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Reasonable Cost (reasonable + cost)
Selected AbstractsGPU-based interactive visualization framework for ultrasound datasetsCOMPUTER ANIMATION AND VIRTUAL WORLDS (PREV: JNL OF VISUALISATION & COMPUTER ANIMATION), Issue 1 2009Sukhyun Lim Abstract Ultrasound imaging is widely used in medical areas. By transmitting ultrasound signals into the human body, their echoed signals can be rendered to represent the shape of internal organs. Although its image quality is inferior to that of CT or MR, ultrasound is widely used for its speed and reasonable cost. Volume rendering techniques provide methods for rendering the 3D volume dataset intuitively. We present a visualization framework for ultrasound datasets that uses programmable graphics hardware. For this, we convert ultrasound coordinates into Cartesian form. In ultrasound datasets, however, since physical storage and representation space is different, we apply different sampling intervals adaptively for each ray. In addition, we exploit multiple filtered datasets in order to reduce noise. By our method, we can determine the adequate filter size without considering the filter size. As a result, our approach enables interactive volume rendering for ultrasound datasets, using a consumer-level PC. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Biodiesel fuel production via transesterification of oils using lipase biocatalystGCB BIOENERGY, Issue 2 2009MAN XIAO Abstract Biodiesel has gained widespread importance in recent years as an alternative, renewable liquid transportation fuel. It is derived from natural triglycerides in the presence of an alcohol and an alkali catalyst via a transesterification reaction. To date, transesterification based on the use of chemical catalysts has been predominant for biodiesel production at the industrial scale due to its high conversion efficiency at reasonable cost. Recently, biocatalytic transesterification has received considerable attention due to its favorable conversion rate and relatively simple downstream processing demands for the recovery of by-products and purification of biodiesel. Biocatalysis of the transesterification reaction using commercially purified lipase represents a major cost constraint. However, more cost-effective techniques based on the immobilization of both extracellular and intracellular lipases on support materials facilitate the reusability of the catalyst. Other variables, including the presence of alcohol, glycerol and the activity of water can profoundly affect lipase activity and stability during the reaction. This review evaluates the current status for lipase biocatalyst-mediated production of biodiesel, and identifies the key parameters affecting lipase activity and stability. Pioneer studies on reactor-based lipase conversion of triglycerides are presented. [source] Cost-effectiveness analysis of two strategies for mass screening for colorectal cancer in FranceHEALTH ECONOMICS, Issue 3 2004Célia Berchi Abstract The implementation of colorectal cancer mass screening is a high public health priority in France, as in most other industrialised countries. Despite evidences that screening using guaiac fecal occult blood test may reduce colorectal cancer mortality, no European country has organised widespread mass screening with this test. The low sensitivity of this test constitutes its main limitation. Immunological tests, which provide higher sensitivity than the guaiac test, may constitute a satisfactory alternative. This study was carried out to compare the costs and the effectiveness of 20 years of biennial colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with an automated reading immunological test (Magstream) with those obtained with a guaiac stool test (Haemoccult). The model used to estimate the costs and effectiveness of successive biennial CRC screening campaigns was a transitional probabilistic model. The parameters used in this model concerning costs and CRC epidemiological data were calculated from results obtained in the screening program run in Calvados or from published results of foreign studies because of the lack of French studies. The use of Magstream for 20 years of biennial screening costs 59 euros more than Haemoccult per target individual, and should lead to a mean increase in individual life expectancy of 0.0198 years (i.e. about one week), which corresponds to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 2980 euros per years of life saved. Our results suggest that using an immunological test could increase the effectiveness of CRC screening at a reasonable cost for society. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Accurate prediction of proton chemical shifts.JOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY, Issue 16 2001Abstract Forty-five proton chemical shifts in 14 aromatic molecules have been calculated at several levels of theory: Hartree,Fock and density functional theory with several different basis sets, and also second-order Mřller,Plesset (MP2) theory. To obtain consistent experimental data, the NMR spectra were remeasured on a 500 MHz spectrometer in CDCl3 solution. A set of 10 molecules without strong electron correlation effects was selected as the parametrization set. The calculated chemical shifts (relative to benzene) of 29 different protons in this set correlate very well with the experiment, and even better after linear regression. For this set, all methods perform roughly equally. The best agreement without linear regression is given by the B3LYP/TZVP method (rms deviation 0.060 ppm), although the best linear fit of the calculated shifts to experimental values is obtained for B3LYP/6-311++G**, with an rms deviation of only 0.037 ppm. Somewhat larger deviations were obtained for the second test set of 4 more difficult molecules: nitrobenzene, azulene, salicylaldehyde, and o -nitroaniline, characterized by strong electron correlation or resonance-assisted intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The results show that it is possible, at a reasonable cost, to calculate relative proton shieldings in a similar chemical environment to high accuracy. Our ultimate goal is to use calculated proton shifts to obtain constraints for local conformations in proteins; this requires a predictive accuracy of 0.1,0.2 ppm. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 22: 1887,1895, 2001 [source] Alcohol Biomarkers in Applied Settings: Recent Advances and Future Research OpportunitiesALCOHOLISM, Issue 6 2010Raye Z. Litten During the past decade, advances have been made in the identification, development, and application of alcohol biomarkers. This is important because of the unique functions that alcohol biomarkers can serve in various applied settings. To carry out these functions, biomarkers must display several features including validity, reliability, adequacy of temporal window of assessment, reasonable cost, and transportability. During the past two decades, several traditional alcohol biomarkers have been studied in multiple human studies. Meanwhile, several new, promising biomarkers, including various alcohol metabolites and alcohol biosensors, are being explored in human studies. In addition, researchers have explored using biomarkers in combination and using biomarkers in combination with self-reports, resulting in increased sensitivity with little sacrifice in specificity. Despite these advances, more research is needed to validate biomarkers, especially the new ones, in humans. Moreover, recent advances in high-throughput technologies for genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics offer unique opportunities to discover novel biomarkers, while additional research is needed to perfect newly developed alcohol sensors. Development of more accurate biomarkers will help practicing clinicians to more effectively screen and monitor individuals who suffer from alcohol use disorders. [source] Developing Options for the Administration of Local Taxes: An International Review,PUBLIC BUDGETING AND FINANCE, Issue 1 2007JOHN L. MIKESELL Do decentralization arguments extend to administration of subnational taxes? While centralized administration promises quality service at reasonable cost, it may dull accountability and slow the revenue flow. Also, central administration may devote less attention to collecting these taxes than for its own. Self-administration brings administration closer to taxpayers and assures representation of jurisdictional interests in revenue apportionment disputes. However, subnational governments may lack technical capacity. That is the dilemma: while the central administration may be indifferent to rigorous collection of subnational taxes, subnational governments may lack capacity for self-administration. In practice, nations use many different alternatives for administering subnational taxes. [source] Pavement Deformation Monitoring in a Rolling Load FacilityTHE PHOTOGRAMMETRIC RECORD, Issue 97 2001Jon P. Mills This paper describes work undertaken to measure deformation of a pavement within the Newcastle University Rolling Load Facility (NUROLF). Precise three dimensional measurements of the pavement have been produced from stereo-imagery taken with diVerent cameras, using both analytical and digital photogrammetric instrumentation. The photogrammetric measurements, and those from the existing system consisting of an array of linear voltage displacement transducers, have been compared with measurements produced using a digital level. Encouraging results have been achieved and photogrammetry has been shown to be capable of producing a similar accuracy to the existing system. There are many advantages associated with a photogrammetric survey but attempts to establish a permanent, automated photogrammetric system for the rolling load facility at a reasonable cost have so far been unsuccessful. It is anticipated that, with the falling cost of high resolution digital sensors, such a system will soon be possible. [source] New Approaches to the Formation of a Stationary Phase in an Immunoadsorption WallARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 2 2005Tsung-Hua Yang Abstract:, The concept of an immunoadsorption wall, which combines the principles of immunoisolation and immunoadsorption, was proposed in 1999 to remove certain toxins accumulated in patients' blood. However, realization of this concept is obviously handicapped by the inefficient use of immunoadsorbent. This study is intended to improve the use of immunoadsorbent and optimize the formation of a stationary phase in an immunoadsorption wall. Polyacrylamide gel, which has the advantages of being chemically inert, having minimal diffusion effect and reasonable cost, could be considered as the medium of choice for a stationary phase. In this study, new approaches aimed at effective allocation of immunoadsorbent utilizing polyacrylamide gel are attempted. The advantages and disadvantages of these new approaches are discussed according to the preparation, formation, and outcome of a stationary phase. It is hoped that these new approaches could serve as a first step toward building an immunoadsorption wall. [source] Many Hands, Much Politics, Multiple Risks , The Case of the 2008 Beijing Olympics StadiumAUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, Issue 2010Yu Wen Liu Not only one of the world's most remarkable sports facilities but also the first Public-Private Partnership sport facility in China, the National Stadium for the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games has drawn much attention, received much help, produced much political debate and experienced multiple risks during its development and construction. But, at last, it was completed in time with good quality and at a reasonable cost. It played an important role in facilitating the success of the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games, giving an indelible impression to the world. This article reviews issues that arose during the stadium's development and construction and considers the risks encountered and lessons drawn. The construction and management arrangement was widely considered to be a public-private partnership, but it is important to note that the so-called private side consisted of a mix of public, blended public-private and fully private organisations. [source] Plant-produced human growth hormone shows biological activity in a rat modelBIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 2 2009Shailaja Rabindran Abstract Plants have been shown to be efficient systems for expressing a wide range of recombinant proteins from various origins. Here, using a plant virus-based expression vector to produce human growth hormone (hGH) in Nicotiana benthamiana plants, we demonstrate, for the first time, that the plant-produced hGH (pphGH) is biologically active in a hypophysectomized rat model. We observed an average weight gain of ,17 g per animal in a group of 10 animals that were injected subcutaneously with pphGH with 60 ,g/dose for 10 days. With the increasing demand for hGH, accompanied with the need to make this recombinant protein available to a wider population at a more reasonable cost, plants provide a feasible alternative to current production platforms. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009 [source] Decision-analytical model with lifetime estimation of costs and health outcomes for one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in 65-year-old men,BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 8 2005M. Henriksson Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) causes about 2 per cent of all deaths in men over the age of 65 years. A major improvement in operative mortality would have little impact on total mortality, so screening for AAA has been recommended as a solution. The cost-effectiveness of a programme that invited 65-year-old men for ultrasonographic screening was compared with current clinical practice in a decision-analytical model. Methods: In a probabilistic Markov model, costs and health outcomes of a screening programme and current clinical practice were simulated over a lifetime perspective. To populate the model with the best available evidence, data from published papers, vascular databases and primary research were used. Results: The results of the base-case analysis showed that the incremental cost per gained life-year for a screening programme compared with current practice was ,7760, and that for a quality-adjusted life-year was ,9700. The probability of screening being cost-effective was high. Conclusion: A financially and practically feasible screening programme for AAA, in which men are invited for ultrasonography in the year in which they turn 65, appears to yield positive health outcomes at a reasonable cost. Copyright © 2005 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Fuel Cells, Advanced Reactors and Smart Catalysis: The Exploitation of Ceramic Ion-Conducting MembranesCHEMICAL ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY (CET), Issue 8 2003I.S. Metcalfe Abstract Membrane reactors are of great interest in the chemical industries because they offer the possibility of improved yields, improved selectivities and more compact plant. However, a significant barrier to their uptake is the unavailability of membrane systems having the required performance at an acceptable cost. In this paper we will explore the use of one class of membrane that has the potential to deliver high performance at reasonable cost. Ion-conducting ceramic membranes can be used in a wide range of high temperature applications including fuel cells, advanced reactors and even smart catalytic systems. [source] Matching resources to treatment decisions for patients with acute coronary syndromesCLINICAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue S1 2002Robert M. Califf M.D. Abstract Multiple dynamic forces are having an impact on the way cardiovascular disease is treated today and will be in the future. These forces include extended life expectancy, decreased disability, and accelerated improvement in the effectiveness of medical technology. All of these forces will lead to a predictable increase in health care costs. Cardiologists must also be cognizant of the rise in health care consumerism; patients are assuming a larger role in decisions about their medical care and treatment. All of these factors are driving the climate of evidence-based medicine, particularly in the cardiovascular field. Payers and the government are beginning to require the clinical community to define quality. In turn, these third parties are beginning to measure quality as defined by the profession and to hold providers accountable for the quality of what they do. Although the frontier of genetic prediction in therapeutics will serve as an intellectual focus for bringing these issues closer to the forefront in cardiovascular medicine, the fundamental provision of value in health care (high quality at reasonable cost) cannot wait on genomics. Because the amount of evidence in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) exceeds other areas of medicine, therapies for ACS will undergo increasingly intense scrutiny. [source] Estimating species' absence, colonization and local extinction in patchy landscapes: an application of occupancy models with rodentsJOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, Issue 3 2007A. Mortelliti Abstract Making an inference on the absence of a species in a site is often problematic, due to detection probability being, in most cases, <1. Inference is more complicated if detection probability, together with distribution patterns, vary during the year, since the possibility of inferring a species absence, at reasonable costs, may be possible only in certain periods. Our aim here is to show how such challenging situations can be by tackled by applying some recently developed occupancy models combined with sample size (number of repeated surveys) estimation. We thus analysed the distribution of two rodents Myodes glareolus and Mus musculus domesticus in a fragmented landscape in central Italy pointing out how it is possible to identify true absences, non-detections, extinctions/colonizations and determine seasonal values of detection probability. [source] Desegregated learning: An innovative framework for programs of studyNEW DIRECTIONS FOR TEACHING & LEARNING, Issue 108 2006Arturo A. Fuentes This chapter presents an innovative framework for a mechanical engineering program of study termed desegregated learning. The goal is not desegregation but rather to promote a higher level of learning and to look for opportunities where desegregating the learning environment yields optimal results with reasonable costs and complexity. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||