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PubMedDate not supplied

A new real-time mapping system to detect microscopic cardiac excitation patterns.

A new fast, high-resolution measurement system has been developed to analyze the propagation of cardiac excitation on a microscopic scale. The instrument uses a microsensor array to detect microscopic excitation patterns at the cardiac surface. Ninety-six epicardial signals are recorded simultaneously with 14-bit resolution at 200-kHz samples per second per channel. The system operates like a digital oscilloscope. Preprocessing routines (offset, gain, and triggering) are executed within a sampling interval of 5 microseconds by 48 digital signal processors. Analog-to-digital (A/D) converters are provided with 12 Mb of buffer memory, allowing continuous recording of up to 64-k samples x 96 channels. The recorded dataset is transferred rapidly (8 Mb/sec) to the memory of the integrated computer system via VXIbus. Analysis and visualization of the propagating excitation are computed by custom-designed software. The performance of the system allows recording as well as visualization of the cardiac excitation spread in a beat-to-beat manner.

Analog-Digital Conversion↗

PubMed1991

Three-dimensional face shape analysis of French adults, and its application to the design of protective equipment.

The study's aim was to identify female and male face shape variability in order to establish typical profiles for the design of masks. A specific data acquisition photogrammetric station was used for this purpose. A preliminary survey using anthropometric techniques was conducted on 301 females and 208 males, randomly selected from the French military population, in order to constitute two samples of 30 males and 30 females for the stereometric survey. For each subject, the stereorestitution of face photos was made on three sets of data: (1) 37 anatomical landmarks previously identified by a black point marked on the face; (2) 7 anatomical arcs, also drawn with a black pencil; and (3) 1500-2000 points distributed on horizontal cross-sections at different vertical levels. The analysis only concerned the global face shape, and excluded the central area (eyes, nose and mouth). A common origin and reference axis system was defined. All the three-dimensional (3D) produced data was processed using computer-aided design software, after some adaptations. Subjects were selected iteratively for five levels of cross-section and three anatomical arcs so as to characterize least variation amplitudes, subject by subject. Five groups were identified. All cross-sections were verified to check the validity of the preceding step. By this method, each group was defined by a mean profile form and by the amplitude of this form for each point of the profile. Males and females were present in each group, and for each group, a greater variability was noted at the lower part of the face. This variability can be explained as the result of morphological and functional phenomena. These results can be applied to the design of new protective equipment for the fore-face indeed they were used for the design of a new mask for the French military.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Differential isotopic mass splitting as a mass spectrometric tool for identifying protease substrates.

A method is described whereby stable isotopic signatures were partially incorporated into both termini of a peptide sequence giving rise to a characteristic cluster of four peaks in the mass spectral analysis. Cleavage of this peptide by a protease between the labeled positions generates two fragments both displaying their own individual signature peaks. The event of protease cleavage of the peptide was monitored by the changes in clusters within the spectrum. We believe that this technique could be used to aid the discovery of new cleavage substrates for proteases. Additionally, the analysis can be automated with dedicated software designed to select and interpret the data since all peaks of interest contain predefined signatures and can be easily distinguished from background noise.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

PubMed1992

Using a computer to manage the radiation safety and quality control activities in diagnostic radiology.

Software has been developed to aid in the management of a radiation safety quality control program in diagnostic radiology. The core of the system is a data base of radiation safety activities. Software design goals were the prioritization, scheduling, and reporting of these activities. Computerization has helped organize the timely performance of surveys necessary for compliance with regulatory and accreditation agencies. Clear, concise program documentation and reporting are also provided.

Georgia↗

PubMed2001

Aortic aneurysm: construction of a life-size model by rapid prototyping.

Development of new endovascular techniques for repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) requires the use of experimental models. Stereolithography is a rapid prototyping technique used in industry to prototype parts during the design phase. A stereolithography apparatus (STL) employs laser technology to build a digital model layer by layer with photopolymer resin. The purpose of this study was to use this technology to produce a life-size AAA model. Data were acquired by CT scan and stored in DICOM 3 format. Specifically designed software was used for 3-D imaging and conversion of data to a standard STL format. Two replicas were made: one to scale and the other 3 mm larger. The final model was made by pouring silicone rubber or polyurethane into the mold over the life-size model so as to obtain a sturdy, life-size, soft, transparent plastic casting. Arterial models made for living subjects with these rapid prototyping techniques can be used to simulate surgical procedures, calibrate imaging modalities, and design new stent grafts.

Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal↗

PubMed2001

Towards environmental toxicogenomics -- development of a flow-through, high-density DNA hybridization array and its application to ecotoxicity assessment.

Assessment of the environmental hazard posed by soils/sediments containing low to moderate levels of contaminants using standard analytical chemical methods is uncertain due (in part) to a lack of information on contaminant bioavailability, the unknown interactive effects of contaminant mixtures, our inability to determine the species of a metal in an environmental matrix, and the relative sensitivity of bioassay species. Regulatory agencies compensate for this uncertainty by lowering cleanup goals, but in this process they effectively exclude otherwise attractive cleanup options (i.e. bioremediation). Direct evaluations of soil and sediment toxicity preclude uncertainty from most of these sources. However, the time and cost of chronic toxicity tests limits their general application to higher levels of tiered toxicity assessments. Transcriptional level (mRNA) toxicity assessments offer great advantages in terms of speed, cost and sample throughput. These advantages are currently offset by questions about the environmental relevance of molecular level responses. To this end a flow-through, high-density DNA hybridization array (genosensor) system specifically designed for environmental risk assessment was developed. The genosensor is based on highly regular microchannel glass wafers to which gene probes are covalently bound at discrete (200-microm diameter spot) and addressable (250-microm spot pitch) locations. The flow-through design enables hybridization and washing times to be reduced from approximately 18 h to 20 min. The genosensor was configured so that DNA from 28 environmental samples can be simultaneously hybridized with up to 64 different gene probes. The standard microscopic slide format facilitates data capture with most automated array readers and, thus high sample throughput (> 350 sample/h). In conclusion, hardware development for molecular analysis is enabling very tractable means for analyzing RNA and DNA. These developments have underscored the need for further developmental work in probe design software, and the need to relate transcriptional level data to whole-organism toxicity indicators.

Animals↗

PubMed1984

A comparison of methods to approximate standard errors for complex survey data.

Complex survey designs are characterized by multistage selections with stratification and clustering. The departure from simple random sampling assumptions requires special consideration with regard to variance estimation. Specially designed software packages exist to generate variance estimates for statistics from complex survey data. The variance estimation techniques used include balanced repeated replication, jackknife, and Taylor series linearization. Many complex surveys generate thousands of tables. The computational and publishing costs soar if estimates of standard error are required for all statistics. To decrease these costs, several alternative techniques to approximate the standard errors of estimates are available. These include the widely used relative variance curve, a method based on the average relative standard error, and the average design effect model. In this paper these three methods are compared with respect to accuracy, computational and publishing costs, and ease of implementation.

Health Services Research↗

PubMed1977

Computer-assisted monocyte esterase assay by flow-cytophotometry.

A Wang model 2200 computer has been interfaced with the Bio/Physics Systems, Inc. model 6300 Cytograf and model 2100 Distribution Analyzer. Using a custom designed software program, in conjunction with an azo-dye technic for staining monocytes for nonspecific esterase activity, it has been possible to obtain rapid and reliable data concerning relative values for intracellular monocyte esterase activity. The method is based on measuring the axial light-loss voltage signal for each of one thousand stained monocytes. Individual stained monocytes were assigned to one of four groups (A, B, C, D), dependent upon the magnitude of the signal and were given different rating values (1, 2, 3, 4) according to their group designation. A "score" was derived for each blood sample by multiplying the percentage of cells (monocytes) in each group category by the appropriate factor and summing these values. The technic permits rapid objective assessment of intracellular nonspecific esterase activity in monocytes suspended in a mixed cell population. Both Gaussian and bi-modal patterns for monocyte esterase were observed. The latter suggests a dual monocyte population.

Computers↗

PubMed1988

The protein identification resource (PIR).

The Protein Identification Resource consists of an integrated computer system composed of a number of protein and nucleic acid sequence databases and software designed for the identification and analysis of protein sequences and their corresponding coding sequences. The PIR serves the scientific community through on-line access, distributing magnetic tapes, and performing off-line sequence identification services for researchers.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

The reliability and internal consistency of an Internet-capable computer program for measuring utilities.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and internal consistency of measurements of utilities performed with a computer program (iMPACT2) designed for Internet surveys and Internet patient decision-support systems. METHODS: We implemented the Internet Multimedia Preference Assessor Construction Tool, version 2 (iMPACT2) program using the combination of a web server, HTML files, and a web-accessible database. The program randomized subjects, screened their responses for missing data and failures of internal consistency, assisted patients with resolving certain inconsistencies, and, upon a subject's completion of the protocol, provided a report of results to the research assistant administering the program. To validate the iMPACT2 program, we recruited 60 healthy community volunteers and elicited preferences in a research-lab setting using a visual analog scale (VAS) and the standard gamble (SG) for subject's current health and three hypothetical states. For purposes of comparison, we also administered a Short Form-12 (SF-12) health-assessment questionnaire. Subjects used the computer software on two occasions separated by 2-4 weeks of time. RESULTS: Visual analog scale and standard gamble ratings for subjects' current health were reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.82 and 0.84 (two outliers excluded -0.60 without exclusions), respectively) were comparable with the reliability of the Physical and Mental Component scales of the SF-12 (ICCs of 0.84 and 0.75, respectively). Subjects could easily discriminate between hypothetical states (D scores 0.74 for SG and 0.90 for VAS), and 94% had a completely internally consistent ordering of preference ratings for states. CONCLUSIONS: iMPACT2 produces measurements of standard gamble utilities that are reliable and have a high degree of internal consistency. Procedures for assessment of utilities developed for desktop computer programs can be translated to software designed for the Internet, facilitating the use of utilities and endpoints in clinical trials and development of web-based decision-support applications for patients. However, further testing, including direct comparisons with traditional interviewer administered utility elicitation protocols, is needed.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2002

Electronic procedure logs: taking it further.

OBJECTIVE: To create an electronic procedural logbook with enhanced user interactivity and usefulness as an educational resource. DESCRIPTION: From our own work on electronic student logbooks and other studies, it is clear that compliance with complete and valid data entry remains a challenge. Without direct and visible benefit, students are reluctant to spend time logging all their cases. We developed an interactive procedural logbook using Microsoft Embedded Visual Basic and Metrowerks CodeWarrior. Interface design focused on rapid data entry with minimum requirement for text, and field-level automation where possible. We loaded it onto a mixed platform of personal digital assistants (PDAs)--Compaq iPaq Pocket PCs and HandEra 330 PalmOS devices. Our rural residents were supplied with the devices of their choice. Various built-in educational reference resources included: (1) contextual help options about each procedure, which contained diagrams and pictures; (2) diagnostic and fee coding so they could see how poorly some procedures pay; and (3) Quick Tips relevant to each procedure, which can be easily modified by the preceptor. Preceptor evaluations and comments can be entered rapidly. Using built-in database conduits, data are automatically collected from each device on every HotSync with the desktop. Data can then be collated and analyzed using Microsoft Access or via secure Web access. DISCUSSION: Improved compliance has been dramatic-one resident logged 250 procedures in just two months. However, not all residents have been successful in establishing seamless synchronization, and the resulting data loss has caused frustration. The evidence indicates the need to implement central data collection and backup right from the outset. Central data collection provides many advantages. The program director has better information for future applications. Preceptor evaluations are now spread over many interactions and yet can be collated and analyzed. Quick Tips have been very popular-we have been able to collect the tips and redistribute them. Focus-group feedback from the residents has shown that the rich data in the logbook's reference component improved its usefulness and popularity as an educational tool. Choice of device type is important for user acceptance because devotees of one platform are reluctant to switch to another. Cross-platform development does slow the process but is increasingly easy with the latest software design tools, such as AppForge. These new tools have enabled us to explore further improvements in data entry. Digital ink provides the ability to capture annotated diagrams and preceptor signatures. Voice input is built in with these devices, and our software now allows for voice annotation for more detailed commentary by preceptors or student. The compressed digital sound file is collected along with the data and transcribed centrally (on-device voice recognition is not feasible yet). Point-of-care accessibility has been the key attraction of using these devices for logging encounter data. This project demonstrates that it is important to explore all multimodal interactive capabilities to provide a truly rich educational tool.

Electronic Data Processing↗

PubMed1996

Strategies to promote rational clinical chemistry test utilization.

OBJECTIVE: To critically review the elements of laboratory services that result in inappropriate ordering of clinical chemistry tests and the efficacy of corrective interventions. METHODS AND RESULTS: In our experience, inappropriate use of laboratory services derives from multiple factors, including the use of multitest profiles, organ- or disease-specific test panels, indiscriminate ordering, standing orders, excessive reporting delays, poor audit trails of test requests, rigid group test ordering, failure to eliminate obsolete tests, and some features of computer software design. Educational strategies can be effective in modifying test-ordering patterns, provided there is sustained feedback to physicians. Careful design of requisitions and the use of disease-specific algorithms have also proven effective. CONCLUSION: Limited resources must be directed to where they are most effective by optimizing laboratory work-flow from test ordering to reporting, to avoid practices that promote inappropriate laboratory use.

Chemistry, Clinical↗

PubMed1995

Prefabricated prostheses for the reconstruction of skull defects.

Cranioplasties using intraoperatively modeled prostheses may fail to create harmonic contours with long-term stability. In contrast, preoperative modeling would allow more sophisticated planning of the contour and better preparation of the implant material, if a sufficiently precise model of the defect-site was available. In this respect, computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM)-techniques based on helical computed tomography (CT) data are successfully used for the prefabrication of prostheses: An individual computer-based 3-dimensional model of the bony defect is generated after acquisition, transfer and evaluation of the CT data; from this freeform surfaces geometry an individual and "idealized" prosthesis-geometry is derived and fabricated by a numerically controlled milling machine using modern industrial CAD/CAM-systems and design software. The margins of this prosthesis-geometry are generated by the borders of the defect and the surface by considering the non-affected neighbouring contours. Cranioplasties in cases of large postsurgical skull defects are presented as the first clinical applications of this new method, which also allows the use of titanium and fabrication of integrated fixation-devices.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed1996

Dynamics of QT dispersion during myocardial infarction and ischaemia.

We studied the dynamics of QT dispersion over the first few days of myocardial infarction and during coronary angioplasty. Ten patients with anterior myocardial infarction and an equal number with inferior infarction had electrocardiograms (ECGs) recorded on admission to hospital (day 1), on the subsequent 2 days (day 2, 3), and prior to discharge (day 6). Ten patients undergoing therapeutic coronary angioplasty were studied; ECGs were recorded prior to, during, and after balloon inflation. Simultaneous 12-lead ECGs were scanned into a personal computer; specially designed software skeletonised and joined each image. The images were then available for user-interactive measurement of QT dispersion. Mean (S.D.) QTc dispersion on day 1 of acute myocardial infarction was 107 (44.8) ms, rose further over the next 48 h, reaching a maximum on day 3 (QTc dispersion, 162.3 (64.8) ms, P < 0.01), and was falling by hospital discharge (QTc dispersion, 117.4 (67.4) ms). There was no difference in QT dispersion measurement during coronary angioplasty. It is unlikely that acute ischaemia plays an important role in the dynamic changes seen in QT dispersion over the first few days of myocardial infarction. These rapid changes in QT dispersion have important implications in the design of any study of QT dispersion after myocardial infarction, and in comparison of studies.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

PubMed1999

Estimated intakes of trans fatty and other fatty acids in the US population.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate mean level of trans fatty acid intakes using a representative sample of the US population. DESIGN: The study used food intake data from the 1989-1991 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) and the trans fatty acid contents of specific foods calculated from a database compiled by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to estimate the mean level and deciles of trans fatty acid intake of the representative US population. SUBJECTS/SETTING: Trans fatty acid intakes were estimated for each subject (N = 11,258) in the CSFII data who completed both a 24-hour recall and a 2-day food record. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Weights developed by USDA for the survey were used for all data analyses. The Technical Assessment Systems (TAS) International Diet Research System (TAS-DIET), software developed by TAS, was used to derive weighted estimates of the mean and percentiles of the intake distribution. PC CARP, software designed by Iowa State University, was used to estimate standard errors. RESULTS: Mean percentage of energy ingested as trans fatty acids was 2.6% and the mean percentage of total fat ingested as trans fatty acids was 7.4%. Across all age and gender groups examined, estimates ranged from 2.6% to 2.8% and 7.1% to 7.9%, respectively. APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: Dietetics practitioners can use the representative data of this study to help clients achieve desired changes in consumption levels of trans fatty acids.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Learning to consult with computers.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate a strategy to teach skills and issues associated with computers in the consultation. INTERVENTION: An overview lecture plus a workshop before and a workshop after practice placements, during the 10-week general practice (GP) term in the 5th year of the University of Melbourne medical course. DESIGN: Pre- and post-intervention study using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods within a strategic evaluation framework. OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported attitudes and skills with clinical applications before, during and after the intervention. RESULTS: Most students had significant general computer experience but little in the medical area. They found the workshops relevant, interesting and easy to follow. The role-play approach facilitated students' learning of relevant communication and consulting skills and an appreciation of issues associated with using the information technology tools in simulated clinical situations to augment and complement their consulting skills. The workshops and exposure to GP systems were associated with an increase in the use of clinical software, more realistic expectations of existing clinical and medical record software and an understanding of the barriers to the use of computers in the consultation. CONCLUSIONS: The educational intervention assisted students to develop and express an understanding of the importance of consulting and communication skills in teaching and learning about medical informatics tools, hardware and software design, workplace issues and the impact of clinical computer systems on the consultation and patient care.

Attitude to Computers↗

PubMed2002

Minimally invasive spectroscopic system for intraocular drug detection.

A novel, minimally invasive measurement technique has been developed for the detection of drugs in the anterior chamber of the eye. Presently there is no satisfactory, real-time detection method available to the ophthalmic community. Accurate determination of drug concentrations in the eye would be of great value and assistance to researchers and manufacturers of ophthalmic drugs and ocular implants, to enable a better understanding of intraocular pharmacokinetics. At present researchers use techniques of direct sampling of the aqueous humor from laboratory animal eyes into which the drug has been introduced topically or systemically. Rabbit eyes are frequently used in this context. Sampling via paracentesis is invasive, and does not yield a continuous measurement. Our approach to addressing this measurement requirement is, in effect, to turn the eye into a cuvette and use optical absorbance spectroscopy measurements to detect drug concentrations. A novel contact lens has been designed using commercial, off-the-shelf, optical design software. The lenses have been optimized to direct light across the anterior chamber of a rabbit's eye. Practical demonstration and characterization of light propagation across the eye have been undertaken and are reported. Preliminary results of the identification of drug compounds introduced into model eyes are also reported.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

PubMed2000

Essential motions and energetic contributions of individual residues in a peptide bound to an SH3 domain.

We have studied protein-ligand interactions by molecular dynamics simulations using software designed to exploit parallel computing architectures. The trajectories were analyzed to extract the essential motions and to estimate the individual contributions of fragments of the ligand to overall binding enthalpy. Two forms of the bound ligand are compared, one with the termini blocked by covalent derivatization, and one in the underivatized, zwitterionic form. The ends of the peptide tend to bind more loosely in the capped form. We can observe significant motions in the bound ligand and distinguish between motions of the peptide backbone and of the side chains. This could be useful in designing ligands, which fit optimally to the binding protein. We show that it is possible to determine the different contributions of each residue in a peptide to the enthalpy of binding. Proline is a major net contributor to binding enthalpy, in keeping with the known propensity for this family of proteins to bind proline-rich peptides.

Amino Acid Sequence↗