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PubMed2004

Measuring horizontal inequity in Belgian health care using a Gaussian random effects two part count data model.

We estimate the determinants of utilisation of physician and hospital services in Belgium using a one- and two-part panel count data model, and a one- and two-part pooled count data model. We conclude that the two-part panel count data model is most appropriate as it controls for unobserved heterogeneity and allows for a two-part decision-making process. The estimates of the determinants of utilisation of health care are then used to calculate indices of horizontal inequity. We find that inequity for general practitioner and hospital services is stable across time and in favour of low-income individuals, in the sense that, overall, they consume more than one would expect on the basis of their need, albeit the indices for hospital care are not significant. Horizontal equity applies to specialist care in all years, but from 1999 onwards, some evidence (although not statistically significant) of pro-rich inequity is found.

Belgium↗

PubMed1995

[Glossary of terms used by radiologists in image processing].

We give the definition of 166 words used in image processing. Adaptivity, aliazing, analog-digital converter, analysis, approximation, arc, artifact, artificial intelligence, attribute, autocorrelation, bandwidth, boundary, brightness, calibration, class, classification, classify, centre, cluster, coding, color, compression, contrast, connectivity, convolution, correlation, data base, decision, decomposition, deconvolution, deduction, descriptor, detection, digitization, dilation, discontinuity, discretization, discrimination, disparity, display, distance, distorsion, distribution dynamic, edge, energy, enhancement, entropy, erosion, estimation, event, extrapolation, feature, file, filter, filter floaters, fitting, Fourier transform, frequency, fusion, fuzzy, Gaussian, gradient, graph, gray level, group, growing, histogram, Hough transform, Houndsfield, image, impulse response, inertia, intensity, interpolation, interpretation, invariance, isotropy, iterative, JPEG, knowledge base, label, laplacian, learning, least squares, likelihood, matching, Markov field, mask, matching, mathematical morphology, merge (to), MIP, median, minimization, model, moiré, moment, MPEG, neural network, neuron, node, noise, norm, normal, operator, optical system, optimization, orthogonal, parametric, pattern recognition, periodicity, photometry, pixel, polygon, polynomial, prediction, pulsation, pyramidal, quantization, raster, reconstruction, recursive, region, rendering, representation space, resolution, restoration, robustness, ROC, thinning, transform, sampling, saturation, scene analysis, segmentation, separable function, sequential, smoothing, spline, split (to), shape, threshold, tree, signal, speckle, spectrum, spline, stationarity, statistical, stochastic, structuring element, support, syntaxic, synthesis, texture, truncation, variance, vision, voxel, windowing.

Diagnostic Imaging↗

PubMed1997

Use of scanner characteristics in iterative image reconstruction for high-resolution positron emission tomography studies of small animals.

The purpose of this work was to improve of the spatial resolution of a whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) system for experimental studies of small animals by incorporation of scanner characteristics into the process of iterative image reconstruction. The image-forming characteristics of the PET camera were characterized by a spatially variant line-spread function (LSF), which was determined from 49 activated copper-64 line sources positioned over a field of view (FOV) of 21.0 cm. This information was used to model the image degradation process. During the course of iterative image reconstruction, the forward projection of the estimated image was blurred with the LSF at each iteration step before the estimated projections were compared with the measured projections. The imaging characteristics of the high-resolution algorithm were investigated in phantom experiments. Moreover, imaging studies of a rat and two nude mice were performed to evaluate the imaging properties of our approach in vivo. The spatial resolution of the scanner perpendicular to the direction of projection could be approximated by a one-dimensional Gaussian-shaped LSF with a full-width at half-maximum increasing from 6.5 mm at the centre to 6.7 mm at a radial distance of 10.5 cm. The incorporation of this blurring kernel into the iteration formula resulted in a significantly improved spatial resolution of about 3.9 mm over the examined FOV. As demonstrated by the phantom and the animal experiments, the high-resolution algorithm not only led to a better contrast resolution in the reconstructed emission scans but also improved the accuracy for quantitating activity concentrations in small tissue structures without leading to an amplification of image noise or image mottle. The presented data-handling strategy incorporates the image restoration step directly into the process of algebraic image reconstruction and obviates the need for ill-conditioned "deconvolution" procedures to be performed on the projections or on the reconstructed image. In our experience, the proposed algorithm is of special interest in experimental studies of small animals.

Algorithms↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Use of pruned computational neural networks for processing the response of oscillating chemical reactions with a view to analyzing nonlinear multicomponent mixtures.

The suitability of pruned computational neural networks (CNNs) for resolving nonlinear multicomponent systems involving synergistic effects by use of oscillating chemical reaction-based methods implemented using the analyte pulse perturbation technique is demonstrated. The CNN input data used for this purpose are estimates provided by the Levenberg-Marquardt method in the form of a three-parameter Gaussian curve associated with the singular profile obtained when the oscillating system is perturbed by an analyte mixture. The performance of the proposed method was assessed by applying it to the resolution of mixtures of pyrogallol and gallic acid based on their perturbating effect on a classical oscillating chemical system, viz. the Belousov-Zhabotinskyi reaction. A straightforward network topology (3:3:2, with 18 connections after pruning) allowed the resolution of mixtures of the two analytes in concentration ratios from 1:7 to 6:2 with a standard error of prediction for the testing set of 4.01 and 8.98% for pyrogallol and gallic acid, respectively. The reduced dimensions of the selected CNN architecture allowed a mathematical transformation of the input vector into the output one that can be easily implemented via software. Finally, the suitability of response surface analysis as an alternative to CNNs was also tested. The results were poor (relative errors were high), which confirms that properly selected pruned CNNs are effective tools for solving the analytical problem addressed in this work.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

Dispersion modeling of PM10 released during decontamination activities.

The decontamination and decommissioning of radioactively contaminated structures and facilities, volume reduction of massive metal structures, and demolition of large concrete structures, result in release of large quantities of contaminants that become airborne and thus could be inhaled by workers and population living in the neighborhood. In order to provide adequate protection to the workers, adequate monitoring of the airborne particulates and proper models that predict the dispersion of the airborne contaminants are needed. The dispersion model will enable development of decision tools on the extent of decontamination that needs to be performed prior to dismantlement and the optimization of personal protective equipment requirements during D&D operations. The Gaussian plume dispersion model is used in this study to predict the dispersion of airborne particulate PM10 (dp<10 microm) released from: (1) a 35 m height contaminant plant where the plume is affected by the presence of 36 buildings around the emission source, (2) a building during decontamination and removal of process equipment and (3) demolition of contaminant building. The potential impact of PM10 on 180 receptors located at five downwind distances between 0.1 and 20 km around the emission source was performed. A short-term (1-48 h) prediction of average concentration of PM10 from point and area sources on receptors located at ground level was obtained. The concentrations of PM10 over 24h time period were compared to the U.S. air quality standards. The results obtained in the course of this study are used to predict the inhalation exposures of workers and population living in neighborhood.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed2000

Electroporation of curved lipid membranes in ionic strength gradients

A thermodynamic theory for the membrane electroporation of curved membranes such as those of lipid vesicles and cylindrical membrane tubes has been developed. The theory covers in particular the observation that electric pore formation and shape deformation of vesicles and cells are dependent on the salt concentration of the suspending solvent. It is shown that transmembrane salt gradients can appreciably modify the electrostatic part of Helfrich's spontaneous curvature, elastic bending rigidity and Gaussian curvature modulus of charged membranes. The Gibbs reaction energy of membrane electroporation can be explicitely expressed in terms of salt gradient-dependent contributions of bending, the ionic double layers and electric surface potentials and dielectric polarisation of aqueous pores. In order to cover the various physical contribution to the chemical process of electroporation-resealing, we have introduced a generalised chemophysical potential covering all generalised forces and generalised displacements in terms of a transformed Gibbs energy formalism. Comparison with, and analysis of, the data of electrooptical relaxation kinetic studies show that the Gibbs reaction energy terms can be directly determined from turbidity dichroism (Planck's conservative dichroism). The approach also quantifies the electroporative cross-membrane material exchange such as electrolyte release, electrohaemolysis of red blood cells or uptake of drugs and dyes and finally gene DNA by membrane electroporation.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2002

Synthesis, structure, electronic and vibrational spectra of 9-(Diethylamino)-benzo(a)phenoxazin-7-ium-5-N-methacrylamide.

The electronic and vibrational spectra of 9-(Diethylamino)-benzo(a)phenoxazin-7-ium-5-N-methacrylamide (Nile Blue-5-N-methacrylamide) are measured, and the results are compared with the theoretical values obtained by quantum chemical calculations. The geometry, electronic transitions, charge distribution, and the IR normal modes of this new dye and of its precursor Nile Blue have been computed by using Density Functional Theory (DFT) method with the functional B3LYP and the 6-31G(d) Gaussian basis set. The molecular properties of the two dyes, predicted and observed, are very similar in the electronic ground state. In the excited state, however, the longer lifetime and larger fluorescence quantum yield of the Nile Blue-5-methacrylamide is ascribed to an inhibition of the twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) process, when the NH2 is substituted by the methacrylamide in the 5-position of the aromatic extended ring of the dye. The change in charge density of the N atom in 5-position, as well as the difference in dipole moment and ionization potential of the two dyes molecules, explain the attenuation of TICT process. The vibration spectra of both dyes are simulated properly by using the DFT method.

Lasers↗

PubMed2006

An adaptive irregular grid approach for 3D deformable image registration.

Deformable registration is an important application in medical image analysis and processing. We propose a physics-based parametric approach for deformable image registration, where non-rigid transformations are computed using an irregular grid of control points distributed within the image domain. The image is modelled as a three-dimensional (3D) homogeneous infinite elastic medium. It is assumed that a Gaussian-shaped force is applied at every control point, where the strengths, directions and influence areas of the forces as well as the positions of the control points are considered as free parameters whose optimization leads to maximization of the similarity measure between the images to be registered. For optimization, a computationally efficient Levenberg-Marquardt method is used. The proposed approach has certain advantages over traditional landmark-based methods or the registration methods based on regular grids, for example B-splines, since comparable results can be achieved by using less control points. Experimental results with 3D clinical images demonstrate that our method is capable of successfully coping with complex registration tasks.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed2005

Digital radiographic image denoising via wavelet-based hidden Markov model estimation.

This paper presents a technique for denoising digital radiographic images based upon the wavelet-domain Hidden Markov tree (HMT) model. The method uses the Anscombe's transformation to adjust the original image, corrupted by Poisson noise, to a Gaussian noise model. The image is then decomposed in different subbands of frequency and orientation responses using the dual-tree complex wavelet transform, and the HMT is used to model the marginal distribution of the wavelet coefficients. Two different correction functions were used to shrink the wavelet coefficients. Finally, the modified wavelet coefficients are transformed back into the original domain to get the denoised image. Fifteen radiographic images of extremities along with images of a hand, a line-pair, and contrast-detail phantoms were analyzed. Quantitative and qualitative assessment showed that the proposed algorithm outperforms the traditional Gaussian filter in terms of noise reduction, quality of details, and bone sharpness. In some images, the proposed algorithm introduced some undesirable artifacts near the edges.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2005

Time-resolved fluorescence studies on bovine serum albumin denaturation process.

The denaturation of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) by a chaotropic agent, guanidinium hydrochloride (GuH+Cl-) was studied by fluorescence lifetime analysis. The BSA was labelled with 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate (ANS) at two different molar ratios (1:1) and (1:10). The non-exponential fluorescence kinetics of the BSA-ANS complex at different stages of denaturation is analysed using three different models: a discrete tri-exponential sum, stretched exponential, and Gaussian lifetime distribution. In all cases, the fluorescence decay times decreased with protein denaturation. The results from the models show that there are at least two different binding sites located in the BSA protein with different water accessibility.

Anilino Naphthalenesulfonates↗

PubMed1997

Determination of glucose concentrations in an aqueous matrix from NIR spectra using optimal time-domain filtering and partial least-squares regression.

We have investigated the use of a time-domain optimal filtering method to simultaneously minimize both the baseline variation and high-frequency noise in near-infrared (NIR) spectrophotometric absorption data of glucose dissolved in a simple aqueous (deionized water) matrix. By coupling a third-order (six-pole) digital Butterworth bandpass filter with partial least-squares (PLS) regression modeling, glucose concentrations were determined for a set of test data with a standard error of prediction (SEP) of 10.53 mg/dl (mean percent error: 4.24%) using seven PLS factors. Compared to the unfiltered test data for six PLS factors and a SEP = 17.00 (mean percent error: 7.38%) this results shows more than a 38% decrease in the error. The glucose concentrations ranged from 51 mg/dl to 493 mg/dl, and the NIR spectral region between 2088 nm and 2354 nm (4789 cm-1 and 4248 cm-1) was used to develop the optimal PLS model. The optimal PLS model was determined from a sequence of three-dimensional performance response maps for different numbers of PLS factors (2-10). A total of 99 NIR spectra were generated for glucose dissolved in deionized water using a NIRsystems 5000 dispersive spectrophotometer. Nine of these spectra were generated for only water, which were averaged and subtracted from the remaining 90 spectra to generate the training and test data sets, thereby, removing the intrinsic high background absorption due to the water. The training set consisted of 57 spectra and associated glucose concentration target values, and the test set was comprised of the remaining 33 spectra and target values. Performance results were compared for three different digital Butterworth bandpass filters (four-poles, six-poles, and eight-poles), and a digital Gaussian filter design approach (i.e., Fourier filtering).

Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring↗

PubMed1993

Moment analysis of EEG amplitude histograms and spectral analysis: relative classification of several behavioral tasks.

Previous studies indicate that EEG amplitude probability density functions are Gaussian (normal) during rest and non-Gaussian during performance of mental tasks. In the present study we compared measures of normality, including higher central moments (e.g., skewness, kurtosis) and relative spectral power, to classify data sampled from several different behavioral tasks (resting eyes closed and mental arithmetic). Analysis shows significant classification in 22 of 25 subjects, based upon a total of 46 EEG variables. However, only two of these variables involved Gaussian properties of the amplitude distribution. Relative spectral power, on the other hand, contributed 33 predictor variables in delta, theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands (alpha was the best single predictor). These results lend support to studies demonstrating the robustness of EEG relative spectra but cast doubt upon the utility of Gaussian patterns in EEG amplitude distributions as predictors of behavioral states.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Single-event-related potential analysis by means of fragmentary decomposition.

A recently developed fragmentary decomposition method is employed to analyse single-trial event-related potentials (ERPs), thereby extending the traditional method of averaging. Using a conventional auditory oddball paradigm with 40 target stimuli, single-trial ERPs in 40 normal subjects were analysed for midline scalp (Fz, Cz and Pz) recording sites. The normalization effect, reported in our previous study of eye blink EMGs and proposed to be a characteristic property of a wide class of non-stationary physiological processes, was found to apply to these single-trial ERPs. Fragmentary decomposition of single-trial ERPs may be regarded as re-statement of the normalization effect. This allows both pre-stimulus EEGs and post-stimulus ERPs to be regarded as overlapping generic mass potentials (GMPs), with a characteristic Gaussian amplitude spectrum. On theoretical and empirical grounds we uniquely deduce a model GMP using an introduced d" function, and physically support it by the resting and transient conditions. The model takes into account the shape of the component, which suggests a simple relationship between the peak latency and the time of the component onset. Given that GMPs may be manipulated and sorted out, we present principles of the fragmentary synthesis, i.e. probabilistic ERP reconstructions on the basis of individual and ensemble properties of its identified components. Summarizing the component quantification in the form of the dynamic model provides for the first time the opportunity to quantify all significant components in single-trial ERPs. This method of single-trial analysis opens up new possibilities of exploring the dynamical ERP changes within a recording trial, particularly in late component "cognitive" paradigms.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Classification enhancible grey relational analysis for cardiac arrhythmias discrimination.

This paper proposes a method for electrocardiogram (ECG) heartbeat recognition using classification enhancible grey relational analysis (GRA). The ECG beat recognition can be divided into a sequence of stages, starting with feature extraction and then according to characteristics to identify the cardiac arrhythmias including the supraventricular ectopic beat, bundle branch ectopic beat, and ventricular ectopic beat. Gaussian wavelets are used to enhance the features from each heartbeat, and GRA performs the recognition tasks. With the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database, the experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed non-invasive method. Compared with artificial neural network, the test results also show high accuracy, good adaptability, and faster processing time for the detection of heartbeat signals.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗

PubMed1999

Spatial limitations of temporal segmentation.

We investigated the spatial parameters that permit temporal phase segmentation. Subjects identified a stimulus quadrant which was modulated 180 degrees out of phase with the rest of the stimulus at temporal frequencies between 2 and 30 Hz. We determined the modulation sensitivity for regular square lattices of Gaussian spots and a stimulus made from solid quadrants with varying separation. Sensitivity declined rapidly when spatial separation of the modulating areas was approximately 0.4 degree, but was relatively unchanged by further spatial separations. The results suggest that there are two systems that can detect temporal phase differences. The first is a segregation process that operates below 10 Hz, where phase can be consciously followed and compared across large retinal distances. The second system is a segmentation mechanism that operates at higher temporal frequencies but only over a short range.

Humans↗

PubMed2005

Mode mapping in paraxial lossless optics.

A Collins transformation maps an orthonormal set of Hermite-Gaussian modes into an orthonormal set of beams with a Gaussian envelope. Among these beams are Laguerre-Gaussian beams and the recently introduced Hermite-Laguerre-Gaussian beams. Compact expressions for the complex field amplitudes of these modes are derived. The results obtained are useful for description of the propagation of light through first-order optical systems, for the solution of the phase-retrieval problem by noninterferometric techniques, and for the design of mode converters and information processing systems.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2002

Extinction dynamics in mainland-island metapopulations: an N-patch stochastic model.

A generalization of the well-known Levins' model of metapopulations is studied. The generalization consists of (i) the introduction of immigration from a mainland, and (ii) assuming the dynamics is stochastic, rather than deterministic. A master equation, for the probability that n of the patches are occupied, is derived and the stationary probability Ps(n), together with the mean and higher moments in the stationary state, determined. The time-dependence of the probability distribution is also studied: through a Gaussian approximation for general n when the boundary at n = 0 has little effect, and by calculating P(0, t), the probability that no patches are occupied at time t, by using a linearization procedure. These analytic calculations are supplemented by carrying out numerical solutions of the master equation and simulations of the stochastic process. The various approaches are in very good agreement with each other. This allows us to use the forms for Ps(0) and P(0,t) in the linearization approximation as a basis for calculating the mean time for a metapopulation to become extinct. We give an analytical expression for the mean time to extinction derived within a mean field approach. We devise a simple method to apply our mean field approach even to complex patch networks in realistic model metapopulations. After studying two spatially extended versions of this nonspatial metapopulation model--a lattice metapopulation model and a spatially realistic model--we conclude that our analytical formula for the mean extinction time is generally applicable to those metapopulations which are really endangered, where extinction dynamics dominates over local colonization processes. The time evolution and, in particular, the scope of our analytical results, are studied by comparing these different models with the analytical approach for various values of the parameters: the rates of immigration from the mainland, the rates of colonization and extinction, and the number of patches making up the metapopulation.

Animals↗

PubMed1979

Stochastic models for X chromosome inactivation.

A multivariate Gaussian model for mammalian development is presented with the associated biological and mathematical assumptions. Many biological investigations use the female mammal X chromosome to test hypotheses and to estimate parameters of the developmental system. In particular, Lyon's (1961) hypotheses are used as a basis of the mathematical model. Experimental mouse data and three sets of human experimental data are analyzed using the hypothesized Gaussian model. The estimated biological parameters are consistent with some current biological theories.

Animals↗