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Positioning
Kinds of Positioning Terms modified by Positioning Selected AbstractsSENSORY PROFILING AND POSITIONING OF JILEBI SAMPLES BY MULTIVARIATE ANALYSISJOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY, Issue 6 2004MAYA PRAKASH ABSTRACT Sensory profilograms based on the quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) of jilebi using 12 attributes were drawn for nine market samples. The instrumental texture measurement of shear values and CIE color measurement for L*, a* and b* were determined for all the samples. Further, canonical discriminant analysis was run to position the samples. The results indicated that samples 9, 4 and 5 were grouped together in the same quadrant, which represented desirable attributes of jilebi viz, crispness, sweetness, glossy appearance and overall quality (OQ). Samples 6, 8 and 2 have taken a different quadrant with attributes like juicy and porous; while sample 3 was away in a separate quadrant with undesirable attribute namely heated oil. Crispness of jilebi had high positive correlation with OQ and texture (shear value). [source] RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SENSORY AND TEXTURE MEASUREMENT OF JAMUN AND POSITIONING OF JAMUN SAMPLESJOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 1 2002R. RAVI ABSTRACT Profilograms based on the quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) of jamun using nine attributes were drawn for four market samples and ten samples prepared using various instant mixes available in the local market. The instrumental texture measurement of shear values were determined for all the samples. Correlations between sensory and instrumental texture measurement (shear force) were studied. The shear values were found to be correlated positively with softness, juiciness and milkiness. Further canonical discriminant analysis was run to position the samples in relation to others. The results indicated that samples M1, M2, M4, S3, S4, S6 and S10 group together in the same quadrant which represents desirable attributes of jamun viz, color, softness, juiciness, milkiness and overall quality. The jamuns from the instant mixes (S) can replace the control samples, traditionally prepared market samples (M) as they match the product profile very closely. [source] "They Took Out the Wrong Context": Uses of Time-Space in the Practice of PositioningETHOS, Issue 2 2004Kevin M. Leander Time-space is not merely a backdrop to social interaction; rather, individuals use particular forms of time-space to discursively position themselves and others. This article analyzes how several adolescents interpreted a previous classroom interaction, which was rife with social positioning. Responding to a videotape of this interaction, the adolescents were in general agreement that one of them ("Latayna") acted "ghetto." An analysis of the interview data reveals how participants use typified forms of time-space, or particular chronotopes, in the practice of positioning. These chronotopes index the relative changeability of the social world, the possibilities of individual agency, and the relations of social and individual development. The analysis also makes visible how individual actors, including Latanya, creatively and strategically shape subjectivities by transforming and laminating diverse chronotopes. [source] Non-Tethered Organometallic Phosphonate Inhibitors for Lipase Inhibition: Positioning of the Metal Center in the Active Site of Cutinase,,EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 28 2008Cornelis A. Kruithof Abstract Organometallic NCN-pincer complexes, bearing either a p -nitrophenyl phosphonate ester or a phosphonic acid group directly attached to the aromatic ring of the pincer complex, were synthesized. These compounds were tested as covalent inhibitors for the lipase cutinase. In a stoichiometric reaction of the NCN-pincer platinum phosphonate p -nitrophenyl ester 2 with cutinase, a 94,% conversion to the protein,pincer metal complex hybrid was obtained in 48 h. The NCN-pincer metal phosphonic acid derivatives (3, 4) appeared to be inactive as cutinase inhibitors. In contrast to our previous work which entails propyl tethered phosphonate esters connected to pincer metal complexes, the presented strategy allows positioning of metal complexes inside the active site of lipases. This opens up the possibility for fine-tuning the chemical environment (second coordination sphere) around a synthetic metal center inside the pocket of an enzyme for diagnostic and catalytic purposes.(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008) [source] Cretaceous,Tertiary geodynamics: a North Atlantic exerciseGEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2001Trond H. Torsvik Summary New reconstructions are presented for the Cretaceous,Early Tertiary North Atlantic using a combination of palaeomagnetic, hotspot and magnetic anomaly data. We utilize these reconstructions in an analysis of previously described misfits between the North Atlantic Plate elements at successive intervals during this time period. We are able to achieve reasonable overlap between the hotspot and palaeomagnetic reconstructions between 40 and 95 Ma and thus are able to support the idea that the Indo,Atlantic hotspots are relatively stationary. Small, but systematic discrepancies for this time interval can readily be modelled with a long-term, octopole non-dipole field contribution (G3 = g30/g10 = 0.08). However, hotspot and palaeomagnetic reconstructions for the Early Cretaceous North Atlantic show substantial differences that cannot be explained by constant, non-dipole fields and we favour an explanation for these discrepancies in terms of true polar wander (TPW) triggered by mantle instabilities between 125 and 95 Ma; this constitutes the only identifiable event of significant TPW since the Early Cretaceous. Taken in the context of available geochronological and geological data and seismic tomography from the region, the 95,40 Ma reconstructions and their time-consequent geological products are interpreted in terms of specific conditions of mantle-crust coupling and global plate motions/tectonic activity. Highlights from these reconstructions show uniform NE movement of the coupled North American, Greenland and Eurasian plates from 95 to 80 Ma; a marked cusp in the paths for all three elements at 80 Ma where the three plates simultaneously change direction and follow a uniform NW-directed motion until c. 20 Ma when Eurasia diverges NE, away from the still-NW-moving Greenland and North American elements. Positioning of the Iceland plume beneath the spreading-ridge at 20 Ma may have increased upwelling below the ridge, increased the ridge-push, and caused a NE shift in the absolute direction of Eurasia. [source] Damascene Process for Controlled Positioning of Magnetic Colloidal NanocrystalsADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 12 2010Gang Chen Nanocrystals, deposited on Si wafers, are maneuvered into sub-100-nm-sized pits or grooves by a Damascene process, that is, dropcasting and subsequent mechanical polishing. Single occupation is demonstrated for magnetic nanocrystals with diameter down to 18,nm. The figure show scanning electron microscopy and magnetic force microscopy images for a set of pits occupied by single Fe3O4 magnetic nanocrystals with 50-nm size. [source] Intracanal temperature rise evaluation during the usage of the System B: replication of intracanal anatomyINTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, Issue 4 2005J. C. Villegas Abstract Aim To evaluate and determine intracanal temperature rises at 2 and 4 mm from the working length (WL) necessary to obtain proper replication of intracanal anatomy with gutta-percha (GP) using the System B heat source during vertical condensation. Methodology A split-tooth model was prepared and artificial shallow depressions were cut in the buccal canal wall 2 and 4 mm from the WL. At the same level on the palatal wall holes were drilled to adapt two thermocouples. The canal was filled using GP in a vertical condensation technique by placing the System B plugger at 2 and 4 mm from the WL in groups A and B, respectively. Two control groups in which no GP was used were carried out placing the plugger 2 and 4 mm from the WL (groups A.c and B.c, respectively) and activating the heat source. Recording of temperature rise was carried out during the filling procedure for groups A and B and during activation for control groups A.c and B.c; the highest temperatures were recorded. After each filling was completed, 3 min were allowed for the GP to cool and the model divided to reveal the filling. Images of the GP were taken with a CCD camera to evaluate the presence of replication of artificial round depressions. In control groups, the temperature was recorded for 20 s after a 3 s activation of the heat source. The rise in temperature was compared between the groups individually at each level (2 or 4 mm) and statistically analysed using one-way anova and Fisher PLSD tests at 5% of significance level (P < 0.05). Results Mean temperature rises of 14 ± 3 and 12 ± 2 °C at 2 and 4 mm from the WL, respectively, were observed in group A fillings, and 4 ± 1 and 6 ± 1 °C at 2 and 4 mm, respectively, in group B fillings. Recordings at 2 mm showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher temperature rises with group A.c when compared with groups B and B.c. Replication of intracanal anatomy with GP was always found in group A fillings at both levels but only 4 mm from the WL in group B fillings. Conclusions Positioning the plugger close to WL and a temperature rise of 6 °C were necessary to obtain replication of intracanal anatomy. A mean temperature rise of 4 °C at 2 mm from WL (group B) resulted in no replication of intracanal anatomy. Further studies simulating clinical conditions are necessary. [source] Points of View, Social Positioning and Intercultural RelationsJOURNAL FOR THE THEORY OF SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR, Issue 1 2010GORDON SAMMUT The challenge of intercultural relations has become an important issue in many societies. In spite of the claimed value of intercultural diversity, successful outcomes as predicted by the contact hypothesis are but one possibility; on occasions intercultural contact leads to intolerance and hostility. Research has documented that one key mediator of contact is perspective taking. Differences in perspective are significant in shaping perceptions of contact and reactions to it. The ability to take the perspective of the other and to understand it in its own terms is a necessary condition for successful intergroup outcomes. This paper sheds light on the processes involved in intercultural perspective taking by elaborating the notion of the point of view based on social representations theory. The point of view provides a theory of social positioning that can analyse cultural encounters between social actors, and identify the conditions for positive relations. Insights are drawn from a study of public views on the relative merits of science and religion, following a documentary by Richard Dawkins in which it was suggested that religion is a source of evil. The findings demonstrate that the point of view may be categorised according to a three-way taxonomy according to the extent to which it is open to another perspective. A point of view may be monological,closed to another's perspective entirely, dialogical,open to the possibility of another perspective while maintaining some percepts as unchallengeable, or metalogical,open to another's perspective based on the other's frame of reference. [source] Three-Dimensional Catheter Positioning During Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients: First Application of a Real-Time Position Management SystemJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 11 2000NATASJA M.S. DE GROOT M.D. Three-Dimensional Reai-Time Position Management. Introduction: Precise localization of target sites for radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of arrhythmias is hampered by the relative inaccuracy of X-ray localization procedures. This study evaluated the efficacy of a three-dimensional (3D) real-time position management system in guiding RFCA procedures in patients. Methods and Results: Patients (n = 30, age 59 ± 20 years) referred for ablation of either atrial flutter (n = 10), ventricular tachycardia (n = 15), or accessory pathways (n = 5) were studied. The real-time position management system uses ultrasound ranging techniques to track the position of an ablation catheter relative to two multitransducer reference catheters, positioned in the right atrium or coronary sinus and the right ventricle. Each catheter contains three or four ultrasound transducers. The distance between the transducer(s) is determined hy calculating the time necessary for an ultrasound pulse to reach other transducers, assuming the speed of sound in blood is 1,550 m/sec. The proximal His bundle was marked at the beginning and the end of the procedure as an electrical landmark to verify reproducibility. After identification of target sites, the position of each lesion created with the ablation catheter was marked. Successful ahlation was achieved in 94% of the patients. The distance between the location of the proximal His hundle as marked at the beginning and at the end of the procedure was 2.0 ± 1.2 mm (range 1.5 to 3.5). Conclusion: The new 3D real-time position management system facilitated RFCA procedures as it allowed accurate and reproducible 3D tracking of the mapping and ablation catheter. [source] White between the Lines: Ethnic Positioning in Lakhota DiscourseJOURNAL OF LINGUISTIC ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 1 2001Sara Trechter By examining constructed dialogues with whiteness in everyday conversations, this article demonstrates how one group of Native Americans, the Lakhota, mark whiteness as rampant individualism. As such, whiteness is not an essential characteristic of white people, but shifts to different participants as it is negotiated in Lakhota discourse. In this context, the Lakhota values of community responsibility and service are juxtaposed to individualism associated with whiteness. [source] Positioning of salt gradients in ion-exchange SMBAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 3 2003Joukje Houwing Salt gradients can be used to improve the efficiency of ion-exchange separations in simulated moving-bed systems. The gradient, formed by the use of feed and desorbent solutions of different salt concentrations, introduces regions of increased and decreased affinity of, for example, proteins for the matrix. Several gradient shapes can be formed, depending on the flow-rate ratios and salt concentrations used. Only some of these effectively increase throughput or decrease desorbent consumption. Correct gradient positioning is essential, but not trivial, because salt is adsorbed in the resin. A procedure developed selects the flow-rate ratios that allow correct positioning of gradients based on wave theory and incorporates the nonlinear Donnan isotherm of salt on ion-exchange resins. Predictions are verified by experiments combined with a mathematical equilibrium stage (true moving-bed) model. Upward and downward gradients are compared with respect to the use of desorbent and salt. [source] Effects of Body Positioning on Swallowing and Esophageal Transit in Healthy DogsJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 4 2009C.M. Bonadio Background: Contrast videofluoroscopy is the imaging technique of choice for evaluating dysphagic dogs. In people, body position alters the outcome of videofluoroscopic assessment of swallowing. Hypothesis/Objective: That esophageal transit in dogs, as measured by a barium esophagram, is not affected by body position. Animals: Healthy dogs (n= 15). Methods: Interventional, experimental study. A restraint device was built to facilitate imaging of dogs in sternal recumbancy. Each dog underwent videofluoroscopy during swallowing of liquid barium and barium-soaked kibble in sternal and lateral recumbancy. Timing of swallowing, pharyngeal constriction ratio, esophageal transit time, and number of esophageal peristaltic waves were compared among body positions. Results: Transit time in the cervical esophagus (cm/s) was significantly delayed when dogs were in lateral recumbency for both liquid (2.58 ± 1.98 versus 7.23 ± 3.11; P= .001) and kibble (4.44 ± 2.02 versus 8.92 ± 4.80; P= .002). In lateral recumbency, 52 ± 22% of liquid and 73 ± 23% of kibble swallows stimulated primary esophageal peristalsis. In sternal recumbency, 77 ± 24% of liquid (P= .01 versus lateral) and 89 ± 16% of kibble (P= .01 versus lateral) swallows stimulated primary esophageal peristalsis. Other variables were not significantly different. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Lateral body positioning significantly increases cervical esophageal transit time and affects the type of peristaltic wave generated by a swallow. [source] Positioning and the specific sequence of each 13-mer motif are critical for activity of the plasmid RK2 replication originMOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2005Lukasz Kowalczyk Summary The minimal replication origin of the broad-host-range plasmid RK2, oriV, contains five iterons which are binding sites for the plasmid-encoded replication initiation protein TrfA, four DnaA boxes, which bind the host DnaA protein, and an AT-rich region containing four 13-mer sequences. In this study, 26 mutants with altered sequence and/or spacing of 13-mer motifs have been constructed and analysed for replication activity in vivo and in vitro. The data show that the replacement of oriV 13-mers by similar but not identical 13-mer sequences from Escherichia coli oriC inactivates the origin. In addition, interchanging the positions of the oriV 13-mers results in greatly reduced activity. Mutants with T/A substitutions are also inactive. Furthermore, introduction of single-nucleotide substitutions demonstrates very restricted sequence requirements depending on the 13-mer position. Only two of the mutants are host specific, functional in Pseudomonas aeruginosa but not in E. coli. Our experiments demonstrate considerable complexity in the plasmid AT-rich region architecture required for functionality. It is evident that low internal stability of this region is not the only feature contributing to origin activity. Our studies suggest a requirement for sequence-specific protein interactions within the 13-mers during assembly of replication complexes at the plasmid origin. [source] Positioning of the MinE binding site on the MinD surface suggests a plausible mechanism for activation of the Escherichia coli MinD ATPase during division site selectionMOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2004Luyan Ma Summary Division site selection in Escherichia coli requires that the MinD protein interact with itself and with MinC and MinE. MinD is a member of the NifH-ArsA-Par-MinD subgroup of ATPases. The MinE,MinD interaction results in activation of MinD ATPase activity in the presence of membrane vesicles. The sites within MinD responsible for its interaction with MinC and MinE were studied by site-directed mutagenesis and yeast two-hybrid analysis, guided by the known three-dimensional structure of MinD proteins. This provided evidence that MinC and MinE bind to overlapping sites on the MinD surface. The results also suggested that MinE and the invariant Lys11 residue in the ATPase P-loop of MinD compete for binding to a common site within the MinD structure, thereby providing a plausible structural basis for the ability of MinE to activate the ATPase activity of MinD. [source] Visual Tracking and LIDAR Relative Positioning for Automated Launch and Recovery of an Unmanned Rotorcraft from Ships at SeaNAVAL ENGINEERS JOURNAL, Issue 2 2009MATT GARRATT Sensors and systems for a fully autonomous unmanned helicopter have been developed with the aim of completely automating the landing and launch of a small-unmanned helicopter from the deck of a ship. For our scheme, we have combined a laser rangefinder (LRF) system with a visual tracking sensor to construct a low-cost guidance system. Our novel LRF system determines both the distance to and the orientation of the deck in one cycle. We have constructed an optical sensor to complement the laser system, comprising a digital camera interfaced to a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which enables the entire target tracking computation to be achieved in a very small self-contained form factor. A narrowband light source on the deck is detected by the digital camera and tracked by an algorithm implemented on the FPGA to provide a relative bearing to the deck from the helicopter. By combining the optical sensor bearing with the information from the laser system, an accurate estimate of the helicopter position relative to the deck can be found. [source] Inadvertent Positioning of Pacemaker Leads in the PericardiumPACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 10 2003KAMBEEZ BERENJI A patient had a dual chamber pacemaker with endocardial leads implanted chronically. The lead position on chest X ray and the ECG pattern indicated lead malposition, but a CT scan and transesophageal echocardiography were nondiagnostic. Venography indicated that both leads were in the mediastinal and pericardial space. (PACE 2003; 26:2039,2041) [source] Strategic Positioning and the Financing of Nonprofit Organizations: Is Efficiency Rewarded in the Contributions Marketplace?PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REVIEW, Issue 3 2001Peter Frumkin This article addresses the question of whether operational efficiency is recognized and rewarded by the private funders that support nonprofit organizations in fields ranging from education to social service to arts and beyond. Looking at the administrative efficiency and fundraising results of a large sample of nonprofit organizations over an 11-year period, we find that nonprofits that position themselves as cost efficient,reporting low administrative to total expense ratios,fared no better over time than less efficient appearing organizations in the market for individual, foundation, and corporate contributions. From this analysis, we suggest that economizing may not always be the best strategy in the nonprofit sector. [source] Dispersion and Accuracy of Simulated Phosphene Positioning Using Tactile BoardARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 12 2009Leilei Zhang Abstract The evaluation of phosphene is one of the most important things after the electrode array's implantation. Some experiments have been used to study the basic rules on people using their tactile perception in describing the characteristics of simulated phosphenes, such as the dispersion, accuracy, and response time. In order to describe the simulated phosphenes more systematically and scientifically, an improved phosphene-positioning method using tactile board was designed in this study. Using tactile board to guide the tactile perception, the dispersion was limited to less than 6 mm, while the largest mean error was 8.1 mm, which was nearly equal to the minimal resolution of tactile board (8 mm). The response time greatly increased because of the standard processes in using tactile board. Moreover, the long-term experiment to repeat the procedure could improve and sustain the subjects' performance in good results. [source] Flow Distribution During Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Dependency on the Outflow Cannula PositioningARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 11 2009Tim A.S. Kaufmann Abstract Oxygen deficiency in the right brain is a common problem during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This is linked to an insufficient perfusion of the carotid and vertebral artery. The flow to these vessels is strongly influenced by the outflow cannula position, which is traditionally located in the ascending aorta. Another approach however is to return blood via the right subclavian artery. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study was performed for both methods and validated by particle image velocimetry (PIV). A 3-dimensional computer aided design model of the cardiovascular (CV) system was generated from realtime computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging data. Mesh generation (CFD) and rapid prototyping (PIV) were used for the further model creation. The simulations were performed assuming usual CPB conditions, and the same boundary conditions were applied for the PIV validation. The flow distribution was analyzed for 55 cannula positions inside the aorta and in relation to the distance between the cannula tip and the vertebral artery branch for subclavian cannulation. The study reveals that the Venturi effect due to the cannula jet appears to be the main reason for the loss in cerebral perfusion seen clinically. It provides a PIV-validated CFD method of analyzing the flow distribution in the CV system and can be transferred to other applications. [source] Current experiences with robotic surgery at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University in KoreaASIAN JOURNAL OF ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY, Issue 1 2010WJ Lee Abstract We started performing laparoscopic cholecystectomies in 1991. Since that time, many surgeons have been trained in laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery, and laparoscopic surgery has been used in numerous procedures, with patients benefitting as a result. We performed the first automated surgery in Korea using Automated Endoscopic System for Optimal Positioning in June 1996. Inspired by Inbae Yoon and assisted by his generous donation, our hospital started the IB Yoon Multi-Specialty Endoscopic Research & Training Center in 1998. Subsequently in March 2005, we started the Severance Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery Center. The establishment of these centers has enabled us to widen the use of laparoscopic surgery and to teach many surgeons the principles of and the techniques involved in laparoscopic and robotic surgery. We performed our first robotic surgery using the da Vinci Surgical System in July 2005. In the 4 years since introducing the da Vinci Surgical System, we have successfully performed more than 2600 robotic surgical procedures. As the collaboration between medicine and robotic engineering produces more technically advanced results, we hopefully can develop our own version of the robotic system in the near future. [source] Positioning, displacement, and localization of cells using ultrasonic forcesBIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENGINEERING, Issue 1 2005Albrecht Haake Abstract This paper presents a method and a device to position and displace cells. The cells are suspended in a fluid layer trapped between the device and an arbitrary surface such as an object slide or a wafer. The device vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies causing a pressure field in the fluid layer. This pressure field results in a force-field capable of positioning cells. Depending on the way in which the device is excited a 2-D or 3-D force-field can be generated, positioning the cells in lines or points respectively. Furthermore, it is possible to subsequently displace the cells with micrometer accuracy. This has been demonstrated using HL60 and MCF10A cells, and can be achieved without causing damage to the cells. Copyright © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Postpartum Positioning and Attachment Education for Increasing Breastfeeding: A Randomized TrialBIRTH, Issue 4 2001Ann Henderson RM, MEd Studies Background:Although lactation experts suggest that a correct positioning and attachment technique reduces breastfeeding problems and enhances long-term breastfeeding, evidence from randomized trials is lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of postpartum positioning and attachment education on breastfeeding outcomes in first-time mothers.Method:A randomized trial was performed in a public hospital in Adelaide, South Australia, where 160 first-time mothers were randomly allocated to receive either structured one-to-one education (experimental group) or usual postpartum care (control group) within 24 hours of birth. The primary outcome was breastfeeding at 6 weeks and 3 and 6 months postpartum; other outcomes were nipple pain and trauma in hospital and at 6 weeks and 3 and 6 months, and satisfaction with breastfeeding.Results: No significantdifferences occurred in breastfeeding rates between the groups at each endpoint, although a trend in the direction of lower rates was seen at each endpoint in the experimental group. This group reported less nipple pain on days 2 (p= 0.004) and 3 (p= 0.04), but this was not sustained on follow-up. No differences were observed in nipple trauma in hospital or in self-reported nipple pain and/or trauma at the three endpoints. Experimental group women were less satisfied with breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months postpartum when using a one-item measure; however, a multiple-item measure showed no significant differences at the three endpoints. Conclusions: The intervention did not increase breastfeeding duration at any assessment time or demonstrate any differences between the groups on secondary outcomes. The trend toward lower breastfeeding rates in the experimental group suggests a need for a larger trial to evaluate whether or nor postpartum positioning and attachment education may negatively affect breastfeeding. [source] Realistic and efficient rendering of free-form knitwearCOMPUTER ANIMATION AND VIRTUAL WORLDS (PREV: JNL OF VISUALISATION & COMPUTER ANIMATION), Issue 1 2001Hua Zhong Abstract We present a method for rendering knitwear on free-form surfaces. This method has three main advantages. First, it renders yarn microstructure realistically and efficiently. Second, the rendering efficiency of yarn microstructure does not come at the price of ignoring the interactions between the neighboring yarn loops. Such interactions are modeled in our system to further enhance realism. Finally, our approach gives the user intuitive control on a few key aspects of knitwear appearance: the fluffiness of the yarn and the irregularity in the positioning of the yarn loops. The result is a system that efficiently produces highly realistic rendering of free-form knitwear with user control on key aspects of visual appearance. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Sketching and Composing Widgets for 3D ManipulationCOMPUTER GRAPHICS FORUM, Issue 2 2008Ryan Schmidt Abstract We present an interface for 3D object manipulation in which standard transformation tools are replaced with transient 3D widgets invoked by sketching context-dependent strokes. The widgets are automatically aligned to axes and planes determined by the user's stroke. Sketched pivot-points further expand the interaction vocabulary. Using gestural commands, these basic elements can be assembled into dynamic, user-constructed 3D transformation systems. We supplement precise widget interaction with techniques for coarse object positioning and snapping. Our approach, which is implemented within a broader sketch-based modeling system, also integrates an underlying "widget history" to enable the fluid transfer of widgets between objects. An evaluation indicates that users familiar with 3D manipulation concepts can be taught how to efficiently use our system in under an hour. [source] Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Right Ventricular Inflow Compression Associated with Pectus Excavatum During Spinal Fusion in Prone PositionCONGENITAL HEART DISEASE, Issue 3 2009James M. Galas MD ABSTRACT Introduction., Pectus excavatum is commonly viewed as a benign condition. Associated alterations in hemodynamics are rare. We present an unusual case of right ventricular inflow obstruction and hemodynamic compromise as a consequence of pectus excavatum encountered during surgical intervention. Case., a 15-year-old male with pectus excavatum and thoracolumbar scoliosis developed severe hypotension after induction of general anesthesia and placement in the prone position for elective spinal fusion. A transesophageal echocardiogram revealed anterior compression of the right heart by the sternum with peak and mean right ventricular inflow gradients of 7 and 4 mm Hg, respectively. The gradient resolved with supine positioning and was reproduced with direct compression of the sternum. Conclusions., Although pectus excavatum is generally a benign condition, the cardiologist should be aware of the potential for serious hemodynamic compromise related to positioning in these patients. [source] Dynamics of bacterial cytoskeletal elementsCYTOSKELETON, Issue 11 2009Peter L. Graumann Abstract Bacterial cytoskeletal elements are involved in an astonishing spectrum of cellular functions, from cell shape determination to cell division, plasmid segregation, the positioning of membrane-associated proteins and membrane structures, and other aspects of bacterial physiology. Interestingly, these functions are not necessarily conserved, neither between different bacterial species nor between bacteria and eukaryotic cells. The flexibility of cytoskeletal elements in performing different tasks is amazing and emphasises their very early development during evolution. This review focuses on the dynamics of cytoskeletal elements from bacteria. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The unconventional myosin-VIIa associates with lysosomesCYTOSKELETON, Issue 1 2005Lily E. Soni Abstract Mutations in the myosin-VIIa (MYO7a) gene cause human Usher disease, characterized by hearing impairment and progressive retinal degeneration. In the retina, myosin-VIIa is highly expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium, where it plays a role in the positioning of melanosomes and other digestion organelles. Using a human cultured retinal pigmented epithelia cell line, ARPE-19, as a model system, we have found that a population of myosin-VIIa is associated with cathepsin D- and Rab7-positive lysosomes. Association of myosin-VIIa with lysosomes was Rab7 independent, as dominant negative and dominant active versions of Rab7 did not disrupt myosin-VIIa recruitment to lysosomes. Association of myosin-VIIa with lysosomes was also independent of the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton. Myosin-VIIa copurified with lysosomes on density gradients, and fractionation and extraction experiments suggested that it was tightly associated with the lysosome surface. These studies suggest that myosin-VIIa is a lysosome motor. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 62:13,26, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Customer Learning Processes, Strategy Selection, and Performance in Business-to-Business Service Firms,DECISION SCIENCES, Issue 2 2004Debra Zahay ABSTRACT Learning about customers takes place through relevant dialogues with those customers, also known as customer relationship management (CRM). As relationships develop, information about the customer is gathered in the firm's customer information systems (CIS): the content, processes, and assets associated with gathering and moving customer information throughout the firm. This research develops a measure of CIS management capabilities based on learning organization theory and measured by the ability to get, store, move, and use information throughout the business unit. This measure is then used to analyze customer learning processes and associated performance in the context of marketing strategic decision making. This study of 209 business services firms finds that generic marketing strategy positioning (low-cost and differentiation) and the marketing tactics of personalization and customization are related to CIS development. Customer information systems development in turn is associated with higher levels of customer-based performance, which in turn is associated with increased business growth. Since the strongest association with customer-based performance is strategy selection, the long-term benefits of the knowledge gained from the CIS may be in the ability to assist in measuring customer-based performance, rather than in the ability to immediately contribute to performance. Finally, for these firms, customization and personalization are not directly associated with performance and thus may not be necessary to support every firm's marketing strategy. [source] The esthetic outcome of autotransplanted premolars replacing maxillary incisorsDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2002Ewa Monika Czochrowska Abstract ,,,Autotransplantation of developing premolars to replace maxillary incisors has been documented to provide physiologically sound results, but comprehensive studies of the esthetic outcome have not been made previously. In order to assess the applicability of this approach and to identify factors important for planning of treatment, 22 autotransplanted premolars reshaped to incisor morphology were compared to their natural, contralateral maxillary incisors by scoring of features considered important for esthetics (color, soft tissue appearance, tooth morphology, and position). The sum of scores for each feature was used to place the reshaped transplant in one of three categories , Match, Deviate, Mismatch. The 22 patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire which addressed the same features that were examined professionally, and the responses were categorized as either Satisfied, Acceptable, or Dissatisfied. Eleven of the 22 patients had received orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances following the transplantation. Most of the transplanted premolars matched the contralateral incisor, and the majority of patients were satisfied with the appearance of the transplant. Fourteen percentage of the transplants were categorized as Mismatch and 18% of patients reported dissatisfaction. The distribution in categories assessed professionally and by the patients was not significantly different. The color and gingival width of the transplanted tooth were scored as different from the natural incisor in about half of the bilateral comparisons. For those teeth categorized professionally as Mismatch and by patients as Dissatisfied, a potential for esthetic improvement could be identified, as allocation to these categories was primarily due to suboptimal positioning and restorative build-up of the transplant. Inter-disciplinary planning is important for successful esthetic results. [source] A Validated Brow Positioning Grading ScaleDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 2008ALASTAIR CARRUTHERS MD BACKGROUND One of the first areas to show facial aging is the periorbital region, where brow malposition contributes to the overall appearance of aging. Movement and positioning of the brows are also sex specific. Men may desire a low brow, whereas women may prefer high, arched brows. OBJECTIVES To develop the Brow Positioning Grading Scale for objective quantification of eyebrow position and to establish the reliability of this photonumeric scale for clinical research and practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 5-point photonumeric rating scale was developed to objectively quantify positioning of eyebrows at rest. Nine experts rated photographs of 35 subjects twice with regard to positioning of the eyebrow in comparison with morphed images. Inter- and intrarater variability was assessed by computing intraclass correlation coefficients. RESULTS Bubble plots (bivariate scatter plots) demonstrated linearity in judgment by the experts. The test,retest correlation coefficients were acceptable for each expert. CONCLUSION The 5-point photonumeric scale generated spans the positioning of the eyebrow for which patients commonly seek correction. The scale is well stratified for consistent rating. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||