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Biomedical subjects

A Boer

Publications and source records attributed to A Boer.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Higher-order correlations for fluctuations in the presence of fields.

The higher-order moments of the fluctuations for thermodynamic systems in the presence of fields are investigated in the framework of a theoretical method. The method uses a generalized statistical ensemble consistent with an adequate expression for the internal energy. The applications refer to the case of a system in a magnetoquasistatic field. In the case of linear magnetic media, one finds that, for the description of the magnetic induction fluctuations, the Gaussian approximation is satisfactory. For nonlinear media, the corresponding fluctuations are non-Gaussian, having a non-null asymmetry. Furthermore, the respective fluctuations have characteristics of leptokurtic, mesokurtic and platykurtic type, depending on the value of the magnetic field strength as compared with a scaling factor of the magnetization curve.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Fluctuations in the presence of fields: phenomenological Gaussian approximation and a class of thermodynamic inequalities.

The fluctuations of thermodynamic systems in the presence of the fields are considered. The approach is of phenomenological nature and developed in a Gaussian approximation. The cases of a magnetizable continuum in a magnetoquasistatic field, as well as the so called discrete systems are used to exemplify the study. In the latter case one finds that the fluctuation estimators depend both on the intrinsic properties of the system and on the characteristics of the environment. Following earlier ideas of one of the authors we present a class of thermodynamic inequalities for the systems investigated in this paper. In the case of two variables these inequalities are nonquantum analogs of the well known quantum Heisenberg "uncertainty" relations. In this context, the fluctuation estimators support the idea that Boltzmann's constant k has the signification of a generic indicator of stochasticity for thermodynamic systems.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

A revision of the Abel and Becker Cognition Scale for intellectually disabled sexual offenders.

The Abel and Becker Cognition Scale (ABCS) measures cognitive distortions supportive of sexually assaultive behavior by child molesters. Research has shown that ABCS items may be too complex to be comprehended by offenders with intellectual disabilities. A modification of the ABCS to increase its readability may be one way to facilitate the valid assessment of the cognitive distortions of intellectually disabled offenders. In addition, a dichotomous scoring system was found to be helpful in the reduction of extremity bias by such offenders. The revised items, explanation of the scoring system, and supporting data are available from the first author.

Cognition↗
PubMed1999

Assessment and regulation of health care technology. The Dutch experience.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the characteristics, methods, and results of the Dutch Investigative Medicine Program ("ontwikkelingsgeneeskunde") in policy and health care. METHODS: Project database analyses of the initial 9 years of the program; description of characteristics, methods, and effects of the program. RESULTS: By the end of 1997, 53 projects had been completed, including implementation in health care policy. In 20 of 53 cases the program worked as an instrument to prevent the introduction of ineffective, inefficient, or even harmful medical interventions. In most other cases the program assisted with proper placement or appropriate application of new technologies. Apart from new or emerging technologies, already existing technologies are evaluated. CONCLUSION: The Dutch Investigative Medicine Program ("ontwikkelingsgeneeskunde") of the Sickness Funds Council is an effective collaboration of health care providers, medical science, health economics, and a regulatory body in empirical technology assessment. It is also an example not only of a substantial contribution of technology assessment to decision making in practice and policy but also of a means of regulation of health care by the very activity of technology assessment itself. It appears that the program has evolved into an instrument to rationalize health care and health care policy, although some further possible improvements are identified.

Decision Making, Organizational↗
PubMed1997

[The Diagnostic Compass; a new contribution to diagnostics].

The Hospital Council has now issued a Diagnostic Compass besides the Pharmacotherapeutic Compass. Its objective is to contribute to a more rational and effective use of diagnostic examinations. The target group comprises physicians involved in using diagnostic tests. The information supplied is based on results of scientific research and don current habits, standards and guidelines. The book has two different approaches: clinical pictures and diagnostic tests. The two volumes are intended to supplement one another.

Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prurigo pigmentosa: an underdiagnosed disease?

Prurigo pigmentosa is a distinctive inflammatory disease first described by the Japanese dermatologist Masaji Nagashima in 1971. It is typified by recurrent, pruritic erythematous macules, papules and papulovesicles that resolve leaving behind netlike pigmentation. The disease is rarely diagnosed outside Japan, because clinicians outside Japan are not well conversant with the criteria for its diagnosis. Only one patient from India has been published previously under the diagnosis of prurigo pigmentosa, a hint that the disease may be under-recognized in India. We present an account of our observations in patients diagnosed with prurigo pigmentosa who were of five different nationalities, namely, Japanese, German, Indonesian, Turkish and Iranian. With this article we seek to increase awareness for the condition among dermatologists in India and we provide criteria for its diagnosis, both clinically and histopathologically.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗