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At least 505 records · Page 28Linked to original sources

PubMed1995

The future of MEBC: panel discussion.

The expected developments in the not too distant future (5-10 years) of molecular electronics and biocomputing (MEBC) are discussed. In the short-term, the study of very specific basic phenomena is expected (e.g. conducting polymers, strange electronic states of insulating polymers, bacteriorhodopsin (BR), arrays of molecules, self-organization of biomaterials, very specific biological systems, quantum coherence in cytoskeletal microtubules, optoelectronic information storage, associative memories, pattern recognition, hierarchical nature of biological information). New application fields outside the range of conventional technology (e.g. randomized algorithms, optoelectronic devices, chemical and biosensors, as well as a certain extent of commercialisation) have also been predicted. In the long-term, the study and solution of much deeper (sometimes scientific fiction-like) problems were foreseen, such as the self-organization of biomaterials, artificial self-reproduction, implementation of artificial cell dynamic control structures based on molecular devices for medical and environmental applications and the construction of neuronal computers as aids to the human brain.

Electronics, Medical↗

PubMed2000

Education and training in the MEDICOM system.

MEDICOM system is a world wide telematics application for electronic commerce of medical devices. It has been designed so as to provide the health care professionals with a central Internet access to up-to-date information about medical equipment from multiple manufacturers, in a particular easy and friendly way. Moreover, the Medicom system will serve the health care professionals' requirements for high-quality information about specific products in a form of multimedia presentations and that of a secure communication channel with the community of manufacturers, especially for post marketing surveillance. The system will provide the medical staff (physicians and technicians) with demonstrations of the operation procedures and the functioning of high-tech equipment in a form of virtual models. Moreover, through the medicom system the end users of medical devices can have access to on line libraries and participate in special newsgroups. This paper discusses the architectural structure of the MEDICOM system with emphasis to its educational and training functionality.

Commerce↗

PubMed1999

Temporomandibular joint pantomography using charge-coupled device, photostimulable phosphor, and film receptors: a comparison.

Our objective was to compare the accuracy and practicality in use of three available imaging receptors for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) imaging; namely, two computer-assisted and one traditional analog x-ray film system. A standardized tissue-equivalent encased human skull specimen was imaged using lateral and posteroanterior (PA) pantomographic projections with the Orthopantomograph OP 100 (Instrumentarium Imaging, Tuusula, Finland) and three different receptor modalities: (1) Ektavision film with Ektavision screens (Eastman Kodak, Rochester, NY); (2) DenOptix photostimulable phosphor screens (Dentsply/Gendex, Chicago, IL); and (3) the charge-coupled device (CCD) receptor, DigiPan (TREX/Trophy Radiology, Marne-la-Vallée, France). The effective focal trough was found for each receptor using lead resolution grids placed at fractional millimeter distances along empirically determined beam projection angulations. The time to acquire and process images was also established. We found that the CCD system permitted real-time display, whereas the use of traditional film took 2 minutes to load the cassette in a darkroom and perform the exposure, and then a further 2 minutes to unload and process. The storage phosphor took 3 minutes to unload the cassette and process the image and a further 20 seconds to clear the plate following laser scanning. Film produced the greatest maximum resolution followed by the storage phosphor and the CCD. In conclusion, CCD-based TMJ pantomography provided an instant image. The photostimulable phosphor system used was the least satisfactory in terms of the time expended to obtain an image, but provided better spatial resolution than the CCD. Ektavision film/screens provided the best spatial resolution in this investigation.

Data Display↗

PubMed1998

Diode laser absorption sensors for gas-dynamic and combustion flows.

Recent advances in room-temperature, near-IR and visible diode laser sources for tele-communication, high-speed computer networks, and optical data storage applications are enabling a new generation of gas-dynamic and combustion-flow sensors based on laser absorption spectroscopy. In addition to conventional species concentration and density measurements, spectroscopic techniques for temperature, velocity, pressure and mass flux have been demonstrated in laboratory, industrial and technical flows. Combined with fibreoptic distribution networks and ultrasensitive detection strategies, compact and portable sensors are now appearing for a variety of applications. In many cases, the superior spectroscopic quality of the new laser sources compared with earlier cryogenic, mid-IR devices is allowing increased sensitivity of trace species measurements, high-precision spectroscopy of major gas constituents, and stable, autonomous measurement systems. The purpose of this article is to review recent progress in this field and suggest likely directions for future research and development. The various laser-source technologies are briefly reviewed as they relate to sensor applications. Basic theory for laser absorption measurements of gas-dynamic properties is reviewed and special detection strategies for the weak near-IR and visible absorption spectra are described. Typical sensor configurations are described and compared for various application scenarios, ranging from laboratory research to automated field and airborne packages. Recent applications of gas-dynamic sensors for air flows and fluxes of trace atmospheric species are presented. Applications of gas-dynamic and combustion sensors to research and development of high-speed flows aeropropulsion engines, and combustion emissions monitoring are presented in detail, along with emerging flow control systems based on these new sensors. Finally, technology in nonlinear frequency conversion, UV laser materials, room-temperature mid-IR materials and broadly tunable multisection devices is reviewed to suggest new sensor possibilities.

Absorption↗

PubMed1991

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator: data storage and retrieval with Patientlog.

A pacemaker management system (Patientlog), implemented on a IBM personal computer (AT), was adapted for the control and the administrative management of patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Several parameters used for pacemakers were also suitable for ICDs, while some fields were defined within the available frame of the database, to cope with the specific technical information of ICDs. "Intervention-cards" display diagnostic (threshold) as well as complex surgical information (approach, lead systems, etc.). "Follow-up-cards" present charge time and the number of shocks in such a way that decision making is very easy. Fourteen patients were followed with a total of 21 interventions, six different types of devices, and more than 150 follow-ups. A correct control of ICD functions is easy. The system is adapted for programmable ICDs. Updated reports containing necessary information are generated immediately after each procedure or follow-up.

Database Management Systems↗

PubMed2005

Material properties of the human lumbar facet joint capsule.

The human facet joint capsule is one of the structures in the lumbar spine that constrains motions of vertebrae during global spine loading (e.g., physiological flexion). Computational models of the spine have not been able to include accurate nonlinear and viscoelastic material properties, as they have not previously been measured. Capsules were tested using a uniaxial ramp-hold protocol or a haversine displacement protocol using a commercially available materials testing device. Plane strain was measured optically. Capsules were tested both parallel and perpendicular to the dominant orientation of the collagen fibers in the capsules. Viscoelastic material properties were determined. Parallel to the dominant orientation of the collagen fibers, the complex modulus of elasticity was E*=1.63MPa, with a storage modulus of E'=1.25MPa and a loss modulus of: E" =0.39MPa. The mean stress relaxation rates for static and dynamic loading were best fit with first-order polynomials: B(epsilon) = 0.1110epsilon-0.0733 and B(epsilon)= -0.1249epsilon + 0.0190, respectively. Perpendicular to the collagen fiber orientation, the viscous and elastic secant moduli were 1.81 and 1.00 MPa, respectively. The mean stress relaxation rate for static loading was best fit with a first-order polynomial: B (epsilon) = -0.04epsilon - 0.06. Capsule strength parallel and perpendicular to collagen fiber orientation was 1.90 and 0.95 MPa, respectively, and extensibility was 0.65 and 0.60, respectively. Poisson's ratio parallel and perpendicular to fiber orientation was 0.299 and 0.488, respectively. The elasticity moduli were nonlinear and anisotropic, and capsule strength was larger aligned parallel to the collagen fibers. The phase lag between stress and strain increased with haversine frequency, but the storage modulus remained large relative to the complex modulus. The stress relaxation rate was strain dependent parallel to the collagen fibers, but was strain independent perpendicularly.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Using a personal digital assistant to streamline the OR workload.

PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANTS (PDAs), are handheld minicomputers used for tasks such as referencing, documentation, and data storage and retrieval. THESE DEVICES can help perioperative nurses solve problems associated with updating, maintaining, and retrieving surgical preference cards and accessing treatment and medication references. CHOOSING A PDA and accessories, finding basic software, and writing a perioperative nursing program can be painless, even for a novice. NURSING DOCUMENTATION can be accelerated and streamlined with the use of PDAs, which leaves perioperative nurses more time for quality patient care.

Computers, Handheld↗

PubMed2004

[Use of an electronic patient record system at the Department of Ophthalmology, Otto-von-Guericke University of Magdeburg].

BACKGROUND: The electronic or paper-based patient record is the most important documentation file. The electronic patient record has many advantages compared to a paper-based record. METHODS: An example of an electronic patient record (EPR) system accessed by several departments of the Faculty of Medicine of Magdeburg is presented. RESULTS: To guarantee faculty-wide communication with sharing of clinical pictures and findings, e.g., with the Departments of Radiology and Pathology, the system of MEDOS Inc. is used in our department. Several examination devices, for example fundus camera, slit lamp, and ultrasound, are equipped with an digital picture storage and communication system via a DICOM interface to the MEDOS system. The software AnalySIS is used as a gateway for picture transferation. The MEDOS system also supports the clinical workflow. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an electronic patient record system in ophthalmology is already possible, but still needs further tuning and improvement.

Computer Communication Networks↗

PubMed2002

Prospects for single-molecule information-processing devices for the next paradigm.

Present information technologies use semiconductor devices and magnetic/optical disks; however, they are all foreseen to face fundamental limitations within a decade. Therefore, superceding devices are required for the next paradigm of high-performance information technologies. The paper first describes architectures suitable for single-molecule information processing, in which it is claimed that the performance of information processing is higher if speed and element number product is larger in almost all known architectures. Thus, single-molecule information-processing devices should be the most appropriate approach for the next paradigm. Then, prospects for single-molecule devices suitable for future information-processing technologies are described. Four possible milestones for realizing the Peta/Exa-floating operations per second (FLOPS) personal molecular supercomputer are proposed. Current status and necessary technologies of the first milestone are described, and necessary technologies for the next three milestones are also discussed.

Computers↗

PubMed2006

An algorithm for automatic determination of the respiratory phases in four-dimensional computed tomography.

Recently, several techniques have been developed to improve the quality of computed tomography (CT) images of the thoracic and abdominal region that are degraded by the interference of the scanning process and respiration. Several devices for respiratory-correlated CT are available for clinical usage. They are based on the synchronization of the acquired CT image data with the respiratory motion using a signal from an external respiratory monitoring system. In this work, some practical aspects of clinical implementation of the multi-slice 4D CT scanner Somatom Sensation Open (Siemens Medical Solutions, Erlangen, Germany) equipped with a respiratory gating system (RGS) AZ-733V (Anzai Medical, Tokyo, Japan) are discussed. A new algorithm developed for automatic respiratory phase determination needed for the reconstruction of the 4D CT images is presented.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1996

Radiation safety in the central radiopharmacy.

The currently increasing number of new radiopharmaceuticals and the increase in individual patient-dose activity, particularly for single photon emission computer tomography imaging, coupled with the switch toward unit doses probably contribute to an increase in the radiation burden to radiopharmacy personnel. To meet this increased need of the nuclear medicine community, a medium-sized radiopharmacy may order seven to eight 3-Ci molybdenum-99/technetium-99M generators per week and may perform 10 to 15 elutions per day. The maximum radiation exposure to radiopharmacy personnel occurs during the generator elutions, compounding (kit preparation), and unit-dose dispensing. Additional sources of radiation exposure can occur during receipt of radioactive packages, transport of prepared doses, and the process of storage and disposal of radioactive waste. Recent reports have shown extremity radiation doses to the fingers and hands at 14 to 21 rem/year. Radiation exposure can be monitored by film badges, thermoluminescent detectors, or one of the analog or digital self-reading dosimeters. Each monitoring device has advantages and the choice depends upon the personnel involved (eg, visitors) and the particular needs of the radiopharmacy. Extremity dose reductions during radiopharmacy procedures can be achieved by a number of techniques, some as simple as the use of 8- to 9-inch forceps during transfers of radioactive vials and syringes and the use of a dose-drawing syringe shield during unit-dose dispensing procedures. In preparation of unsealed doses or capsules of radioactive iodine, there is a potential for a high internal dose because of inhalation of the volitile solution. Frequent monitoring in the form of bioassays and the use of strict threshold levels will ensure early detection of exposure to radioactive iodine and quick corrective action. In pharmacies and nuclear medicine departments handling fluorine-18 for use with Anger gamma cameras, the high levels of both beta and gamma radiation present an additional set of radiation safety problems.

Equipment Design↗

PubMed2001

Designing fault-tolerant distributed archives for picture archiving and communication systems.

PURPOSE: Distributed archives in a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) environment can provide added fault tolerance and fail-over capability, as well as increased load capacity at a more economical price than traditional 'high-availability" systems. Systems can be configured with varying levels of fault tolerance, depending on the amount of redundancy desired. There is, however, a direct correlation between the level of hardware redundancy and cost to implement. This presentation details the system design for fault-tolerant distributed archives as well as several options for redundancy, referencing implementation of a fault-tolerant archive system at the University of Utah. METHODS: The distributed archive system described here is based on Image Devices' image archive software, which can be implemented on multiple individual archive servers in order to distribute archive functionality and operational load. The configuration and implementation of the individual servers together make up the distributed archive system and does not impact the ability of the system to be scaled to meet future requirements. Several implementation and configuration options exist, including the ability for servers to maintain replicated databases containing patient and image information. Thus, each archive can be aware of all information and the location of this information within the distributed archive system. RESULTS: The goal is to produce systems that will still be operational in the event of any single point of failure, ie, a network connection failure between facilities or the failure of a single archive server within the distributed system. During normal operation, workload for image acquisition, image routing and image query requests will be distributed between the archive servers. If the system is deployed in a multifacility environment, each archive server can be configured to be responsible for the acquisition and image distribution management within that server's local facility. If the system is deployed in a single facility environment, load can be distributed evenly between the archive servers based on an understanding of the workload requirements generated be each acquisition and display device in the system. In the event that an archive server fails, other archive servers within the system will have the ability to provide some or all of the failed server's functionality. The degree of fail-over capability is dependent on the archive server's configuration as well as hardware redundancy employed. Three levels of fault-tolerant design can be achieved with this system architecture: (1) duplicate work capability only; (2) duplicate work capability and short-term image cache; (3) duplicate work capability, short-term image cache, and longterm image archival. Using the basic fault-tolerant design above, we have implemented a multifacility distributed archive system at the University of Utah. This system was implemented at a fraction of the cost of true "high-availability" archive architectures yet provides constant up time for the PACS system. If the network connection between the two locations goes down, each site is still fully functional for soft-copy read, as well as image acquisition and distribution. If either of the archive servers goes down, the image sources are redirected to the other archive server. The operational server then handles image distribution for both locations. Access to images in the short-term image cache is available to both archive servers and is not affected by loss of the network connection or remote server. Because there is ony one long-term archive device, the ability to retrieve images from long-term storage is the only function compromised by a network or server failure. CONCLUSION: By implementing distributed archives in a PACS environment, it is possible to achieve a highly fault-tolerant system without the expense of high-availability hardware and software. The design concepts outlined here can be applied to any PACS system that supports distributed archive functionality.

Computer Systems↗

PubMed2002

Integrating IT into the radiology environment.

Rather than perpetuating the struggle, "who controls the PACS, Radiology or Information Technology (IT)," Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP) took the approach of incorporating IT support within the Radiology Department. CHOMP faced the challenge of staffing Radiology computer systems and networks by using a two-pronged approach; promoting and training clinical staff in IT functions and transferring an experienced IT person into the Radiology Department. Roles and responsibilities are divided. CHOMP's IT Department supports the Radiology Department's desktop devices, PCs, printers, and standard peripherals; while the department's DICOM print and archive network, specialized hardware (e.g., Merge DICOM interface computers), and applications are supported by the Radiology Department. The IT Department provides operating system support for multi-user VMS, Unix, and NT-based systems, e.g. Sun Solaris for the DICOM archive, and Windows NT for Mitra PACS Broker, the HL7/DICOM interface engine. IT also supports network communications, i.e., network electronics (routers, switches, etc.), TCP/IP communications, and network traffic analysis; and OS operations support for major Radiology systems, e.g. back-ups and off-site tape storage. Radiology staff provides applications support and troubleshooting, including analyst functions for RIS; and are the first point of contact with the Radiology systems vendors, e.g., GE Medical, or Siemens. The Radiology Department's senior IT person, the Clinical Technology Coordinator, transferred from CHOMP's IT Department after 7 years in that department. She performs analysis and design associated with Radiology's computer systems, coordinates development of the department's strategic plan, evaluates vendor proposals, and assists the department with product and application selection. Her IT experience and growing knowledge of Radiology's clinical tasks enhances communications between the Radiology and IT departments. Formal meetings between the two departments are held monthly; informal and project-related meetings and discussion are frequent and vital to the continued good relationship between them. When CHOMP either upgrades or replaces its DICOM archive, and Radiology becomes completely filmless, the vendor's contract will include an on-site vendor-supplied picture archiving and communications systems support person for at least 6 months after deployment, to insure a better knowledge transfer. Having an on-site support person would have reduced the number of technical challenges the Radiology Department has faced over the past 2 years. Finding and maintaining qualified staff versed in both IT and Radiology has been and will continue to be difficult. A blend of IT and Radiology support staff and open communication between the departments is working for CHOMP.

Computer Communication Networks↗

PubMed2004

Alerts in mobile healthcare applications: requirements and pilot study.

Recent advances in mobile technologies have greatly extended traditional communication technologies to mobile devices. At the same time, healthcare environments are by nature "mobile" where doctors and nurses do not have fixed workspaces. Irregular and exceptional events are generated in daily hospital routines, such as operations rescheduling, laboratory/examination results, and adverse drug events. These events may create requests that should be delivered to the appropriate person at the appropriate time. Those requests that are classified as urgent are referred to as alerts. Efficient routing and monitoring of alerts are keys to quality and cost-effective healthcare services. Presently, these are generally handled in an ad hoc manner. In this paper, we propose the use of a healthcare alert management system to handle these alert messages systematically. We develop a model for specifying alerts that are associated with medical tasks and a set of parameters for their routing. We design an alert monitor that matches medical staff and their mobile devices to receive alerts, based on the requirements of these alerts. We also propose a mechanism to handle and reroute, if necessary, an alert message when it has not been acknowledged within a specific deadline.

Computer Communication Networks↗

PubMed1985

A high capacity data recording device based on a digital audio processor and a video cassette recorder.

A modified digital audio processor, a video cassette recorder, and some simple added circuitry are assembled into a recording device of high capacity. The unit converts two analog channels into digital form at 44-kHz sampling rate and stores the information in digital form in a common video cassette. Bandwidth of each channel is from direct current to approximately 20 kHz and the dynamic range is close to 90 dB. The total storage capacity in a 3-h video cassette is 2 Gbytes. The information can be retrieved in analog or digital form.

Computers↗

PubMed2001

Bedside vital signs capture for the non-ICU setting--an open source, PC-based solution.

The efficient and reliable capture of vital signs and other bedside data in the non-ICU setting has been a challenging problem for the medical informatics community. The problem is compounded by the complexities associated with storage of this data into an electronic medical record system (EMRS). There are a lack of off-the-shelf solutions that satisfy the basic system requirements of bedside data capture, user authentication, data validation prior to storage, error handling, and convenience. With the current state of technology available, we feel the solution to this problem requires the presence of a PC with custom interface software at the bedside. This allows for the successful interface between available vital signs capture devices, existing EMRS s, and the user. This report summarizes the alternatives we found and our proposed solution to this important problem.

Computer Security↗

PubMed2005

A multiparameter wearable physiologic monitoring system for space and terrestrial applications.

A novel, unobtrusive and wearable, multiparameter ambulatory physiologic monitoring system for space and terrestrial applications, termed LifeGuard, is presented. The core element is a wearable monitor, the crew physiologic observation device (CPOD), that provides the capability to continuously record two standard electrocardiogram leads, respiration rate via impedance plethysmography, heart rate, hemoglobin oxygen saturation, ambient or body temperature, three axes of acceleration, and blood pressure. These parameters can be digitally recorded with high fidelity over a 9-h period with precise time stamps and user-defined event markers. Data can be continuously streamed to a base station using a built-in Bluetooth RF link or stored in 32 MB of on-board flash memory and downloaded to a personal computer using a serial port. The device is powered by two AAA batteries. The design, laboratory, and field testing of the wearable monitors are described.

Aerospace Medicine↗

PubMed1986

A non-radioactive automated method for DNA sequence determination.

A method and instrument for automated DNA sequencing without radioactivity have been developed. In spite of the success with radioactive labels there are drawbacks attached to the technique, such as hazards in the handling, storage and disposal of radioactive materials, and the considerable cost of the radiolabelled nucleoside triphosphates. In addition, there is deterioration of sample quality with time. A sulphydryl containing M13 sequencing primer has been synthesised and subsequently conjugated with tetramethylrhodamine iodoacetamide. The fluorescent primer is used to generate a nested set of fluorescent DNA fragments. The fluorescent bands are excited by a laser and detected in the gel (detection limit about 0.1 fmol per band) during electrophoresis, and sequence data from the four tracks are transferred directly into a computer. Standard gels, 200 mm wide with 20 sample slots have also been used. The device contains no moving parts. At present 250-300 bases can be read in 6 h. The system is capable of single base resolution at a fragment length of at least 400 bases.

Autoanalysis↗