Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Practical Alternative (practical + alternative)
Selected AbstractsExposure Fusion: A Simple and Practical Alternative to High Dynamic Range PhotographyCOMPUTER GRAPHICS FORUM, Issue 1 2009T. Mertens I.4.8 [Image Processing]: Scene Analysis , Photometry, Sensor Fusion Abstract We propose a technique for fusing a bracketed exposure sequence into a high quality image, without converting to High dynamic range (HDR) first. Skipping the physically based HDR assembly step simplifies the acquisition pipeline. This avoids camera response curve calibration and is computationally efficient. It also allows for including flash images in the sequence. Our technique blends multiple exposures, guided by simple quality measures like saturation and contrast. This is done in a multiresolution fashion to account for the brightness variation in the sequence. The resulting image quality is comparable to existing tone mapping operators. [source] Applications of the Liquid Cyclone in Biological SeparationsENGINEERING IN LIFE SCIENCES (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2004E. Ortega-Rivas Abstract Hydrocyclone technology has been suggested as a practical alternative in solid/liquid separations involving biological materials. This paper reviews applications of hydrocyclones in food processing, considering the non-Newtonian nature of most suspensions treated in the food industry. The hydrocyclone is easy to install and operate, and requires very limited space. It represents an unsophisticated piece of equipment, which runs in a continuous manner and it can be operated at lower costs than most solid/liquid separation techniques. Hydrocyclones have been used in the food industry for the refining of starch, to separate gossypol from cottonseed protein in cottonseed oil processing, and for some other applications, such as multi-stage mixer/separator extraction systems for soluble coffee. More recently, some other applications in biological systems, which will be discussed in this article, have also been tested. [source] Highly Efficient One-Pot Synthesis of 2-Substituted Quinazolines and 4H -Benzo[d][1,3]oxazines via Cross Dehydrogenative Coupling using Sodium HypochloriteADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 2-3 2010C. Uma Maheswari Abstract This communication describes a catalyst-free synthesis of 2-substituted quinazolines and 4H -benzo[d][1,3]oxazines using commericially available sodium hypochlorite as oxidant. Operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions and the ability to construct structurally diverse 2-quinazolines and 2-substituted 4H -benzo[d][1,3]oxazines by this method render it to be a practical alternative for the synthesis of these heterocycles. [source] Reproductive Autonomy Rights and Genetic Disenhancement: Sidestepping the Argument from Backhanded BenefitJOURNAL OF APPLIED PHILOSOPHY, Issue 2 2004Martin Harvey abstract John Robertson has famously argued that the right to reproductive autonomy is exceedingly broad in scope. That is, as long as a particular reproductive preference such as having a deaf child is "determinative" of the decision to reproduce then such preferences fall under the protective rubric of reproductive autonomy rights. Importantly, the deafness in question does not constitute a harm to the child thereby wrought since unless the child could be born deaf he or she would otherwise never have existed, his or her prospective parents would simply have chosen to abort. As such, for this child, being born deaf counts as a benefit, albeit of the "backhanded" variety, since the only other practical alternative is nonexistence. In what follows, I want to investigate this argument in detail. The target of my investigation will be the possible future use of gene therapy technology to "disenhance" one's offspring. I intend to show that the apparently unlimited right to reproductive autonomy, that is, the right to choose both the quantity and qualities of future offspring, entailed by the argument from backhanded benefit can in fact be "sidestepped" through considering what sorts of reproductive practices we as a society ought to allow. [source] Rupture of the Innominate Artery from Blunt Trauma: Current Options for ManagementJOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 5 2005John D. Symbas M.D. It is frequently accompanied by major trauma to other organs. The traditional management is expeditious surgical repair. Methods: Three patients presented to the Emergency Department after motor vehicle collisions with traumatic rupture of the innominate artery from 2001 to 2003. One patient presented with an isolated innominate artery injury. The other two patients presented with multi-system trauma. All patients underwent surgical repair; however, repair was individualized in each case. Results: Diagnosis was obtained via arteriography in all patients after the admission chest radiographs suggested mediastinal injury. In the patient with isolated traumatic innominate artery rupture, urgent repair was performed. In the remaining two, the repair was intentionally delayed (hospital day 4 and 19) until they stabilized or recovered from other injuries or complications. In one of these patients, repair was delayed after an endovascular repair failed. In both patients who underwent delayed repair, mean arterial pressure was maintained at <70 mmHg with beta-blockade. All patients underwent repair without cardiopulmonary bypass and were monitored for adequate cerebral perfusion pressures by measuring the right carotid artery stump pressure. Successful repair was achieved in all the three patients without postoperative complications or mortality. Conclusions: Rupture of the innominate artery from blunt trauma is an infrequent but life-threatening injury that mandates repair. In patients with isolated injuries, prompt intervention is warranted. However, intentional delayed repair may be a practical alternative for those patients with multi-system trauma. [source] Review of small rural health services in Victoria: how does the nursing-medical division of labour affect access to emergency care?JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 12 2008Elise Sullivan Aims., This paper is based on a review of the Australian and International literature relating to the nursing-medical division of labour. It also explores how the division of labour affects patient access to emergency care in small rural health services in Victoria, Australia. Background., The paper describes the future Australian health workforce and the implications for rural Victoria. The concept of division of labour and how it relates to nursing and medicine is critically reviewed. Two forms of division of labour emerge , traditional and negotiated division of labour. Key themes are drawn from the literature that describes the impact of a traditional form of division of labour in a rural context. Methods., This paper is based on a review of the Australian and international literature, including grey literature, on the subject of rural emergency services, professional boundaries and roles, division of labour, professional relationships and power and the Australian health workforce. Results., In Australia, the contracting workforce means that traditional divisions of labour between health professionals cannot be sustained without reducing access to emergency care in rural Victoria. A traditional division of labour results in rural health services that are vulnerable to slight shifts in the medical workforce, unsafe services and recruitment and retention problems. A negotiated form of division of labour provides a practical alternative. Conclusion., A division of labour that is negotiated between doctors and nurses and supported by a legal and clinical governance framework, is needed to support rural emergency services. The published evidence suggests that this situation currently does not exist in Victoria. Strategies are offered for creating and supporting a negotiated division of labour. Relevance to clinical practice., This paper offers some strategies for establishing a negotiated division of labour between doctors and nurses in rural emergency care. [source] Fluoridation and Social EquityJOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY, Issue 4 2002Brian A. Burt BDS Abstract The overall reduction in caries prevalence and severity in the United States over recent decades is largely due to widespread exposure to fluoride, most notably from the fluoridation of drinking waters. Despite this overall reduction, however, caries distribution today remains skewed, with the poor and deprived carrying a disproportionate share of the disease burden. Dental caries, like many other diseases, is directly related to low socioeconomic status (SES). In some communities, however, caries experience has now diminished to the point where the need for continuing water fluoridation is being questioned. This paper argues that water fluoridation is still needed because it is the most effective and practical method of reducing the SES-based disparities in the burden of dental caries. There is no practical alternative to water fluoridation for reducing these disparities in the United States. For example, a school dental service, like those in many other high-income countries, would require the allocation of substantial public resources, and as such is not likely to occur soon. But studies in the United States, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand have demonstrated that fluoridation not only reduces the overall prevalence and severity of caries, but also reduces the disparities between SES groups. Water fluoridation has been named as one of the 10 major public health achievements of the 20th century by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and promoting it is a Healthy People objective for the year 2010. Within the social context of the United States, water fluoridation is probably the most significant step we can take toward reducing the disparities in dental caries. It therefore should remain as a public health priority. [source] Bonfils semirigid endoscope for guidance during percutaneous tracheostomyANAESTHESIA, Issue 7 2006U. Buehner Summary We report on the use of the Bonfils semirigid scope for endoscopic guidance during percutaneous dilational tracheostomy. Forty patients requiring percutaneous dilational tracheostomy on the General or Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit were enrolled in this study. We used the ,45 degree curved distal tip' scope in the first 15 patients, evaluating its ease of use, optical quality of focus and image resolution as well as light intensity on a 10-point scale. We evaluated straight and curved versions of it in another 15 and 10 patients, respectively. We examined the impact on ventilation and cardiovascular parameters. In all patients (n = 40) visualisation of the procedure was satisfactory. There were no clinically significant changes in ventilatory or cardiovascular parameters. The image quality for most patients received a score of 7,10. The Bonfils scope provides a practical alternative to flexible bronchoscopes in this setting. [source] A modified cognitive interview procedure for frontline police investigatorsAPPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 5 2009Coral Dando The current investigative interviewing model for police officers in England and Wales recommends the use of the cognitive interview (CI). However, there is much to suggest that police officers do not regularly fully apply the procedure and that when they do, it is often poorly applied. Research has indicated that this is particularly the case with non-specialist police investigators who believe the CI is too cumbersome, complex and time consuming for the types of witness interviews they conduct. With this in mind the present study investigated a CI procedure that had been substantially modified in an attempt to enhance its forensic practicability while retaining the demonstrated superiority of the CI. Employing the mock witness paradigm, the modified procedure was compared to both the current CI model and a structured interview (SI). Results revealed that the modified CI was more effective than the SI, while being as effective as the current CI, despite being significantly shorter in duration and, we argue, less demanding for the interviewer. Hence, the proposed modified CI may well be an effective practical alternative for frontline investigators. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Lipid-based transfection as a method for gene delivery in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryosAQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 12 2007Vanesa Robles Abstract A major challenge to the widespread production of transgenic, knockout and knockdown zebrafish has been the absence of a simple and effective procedure for introducing macromolecules into the fertilized egg. None of the existing techniques for gene transfer in fish embryos has proven to be a major advance over cytoplasm microinjection, which is a technically demanding and time-consuming procedure. This report addresses this need, considering that the development of protocols for lipid-based transfection with fish embryos would considerably simplify gene transfer in this complex biological model. In this study, lipid-based transfection with two different reporter vectors was carried out in zebrafish embryos at different developmental stages. The parameters tested included different plasmid/transfection reagent ratios as well as the influence of an added transfection enhancer reagent. When embryos were transfected in the blastula stage with a pEGFP-N1 vector, more than 35% successfully incorporated the plasmid and expressed the fluorescent protein 24 h after transfection. The transfection enhancer did not show any significant effect in our experiments. This work presents an approach to implement this technique as a faster, cheaper and more practical alternative than microinjection. [source] The generation of stable, high MAb expressing CHO cell lines based on the artificial chromosome expression (ACE) technologyBIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENGINEERING, Issue 3 2009Malcolm L. Kennard Abstract The manufacture of recombinant proteins at industrially relevant levels requires technologies that can engineer stable, high expressing cell lines rapidly, reproducibly and with relative ease. Commonly used methods incorporate transfection of mammalian cell lines with plasmid DNA containing the gene of interest. Identifying stable high expressing transfectants is normally laborious and time consuming. To improve this process, the ACE System has been developed based on pre-engineered artificial chromosomes with multiple recombination acceptor sites. This system allows for the targeted transfection of single or multiple genes and eliminates the need for random integration into native host chromosomes. To illustrate the utility of the ACE System in generating stable, high expressing cell lines, CHO based candidate cell lines were generated to express a human monoclonal IgG1 antibody. Candidate cell lines were generated in under 6 months and expressed over 1,g/L and with specific productivities of up to 45,pg/cell/day under non-fed, non-optimized shake flask conditions. These candidate cell lines were shown to have stable expression of the monoclonal antibody for up to 70 days of continuous culture. The results of this study demonstrate that clonal, stable monoclonal antibody expressing CHO based cell lines can be generated by the ACE System rapidly and perform competitively with those cell lines generated by existing technologies. The ACE System, therefore, provides an attractive and practical alternative to conventional methods of cell line generation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 540,553 © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Transvaginal electrical stimulation in the treatment of urinary incontinenceBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2004J.C.V. Barroso OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of transvaginal electrical stimulation (TES) in treating urinary incontinence, and to assess the clinical improvement 6 months after ending the treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial, 36 women (24 patients and 12 controls) with stress, urge or mixed urinary incontinence were chosen to use TES or placebo (identical equipment but with no electrical current). The patients had their treatment at home twice a day (20-min sessions) for 12 weeks. They completed a voiding diary and had a urodynamic study at the beginning and end of treatment. They were clinically re-evaluated after 6 months. RESULTS The mean time of use of TES was similar in both groups (, 40 h); the treatment group had a significant increase in maximum bladder capacity (P < 0.02), a significant reduction in the total number of voids (over 24 h; P < 0.02), in the number of episodes of voiding urgency (P < 0.001) and, importantly, in the number of episodes of urinary incontinence (P < 0.001). At the first evaluation, after ending the treatment, 88% of the patients had a significant reduction in symptoms or went into remission. At the 6-month re-evaluation, a third of the patients required another therapeutic approach. CONCLUSION TES is a practical alternative with few side-effects, and is effective for treating the main forms of female urinary incontinence. [source] Oral hypertonic glucose spray: a practical alternative for analgesia in the newbornACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 10 2004M Akçam Aim: Pain and stress have been shown to induce significant physiological and behavioural reactions in newborn infants. Pharmacological agents are not recommended in neonates for pain relief in minor procedures. Since different sweet solutions given orally by syringe have been shown to relieve pain in neonates, we decided to compare the analgesic effects of a small dose of glucose solution given orally by spray and by syringe during heel lancing in term neonates, using a validated behavioural acute pain rating scale. Methods: Sixty hyperbilirubinaemic full-term neonates were studied. We used a randomized, masked, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Each infant was assessed three times receiving 0.5 ml 30% glucose in spray form, 0.5 ml 30% glucose by syringe or 0.5 ml sterile water by syringe in random order, 2 min before heel lancing. Results: Pain scores were significantly lower in the 30% glucose given either spray or syringe groups compared with the placebo group. No statistically significant difference in pain scores was found between the 30% glucose spray group and 30% glucose syringe group. Conclusions: A small dose of 0.5 ml 30% glucose spray has an equal analgesic effect to the same dose given by syringe. The spray form has the advantage of being easy to use and is well accepted by newborn babies. [source] Potential for Satellite Remote Sensing of Ground WaterGROUND WATER, Issue 2 2006Matthew W. Becker Predicting hydrologic behavior at regional scales requires heterogeneous data that are often prohibitively expensive to acquire on the ground. As a result, satellite-based remote sensing has become a powerful tool for surface hydrology. Subsurface hydrology has yet to realize the benefits of remote sensing, even though surface expressions of ground water can be monitored from space. Remotely sensed indicators of ground water may provide important data where practical alternatives are not available. The potential for remote sensing of ground water is explored here in the context of active and planned satellite-based sensors. Satellite technology is reviewed with respect to its ability to measure ground water potential, storage, and fluxes. It is argued here that satellite data can be used if ancillary analysis is used to infer ground water behavior from surface expressions. Remotely sensed data are most useful where they are combined with numerical modeling, geographic information systems, and ground-based information. [source] Nurse-led vs. conventional physician-led follow-up for patients with cancer: systematic reviewJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 4 2009Ruth Lewis Abstract Title.,Nurse-led vs. conventional physician-led follow-up for patients with cancer: systematic review. Aim., This paper is a report of a systematic review of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of nurse-led follow-up for patients with cancer. Background., As cancer survivorship increases, conventional follow-up puts a major burden on outpatient services. Nurse-led follow-up is a promising alternative. Data sources., Searches were conducted covering a period from inception to February 2007 of 19 electronic databases, seven online trial registries, five conference proceedings reference lists of previous reviews and included studies. Review methods., Standard systematic review methodology was used. Comparative studies and economic evaluations of nurse-led vs. physician-led follow-up were eligible. Studies comparing different types of nurse-led follow-up were excluded. Any cancer was considered; any outcome measure included. Results., Four randomised controlled trials were identified, two including cost analyses. There were no statistically significant differences in survival, recurrence or psychological morbidity. One study showed better HRQL measures for nurse-led follow-up, but one showed no difference, two showed a statistically significant difference for patient satisfaction, but two did not. Patients with lung cancer were more satisfied with nurse-led telephone follow-up and more were able to die at home. Patients with breast cancer thought patient-initiated follow-up convenient, but found conventional follow-up more reassuring. One study showed the cost of nurse-led follow-up to be less than that of physician-led follow-up, but no statistical comparison was made. Conclusion., Patients appeared satisfied with nurse-led follow-up. Patient-initiated or telephone follow-up could be practical alternatives to conventional care. However, well-conducted research is needed before equivalence to physician-led follow-up can be assured in terms of survival, recurrence, patient well-being and cost-effectiveness. [source] | |||||||||||||