, H

2001-05-01

This study investigated the use of capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) as a method for differentiating between raw mechanically recovered chicken meat (MRM) and hand deboned chicken breast meat (HDM). Twenty samples of MRM were obtained and twenty samples of HDM were prepared in the laboratory. They were extracted and analysed using Prosort™ SDS-protein analysis reagent. There were obvious differences in the relative peak areas within the profiles obtained which distinguished raw MRM from raw HDM; specifically, that of haemoglobin was higher in MRM. Using the peak area of haemoglobin and its ratio to other peaks, the technique was tested using composite MRM-HDM mixtures. The results suggest that it is possible to differentiate mixtures containing 7.5% MRM from that of 0% MRM using the CGE method.

Anthropologists and Missionaries. Part II. Studies in Third World Societies. Publication Number Twenty-Six.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salamone, Frank A., Ed.

The topics of anthropologist-missionary relationships, theology and missiology, research methods and missionary contributions to ethnology, missionary training and methods, and specific case studies are presented. The ten essays are: (1) "An Ethnoethnography of Missionaries in Kalingaland" (Robert Lawless); (2) "Missionization and…

[Hand and wrist bone maturation in children with central precocious puberty and idiopathic short stature].

PubMed

Wang, Anru; Yang, Fangling; Yu, Baosheng; Shan, Ye; Gao, Lanying; Zhang, Xiaoxiao; Peng, Ya

2013-07-01

To investigate the maturation of individual bones on the hand and wrist in children with central precocious puberty (CPP) and idiopathic short stature (ISS). Hand and wrist films of 25 children with CPP, 29 children with ISS and 21 normal controls were evaluated by conventional Greulich-Pyle (GP) atlas method and individual bone assessment method, in which all twenty bones of the hand and wrist were evaluated based on GP atlas, including 2 radius and ulna, 7 carpal bones, 11 metacarpal and phalangeal bones, the average bone age (BA) was calculated. The differences in groups were analyzed by independent samples t test. The differences between the two methods were analyzed by paired sample t test. The differences between BA and chronological age (CA) were analyzed by ROC with SPSS 17.0. Compared with the normal control group, the advance of BA in the CPP group was 0.70-2.26 y (1.48 ±0.78) by the GP atlas method, while that was 0.28-2.00 y(1.14 ±0.86) by the individual bone evaluation method. In all twenty bones, the advance of metacarpal and phalangeal BA was the greatest [0.34-2.06 y(1.2±0.86)]. In the ISS group,the delay of BA was 0.47-2.91 y(-1.69±1.22) by the GP atlas method, while that was 0.48-2.50 y (-1.49±1.01) by individual bone evaluation method.The delay of carpal BA was the greatest [0.59-2.73 y(-1.66±1.07)] in all twenty bones. In the ISS group and the normal control group, there were no statistic differences between the two methods. In the CPP group, statistic difference was found between two methods. There were no statistic differences for the areas under ROC curves between two methods. The advance of metacarpal and phalangeal BA is the greatest in CPP group and the delay of carpal BA is the greatest in ISS group.Both methods provide diagnostic information for bone age in CPP and ISS children.

[Determination of triclosan and triclocarban in human breast milk by solid-phase extraction and ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry].

PubMed

Zhang, Pin; Zhang, Jing; Shi, Ying; Shao, Bing

2015-03-01

An analytical method was developed to simultaneously detect triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC) in human breast milk using solid-phase extraction (SPE) with ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Samples were extracted by acetonitrile and purified with C -18 SPE cartridge after enzymolysis with β-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters ACQUITY UPLC™ HSS T3 column (100 mm x 2. 1 mm, 1. 8 µm) with gradient elution using methanol and water at a flow rate of 0. 3 ml/min. The target analytes were assayed by triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operating in the negative ion mode. Quantification was performed by isotopic internal standard calibration. Satisfactory linearity (r2 > 0. 999) was obtained over the range of 0. 2 - 20. 0 µg/L and 0. 02 - 2. 0 µg/L for triclosan and triclocarban, respectively, with the limits of quantifications (LOQs) of 0. 41 and 0. 03 µg/kg. Average recoveries of two target compounds (spiked at three concentration levels) ranged from 100. 2% to 119. 3%, with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) between 5. 91% and 11. 31% (n =6). Twenty-five real samples (n = 25) were detected containing TCS and TCC at concentrations of < LOQ - 0. 77 µg/kg and < LOQ - 4. 28 µg/kg, respectively. Due to its high sensitivity and good reproductivity, this method can be applied to analyze TCS and TCC in human breast milk.

Do reading additions improve reading in pre-presbyopes with low vision?

PubMed

Alabdulkader, Balsam; Leat, Susan

2012-09-01

This study compared three different methods of determining a reading addition and the possible improvement on reading performance in children and young adults with low vision. Twenty-eight participants with low vision, aged 8 to 32 years, took part in the study. Reading additions were determined with (a) a modified Nott dynamic retinoscopy, (b) a subjective method, and (c) an age-based formula. Reading performance was assessed with MNREAD-style reading charts at 12.5 cm, with and without each reading addition in random order. Outcome measures were reading speed, critical print size, MNREAD threshold, and the area under the reading speed curve. For the whole group, there was no significant improvement in reading performance with any of the additions. When participants with normal accommodation at 12.5 cm were excluded, the area under the reading speed curve was significantly greater with all reading additions compared with no addition (p = 0.031, 0.028, and 0.028, respectively). Also, the reading acuity threshold was significantly better with all reading additions compared with no addition (p = 0.014, 0.030, and 0.036, respectively). Distance and near visual acuity, age, and contrast sensitivity did not predict improvement with a reading addition. All, but one, of the participants who showed a significant improvement in reading with an addition had reduced accommodation. A reading addition may improve reading performance for young people with low vision and should be considered as part of a low vision assessment, particularly when accommodation is reduced.

Chugach School District: A Personalized, Performance-Based System. Insights from the Field. CompetencyWorks Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sturgis, Chris

2016-01-01

This paper explores how an Alaskan school district shifted from a traditional K-12 education system to a personalized, performance-based system, embedded in the culture of the community, which led to increased student achievement. Chugach School District (CSD) first implemented competency education over twenty years ago, paving the way in…

Growth performance and total tract nutrient digestion for Holstein heifers limit-fed diets high in distillers grains with different forage particle sizes

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study evaluated dairy heifer growth performance and total tract nutrient digestion when fed diets high in dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) with different forage particle size. An 8-wk randomized complete block design study was conducted utilizing twenty-two Holstein heifers (123 ±...

Students' Performance on Missing-Value Word Problems: A Cross-National Developmental Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jiang, Ronghuan; Li, Xiaodong; Fernández, Ceneida; Fu, Xinchen

2017-01-01

This study investigates Spanish and Chinese students' performance on both addition problems and proportion problems considering a cross-national perspective. The effect of number structure and nature of quantities was also considered. Nine hundred twenty-five 4th to 8th graders (453 Chinese, 472 Spanish) took a test which is composed of addition…

Analysis and design of digital output interface devices for gas turbine electronic controls

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newirth, D. M.; Koenig, E. W.

1976-01-01

A trade study was performed on twenty-one digital output interface schemes for gas turbine electronic controls to select the most promising scheme based on criteria of reliability, performance, cost, and sampling requirements. The most promising scheme, a digital effector with optical feedback of the fuel metering valve position, was designed.

College Students Who Have ASD: Factors Related to First Year Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shmulsky, Solvegi; Gobbo, Ken; Donahue, Andy T.; Banerjee, Manju

2017-01-01

College attendance is increasing for students who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet a dearth of literature exists about their progress in postsecondary education. This study describes a group of college students who have the formal diagnosis of an ASD to uncover factors related to their academic performance. Twenty-three first-year…

Two-Year-Olds Grasp the Intentional Structure of Pretense Acts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rakoczy, Hannes; Tomasello, Michael

2006-01-01

Twenty-two- and 27-month-old children were tested for their understanding of pretending as a specific intentional action form. Pairs of superficially similar behaviors--pretending to perform an action and trying to perform that action--were demonstrated to children. The 27-month-olds, and to some degree the 22-month-olds, showed in their responses…

Encouraging Reflective Practice in Conservatoire Students: A Pathway to Autonomous Learning?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carey, Gemma; Harrison, Scott; Dwyer, Rachael

2017-01-01

This paper reports on first-year conservatoire students' reflections on their one-to-one performance learning through a reflective journal. One-to-one lessons have been a central part of the education of performing musicians, although their place in the twenty-first-century conservatoire is not beyond challenge. Recent research has indicated that…

U. S. light duty vehicle fleet emissions performance and the emissions impact of technology changes

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

Sabourin, M.; Platte, L

1988-01-01

This paper determines the level of improvement in Federal Test Procedure (FTP) exhaust emissions realized by typical in-use vehicles over the last twenty years as emission standards have become increasingly stringent. Furthermore, this paper explores the likelihood that in-use emission performance improvements will continue now that emission standards have stabilized.

Quantitative determination of plant phenolics in Urtica dioica extracts by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometric detection.

PubMed

Orčić, Dejan; Francišković, Marina; Bekvalac, Kristina; Svirčev, Emilija; Beara, Ivana; Lesjak, Marija; Mimica-Dukić, Neda

2014-01-15

A method for quantification of 45 plant phenolics (including benzoic acids, cinnamic acids, flavonoid aglycones, C- and O-glycosides, coumarins, and lignans) in plant extracts was developed, based on reversed phase HPLC separation of extract components, followed by tandem mass spectrometric detection. The phenolic profile of 80% MeOH extracts of the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) herb, root, stem, leaf and inflorescence was obtained by using this method. Twenty-one of the investigated compounds were present at levels above the reliable quantification limit, with 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, rutin and isoquercitrin as the most abundant. The inflorescence extracts were by far the richest in phenolics, with the investigated compounds amounting 2.5-5.1% by weight. As opposed to this, the root extracts were poor in phenolics, with only several acids and derivatives being present in significant amounts. The results obtained by the developed method represent the most detailed U. dioica chemical profile so far. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of the Effect a Student-Centred Mobile Learning Instructional Method Has on Language Acquisition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oberg, Andrew; Daniels, Paul

2013-01-01

In this study a self-paced instructional method based on the use of Apple's iPod Touch personal mobile devices to deliver content was compared with a group-oriented instructional method of content delivery in terms of learner acquisition of course material. One hundred and twenty-two first-year Japanese university students in four classes were…

Quality evaluation of Shenmaidihuang Pills based on the chromatographic fingerprints and simultaneous determination of seven bioactive constituents.

PubMed

Liu, Sifei; Zhang, Guangrui; Qiu, Ying; Wang, Xiaobo; Guo, Lihan; Zhao, Yanxin; Tong, Meng; Wei, Lan; Sun, Lixin

2016-12-01

In this study, we aimed to establish a comprehensive and practical quality evaluation system for Shenmaidihuang pills. A simple and reliable high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection method was developed both for fingerprint analysis and quantitative determination. In fingerprint analysis, relative retention time and relative peak area were used to identify the common peaks in 18 samples for investigation. Twenty one peaks were selected as the common peaks to evaluate the similarities of 18 Shenmaidihuang pills samples with different manufacture dates. Furthermore, similarity analysis was applied to evaluate the similarity of samples. Hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis were also performed to evaluate the variation of Shenmaidihuang pills. In quantitative analysis, linear regressions, injection precisions, recovery, repeatability and sample stability were all tested and good results were obtained to simultaneously determine the seven identified compounds, namely, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, morroniside, loganin, paeonol, paeoniflorin, psoralen, isopsoralen in Shenmaidihuang pills. The contents of some analytes in different batches of samples indicated significant difference, especially for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. So, it was concluded that the chromatographic fingerprint method obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection associated with multiple compounds determination is a powerful and meaningful tool to comprehensively conduct the quality control of Shenmaidihuang pills. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Exporting simulation technology to the Philippines: a comparative study of traditional versus simulation methods for teaching intravenous cannulation.

PubMed

Sotto, Juan Alejandro R; Ayuste, Eduardo C; Bowyer, Mark W; Almonte, Josefina R; Dofitas, Rodney B; Lapitan, Marie C M; Pimentel, Elisabeth A; Ritter, E Matthew; Wherry, David C

2009-01-01

This study examines effectiveness of a donated Laerdal Virtual I.V. simulator when compared with traditional methods of teaching intravenous (IV) cannulation to third year medical students in the Philippines. Forty novice Filipino medical students viewed an instructional video on how to start intravenous lines and were then randomly divided into two groups of twenty. The "Traditional" group observed an IV insertion on an actual patient performed by an experienced practitioner, and then subsequently performed an IV on an actual patient which was videotaped. The "Simulation" group practiced the Virtual I.V. simulator until they successfully completed level three using the "doctor" setting. These students then performed an IV on an actual patient which was videotaped. The videotapes for both groups were reviewed by two pre-trained (Inter-rater reliability of > or =0.84) observers who were blinded to the group using a previously validated checklist for IV insertion. Students trained on the Virtual I.V. showed significantly greater success in successfully starting an IV on an actual patient (40% VS. 15%, p<0.05), decreased constrictive band time (p<.05), increased raw score on the check list (p<.03), and decreased overall time to start an IV (p<.05). The technology was well received but wider application in the non western world is limited by lack of in country company support and the relative expense.

Identification of metabolites of vindoline in rats using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Zhang, Yuqian; Sun, Yupeng; Mu, Xiyan; Yuan, Lin; Wang, Qiao; Zhang, Lantong

2017-08-15

Vindoline (VDL) is an indole alkaloid, possessing hypoglycemic and vasodilator effects, and it is also the prodrug of many vinca alkaloids. In this paper, we analyzed in vivo (including plasma, urine, bile and faeces) and in vitro metabolic profile of VDL in rat with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). The chromatographic separation was performed on a C 18 column with a mobile phase consisted of 3mM ammonium acetate buffer and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 300μL/min. The mass spectral analysis was conducted in a positive electrospray ionization mode, and on-line data acquisition method multiple mass defect filter (MMDF) combined with dynamic background subtraction (DBS) were used in the biological samples analysis to trace all the potential metabolites of VDL. Twenty-five metabolites of VDL were detected by comparing with the blank sample, of which there were 2 sulfate conjugates. These data suggested that the biotransformation of VDL was deacetylation, oxidation, deoxidization, methylation, dealkylation and sulfate conjugation. This study provides useful information for further study of the pharmacology and mechanism of VDL, meanwhile, the research method can be widely applied to speculate structural features of the metabolites of other vinca alkaloids. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[TVT tape usage in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence].

PubMed

Włodarczyk, Bogumił; Szyłło, Krzysztof; Kamer-Bartosińska, Anna; Lewy, Jarosław

2003-10-01

Stress urinary incontinence is one of the most common gynecological complains. The frequency of its occurrence is from 12 to 25 and even 60%. It is most often observed in patients after menopause, but in a few percent is also found in twenty and thirty years old women. During several years of searching the effective methods of stress urinary incontinence treatment, many operative techniques have been worked out, but none of them became a perfect one. The operation with the use of TVT tape is one of the newest methods of the stress urinary incontinence treatment. The aim of our study was the attempt of the estimation the TVT operation effectiveness in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women treated in Surgical Gynecology Department of Polish Mother Health Centre Research Institute in years 2000-2002. Performed analysis of 60 patients at the age between 38 and 76 years revealed that stress urinary incontinence symptoms regressed after TVT operation, as evaluated 7 days after the procedure. In 51.7% of patients anterior colpoplasty or colpoperineoplasty was performed simultaneously to TVT operation. Control studies were performed a month and six months after the operation. Recurrence of the symptoms was observed in 11.7% of the patients. Revealed data let us show that the efficacy of this procedure is very high and reaches 88.3%.

A semi-automatic method for left ventricle volume estimate: an in vivo validation study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Corsi, C.; Lamberti, C.; Sarti, A.; Saracino, G.; Shiota, T.; Thomas, J. D.

2001-01-01

This study aims to the validation of the left ventricular (LV) volume estimates obtained by processing volumetric data utilizing a segmentation model based on level set technique. The validation has been performed by comparing real-time volumetric echo data (RT3DE) and magnetic resonance (MRI) data. A validation protocol has been defined. The validation protocol was applied to twenty-four estimates (range 61-467 ml) obtained from normal and pathologic subjects, which underwent both RT3DE and MRI. A statistical analysis was performed on each estimate and on clinical parameters as stroke volume (SV) and ejection fraction (EF). Assuming MRI estimates (x) as a reference, an excellent correlation was found with volume measured by utilizing the segmentation procedure (y) (y=0.89x + 13.78, r=0.98). The mean error on SV was 8 ml and the mean error on EF was 2%. This study demonstrated that the segmentation technique is reliably applicable on human hearts in clinical practice.

Physical and Emotional Benefits of Different Exercise Environments Designed for Treadmill Running

PubMed Central

Churchill, Sarah M.; Brymer, Eric; Davids, Keith

2017-01-01

(1) Background: Green physical activity promotes physical health and mental wellbeing and interesting questions concern effects of this information on designing indoor exercise environments. This study examined the physical and emotional effects of different nature-based environments designed for indoor treadmill running; (2) Methods: In a counterbalanced experimental design, 30 participants performed three, twenty-minute treadmill runs at a self-selected pace while viewing either a static nature image, a dynamic nature image or self-selected entertainment. Distance ran, heart rate (HR) and five pre-and post-exercise emotional states were measured; (3) Results: Participants ran farther, and with higher HRs, with self-selected entertainment compared to the two nature-based environment designs. Participants attained lowered anger, dejection, anxiety and increased excitement post exercise in all of the designed environments. Happiness increased during the two nature-based environment designs compared with self-selected entertainment; (4) Conclusions: Self-selected entertainment encouraged greater physical performances whereas running in nature-based exercise environments elicited greater happiness immediately after running. PMID:28696384

Physical and Emotional Benefits of Different Exercise Environments Designed for Treadmill Running.

PubMed

Yeh, Hsiao-Pu; Stone, Joseph A; Churchill, Sarah M; Brymer, Eric; Davids, Keith

2017-07-11

(1) Background: Green physical activity promotes physical health and mental wellbeing and interesting questions concern effects of this information on designing indoor exercise environments. This study examined the physical and emotional effects of different nature-based environments designed for indoor treadmill running; (2) Methods: In a counterbalanced experimental design, 30 participants performed three, twenty-minute treadmill runs at a self-selected pace while viewing either a static nature image, a dynamic nature image or self-selected entertainment. Distance ran, heart rate (HR) and five pre-and post-exercise emotional states were measured; (3) Results: Participants ran farther, and with higher HRs, with self-selected entertainment compared to the two nature-based environment designs. Participants attained lowered anger, dejection, anxiety and increased excitement post exercise in all of the designed environments. Happiness increased during the two nature-based environment designs compared with self-selected entertainment; (4) Conclusions: Self-selected entertainment encouraged greater physical performances whereas running in nature-based exercise environments elicited greater happiness immediately after running.

Mindfulness Meditation Improves Mood, Quality of Life, and Attention in Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Objective. Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) display affective problems and impaired attention. Mood in ADHD can be improved by mindful awareness practices (MAP), but results are mixed regarding the enhancement of attentional performance. Here we evaluated MAP-induced changes in quality of life (QoL), mood, and attention in adult ADHD patients and controls using more measures of attention than prior studies. Methods. Twenty-one ADHD patients and 8 healthy controls underwent 8 weekly MAP sessions; 22 similar patients and 9 controls did not undergo the intervention. Mood and QoL were assessed using validated questionnaires, and attention was evaluated using the Attentional Network Test (ANT) and the Conners Continuous Performance Test (CPT II), before and after intervention. Results. MAP enhanced sustained attention (ANT) and detectability (CPT II) and improved mood and QoL of patients and controls. Conclusion. MAP is a complementary intervention that improves affect and attention of adults with ADHD and controls. PMID:26137496

Zeolite Linde Type L as micro-solid phase extraction sorbent for the high performance liquid chromatography determination of ochratoxin A in coffee and cereal.

PubMed

Lee, Tien Ping; Saad, Bahruddin; Ng, Eng Poh; Salleh, Baharuddin

2012-05-11

Zeolite Linde Type L (LTL) crystals with different length, diameter and particle size (nanosized LTL, rod LTL, cylinder LTL and needle LTL) were synthesized, characterized and were used as sorbent in the micro-solid phase extraction of ochratoxin A (OTA) before the high performance liquid chromatography detection. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits of OTA for coffee and cereal were 0.09 ng g(-1) and 0.03 ng g(-1), respectively, while the quantification limits were 0.28 ng g(-1) and 0.08 ng g(-1), respectively. The recoveries of OTA of coffee and cereal spiked at 0.5, 10 and 25 ng g(-1) ranged from 91.7 to 101.0%. The proposed method was applied to forty-five samples of coffee and cereal. The presence of OTA was found in twenty-five samples, ranging from 0.28 to 9.33 ng g(-1). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The domestic participation in birth assistance in the mid-twentieth century

PubMed Central

Díaz, Elena Andina; González, José Siles

2016-01-01

Abstract Objective: to describe how the progressive creation of the Social Security (providing widespread health care) affected the birth assistance in Spain from the 1940s to the 1970s in a rural area. Method: historical ethnography. Twenty-seven people who lived at that time were selected and interviewed guided by a semistructured script. Based on their testimonies, a chart was built with the functional elements involved in birth assistance in this region. Results: three agents performed such care: traditional midwives, women of the family/neighbors and health workers. Conclusion: although birth assistance had been transferred to the hands of the health workers from the forties in this region, women in labor continued to count on the domestic resources until the early seventies, when births were compulsorily transferred to hospitals. This research brings to light the names and recognizes the work performed by these female characters of the popular sphere, who helped women in labor of that community to give birth, for at least three decades. PMID:27463108

Assessment of volume measurement of breast cancer-related lymphedema by three methods: circumference measurement, water displacement, and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

PubMed

Gjorup, Caroline; Zerahn, Bo; Hendel, Helle W

2010-06-01

Following treatment for breast cancer 12%-60% develop breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). There are several ways of assessing BCRL. Circumference measurement (CM) and water displacement (WD) for volume measurements (VM) are frequently used methods in practice and research, respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate CM and WD for VM of the BCRL arm and the contralateral arm, comparing the results with regional dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Twenty-four women with unilateral BCRL were included in the study. Blinded duplicate VM were obtained from both arms using the three methods mentioned above. CM and DXA were performed by two observers. WD was performed by a group of observers. Mean differences (d) in duplicated volumes, limits of agreement (LOA), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each method. The repeatability expressed as d (95% CI) between the duplicated VM of the BCRL arm and the contralateral arm was for DXA 3 ml (-6-11) and 3 ml (1-7), respectively. For CM and WD, the d (95% CI) of the BCRL arm were 107 ml (86-127) and 26 ml (-26-79), respectively and in the contralateral arm 100 ml (78-122) and -6 ml (-29-17), respectively. DXA is superior in repeatability when compared to CM and WD for VM, especially for the BCRL arm but also the contralateral arm.

The influence of inspiratory muscle training combined with the Pilates method on lung function in elderly women: A randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Alvarenga, Guilherme Medeiros de; Charkovski, Simone Arando; Santos, Larissa Kelin Dos; Silva, Mayara Alves Barbosa da; Tomaz, Guilherme Oliveira; Gamba, Humberto Remigio

2018-01-01

Aging is progressive, and its effects on the respiratory system include changes in the composition of the connective tissues of the lung that influence thoracic and lung compliance. The Powerbreathe® K5 is a device used for inspiratory muscle training with resistance adapted to the level of the inspiratory muscles to be trained. The Pilates method promotes muscle rebalancing exercises that emphasize the powerhouse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of inspiratory muscle training combined with the Pilates method on lung function in elderly women. The participants were aged sixty years or older, were active women with no recent fractures, and were not gait device users. They were randomly divided into a Pilates with inspiratory training group (n=11), a Pilates group (n=11) and a control group (n=9). Spirometry, manovacuometry, a six-minute walk test, an abdominal curl-up test, and pulmonary variables were assessed before and after twenty intervention sessions. The intervention led to an increase in maximal inspiratory muscle strength and pressure and power pulmonary variables (p<0.0001), maximal expiratory muscle strength (p<0.0014), six-minute walk test performance (p<0.01), and abdominal curl-up test performance (p<0.00001). The control group showed no differences in the analyzed variables (p>0.05). The results of this study suggest inspiratory muscle training associated with the Pilates method provides an improvement in the lung function and physical conditioning of elderly patients.

Can currently available non-animal methods detect pre and pro-haptens relevant for skin sensitization?

PubMed

Patlewicz, Grace; Casati, Silvia; Basketter, David A; Asturiol, David; Roberts, David W; Lepoittevin, Jean-Pierre; Worth, Andrew P; Aschberger, Karin

2016-12-01

Predictive testing to characterize substances for their skin sensitization potential has historically been based on animal tests such as the Local Lymph Node Assay (LLNA). In recent years, regulations in the cosmetics and chemicals sectors have provided strong impetus to develop non-animal alternatives. Three test methods have undergone OECD validation: the direct peptide reactivity assay (DPRA), the KeratinoSens™ and the human Cell Line Activation Test (h-CLAT). Whilst these methods perform relatively well in predicting LLNA results, a concern raised is their ability to predict chemicals that need activation to be sensitizing (pre- or pro-haptens). This current study reviewed an EURL ECVAM dataset of 127 substances for which information was available in the LLNA and three non-animal test methods. Twenty eight of the sensitizers needed to be activated, with the majority being pre-haptens. These were correctly identified by 1 or more of the test methods. Six substances were categorized exclusively as pro-haptens, but were correctly identified by at least one of the cell-based assays. The analysis here showed that skin metabolism was not likely to be a major consideration for assessing sensitization potential and that sensitizers requiring activation could be identified correctly using one or more of the current non-animal methods. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Performance of in silico tools for the evaluation of p16INK4a (CDKN2A) variants in CAGI.

PubMed

Carraro, Marco; Minervini, Giovanni; Giollo, Manuel; Bromberg, Yana; Capriotti, Emidio; Casadio, Rita; Dunbrack, Roland; Elefanti, Lisa; Fariselli, Pietro; Ferrari, Carlo; Gough, Julian; Katsonis, Panagiotis; Leonardi, Emanuela; Lichtarge, Olivier; Menin, Chiara; Martelli, Pier Luigi; Niroula, Abhishek; Pal, Lipika R; Repo, Susanna; Scaini, Maria Chiara; Vihinen, Mauno; Wei, Qiong; Xu, Qifang; Yang, Yuedong; Yin, Yizhou; Zaucha, Jan; Zhao, Huiying; Zhou, Yaoqi; Brenner, Steven E; Moult, John; Tosatto, Silvio C E

2017-09-01

Correct phenotypic interpretation of variants of unknown significance for cancer-associated genes is a diagnostic challenge as genetic screenings gain in popularity in the next-generation sequencing era. The Critical Assessment of Genome Interpretation (CAGI) experiment aims to test and define the state of the art of genotype-phenotype interpretation. Here, we present the assessment of the CAGI p16INK4a challenge. Participants were asked to predict the effect on cellular proliferation of 10 variants for the p16INK4a tumor suppressor, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor encoded by the CDKN2A gene. Twenty-two pathogenicity predictors were assessed with a variety of accuracy measures for reliability in a medical context. Different assessment measures were combined in an overall ranking to provide more robust results. The R scripts used for assessment are publicly available from a GitHub repository for future use in similar assessment exercises. Despite a limited test-set size, our findings show a variety of results, with some methods performing significantly better. Methods combining different strategies frequently outperform simpler approaches. The best predictor, Yang&Zhou lab, uses a machine learning method combining an empirical energy function measuring protein stability with an evolutionary conservation term. The p16INK4a challenge highlights how subtle structural effects can neutralize otherwise deleterious variants. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Endovascular treatment of acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis - our results with catheter-directed thrombolysis and AngioJet].

PubMed

Berencsi, Anikó; Dósa, Edit; Nemes, Balázs; Hüttl, Kálmán; Legeza, Péter; Oláh, Zoltán; Kristóf, Vera; Acsády, György; Sótonyi, Péter

2017-03-01

Most of the patients with iliofemoral thrombosis treated with anticoagulants only are affected with postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) that worsens the patients' quality of life. In the acute phase of proximal deep venous thrombosis (DVT) catheter-directed (CDT) and pharmacomechanical thrombolysis may be a reasonable alternative therapeutic method. Our aim was to summarize our results using these methods. Since 2009 twenty-four patients with iliofemoral DVT were treated with these endovascular procedures and with stenting at our Institution. The median age of the patients was 35.83 ± 15.9 years, the female: male ratio was approximately 2:1. The mean time between the onset of the symptoms and the procedures was eleven days. CDT alone was performed in 8 patients, thrombus aspiration in addition to CDT using AngioJet device in 16 patients; in 19 cases the procedure was completed with venous stenting. During the follow-up we performed US examinations and estimated the severity of PTS by Villalta-scale. The total recanalization-rate was more than 50%, which even improved during the follow-up. The total lysis time and the amount of used recombinant tissue plasminogen activator decreased significantly by applying the AngioJet. We did not find any severe PTS among our patients during the follow-up visits. Our data suggests that these methods can be used efficiently and safely in the treatment of acute iliofemoral DVT.

The process of confrontation with disability in patients with spinal cord injury

PubMed Central

Ahmadzadeh, Gholamhossein; Kouchaki, Anahita; Malekian, Azadeh; Aminorro’aya, Mahin; Boroujeni, Ali Zargham

2010-01-01

BACKGROUND: Spinal injury can establish severe psychological outcomes for the patient and his/her family which requires high adjustment. Health system staff would be able to play their roles well in caring these patients provided with knowing what steps spinal injured people should pass to handle their disability and also what assistance they need in what stages from what sources. This study aimed to explain the process of confrontation with disability in spinal cord injured patients. METHODS: This was a qualitative study with grounded theory approach which was performed in Strauss and Corbin proposed method on twenty people with spinal cord injury who had past at least three months from their spinal injury. Sampling was done in purposive and theoretical method, and analysis of the results was also performed during constant comparative process. RESULTS: Central concept in the data was support which was associated with other concepts and affected them. The patients, with the help of internal and external support could overcome their main problem that was disability feeling and dependency on others and find a new definition for the self, and ultimately achieve the sense of independence and autonomy. CONCLUSIONS: Knowing the process of confrontation with disability along with better understanding of spinal cord injured people would help health system staff to actualize and support their potentials much better through strengthening internal resources and providing appropriate supportive services of each individual. PMID:22069411

Comparative evaluation of immunochromatographic dipstick test (ICT) rk39, soluble antigen ELISA and IFAT for the sero-diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in Morocco.

PubMed

Mniouil, Meryem; Fellah, Hajiba; Amarir, Fatima; Sadak, Abderrahim; Et-Touys, Abdeslam; Bakri, Youssef; Moustachi, Aziza; Tassou, Fatima Zahraa; Hida, Mostapha; Lyagoubi, Mohamed; Adlaoui, El Bachir; Rhajaoui, Mohamed; Sebti, Faiza

2018-06-01

A rapid, sensitive and specific tool for detection of Leishmania infantum infection in Humans would be highly desirable, because it would allow control interventions in endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis. This study was carried out at the Reference National Laboratory of Leishmaniasis (RNLL) in National Institute of Hygiene (NIH) Morocco, in order to evaluate the diagnostic potential of immunochromatographic dipstick test (ICT) rk39 in Moroccan suspected VL patients. A total of 49 admitted patients with strong clinical suspicion of VL and 40 healthy controls were investigated for the performance of the ICT rk39. Bone marrow smears were examined for microscopic detection of Leishmania amastigotes obtained from the admitted patients. Only PCR and smear positive cases were considered as gold standard as well as confirmed cases of VL. Out of 49 suspected patients, twenty four (48.9%) were found PCR and smear-positive and twenty three (46.9%) were positive for ICT rk39. Voluntary healthy controls, which included twenty persons from the endemic zone and twenty from non-endemic zone of VL, were found all negative for the strip test. The sensitivity in sera was 75% by ELISA and 87.5% by IFAT, compared with 95.8% for ICT rk39. Specificity was 95.8%, with both tests ELISA and IFAT, and 100% by ICT rk39 respectively. Present study findings again reinforce that the ICT rk39 is a simple, reliable and easy-to-perform non-invasive diagnostic tool for visceral leishmaniasis in the endemic area of Morocco. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Overview of Computer-Based Models Applicable to Freight Car Utilization

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1977-10-01

This report documents a study performed to identify and analyze twenty-two of the important computer-based models of railroad operations. The models are divided into three categories: network simulations, yard simulations, and network optimizations. ...

Simultaneous determination of 29 pharmaceuticals in fish muscle and plasma by ultrasonic extraction followed by SPE-UHPLC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Liu, You-Yu; Hu, Xia-Lin; Bao, Yi-Fan; Yin, Da-Qiang

2018-02-12

A confirmatory method for the simultaneous detection of 29 pharmaceuticals in fish muscle and plasma was developed by using solid-phase extraction combined with ultra high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Fish samples were extracted with methanol and enriched using Oasis HLB solid-phase extraction columns in one step. Twenty-nine target pharmaceuticals were quantified by the internal standard method and the calibration curves showed good linearity in a wide range with determination coefficients of greater than 0.913. The detection limits of the pharmaceuticals ranged from 0.01 to 2.00 μg/kg (μg/L). The applicability of the method was checked by precision and recovery experiments. The average recoveries of the 29 pharmaceuticals were between 61 and 111%, and all the relative standard deviations were below 25%. Our reported method has been demonstrated to be sensitive, convenient, rapid and reliable for the simultaneous determination of 29 pharmaceuticals in fish muscle and plasma. Real sample determination showed that 25 and 9 of the 29 compounds were detected in fish muscle and plasma, respectively. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Isotope ratio mass spectrometry coupled to liquid and gas chromatography for wine ethanol characterization.

PubMed

Cabañero, Ana I; Recio, Jose L; Rupérez, Mercedes

2008-10-01

Two new procedures for wine ethanol 13C/12C isotope ratio determination, using high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometry (HPLC/IRMS and GC/IRMS), have been developed to improve isotopic methods dedicated to the study of wine authenticity. Parameters influencing separation of ethanol from wine matrix such as column, temperature, mobile phase, flow rates and injection mode were investigated. Twenty-three wine samples from various origins were analyzed for validation of the procedures. The analytical precision was better than 0.15 per thousand, and no significant isotopic fractionation was observed employing both separative techniques coupled to IRMS. No significant differences and a very strong correlation (r = 0.99) were observed between the 13C/12C ratios obtained by the official method (elemental analyzer/isotope ratio mass spectrometry) and the proposed new methodology. The potential advantages of the developed methods over the traditional one are speed (reducing time required from hours to minutes) and simplicity. In addition, these are the first isotopic methods that allow 13C/12C determination directly from a liquid sample with no previous ethanol isolation, overcoming technical difficulties associated with sample treatment.

Polyvinylidene fluoride sensor-based method for unconstrained snoring detection.

PubMed

Hwang, Su Hwan; Han, Chung Min; Yoon, Hee Nam; Jung, Da Woon; Lee, Yu Jin; Jeong, Do-Un; Park, Kwang Suk

2015-07-01

We established and tested a snoring detection method using a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) sensor for accurate, fast, and motion-artifact-robust monitoring of snoring events during sleep. Twenty patients with obstructive sleep apnea participated in this study. The PVDF sensor was located between a mattress cover and mattress, and the patients' snoring signals were unconstrainedly measured with the sensor during polysomnography. The power ratio and peak frequency from the short-time Fourier transform were used to extract spectral features from the PVDF data. A support vector machine was applied to the spectral features to classify the data into either the snore or non-snore class. The performance of the method was assessed using manual labelling by three human observers as a reference. For event-by-event snoring detection, PVDF data that contained 'snoring' (SN), 'snoring with movement' (SM), and 'normal breathing' epochs were selected for each subject. As a result, the overall sensitivity and the positive predictive values were 94.6% and 97.5%, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the SN and SM results. The proposed method can be applied in both residential and ambulatory snoring monitoring systems.

Multi heart-cutting two-dimensional liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure photoionization-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of endocrine disrupting compounds in water.

PubMed

Matějíček, David

2012-03-30

The multi-heart-cutting two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method using atmospheric pressure photoionization has been developed and successfully validated for the determination of nine endocrine disrupting compounds in river water. The method is based on the use of two different reverse-phase columns connected through a six-port two-position switching valve equipped with a 200 μl loop. An orthogonal separation was achieved by proper selection of stationary phases, mobile phases, and the use of a gradient elution in both dimensions. The method shows excellent performance in terms of accuracy (86.2-111.1%), precision (intra-batch: 6.7-11.2%, inter-batch: 7.2-13.5%), and sensitivity (1.2-7.1 ng l(-1)). Twenty real samples collected from the Loučka and the Svratka rivers were analyzed, the studied compounds were found in all Svratka samples (9.7-11.2 ng l(-1) for β-estradiol, 7.6-9.3 ng l(-1) for estrone, and 24.6-38.7 ng l(-1) for bisphenol A). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Diagnostic value of color doppler ultrasonography in detecting stenosis and occlusion of central veins in patients with chronic kidney disease.

PubMed

Rad, Masoud Pezeshki; Kazemzadeh, Gholam Hosain; Ziaee, Masood; Azarkar, Ghodsieh

2015-03-01

Venography is an invasive diagnostic test that uses contrast material that provides a picture of the condition of the veins. But, complications, including adverse effects on the kidney, do occur. On the other hand, with the current technological development, application of ultrasound in the diagnosis of obstructive diseases of the veins is gaining popularity, being non-invasive, easy to perform and cost-effective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of Doppler sonography in the diagnosis of central vein stenosis. In this descriptive-analytical study, 41 hemodialysis patients who had been referred for 50 upper limb venographies to the radiology department of Imam Reza (AS) were included. Patients with chronic kidney disease with a history of catheterization of the vein, jugular or subclavian, and who had established fistulas or synthetic vascular grafts were targeted. Central venous ultrasound was performed on both sides to evaluate stenosis or occlusion. Venography was performed by the radiologist the next day or the day before hemodialysis. Data on demographic characteristics, findings of clinical examination and findings of ultrasound as well as venography were recorded by using the SPSS software, Chi-square test and Spearman correlation, and Kappa agreement was calculated for sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. Twenty-three (56%) patients were male subjects and 18 patients (44%) were female. Twenty-three (56%) patients of the study population were aged <60 years and 18 (43/9%) patients were aged >60 years. The overall sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Doppler sonography in the proximal veins in hemodialysis patients compared with venography were, respectively, 80.9%, 79.3%, 73.9% and 85.1%. Color Doppler sonography, as a non-invasive method, could be a good alternative for venography in the assessment of the upper limb with central vein stenosis and occlusion.

Web-based curriculum improves residents' knowledge of health care business.

PubMed

Hauge, Linnea S; Frischknecht, Adam C; Gauger, Paul G; Hirshfield, Laura E; Harkins, Deborah; Butz, David A; Taheri, Paul A

2010-12-01

Curricular options for teaching and evaluating surgery residents' outcomes in systems-based practice are limited. A Web-based curriculum, MDContent, developed collaboratively by experts in business and surgery, provides learning experiences in the business of health care. The purpose of this study is to describe surgery residents' experience and learning outcomes associated with the curriculum. Twenty-eight PGY3 to 6 general and plastic surgery residents were enrolled in the Web-based curriculum. Twenty-two residents (79%) completed the pretest, 11 modules, the post-test, and the course evaluation by the end of 1 year. The pretest and the post-test were 30-item multiple-choice exams based on a blueprint of the curricular objectives. Descriptive statistics were calculated on course evaluation and module completion data. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-test performance. Content analysis was performed on course evaluation written responses. Residents' performance on the multiple choice exam improved significantly (p = 0.0001) from the pre-test (mean 59%, SD 12.1) to the post-test (mean 78%, SD 9.4), with an average gain of 19 percentage points. Participants rated their Web-based learning experience as very positive, with a majority of residents agreeing that the content was well organized, relevant, and an excellent learning experience around content not taught elsewhere in medical school or residency. Participation in a Web-based curriculum on health care business improves surgery residents' knowledge about health care business concepts and principles. Residents with varying levels of interest in health care business provide positive ratings about their learning experience and indications that lessons learned would be applied in their clinical practice. MDContent is a feasible and effective method for teaching and assessing systems-based practice concepts. Copyright © 2010 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The cementless anatomic medullary locking femoral component: an independent clinical and radiographic assessment

PubMed Central

Chess, David G.; Grainger, R. Wayne; Phillips, Tom; Zarzour, Zane D.; Sheppard, Bruce R.

1996-01-01

Objective To review the clinical performance of the anatomic medullary locking (AML) femoral stem in total hip arthroplasty. Design A clinical and radiographic review. Setting A tertiary lower limb joint replacement centre. Patients Two hundred and twenty-one patients with noninflammatory gonarthrosis. Interventions Two hundred and twenty-seven primary total hip arthroplasties with the noncemented AML component completed by two surgeons. Main Outcome Measures Independent review by two experienced reviewers of the postoperative Harris hip score, radiographs of component fixation, size and degree of diaphyseal fill. Results Harris hip score was 84 (range from 43 to 98); component fixation showed bone ingrowth in 41%, stable fixation with fibrous ingrowth in 56% and unstable fixation in 3%; severe thigh pain in 4% of cases correlated with unstable fixation, and there was mild thigh pain in 20% of cases. Conclusion The AML femoral stem performs well in replacement arthroplasty compared with other noncemented stems. PMID:8857987

Fabrication and testing of silver-hydrogen cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klein, M. G.

1978-01-01

The development and life testing of single electrode and multi electrode stacks to optimize the individual components and characterize the performance of a silver hydrogen battery system are described. A NASA-developed inorganic separator material was used as the main separator within the cells. Single electrode test cells were cycled at 75% of nominal capacity out through approximately 1,000 cycles in a number of cases where deterioration in performance was observed. This deterioration appears to be a decay in usable capacity of the silver electrode; but the exact mechanism is still unidentified. Twenty ampere-hour boilerplate test cells consisting of a stack of ten silver electrodes and twenty hydrogen electrodes were cycled also at 75% depth of discharge. The oldest stack achieved 522 stable cycles to the end of the program. Weight analysis of light-weight cells showed that 50 ampere-hour cells with improved components could be capable of as much as 40 watt hours per pound.

Practical dose point-based methods to characterize dose distribution in a stationary elliptical body phantom for a cone-beam C-arm CT system

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

Choi, Jang-Hwan, E-mail: jhchoi21@stanford.edu; Constantin, Dragos; Ganguly, Arundhuti

2015-08-15

Purpose: To propose new dose point measurement-based metrics to characterize the dose distributions and the mean dose from a single partial rotation of an automatic exposure control-enabled, C-arm-based, wide cone angle computed tomography system over a stationary, large, body-shaped phantom. Methods: A small 0.6 cm{sup 3} ion chamber (IC) was used to measure the radiation dose in an elliptical body-shaped phantom made of tissue-equivalent material. The IC was placed at 23 well-distributed holes in the central and peripheral regions of the phantom and dose was recorded for six acquisition protocols with different combinations of minimum kVp (109 and 125 kVp)more » and z-collimator aperture (full: 22.2 cm; medium: 14.0 cm; small: 8.4 cm). Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were carried out to generate complete 2D dose distributions in the central plane (z = 0). The MC model was validated at the 23 dose points against IC experimental data. The planar dose distributions were then estimated using subsets of the point dose measurements using two proposed methods: (1) the proximity-based weighting method (method 1) and (2) the dose point surface fitting method (method 2). Twenty-eight different dose point distributions with six different point number cases (4, 5, 6, 7, 14, and 23 dose points) were evaluated to determine the optimal number of dose points and their placement in the phantom. The performances of the methods were determined by comparing their results with those of the validated MC simulations. The performances of the methods in the presence of measurement uncertainties were evaluated. Results: The 5-, 6-, and 7-point cases had differences below 2%, ranging from 1.0% to 1.7% for both methods, which is a performance comparable to that of the methods with a relatively large number of points, i.e., the 14- and 23-point cases. However, with the 4-point case, the performances of the two methods decreased sharply. Among the 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-point cases, the 7-point case (1.0% [±0.6%] difference) and the 6-point case (0.7% [±0.6%] difference) performed best for method 1 and method 2, respectively. Moreover, method 2 demonstrated high-fidelity surface reconstruction with as few as 5 points, showing pixelwise absolute differences of 3.80 mGy (±0.32 mGy). Although the performance was shown to be sensitive to the phantom displacement from the isocenter, the performance changed by less than 2% for shifts up to 2 cm in the x- and y-axes in the central phantom plane. Conclusions: With as few as five points, method 1 and method 2 were able to compute the mean dose with reasonable accuracy, demonstrating differences of 1.7% (±1.2%) and 1.3% (±1.0%), respectively. A larger number of points do not necessarily guarantee better performance of the methods; optimal choice of point placement is necessary. The performance of the methods is sensitive to the alignment of the center of the body phantom relative to the isocenter. In body applications where dose distributions are important, method 2 is a better choice than method 1, as it reconstructs the dose surface with high fidelity, using as few as five points.« less

Through-Focus Vision Performance and Light Disturbances of 3 New Intraocular Lenses for Presbyopia Correction

PubMed Central

Escandón-García, Santiago; Ribeiro, Filomena J.; McAlinden, Colm

2018-01-01

Purpose To compare the through-focus visual performance in a clinical population of pseudophakic patients implanted with two new trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) and one extended depth of focus IOL. Methods Prospective, nonrandomized, examiner-masked case series. Twenty-three patients received the FineVision® and seven patients received the PanOptix™ trifocal IOLs. Fifteen patients received the Symfony extended depth of focus IOL. Mean age of patients was 63 ± 8 years. Through-focus visual acuity was measured from –3.00 to +1.00 D vergences. Contrast sensitivity was measured with and without a source of glare. Light disturbances were evaluated with the Light Distortion Analyzer. Results Though-focus evaluation showed that trifocal IOLs performed significantly better at near distance (33 and 40 cm), and extended depth of focus performed significantly better at intermediate distance (1.0 m). Contrast sensitivity function with glare and dysphotopsia was similar between the three IOLs and subjective response to questionnaire showed a significantly higher score (worse performance) for the extended depth of focus IOL compared to both trifocal IOLs in the bothersome subscale (p < 0.05). Conclusions Trifocal IOLs grant better performance at near distance while extended depth of focus IOL performs better at intermediate distance. Objective dysphotopsia measured with the Light Distortion Analyzer is not reduced in extended depth of focus IOL compared to trifocal IOLs. PMID:29651343

The influence of inspiratory muscle training combined with the Pilates method on lung function in elderly women: A randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

de Alvarenga, Guilherme Medeiros; Charkovski, Simone Arando; dos Santos, Larissa Kelin; da Silva, Mayara Alves Barbosa; Tomaz, Guilherme Oliveira; Gamba, Humberto Remigio

2018-01-01

OBJECTIVE: Aging is progressive, and its effects on the respiratory system include changes in the composition of the connective tissues of the lung that influence thoracic and lung compliance. The Powerbreathe® K5 is a device used for inspiratory muscle training with resistance adapted to the level of the inspiratory muscles to be trained. The Pilates method promotes muscle rebalancing exercises that emphasize the powerhouse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of inspiratory muscle training combined with the Pilates method on lung function in elderly women. METHODS: The participants were aged sixty years or older, were active women with no recent fractures, and were not gait device users. They were randomly divided into a Pilates with inspiratory training group (n=11), a Pilates group (n=11) and a control group (n=9). Spirometry, manovacuometry, a six-minute walk test, an abdominal curl-up test, and pulmonary variables were assessed before and after twenty intervention sessions. RESULTS: The intervention led to an increase in maximal inspiratory muscle strength and pressure and power pulmonary variables (p<0.0001), maximal expiratory muscle strength (p<0.0014), six-minute walk test performance (p<0.01), and abdominal curl-up test performance (p<0.00001). The control group showed no differences in the analyzed variables (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest inspiratory muscle training associated with the Pilates method provides an improvement in the lung function and physical conditioning of elderly patients. PMID:29924184

Harmonize input selection for sediment transport prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afan, Haitham Abdulmohsin; Keshtegar, Behrooz; Mohtar, Wan Hanna Melini Wan; El-Shafie, Ahmed

2017-09-01

In this paper, three modeling approaches using a Neural Network (NN), Response Surface Method (RSM) and response surface method basis Global Harmony Search (GHS) are applied to predict the daily time series suspended sediment load. Generally, the input variables for forecasting the suspended sediment load are manually selected based on the maximum correlations of input variables in the modeling approaches based on NN and RSM. The RSM is improved to select the input variables by using the errors terms of training data based on the GHS, namely as response surface method and global harmony search (RSM-GHS) modeling method. The second-order polynomial function with cross terms is applied to calibrate the time series suspended sediment load with three, four and five input variables in the proposed RSM-GHS. The linear, square and cross corrections of twenty input variables of antecedent values of suspended sediment load and water discharge are investigated to achieve the best predictions of the RSM based on the GHS method. The performances of the NN, RSM and proposed RSM-GHS including both accuracy and simplicity are compared through several comparative predicted and error statistics. The results illustrated that the proposed RSM-GHS is as uncomplicated as the RSM but performed better, where fewer errors and better correlation was observed (R = 0.95, MAE = 18.09 (ton/day), RMSE = 25.16 (ton/day)) compared to the ANN (R = 0.91, MAE = 20.17 (ton/day), RMSE = 33.09 (ton/day)) and RSM (R = 0.91, MAE = 20.06 (ton/day), RMSE = 31.92 (ton/day)) for all types of input variables.

Fusion materials semiannual progress report for the period ending December 31, 1996

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

NONE

1997-04-01

This is the twenty-first in a series of semiannual technical progress reports on fusion materials. This report combines the full spectrum of research and development activities on both metallic and non-metallic materials with primary emphasis on the effects of the neutronic and chemical environment on the properties and performance of materials for in-vessel components. This effort forms one element of the materials program being conducted in support of the Fusion Energy Sciences Program of the US Department of Energy. The other major element of the program is concerned with the interactions between reactor materials and the plasma and is reportedmore » separately. The report covers the following topics: vanadium alloys; silicon carbide composite materials; ferritic/martensitic steels; copper alloys and high heat flux materials; austenitic stainless steels; insulating ceramics and optical materials; solid breeding materials; radiation effects, mechanistic studies and experimental methods; dosimetry, damage parameters, and activation calculations; materials engineering and design requirements; and irradiation facilities, test matrices, and experimental methods.« less

Qualitative and Quantitative Study of the Potential of Lipid Nanocapsules of One Hundred Twenty Nanometers for the Topical Administration of Hydrophobic Molecules.

PubMed

Nguyen, Hoang Truc Phuong; Munnier, Emilie; Perse, Xavier; Vial, Francis; Yvergnaux, Florent; Perrier, Thomas; Soucé, Martin; Chourpa, Igor

2016-10-01

In this study, we evaluated the potential of lipid nanocapsules (LNC) of 120 nm as drug nanocarriers to treat skin diseases. As a model molecule, we encapsulated the fluorescent dye curcumin, which also is an antioxidant. Curcumin-loaded LNC showed interesting antioxidant properties and a low toxicity on human skin cells. The penetration of curcumin in the skin was determined by 2 complementary methods: high performance liquid chromatography was used to measure total curcumin accumulation in the skin, whereas fluorescence confocal spectral imaging of skin sections showed that curcumin preferentially accumulates in the stratum corneum and the viable epidermis. These results confirm that LNC of a size above 100 nm can vectorize hydrophobic compounds to the keratinocytes without transdermal delivery. They also demonstrate the interest of combining 2 analytical methods when studying the skin penetration of nanovectorized molecules. Copyright © 2016 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Physical and Psychological Effects of Head Treatment in the Supine Position Using Specialized Ayurveda-Based Techniques

PubMed Central

Iwawaki, Yoko; Uebaba, Kazuo; Yamamoto, Yoko; Takishita, Yukie; Harada, Kiyomi; Shibata, Akemi; Narumoto, Jin; Fukui, Kenji

2016-01-01

Abstract Objective: To clarify the physical and psychological effects of head massage performed in the supine position using Ayurveda-based techniques (head treatment). Design: Twenty-four healthy female students were included in the study. Using a crossover study design, the same participants were enrolled in both the head treatment intervention group and control group. There was an interval of 1 week or more between measurements. Outcome measures: The physiologic indices measured included blood pressure and heart rate fluctuations (high frequency and low frequency/high frequency). The psychological markers measured included liveliness, depression, and boredom using the visual analogue scale method. State anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory method. Results: The parasympathetic nerve activity increased immediately after head treatment. Upon completion of head treatment, the parasympathetic nerve predominance tended to gradually ease. Head treatment boosted freshness and relieved anxiety. Conclusions: The results suggest that head treatment has a relaxing and refreshing effect and may be used to provide comfort. PMID:27163344

Simulations of Ground Motion in Southern California based upon the Spectral-Element Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tromp, J.; Komatitsch, D.; Liu, Q.

2003-12-01

We use the spectral-element method to simulate ground motion generated by recent well-recorded small earthquakes in Southern California. Simulations are performed using a new sedimentary basin model that is constrained by hundreds of petroleum industry well logs and more than twenty thousand kilometers of seismic reflection profiles. The numerical simulations account for 3D variations of seismic wave speeds and density, topography and bathymetry, and attenuation. Simulations for several small recent events demonstrate that the combination of a detailed sedimentary basin model and an accurate numerical technique facilitates the simulation of ground motion at periods of 2 seconds and longer inside the Los Angeles basin and 6 seconds and longer elsewhere. Peak ground displacement, velocity and acceleration maps illustrate that significant amplification occurs in the basin. Centroid-Moment Tensor mechanisms are obtained based upon Pnl and surface waveforms and numerically calculated 3D Frechet derivatives. We use a combination of waveform and waveform-envelope misfit criteria, and facilitate pure double-couple or zero-trace moment-tensor inversions.

The integrated quality assessment of Chinese commercial dry red wine based on a method of online HPLC-DAD-CL combined with HPLC-ESI-MS.

PubMed

Yu, Hai-Xiang; Sun, Li-Qiong; Qi, Jin

2014-07-01

To apply an integrated quality assessment strategy to investigate the quality of multiple Chinese commercial dry red wine samples. A comprehensive method was developed by combining a high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-chemiluminescence (HPLC-DAD-CL) online hyphenated system with an HPLC-ESI-MS technique. Chromatographic and H2O2-scavenging active fingerprints of thirteen batches of different, commercially available Chinese dry red wine samples were obtained and analyzed. Twenty-five compounds, including eighteen antioxidants were identified and evaluated. The dominant and characteristic antioxidants in the samples were identified. The relationships between antioxidant potency and the cultivated variety of grape, producing area, cellaring period, and trade mark are also discussed. The results provide the feasibility for an integrated quality assessment strategy to be efficiently and objectively used in quality (especially antioxidant activity) assessment and identification of dry red wine. Copyright © 2014 China Pharmaceutical University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A comparative study of conventional and supercritical fluid extraction methods for the recovery of secondary metabolites from Syzygium campanulatum Korth.

PubMed

Memon, Abdul Hakeem; Hamil, Mohammad Shahrul Ridzuan; Laghari, Madeeha; Rithwan, Fahim; Zhari, Salman; Saeed, Mohammed Ali Ahmed; Ismail, Zhari; Majid, Amin Malik Shah Abdul

2016-09-01

Syzygium campanulatum Korth is a plant, which is a rich source of secondary metabolites (especially flavanones, chalcone, and triterpenoids). In our present study, three conventional solvent extraction (CSE) techniques and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) techniques were performed to achieve a maximum recovery of two flavanones, chalcone, and two triterpenoids from S. campanulatum leaves. Furthermore, a Box-Behnken design was constructed for the SFE technique using pressure, temperature, and particle size as independent variables, and yields of crude extract, individual and total secondary metabolites as the dependent variables. In the CSE procedure, twenty extracts were produced using ten different solvents and three techniques (maceration, soxhletion, and reflux). An enriched extract of five secondary metabolites was collected using n-hexane:methanol (1:1) soxhletion. Using food-grade ethanol as a modifier, the SFE methods produced a higher recovery (25.5%‒84.9%) of selected secondary metabolites as compared to the CSE techniques (0.92%‒66.00%).

A comparative study of conventional and supercritical fluid extraction methods for the recovery of secondary metabolites from Syzygium campanulatum Korth#

PubMed Central

Memon, Abdul Hakeem; Hamil, Mohammad Shahrul Ridzuan; Laghari, Madeeha; Rithwan, Fahim; Zhari, Salman; Saeed, Mohammed Ali Ahmed; Ismail, Zhari; Majid, Amin Malik Shah Abdul

2016-01-01

Syzygium campanulatum Korth is a plant, which is a rich source of secondary metabolites (especially flavanones, chalcone, and triterpenoids). In our present study, three conventional solvent extraction (CSE) techniques and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) techniques were performed to achieve a maximum recovery of two flavanones, chalcone, and two triterpenoids from S. campanulatum leaves. Furthermore, a Box-Behnken design was constructed for the SFE technique using pressure, temperature, and particle size as independent variables, and yields of crude extract, individual and total secondary metabolites as the dependent variables. In the CSE procedure, twenty extracts were produced using ten different solvents and three techniques (maceration, soxhletion, and reflux). An enriched extract of five secondary metabolites was collected using n-hexane:methanol (1:1) soxhletion. Using food-grade ethanol as a modifier, the SFE methods produced a higher recovery (25.5%‒84.9%) of selected secondary metabolites as compared to the CSE techniques (0.92%‒66.00%). PMID:27604860

Determination of lansoprazole in human plasma by rapid resolution liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry: application to a bioequivalence study on Chinese volunteers.

PubMed

Wu, Guo-Lan; Zhou, Hui-Li; Shentu, Jian-Zhong; He, Qiao-Jun; Yang, Bo

2008-12-15

A simple, sensitive and rapid LC/MS/MS method was developed for the quantification of lansoprazole in human plasma. After a simple sample preparation procedure by one-step protein precipitation with acetonitrile, lansoprazole and the internal standard bicalutamide were chromatographed on a Zorbax SB-C(18) (3.0 mm x 150 mm, 3.5 microm, Agilent) column with the mobile phase consisted of methanol-water (70:30, v/v, containing 5 mM ammonium formate, pH was adjusted to 7.85 by 1% ammonia solution). Detection was performed on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode via negative eletrospray ionization source (ESI(-)). The lower limit of quantification was 5.5 ng/mL, and the assay exhibited a linear range of 5.5-2200.0 ng/mL. The validated method was successfully applied to investigate the bioequivalence between two kinds of preparation (test vs. reference product) in twenty-eight healthy male Chinese volunteers.

Towards objective hand hygiene technique assessment: validation of the ultraviolet-dye-based hand-rubbing quality assessment procedure.

PubMed

Lehotsky, Á; Szilágyi, L; Bánsághi, S; Szerémy, P; Wéber, G; Haidegger, T

2017-09-01

Ultraviolet spectrum markers are widely used for hand hygiene quality assessment, although their microbiological validation has not been established. A microbiology-based assessment of the procedure was conducted. Twenty-five artificial hand models underwent initial full contamination, then disinfection with UV-dyed hand-rub solution, digital imaging under UV-light, microbiological sampling and cultivation, and digital imaging of the cultivated flora were performed. Paired images of each hand model were registered by a software tool, then the UV-marked regions were compared with the pathogen-free sites pixel by pixel. Statistical evaluation revealed that the method indicates correctly disinfected areas with 95.05% sensitivity and 98.01% specificity. Copyright © 2017 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pediatric glioblastoma multiforme: A single-institution experience

PubMed Central

Ansari, Mansour; Nasrolahi, Hamid; Kani, Amir-Abbas; Mohammadianpanah, Mohammad; Ahmadloo, Niloofar; Omidvari, Shapour; Mosalaei, Ahmad

2012-01-01

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common astrocytoma in adults and has a poor prognosis, with a median survival of about 12 months. But, it is rare in children. We report our experience on the pediatric population (20 years or younger) with GBM. Patients and Methods: Twenty-three patients with GBM who were treated at our hospital during 1990–2008 were evaluated. Results: The mean age was 15.2 years, and the majority of them (14/23) were male. All had received radiotherapy and some had also received chemotherapy. The mean survival was 16.0 months. Two cases survived more than 5 years. Age, radiation dose and performance status were significantly related to survival. Conclusion: GBM in pediatric patients were not very common in our center, and prognosis was unfavorable. PMID:23248421

[Paragangliomas of the head and neck. Our experience].

PubMed

Alvarez Zapico, M J; Llorente Pendás, J L; Suárez Nieto, C; Carreño Villarreal, M; Moro Melón, M

1998-04-01

Paragangliomas of the head and neck are rare tumors of neuroectodermal origin. However, jugulotympanic paragangliomas are the second most common tumor of the temporal bone. Paragangliomas are recognized as benign tumors, but some show a biological behavior similar to that of malignant lesions, such as the development of recurrence or invasive growth patterns. We report 31 patients with a total of 35 paragangliomas who were seen in our department. Multiple paragangliomas were found in 2 patients. Twenty-two patients had jugulotympanic paragangliomas, 11 carotid and 2 vagal paragangliomas. None of the patients had prior treatment and the minimum follow-up was 1 year. Surgery was performed in 28 (90%), primary irradiation in 1 (3%), and 2 (7%) refused treatment. We describe our results, the clinical course, diagnostic methods and treatment options.

Effects of humeral head compression taping on the isokinetic strength of the shoulder external rotator muscle in patients with rotator cuff tendinitis.

PubMed

Kim, Moon-Hwan; Oh, Jae-Seop

2015-01-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of humeral head compression taping (HHCT) on the strength of the shoulder external rotator muscle in patients with rotator cuff tendinitis. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty patients with rotator cuff tendinitis were recruited. The shoulder external rotator strength was measured using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer system. A paired t-test was performed to evaluate within-group differences in the strength of the shoulder external rotator muscle. [Results] Significantly higher shoulder external rotator peak torque and peak torque per body weight were found in the HHCT condition than in the no-taping condition. [Conclusion] HHCT may effectively increase the shoulder external rotator muscle strength in patients with rotator cuff tendinitis.

A Comparison between Bench Press Throw and Ballistic Push-Up tests to assess upper-body power in trained individuals.

PubMed

Bartolomei, Sandro; Nigro, Federico; Ruggeri, Sandro; Lanzoni, Ivan Malagoli; Ciacci, Simone; Merni, Franco; Sadres, Eliahu; Hoffman, Jay R; Semprini, Gabriele

2018-03-06

The purpose of the present study was to validate the ballistic push-up test performed with hands on a force plate (BPU) as a method to measure upper-body power. Twenty-eight experienced resistance trained men (age = 25.4 ± 5.2 y; body mass = 78.5 ± 9.0 kg; body height = 179.6 ± 7.8 cm) performed, two days apart, a bench press 1RM test and upper-body power tests. Mean power and peak power were assessed using the bench press throw test (BT) and the BPU test performed in randomized order. The area under the force/power curve (AUC) obtained at BT was also calculated. Power expressed at BPU was estimated using a time-based prediction equation. Mean force and the participant's body weight were used to predict the bench press 1RM. Pearson product moment correlations were used to examine relationships between the power assessment methods and between the predicted 1RM bench and the actual value. Large correlations (0.79; p < 0.001) were found between AUC and mean power expressed at BPU. Large correlations were also detected between mean power and peak power expressed at BT and BPU (0.75; p < 0.001 and 0.74; p < 0.001, respectively). Very large correlations (0.87; p < 0.001) were found between the 1RM bench and the 1RM predicted by the BPU. Results of the present study indicate that BPU represents a valid and reliable method to estimate the upper-body power in resistance-trained individuals.

Teleradiology from the provider's perspective-cost analysis for a mid-size university hospital.

PubMed

Rosenberg, Christian; Kroos, Kristin; Rosenberg, Britta; Hosten, Norbert; Flessa, Steffen

2013-08-01

Real costs of teleradiology services have not been systematically calculated. Pricing policies are not evidence-based. This study aims to prove the feasibility of performing an original cost analysis for teleradiology services and show break-even points to perform cost-effective practice. Based on the teleradiology services provided by the Greifswald University Hospital in northeastern Germany, a detailed process analysis and an activity-based costing model revealed costs per service unit according to eight examination categories. The Monte Carlo method was used to simulate the cost amplitude and identify pricing thresholds. Twenty-two sub-processes and four staff categories were identified. The average working time for one unit was 55 (x-ray) to 72 min (whole-body CT). Personnel costs were dominant (up to 68 %), representing lower limit costs. The Monte Carlo method showed the cost distribution per category according to the deficiency risk. Avoiding deficient pricing by a likelihood of 90 % increased the cost of a cranial CT almost twofold as compared with the lower limit cost. Original cost analysis is possible when providing teleradiology services with complex statutory requirements in place. Methodology and results provide useful data to help enhance efficiency in hospital management as well as implement realistic reimbursement fees. • Analysis of original costs of teleradiology is possible for a providing hospital • Results discriminate pricing thresholds and lower limit costs to perform cost-effective practice • The study methods represent a managing tool to enhance efficiency in providing facilities • The data are useful to help represent telemedicine services in regular medical fee schedules.

A novel mass spectrometric method for formaldehyde in children's personal-care products and water via derivatization with acetylacetone.

PubMed

Backe, Will J

2017-06-30

New legislation in the state of Minnesota prohibits the sale of children's personal-care products (PCPs) that contain more than 500 ng/mg formaldehyde. Previous attempts to quantify formaldehyde in PCPs use nonspecific derivatization procedures that employ harsh reagents and/or nonspecific detection. Derivatization of formaldehyde by acetylacetone occurs under mild conditions and is specific for formaldehyde but it has not been investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass-spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS). To determine formaldehyde, PCPs were dissolved and then interferences were minimized by graphitized-carbon solid-phase extraction. Formaldehyde was derivatized to 3,5-diacetyl-1,4-dihydrolutidine (DDL) using an acetylacetone solution. Post-derivatization, samples were diluted and analyzed by HPLC/MS/MS. Quantification was performed by isotopic dilution. Product-ion spectra were acquired for DDL and D 12 -DDL. The mass shifts between the two product-ion spectra were used to assign fragment structures. To confirm molecular formulas, high-resolution accurate-mass analysis of the DDL product ions was performed by quadrupole time-of-flight MS. Structures were proposed for all product ions of DDL above 10% relative intensity. Method accuracy ranged between 96-104% for all matrices at all concentrations tested. Method precision was less than 4% relative standard deviation. The reporting limit was 10 ng/mg in PCPs and 100 μg/L in water. Twenty children's PCPs were tested to demonstrate the method and formaldehyde was reported in five from 23-1500 ng/mg. Of those five, two samples contained formaldehyde above the Minnesota regulatory limit. The developed method allows for the accurate quantification of formaldehyde in PCPs at levels below those required by a new regulation on children's products in Minnesota. The method includes a derivatization procedure that is newly adapted to HPLC/MS/MS; therefore, structures were proposed for the product ions of the derivative (DDL). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Risk prediction models of breast cancer: a systematic review of model performances.

PubMed

Anothaisintawee, Thunyarat; Teerawattananon, Yot; Wiratkapun, Chollathip; Kasamesup, Vijj; Thakkinstian, Ammarin

2012-05-01

The number of risk prediction models has been increasingly developed, for estimating about breast cancer in individual women. However, those model performances are questionable. We therefore have conducted a study with the aim to systematically review previous risk prediction models. The results from this review help to identify the most reliable model and indicate the strengths and weaknesses of each model for guiding future model development. We searched MEDLINE (PubMed) from 1949 and EMBASE (Ovid) from 1974 until October 2010. Observational studies which constructed models using regression methods were selected. Information about model development and performance were extracted. Twenty-five out of 453 studies were eligible. Of these, 18 developed prediction models and 7 validated existing prediction models. Up to 13 variables were included in the models and sample sizes for each study ranged from 550 to 2,404,636. Internal validation was performed in four models, while five models had external validation. Gail and Rosner and Colditz models were the significant models which were subsequently modified by other scholars. Calibration performance of most models was fair to good (expected/observe ratio: 0.87-1.12), but discriminatory accuracy was poor to fair both in internal validation (concordance statistics: 0.53-0.66) and in external validation (concordance statistics: 0.56-0.63). Most models yielded relatively poor discrimination in both internal and external validation. This poor discriminatory accuracy of existing models might be because of a lack of knowledge about risk factors, heterogeneous subtypes of breast cancer, and different distributions of risk factors across populations. In addition the concordance statistic itself is insensitive to measure the improvement of discrimination. Therefore, the new method such as net reclassification index should be considered to evaluate the improvement of the performance of a new develop model.

Clonal spread of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii across a community hospital and its affiliated long-term care facilities: A cross sectional study.

PubMed

Chen, Chang-Hua; Kuo, Han-Yueh; Hsu, Po-Jui; Chang, Chien-Min; Chen, Jiann-Yuan; Lu, Henry Horng-Shing; Chen, Hsin-Yao; Liou, Ming-Li

2018-06-01

The global spread of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) is now a public health problem. In Taiwan, the relationship of the CRAB circulation between long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and acute care hospitals remains unclear. Here, we use molecular epidemiologic methods to describe the transmission of CRAB isolates between a community hospital and its affiliated LTCFs. Subjects localized in eight LTCFs who were not admitted acute care hospitals in recent a year were enrolled in this study. CRAB isolates were collected during June 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015. DNA fingerprinting was performed by repetitive extragenic palindromic sequence-based polymerase chain reaction (Rep-PCR) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Multiplex-PCR amplification for the detection of bla OXA genes and beta-lactamase genes was performed. Twenty one subjects were enrolled. The major hospital admission diagnoses among the 21 subjects were pneumonia (71.4%). Genotyping of CRAB isolates by Rep-PCR revealed that a major clone, designated as type III, comprised fifteen of 21 (71.4%) isolates taken from 5 LTCFs and one study hospital. The isolates with type III were subtyped by PubMLST into 4 ST types. The most prevalent bla OXA genes in these isolates were bla OXA-23 -like (85.70%, 18/21). Twenty isolates carried bla SHV. CONCLUSION: Clonal spread of bla OxA-23 -carrying CRABs was found around LTCFs and the affiliated hospital. In Taiwan, it is important for the government to focus attention on the importance of identifying and tracing CRAB infections in LTCFs. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Training for percutaneous renal access on a virtual reality simulator.

PubMed

Zhang, Yi; Yu, Cheng-fan; Liu, Jin-shun; Wang, Gang; Zhu, He; Na, Yan-qun

2013-01-01

The need to develop new methods of surgical training combined with advances in computing has led to the development of virtual reality surgical simulators. The PERC Mentor(TM) is designed to train the user in percutaneous renal collecting system access puncture. This study aimed to validate the use of this kind of simulator, in percutaneous renal access training. Twenty-one urologists were enrolled as trainees to learn a fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous renal accessing technique. An assigned percutaneous renal access procedure was immediately performed on the PERC Mentor(TM) after watching instruction video and an analog operation. Objective parameters were recorded by the simulator and subjective global rating scale (GRS) score were determined. Simulation training followed and consisted of 2 hours daily training sessions for 2 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the training session, trainees were evaluated performing the same procedure. The post-training evaluation was compared to the evaluation of the initial attempt. During the initial attempt, none of the trainees could complete the appointed procedure due to the lack of experience in fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous renal access. After the short-term training, all trainees were able to independently complete the procedure. Of the 21 trainees, 10 had primitive experience in ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Trainees were thus categorized into the group of primitive experience and inexperience. The total operating time and amount of contrast material used were significantly lower in the group of primitive experience versus the inexperience group (P = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively). The training on the virtual reality simulator, PERC Mentor(TM), can help trainees with no previous experience of fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous renal access to complete the virtual manipulation of the procedure independently. This virtual reality simulator may become an important training and evaluation tool in teaching fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous renal access.

Asthma in pregnancy: association between the Asthma Control Test and the Global Initiative for Asthma classification and comparisons with spirometry.

PubMed

de Araujo, Georgia Véras; Leite, Débora F B; Rizzo, José A; Sarinho, Emanuel S C

2016-08-01

The aim of this study was to identify a possible association between the assessment of clinical asthma control using the Asthma Control Test (ACT) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) classification and to perform comparisons with values of spirometry. Through this cross-sectional study, 103 pregnant women with asthma were assessed in the period from October 2010 to October 2013 in the asthma pregnancy clinic at the Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Pernambuco. Questionnaires concerning the level of asthma control were administered using the Global Initiative for Asthma classification, the Asthma Control Test validated for asthmatic expectant mothers and spirometry; all three methods of assessing asthma control were performed during the same visit between the twenty-first and twenty-seventh weeks of pregnancy. There was a significant association between clinical asthma control assessment using the Asthma Control Test and the Global Initiative for Asthma classification (p<0.001). There were also significant associations between the results of the subjective instruments of asthma (the GINA classification and the ACT) and evidence of lung function by spirometry. This study shows that both the Global Initiative for Asthma classification and the Asthma Control Test can be used for asthmatic expectant mothers to assess the clinical control of asthma, especially at the end of the second trimester, which is assumed to be the period of worsening asthma exacerbations during pregnancy. We highlight the importance of the Asthma Control Test as a subjective instrument with easy application, easy interpretation and good reproducibility that does not require spirometry to assess the level of asthma control and can be used in the primary care of asthmatic expectant mothers. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Computed-tomography modeled polyether ether ketone (PEEK) implants in revision cranioplasty.

PubMed

O'Reilly, Eamon B; Barnett, Sam; Madden, Christopher; Welch, Babu; Mickey, Bruce; Rozen, Shai

2015-03-01

Traditional cranioplasty methods focus on pre-operative or intraoperative hand molding. Recently, CT-guided polyether ether ketone (PEEK) plate reconstruction enables precise, time-saving reconstruction. This case series aims to show a single institution experience with use of PEEK cranioplasty as an effective, safe, precise, reusable, and time-saving cranioplasty technique in large, complex cranial defects. We performed a 6-year retrospective review of cranioplasty procedures performed at our affiliated hospitals using PEEK implants. A total of nineteen patients underwent twenty-two cranioplasty procedures. Pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative data was collected. Nineteen patients underwent twenty-two procedures. Time interval from injury to loss of primary cranioplasty averaged 57.7 months (0-336 mo); 4.0 months (n=10, range 0-19) in cases of trauma. Time interval from primary cranioplasty loss to PEEK cranioplasty was 11.8 months for infection (n=11, range 6-25 mo), 12.2 months for trauma (n=5, range 2-27 mo), and 0.3 months for cosmetic or functional reconstructions (n=3, range 0-1). Similar surgical techniques were used in all patients. Drains were placed in 11/22 procedures. Varying techniques were used in skin closure, including adjacent tissue transfer (4/22) and free tissue transfer (1/22). The PEEK plate required modification in four procedures. Three patients had reoperation following PEEK plate reconstruction. Cranioplasty utilizing CT-guided PEEK plate allows easy inset, anatomic accuracy, mirror image aesthetics, simplification of complex 3D defects, and potential time savings. Additionally, it's easily manipulated in the operating room, and can be easily re-utilized in cases of intraoperative course changes or infection. Copyright © 2014 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of robot-assisted therapy on ankle rehabilitation--a systematic review.

PubMed

Zhang, Mingming; Davies, T Claire; Xie, Shane

2013-03-21

The aim of this study was to provide a systematic review of studies that investigated the effectiveness of robot-assisted therapy on ankle motor and function recovery from musculoskeletal or neurologic ankle injuries. Thirteen electronic databases of articles published from January, 1980 to June, 2012 were searched using keywords 'ankle*', 'robot*', 'rehabilitat*' or 'treat*' and a free search in Google Scholar based on effects of ankle rehabilitation robots was also conducted. References listed in relevant publications were further screened. Eventually, twenty-nine articles were selected for review and they focused on effects of robot-assisted ankle rehabilitation. Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria and a total of 164 patients and 24 healthy subjects participated in these trials. Ankle performance and gait function were the main outcome measures used to assess the therapeutic effects of robot-assisted ankle rehabilitation. The protocols and therapy treatments were varied, which made comparison among different studies difficult or impossible. Few comparative trials were conducted among different devices or control strategies. Moreover, the majority of study designs met levels of evidence that were no higher than American Academy for Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) level IV. Only one study used a Randomized Control Trial (RCT) approach with the evidence level being II. All the selected studies showed improvements in terms of ankle performance or gait function after a period of robot-assisted ankle rehabilitation training. The most effective robot-assisted intervention cannot be determined due to the lack of universal evaluation criteria for various devices and control strategies. Future research into the effects of robot-assisted ankle rehabilitation should be carried out based on universal evaluation criteria, which could determine the most effective method of intervention. It is also essential to conduct trials to analyse the differences among different devices or control strategies.

Evaluating the Use of Reflective Counseling Group Supervision for Military Counselors in Taiwan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jen der Pan, Peter; Deng, Liang-Yu F.; Tsai, Shiou-Ling

2008-01-01

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of reflective counseling group supervision (RCGS) for military counselors. A convenience sampling method is adopted. Twenty-two military counselors participate in this study. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods are used for collecting and analyzing data. The results support our…

An Easy Method for Preparing Presentation Slides.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wright, Norman A.; Blevins, Dennis D.

1984-01-01

Describes a simplified method of preparing 35mm projection slides with a minimum of equipment and expertise. The quality of these slides compares favorably to professionally produced diazo slides. Twenty-five slides can easily be prepared in less than three hours. Material cost per slide is comparable to professional color slide processing. (JN)

The Effects of a Goal Setting Intervention on Productivity and Persistence in an Analogue Work Task

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tammemagi, Triona; O'Hora, Denis; Maglieri, Kristen A.

2013-01-01

The authors of this study sought to quantify the beneficial effect of goal setting on work performance, and to characterize the persistence or deterioration of goal-directed behavior over time. Twenty-six participants completed a computer-based data entry task. Performance was measured during an initial baseline, a goal setting intervention that…

The Ethnographer as "Impresario-Joker" in the (Re)presentation of Educational Research as Performance Art: Towards a Performance Ethic

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bagley, Carl

2009-01-01

The paper reflects critically on the use of arts-based approaches to (re)present ethnographic educational research data, positing that the use of these artistic genres while creating new opportunities for engaging and enacting the complexities of twenty-first century realities also pose new challenges particularly in relation to the application of…

Speech and Pause Characteristics in Multiple Sclerosis: A Preliminary Study of Speakers with High and Low Neuropsychological Test Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Feenaughty, Lynda; Tjaden, Kris; Benedict, Ralph H. B.; Weinstock-Guttman, Bianca

2013-01-01

This preliminary study investigated how cognitive-linguistic status in multiple sclerosis (MS) is reflected in two speech tasks (i.e. oral reading, narrative) that differ in cognitive-linguistic demand. Twenty individuals with MS were selected to comprise High and Low performance groups based on clinical tests of executive function and information…

Motor Performance Age and Race Differences between Black and Caucasian Boys Six to Nine Years of Age.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DiNucci, James M.

This study was undertaken to compare the motor performance age and race differences between black and caucasian boys ages six to nine. One hundred and twenty subjects were administered 25 test items which measured (a) muscular strength, (b) muscular endurance, (c) cardio-respiratory endurance, (d) speed, (e) power, (f) agility, (g) balance, and…

Beyond Expectations in Music Performance Modules in Higher Education: Rethinking Instrumental and Vocal Music Pedagogy for the Twenty-First Century

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simones, Lilian Lima

2017-01-01

Music performance in the higher educational context is shaped by a reciprocal chain of interactions between students, part-time tutors and full-time teaching staff, each with specific expectations about the teaching and learning process. Such expectations can provide valuable insights not only for designing and implementing meaningful educational…

Dynamic characteristics of oxygen consumption.

PubMed

Ye, Lin; Argha, Ahmadreza; Yu, Hairong; Celler, Branko G; Nguyen, Hung T; Su, Steven

2018-04-23

Previous studies have indicated that oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) is one of the most accurate indices for assessing the cardiorespiratory response to exercise. In most existing studies, the response of [Formula: see text] is often roughly modelled as a first-order system due to the inadequate stimulation and low signal to noise ratio. To overcome this difficulty, this paper proposes a novel nonparametric kernel-based method for the dynamic modelling of [Formula: see text] response to provide a more robust estimation. Twenty healthy non-athlete participants conducted treadmill exercises with monotonous stimulation (e.g., single step function as input). During the exercise, [Formula: see text] was measured and recorded by a popular portable gas analyser ([Formula: see text], COSMED). Based on the recorded data, a kernel-based estimation method was proposed to perform the nonparametric modelling of [Formula: see text]. For the proposed method, a properly selected kernel can represent the prior modelling information to reduce the dependence of comprehensive stimulations. Furthermore, due to the special elastic net formed by [Formula: see text] norm and kernelised [Formula: see text] norm, the estimations are smooth and concise. Additionally, the finite impulse response based nonparametric model which estimated by the proposed method can optimally select the order and fit better in terms of goodness-of-fit comparing to classical methods. Several kernels were introduced for the kernel-based [Formula: see text] modelling method. The results clearly indicated that the stable spline (SS) kernel has the best performance for [Formula: see text] modelling. Particularly, based on the experimental data from 20 participants, the estimated response from the proposed method with SS kernel was significantly better than the results from the benchmark method [i.e., prediction error method (PEM)] ([Formula: see text] vs [Formula: see text]). The proposed nonparametric modelling method is an effective method for the estimation of the impulse response of VO 2 -Speed system. Furthermore, the identified average nonparametric model method can dynamically predict [Formula: see text] response with acceptable accuracy during treadmill exercise.

Reevaluation of Ramp Design Speed Criteria

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-12-01

Current freeway entry ramp design speed criteria were evaluated through observations of twenty ramps in four Texas cities. Field observations of ramp and freeway traffic speed-distance relationships were made using videotaping methods. Traffic operat...

BCL::MP-Fold: membrane protein structure prediction guided by EPR restraints

PubMed Central

Fischer, Axel W.; Alexander, Nathan S.; Woetzel, Nils; Karakaş, Mert; Weiner, Brian E.; Meiler, Jens

2016-01-01

For many membrane proteins, the determination of their topology remains a challenge for methods like X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy has evolved as an alternative technique to study structure and dynamics of membrane proteins. The present study demonstrates the feasibility of membrane protein topology determination using limited EPR distance and accessibility measurements. The BCL::MP-Fold algorithm assembles secondary structure elements (SSEs) in the membrane using a Monte Carlo Metropolis (MCM) approach. Sampled models are evaluated using knowledge-based potential functions and agreement with the EPR data and a knowledge-based energy function. Twenty-nine membrane proteins of up to 696 residues are used to test the algorithm. The protein-size-normalized root-mean-square-deviation (RMSD100) value of the most accurate model is better than 8 Å for twenty-seven, better than 6 Å for twenty-two, and better than 4 Å for fifteen out of twenty-nine proteins, demonstrating the algorithm’s ability to sample the native topology. The average enrichment could be improved from 1.3 to 2.5, showing the improved discrimination power by using EPR data. PMID:25820805

Hospital incident command system (HICS) performance in Iran; decision making during disasters

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Hospitals are cornerstones for health care in a community and must continue to function in the face of a disaster. The Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) is a method by which the hospital operates when an emergency is declared. Hospitals are often ill equipped to evaluate the strengths and vulnerabilities of their own management systems before the occurrence of an actual disaster. The main objective of this study was to measure the decision making performance according to HICS job actions sheets using tabletop exercises. Methods This observational study was conducted between May 1st 2008 and August 31st 2009. Twenty three Iranian hospitals were included. A tabletop exercise was developed for each hospital which in turn was based on the highest probable risk. The job action sheets of the HICS were used as measurements of performance. Each indicator was considered as 1, 2 or 3 in accordance with the HICS. Fair performance was determined as < 40%; intermediate as 41-70%; high as 71-100% of the maximum score of 192. Descriptive statistics, T-test, and Univariate Analysis of Variance were used. Results None of the participating hospitals had a hospital disaster management plan. The performance according to HICS was intermediate for 83% (n = 19) of the participating hospitals. No hospital had a high level of performance. The performance level for the individual sections was intermediate or fair, except for the logistic and finance sections which demonstrated a higher level of performance. The public hospitals had overall higher performances than university hospitals (P = 0.04). Conclusions The decision making performance in the Iranian hospitals, as measured during table top exercises and using the indicators proposed by HICS was intermediate to poor. In addition, this study demonstrates that the HICS job action sheets can be used as a template for measuring the hospital response. Simulations can be used to assess preparedness, but the correlation with outcome remains to be studied. PMID:22309772

An analysis of voice communication in a simulated approach control environment : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-05-01

This report consists of an analysis of simulated terminal radar approach control (TRACON) air traffic control communications. Twenty-four full performance level air traffic controllers (FPLATC) from 2 TRACON facilities participated in the simulation ...

Twenty year performance review of Michigan's European concrete pavement.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-10-01

In 1993, a special pavement demonstration project was constructed in Detroit on NB I-75 to evaluate the design features of some highly acclaimed European rigid pavements. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Federal Highway Admini...

Use of implantable prostheses for the treatment of urinary incontinence and impotence.

PubMed

Kaufman, J J; Raz, S

1975-08-01

Silicone-Silastic implants to restore continence and potency have been used in one hundred twenty and twenty-five patients, respectively, and in eight patients a combined anti-impotence and anti-incontinence operation has been performed. The results have been gratifying, the complication rate has been minimal with fewer than five patients in our series having infection and a draining perineal sinus after the incontinence implant, and in no patient have delayed problems with the penile implants developed. Because of the design of the penile implants, fracture is extremely unlikely to occur, and the rods can be replaced if necessary because of inadequate length or asymmetry.

Identifying patients with Alzheimer's disease using resting-state fMRI and graph theory.

PubMed

Khazaee, Ali; Ebrahimzadeh, Ata; Babajani-Feremi, Abbas

2015-11-01

Study of brain network on the basis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has provided promising results to investigate changes in connectivity among different brain regions because of diseases. Graph theory can efficiently characterize different aspects of the brain network by calculating measures of integration and segregation. In this study, we combine graph theoretical approaches with advanced machine learning methods to study functional brain network alteration in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Support vector machine (SVM) was used to explore the ability of graph measures in diagnosis of AD. We applied our method on the resting-state fMRI data of twenty patients with AD and twenty age and gender matched healthy subjects. The data were preprocessed and each subject's graph was constructed by parcellation of the whole brain into 90 distinct regions using the automated anatomical labeling (AAL) atlas. The graph measures were then calculated and used as the discriminating features. Extracted network-based features were fed to different feature selection algorithms to choose most significant features. In addition to the machine learning approach, statistical analysis was performed on connectivity matrices to find altered connectivity patterns in patients with AD. Using the selected features, we were able to accurately classify patients with AD from healthy subjects with accuracy of 100%. Results of this study show that pattern recognition and graph of brain network, on the basis of the resting state fMRI data, can efficiently assist in the diagnosis of AD. Classification based on the resting-state fMRI can be used as a non-invasive and automatic tool to diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2015 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. All rights reserved.

Vertebral body spread in thoracolumbar burst fractures can predict posterior construct failure.

PubMed

De Iure, Federico; Lofrese, Giorgio; De Bonis, Pasquale; Cultrera, Francesco; Cappuccio, Michele; Battisti, Sofia

2018-06-01

The load sharing classification (LSC) laid foundations for a scoring system able to indicate which thoracolumbar fractures, after short-segment posterior-only fixations, would need longer instrumentations or additional anterior supports. We analyzed surgically treated thoracolumbar fractures, quantifying the vertebral body's fragment displacement with the aim of identifying a new parameter that could predict the posterior-only construct failure. This is a retrospective cohort study from a single institution. One hundred twenty-one consecutive patients were surgically treated for thoracolumbar burst fractures. Grade of kyphosis correction (GKC) expressed radiological outcome; Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale were considered. One hundred twenty-one consecutive patients who underwent posterior fixation for unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures were retrospectively evaluated clinically and radiologically. Supplementary anterior fixations were performed in 34 cases with posterior instrumentation failure, determined on clinic-radiological evidence or symptomatic loss of kyphosis correction. Segmental kyphosis angle and GKC were calculated according to the Cobb method. The displacement of fracture fragments was obtained from the mean of the adjacent end plate areas subtracted from the area enclosed by the maximum contour of vertebral fragmentation. The "spread" was derived from the ratio between this subtraction and the mean of the adjacent end plate areas. Analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney, and receiver operating characteristic were performed for statistical analysis. The authors report no conflict of interest concerning the materials or methods used in the present study or the findings specified in this paper. No funds or grants have been received for the present study. The spread revealed to be a helpful quantitative measurement of vertebral body fragment displacement, easily reproducible with the current computed tomography (CT) imaging technologies. There were no failures of posterior fixations with preoperative spreads <42% and losses of correction (LOC)<10°, whereas spreads >62.7% required supplementary anterior supports whenever LOC>10° were recorded. Most of the patients in a "gray zone," with spreads between 42% and 62.7%, needed additional anterior supports because of clinical-radiological evidence of impending mechanical failures, which developed independently from the GKC. Preoperative kyphosis (p<.001), load sharing score (p=.002), and spread (p<.001) significantly affected the final surgical treatment (posterior or circumferential). Twenty-two years after the LSC, both improvements in spinal stabilization systems and software imaging innovations have modified surgical concepts and approach on spinal trauma care. Spread was found to be an additional tool that could help in predicting the posterior construct failure, providing an objective preoperative indicator, easily reproducible with the modern viewers for CT images. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Effect of Technical Performance on Patient Outcomes in Surgery: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Fecso, Andras B; Szasz, Peter; Kerezov, Georgi; Grantcharov, Teodor P

2017-03-01

Systematic review of the effect of intraoperative technical performance on patient outcomes. The operating room is a high-stakes, high-risk environment. As a result, the quality of surgical interventions affecting patient outcomes has been the subject of discussion and research for years. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases were searched. All surgical specialties were eligible for inclusion. Data were reviewed in regards to the methods by which technical performance was measured, what patient outcomes were assessed, and how intraoperative technical performance affected patient outcomes. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI). Of the 12,758 studies initially identified, 24 articles (7775 total participants) were ultimately included in this review. Seventeen studies assessed the performance of the faculty alone, 2 assessed both the faculty and trainees, 1 assessed trainees alone, and in 4 studies, the level of the operating surgeon was not specified. In 18 studies, a performance assessment tool was used. Patient outcomes were evaluated using intraoperative complications, short-term morbidity, long-term morbidity, short-term mortality, and long-term mortality. The average MERSQI score was 11.67 (range 9.5-14.5). Twenty-one studies demonstrated that superior technical performance was related to improved patient outcomes. The results of this systematic review demonstrated that superior technical performance positively affects patient outcomes. Despite this initial evidence, more robust research is needed to directly assess intraoperative technical performance and its effect on postoperative patient outcomes using meaningful assessment instruments and reliable processes.

Comparison of gating methods for the real-time analysis of left ventricular function in nonimaging blood pool studies

PubMed Central

Beard, Brian B.; Stewart, James R.; Shiavi, Richard G.; Lorenz, Christine H.

2018-01-01

Background Gating methods developed for electrocardiographic-triggered radionuclide ventriculography are being used with nonimaging detectors. These methods have not been compared on the basis of their real-time performance or suitability for determination of load-independent indexes of left ventricular function. This work evaluated the relative merits of different gating methods for nonimaging radionuclude ventriculographic studies, with particular emphasis on their suitability for real-time measurements and the determination of pressure-volume loops. Methods and Results A computer model was used to investigate the relative accuracy of forward gating, backward gating, and phase-mode gating. The durations of simulated left ventricular time-activity curves were randomly varied. Three acquisition parameters were considered: frame rate, acceptance window, and sample size. Twenty-five studies were performed for each combination of acquisition parameters. Hemodynamic and shape parameters from each study were compared with reference parameters derived directly from the random time-activity curves. Backward gating produced the largest errors under all conditions. For both forward gating and phase-mode gating, ejection fraction was underestimated and time to end systole and normalized peak ejection rate were overestimated. For the hemodynamic parameters, forward gating was marginally superior to phase-mode gating. The mean difference in errors between forward and phase-mode gating was 1.47% (SD 2.78%). However, for root mean square shape error, forward gating was several times worse in every case and seven times worse than phase-mode gating on average. Conclusions Both forward and phase-mode gating are suitable for real-time hemodynamic measurements by nonimaging techniques. The small statistical difference between the methods is not clinically significant. The true shape of the time-activity curve is maintained most accurately by phase-mode gating. PMID:9420820

[Long-term experience with multidisciplinary therapy of twenty-six patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans].

PubMed

Mátrai, Zoltán; Liszkay, Gabriella; Plotár, Vanda; Orosz, Zsolt; Székely, Judit; Hitre, Erika; Bartal, Alexandra; Langmár, Zoltán; Bocs, Katalin; Rényi Vámos, Ferenc; Sávolt, Akos; Tóth, László

2009-10-11

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a low or moderate grade malignant, uncommon soft tissue tumor. The tumor is characterized by slow, but locally aggressive growth, low metastatic potential and high recurrence rate. Initial treatment is the radical surgical excision, using traditional wide excision or Mohs surgery. In case of positive surgical margin or local recurrence, radio-chemotherapy and recently imatinib mesylate is used as adjuvant therapy. Twenty-six patients treated multidisciplinary for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans were followed up. Mean age of the patients was 44.7 years; mean follow-up time was 60.57 months. In fifteen cases (57.7%) R0 resection was performed, while eleven patients (42,3%) received only R1 resection. An average of 1.87 resections was necessary in order to achieve R0 resection. Six patients (23%) received adjuvant radiotherapy and two patients (7.6%) adjuvant chemotherapy following the removal of the primary tumor. Sixteen patients had no local recurrence. Ongoing treatments were needed in the case of ten patients (38.4%) who developed local recurrence. One patient has deceased due to distant metastases. Using statistical methods we examined the effects indicated as prognostic factors in the literature on local recurrence, precisely, the effect of age above 50 years and surgical radicalism. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans can be successfully treated with multidisciplinary therapy. A larger number of cases and randomized multicenter investigations are needed in order to reach more accurate conclusion.

Converting a conventional wired-halogen illuminated indirect ophthalmoscope to a wireless-light emitting diode illuminated indirect ophthalmoscope in less than 1000/- rupees.

PubMed

Kothari, Mihir; Kothari, Kedar; Kadam, Sanjay; Mota, Poonam; Chipade, Snehal

2015-01-01

To report the "do it yourself" method of converting an existing wired-halogen indirect ophthalmoscope (IO) to a wireless-light emitting diode (LED) IO and report the preferences of the patients and the ophthalmologists. In this prospective observational study, a conventional IO was converted to wireless-LED IO using easily available, affordable electrical components. Conventional and the converted IO were then used to perform photo-stress test and take the feedback of subjects and the ophthalmologists regarding its handling and illumination characteristics. The cost of conversion to wireless-LED was 815/- rupees. Twenty-nine subjects, mean age 34.3 [formula in text] 10 years with normal eyes were recruited in the study. Between the two illumination systems, there was no statistical difference in the magnitude of the visual acuity loss and the time to recovery of acuity and the bleached vision on photo-stress test, although the visual recovery was clinically faster with LED illumination. The heat sensation was more with halogen illumination than the LED (P = 0.009). The ophthalmologists rated wireless-LED IO higher than wired-halogen IO on the handling, examination comfort, patient's visual comfort and quality of the image. Twenty-two (81%) ophthalmologists wanted to change over to wireless-LED IO. Converting to wireless-LED IO is easy, cost-effective and preferred over a wired-halogen indirect ophthalmoscope.

Life cycle cost analysis of aging aircraft airframe maintenance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sperry, Kenneth Robert

Scope and method of study. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between an aircraft's age and its annual airframe maintenance costs. Common life cycle costing methodology has previously not recognized the existence of this cost growth potential, and has therefor not determined the magnitude nor significance of this cost element. This study analyzed twenty-five years of DOT Form 41-airframe maintenance cost data for the Boeing 727, 737, 747 and McDonnell Douglas DC9 and DC-10 aircraft. Statistical analysis included regression analysis, Pearson's r, and t-tests to test the null hypothesis. Findings and conclusion. Airframe maintenance cost growth was confirmed to be increasing after an aircraft's age exceeded its designed service objective of approximately twenty-years. Annual airframe maintenance cost growth increases were measured ranging from 3.5% annually for a DC-9, to approximately 9% annually for a DC-10 aircraft. Average measured coefficient of determination between age and airframe maintenance, exceeded .80, confirming a strong relationship between cost: and age. The statistical significance of the difference between airframe costs sampled in 1985, compared to airframe costs sampled in 1998 was confirmed by t-tests performed on each subject aircraft group. Future cost forecasts involving aging aircraft subjects must address cost growth due to aging when attempting to model an aircraft's economic service life.

Analysis of Major Genome Loci Underlying Artemisinin Resistance and pfmdr1 Copy Number in pre- and post-ACTs in Western Kenya

PubMed Central

Ngalah, Bidii S.; Ingasia, Luiser A.; Cheruiyot, Agnes C.; Chebon, Lorna J.; Juma, Dennis W.; Muiruri, Peninah; Onyango, Irene; Ogony, Jack; Yeda, Redemptah A.; Cheruiyot, Jelagat; Mbuba, Emmanuel; Mwangoka, Grace; Achieng, Angela O.; Ng'ang'a, Zipporah; Andagalu, Ben; Akala, Hoseah M.; Kamau, Edwin

2015-01-01

Genetic analysis of molecular markers is critical in tracking the emergence and/or spread of artemisinin resistant parasites. Clinical isolates collected in western Kenya pre- and post- introduction of artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) were genotyped at SNP positions in regions of strong selection signatures on chromosome 13 and 14, as described in Southeast Asia (SEA). Twenty five SNPs were genotyped using Sequenom MassArray and pfmdr1 gene copy number by real-time PCR. Parasite clearance half-life and in vitro drug sensitivity testing were performed using standard methods. One hundred twenty nine isolates were successfully analyzed. Fifteen SNPs were present in pre-ACTs isolates and six in post-ACTs. None of the SNPs showed association with parasite clearance half-life. Post-ACTs parasites had significantly higher pfmdr1 copy number compared to pre-ACTs. Seven of eight parasites with multiple pfmdr1 were post-ACTs. When in vitro IC50s were compared for parasites with single vs. multiple gene copies, only amodiaquine and piperaquine reached statistical significance. Data showed SNPs on chromosome 13 and 14 had different frequency and trend in western Kenya parasites compared SEA. Increase in pfmdr1 gene copy is consistent with recent studies in African parasites. Data suggests genetic signature of artemisinin resistance in Africa might be different from SEA. PMID:25655315

An assessment of a Western blot method for the investigation of canine cutaneous adverse food reactions.

PubMed

Maina, Elisa; Matricoti, Irina; Noli, Chiara

2018-06-01

Adverse food reaction (AFR) is diagnosed with a two month elimination diet (ED), followed by challenge with the original food. To evaluate reactivity of selected EDs and performance of a Western blot serological test for the diagnosis of AFR. Twenty five food reactive (FR) and 13 non food reactive (NFR) privately owned dogs. Sera were tested for antibodies against hydrolyzed poultry feather (RCA), hydrolyzed soy (PHA), hydrolyzed fish (FUH), limited antigen horse and potato (THP), fresh horse meat and the offending food for each FR dog as documented by provocative challenge. Fourteen sera were negative and two positive to all foods. Sera from five of 13 NFR and three of 25 FR dogs were reactive to hydrolyzed foods. The RCA diet was recognized by four of 38, FUH by six of 38 and PHA by one of 28 samples. THP was recognized by 14 of 33 and fresh horse by one of ten dogs that had never eaten horse meat. The test correctly identified one of 15 dogs allergic to FUH. Twenty of 25 FR sera were negative for the dogs' respective offending foods (20% sensitivity), whereas four of 13 NFR sera were positive to the dogs' usual diets (69% specificity). Western blot analysis cannot be considered as a valid tool for the diagnosis of AFR; it may serve as an aid in selecting an ED. © 2018 ESVD and ACVD.

Real-time PCR detection and quantification of nine potential sources of fecal contamination by analysis of mitochondrial Cytochrome b targets

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schill, W.B.; Mathes, M.V.

2008-01-01

We designed and tested real-time PCR probe/primer sets to detect and quantify Cytochrome b sequences of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from nine vertebrate species of pet (dog), farm (cow, chicken, sheep, horse, pig), wildlife (Canada goose, white-tailed deer), and human. Linear ranges of the assays were from 101 to 108 copies/??l. To formally test the performance of the assays, twenty blinded fecal suspension samples were analyzed by real-time PCR to identify the source of the feces. Sixteen of the twenty samples were correctly and unambiguously identified. Average sensitivity was calculated to be 0.850, while average specificity was found to be 0.994. One beef cow sample was not detected, but mtDNA from 11 other beef cattle of both sexes and varying physiological states was found in concentrations similar (3.45 ?? 107 copies/g) to thatfound in human feces (1.1 ?? 107 copies/g). Thus, environmental conditions and sample handling are probably important factors for successful detection of fecal mtDNA. When sewage samples were analyzed, only human mtDNA (7.2 ?? 104 copies/100 mL) was detected. With a detection threshold of 250 copies/reaction, an efficient concentration and purification method resulted in a final detection limit for human feces of 1.8 mg/100 mL water.

Automatic and manual segmentation of healthy retinas using high-definition optical coherence tomography.

PubMed

Golbaz, Isabelle; Ahlers, Christian; Goesseringer, Nina; Stock, Geraldine; Geitzenauer, Wolfgang; Prünte, Christian; Schmidt-Erfurth, Ursula Margarethe

2011-03-01

This study compared automatic- and manual segmentation modalities in the retina of healthy eyes using high-definition optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT). Twenty retinas in 20 healthy individuals were examined using an HD-OCT system (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.). Three-dimensional imaging was performed with an axial resolution of 6 μm at a maximum scanning speed of 25,000 A-scans/second. Volumes of 6 × 6 × 2 mm were scanned. Scans were analysed using a matlab-based algorithm and a manual segmentation software system (3D-Doctor). The volume values calculated by the two methods were compared. Statistical analysis revealed a high correlation between automatic and manual modes of segmentation. The automatic mode of measuring retinal volume and the corresponding three-dimensional images provided similar results to the manual segmentation procedure. Both methods were able to visualize retinal and subretinal features accurately. This study compared two methods of assessing retinal volume using HD-OCT scans in healthy retinas. Both methods were able to provide realistic volumetric data when applied to raster scan sets. Manual segmentation methods represent an adequate tool with which to control automated processes and to identify clinically relevant structures, whereas automatic procedures will be needed to obtain data in larger patient populations. © 2009 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2009 Acta Ophthalmol.

Efficacy of ankaferd blood stopper application on non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

PubMed Central

Gungor, Gokhan; Goktepe, M Hakan; Biyik, Murat; Polat, Ilker; Tuna, Tuncer; Ataseven, Huseyin; Demir, Ali

2012-01-01

AIM: To prospectively assess the hemostatic efficacy of the endoscopic topical use of ankaferd blood stopper (ABS) in active non-variceal upper gastrointestinal system (GIS) bleeding. METHODS: Endoscopy was performed on 220 patients under suspiciency of GIS bleeding. Patients with active non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) with a spurting or oozing type were included. Firstly, 8-10 cc of isotonic saline was sprayed to bleeding lesions. Then, 8 cc of ABS was applied on lesions in which bleeding continued after isotonic saline application. The other endoscopic therapeutic methods were applied on the lesions in which the bleeding did not stop after ABS. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients had an active NVUGIB with a spurting or oozing type and 193 patients were excluded from the study since they did not have non-variceal active bleeding. 8 cc of ABS was sprayed on to the lesions of 26 patients whose bleeding continued after isotonic saline and in 19 of them, bleeding stopped after ABS. Other endoscopic treatment methods were applied to the remaining patients and the bleeding was stopped with these interventions in 6 of 7 patients. CONCLUSION: ABS is an effective method on NVUGIB, particularly on young patients with no coagulopathy. ABS may be considered as part of a combination treatment with other endoscopic methods. PMID:23293725

The influence of electromyographic recording methods and the innervation zone on the mean power frequency-torque relationships.

PubMed

Herda, Trent J; Zuniga, Jorge M; Ryan, Eric D; Camic, Clayton L; Bergstrom, Haley C; Smith, Doug B; Weir, Joseph P; Cramer, Joel T; Housh, Terry J

2015-06-01

This study examined the effects of electromyographic (EMG) recording methods and innervation zone (IZ) on the mean power frequency (MPF)-torque relationships. Nine subjects performed isometric ramp muscle actions of the leg extensors from 5% to 100% of maximal voluntary contraction with an eight channel linear electrode array over the IZ of the vastus lateralis. The slopes were calculated from the log-transformed monopolar and bipolar EMG MPF-torque relationships for each channel and subject and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were constructed around the slopes for each relationship and the composite of the slopes. Twenty-two to 55% of the subjects exhibited 95% CIs that did not include a slope of zero for the monopolar EMG MPF-torque relationships while 25-75% of the subjects exhibited 95% CIs that did not include a slope of zero for the bipolar EMG MPF-torque relationships. The composite of the slopes from the EMG MPF-torque relationships were not significantly different from zero for any method or channel, however, the method and IZ location slightly influenced the number of significant slopes on a subject-by-subject basis. The log-transform model indicated that EMG MPF-torque patterns were nonlinear regardless of recording method or distance from the IZ. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Value of cytopathologist-performed ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration as a screening test for ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy in nonpalpable breast masses.

PubMed

Lieu, David

2009-04-01

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of breast masses in the United States has been on the decline for the last decade and has been largely replaced by ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy (UG-CNB). Some studies show core-needle biopsy (CNB) is superior to FNA in terms of absolute sensitivity, specificity, and inadequate rate. However, the importance of a skilled aspirator, experienced cytopathologist, and immediate cytological evaluation (ICE) in FNA is often not considered. CNB is more expensive, invasive, risky, and painful than FNA. This prospective study examines the value of cytopathologist-performed ultrasound-guided FNA (UG-FNA) with ICE as a screening test for cytopathologist-performed UG-CNB on nonpalpable or difficult-to-palpate solid breast masses visible on ultrasound. One hundred twenty consecutive nonpalpable or difficult-to-palpate presumably solid breast masses in 109 female patients from January2, 2008 to June 30, 2008 underwent cytopathologist-performed UG-FNA with ICE. Twenty cases were converted to cytopathologist-performed UG-CNB because ICE was inadequate, hypocellular, atypical, suspicious, or malignant. Patients with clearly benign cytology did not undergo UG-CNB. UG-FNA with ICE reduced the percentage of patients undergoing UG-CNB by 87%. A new role for cytopathologist-performed UG-FNA of nonpalpable breast masses has been identified.

Wheelchair Mobility Performance enhancement by Changing Wheelchair Properties; What is the Effect of Grip, Seat Height and Mass?

PubMed

van der Slikke, Rienk M A; de Witte, Annemarie M H; Berger, Monique A M; Bregman, Daan J J; Veeger, Dirk Jan H E J

2018-02-12

The purpose of this study was to provide insight in the effect of wheelchair settings on wheelchair mobility performance. Twenty elite wheelchair basketball athletes of low (n=10) and high classification (n=10), were tested in a wheelchair basketball directed field test. Athletes performed the test in their own wheelchair, which was modified for five additional conditions regarding seat height (high - low), mass (central - distributed) and grip. The previously developed, inertial sensor based wheelchair mobility performance monitor 1 was used to extract wheelchair kinematics in all conditions. Adding mass showed most effect on wheelchair mobility performance, with a reduced average acceleration across all activities. Once distributed, additional mass also reduced maximal rotational speed and rotational acceleration. Elevating seat height had effect on several performance aspects in sprinting and turning, whereas lowering seat height influenced performance minimally. Increased rim grip did not alter performance. No differences in response were evident between low and high classified athletes. The wheelchair mobility performance monitor showed sensitive to detect performance differences due to the small changes in wheelchair configuration made. Distributed additional mass had the most effect on wheelchair mobility performance, whereas additional grip had the least effect of conditions tested. Performance effects appear similar for both low and high classified athletes. Athletes, coaches and wheelchair experts are provided with insight in the performance effect of key wheelchair settings, and they are offered a proven sensitive method to apply in sports practice, in their search for the best wheelchair-athlete combination.

Adult Services. Twenty-Eight Quick Recipes for Stretching Your Popular Adult Materials Budget.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baker, Sharon L., Ed.

1995-01-01

Describes methods for stretching a popular adult library materials budget. Highlights include prepurchase evaluation and selection; acquisitions; fund raising to support selection funds; distribution; weeding; promotion; and lobbying. (Author/AEF)

Twenty-year experience with laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in infants and children: considerations and results on 1833 hernia repairs.

PubMed

Esposito, Ciro; Escolino, Maria; Cortese, Giuseppe; Aprea, Gianfranco; Turrà, Francesco; Farina, Alessandra; Roberti, Agnese; Cerulo, Mariapina; Settimi, Alessandro

2017-03-01

The role of laparoscopy in pediatric inguinal hernia (IH) is still controversial. The authors reported their twenty-year experience in laparoscopic IH repair in children. In a twenty-year period (1995-2015), we operated 1300 infants and children (935 boys-365 girls) with IH using laparoscopy. The average age at surgery was 18 months (range 7 days-14 years). Body weight ranged between 1.9 and 50 kg (average 9.3). Preoperatively all patients presented a monolateral IH, right-sided in 781 cases (60.1 %) and left-sided in 519 (39.9 %). We excluded patients with bilateral IH and unstable patients in which laparoscopy was contraindicated. If the inguinal orifice diameter was ≥10 mm, we performed a modified purse string suture on peri-orificial peritoneum, in orifices ≤5 mm, we performed a N-shaped suture. No conversion to open surgery was reported. In 533 cases (41 %), we found a contralateral patency of internal inguinal ring that was always closed in laparoscopy. In 1273 cases (97.9 %), we found an oblique external hernia; in 21 cases (1.6 %), a direct hernia; and in 6 cases (0.5 %), a double hernia on the same side (hernia en pantaloon). We found an incarcerated hernia in 27 patients (2 %). Average operative time was 18 min (range 7-65). We recorded 5/1300 recurrences (0.3 %), but in the last 950 patients, we had no recurrence (0 %). We recorded 20 complications (1.5 %): 18 umbilical granulomas and two trocars scar infections, treated in outpatient setting. On the basis of our twenty-year experience, we prefer to perform IH repair in children using laparoscopy rather than inguinal approach. Laparoscopy is as fast as inguinal approach, and it has the advantage to treat during the same anesthesia a contralateral patency occured in about 40 % of our cases and to treat also rare hernias in about 3 % of cases.

Functional assessment and performance evaluation for assistive robotic manipulators: Literature review

PubMed Central

Chung, Cheng-Shiu; Wang, Hongwu; Cooper, Rory A.

2013-01-01

Context The user interface development of assistive robotic manipulators can be traced back to the 1960s. Studies include kinematic designs, cost-efficiency, user experience involvements, and performance evaluation. This paper is to review studies conducted with clinical trials using activities of daily living (ADLs) tasks to evaluate performance categorized using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) frameworks, in order to give the scope of current research and provide suggestions for future studies. Methods We conducted a literature search of assistive robotic manipulators from 1970 to 2012 in PubMed, Google Scholar, and University of Pittsburgh Library System – PITTCat. Results Twenty relevant studies were identified. Conclusion Studies were separated into two broad categories: user task preferences and user-interface performance measurements of commercialized and developing assistive robotic manipulators. The outcome measures and ICF codes associated with the performance evaluations are reported. Suggestions for the future studies include (1) standardized ADL tasks for the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of task efficiency and performance to build comparable measures between research groups, (2) studies relevant to the tasks from user priority lists and ICF codes, and (3) appropriate clinical functional assessment tests with consideration of constraints in assistive robotic manipulator user interfaces. In addition, these outcome measures will help physicians and therapists build standardized tools while prescribing and assessing assistive robotic manipulators. PMID:23820143

Specificity of Dyspraxia in Children with Autism

PubMed Central

MacNeil, Lindsey K.; Mostofsky, Stewart H.

2012-01-01

Objective To explore the specificity of impaired praxis and postural knowledge to autism by examining three samples of children, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and typically developing (TD) children. Method Twenty-four children with ASD, 24 children with ADHD, and 24 TD children, ages 8–13, completed measures assessing basic motor control (the Physical and Neurological Exam for Subtle Signs; PANESS), praxis (performance of skilled gestures to command, with imitation, and tool use) and the ability to recognize correct hand postures necessary to perform these skilled gestures (the Postural Knowledge Test; PKT). Results Children with ASD performed significantly worse than TD children on all three assessments. In contrast, children with ADHD performed significantly worse than TD controls on PANESS but not on the praxis examination or PKT. Furthermore, children with ASD performed significantly worse than children with ADHD on both the praxis examination and PKT, but not on the PANESS. Conclusions Whereas both children with ADHD and children with ASD show impairments in basic motor control, impairments in performance and recognition of skilled motor gestures, consistent with dyspraxia, appear to be specific to autism. The findings suggest that impaired formation of perceptual-motor action models necessary to development of skilled gestures and other goal directed behavior is specific to autism; whereas, impaired basic motor control may be a more generalized finding. PMID:22288405

The effects of individualized actigraph feedback on fatigue management in railroad engineers

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-01-01

A total of twenty-one participants completed the three-month study designed to assess the functionality of improving individual sleep habits with Actigraph Performance Feedback. There were eleven participants in the feedback group and ten participant...

Relative Citation Ratio of Top Twenty Macedonian Biomedical Scientists in PubMed: A New Metric that Uses Citation Rates to Measure Influence at the Article Level

PubMed Central

Spiroski, Mirko

2016-01-01

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze relative citation ratio (RCR) of top twenty Macedonian biomedical scientists with a new metric that uses citation rates to measure influence at the article level. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Top twenty Macedonian biomedical scientists were identified by GoPubMed on the base of the number of deposited abstracts in PubMed, corrected with the data from previously published paper, and completed with the Macedonian biomedical scientists working in countries outside the Republic of Macedonia, but born or previously worked in the country. iCite was used as a tool to access a dashboard of bibliometrics for papers associated with a portfolio. RESULTS: The biggest number of top twenty Macedonian biomedical scientists has RCR lower than one. Only four Macedonian biomedical scientists have bigger RCR in comparison with those in PubMed. The most prominent RCR of 2.29 has Rosoklija G. RCR of the most influenced individual papers deposited in PubMed has shown the biggest value for the paper of Efremov D (35.19). This paper has the biggest number of authors (860). CONCLUSION: It is necessary to accept top twenty Macedonian biomedical scientists as an example of new metric that uses citation rates to measure influence at the article level, rather than qualification of the best Macedonian biomedical scientists. PMID:27335586

An electroencephalographic Peak Density Function to detect memorization during the observation of TV commercials.

PubMed

Vecchiato, G; Di Flumeri, G; Maglione, A G; Cherubino, P; Kong, W; Trettel, A; Babiloni, F

2014-01-01

Nowadays, there is a growing interest in measuring the impact of advertisements through the estimation of cerebral reactions. Several techniques and methods are used and discussed in the consumer neuroscience. In such a context, the present paper provides a novel method to estimate the level of memorization occurred in subjects during the observation of TV commercials. In particular, the present work introduce the Peak Density Function (PDF) as an electroencephalographic (EEG) time-varying variable which is correlated with the cerebral events of memorization of TV commercials. The analysis has been performed on the EEG activity recorded on twenty healthy subjects during the exposition to several advertisements. After the EEG recordings, an interview has been performed to obtain the information about the memorized scenes for all the video clips watched by the subjects. Such information has been put in correlation with the occurrence of transient peaks of EEG synchronization in the theta band, by computing the PDF. The present results show that the increase of PDF is positively correlated, scene by scene, (R=0.46, p<;0.01) with the spontaneous recall of subjects. This technology could be of help for marketers to overcome the drawbacks of the standard marketing tools (e.g., interviews, focus groups) when analyzing the impact of advertisements.

Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty of Hepatic Artery Stenosis in Patients After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: Mid-term Results

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

Jarmila, Lastovickova, E-mail: jala@ikem.cz; Jan, Peregrin

2011-12-15

Purpose: This study was designed to present our experience with percutaneous treatment of hepatic artery stenosis in orthotopic liver transplant patients and to evaluate the efficacy, technical outcomes, and mid-term clinical results of the procedure. Methods: Twenty-two percutaneous transluminal angioplasties (PTAs) were performed in 19 liver transplant recipients at our institution between 1998 and 2010. Stents were placed into the hepatic/celiac artery in 16 PTAs, but balloon dilatation alone was performed in 6 because of the anatomical condition of the vessel. PTA/stenting was indicated in 17 patients because of elevated liver enzymes; 2 patients were asymptomatic. The objective of treatingmore » stenosis was prevention of long-term complications, including thrombosis. Results: Technical success was achieved in all patients. There was only one complication: dissection of the treated artery without any subsequent adverse effects. In all patients, elevated liver enzyme levels improved after treatment. No restenosis was observed in any patient during a mean follow-up of 2.6 years (1 month to 5.5 years). Conclusions: Percutaneous angioplasty/stent placement is a safe method for the treatment of hepatic artery stenosis after orthotopic liver transplantation, with a high technical success rate and promising mid-term results.« less

Robotic weld overlay coatings for erosion control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

The erosion of materials by the impact of solid particles has received increasing attention during the past twenty years. Recently, research has been initiated with the event of advanced coal conversion processes in which erosion plays an important role. The resulting damage, termed Solid Particle Erosion (SPE), is of concern primarily because of the significantly increased operating costs which result in material failures. Reduced power plant efficiency due to solid particle erosion of boiler tubes and waterfalls has led to various methods to combat SPE. One method is to apply coatings to the components subjected to erosive environments. Protective weld overlay coatings are particularly advantageous in terms of coating quality. The weld overlay coatings are essentially immune to spallation due to a strong metallurgical bond with the substrate material. By using powder mixtures, multiple alloys can be mixed in order to achieve the best performance in an erosive environment. However, a review of the literature revealed a lack of information on weld overlay coating performance in erosive environments which makes the selection of weld overlay alloys a difficult task. The objective of this project is to determine the effects of weld overlay coating composition and microstructure on erosion resistance. These results will lead to a better understanding of erosion mitigation in CFB's.

Liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometric methods for the surveillance monitoring of cyanotoxins in freshwaters.

PubMed

Bogialli, Sara; Bortolini, Claudio; Di Gangi, Iole Maria; Di Gregorio, Federica Nigro; Lucentini, Luca; Favaro, Gabriella; Pastore, Paolo

2017-08-01

A comprehensive risk management on human exposure to cyanotoxins, whose production is actually unpredictable, is limited by reliable analytical tools for monitoring as many toxic algal metabolites as possible. Two analytical approaches based on a LC-QTOF system for target analysis and suspect screening of cyanotoxins in freshwater were presented. A database with 369 compounds belonging to cyanobacterial metabolites was developed and used for a retrospective data analysis based on high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). HRMS fragmentation of the suspect cyanotoxin precursor ions was subsequently performed for correctly identifying the specific variants. Alternatively, an automatic tandem HRMS analysis tailored for cyanotoxins was performed in a single chromatographic run, using the developed database as a preferred precursor ions list. Twenty-five extracts of surface and drinking waters contaminated by cyanobacteria were processed. The identification of seven uncommon microcystins (M(O)R, MC-FR, MSer 7 -YR, D-Asp 3 MSer 7 -LR, MSer 7 -LR, dmAdda-LR and dmAdda-YR) and 6 anabaenopeptins (A, B, F, MM850, MM864, oscyllamide Y) was reported. Several isobaric variants, fully separated by chromatography, were pointed out. The developed methods are proposed to be used by environmental and health agencies for strengthening the surveillance monitoring of cyanotoxins in water. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Parents' School Satisfaction and Academic Socialization Predict Adolescents' Autonomous Motivation: A Mixed-Method Study of Low-Income Ethnic Minority Families

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Suizzo, Marie-Anne; Jackson, Karen Moran; Pahlke, Erin; McClain, Shannon; Marroquin, Yesenia; Blondeau, Lauren A.; Hong, KyongJoo

2016-01-01

In this mixed-methods study, we used an explanatory sequential design to investigate the processes through which parental involvement influences adolescents' achievement motivation. One hundred twenty low-income urban parents and their sixth-grade adolescents completed questionnaires, and a subsample of 11 mothers and 11 adolescents were…

A Comparative Study on Power Point Presentation and Traditional Lecture Method in Material Understandability, Effectiveness and Attitude

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sewasew, Daniel; Mengestle, Missaye; Abate, Gebeyehu

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare PPT and traditional lecture method in material understandability, effectiveness and attitude among university students. Comparative descriptive survey research design was employed to answer the research questions raised. Four hundred and twenty nine participants were selected randomly using stratified sampling…

Parents as Educators of Sex and Relationship Education: The Role for Effective Communication in British Families

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turnbull, Triece; van Wersch, Anna; van Schaik, Paul

2011-01-01

Objective: To identify how British families discuss sexual matters and to determine if the use of a multimedia computer program increases knowledge to promote communication about sexual topics. Design: A mixed-method approach in which families were interviewed within the family environment. Method: Twenty families from the north east of England…

Reducing the High School Dropout Rate. KIDS COUNT Indicator Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shore, Rima; Shore, Barbara

2009-01-01

Researchers use many different methods to calculate the high school dropout rate, and depending on the approach, the numbers can look very different. But, no matter which method is used, the key finding is the same: too many students are leaving school without the knowledge and skills they need to meet the demands of twenty-first century…

Performance on the Balance Scale by Two-Year Old Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Halford, Graeme S.; Dalton, Cherie

Twenty-two children ranging in age from 2 to 3 years were tested on their abilities to apply weight and distance rules to the balance scale. This study was performed to test the prediction that 2-year-olds would be able to understand either a weight rule or a distance rule, but not be able to integrate the two. The sample group was instructed in…

The Effect of Dietary Pattern and Body Mass Index on the Academic Performance of In-School Adolescents

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ogunsile, Seyi Elizabeth

2012-01-01

The main objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary pattern and body mass index on the academic performance of in-school adolescents in Ekiti State. One hundred and twenty eight students (10-19 years) selected from three senior secondary schools in Ekiti State Nigeria, formed the participants for this study. Questionnaire was…

Self-Talk in Wheelchair Basketball: The Effects of an Intervention Program on Dribbling and Passing Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harbalis, Thomas; Hatzigeorgiadis, Antonis; Theodorakis, Yannis

2008-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a self-talk intervention program on performance of wheelchair basketball drills. Twenty-two (N = 22) wheelchair basketball athletes from two different clubs of the same league participated in the study. The duration of the intervention was 12 weeks and its aim was the improvement of two…

The Validity and Reliability of the Gymaware Linear Position Transducer for Measuring Counter-Movement Jump Performance in Female Athletes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Donnell, Shannon; Tavares, Francisco; McMaster, Daniel; Chambers, Samuel; Driller, Matthew

2018-01-01

The current study aimed to assess the validity and test-retest reliability of a linear position transducer when compared to a force plate through a counter-movement jump in female participants. Twenty-seven female recreational athletes (19 ± 2 years) performed three counter-movement jumps simultaneously using the linear position transducer and…

A Statistical Discrimination Experiment for Eurasian Events Using a Twenty-Seven-Station Network

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-07-08

to test the effectiveness of a multivariate method of analysis for distinguishing earthquakes from explosions. The data base for the experiment...to test the effectiveness of a multivariate method of analysis for distinguishing earthquakes from explosions. The data base for the experiment...the weight assigned to each variable whenever a new one is added. Jennrich, R. I. (1977). Stepwise discriminant analysis , in Statistical Methods for

Evaluation of equipment and methods to map lost circulation zones in geothermal wells

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

McDonald, W.J.; Leon, P.A.; Pittard, G.

A study and evaluation of methods to locate, characterize, and quantify lost circulation zones are described. Twenty-five methods of mapping and quantifying lost circulation zones were evaluated, including electrical, acoustical, mechanical, radioactive, and optical systems. Each tool studied is described. The structured, numerical evaluation plan, used as the basis for comparing the 25 tools, and the resulting ranking among the tools is presented.

Cemented total hip replacement cable debris and acetabular construct durability.

PubMed

Altenburg, Aaron J; Callaghan, John J; Yehyawi, Tameem M; Pedersen, Douglas R; Liu, Steve S; Leinen, Jessica A; Dahl, Kevin A; Goetz, Devon D; Brown, Thomas D; Johnston, Richard C

2009-07-01

Third-body wear can adversely affect the outcome of total hip arthroplasty by causing increased polyethylene wear, osteolysis, and component loosening. We hypothesized that there would be greater generation and migration of metal debris to the bearing surfaces in hips in which cobalt-chromium cables were used to reattach the osteotomized greater trochanter when compared with hips in which stainless steel wires were used. Between June 1981 and December 1983, 196 consecutive total hip arthroplasties were performed with use of an Iowa stem and a titanium-backed cemented acetabular component, with cobalt-chromium cable trochanteric reattachment. After nineteen to twenty years of follow-up, the patients were evaluated with regard to the depth of head penetration into the polyethylene (as a surrogate for wear), osteolysis, loosening, and the need for revision. The results were compared with those for a series of 304 total hip arthroplasties that were performed by the same surgeon from January 1984 to December 1985 with use of the same components and the same surgical technique, but with stainless steel wire trochanteric reattachment. The two groups had a comparable nineteen to twenty-year follow-up. All living patients (fifty-nine hips in the cable group and ninety-two hips in the wire group) had minimum ten-year follow-up radiographs. The polyethylene wear rate was 0.101 mm/yr for the cable group and 0.082 mm/yr for the wire group (p = 0.039). For the living patients, the rate of revision of the acetabular component because of aseptic loosening was 37.3% (twenty-two hips) for the cable group and 20.7% (nineteen hips) for the wire group (p = 0.025). The rate of acetabular osteolysis was 44% (twenty-six hips) for the cable group and 26% (twenty-four hips) for the wire group (p = 0.022). Kaplan-Meier analysis with revision of the acetabular component because of aseptic loosening as the end point demonstrated survival rates of 73.7% +/- 9% and 83% +/- 7% for the cable and wire groups, respectively, at twenty years (p = 0.03). Because cable trochanteric attachment led to significantly greater polyethylene wear, osteolysis, acetabular loosening, and acetabular revision, presumably due to third-body metallic debris generation in this cemented total hip replacement construct, surgeons should be aware of the deleterious effects of third-body debris and avoid the use of potential debris generators in the total hip arthroplasty construct. If cable is used and fretting is recognized, especially with intra-articular migration of metallic material or nonunion of the greater trochanter, consideration should be given to cable removal.

Prospective evaluation of intra-operative quick parathyroid hormone assay as an early predictor of post thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia.

PubMed

Reddy, Ashwini C; Chand, Gyan; Sabaretnam, M; Mishra, Anjali; Agarwal, Gaurav; Agarwal, Amit; Verma, A K; Mishra, S K

2016-10-01

Hypocalcaemia following total thyroidectomy is a major contributing factor in delayed hospital discharge and dissuading surgeons from day care thyroidectomy. We prospectively evaluated the utility of Intra-operative serum quick parathyroid hormone level measurement twenty minutes after total thyroidectomy in predicting post-operative hypocalcemia. Prospective longitudinal study which included patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for benign or malignant thyroid disorders at SGPGIMS, Lucknow, India from November 2013 to February 2015. Patients who received calcium prophylaxis were excluded from the study. Intraoperative serum quick PTH level measurements were done twenty minutes after resection of thyroid. Serum calcium levels were estimated preoperatively and on three consecutive post operative days. Calcium supplementation was started in patients with symptomatic hypocalcemia. The study included 100 patients with a mean age of 41 years, range 17-72 years. 48 patients had Euthyroid multinodular goitre, 10 patients grave's disease and 42 patients had differentiated thyroid cancer. Total thyroidectomy was performed in 88 patients, total thyroidectomy with lymph node dissection in 12 patients. Post-operatively 23% patients experienced symptomatic hypocalcemia. The IOPTH level of 9 pmol/L, twenty minutes after total thyroidectomy, had the highest sensitivity and specificity of 92% and 83% respectively in predicting post-operative hypocalcemia. Parathyroid hormone assay twenty minutes after thyroidectomy is an accurate and reliable means of predicting clinically relevant hypocalcemia. Patients with PTH values greater than 9 pmol/L twenty minutes after thyroidectomy, can be safely discharged on the same postoperative day as the probability of life threatening hypocalcemia is unlikely. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Relative Contributions of Mean-State Shifts and ENSO-Driven Variability to Precipitation Changes in a Warming Climate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bonfils, Celine J. W.; Santer, Benjamin D.; Phillips, Thomas J.; Marvel, Kate; Leung, L. Ruby; Doutriaux, Charles; Capotondi, Antonietta

2015-01-01

El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is an important driver of regional hydroclimate variability through far-reaching teleconnections. This study uses simulations performed with coupled general circulation models (CGCMs) to investigate how regional precipitation in the twenty-first century may be affected by changes in both ENSO-driven precipitation variability and slowly evolving mean rainfall. First, a dominant, time-invariant pattern of canonical ENSO variability (cENSO) is identified in observed SST data. Next, the fidelity with which 33 state-of-the-art CGCMs represent the spatial structure and temporal variability of this pattern (as well as its associated precipitation responses) is evaluated in simulations of twentieth-century climate change. Possible changes in both the temporal variability of this pattern and its associated precipitation teleconnections are investigated in twenty-first-century climate projections. Models with better representation of the observed structure of the cENSO pattern produce winter rainfall teleconnection patterns that are in better accord with twentieth-century observations and more stationary during the twenty-first century. Finally, the model-predicted twenty-first-century rainfall response to cENSO is decomposed into the sum of three terms: 1) the twenty-first-century change in the mean state of precipitation, 2) the historical precipitation response to the cENSO pattern, and 3) a future enhancement in the rainfall response to cENSO, which amplifies rainfall extremes. By examining the three terms jointly, this conceptual framework allows the identification of regions likely to experience future rainfall anomalies that are without precedent in the current climate.

Preoperative surgical rehearsal using cadaveric fresh tissue surgical simulation increases resident operative confidence.

PubMed

Weber, Erin L; Leland, Hyuma A; Azadgoli, Beina; Minneti, Michael; Carey, Joseph N

2017-08-01

Rehearsal is an essential part of mastering any technical skill. The efficacy of surgical rehearsal is currently limited by low fidelity simulation models. Fresh cadaver models, however, offer maximal surgical simulation. We hypothesize that preoperative surgical rehearsal using fresh tissue surgical simulation will improve resident confidence and serve as an important adjunct to current training methods. Preoperative rehearsal of surgical procedures was performed by plastic surgery residents using fresh cadavers in a simulated operative environment. Rehearsal was designed to mimic the clinical operation, complete with a surgical technician to assist. A retrospective, web-based survey was used to assess resident perception of pre- and post-procedure confidence, preparation, technique, speed, safety, and anatomical knowledge on a 5-point scale (1= not confident, 5= very confident). Twenty-six rehearsals were performed by 9 residents (PGY 1-7) an average of 4.7±2.1 days prior to performance of the scheduled operation. Surveys demonstrated a median pre-simulation confidence score of 2 and a post-rehearsal score of 4 (P<0.01). The perceived improvement in confidence and performance was greatest when simulation was performed within 3 days of the scheduled case. All residents felt that cadaveric simulation was better than standard preparation methods of self-directed reading or discussion with other surgeons. All residents believed that their technique, speed, safety, and anatomical knowledge improved as a result of simulation. Fresh tissue-based preoperative surgical rehearsal was effectively implemented in the residency program. Resident confidence and perception of technique improved. Survey results suggest that cadaveric simulation is beneficial for all levels of residents. We believe that implementation of preoperative surgical rehearsal is an effective adjunct to surgical training at all skill levels in the current environment of decreased work hours.

Assessment of Radiologist Performance in the Detection of Lung Nodules: Dependence on the Definition of “Truth”

PubMed Central

Armato, Samuel G.; Roberts, Rachael Y.; Kocherginsky, Masha; Aberle, Denise R.; Kazerooni, Ella A.; MacMahon, Heber; van Beek, Edwin J.R.; Yankelevitz, David; McLennan, Geoffrey; McNitt-Gray, Michael F.; Meyer, Charles R.; Reeves, Anthony P.; Caligiuri, Philip; Quint, Leslie E.; Sundaram, Baskaran; Croft, Barbara Y.; Clarke, Laurence P.

2008-01-01

Rationale and Objectives Studies that evaluate the lung-nodule-detection performance of radiologists or computerized methods depend on an initial inventory of the nodules within the thoracic images (the “truth”). The purpose of this study was to analyze (1) variability in the “truth” defined by different combinations of experienced thoracic radiologists and (2) variability in the performance of other experienced thoracic radiologists based on these definitions of “truth” in the context of lung nodule detection on computed tomography (CT) scans. Materials and Methods Twenty-five thoracic CT scans were reviewed by four thoracic radiologists, who independently marked lesions they considered to be nodules ≥ 3 mm in maximum diameter. Panel “truth” sets of nodules then were derived from the nodules marked by different combinations of two and three of these four radiologists. The nodule-detection performance of the other radiologists was evaluated based on these panel “truth” sets. Results The number of “true” nodules in the different panel “truth” sets ranged from 15–89 (mean: 49.8±25.6). The mean radiologist nodule-detection sensitivities across radiologists and panel “truth” sets for different panel “truth” conditions ranged from 51.0–83.2%; mean false-positive rates ranged from 0.33–1.39 per case. Conclusion Substantial variability exists across radiologists in the task of lung nodule identification in CT scans. The definition of “truth” on which lung nodule detection studies are based must be carefully considered, since even experienced thoracic radiologists may not perform well when measured against the “truth” established by other experienced thoracic radiologists. PMID:19064209

Effect of Kınesıotapıng and Knee Brace on Functıonal Performance in Recreatıonal Athletes

PubMed Central

Ulusoy, Burak; İldiz, Bülent; Tunay, Volga Bayrakçı

2014-01-01

Objectives: Kinesiotaping is a popular taping method that is used for both therapeutic and performance enchancement purposes. Knee braces are widely used for prevention in sport injuries but their performance effectiveness is still controversial. The aim of this study was to determine whether kinesiotape or brace was more effective on functional performance. Methods: A total twenty male recreational football players (Mean±Standart Deviation (SD) age: 22.5±0.68 years, height: 175.15±3.37 cm, body weight: 74.52±12.41 kg), voluntarily participated in this study. Participants were tested with kinesiotape, with brace and without kinesiotape and brace. Tests were applied one day after patellar kinesiotaping (correction technique). Balance property measured with Modified Y balance Test (dynamic test), agility measured by T test, muscle strength and anaerobic power assessed by vertical jump and triple hop tests. Wilcoxon signed rank test was employed for determining the statistical significance of tests with kinesiotape, with brace and without kinesiotape and brace. Results: In analysis; There were statistically significant differences found in Triple hop test with kinesiotaping and without kinesiotaping and brace, in T test with bracing and kinesiotaping, in vertical jump with kinesiotaping and without kinesiotaping and brace (p<0.001) (in the favour of kinesiotaping in all tests) No statistically significant difference was found in modified Y balance test all groups (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Consequently, kinesiotaping had positive effects on agility and muscle strength but had no effects on balance in football players. On the other hand, brace had no effects on functional performance tests.

Arthroscopic skills assessment and use of box model for training in arthroscopic surgery using Sawbones – “FAST” workstation

PubMed Central

Goyal, Saumitra; Radi, Mohamed Abdel; Ramadan, Islam Karam-allah; Said, Hatem Galal

2016-01-01

Purpose: Arthroscopic skills training outside the operative room may decrease risks and errors by trainee surgeons. There is a need of simple objective method for evaluating proficiency and skill of arthroscopy trainees using simple bench model of arthroscopic simulator. The aim of this study is to correlate motor task performance to level of prior arthroscopic experience and establish benchmarks for training modules. Methods: Twenty orthopaedic surgeons performed a set of tasks to assess a) arthroscopic triangulation, b) navigation, c) object handling and d) meniscus trimming using SAWBONES “FAST” arthroscopy skills workstation. Time to completion and the errors were computed. The subjects were divided into four levels; “Novice”, “Beginner”, “Intermediate” and “Advanced” based on previous arthroscopy experience, for analyses of performance. Results: The task performance under transparent dome was not related to experience of the surgeon unlike opaque dome, highlighting the importance of hand-eye co-ordination required in arthroscopy. Median time to completion for each task improved as the level of experience increased and this was found to be statistically significant (p < .05) e.g. time for maze navigation (Novice – 166 s, Beginner – 135.5 s, Intermediate – 100 s, Advance – 97.5 s) and the similar results for all tasks. Majority (>85%) of subjects across all the levels reported improvement in performance with sequential tasks. Conclusion: Use of the arthroscope requires visuo-spatial coordination which is a skill that develops with practice. This simple box model can reliably differentiate the arthroscopic skills based on experience and can be used to monitor progression of skills of trainees in institutions. PMID:27801643

Estimation of 1RM for knee extension based on the maximal isometric muscle strength and body composition.

PubMed

Kanada, Yoshikiyo; Sakurai, Hiroaki; Sugiura, Yoshito; Arai, Tomoaki; Koyama, Soichiro; Tanabe, Shigeo

2017-11-01

[Purpose] To create a regression formula in order to estimate 1RM for knee extensors, based on the maximal isometric muscle strength measured using a hand-held dynamometer and data regarding the body composition. [Subjects and Methods] Measurement was performed in 21 healthy males in their twenties to thirties. Single regression analysis was performed, with measurement values representing 1RM and the maximal isometric muscle strength as dependent and independent variables, respectively. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis was performed, with data regarding the body composition incorporated as another independent variable, in addition to the maximal isometric muscle strength. [Results] Through single regression analysis with the maximal isometric muscle strength as an independent variable, the following regression formula was created: 1RM (kg)=0.714 + 0.783 × maximal isometric muscle strength (kgf). On multiple regression analysis, only the total muscle mass was extracted. [Conclusion] A highly accurate regression formula to estimate 1RM was created based on both the maximal isometric muscle strength and body composition. Using a hand-held dynamometer and body composition analyzer, it was possible to measure these items in a short time, and obtain clinically useful results.

Tracked ultrasound calibration studies with a phantom made of LEGO bricks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soehl, Marie; Walsh, Ryan; Rankin, Adam; Lasso, Andras; Fichtinger, Gabor

2014-03-01

In this study, spatial calibration of tracked ultrasound was compared by using a calibration phantom made of LEGO® bricks and two 3-D printed N-wire phantoms. METHODS: The accuracy and variance of calibrations were compared under a variety of operating conditions. Twenty trials were performed using an electromagnetic tracking device with a linear probe and three trials were performed using varied probes, varied tracking devices and the three aforementioned phantoms. The accuracy and variance of spatial calibrations found through the standard deviation and error of the 3-D image reprojection were used to compare the calibrations produced from the phantoms. RESULTS: This study found no significant difference between the measured variables of the calibrations. The average standard deviation of multiple 3-D image reprojections with the highest performing printed phantom and those from the phantom made of LEGO® bricks differed by 0.05 mm and the error of the reprojections differed by 0.13 mm. CONCLUSION: Given that the phantom made of LEGO® bricks is significantly less expensive, more readily available, and more easily modified than precision-machined N-wire phantoms, it prompts to be a viable calibration tool especially for quick laboratory research and proof of concept implementations of tracked ultrasound navigation.

Pragmatic Language Profiles of School-Age Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders and Williams Syndrome

PubMed Central

Philofsky, Amy; Fidler, Deborah J.; Hepburn, Susan

2015-01-01

Purpose To describe and compare the pragmatic language profiles of school-age children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and Williams syndrome (WS) on a standardized measure to determine whether a standard pragmatics tool can differentiate between 2 groups of children with opposing social presentations and pragmatic language difficulties. Method Twenty-two parents of school-age children with ASD, 21 parents of school-age children with WS, and 19 parents of school-age typically developing children rated their child on the Children’s Communication Checklist—Second Edition (CCC–2; D. Bishop, 2003), a standardized pragmatic language assessment tool. Results Both clinical groups demonstrated impairment in overall communication and pragmatic language functioning, but children with WS performed significantly better on overall pragmatic language functioning, and the magnitude of the effect was medium. Profile examination revealed equivalent performances between ASD and WS on most CCC–2 subscales; however, significantly better performances on the Coherence, Stereotyped Language, Nonverbal Communication, and Social Relations subscales were observed in WS. Conclusions The CCC–2 appears to provide an effective means to identify and characterize pragmatic language difficulties using a standardized approach in children with ASD and WS. PMID:17971496

Sensorimotor Plasticity after Music-Supported Therapy in Chronic Stroke Patients Revealed by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

PubMed Central

Amengual, Julià L.; Rojo, Nuria; Veciana de las Heras, Misericordia; Marco-Pallarés, Josep; Grau-Sánchez, Jennifer; Schneider, Sabine; Vaquero, Lucía; Juncadella, Montserrat; Montero, Jordi; Mohammadi, Bahram; Rubio, Francisco; Rueda, Nohora; Duarte, Esther; Grau, Carles; Altenmüller, Eckart; Münte, Thomas F.; Rodríguez-Fornells, Antoni

2013-01-01

Background Several recently developed therapies targeting motor disabilities in stroke sufferers have shown to be more effective than standard neurorehabilitation approaches. In this context, several basic studies demonstrated that music training produces rapid neuroplastic changes in motor-related brain areas. Music-supported therapy has been recently developed as a new motor rehabilitation intervention. Methods and Results In order to explore the plasticity effects of music-supported therapy, this therapeutic intervention was applied to twenty chronic stroke patients. Before and after the music-supported therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation was applied for the assessment of excitability changes in the motor cortex and a 3D movement analyzer was used for the assessment of motor performance parameters such as velocity, acceleration and smoothness in a set of diadochokinetic movement tasks. Our results suggest that the music-supported therapy produces changes in cortical plasticity leading the improvement of the subjects' motor performance. Conclusion Our findings represent the first evidence of the neurophysiological changes induced by this therapy in chronic stroke patients, and their link with the amelioration of motor performance. Further studies are needed to confirm our observations. PMID:23613966

Carbon storage and sequestration by trees in VIT University campus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saral, A. Mary; SteffySelcia, S.; Devi, Keerthana

2017-11-01

The present study addresses carbon storage and sequestration by trees grown in VIT University campus, Vellore. Approximately twenty trees were selected from Woodstockarea. The above ground biomass and below ground biomass were calculated. The above ground biomass includes non-destructive anddestructive sampling. The Non-destructive method includes the measurement of height of thetree and diameter of the tree. The height of the tree is calculated using Total Station instrument and diameter is calculated using measuring tape. In the destructive method the weight of samples (leaves) and sub-samples (fruits, flowers) of the tree were considered. To calculate the belowground biomass soil samples are taken and analyzed. The results obtained were used to predict the carbon storage. It was found that out of twenty tree samples Millingtonia hortensis which is commonly known as Cork tree possess maximum carbon storage (14.342kg/tree) and carbon sequestration (52.583kg/tree) respectively.

Analysis of swimming performance from physical, physiological, and biomechanical parameters in young swimmers.

PubMed

Jürimäe, Jaak; Haljaste, Kaja; Cicchella, Antonio; Lätt, Evelin; Purge, Priit; Leppik, Aire; Jürimäe, Toivo

2007-02-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the energy cost of swimming, body composition, and technical parameters on swimming performance in young swimmers. Twenty-nine swimmers, 15 prepubertal (11.9 +/- 0.3 years; Tanner Stages 1-2) and 14 pubertal (14.3 +/- 1.4 years; Tanner Stages 3-4) boys participated in the study. The energy cost of swimming (Cs) and stroking parameters were assessed over maximal 400-m front-crawl swimming in a 25-m swimming pool. The backward extrapolation technique was used to evaluate peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak). A stroke index (SI; m2 . s(-1) . cycles(-1)) was calculated by multiplying the swimming speed by the stroke length. VO2peak results were compared with VO2peak test in the laboratory (bicycle, 2.86 +/- 0.74 L/min, vs. in water, 2.53 +/- 0.50 L/min; R2 = .713; p = .0001). Stepwise-regression analyses revealed that SI (R2 = .898), in-water VO2peak (R2 = .358), and arm span (R2 = .454) were the best predictors of swimming performance. The backward-extrapolation method could be used to assess VO2peak in young swimmers. SI, arm span, and VO2peak appear to be the major determinants of front-crawl swimming performance in young swimmers.

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Total Colectomy

PubMed Central

Ojo, Oluwatosin J.; Carne, David; Guyton, Daniel

2012-01-01

Background and Objectives: To present our experience with a single-incision laparoscopic total colectomy, along with a literature review of all published cases on single-incision laparoscopic total colectomy. Methods: A total of 22 cases were published between 2010 and 2011, with our patient being case 23. These procedures were performed in the United States and United Kingdom. Surgical procedures included total colectomy with end ileostomy, proctocolectomy with ileorectal anastomosis, and total proctocolectomy with ileopouch-anal anastomosis. Intraoperative and postoperative data are analyzed. Results: Twenty-two of the 23 cases were performed for benign cases including Crohns, ulcerative colitis, and familial adenomatous polyposis. One case was performed for adenocarcinoma of the cecum. The mean age was 35.3 years (range, 13 to 64), the mean body mass index was 20.1 (range, 19 to 25), mean operative time was 175.9 minutes (range, 139 to 216), mean blood loss was 95.3mL (range, 59 to 200), mean incision length was 2.61cm (range, 2 to 3). Average follow-up was 4.6 months with 2 reported complications. Conclusions: Single-incision laparoscopic total colectomy is feasible and safe in the hands of an experienced surgeon. It has been performed for both benign and malignant cases. It is comparable to the conventional multi-port laparoscopic total colectomy. PMID:22906326

The Effects of Guided Imagery on Heart Rate Variability in Simulated Spaceflight Emergency Tasks Performers

PubMed Central

Yijing, Zhang; Xiaoping, Du; Fang, Liu; Xiaolu, Jing; Bin, Wu

2015-01-01

Objectives. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of guided imagery training on heart rate variability in individuals while performing spaceflight emergency tasks. Materials and Methods. Twenty-one student subjects were recruited for the experiment and randomly divided into two groups: imagery group (n = 11) and control group (n = 10). The imagery group received instructor-guided imagery (session 1) and self-guided imagery training (session 2) consecutively, while the control group only received conventional training. Electrocardiograms of the subjects were recorded during their performance of nine spaceflight emergency tasks after imagery training. Results. In both of the sessions, the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), the standard deviation of all normal NN (SDNN), the proportion of NN50 divided by the total number of NNs (PNN50), the very low frequency (VLF), the low frequency (LF), the high frequency (HF), and the total power (TP) in the imagery group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Moreover, LF/HF of the subjects after instructor-guided imagery training was lower than that after self-guided imagery training. Conclusions. Guided imagery was an effective regulator for HRV indices and could be a potential stress countermeasure in performing spaceflight tasks. PMID:26137491

Effects of training on short- and long-term skill retention in a complex multiple-task environment.

PubMed

Sauer, J; Hockey, G R; Wastell, D G

2000-12-01

The paper reports the results of an experiment on the performance and retention of a complex task. This was a computer-based simulation of the essential elements of a spacecraft's life support system. It allowed the authors to take a range of measures, including primary and secondary task performance, system intervention and information sampling strategies, mental model structure, and subjective operator state. The study compared the effectiveness of two methods of training, based on low level (procedure-based) and high level (system-based) understanding. Twenty-five participants were trained extensively on the task, then given a 1-h testing session. A second testing session was carried out 8 months after the first (with no intervening practice) with 17 of the original participants. While training had little effect on control performance, there were considerable effects on system management strategies, as well as in structure of operator's mental model. In the second testing session, the anticipated general performance decrement did not occur, though for complex faults there was an increase in selectivity towards the primary control task. The relevance of the findings for training and skill retention in real work environments is discussed in the context of a model of compensatory control.

Effects of pelvic compression belts on the kinematics and kinetics of the lower extremities during sit-to-stand maneuvers

PubMed Central

Kim, Jong Moon; Je, Hyun Dong; Kim, Hyeong-Dong

2017-01-01

[Purpose] To investigate the effects of a pelvic compression belt (PCB) and chair height on the kinematics and kinetics of the lower extremity during sit-to-stand (STS) maneuvers in healthy people. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-two people participated in this study. They were required to perform STS maneuvers under four conditions. Hip joint moment and angular displacement of the hip, knee, and ankle were measured. A PCB was also applied below the anterior superior iliac spine. [Results] The angular displacement of the ankle joint increased while performing STS maneuvers from a normal chair with a PCB in phase 1, and decreased during phase 2 when performing STS maneuvers from a high chair. The overall angular displacement in phase 3 was decreased while rising from a chair with a PCB and rising from a high chair. When performed STS maneuvers from a high chair, the angular displacement of the hip, knee, and ankle joint decreased considerably in phase 3. This decreased lower extremity motion in phase 3 indicated that participants required less momentum to complete the maneuver. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that a PCB might be appropriate for patients with pelvic girdle pain and lower back pain related to pregnancy. PMID:28878454

Effects of pelvic compression belts on the kinematics and kinetics of the lower extremities during sit-to-stand maneuvers.

PubMed

Kim, Jong Moon; Je, Hyun Dong; Kim, Hyeong-Dong

2017-08-01

[Purpose] To investigate the effects of a pelvic compression belt (PCB) and chair height on the kinematics and kinetics of the lower extremity during sit-to-stand (STS) maneuvers in healthy people. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-two people participated in this study. They were required to perform STS maneuvers under four conditions. Hip joint moment and angular displacement of the hip, knee, and ankle were measured. A PCB was also applied below the anterior superior iliac spine. [Results] The angular displacement of the ankle joint increased while performing STS maneuvers from a normal chair with a PCB in phase 1, and decreased during phase 2 when performing STS maneuvers from a high chair. The overall angular displacement in phase 3 was decreased while rising from a chair with a PCB and rising from a high chair. When performed STS maneuvers from a high chair, the angular displacement of the hip, knee, and ankle joint decreased considerably in phase 3. This decreased lower extremity motion in phase 3 indicated that participants required less momentum to complete the maneuver. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that a PCB might be appropriate for patients with pelvic girdle pain and lower back pain related to pregnancy.

[ALK gene fusion associated non-small cell lung cancer: automated immunostainer detection and clinicopathologic perspectives].

PubMed

Shen, Qin; Pan, Yi; Yu, Bo; Shi, Shanshan; Liu, Biao; Xu, Yan; Wang, Yanfen; Xia, Qiuyuan; Rao, Qiu; Lu, Zhenfeng; Shi, Qunli; Zhou, Xiaojun

2015-03-01

To explore the automated immunostainer screening anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene fusion non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and clinicopathological characteristics of the molecular subtype lung cancers. Methods Five hundred and sixty-six cases of NSCLC were collected over a 16 month period. The test for ALK was performed by Ventana automated immunostainer with anti-ALK D5F3. The histological features, treatment and outcome of patients were assessed. Results Thirty-eight cases (6.7%, 38/566) of NSCLC showed ALK gene fusion. The frequency of ALK gene fusion was higher in male (7.1%, 25/350) than that in female (6.0%, 13/216) patients, but not achieving statistical significance (chi2 = 0.270, P = 0.604). ALK + NSCLC was more significantly more frequent in patients < or = 60 years (9.9%, 28/282) than >60 years (3.5% , 10/284) of age. Histologically, the ALK + NSCLCs were mostly adenocarcinoma (81.6%, 31/38) , among which eighteen cases were solid predominant subtype with mucin production; nine cases were acinar predominant subtype; one case was papillary predominant subtype and three cases were invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma. The ALK + non-adenocarcinoma included three cases of squamous cell carcinoma, three cases of adenosquamous carcinoma and one case of pleomorphic carcinoma. Among the ALK + NSCLC patients, the number of non/light cigarette smokers (86. 8% , 33/38) was more than that of heavy smokers. Twenty-nine cases were stages III and IV; twenty-nine cases showed lymph node metastasis; twenty cases showed metastases mostly to brain and bone; and one case showed EGFR gene mutation coexisting with ALK gene fusion. Twelve of fifteen patients received crizotinib therapy and remained stable. Conclusions NSCLC with ALK gene rearrangement shows distinctive clinical and histological features. Ventana-IHC may he a feasible and valid technique for detection of ALK rearrangement in NSCLC.

Twenty-four hour peaking relationship to level of service and other measures of effectiveness.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-06-01

Transportation planners and traffic engineers are increasingly interested in traffic analysis tools that analyze : demand profiles and performance that go beyond analysis of the traditional peak hours and extend the analysis to : other hours of the d...

Evaluation of experimental railroad-highway grade crossings in Louisiana : interim report No. 5.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1980-04-01

This interim report is prepared to provide a review of the performance evaluation exhibited on twenty-three (23) experimental railroad-highway grade-crossing projects in the state of Louisiana. The railroad crossings were installed during a ten-year ...

The space telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

Papers concerning the development of the Space Telescope which were presented at the Twenty-first Annual Meeting of the American Astronautical Society in August, 1975 are included. Mission planning, telescope performance, optical detectors, mirror construction, pointing and control systems, data management, and maintenance of the telescope are discussed.

Treatment with Tyrosine, a Neurotransmitter Precursor, Reduces Environmental Stress in Humans,

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-03-01

knowledge to problems, processing spatial and verbal information, performing mathematical calculations, and making decisions (16). We also measured... decaffeinated coffee were also available. Subjects refrained from alcohol consumption at least twenty four hours before each test day. The evening

Biofeedback and dance performance: a preliminary investigation.

PubMed

Raymond, Joshua; Sajid, Imran; Parkinson, Lesley A; Gruzelier, John H

2005-03-01

Alpha-theta neurofeedback has been shown to produce professionally significant performance improvements in music students. The present study aimed to extend this work to a different performing art and compare alpha-theta neurofeedback with another form of biofeedback: heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback. Twenty-four ballroom and Latin dancers were randomly allocated to three groups, one receiving neurofeedback, one HRV biofeedback and one no intervention. Dance was assessed before and after training. Performance improvements were found in the biofeedback groups but not in the control group. Neurofeedback and HRV biofeedback benefited performance in different ways. A replication with larger sample sizes is required.

Effects of Different Combinations of Strength, Power, and Plyometric Training on the Physical Performance of Elite Young Soccer Players.

PubMed

Kobal, Ronaldo; Loturco, Irineu; Barroso, Renato; Gil, Saulo; Cuniyochi, Rogério; Ugrinowitsch, Carlos; Roschel, Hamilton; Tricoli, Valmor

2017-06-01

The combination of strength (ST) and plyometric training (PT) has been shown to be effective for improving sport-specific performance. However, there is no consensus about the most effective way to combine these methods in the same training session to produce greater improvements in neuromuscular performance of soccer players. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of different combinations of ST and PT sequences on strength, jump, speed, and agility capacities of elite young soccer players. Twenty-seven soccer players (age: 18.9 ± 0.6 years) participated in an 8-week resistance training program and were divided into 3 groups: complex training (CP) (ST before PT), traditional training (TD) (PT before ST), and contrast training (CT) (ST and PT performed alternately, set by set). The experimental design took place during the competitive period of the season. The ST composed of half-squat exercises performed at 60-80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM); the PT composed of drop jump exercises executed in a range from 30 to 45 cm. After the experimental period, the maximum dynamic strength (half-squat 1RM) and vertical jump ability (countermovement jump height) increased similarly and significantly in the CP, TD, and CT (48.6, 46.3, and 53% and 13, 14.2, and 14.7%, respectively). Importantly, whereas the TD group presented a significant decrease in sprinting speed in 10 (7%) and 20 m (6%), the other groups did not show this response. Furthermore, no significant alterations were observed in agility performance in any experimental group. In conclusion, in young soccer players, different combinations and sequences of ST and PT sets result in similar performance improvements in muscle strength and jump ability. However, it is suggested that the use of the CP and CT methods is more indicated to maintain/maximize the sprint performance of these athletes.

Modified Weaver-Dunn Procedure Versus The Use of Semitendinosus Autogenous Tendon Graft for Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction

PubMed Central

Hegazy, Galal; Safwat, Hesham; Seddik, Mahmoud; Al-shal, Ehab A.; Al-Sebai, Ibrahim; Negm, Mohame

2016-01-01

Background: The optimal operative method for acromioclavicular joint reconstruction remains controversial. The modified Weaver-Dunn method is one of the most popular methods. Anatomic reconstruction of coracoclavicular ligaments with autogenous tendon grafts, widely used in treating chronic acromioclavicular joint instability, reportedly diminishes pain, eliminates sequelae, and improves function as well as strength. Objective: To compare clinical and radiologic outcomes between a modified Weaver-Dunn procedure and an anatomic coracoclavicular ligaments reconstruction technique using autogenous semitendinosus tendon graft. Methods: Twenty patients (mean age, 39 years) with painful, chronic Rockwood type III acromioclavicular joint dislocations were subjected to surgical reconstruction. In ten patients, a modified Weaver-Dunn procedure was performed, in the other ten patients; autogenous semitendinosus tendon graft was used. The mean time between injury and the index procedure was 18 month (range from 9 – 28). Clinical evaluation was performed using the Oxford Shoulder Score and Nottingham Clavicle Score after a mean follow-up time of 27.8 months. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were compared. Results: In the Weaver-Dunn group the Oxford Shoulder Score improved from 25±4 to 40±2 points. While the Nottingham Clavicle Score increased from 48±7 to 84±11. In semitendinosus tendon graft group, the Oxford Shoulder Score improved from 25±3 points to 50±2 points and the Nottingham Clavicle Score from 48±8 points to 95±8, respectively. Conclusion: Acromioclavicular joint reconstruction using the semitendinosus tendon graft achieved better Oxford Shoulder Score and Nottingham Clavicle Score compared to the modified Weaver-Dunn procedure. PMID:27347245

Rapid screening of transferrin-binders in the flowers of Bauhinia blakeana Dunn by on-line high-performance liquid chromatography-diode-array detector-electrospray ionization-ion-trap-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry-transferrin-fluorescence detection system.

PubMed

Liu, Meixian; Dong, Jing; Lin, Zongtao; Niu, Yanyan; Zhang, Xiaotian; Jiang, Haixiu; Guo, Ning; Li, Wei; Wang, Hong; Chen, Shizhong

2016-06-10

Transferrin (Transferrin, TRF, TF) has drawn increasing attention in cancer therapy due to its potential applications in drug delivery. TF receptor, highly expressed in tumor cells, recognizes and transports Fe(3+)-TF into cells to release iron into cytoplasm. Thus, discovering TF-binding compounds has become an active research area and is of great importance for target therapy. In this study, an on-line analysis method was established for screening TF-binding compounds from the flowers of Bauhinia blakeana Dunn using a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode-array detector-multi-stage mass spectrometry-transferrin-fluorescence detector (HPLC-DAD-MS(n)-TF-FLD) method. As a result, 33 of 80 identified or tentatively characterized compounds in the sample were TF-binding active. Twenty-five flavonol glycosides and eight phenolic acids were identified as TF-binders. Twelve of these active compounds together with six standard compounds were used to study the dose-response effects and structure-activity relationships of flavonoids and phenolic acids. The method was validated by vitexin with a good linearity in the range of concentrations used in the study. The limit of detection for vitexin was 0.1596 nmol. Our study indicated that the established method is simple, rapid and sensitive for screening TF-binding active compounds in the extract of Bauhinia blakeana Dunn, and therefore is important for discovering potential anti-cancer ingredients from complex samples for TF related drug delivery. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Determination of 27 industrial dyes in juice and wine using ultra performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry].

PubMed

Zhao, Shan; Zhang, Jing; Yang, Yi; Shao, Bing

2010-04-01

A method for the determination of 27 industrial dyes in juice and wine has been developed using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/ MS). Acetonitrile was used as extraction solvent, and sodium chloride was added to salt out the analytes from the samples. Chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column with the gradient elution and the mass spectrometric acquisition was carried out under the mode of multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Twenty-four of the 27 dyes were detected under positive ionization mode using the mobile phase of acetonitrile and water containing 0.1% formic acid. The other 3 dyes were analyzed under negative ionization mode with the mobile phase of acetonitrile and water. As a result, the average recoveries of 27 dyes spiked in juice ranged from 57.0% to 117.7% with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 2.4%-17.7%, and the average recoveries of 27 dyes spiked in wine ranged from 40.8% to 109.4% with the RSDs of 1.6%-17.9%. The limits of quantification (LOQs) of 27 dyes spiked in juice were in the range of 0.1-50 microg/kg, and 0.2-50 microg/kg for those spiked in wine. This method can be applied to rapid detection of illegally added dyes in soft drinks due to its simplicity and high sensitivity.

Aortic aneurysm surgery: long-term patency of the reimplanted intercostal arteries.

PubMed

David, Nathalie; Roux, Nicolas; Douvrin, Françoise; Clavier, Erick; Bessou, Jean Paul; Plissonnier, Didier

2012-08-01

During aortic surgery, the long-term patency of reimplanted intercostal arteries is unknown, limiting the relevance to preserve spinal cord vascularization. Between January 2001 and January 2007, 40 patients were operated for either thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA). Twenty cases of aneurysms limited to the proximal descending thoracic aorta were treated using endovascular repair, without preoperative spinal cord artery identification. Twenty patients--seven with extensive TAA, seven with type I TAAA, two with type II TAAA, and four with type III TAAA--underwent open surgery. Before open surgery, preoperative angiography was performed to identify spinal cord vascularization; in one case, the angiography failed to identify it. The segmental artery destined to the spinal cord artery was identified as originating from outside the aneurysm in 7 patients and inside the aneurysm in 12 patients: T6 R (1), T8 L (2), T9 L (3), T10 L (3), T11 L (3), L1 L (1). During the surgery, normothermic and femorofemoral bypass was used for visceral protection. All segmental arteries identified as critical before surgery were reattached in the graft. Twenty-four months later, computed tomography scans were performed to assess the patency of the reattached segmental arteries. Three patients died, including one with paraplegia (T9 L). No other cases of paraplegia were reported. Computed tomography scans were performed in 10 patients. Segmental artery reattachment was patent in nine patients. Our experience indicates the long-term patency of reimplanted segmental artery, without any convincing evidence of its utility in preventing neurologic events during TAA and TAAA direct repair. Copyright © 2012 Annals of Vascular Surgery Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and their association with occupational nursing].

PubMed

Barboza, Michele Cristiene Nachtigall; Milbrath, Viviane Marten; Bielemann, Valquíria Machado; de Siqueira, Hedi Crecencia Heckler

2008-12-01

Work-related musculoskeletal diseases (MSD) are disorders in the musculoskeletal structures caused by chronic occupational processes. The objective of this study was to get to know scientific papers on MSD related to the nursing profession. A bibliographic research of the last ten years was conducted at Health Virtual Library using the main data bases. Twenty-one summaries were found. Among them, thirteen were selected because they specifically focused on the subject. Three main areas were identified: occupational health nurses in relation to MSDs--their importance in health prevention and promotion; Ergonomics as MSDs prevention method: performed as changes on work consider risk factors; Vulnerability of Nursing staff to MSDs--predisposing factors to disease caused by inappropriate working conditions. The conclusion was that an occupational and ergonomic health service is important to prevent MSDs, especially among the nursing staff.

On the Inference of Functional Circadian Networks Using Granger Causality

PubMed Central

Pourzanjani, Arya; Herzog, Erik D.; Petzold, Linda R.

2015-01-01

Being able to infer one way direct connections in an oscillatory network such as the suprachiastmatic nucleus (SCN) of the mammalian brain using time series data is difficult but crucial to understanding network dynamics. Although techniques have been developed for inferring networks from time series data, there have been no attempts to adapt these techniques to infer directional connections in oscillatory time series, while accurately distinguishing between direct and indirect connections. In this paper an adaptation of Granger Causality is proposed that allows for inference of circadian networks and oscillatory networks in general called Adaptive Frequency Granger Causality (AFGC). Additionally, an extension of this method is proposed to infer networks with large numbers of cells called LASSO AFGC. The method was validated using simulated data from several different networks. For the smaller networks the method was able to identify all one way direct connections without identifying connections that were not present. For larger networks of up to twenty cells the method shows excellent performance in identifying true and false connections; this is quantified by an area-under-the-curve (AUC) 96.88%. We note that this method like other Granger Causality-based methods, is based on the detection of high frequency signals propagating between cell traces. Thus it requires a relatively high sampling rate and a network that can propagate high frequency signals. PMID:26413748

A gene profiling deconvolution approach to estimating immune cell composition from complex tissues.

PubMed

Chen, Shu-Hwa; Kuo, Wen-Yu; Su, Sheng-Yao; Chung, Wei-Chun; Ho, Jen-Ming; Lu, Henry Horng-Shing; Lin, Chung-Yen

2018-05-08

A new emerged cancer treatment utilizes intrinsic immune surveillance mechanism that is silenced by those malicious cells. Hence, studies of tumor infiltrating lymphocyte populations (TILs) are key to the success of advanced treatments. In addition to laboratory methods such as immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, in silico gene expression deconvolution methods are available for analyses of relative proportions of immune cell types. Herein, we used microarray data from the public domain to profile gene expression pattern of twenty-two immune cell types. Initially, outliers were detected based on the consistency of gene profiling clustering results and the original cell phenotype notation. Subsequently, we filtered out genes that are expressed in non-hematopoietic normal tissues and cancer cells. For every pair of immune cell types, we ran t-tests for each gene, and defined differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from this comparison. Equal numbers of DEGs were then collected as candidate lists and numbers of conditions and minimal values for building signature matrixes were calculated. Finally, we used v -Support Vector Regression to construct a deconvolution model. The performance of our system was finally evaluated using blood biopsies from 20 adults, in which 9 immune cell types were identified using flow cytometry. The present computations performed better than current state-of-the-art deconvolution methods. Finally, we implemented the proposed method into R and tested extensibility and usability on Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems. The method, MySort, is wrapped as the Galaxy platform pluggable tool and usage details are available at https://testtoolshed.g2.bx.psu.edu/view/moneycat/mysort/e3afe097e80a .

Comparison of gating methods for the real-time analysis of left ventricular function in nonimaging blood pool studies.

PubMed

Beard, B B; Stewart, J R; Shiavi, R G; Lorenz, C H

1995-01-01

Gating methods developed for electrocardiographic-triggered radionuclide ventriculography are being used with nonimaging detectors. These methods have not been compared on the basis of their real-time performance or suitability for determination of load-independent indexes of left ventricular function. This work evaluated the relative merits of different gating methods for nonimaging radionuclude ventriculographic studies, with particular emphasis on their suitability for real-time measurements and the determination of pressure-volume loops. A computer model was used to investigate the relative accuracy of forward gating, backward gating, and phase-mode gating. The durations of simulated left ventricular time-activity curves were randomly varied. Three acquisition parameters were considered: frame rate, acceptance window, and sample size. Twenty-five studies were performed for each combination of acquisition parameters. Hemodynamic and shape parameters from each study were compared with reference parameters derived directly from the random time-activity curves. Backward gating produced the largest errors under all conditions. For both forward gating and phase-mode gating, ejection fraction was underestimated and time to end systole and normalized peak ejection rate were overestimated. For the hemodynamic parameters, forward gating was marginally superior to phase-mode gating. The mean difference in errors between forward and phase-mode gating was 1.47% (SD 2.78%). However, for root mean square shape error, forward gating was several times worse in every case and seven times worse than phase-mode gating on average. Both forward and phase-mode gating are suitable for real-time hemodynamic measurements by nonimaging techniques. The small statistical difference between the methods is not clinically significant. The true shape of the time-activity curve is maintained most accurately by phase-mode gating.

Rethinking Twenty-First Century Acquisition: Emerging Trends for Efficiency Ends

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-01-01

improve the quality of their services. However, dispari- ties in current accounting methods and rules between the two sectors make evalu- ating costs ...are facilitated by the grow- ing use of ABC methods in the account - ing community. These methods tie the to- tal costs of production or services more...Acquisition program man- agers can learn by studying recent devel- opments in the private sector accounting community. Knowledge of relevant total costs and

Focused Ultrasound Lipolysis in the Treatment of Abdominal Cellulite: An Open-Label Study

PubMed Central

Moravvej, Hamideh; Akbari, Zahra; Mohammadian, Shahrzad; Razzaghi, Zahra

2015-01-01

Introduction: Despite a growing popularity of noninvasive ultrasonic lipolysis procedure, there is a lack of evidence about the efficacy of this method. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of focused ultrasonic lipolysis on abdominal cellulite treatment. Methods: Twenty-eight consecutive subjects (age: 37.8 ± 8 years) underwent weekly transdermal focused ultrasonic lipolysis (Med Contour, General Project Ltd., Florence, Italy) and vacuum drainage for a maximum of eight sessions. Largest abdominal girth and 2 lines at 4 cm to 7 cm distance above and under it were located as fixed points of measurements. The mean value of the three fixed lines was considered as the abdominal circumference. Subjects were evaluated using measurements of circumference, immediately after and 3 weeks after the final treatment and compared using paired t test. Results: One hundred ninety-four ultrasonic lipolysis procedures were performed on 28 subjects. A statistically significant (P < .001) average of 1.89 cm (95% CI: 1.63-2.02 cm) decrease of circumference value was observed in each session of ultrasonic lipolysis. The mean pretreatment to posttreatment circumference reduction was 8.21 cm (95% CI: 6.38-10.04, P < .001) that declined to 7 cm (95% CI: 3.2-10.8, P < .001) at the 3-month follow-up visit. Conclusion: Focused ultrasonic lipolysis appears to be an effective method for reduction of abdominal cellulite, although some amount of circumference reduction reversal may be observed in long term follow-up visit. PMID:26464776

Development of a new high-performance liquid chromatography method with diode array and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry detection for the metabolite fingerprinting of bioactive compounds in Humulus lupulus L.

PubMed

Prencipe, Francesco Pio; Brighenti, Virginia; Rodolfi, Margherita; Mongelli, Andrea; dall'Asta, Chiara; Ganino, Tommaso; Bruni, Renato; Pellati, Federica

2014-07-04

The study was aimed at developing a new analytical method for the metabolite fingerprinting of bioactive compounds in Humulus lupulus L. (hop), together with a simple extraction procedure. Different extraction techniques, including maceration, heat reflux extraction (HRE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), were compared in order to obtain a high yield of the target analytes. Dynamic maceration for 30min with MeOH-HCOOH (99:1, v/v) as the extraction solvent provided the best result in terms of recovery of secondary metabolites. The analysis of hop constituents, including prenylflavonoids and prenylphloroglucinols (bitter acids), was carried out by means of HPLC-UV/DAD, HPLC-ESI-MS and MS(2), using an ion trap mass analyzer. An Ascentis Express C18 column (150mm×3.0mm I.D., 2.7μm) was used for the HPLC analysis, with a mobile phase composed of 0.25% formic acid in both water and acetonitrile, under gradient elution. The method validation was performed to show compliance with ICH guidelines. The validated technique was successfully applied to the phytochemical analysis of ten commercial cultivars and twenty-three wild Italian hop genotypes, thus demonstrating to be a reliable and useful tool for the comprehensive multi-component analysis of hop secondary metabolites. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Processing of on-board recorded data for quick analysis of aircraft performance. [rotor systems research aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Michaud, N. H.

1979-01-01

A system of independent computer programs for the processing of digitized pulse code modulated (PCM) and frequency modulated (FM) data is described. Information is stored in a set of random files and accessed to produce both statistical and graphical output. The software system is designed primarily to present these reports within a twenty-four hour period for quick analysis of the helicopter's performance.

United States Air Force Statistical Digest, Fiscal Year 1969. Twenty-fourth Edition

DTIC Science & Technology

1970-02-02

Medical Corps 1038 14 251 348 3R9 36 - - Medical Service Corps 719 - 76 126 183 271 47 16 Veterinary Corps 163 1 21 30 63 48 - - Biomedical Sciences 340...Indorsement Resigned - To Attend School • Resigned - Substandard Performance Resigned - Homosexuality (Class II). Resigned - Homosexuality (Class III) Resigned...Unfitness or Unacceptable Conduct Resigned - In Lieu of Courts-Martial Resigned - Unqualified or Other Reasons Discharged - Substandard Performance

The Impact of a Hybrid Sport Education-Invasion Games Competence Model Soccer Unit on Students' Decision Making, Skill Execution and Overall Game Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mesquita, Isabel; Farias, Claudio; Hastie, Peter

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a hybrid Sport Education-Invasion Games Competence Model (SE-IGCM) unit application on students' improvements in decision making, skill execution and overall game performance, during a soccer season. Twenty-six fifth-grade students from a Portuguese public elementary school participated in a…

Twenty-Five Year Epidemiology of Invasive Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Isolates Recovered at a Burn Center

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

elements and tend to carry resis- tance determinants in addition to mecA. In addition to varying antimicrobial resistance, the presence of certain...Antimicrobial susceptibility testing BMD testing was performed using CLSI criteria to determine antimicrobial susceptibility, broth microdilution performed...minocycline, trimethoprim –sul- famethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, rifampin, tigecycline and gen- tamicin. Wells containing daptomycin were supplemented with 50 mg

Correlation among personal, social performance and cognitive impairment in male schizophrenic patient

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Damanik, R.; Effendy, E.; Camellia, V.

2018-03-01

Schizophrenia is a dramatic mental illness with tragic manifestation. The consequences of the illness are for the individual, affected his or her family and society. Schizophrenia is one of the twenty illness that causes Years Lost due to Disability. Treating only the symptom is insufficient. The aim of treatment must include the quality of life of aschizophrenic person. This study aims to examine the relationship between cognitive impairment and performance of the person with schizophrenia. Cognitive test is scaled with Indonesian version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-Ina), while personal and social performance isscaled with Personal and Social Performance scale. There are many studies that search the relationship between cognitive impairment and social functioning of schizophrenic patients, but this is the first study that uses PSP and MoCA-Ina. Both PSP and MoCA-Ina are easy to use but still have high sensitivity and specificity, and perhaps can build people’s interest to use it in clinical practice. Twenty-five male schizophrenic patients were assessed in Prof. M. Ildrem Mental Hospital of North Sumatera Province of Indonesia. Positive correlations between MoCA-Ina and PSP score were identified. Clinicians should pay attention to cognitive and might give some early intervention to it.

Implant overdentures: dental students' performance in fabrication, denture quality, and patient satisfaction.

PubMed

Aragon, Cecilia E; Cornacchio, Angelica Lee Petrina; Ibarra, Lilia Marcela; Saad, Muhammed N; Zibrowski, Elaine

2010-09-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental students' performance when fabricating a mandibular two-implant overdenture (OD) as compared to conventional dentures (CD) and to determine if these prostheses were successful. Twenty students and twenty patients were divided into two groups: complete denture group (CDG) and maxillary denture and two-implant OD group (ODG). Students' progress was evaluated at each appointment as they were given a clinical assessment score (CAS), which varied from 1 (unacceptable, needs to repeat procedure) to 4 (acceptable, no errors). The success of the prosthesis was evaluated by the patients using a visual analog scale (VAS) and an expert (a prosthodontist) using a denture quality assessment (DQA) form. Performance for both groups was not statistically different across all eight appointments (CDG 3.16 versus ODG 3.25; p=0.46). Patients with ODs reported greater stability with their dentures (p=0.048) and greater ability to chew than patients with CDs (p=0.03). There were no differences between the groups in terms of expert appraisal (ODG 71.1 versus CDG 67.5; p=0.59). The performance of dental students when fabricating a two-implant OD is thus not different from that of a CD. Students can successfully fabricate a two-implant OD as perceived by both patients and prosthodontists.

Ocular and Densimeter Estimates of Understory Foliar Cover in Forests of Alabama

Treesearch

Thomas W. Popham; Roger L. Baker

1987-01-01

Foliar cover estimates of woody and herbaceous understory vegetation were done on twenty l-m2 plots for a variety of forest types in Alabama. The methods of estimation were ocular, loop-densimeter assisted ocular, and point frame. The point frame was used as the standard and the other two methods were compared using chi-square. Some ocular...

Storyline and Associations Pyramid as Methods of Creativity Enhancement: Comparison of Effectiveness in 5-Year-Old Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smogorzewska, Joanna

2012-01-01

This article presents the results of a study comparing the originality, the length, the number of neologisms and the syntactic complexity of fairy tales created with "Storyline" and "Associations Pyramid." Both methods were developed to enhance children's language abilities and their creative thinking. One hundred twenty eight 5-year-old children…

Use of Telehealth for Research and Clinical Measures in Cochlear Implant Recipients: A Validation Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hughes, Michelle L.; Goehring, Jenny L.; Baudhuin, Jacquelyn L.; Diaz, Gina R.; Sanford, Todd; Harpster, Roger; Valente, Daniel L.

2012-01-01

Purpose: The goal of this study was to compare clinical and research-based cochlear implant (CI) measures using telehealth versus traditional methods. Method: This prospective study used an ABA design (A = laboratory, B = remote site). All measures were made twice per visit for the purpose of assessing within-session variability. Twenty-nine adult…

Environmental Methods Review: Retooling Impact Assessment for the New Century

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-03-01

strategic environmental assessment (SEA), to support sustainable development. The International Study on the Effectiveness of Environmental...Directed by Barry Sadler, initiated and supported prominently by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, and facilitated by IAIA, this study reviews...toward regional ElA,and vertically toward strategic and policy ElA; Larry Canter arrays twenty-two types of methods against seven typical study

A Study to Determine the Effectiveness of Letter Evaluation as a Learning Device in Business Correspondence Courses.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baker, William Henry

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a letter-evaluation method would be as effective as the traditional letter-writing method when applied in a college level business correspondence class. One hundred twenty-nine Brigham Young University students were divided into two experimental and two control groups, and categorized according to…

How to Use Pragmatism Pragmatically? Suggestions for the Twenty-First Century

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Biesta, Gert J. J.

2009-01-01

This purpose of this paper is to indicate how one should understand John Dewey's attention to and appreciation for the methods and views of modern science. Against the idea that Dewey is a believer in the methods and views of modern science--which would make his philosophy into a form of positivism or scientism--the author argues that Dewey's…

Reactive Strength Index: A Poor Indicator of Reactive Strength?

PubMed

Healy, Robin; Kenny, Ian; Harrison, Drew

2017-11-28

The primary aim was to assess the relationships between reactive strength measures and associated kinematic and kinetic performance variables achieved during drop jumps. A secondary aim was to highlight issues with the use of reactive strength measures as performance indicators. Twenty eight national and international level sprinters, consisting of fourteen men and women, participated in this cross-sectional analysis. Athletes performed drop jumps from a 0.3 m box onto a force platform with dependent variables contact time (CT), landing time (TLand), push-off time (TPush), flight time (FT), jump height (JH), reactive strength index (RSI, calculated as JH / CT), reactive strength ratio (RSR, calculated as FT / CT) and vertical leg spring stiffness (Kvert) recorded. Pearson's correlation test found very high to near perfect relationships between RSI and RSR (r = 0.91 to 0.97), with mixed relationships found between RSI, RSR and the key performance variables, (Men: r = -0.86 to -0.71 between RSI/RSR and CT, r = 0.80 to 0.92 between RSI/RSR and JH; Women: r = -0.85 to -0.56 between RSR and CT, r = 0.71 between RSI and JH). This study demonstrates that the method of assessing reactive strength (RSI versus RSR) may be influenced by the performance strategies adopted i.e. whether an athlete achieves their best reactive strength scores via low CTs, high JHs or a combination. Coaches are advised to limit the variability in performance strategies by implementing upper and / or lower CT thresholds to accurately compare performances between individuals.

Infrared Light Structured Sensor 3D Approach to Estimate Kidney Volume: A Validation Study.

PubMed

Garisto, Juan; Bertolo, Riccardo; Dagenais, Julien; Kaouk, Jihad

2018-06-26

To validate a new procedure for the three-dimensional (3D) estimation of total renal parenchyma volume (RPV) using a structured-light infrared laser sensor. To evaluate the accuracy of the sensor for assessing renal volume, we performed three experiments. Twenty freshly excised porcine kidneys were obtained. Experiment A, the water displacement method was used to obtain a determination of the RPV after immersing every kidney into 0.9% saline. Thereafter a structured sensor (Occipital, San Francisco, CA, USA) was used to scan the kidney. Kidney sample surface was presented initially as a mesh and then imported into MeshLab (Visual Computing Lab, Pisa, Italy) software to obtain the surface volume. Experiment B, a partial excision of the kidney with measurement of the excised volume and remnant was performed. Experiment C, a renorrhaphy of the remnant kidney was performed then measured. Bias and limits of agreement (LOA) were determined using the Bland-Altman method. Reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Experiment A, the sensor bias was -1.95 mL (LOA: -19.5 to 15.59, R2= 0.410) with slightly overestimating the volumes. Experiment B, remnant kidney after partial excision and excised kidney volume were measured showing a sensor bias of -0.5 mL (LOA -5.34 to 4.20, R2= 0.490) and -0.6 mL (LOA: -1.97.08 to 0.77, R2= 0.561), respectively. Experiment C, the sensor bias was -0.89 mL (LOA -12.9 to 11.1, R2= 0.888). ICC was 0.9998. The sensor is a reliable method for assessing total renal volume with high levels of accuracy. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Percutaneous Vertebroplasty: Preliminary Experiences with Rotational Acquisitions and 3D Reconstructions for Therapy Control

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

Hodek-Wuerz, Roman; Martin, Jean-Baptiste; Wilhelm, Kai

Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is carried out under fluoroscopic control in most centers. The exclusion of implant leakage and the assessment of implant distribution might be difficult to assess based on two-dimensional radiographic projection images only. We evaluated the feasibility of performing a follow-up examination after PVP with rotational acquisitions and volumetric reconstructions in the angio suite. Twenty consecutive patients underwent standard PVP procedures under fluoroscopic control. Immediate postprocedure evaluation of the implant distribution in the angio suite (BV 3000; Philips, The Netherlands) was performed using rotational acquisitions (typical parameters for the image acquisition included a 17-cm field-of-view, 200 acquired imagesmore » for a total angular range of 180{sup o}). Postprocessing of acquired volumetric datasets included multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), maximum intensity projection (MIP), and volume rendering technique (VRT) images that were displayed as two-dimensional slabs or as entire three-dimensional volumes. Image evaluation included lesion and implant assessment with special attention given to implant leakage. Findings from rotational acquisitions were compared to findings from postinterventional CT. The time to perform and to postprocess the rotational acquisitions was in all cases less then 10 min. Assessment of implant distribution after PVP using rotational image acquisition methods and volumetric reconstructions was possible in all patients. Cement distribution and potential leakage sites were visualized best on MIP images presented as slabs. From a total of 33 detected leakages with CT, 30 could be correctly detected by rotational image acquisition. Rotational image acquisitions and volumetric reconstruction methods provided a fast method to control radiographically the result of PVP in our cases.« less

Real-time embedded atmospheric compensation for long-range imaging using the average bispectrum speckle method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Curt, Petersen F.; Bodnar, Michael R.; Ortiz, Fernando E.; Carrano, Carmen J.; Kelmelis, Eric J.

2009-02-01

While imaging over long distances is critical to a number of security and defense applications, such as homeland security and launch tracking, current optical systems are limited in resolving power. This is largely a result of the turbulent atmosphere in the path between the region under observation and the imaging system, which can severely degrade captured imagery. There are a variety of post-processing techniques capable of recovering this obscured image information; however, the computational complexity of such approaches has prohibited real-time deployment and hampers the usability of these technologies in many scenarios. To overcome this limitation, we have designed and manufactured an embedded image processing system based on commodity hardware which can compensate for these atmospheric disturbances in real-time. Our system consists of a reformulation of the average bispectrum speckle method coupled with a high-end FPGA processing board, and employs modular I/O capable of interfacing with most common digital and analog video transport methods (composite, component, VGA, DVI, SDI, HD-SDI, etc.). By leveraging the custom, reconfigurable nature of the FPGA, we have achieved performance twenty times faster than a modern desktop PC, in a form-factor that is compact, low-power, and field-deployable.

Microbial contamination and disinfection methods of pacifiers.

PubMed

Nelson-Filho, Paulo; Louvain, Márcia Costa; Macari, Soraia; Lucisano, Marília Pacífico; Silva, Raquel Assed Bezerra da; Queiroz, Alexandra Mussolino de; Gaton-Hernández, Patrícia; Silva, Léa Assed Bezerra da

2015-10-01

To evaluate the microbial contamination of pacifiers by Mutans Streptococci(MS) and the efficacy of different methods for their disinfection. Twenty-eight children were assigned to a 4-stage changeover system with a 1-week interval. In each stage, children received a new pacifier and the parents were instructed to maintain their normal habits for 1 week. After this time, the pacifiers were subjected to the following 4 disinfection methods: spraying with 0.12% chlorhexidine solution, Brushtox or sterile tap water, and immersion in boiling tap water for 15 minutes. Microbiological culture for MS and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were performed. The results were analyzed statistically by Friedman's non-parametric test (a=0.05). The 0.12% chlorhexidine spray was statistically similar to the boiling water (p>0.05) and more effective than the Brushtox spray and control (p<0.05). The analysis of SEM showed the formation of a cariogenic biofilm in all groups with positive culture. Pacifiers become contaminated by MS after their use by children and should be disinfected routinely. Spraying with a 0.12% chlorhexidine solution and immersion in boiling water promoted better disinfection of the pacifiers compared with a commercial antiseptic toothbrush cleanser (Brushtox).

Detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in fresh and frozen cattle faeces: comparison of three methods.

PubMed

Brook, E J; Christley, R M; French, N P; Hart, C A

2008-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the performance of three commonly used screening tests for Cryptosporidium oocysts in fresh and frozen cattle faeces. Twenty-nine freshly voided faecal samples were collected from calves from three farms in the northwest of England. Three diagnostic tests for Cryptosporidium were carried out on each sample both before and after freezing - the modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) and auramine phenol (APh) stains and a commercial enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit, the ProSpecT Cryptosporidium Microplate assay (Remel, Lenexa, KS). Twelve samples were deemed positive by the reference standard (polymerase chain reaction, PCR). There were some discrepancies between the results of the screening tests and the levels of agreement were quantified. The sensitivity and specificity of each method was determined, with PCR as the gold standard. Sensitivity and specificity of the MZN stain was optimized when samples with fewer than two oocyst-like bodies were classified as negative. All three screening methods used were effective in detecting Cryptosporidium infection in both fresh and frozen calf faeces. This study has highlighted the value of determining characteristics of tests used for diagnosis and epidemiological studies.

Departmentalization and Twenty-First Century Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Watts, Toy Coles

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between school organizational style and student outcomes. The research questions that guided this study were, "Is there a difference in mathematical performance of fourth graders who receive departmentalized instruction as compared to fourth grade students who receive…

Power Plant Replacement Study

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

Reed, Gary

2010-09-30

This report represents the final report for the Eastern Illinois University power plant replacement study. It contains all related documentation from consideration of possible solutions to the final recommended option. Included are the economic justifications associated with the chosen solution along with application for environmental permitting for the selected project for construction. This final report will summarize the results of execution of an EPC (energy performance contract) investment grade audit (IGA) which lead to an energy services agreement (ESA). The project includes scope of work to design and install energy conservation measures which are guaranteed by the contractor to bemore » self-funding over its twenty year contract duration. The cost recovery is derived from systems performance improvements leading to energy savings. The prime focus of this EPC effort is to provide a replacement solution for Eastern Illinois University’s aging and failing circa 1925 central steam production plant. Twenty-three ECMs were considered viable whose net impact will provide sufficient savings to successfully support the overall project objectives.« less

Video-based Learning Versus Traditional Method for Preclinical Course of Complete Denture Fabrication.

PubMed

Fayaz, Amir; Mazahery, Azita; Hosseinzadeh, Mohammad; Yazdanpanah, Samane

2015-03-01

Advances in computer science and technology allow the instructors to use instructional multimedia programs to enhance the process of learning for dental students. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a new educational modality by using videotapes on the performance of dental students in preclinical course of complete denture fabrication. This quasi-experimental study was performed on 54 junior dental students in Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU). Twenty-five and 29 students were evaluated in two consecutive semesters as controls and cases, respectively for the same course. The two groups were matched in terms of "knowledge about complete denture fabrication" and "basic dental skills" using a written test and a practical exam, respectively. After the intervention, performance and clinical skills of students were assessed in 8 steps. Eventually, a post-test was carried out to find changes in knowledge and skills of students in this regard. In the two groups with the same baseline level of knowledge and skills, independent T-test showed that students in the test group had a significantly superior performance in primary impression taking (p= 0.001) and primary cast fabrication (p= 0.001). In terms of anterior teeth set up, students in the control group had a significantly better performance (p= 0.001). Instructional videotapes can aid in teaching fabrication of complete denture and are as effective as the traditional teaching system.

Influence of anatomic landmarks in the virtual environment on simulated angled laparoscope navigation

PubMed Central

Christie, Lorna S.; Goossens, Richard H. M.; de Ridder, Huib; Jakimowicz, Jack J.

2010-01-01

Background The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the presence of anatomic landmarks on the performance of angled laparoscope navigation on the SimSurgery SEP simulator. Methods Twenty-eight experienced laparoscopic surgeons (familiar with 30° angled laparoscope, >100 basic laparoscopic procedures, >5 advanced laparoscopic procedures) and 23 novices (no laparoscopy experience) performed the Camera Navigation task in an abstract virtual environment (CN-box) and in a virtual representation of the lower abdomen (CN-abdomen). They also rated the realism and added value of the virtual environments on seven-point scales. Results Within both groups, the CN-box task was accomplished in less time and with shorter tip trajectory than the CN-abdomen task (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the performances of the experienced participants and the novices on the CN tasks (Mann–Whitney U test, p > 0.05). In both groups, the CN tasks were perceived as hard work and more challenging than anticipated. Conclusions Performance of the angled laparoscope navigation task is influenced by the virtual environment surrounding the exercise. The task was performed better in an abstract environment than in a virtual environment with anatomic landmarks. More insight is required into the influence and function of different types of intrinsic and extrinsic feedback on the effectiveness of preclinical simulator training. PMID:20419318

Impact of touring, performance schedule, and definitions on 1-year injury rates in a modern dance company.

PubMed

Bronner, Shaw; Wood, Lily

2017-11-01

There is ongoing debate about how to define injury in dance: the most encompassing one or a time-loss definition. We examined the relationship between touring, performance schedule and injury definition on injury rates in a professional modern dance company over one-year. In-house healthcare management tracked 35 dancers for work-related musculoskeletal injuries (WMSI), time-loss injuries (TLinj), complaints, and exposure. The year was divided into 6 segments to allow comparison of effects of performance, rehearsal, and touring. Injuries/segment were converted into injuries/1000-h dance exposure. We conducted negative binomial regression analysis to determine differences between segments, P ≤ 0.05. Twenty WMSI, 0.44 injuries/1000-h, were sustained over one-year. WMSI were 6 times more likely to occur in Segment-6, compared with other segments (incident rate ratio = 6.055, P = 0.031). The highest rate of TLinj and traumatic injuries also occurred in Segment-6, reflecting concentrated rehearsal, New York season and performances abroad. More overuse injuries occurred in Segment-2, an international tour, attributed to raked stages. Lack of methods to quantify performance other than injury may mask effects of touring on dancer's well-being. Tracking complaints permits understanding of stressors to specific body regions and healthcare utilisation; however, TLinj remain the most important injuries to track because they impact other dancers and organisational costs.

Automatic lung nodule matching for the follow-up in temporal chest CT scans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Helen; Lee, Jeongjin; Shin, Yeong Gil

2006-03-01

We propose a fast and robust registration method for matching lung nodules of temporal chest CT scans. Our method is composed of four stages. First, the lungs are extracted from chest CT scans by the automatic segmentation method. Second, the gross translational mismatch is corrected by the optimal cube registration. This initial registration does not require extracting any anatomical landmarks. Third, initial alignment is step by step refined by the iterative surface registration. To evaluate the distance measure between surface boundary points, a 3D distance map is generated by the narrow-band distance propagation, which drives fast and robust convergence to the optimal location. Fourth, nodule correspondences are established by the pairs with the smallest Euclidean distances. The results of pulmonary nodule alignment of twenty patients are reported on a per-center-of mass point basis using the average Euclidean distance (AED) error between corresponding nodules of initial and follow-up scans. The average AED error of twenty patients is significantly reduced to 4.7mm from 30.0mm by our registration. Experimental results show that our registration method aligns the lung nodules much faster than the conventional ones using a distance measure. Accurate and fast result of our method would be more useful for the radiologist's evaluation of pulmonary nodules on chest CT scans.

Passive Magnetic Bearing With Ferrofluid Stabilization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jansen, Ralph; DiRusso, Eliseo

1996-01-01

A new class of magnetic bearings is shown to exist analytically and is demonstrated experimentally. The class of magnetic bearings utilize a ferrofluid/solid magnet interaction to stabilize the axial degree of freedom of a permanent magnet radial bearing. Twenty six permanent magnet bearing designs and twenty two ferrofluid stabilizer designs are evaluated. Two types of radial bearing designs are tested to determine their force and stiffness utilizing two methods. The first method is based on the use of frequency measurements to determine stiffness by utilizing an analytical model. The second method consisted of loading the system and measuring displacement in order to measure stiffness. Two ferrofluid stabilizers are tested and force displacement curves are measured. Two experimental test fixtures are designed and constructed in order to conduct the stiffness testing. Polynomial models of the data are generated and used to design the bearing prototype. The prototype was constructed and tested and shown to be stable. Further testing shows the possibility of using this technology for vibration isolation. The project successfully demonstrated the viability of the passive magnetic bearing with ferrofluid stabilization both experimentally and analytically.

Practical aspects of genetic identification of hallucinogenic and other poisonous mushrooms for clinical and forensic purposes

PubMed Central

Kowalczyk, Marek; Sekuła, Andrzej; Mleczko, Piotr; Olszowy, Zofia; Kujawa, Anna; Zubek, Szymon; Kupiec, Tomasz

2015-01-01

Aim To assess the usefulness of a DNA-based method for identifying mushroom species for application in forensic laboratory practice. Methods Two hundred twenty-one samples of clinical forensic material (dried mushrooms, food remains, stomach contents, feces, etc) were analyzed. ITS2 region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) was sequenced and the sequences were compared with reference sequences collected from the National Center for Biotechnology Information gene bank (GenBank). Sporological identification of mushrooms was also performed for 57 samples of clinical material. Results Of 221 samples, positive sequencing results were obtained for 152 (69%). The highest percentage of positive results was obtained for samples of dried mushrooms (96%) and food remains (91%). Comparison with GenBank sequences enabled identification of all samples at least at the genus level. Most samples (90%) were identified at the level of species or a group of closely related species. Sporological and molecular identification were consistent at the level of species or genus for 30% of analyzed samples. Conclusion Molecular analysis identified a larger number of species than sporological method. It proved to be suitable for analysis of evidential material (dried hallucinogenic mushrooms) in forensic genetic laboratories as well as to complement classical methods in the analysis of clinical material. PMID:25727040

ATP Bioluminometers Analysis on the Surfaces of Removable Orthodontic Aligners after the Use of Different Cleaning Methods

PubMed Central

Levrini, Luca; Mangano, Alessandro; Margherini, Silvia; Tenconi, Camilla; Vigetti, Davide; Muollo, Raffaele; Marco Abbate, Gian

2016-01-01

Purpose. The aim was to quantify the bacteria concentration on the surface of orthodontic clear aligners using three different cleaning methods. Furthermore the objective was to validate the efficacy of the bioluminometer in assessing the bacteria concentration. Materials and Methods. Twenty subjects (six males and fourteen females) undergoing orthodontic therapy with clear aligners (Invisalign® Align Technology, Santa Clara, California) were enrolled in this study. The observation time was of six weeks. The patients were instructed to use different cleaning methods (water, brushing with toothpaste, and brushing with toothpaste and use of sodium carbonate and sulphate tablet). At the end of each phase a microbiological analysis was performed using the bioluminometer. Results. The highest bacteria concentration was found on aligners cleaned using only water (583 relative light units); a value of 189 relative light units was found on aligners cleaned with brushing and toothpaste. The lowest bacteria concentration was recorded on aligners cleaned with brushing and toothpaste and the use of sodium carbonate and sulfate tablet. Conclusions. The mechanical removal of the bacterial biofilm proved to be effective with brushing and toothpaste. The best results in terms of bacteria concentration were achieved adding the use of sodium carbonate and sulfate tablet. PMID:27242901

Microbial contamination and disinfection methods of pacifiers

PubMed Central

NELSON, Paulo; LOUVAIN, Márcia Costa; MACARI, Soraia; LUCISANO, Marília Pacífico; da SILVA, Raquel Assed Bezerra; de QUEIROZ, Alexandra Mussolino; GATON-HERNÁNDEZ, Patrícia; da SILVA, Léa Assed Bezerra

2015-01-01

Objectives To evaluate the microbial contamination of pacifiers by Mutans Streptococci (MS) and the efficacy of different methods for their disinfection. Methods Twenty-eight children were assigned to a 4-stage changeover system with a 1-week interval. In each stage, children received a new pacifier and the parents were instructed to maintain their normal habits for 1 week. After this time, the pacifiers were subjected to the following 4 disinfection methods: spraying with 0.12% chlorhexidine solution, Brushtox® or sterile tap water, and immersion in boiling tap water for 15 minutes. Microbiological culture for MS and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were performed. The results were analyzed statistically by Friedman’s non-parametric test (a=0.05). Results The 0.12% chlorhexidine spray was statistically similar to the boiling water (p>0.05) and more effective than the Brushtox® spray and control (p<0.05). The analysis of SEM showed the formation of a cariogenic biofilm in all groups with positive culture. Conclusions Pacifiers become contaminated by MS after their use by children and should be disinfected routinely. Spraying with a 0.12% chlorhexidine solution and immersion in boiling water promoted better disinfection of the pacifiers compared with a commercial antiseptic toothbrush cleanser (Brushtox®). PMID:26537723

In person versus Computer Screening for Intimate Partner Violence Among Pregnant Patients

PubMed Central

Dado, Diane; Schussler, Sara; Hawker, Lynn; Holland, Cynthia L.; Burke, Jessica G.; Cluss, Patricia A.

2012-01-01

Objective To compare in person versus computerized screening for intimate partner violence (IPV) in a hospital-based prenatal clinic and explore women’s assessment of the screening methods. Methods We compared patient IPV disclosures on a computerized questionnaire to audio-taped first obstetric visits with an obstetric care provider and performed semi-structured interviews with patient participants who reported experiencing IPV. Results Two-hundred and fifty patient participants and 52 provider participants were in the study. Ninety-one (36%) patients disclosed IPV either via computer or in person. Of those who disclosed IPV, 60 (66%) disclosed via both methods, but 31 (34%) disclosed IPV via only one of the two methods. Twenty-three women returned for interviews. They recommended using both types together. While computerized screening was felt to be non-judgmental and more anonymous, in person screening allowed for tailored questioning and more emotional connection with the provider. Conclusion Computerized screening allowed disclosure without fear of immediate judgment. In person screening allows more flexibility in wording of questions regarding IPV and opportunity for interpersonal rapport. Practice Implications Both computerized or self-completed screening and in person screening is recommended. Providers should address IPV using non-judgmental, descriptive language, include assessments for psychological IPV, and repeat screening in person, even if no patient disclosure occurs via computer. PMID:22770815

Use of the smartphone for end vertebra selection in scoliosis.

PubMed

Pepe, Murad; Kocadal, Onur; Iyigun, Abdullah; Gunes, Zafer; Aksahin, Ertugrul; Aktekin, Cem Nuri

2017-03-01

The aim of our study was to develop a smartphone-aided end vertebra selection method and to investigate its effectiveness in Cobb angle measurement. Twenty-nine adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients' pre-operative posteroanterior scoliosis radiographs were used for end vertebra selection and Cobb angle measurement by standard method and smartphone-aided method. Measurements were performed by 7 examiners. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to analyze selection and measurement reliability. Summary statistics of variance calculations were used to provide 95% prediction limits for the error in Cobb angle measurements. A paired 2-tailed t test was used to analyze end vertebra selection differences. Mean absolute Cobb angle difference was 3.6° for the manual method and 1.9° for the smartphone-aided method. Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability were found excellent in manual and smartphone set for Cobb angle measurement. Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability were found excellent in manual and smartphone set for end vertebra selection. But reliability values of manual set were lower than smartphone. Two observers selected significantly different end vertebra in their repeated selections for manual method. Smartphone-aided method for end vertebra selection and Cobb angle measurement showed excellent reliability. We can expect a reduction in measurement error rates with the widespread use of this method in clinical practice. Level III, Diagnostic study. Copyright © 2016 Turkish Association of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of two methods for the detection of oligoclonal bands in a large number of clinically isolated syndrome and multiple sclerosis patients.

PubMed

Andlovic, Aljoša; Babič, Maša; Accetto, Slavko; Rot, Uroš

2012-07-01

A novel oligoclonal band (OB) assay which consists of isoelectric focusing (IEF) and IgG immunodetection by alkaline phosphatase-labeled anti IgG antibody was reported to be very sensitive. It also accurately predicted conversion to MS in patients with CIS. The aim of our study was to compare sensitivity of a novel and the standard procedure with peroxidase immunodetection in a large number of CIS and MS patients. OB were determined in serum and CSF samples in 161 patients (104 females), 47 with CIS and 114 with MS with median age 38 years (range 19-68) using both methods. Eighty-three percent of patients had CSF OB with the standard and 89% with the novel method. Median number of OB was 5 (range 0-17) with the peroxidase and 8 (range 0-18) with the alkaline phosphatase method; p = 0.001. Twenty-one percent of patients had ≥ 10 OB with the standard and 37% with the novel method of the detection; p = 0.021. Subjective impression of band clarity showed that 20% of patients had sharper and stronger bands when the peroxidase and 65% when the alkaline phosphatase method was used; p<0.0001. The alkaline phosphatase method is more sensitive than the peroxidase method and at the same time cheaper, easy to perform and less time consuming. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

FUELS IN SOIL TEST KIT: FIELD USE OF DIESEL DOG SOIL TEST KITS

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

Unknown

2001-05-31

Western Research Institute (WRI) is commercializing Diesel Dog Portable Soil Test Kits for performing analysis of fuel-contaminated soils in the field. The technology consists of a method developed by WRI (U.S. Patents 5,561,065 and 5,976,883) and hardware developed by WRI that allows the method to be performed in the field (patent pending). The method is very simple and does not require the use of highly toxic reagents. The aromatic components in a soil extract are measured by absorption at 254 nm with a field-portable photometer. WRI added significant value to the technology by taking the method through the American Societymore » for Testing and Materials (ASTM) approval and validation processes. The method is designated ASTM Method D-5831-96, Standard Test Method for Screening Fuels in Soils. This ASTM designation allows the method to be used for federal compliance activities. In FY 99, twenty-five preproduction kits were successfully constructed in cooperation with CF Electronics, Inc., of Laramie, Wyoming. The kit components work well and the kits are fully operational. In the calendar year 2000, kits were provided to the following entities who agreed to participate as FY 99 and FY 00 JSR (Jointly Sponsored Research) cosponsors and use the kits as opportunities arose for field site work: Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) (3 units), F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Gradient Corporation, The Johnson Company (2 units), IT Corporation (2 units), TRC Environmental Corporation, Stone Environmental, ENSR, Action Environmental, Laco Associates, Barenco, Brown and Caldwell, Dames and Moore Lebron LLP, Phillips Petroleum, GeoSyntek, and the State of New Mexico. By early 2001, ten kits had been returned to WRI following the six-month evaluation period. On return, the components of all ten kits were fully functional. The kits were upgraded with circuit modifications, new polyethylene foam inserts, and updated instruction manuals.« less

Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa: cognitive performance after weight recovery.

PubMed

Lozano-Serra, Estefanía; Andrés-Perpiña, Susana; Lázaro-García, Luisa; Castro-Fornieles, Josefina

2014-01-01

Although there is no definitive consensus on the impairment of neuropsychological functions, most studies of adults with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) find impaired functioning in cognitive domains such as visual-spatial abilities. The objective of this study is to assess the cognitive functions in adolescents with AN before and after weight recovery and to explore the relationship between cognitive performance and menstruation. Twenty-five female adolescents with AN were assessed by a neuropsychological battery while underweight and then following six months of treatment and weight recovery. Twenty-six healthy female subjects of a similar age were also evaluated at both time points. Underweight patients with AN showed worse cognitive performance than control subjects in immediate recall, organization and time taken to copy the Rey's Complex Figure Test (RCFT). After weight recovery, AN patients presented significant improvements in all tests, and differences between patients and controls disappeared. Patients with AN and persistence of amenorrhea at follow-up (n=8) performed worse on Block Design, delayed recall of Visual Reproduction and Stroop Test than patients with resumed menstruation (n=14) and the control group, though the two AN groups were similar in body mass index, age and psychopathological scale scores. Weight recovery improves cognitive functioning in adolescents with AN. The normalization of neuropsychological performance is better in patients who have recovered at least one menstrual cycle. The normalization of hormonal function seems to be essential for the normalization of cognitive performance, even in adolescents with a very short recovery time. © 2013.

A competency framework for colonoscopy training derived from cognitive task analysis techniques and expert review.

PubMed

Zupanc, Christine M; Burgess-Limerick, Robin; Hill, Andrew; Riek, Stephan; Wallis, Guy M; Plooy, Annaliese M; Horswill, Mark S; Watson, Marcus O; Hewett, David G

2015-12-01

Colonoscopy is a difficult cognitive-perceptual-motor task. Designing an appropriate instructional program for such a task requires an understanding of the knowledge, skills and attitudes underpinning the competency required to perform the task. Cognitive task analysis techniques provide an empirical means of deriving this information. Video recording and a think-aloud protocol were conducted while 20 experienced endoscopists performed colonoscopy procedures. "Cued-recall" interviews were also carried out post-procedure with nine of the endoscopists. Analysis of the resulting transcripts employed the constant comparative coding method within a grounded theory framework. The resulting draft competency framework was modified after review during semi-structured interviews conducted with six expert endoscopists. The proposed colonoscopy competency framework consists of twenty-seven skill, knowledge and attitude components, grouped into six categories (clinical knowledge; colonoscope handling; situation awareness; heuristics and strategies; clinical reasoning; and intra- and inter-personal). The colonoscopy competency framework provides a principled basis for the design of a training program, and for the design of formative assessment to gauge progress towards attaining the knowledge, skills and attitudes underpinning the achievement of colonoscopy competence.

Air Force Research Laboratory Spacecraft Cryocooler Endurance Evaluation Facility Closing Report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Armstrong, J.; Martin, K. W.; Fraser, T.

2015-12-01

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Spacecraft Component Thermal Research Group has been devoted to evaluating lifetime performance of space cryocooler technology for over twenty years. Long-life data is essential for confirming design lifetimes for space cryocoolers. Continuous operation in a simulated space environment is the only accepted method to test for degradation. AFRL has provided raw data and detailed evaluations to cryocooler developers for advancing the technology, correcting discovered deficiencies, and improving cryocooler designs. At AFRL, units of varying design and refrigeration cycles were instrumented in state-of-the-art experiment stands to provide spacelike conditions and were equipped with software data acquisition to track critical cryocooler operating parameters. This data allowed an assessment of the technology's ability to meet the desired lifetime and documented any long-term changes in performance. This paper will outline a final report of the various flight cryocoolers tested in our laboratory. The data summarized includes the seven cryocoolers tested during 2014-2015. These seven coolers have a combined total of 433,326 hours (49.5 years) of operation.

Laparoscopic virtual reality and box trainers: is one superior to the other?

PubMed

Munz, Y; Kumar, B D; Moorthy, K; Bann, S; Darzi, A

2004-03-01

Virtual reality (VR) simulators now have the potential to replace traditional methods of laparoscopic training. The aim of this study was to compare the VR simulator with the classical box trainer and determine whether one has advantages over the other. Twenty four novices were tested to determine their baseline laparoscopic skills and then randomized into the following three group: LapSim, box trainer, and no training (control). After 3 weekly training sessions lasting 30-min each, all subjects were reassessed. Assessment included motion analysis and error scores. Nonparametric tests were applied, and p < 0.05 was deemed significant. Both trained groups made significant improvements in all parameters measured ( p < 0.05). Compared to the controls, the box trainer group performed significantly better on most of the parameters, whereas the LapSim group performed significantly better on some parameters. There were no significant differences between the LapSim and box trainer groups. LapSim is effective in teaching skills that are transferable to a real laparoscopic task. However, there appear to be no substantial advantages of one system over the other.

On the feasibility of interoperable schemes in hand biometrics.

PubMed

Morales, Aythami; González, Ester; Ferrer, Miguel A

2012-01-01

Personal recognition through hand-based biometrics has attracted the interest of many researchers in the last twenty years. A significant number of proposals based on different procedures and acquisition devices have been published in the literature. However, comparisons between devices and their interoperability have not been thoroughly studied. This paper tries to fill this gap by proposing procedures to improve the interoperability among different hand biometric schemes. The experiments were conducted on a database made up of 8,320 hand images acquired from six different hand biometric schemes, including a flat scanner, webcams at different wavelengths, high quality cameras, and contactless devices. Acquisitions on both sides of the hand were included. Our experiment includes four feature extraction methods which determine the best performance among the different scenarios for two of the most popular hand biometrics: hand shape and palm print. We propose smoothing techniques at the image and feature levels to reduce interdevice variability. Results suggest that comparative hand shape offers better performance in terms of interoperability than palm prints, but palm prints can be more effective when using similar sensors.

The association between diet quality, dietary patterns and depression in adults: a systematic review

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Recent evidence suggests that diet modifies key biological factors associated with the development of depression; however, associations between diet quality and depression are not fully understood. We performed a systematic review to evaluate existing evidence regarding the association between diet quality and depression. Method A computer-aided literature search was conducted using Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, January 1965 to October 2011, and a best-evidence analysis performed. Results Twenty-five studies from nine countries met eligibility criteria. Our best-evidence analyses found limited evidence to support an association between traditional diets (Mediterranean or Norwegian diets) and depression. We also observed a conflicting level of evidence for associations between (i) a traditional Japanese diet and depression, (ii) a “healthy” diet and depression, (iii) a Western diet and depression, and (iv) individuals with depression and the likelihood of eating a less healthy diet. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first review to synthesize and critically analyze evidence regarding diet quality, dietary patterns and depression. Further studies are urgently required to elucidate whether a true causal association exists. PMID:23802679

Comparative study on major bioactive components in natural, artificial and in-vitro cultured Calculus Bovis.

PubMed

Yan, Shi-Kai; Wu, Yan-Wen; Liu, Run-Hui; Zhang, Wei-Dong

2007-01-01

Major bioactive components in various Calculus Bovis, including natural, artificial and in-vitro cultured Calculus Bovis, were comparatively studied. An approach of high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet and evaporative light scattering detections (HPLC/UV/ELSD) was established to simultaneously determinate six bioactive components thereof, including five bile acids (cholic acid, deoxycholic acid, ursodeoxycholic, chenodeoxycholic acid, hyodeoxycholic acid) and bilirubin. ELSD and UV detector were applied to detect bile acids and bilirubin respectively. The assay was performed on a C(18) column with water-acetonitrile gradient elution and the investigated constituents were authenticated by comparing retention times and mass spectra with those of reference compounds. The proposed method was applied to analyze twenty-one Calculus Bovis extraction samples, and produced data with acceptable linearity, precision, repeatability and accuracy. The result indicated the variations among Calculus Bovis samples under different developmental conditions. Artificial and in-vitro cultured Calculus Bovis, especially in-vitro cultured ones, which contain total bioactive constituents no less than natural products and have the best batch-to-batch uniformity, suffice to be used as substitutes of natural Calculus Bovis.

Comparison of reduction of edema after rest and after muscle exercises in treatment of chronic venous insufficiency

PubMed Central

Quilici, Belczak Cleusa Ema; Gildo, Cavalheri; de Godoy, Jose Maria Pereira; Quilici, Belczak Sergio; Augusto, Caffaro Roberto

2009-01-01

Aim The aim of this work was to compare the reduction in edema obtained in the conservative treatment of phlebopathies after resting and after performing a muscle exercise program in the Trendelenburg position. Methods Twenty-eight limbs of 24 patients with venous edema of distinct etiologies and classified as between C3 and C5 using CEAP classification. Volumetric evaluation by water displacement was carried out before and after resting in the Trendelenburg position and after performing programmed muscle exercises 24 hours later under identical conditions of time, position and temperature. For the statistical analysis the paired t-test was used with an alpha error of 5% being considered acceptable. Results The average total volume of the lower limbs was 3,967.46 mL. The mean reduction in edema obtained after resting was 92.9 mL, and after exercises it was 135.4 mL, giving a statistically significant difference (p-value = 0.0007). Conclusion In conclusion, exercises are more efficient to reduce the edema of lower limbs than resting in the Trendelenburg position. PMID:19602249

Effect of a virtual environment on the development of mathematical skills in children with dyscalculia.

PubMed

de Castro, Marcus Vasconcelos; Bissaco, Márcia Aparecida Silva; Panccioni, Bruno Marques; Rodrigues, Silvia Cristina Martini; Domingues, Andreia Miranda

2014-01-01

In this study, we show the effectiveness of a virtual environment comprising 18 computer games that cover mathematics topics in a playful setting and that can be executed on the Internet with the possibility of player interaction through chat. An arithmetic pre-test contained in the Scholastic Performance Test was administered to 300 children between 7 and 10 years old, including 162 males and 138 females, in the second grade of primary school. Twenty-six children whose scores showed a low level of mathematical knowledge were chosen and randomly divided into the control (CG) and experimental (EG) groups. The EG participated to the virtual environment and the CG participated in reinforcement using traditional teaching methods. Both groups took a post-test in which the Scholastic Performance Test (SPT) was given again. A statistical analysis of the results using the Student's t-test showed a significant learning improvement for the EG and no improvement for the CG (p≤0.05). The virtual environment allows the students to integrate thought, feeling and action, thus motivating the children to learn and contributing to their intellectual development.

On the Feasibility of Interoperable Schemes in Hand Biometrics

PubMed Central

Morales, Aythami; González, Ester; Ferrer, Miguel A.

2012-01-01

Personal recognition through hand-based biometrics has attracted the interest of many researchers in the last twenty years. A significant number of proposals based on different procedures and acquisition devices have been published in the literature. However, comparisons between devices and their interoperability have not been thoroughly studied. This paper tries to fill this gap by proposing procedures to improve the interoperability among different hand biometric schemes. The experiments were conducted on a database made up of 8,320 hand images acquired from six different hand biometric schemes, including a flat scanner, webcams at different wavelengths, high quality cameras, and contactless devices. Acquisitions on both sides of the hand were included. Our experiment includes four feature extraction methods which determine the best performance among the different scenarios for two of the most popular hand biometrics: hand shape and palm print. We propose smoothing techniques at the image and feature levels to reduce interdevice variability. Results suggest that comparative hand shape offers better performance in terms of interoperability than palm prints, but palm prints can be more effective when using similar sensors. PMID:22438714

Computerized Adaptive Tests Detect Change Following Orthopaedic Surgery in Youth with Cerebral Palsy.

PubMed

Mulcahey, M J; Slavin, Mary D; Ni, Pengsheng; Vogel, Lawrence C; Kozin, Scott H; Haley, Stephen M; Jette, Alan M

2015-09-16

The Cerebral Palsy Computerized Adaptive Test (CP-CAT) is a parent-reported outcomes instrument for measuring lower and upper-extremity function, activity, and global health across impairment levels and a broad age range of children with cerebral palsy (CP). This study was performed to examine whether the Lower Extremity/Mobility (LE) CP-CAT detects change in mobility following orthopaedic surgery in children with CP. This multicenter, longitudinal study involved administration of the LE CP-CAT, the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) Transfer/Mobility and Sports/Physical Functioning domains, and the Timed "Up & Go" test (TUG) before and after elective orthopaedic surgery in a convenience sample of 255 children, four to twenty years of age, who had CP and a Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level of I, II, or III. Standardized response means (SRMs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for all measures at six, twelve, and twenty-four months following surgery. SRM estimates for the LE CP-CAT were significantly greater than the SRM estimates for the PODCI Transfer/Mobility domain at twelve months, the PODCI Sports/Physical Functioning domain at twelve months, and the TUG at twelve and twenty-four months. When the results for the children at GMFCS levels I, II, and III were grouped together, the improvements in function detected by the LE CP-CAT at twelve and twenty-four months were found to be greater than the changes detected by the PODCI Transfer/Mobility and Sports/Physical Functioning scales. The LE CP-CAT outperformed the PODCI scales for GMFCS levels I and III at both of these follow-up intervals; none of the scales performed well for patients with GMFCS level II. The results of this study showed that the LE CP-CAT displayed superior sensitivity to change than the PODCI and TUG scales after musculoskeletal surgery in children with CP. Copyright © 2015 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated.

Low-Cost Robotic Assessment of Visuo-Motor Deficits in Alzheimer's Disease.

PubMed

Bartoli, Eleonora; Caso, Francesca; Magnani, Giuseppe; Baud-Bovy, Gabriel

2017-07-01

A low-cost robotic interface was used to assess the visuo-motor performance of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Twenty AD patients and twenty age-matched controls participated in this work. The battery of tests included simple reaction times, position tracking, and stabilization tasks performed with both hands. The regularity, velocity, visual and haptic feedback were manipulated to vary movement complexity. Reaction times and movement tracking error were analyzed. Results show a marked group effect on a subset of conditions, in particular when the patients could not rely on the visual feedback of hand movement. The visuo-motor performance correlated with the measures of global cognitive functioning and with different memory-related abilities. Our results support the hypothesis that the ability to recall and use visuo-spatial associations might underlie the impairment in complex motor behavior that has been reported in AD patients. Importantly, the patients had preserved learning effects across sessions, which might relate to visuo-motor deficits being less evident in every-day life and clinical assessments. This robotic assessment, lasting less than 1 h, provides detailed information about the integrity of visuo-motor abilities. The data can aid the understanding of the complex pattern of deficits that characterizes this pervasive disease.

Metabolomic profiling to identify potential serum biomarkers for schizophrenia and risperidone action.

PubMed

Xuan, Jiekun; Pan, Guihua; Qiu, Yunping; Yang, Lun; Su, Mingming; Liu, Yumin; Chen, Jian; Feng, Guoyin; Fang, Yiru; Jia, Wei; Xing, Qinghe; He, Lin

2011-12-02

Despite recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and the mechanisms of antipsychotic drug action, the development of biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring in schizophrenia remains challenging. Metabolomics provides a powerful approach to discover diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers by analyzing global changes in an individual's metabolic profile in response to pathophysiological stimuli or drug intervention. In this study, we performed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry based metabolomic profiling in serum of unmedicated schizophrenic patients before and after an 8-week risperidone monotherapy, to detect potential biomarkers associated with schizophrenia and risperidone treatment. Twenty-two marker metabolites contributing to the complete separation of schizophrenic patients from matched healthy controls were identified, with citrate, palmitic acid, myo-inositol, and allantoin exhibiting the best combined classification performance. Twenty marker metabolites contributing to the complete separation between posttreatment and pretreatment patients were identified, with myo-inositol, uric acid, and tryptophan showing the maximum combined classification performance. Metabolic pathways including energy metabolism, antioxidant defense systems, neurotransmitter metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and phospholipid metabolism were found to be disturbed in schizophrenic patients and partially normalized following risperidone therapy. Further study of these metabolites may facilitate the development of noninvasive biomarkers and more efficient therapeutic strategies for schizophrenia.

Analysis of the pre-incident education and subsequent performance of emergency medical responders to the Volendam café fire.

PubMed

Welling, Lieke; Perez, Roberto S G M; van Harten, Sabine M; Patka, Peter; Mackie, Dave P; Kreis, Robert W; Bierens, Joost J L M

2005-12-01

At this moment, in the Netherlands, rescue workers are not given any specific standardized training in disaster response or disaster management. After the café fire in Volendam, the Netherlands, on New Year's Eve 2000, around 200 rescue workers were deployed on-site. The aim of this study is to investigate the rescue workers' experiences with regard to their level of preparation for the emergency response. In 2002, 30 members of the medical and paramedical personnel were requested to participate in a structured interview, focused on education, task perception, triage and registration. Twenty-seven participated. Twenty-two rescue workers received previous training in emergency medicine. During the alarm phase, 11 rescue workers had a clear perception of their tasks. Twenty-four were involved in triage and injury assessment. Three rescue workers used a protocol for triage and 15 for injury assessment. Twenty-five rescue workers gave on-scene treatment and 15 used a protocol. Eight registered their findings. Preparation for the emergency response lacked standardized procedures. The use of triage protocols was extremely poor, as was documentation of actions. Slightly more than half of the personnel followed treatment protocols. It is advisable that all rescue workers become familiar with the basic uniform principles and protocols regarding disaster management. A dedicated and standardized national disaster management course is needed for all rescue workers.

Facilitating Vocabulary Acquisition of Young English Language Learners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lugo-Neris, Mirza J.; Jackson, Carla Wood; Goldstein, Howard

2010-01-01

Purpose: This study examined whether English-only vocabulary instruction or English vocabulary instruction enhanced with Spanish bridging produced greater word learning in young Spanish-speaking children learning English during a storybook reading intervention while considering individual language characteristics. Method: Twenty-two…

Patterns of Knowledge Construction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chang, Bo

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study was to identify knowledge construction patterns in a local learning community. Observation, documents, and semistructured interviews were employed to collect data. Twenty learners were interviewed. Data were analyzed inductively using the constant comparative method. Five major patterns--radiation, circulation,…

Our Way Into the Twenty-First Century: The Meaning of Educational Technology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muller, Gerhard K.

1969-01-01

Discusses the strongly connotative meanings of educational technology, the role social attitudes play in changing educational philosophies and methods, and suggests a systematic frame of analysis for rational development of new educational technology in West Germany. (DE)

A cooperative study on the standardized total-tract digestible phosphorus requirement of twenty-kilogram pigs

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Cooperative studies comprising growth performance, bone mineralization, and nutrient balance experiments were conducted at 11 stations to determine the standardized total-tract digestible (STTD) P requirement of 20-kg pigs using broken-line regression analysis. Monocalcium phosphate and limestone we...

Comparison of Performance of Eight-Year-Old Children on Three Auditory Sequential Memory Tests.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chermak, Gail D.; O'Connell, Vickie I.

1981-01-01

Twenty normal children were administered three tests of auditory sequential memory. A Pearson product-moment correlation of .50 and coefficients of determination showed all but one relationship to be nonsignificant and predictability between pairs of scores to be poor. (Author)

Conservation Reasoning Ability and Performance on BSCS Blue Version Examinations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lawson, Anton E.; Nordland, Floyd H.

Twenty-three high school biology students were individually administered three conservation tasks (weight, volume, volume displacement). During one semester, they were examined over the course material using published Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) Blue Version examination questions which were previously classified as requiring either…

Task Analysis Inventories. Series II.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wesson, Carl E.

This second in a series of task analysis inventories contains checklists of work performed in twenty-two occupations. Each inventory is a comprehensive list of work activities, responsibilities, educational courses, machines, tools, equipment, and work aids used and the products produced or services rendered in a designated occupational area. The…

Relative contributions of mean-state shifts and ENSO-driven variability to precipitation changes in a warming climate

DOE PAGES

Bonfils, Celine J. W.; Santer, Benjamin D.; Phillips, Thomas J.; ...

2015-12-18

The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is an important driver of regional hydroclimate variability through far-reaching teleconnections. This study uses simulations performed with coupled general circulation models (CGCMs) to investigate how regional precipitation in the twenty-first century may be affected by changes in both ENSO-driven precipitation variability and slowly evolving mean rainfall. First, a dominant, time-invariant pattern of canonical ENSO variability (cENSO) is identified in observed SST data. Next, the fidelity with which 33 state-of-the-art CGCMs represent the spatial structure and temporal variability of this pattern (as well as its associated precipitation responses) is evaluated in simulations of twentieth-century climate change.more » Possible changes in both the temporal variability of this pattern and its associated precipitation teleconnections are investigated in twenty-first-century climate projections. Models with better representation of the observed structure of the cENSO pattern produce winter rainfall teleconnection patterns that are in better accord with twentieth-century observations and more stationary during the twenty-first century. Finally, the model-predicted twenty-first-century rainfall response to cENSO is decomposed into the sum of three terms: 1) the twenty-first-century change in the mean state of precipitation, 2) the historical precipitation response to the cENSO pattern, and 3) a future enhancement in the rainfall response to cENSO, which amplifies rainfall extremes. Lastly, by examining the three terms jointly, this conceptual framework allows the identification of regions likely to experience future rainfall anomalies that are without precedent in the current climate.« less

Prospective Science Teachers' Attitudes and Views of Using Journal Writing in the "Methods of Teaching Science" Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ambusaidi, Abdullah

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of prospective science teachers at Sultan Qaboos University towards and their views about using journal writing in the Methods of Teaching Science course. Twenty-six prospective science teachers were asked to write about each topic in the course in their journal to show their understanding of…

Does Teaching Mnemonics for Vocabulary Learning Make a Difference? Putting the Keyword Method and the Word Part Technique to the Test

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wei, Zheng

2015-01-01

The present research tested the effectiveness of the word part technique in comparison with the keyword method and self-strategy learning. One hundred and twenty-one Chinese year-one university students were randomly assigned to one of the three learning conditions: word part, keyword or self-strategy learning condition. Half of the target words…

A Method and a Model for Describing Competence and Adjustment: A Preschool Version of the Classroom Behavior Inventory.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schaefer, Earl S.; Edgerton, Marianna D.

A preschool version of the Classroom Behavior Inventory which provides a method for collecting valid data on a child's classroom behavior from day care and preschool teachers, was developed to complement the earlier form which was developed and validated for elementary school populations. The new version was tested with a pilot group of twenty-two…