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Technique Used (technique + used)
Kinds of Technique Used Selected AbstractsIdentifying service needs of children with disruptive behavior problems using a Nominal Group TechniqueNURSING & HEALTH SCIENCES, Issue 4 2000Diana R. Keatinge RN, M ADMIN Abstract A recent study used both qualitative and quantitative methods to examine families' perceptions of service needs for children with disruptive behavior problems. Focusing on the qualitative component of the study, the present paper discusses the modified Nominal Group Technique used in focus groups attended by carers living in rural, regional or metropolitan contexts. Three questions posed to each focus group sought to identify families' concerns about health facilities and/or related support services currently available to them, the benefits they perceived in these services and the changes needed to make these services more appropriate or accessible to them. Major themes in the responses relating to each of these questions included concerns about a lack of, or perceived need for, access to help/support, benefits in schools that accommodated the needs of the children, and support from the community. Families' recommendations for change included increased access to health care advice, information and/or support systems. [source] Evaluation of Uncertainties Associated with Geocoding TechniquesCOMPUTER-AIDED CIVIL AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING, Issue 3 2004Hassan A. Karimi Geocoded data play a major role in numerous engineering applications such as transportation and environmental studies where geospatial information systems (GIS) are used for spatial modeling and analysis as they contain spatial information (e.g., latitude and longitude) about objects. The information that a GIS produces is impacted by the quality of the geocoded data (e.g., coordinates) stored in its database. To make appropriate and reasonable decisions using geocoded data, it is important to understand the sources of uncertainty in geocoding. There are two major sources of uncertainty in geocoding, one related to the database that is used as a reference data set to geocode objects and one related to the interpolation technique used. Factors such as completeness, correctness, consistency, currency, and accuracy of the data in the reference database contribute to the uncertainty of the former whereas the specific logic and assumptions used in an interpolation technique contribute to the latter. The primary purpose of this article is to understand uncertainties associated with interpolation techniques used for geocoding. In doing so, three geocoding algorithms were used and tested and the results were compared with the data collected by the Global Positioning System (GPS). The result of the overall comparison indicated no significant differences between the three algorithms. [source] Using GIS, Genetic Algorithms, and Visualization in Highway DevelopmentCOMPUTER-AIDED CIVIL AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING, Issue 6 2001Manoj K. Jha A model for highway development is presented, which uses geographic information systems (GIS), genetic algorithms (GA), and computer visualization (CV). GIS serves as a repository of geographic information and enables spatial manipulations and database management. GAs are used to optimize highway alignments in a complex search space. CV is a technique used to convey the characteristics of alternative solutions, which can be the basis of decisions. The proposed model implements GIS and GA to find an optimized alignment based on the minimization of highway costs. CV is implemented to investigate the effects of intangible parameters, such as unusual land and environmental characteristics not considered in optimization. Constrained optimization using GAs may be performed at subsequent stages if necessary using feedback received from CVs. Implementation of the model in a real highway project from Maryland indicates that integration of GIS, GAs, and CV greatly enhances the highway development process. [source] Beyond Species Richness: Community Similarity as a Measure of Cross-Taxon Congruence for Coarse-Filter ConservationCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2004JEFFREY C. SU Species richness is only one measure of species diversity, however, and recent studies suggest that investigations of cross-taxon congruence should consider a broader range of assessment techniques. The cross-taxon congruence of community similarity between sites among taxa has rarely been examined and may be the most relevant measure of species diversity in the context of coarse-filter conservation strategies. We examined cross-taxon congruence patterns of species richness and community similarity (Bray-Curtis similarity) among birds, butterflies, and vascular plants in montane meadow habitats in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Although patterns of species richness (Spearman rank correlation) varied between taxa, we consistently found a positive correlation in community similarity (Mantel test) between all pair-wise comparisons of the three taxa (e.g., sites with similar bird communities also had similar butterfly communities). We suggest that the success of a surrogate taxon depends on the technique used to assess surrogacy and the specific approach to conservation planning. In the context of coarse-filter conservation, measures of community similarity may be more appropriate than measures of species richness. Furthermore, the cross-taxon congruency of community similarity in our study suggests that coarse-filter conservation may be tenable in montane meadow communities. Resumen:,El uso de un taxón sustituto en la planeación de la conservación se ha vuelto cuestionable porque información reciente sugiere que la correlación de riqueza de especies entre pares de taxones es altamente variable taxonómica y geográficamente. Sin embargo, la riqueza de especies es solo una medida de la diversidad de especies, y estudios recientes sugieren que las investigaciones de congruencia trans-taxón debieran considerar una mayor variedad de técnicas de evaluación. La congruencia trans-taxón de la similitud de comunidades entre sitios entre taxones rara vez se ha examinado y puede ser la medida de diversidad de especies más relevante en el contexto de las estrategias de conservación de grano grueso. Examinamos patrones de congruencia trans-taxón de riqueza de especies y similitud de comunidades (similitud Bray-Curtis) en aves, mariposas y plantas vasculares en hábitats de praderas montanas en el Ecosistema Greater Yellowstone. Aunque los patrones de riqueza de especies (correlación Spearman de rangos) variaron entre especies, encontramos consistentemente una correlación positiva en la similitud de la comunidad (prueba de Mantel) entre todas las comparaciones de pares de los tres taxones (es decir, los sitios con comunidades similares de aves también tenían comunidades similares de mariposas). Sugerimos que el éxito de un taxón sustituto depende de la técnica utilizada para evaluar la sustitución y el abordaje específico de la planeación de conservación. En el contexto de la conservación de grano grueso, pueden ser más apropiadas las medidas de similitud de comunidades que las medidas de riqueza de especies. Más aun, la congruencia trans-taxón de similitud de comunidades en nuestro estudio sugiere que la conservación de grano grueso puede ser justificable en comunidades de praderas montanas. [source] Thyroid fine needle aspiration: the morphological features on ThinPrep® slide preparations.CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 6 2003Eighty cases with histological control This study had several purposes: to define cytomorphological features of thyroid cells that might be modified by alcohol fixation; to optimize May-Grünwald,Giemsa (MGG) staining on ThinPrep® (TP; Cytyc Inc., Bexborough, MA, USA) slides and to compare the diagnostic accuracy of slides prepared by a liquid-based method with those obtained by conventional technique. This study included 120 cases of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid and 55 FNAs performed on surgically resected thyroid specimens. Histological control was available in 80 cases. In the first group of 120 FNAs, a split-sample technique was used for the TP. Three screenings were performed: first, an individual screening of the conventional smears (CS) and of the TP, a second screening to compare cells observed on the TP with the histological control and a third screening to assess the previously defined diagnostic criteria. Twenty-seven TP cases (22%) were considered unsatisfactory for diagnosis compared with 10 in CS (8%). The high rate of unsatisfactory cases with TP is likely to be due to the use of the split-sample technique. The sensitivity was 94% for CS and 81% for TP. The specificity was 67% and 60% for CS and TP, respectively. Two occult papillary carcinomas were missed by both methods. As for the MGG staining, the modified technique used for TP resulted in the same quality as the standard procedure. Conversely, TP did however induce uncommon morphological features. In this study, sensitivity and specificity levels are higher for CS than for TP; the difference may be explained by the fact that the methanol fixative used for TP induces some cytological alterations, especially in oncocytic tumours and lymphocytic thyroïditis. [source] Treatment of Vitiligo on Difficult-to-Treat Sites Using Autologous Noncultured Cellular GraftingDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 1 2009SANJEEV V. MULEKAR MD BACKGROUND Because of the limitations of medical treatment, various surgical therapies have been developed and are being accepted to treat vitiligo. However, certain areas such as the fingers and toes, palms and soles, lips, eyelids, nipples and areolas, elbows and knees, and genitals are considered difficult-to-treat areas. OBJECTIVE To evaluate data pertaining to individual sites considered to be difficult to treat and highlight that noncultured melanocyte,keratinocyte transplantation (MKT) does not require any special precautions to treat these anatomical sites. METHODS AND MATERIALS Forty patients (13 male and 27 female) with bilateral vitiligo and nine (4 male and 5 female) with unilateral vitiligo were treated using noncultured MKT, for "difficult-to-treat" sites at the National Center for Vitiligo and Psoriasis, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and were analyzed for response according to region. Repigmentation was graded as excellent with 95% to 100% pigmentation, good with 65% to 94%, fair with 25% to 64%, and poor with 0% to 24% of the treated area. RESULTS For bilateral vitiligo, more than 50% of patients treated for difficult sites showed more than 65% repigmentation of the treated areas. For unilateral vitiligo, all of the patients except for two treated for the eyelids showed more than 65% repigmentation of the treated area. CONCLUSIONS The concept of a "difficult-to-treat site" is a relative term and depends upon the technique used. The noncultured MKT does not require any special precautions to treat these anatomical sites. This review may help physicians to change the concept of "difficult-to-treat site." [source] Ontogenetic differences in the expression of conditioned visual aversionsDEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2003Joyce A. Jagielo Abstract We examined ontogenetic differences in the expression of conditioned visual aversions. Sprague-Dawley-derived rats, 16 or 21 days of age, were conditioned with either an element (brightness) or compound (brightness/odor) CS+ and tested for their aversion to the common element (brightness). Aversions to the brightness cue were assessed by either a traditional test of preference between the CS+ brightness and a contrasting brightness or by assessment of freezing in the presence of either brightness cue. The results indicated that strength of conditioning as well as the expression of overshadowing/potentiation was dependent on the age of the animal and on the technique used to assess conditioning. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 42: 123,130, 2003 [source] Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: A historical overviewDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 11 2008Marilin Rosa M.D. Abstract Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a safe, inexpensive and accurate technique for the diagnosis of benign and malignant conditions. Its increase in popularity in the present days has made it a technique used on daily basis in the majority of medical centers in United States and around the world. However, the situation was not always like this. In its beginnings the procedure suffered from all kinds of criticism and attacks. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an overview about the development of this technique from its birth to our days. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:773,775. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] THE TECHNICAL FUNDAMENTALS OF ENDOSCOPIC MUCOSAL RESECTION IN THE COLON: OUR METHODDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2004Yasushi Oda ABSTRACT Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is the technique used to resect flat or depressed tumors or larger tumors such as laterally spreading tumors with marginal normal mucosa. Recently, endoscopic mucosal dissection technique has been rapidly accepted, mainly in early gastric cancer in Japan. We need to have firm knowledge of EMR technique in the colon for recovery as we advance this new technique. We describe our conventional EMR method practically. EMR should be performed to locate the target lesion at down side to perform sure EMR. The ideal shape of upheaval by saline injection is hemisphere. The needle sheath and snare should be taken out a little of the endoscopy to manipulate firmly. Another technique of secure EMR is the snare manipulation. We prefer that the shape of the snare is circular and the snare is hard. It is important while trapping to press the target lesion with both the whole snare circle and the end of the sheath. With these fundamental procedures we could resect the target lesions at will. [source] Electronic Tongues Employing Electrochemical SensorsELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 14 2010Manel del, Valle Abstract This review presents recent advances concerning work with electronic tongues employing electroanalytical sensors. This new concept in the electroanalysis sensor field entails the use of chemical sensor arrays coupled with chemometric processing tools, as a mean to improve sensors performance. The revision is organized according to the electroanalytical technique used for transduction, namely: potentiometry, voltammetry/amperometry or electrochemical impedance. The significant use of biosensors, mainly enzyme-based is also presented. Salient applications in real problem solving using electrochemical electronic tongues are commented. [source] Effective elimination of nucleic acids from bacterial protein samples for optimized blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresisELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 14 2009Jingdan Liang Abstract Nucleic acids remaining within bacterial protein samples from Streptomyces lividans and Escherichia coli were found to interfere significantly with blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE), a technique used frequently for analyzing bacterial protein complexes in proteomics studies. We have used ultracentrifugation and/or precipitation of cell lysates with streptomycin sulfate to eliminate nucleic acids from total and/or membrane protein samples. Nucleic acid-binding proteins were first enriched by precipitation with streptomycin sulfate, and contaminating nucleic acids were then eliminated by precipitation by adding polyethyleneimine. The performance of BN-PAGE was found to be dramatically improved by these sample preparation steps. [source] Cavitation peening to improve the fatigue strength of nitrocarburized steelFATIGUE & FRACTURE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES, Issue 10 2008S. FUKUDA ABSTRACT Shot peening is a commonly employed technique used to improve the fatigue strength of nitrocarburized components. However, the compound layer of the component can be broken by this technique. Cavitation peening (CP) is an alternative shotless technique, which can increase the fatigue strength of the component without separation of the compound layer. To evaluate the potential of CP as a means for improving fatigue strength, nitrocarburized carbon steel (JIS S50C) has been analyzed in the non-peened and CP conditions. The fatigue strength of CP specimens was increased by 15% in comparison with that of non-peened specimens. This increase in the fatigue strength of CP specimen was achieved by the increase in the maximum hardness and compressive residual stress within the diffusion zone. [source] Canopy structure in savannas along a moisture gradient on Kalahari sandsGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2004Robert J. Scholes Abstract Measurements of tree canopy architecture were made at six savanna sites on deep, sandy soils, along a gradient of increasing aridity. There was substantial variation in the leaf area estimated within each site, using the same sample frame, but different measurement techniques. The trends in canopy properties in relation to the aridity gradient were consistent, regardless of the technique used for estimating the properties. The effective plant area index for the tree canopy (the sum of the stem area index and the leaf area index (LAI)) declined from around 2 to around 0.8 m2 m,2 over a gradient of mean annual rainfall from 1000 to 350 mm. Stems contributed 2,5% of the tree canopy plant area index. Since the tree canopy cover decreased from 50% to 20% over this aridity range, the leaf area index within the area covered by tree canopies remained fairly constant at 3,4 m2 m,2. Tree leaves tended from a horizontal orientation to a more random orientation as the aridity increased. On the same gradient, the leaf minor axis dimension decreased from around 30 mm to around 3 mm, and the mean specific leaf area decreased from 14 to 5 m2 kgha,1. There was good agreement between LAI observed in the field using a line ceptometer and the LAI inferred by the MODIS sensor on the Terra satellite platform, 2 months later in the same season. [source] Efficacy of various concentrations of NaOCl and instrumentation techniques in reducing Enterococcus faecalis within root canals and dentinal tubulesINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 1 2006V. B. Berber Abstract Aim, To evaluate the efficacy of 0.5%, 2.5% and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as intracanal irrigants associated with hand and rotary instrumentation techniques against Enterococcus faecalis within root canals and dentinal tubules. Methodology, A total of 180 extracted human premolar teeth were infected for 21 days with E. faecalis. The specimens were divided into 12 groups, as follows: group 1: 5.25% NaOCl + Hybrid technique (Valdrighi et al. 1998); group 2: 5.25% NaOCl + nickel,titanium (NiTi) rotary technique 4 mm shorter than the apex (by FOP-UNICAMP); group 3: 5, 25% NaOCl + NiTi rotary technique (Hero 642); group 4: 2.5% NaOCl +Hybrid technique; group 5: 2.5% NaOCl + NiTi rotary technique 4 mm shorter than the apex; group 6: 2.5% NaOCl + NiTi rotary technique (Hero 642); group 7: 0.5% NaOCl + Hybrid technique; group 8: 0.5% NaOCl + NiTi rotary technique 4 mm shorter than the apex; group 9: 0.5% NaOCl + NiTi rotary technique (Hero 642); group 10: sterile saline solution + Hybrid technique; group 11: sterile saline solution + NiTi rotary technique 4 mm shorter than the apex; group 12: sterile saline solution + NiTi rotary technique (Hero 642). Canals were sampled before and after preparation. After serial dilution, samples were plated onto brain heart infusion (BHI) agar, and the colony forming units (CFU) that were grown were counted. The teeth were sectioned into three thirds and dentine chips were removed from the canals with conical burs. The samples obtained with each bur were immediately collected into test tubes containing BHI broth, and were incubated at 37 °C and plated onto BHI agar. The CFU were counted and analysed. Results, At all depths and thirds of the root canals and for all techniques used, 5.25% NaOCl was shown to be the most effective irrigant solution tested when dentinal tubules were analysed, followed by 2.5% NaOCl. No differences among concentrations in cleaning the canals were found. Conclusions, Especially at higher concentrations, NaOCl, was able to disinfect the dentinal tubules, independent of the canal preparation technique used. [source] Effect of customization of master gutta-percha cone on apical control of obturation using different techniques: an in vitro studyINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 5 2004S. P. Van Zyl Aims, (i) To compare the prevalence of root filling extrusion placed using three different obturation techniques, each with or without customization of the master gutta-percha cone; and (ii) to investigate the effects of various factors on the prevalence of root filling extrusion. Methodology, A total of 180 roots were selected and randomly allocated into three groups. Five general dental practitioners were recruited; each obturated one group of the roots using three techniques, namely cold lateral condensation (n = 20), Schilder's warm vertical condensation (n = 20) or continuous wave condensation (n = 20). Each technique was completed with (n = 10) or without (n = 10) customization of the master gutta-percha cone using chloroform. Two groups of the roots were recycled to allow all five operators to use them. Two observers examined the preinstrumentation, working length, master apical file and postobturation radiographs, and determined the presence of root filling extrusion and voids independently; they were blinded regarding the obturation technique used. The presence of root filling extrusion was also assessed by inspecting the root apex after obturation. The data were analysed using logistic regression models. Results, A total of 300 root fillings were performed and 291 were included for analysis. Most of the root fillings were placed within 0.5 mm of the working length (80%, n = 233); only 20% (n = 58) were placed >0.5 mm beyond the working length. The odds of prevalence of extrusion >0.5 mm were significantly reduced by approximately 50% when cold lateral condensation (OR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.26, 0.99; P = 0.04) or customization of master gutta-percha cone (OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.30, 0.99; P = 0.04) was used. One operator produced 2.5 times more extruded root fillings than the other operators (OR = 2.50; 95% CI = 1.31, 4.78; P = 0.006). Other factors, such as root canal curvature and length, apical size of the prepared canal, as well as the operator's preferred obturation technique, were shown to have no significant influence on the prevalence of extrusion. Conclusions, The prevalence of extrusion was significantly lower when cold lateral condensation and customization of the master cone were used. The ,operator' emerged as a significant factor affecting the prevalence of root filling extrusion. [source] An improved meshless collocation method for elastostatic and elastodynamic problemsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 8 2008P. H. Wen Abstract Meshless methods for solving differential equations have become a promising alternative to the finite element and boundary element methods. In this paper, an improved meshless collocation method is presented for use with either moving least square (MLS) or compactly supported radial basis functions (RBFs). A new technique referred to as an indirect derivative method is developed and compared with the direct derivative technique used for evaluation of second-order derivatives and higher-order derivatives of the MLS and RBF shape functions at the field point. As the derivatives are obtained from a local approximation (MLS or compact support RBFs), the new method is computationally economical and efficient. Neither the connectivity of mesh in the domain/boundary nor integrations with fundamental/particular solutions is required in this approach. The accuracy of the two techniques to determine the second-order derivative of shape function is assessed. The applications of meshless method to two-dimensional elastostatic and elastodynamic problems have been presented and comparisons have been made with benchmark analytical solutions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Chartism and exchange rate volatility,INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FINANCE & ECONOMICS, Issue 3 2007Mikael Bask Abstract The purpose of this paper is to implement theoretically, the observation that the relative importance of fundamental versus technical analysis in the foreign exchange market depends on the time horizon in currency trade. For shorter time horizons, more weight is placed on technical analysis, while more weight is placed on fundamental analysis for longer horizons. The theoretical framework is the Dornbusch overshooting model, where moving averages is the technical trading technique used by the chartists. The perfect foresight path near long-run equilibrium is derived, and it is shown that the magnitude of exchange rate overshooting is larger than in the Dornbusch model. Specifically, the extent of overshooting depends inversely on the time horizon in currency trade. How changes in the model's structural parameters endogenously affect this time horizon and the magnitude of overshooting along the perfect foresight path are also derived. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] An oil dilution technique used in small-scale frying to reduce oil expenditureINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2004Emin Yilmaz Summary An oil dilution technique was developed and it saved oil expenditure in doughnut frying by about 30% without any compromise in doughnut quality compared with standard small-scale control frying. Doughnut quality as evaluated by a sensory panel and absorbed fat content measurements, also supported the main findings. In addition, either the oil density, acid value or alkaline contaminant materials can be effectively used to monitor oil quality changes during frying. [source] RF MEMS-based tunable filtersINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RF AND MICROWAVE COMPUTER-AIDED ENGINEERING, Issue 5 2001James Brank Abstract This paper overviews the application of RF MEMS switches in tunable filters as well as circuit developments for bandpass filters covering 110 MHz to 2.8 GHz. RF MEMS have several desirable features, including small size, low power requirements, and low loss. The basic operation of Raytheon's RF MEMS capacitive membrane switch is described. An overview of the technique used to integrate the switch into a variable capacitor structure with sixteen capacitance states is provided. Variable capacitor structures are used to construct multipole lumped bandpass filter designs, each with sixteen states. Finally, measured data from two representative five- and six-pole bandpass filters are presented. Characterization data demonstrates that the insertion loss for the five-pole filter using on-chip inductors was between 6.6 and 7.3 dB, and between 3.7 and 4.2 dB for the six-pole filter using off-chip inductors. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 11: 276,284, 2001 [source] Mapping of unstressed lattice parameters using pulsed neutron transmission diffractionJOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 4 2002Javier Roberto Santisteban Stress measurement by neutron diffraction depends critically on knowledge of the unstressed lattice parameter (a0) of the specimen under study. As a result, measurement of stress profiles in components where a0 is not homogeneous throughout the sample, such as welds or carburized surfaces, can be particularly difficult. An efficient solution to this problem is proposed based on the pulsed neutron transmission diffraction technique. This technique exploits the sharp steps in intensity, the so-called Bragg edges, appearing in the transmitted neutron spectra of polycrystalline materials, such steps being produced by coherent scattering from lattice planes. The position of these Bragg edges as defined by the time-of-flight technique is used to determine precisely local interplanar distances. In this work it is shown that the unstressed lattice parameter of thin specimens subjected to plane stress fields can be defined by recording transmission spectra at different sample inclinations, in complete analogy with the sin2, technique used in X-ray diffraction. Moreover, by using an array of detectors it is possible to produce a radiographic `image' of a0 for plane specimens or thin sections out of three-dimensional ones. The capability of the technique is exemplified by mapping the changes in a0 for a ferritic weld that was used as a round robin sample in an international program for standardization of stress measurements by neutron diffraction. [source] Enhancement of ultrafiltration using gas sparging: a comparison of different membrane modules,JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 2-3 2003Zhanfeng Cui Abstract Ultrafiltration is widely used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, food and water industries. Practical difficulties arise in designing and operating the process due to concentration polarisation and membrane fouling. Enhancement of ultrafiltration is highly desirable to achieve a higher permeate flux at a fixed energy input, or a reduced energy input whilst maintaining the level of permeate flux, or an improved selectivity of the membrane. One effective, simple, and economic technique used to enhance ultrafiltration is the use of gas bubbles, ie injecting gas into the feed stream to create a gas,liquid two-phase cross-flow operation. In this paper, an attempt is made to compare the effect of ,bubbling' on the ultrafiltration performance, using different membrane modules (in particular, tubular and hollow fibre membrane modules). The difference in performance can be related to the feature of two-phase flow hydrodynamics and its respective effect on mass transfer. The advantages and drawbacks of using this technique to enhance ultrafiltration are discussed. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Determining if disease management saves money: an introduction to meta-analysisJOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 3 2007Ariel Linden DrPH MS Abstract Disease management (DM) programmes have long been promoted as a major medical cost-saving mechanism, even though the scant research that exists on the topic has provided conflicting results. In a 2004 literature review, the Congressional Budget Office stated that ,there is insufficient evidence to conclude that disease management programs can generally reduce the overall cost of health care services'. To address this question more accurately, a meta-analysis was warranted. Meta-analysis is the quantitative technique used to pool the results of many studies on the same topic and summarize them statistically. This method is also quite suitable for individual DM firms to assess whether their programmes are effective at the aggregate level. This paper describes the elements of a rigorous meta-analytic process and discusses potential biases. A hypothetical DM organization is then evaluated with a specific emphasis on medical cost-savings, simulating a case in which different populations are served, evaluation methodologies are employed, and diseases are managed. [source] Long-term quality of life of postoperative rectal cancer patientsJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 5 2002CHISATO HAMASHIMA AbstractBackground: The long-term quality of life (QOL) of postoperative rectal cancer patients has not been previously investigated in Japan and may vary depending on the surgical technique used (i.e. with or without a stoma). Methods: The Kanagawa Cancer Registry was used to select 348 rectal cancer patients who underwent surgery at the St Marianna University Hospital between 1978 and 1997. Of these, 164 surviving patients were sent a postal survey consisting of the Japanese EuroQol instrument with an additional questionnaire on present symptoms and lifestyle. Results and conclusions: One hundred and ten responses were received, including 38 from stoma patients. The presence of a stoma did not affect the QOL of the male patients, while it did affect that of the female patients. The QOL of the long-term survival group was associated with several items concerning lifestyle, symptoms and usual activity, and the association did not depend on the presence of a stoma. The long-term QOL could be recognized according to the characteristics of rectal cancer patients, independent of the presence of a stoma. © 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd [source] Encoding of electrophysiology and other signals in MR imagesJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 5 2007Lars G. Hanson PhD Abstract Purpose To develop a gradient insensitive, generic technique for recording of non-MR signals by use of surplus scanner bandwidth. Materials and Methods Relatively simple battery driven hardware is used to transform one or more signals into radio waves detectable by the MR scanner. Similar to the "magstripe" technique used for encoding of soundtracks in motion pictures, the electrical signals are in this way encoded as artifacts appearing in the MR images or spectra outside the region of interest. The encoded signals are subsequently reconstructed from the signal recorded by the scanner. Results Electrophysiological (EP) eye and heart muscular recording (electrooculography [EOG] and electrocardiography [ECG]) during fast echo planar imaging (EPI) is demonstrated with an expandable, modular 8-channel prototype implementation. The gradient artifacts that would normally be dominating EOG are largely eliminated. Conclusion The method provides relatively inexpensive sampling with inherent microsecond synchronization and it reduces gradient artifacts in physiological recordings significantly. When oversampling is employed, the method is compatible with all MR reconstruction and postprocessing techniques. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007;25:1059,1066. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A Survey of the Current Practice of Obstetric Anaesthesia and Analgesia in MalaysisJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2000Dr. Y. K. Chan Abstract Objective: A survey covering 30% of the deliveries in Malaysia was done to determine the practice of obstetric anaesthesia and analgesia for 1996. Results: From the survey, it was found that the regional anaesthesia rate for caesarean section was 46% in the government hospitals compared to 29.2% in the private hospitals, with spinal anaesthesia being the most common regional anaesthetic technique used in both types of hospitals. The epidural rate for labour analgesia was only 1.5% overall for the country. Epidural analgesia services were available in all private hospitals whereas 17.6% of government hospitals surveyed did not offer this service at all. Conclusions: Although the use of epidural analgesia for labour was low in Malaysia, the overall rate of regional anaesthesia for caesarean section (41.9%) is very much in keeping with the standards of safe practice recommended by the United Kingdom. [source] Quantitation of protein particles in parenteral solutions using micro-flow imagingJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 9 2009Chi-Ting Huang Abstract The U.S. and European Pharmacopeias require subvisible (,10 and ,25 µm) and visible particulate testing of therapeutics to ensure their safety and suitability for clinical use. The objective of this article is to compare the sizing and counting accuracies of light obscuration, which is the standard technique used to measure subvisible particulate matter, and Micro-Flow Imaging (MFIÔ), a new imaging-based technology. An immunoconjugate was selected as the model protein for this study since it could be induced to form particulate matter in PBS. Light obscuration was performed as described in USP chapter <788> while MFI measurements were conducted per the manufacturer's procedures. The two techniques yielded similar results when polystyrene standards were analyzed. However, the MFI measurements indicated the presence of significantly more particles in the protein-containing solution compared to the light obscuration measurements. The presence of nonspherical protein particles as well as particles that possess a refractive index similar to the solvent that they are in appear to be detected by MFI, but not by light obscuration, leading to the difference in the results. Imaging-based technologies could aid in developing formulations and processes that would minimize the formation of protein particulates. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 98:3058,3071, 2009 [source] Towards a rational drug design: Raman micro-spectroscopy analysis of prostate cancer cells treated with an aqueous extract of Nerium OleanderJOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY, Issue 11 2009A. Saha Abstract Raman spectroscopy is an efficient optical technique used to identify and grade cancer on the basis of the molecular composition of the cell. In this work Raman spectroscopy is used to study the chemical alteration occurring inside a prostate cancer cell as a result of a treatment with a low-concentration aqueous extract of Nerium Oleander. The results show that Nerium Oleander affects the protein and lipid concentration of cancer cells. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Raman optical activity of an achiral element in a chiral environmentJOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY, Issue 9 2009Andrew M. Smith Abstract Raman optical activity (ROA) is a relatively new technique used to determine the structure of chiral molecules and is proving useful in the study of biological molecules such as proteins and DNA/RNA. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate the applicability of ROA as a technique to study achiral groups in chiral environments, detecting the induced chirality of N -(fluorenyl-9-methoxycarbonyl) (Fmoc) in a chiral self-assembled structure of Fmoc-dipeptides. This technique is therefore of interest to those studying self-assembled systems that adopt a chiral structure. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Reconstruction of the pancreatic duct after pancreaticoduodenectomy: A modification of the Whipple procedureJOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 1 2001Stylianos Katsaragakis MD Abstract Background and Objectives: Pancreaticoduodenectomy is still associated with high morbidity and mortality even though there has been significant progress in the field of pancreatic surgery and postoperative follow-up. The pancreatoenteric anastomosis, regardless of the technique used, is a major cause for both morbidity and mortality after Whipple procedure. To overcome all problems resulting from anastomotic leakage, we used external drainage of the pancreatic duct. Methods: In 24 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy in our Department from 1986 to 1995, a modification to the standard Whipple procedure was performed. Instead of pancreaticoenteric anastomosis, external drainage of the pancreatic duct remnant was performed. The pancreatic duct was intubated with a silastic tube, the external end of which was sutured to the skin. All patients received substitution therapy with pancreatic enzymes. Results: Mortality in our group of patients was 4%. No complications due to the external drainage of the pancreatic duct were reported, while no patient developed diabetes mellitus after surgery. Conclusions: External drainage of the pancreatic duct remnant can be used alternatively to pancreatoenteric anastomosis after pancreatoduodenectomy. The technique is safe and simple to perform and appears to reduce overall operative time. It may be an option for patients with significant comorbidity and/or intraoperative hemodynamic instability which mandates expeditious completion of the operation. J. Surg. Oncol. 2001; 77:26,29. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Surgical treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus with rhomboid flapJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 1 2010K Topgül Abstract In this review, we summarized the general characteristics of pilonidal sinus disease and details of rhomboid flap (RF) technique used in its treatment, and discussed the results of RF methods and its comparison with other techniques, principally with flap technique available in the literature. When performed studies are examined, RF technique has come into prominence nowadays with low recurrence and infection rates, and with a comfortable surgical technique. Recently, it has been anticipated that with the modification of this technique, the recurrence rate would be lower. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||