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At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

PubMed2003

The validity of computerized orthognathic predictions.

OBJECTIVE: utilizing OPAL cephalometric prediction software. DESIGN: A retrospective investigation involving the random selection of Class II orthognathic patients from surgical records. SUBJECTS: These 25 cases had undergone treatment aimed at producing Class I incisors. This involved fixed orthodontic appliances and a mandibular advancement osteotomy with rigid internal fixation. METHODS: Lateral cephalographs from three key stages were digitized and processed using the OPAL software. Pre-treatment predictions were generated and compared with the actual clinical changes. RESULTS: Prediction of some of the principal OPAL variables (SNA, ANB, LAFH%, OJ, OB) was reasonably accurate in terms of mean values. However, there were large individual variations for most measurements, and prediction of Wits, MxP/MnP, LAFH, and LPFH was prone to systematic error. In particular, there was a tendency towards over-prediction of the surgically-induced backward mandibular rotation. CONCLUSION: In lieu of further validation caution should be exercised with the interpretation of individual OPAL predictions, especially vertical skeletal changes, and an explanation given to patients that orthognathic predictions are based on generalizations.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

A technical note about Phidel: a new software for evaluating magnetic induction field generated by power lines.

The Regional Environment Protection Agency of Friuli Venezia Giulia (ARPA FVG, Italy) has performed an analysis on existing software designed to calculate magnetic induction field generated by power lines. As far as the agency's requirements are concerned the tested programs display some difficulties in the immediate processing of electrical and geometrical data supplied by plant owners, and in certain cases turn out to be inadequate in representing complex configurations of power lines. Phidel, an innovative software, tackles and works out all the above-mentioned problems. Therefore, the obtained results, when compared with those of other programs, are the closest to experimental measurements. The output data can be employed both in the GIS and Excel environments, allowing the immediate overlaying of digital cartography and the determining of the 3 and 10 muT bands, in compliance with the Italian Decree of the President of the Council of Ministers of 8 July 2003.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2000

An automated PACS workstation interface: a timesaving enhancement.

OBJECTIVE: Interface design is a key element in the efficient use of a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) workstation. In many cases, multiple mouse clicks or keyboard commands are required to open and close a case, to mark it as complete, and to retrieve and allocate screen positions to the next case. We evaluated the work flow effect of software designed for automated image display in which all of these operations are consolidated in a single mouse click. CONCLUSION: Automated image display increases efficiency in image interpretation and remedies the normally cluttered presentation environment. At our institution, acceptance of automated image display has been overwhelmingly positive. In fact, automated image display has improved radiologist productivity.

Efficiency, Organizational↗

PubMed2004

A new semi-automated measurement technique based on X-ray pictures for ankle morphometry.

Knowledge of human joint morphology is important in orthopaedic surgery and in prosthesis design. The literature on quantitative morphological analysis of the ankle joint is particularly scarce. A semi-automated radiographic measurement method was developed to collect morphological measures of the ankle joint. The method was based on standard lateral and antero-posterior X-ray pictures of the ankle joint. These were then scanned and analysed by means of specialized software designed for the purpose, which requires minimal operator contribution. Accuracy of the method was experimentally assessed by in vitro direct measurements. Intra- and inter-operator variability was also tested. Accuracy was assessed to be within 1mm for most measurements. Repeatability was not affected by operator skill and was within 2mm. The newly proposed method was applied successfully on 15 male adult subjects and relevant results are reported. The method allows ankle morphology to be analysed in a large number of subjects providing reliable data for anthropometric statistics.

Ankle Joint↗

PubMed2005

Comparison of the Bravo wireless and Digitrapper catheter-based pH monitoring systems for measuring esophageal acid exposure.

INTRODUCTION: We compared esophageal acid exposure data obtained during simultaneous esophageal pH studies using the Bravo wireless and the Slimline catheter-Mark III Digitrapper pH systems. METHODS: Twenty-five asymptomatic subjects underwent endoscopy with endoclip placement at the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) and manometry to localize the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). A Bravo capsule was placed 6 cm above the SCJ and a Slimline catheter 5 cm above the LES. Relative positions were checked fluoroscopically. Synchronized pH data were compared by manual extraction into Excel spreadsheets. An in vivo pH reference was established with swallows of orange juice (pH 3.88). RESULTS: Median acid exposure time was greater with the Slimline compared to the Bravo system (Slimline, 3.4%; Bravo, 1.76%, p < 0.05) but electrode positions were similar. The dominant source of discrepancy between systems was an offset in recorded pH values around pH 4 as evidenced by the recorded values of the swallowed orange juice. Bench-top testing suggested that this offset was mainly attributable to the software designed to compensate for the difference in electrode recording characteristics between room and body temperature. After adjusting the pH data sets to accurately reflect actual orange juice pH, acid exposure between systems was similar (Slimline, 0.90%; Bravo, 1.15%). CONCLUSION: The Slimline system on average over-recorded esophageal acid exposure compared to the Bravo system largely because of a flawed software scheme for electrode thermal calibration. Accuracy of pH data sets from both systems can be improved by scrutiny for artifacts and use of an in vivo pH reference.

Acids↗

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↗

PubMed2004

Interactive DNA sequence and structure design for DNA nanoapplications.

DNA sequence and structure design is very important for DNA nanoapplications. A computer-aided design tool is needed for exploring DNA sequence and structure of interests before experimental synthesis, which is a time- and labor-consuming process. In this paper, an interactive DNA sequence and structure design software tool called DNA shop is proposed and implemented. The visualization tool can generate DNA structures by specifying, selecting, and moving DNA sequences around and display corresponding structures. Using the tool, DNA sequence and structure can be visually inspected in three-dimensional space before experimental studies.

Algorithms↗

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↗

PubMed2004

[Development of portable LED-based NIR integrity wheat component measuring apparatus].

A integrity wheat component quickly measuring apparatus which based on NIR LED was developed, by using new chip and designing software. While providing a lower cost apparatus, it also provides quick answer speed and smaller size for fieldwork of wheat's components measuring. The apparatus is made up of NIR LED, interference filter, lens, Si photronic detector, microprocessor system and calibration model. Compared with other instrument, the apparatus has many advantages, such as compact space, simple structure, low power waste, and anti-shake. This paper introduces the design of the apparatus, and predicts the concentration of wheat protein. The apparatus can realize non-damage measurement of wheat components' concentration on fieldwork.

English Abstract↗

PubMed2004

Designing information technology to support prescribing decision making.

The use of computerised prescribing and decision support to reduce medication error is a common element of medication safety policy. This paper discusses the sort of characteristics that a decision support system should have. The system should slot into a wider vision of good prescribing, not conflict with it, and should be based on our understanding of the causes of error. As yet there is little evidence that decision support is effective in changing patient outcome, and the evaluation in this field is of limited quality and generalisability. It is proposed that software design should target high risk patients and drugs, trap dosing errors, have standardised methods of production and evaluation, be congruent with good prescribing, focus on the tasks that computers do well, individualise treatment, and ensure that prescribers enjoy using the final product.

Decision Support Systems, Clinical↗

PubMed2004

A technique for fabricating patterns for removable partial denture frameworks using digitized casts and electronic surveying.

Although computer-aided design and manufacture techniques have shown some promising applications in the fabrication of crowns, inlays, and maxillofacial and oral surgery, the field of removable prosthodontics has not embraced these technologies so far. This article describes the development and investigation of computer-aided techniques that may eventually enable prosthodontic procedures such as surveying and the production of sacrificial patterns to be performed digitally. A 3-dimensional computer model of a conventional cast from a patient was obtained using an optical surface capture device (a scanner). The shape of a number of components of a removable partial denture framework was modeled on the 3-dimensional scan electronically, using computer-aided design software. A physical plastic shape of the components was produced using a Rapid Prototyping machine and used as a sacrificial pattern. Techniques to allow digital cast surveying before the production of sacrificial patterns were also developed. The results show that digital dental surveying and machine-produced sacrificial patterns can be accomplished. This article forms a basis for further developments leading to a fully integrated approach to the computer-aided design and fabrication of removable partial denture frameworks.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed2005

Kaiser Permanente's experience of implementing an electronic medical record: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine users' attitudes to implementation of an electronic medical record system in Kaiser Permanente Hawaii. DESIGN: Qualitative study based on semistructured interviews. SETTING: Four primary healthcare teams in four clinics, and four specialty departments in one hospital, on Oahu, Hawaii. Shortly before the interviews, Kaiser Permanente stopped implementation of the initial system in favour of a competing one. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty six senior clinicians, managers, and project team members. RESULTS: Seven key findings emerged: users perceived the decision to adopt the electronic medical record system as flawed; software design problems increased resistance; the system reduced doctors' productivity, especially during initial implementation, which fuelled resistance; the system required clarification of clinical roles and responsibilities, which was traumatic for some individuals; a cooperative culture created trade-offs at varying points in the implementation; no single leadership style was optimal--a participatory, consensus-building style may lead to more effective adoption decisions, whereas decisive leadership could help resolve barriers and resistance during implementation; the process fostered a counter climate of conflict, which was resolved by withdrawal of the initial system. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation involved several critical components, including perceptions of the system selection, early testing, adaptation of the system to the larger organisation, and adaptation of the organisation to the new electronic environment. Throughout, organisational factors such as leadership, culture, and professional ideals played complex roles, each facilitating and hindering implementation at various points. A transient climate of conflict was associated with adoption of the system.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMed2003

Measurement of body size and shape perception in eating-disordered and control observers using body-shape software.

A disturbance in the perception of personal body size and shape is a key feature of both anorexia and bulimia nervosa, but it has proved difficult to quantify. Previous attempts have used methods like the distorting video technique (DVT), which alters an image by stretching the figure in either the X- or Y-axis. This is a poor representation of the way fat is added to or lost from the body, and the pattern of distortion provides a host of cues to the degree to which the image has been altered. To overcome these problems we have used a specially designed software system that uses biometric data based on real body shapes, instead of simply stretching or compressing images of bodies. This technique also allows individual body parts to be altered separately, so we can determine whether a specific body part is overestimated relative to others. We can also calculate the apparent body mass index (BMI) of our modified pictures, using the perimeter-area ratio (PAR). This allows us to compare an observer's actual BMI with that calculated for their estimated and ideal bodies. We tested 30 anorexic, 30 bulimic and 137 control observers. Our results show that all three observer groups tend to overestimate their body size, but not significantly so. Both the control and bulimic observers prefer an ideal body with a BMI of 20, which is at the lower end of the 'normal' BMI range. However, the anorexics ideal BMI is 15, which is on the border between the emaciated and underweight BMI categories.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Applications of computer-based instruction: using specialized software to aid letter-name and letter-sound recognition.

We evaluated computerized training and testing programs with children who were having difficulties learning prereading skills. The programs were derived from equivalence research and were written in authoring software designed for educators. After learning to match uppercase and lowercase printed letters to the corresponding letter names (Tasks 1 and 2), the children matched the letters to one another (Tasks 4 and 5). Then, after learning to match uppercase letters to sounds (Task 3), they also matched lowercase letters to sounds (Task 6) and matched printed to spoken words (Tasks 7 and 8). The results recommend equivalence-based protocols and user-friendly software in further development of prereading instruction.

Child, Preschool↗

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↗