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PubMed1984

Dissemination of computer skills among physicians: the infectious process model.

While the potential utility of computer technology to medicine is often acknowledged, little is known as to the best methods to actually teach physicians about computers. The current variability in physician computer fluency implies there is no accepted minimum required level of computer skills for physicians. Special techniques are needed to instill these skills in the physician and measure their effects within the medical profession. This hypothesis is suggested following the development of a specialized course for the new physician. In a population of physicians where medical computing usage was considered nonexistent, intense interest developed the following exposure to a role model having strong credentials in both medicine and computer science. This produced an atmosphere where there was a perceived benefit in being knowledgeable about the medical computer usage. The subsequent increase in computer systems use was the result of the availability of resources and development of computer skills that could be exchanged among the students and faculty. This growth in computer use is described using the parameters of an infectious process model. While other approaches may also be useful, the infectious process model permits the growth of medical computer usage to be quantitatively described, evaluates specific determinants of use patterns, and allows the future growth of computer utilization in medicine to be predicted.

Computers↗
PubMed2004

Demonstration of a universal surface DNA computer.

A fundamental concept in computer science is that of the universal Turing machine, which is an abstract definition of a general purpose computer. A general purpose (universal) computer is defined as one which can compute anything that is computable. It has been shown that any computer which is able to simulate Boolean logic circuits of any complexity is such a general purpose computer. The field of DNA computing was founded in 1994 by Adleman's solution of a 7-bit instance of the Hamiltonian path problem. This work, as well as most of the subsequent experimental and theoretical investigations in the area, focused primarily upon the solution of NP-complete problems, which are a subset of the larger universal class of problems. In the present work a surface DNA computer capable of simulating Boolean logic circuits is demonstrated. This was done by constructing NOR and OR gates and combining them into a simple logic circuit. The NOR gate is one of the universal gates in Boolean logic, meaning that any other logic gate can be built from it alone. The circuit was solved using DNA-based operations, demonstrating the universal nature of this surface DNA computing model.

Computers, Molecular↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A versatile mobile clinical microcomputer system.

A microcomputer system is described that has been incorporated into a custom-designed cart for mobility throughout a clinical setting with consequent increased utilization and cost-effectiveness. A library of clinical profiles has been developed that processes and consolidates quantitative clinical data into a bar-graph format for more convenient interpretation and documentation. It is suggested that even a small hospital can acquire a mobile computer system and hire a senior or graduate student in the physical or computer sciences, on a part-time basis, from a neighboring university or technical college, to develop clinical computer software suitable for that particular institution.

Computers↗
PubMed2003

An efficient approximation algorithm for finding a maximum clique using Hopfield network learning.

In this article, we present a solution to the maximum clique problem using a gradient-ascent learning algorithm of the Hopfield neural network. This method provides a near-optimum parallel algorithm for finding a maximum clique. To do this, we use the Hopfield neural network to generate a near-maximum clique and then modify weights in a gradient-ascent direction to allow the network to escape from the state of near-maximum clique to maximum clique or better. The proposed parallel algorithm is tested on two types of random graphs and some benchmark graphs from the Center for Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science (DIMACS). The simulation results show that the proposed learning algorithm can find good solutions in reasonable computation time.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2005

Profile of graduates of Israeli medical schools in 1981--2000: educational background, demography and evaluation of medical education programs.

BACKGROUND: In light of changes in the medical profession, the different requirements placed on physicians and the evolving needs of the healthcare system, the need arose to examine the medical education curriculum in Israel. This survey, conducted by the Samuel Neaman Institute for Science and Technology, summarizes 20 years of medical education in Israel's four medical schools, as the first stage in mapping the existing state of medical education in Israel and providing a basis for decision-making on future medical education programs. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the academic background of graduates, evaluate their attitudes towards current and alternative medical education programs, and examine subgroups among graduates according to gender, medical school, high school education, etc. METHODS: The survey included graduates from all four Israeli medical schools who graduated between the years 1981 and 2000 in a sample of 1:3. A questionnaire and stamped return envelope were sent to every third graduate; the questionnaire included open and quantitative questions graded on a scale of 1 to 5. The data were processed for the entire graduate population and further analyzed according to subgroups such as medical schools, gender, high school education, etc. RESULTS: The response rate was 41.3%. The survey provided a demographic profile of graduates over a 20 year period, their previous educational and academic background, additional academic degrees achieved, satisfaction, and suggestions for future medical education programs. CONCLUSIONS: The profile of the medical graduates in Israel is mostly homogenous in terms of demographics, with small differences among the four medical schools. In line with recommendations of the graduates, and as an expression of the changing requirements in the healthcare system and the medical profession, the medical schools should consider alternative medical education programs such as a bachelor's degree in life sciences followed by MD studies, or education programs that combine medicine with disciplines such as law, engineering, computer science, among others.

Adult↗
PubMed2007

Biomolecular computing: is it ready to take off?

Biomolecular computing is an emerging field at the interface of computer science, biological science and engineering. It uses DNA and other biological materials as the building blocks for construction of living computational machines to solve difficult combinatorial problems. In this article, notable advances in the biomolecular computing are reviewed and challenges associated with this multidisciplinary research are addressed. Finally, several perspectives are given based on the review of biomolecular computing.

Biotechnology↗
PubMed2005

Entangled networks, synchronization, and optimal network topology.

A new family of graphs, entangled networks, with optimal properties in many respects, is introduced. By definition, their topology is such that it optimizes synchronizability for many dynamical processes. These networks are shown to have an extremely homogeneous structure: degree, node distance, betweenness, and loop distributions are all very narrow. Also, they are characterized by a very interwoven (entangled) structure with short average distances, large loops, and no well-defined community structure. This family of nets exhibits an excellent performance with respect to other flow properties such as robustness against errors and attacks, minimal first-passage time of random walks, efficient communication, etc. These remarkable features convert entangled networks in a useful concept, optimal or almost optimal in many senses, and with plenty of potential applications in computer science or neuroscience.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

[New horizons in medicine. Chaos and its laws].

We have synthesized the fundamentals that modern technology offers in all areas of research, especially in the field of biomedicine. The theory of systems, cybernetics, synergetics, boolean algebra, communication science (according to modern laws of signal transmission and translation), the solution of non-linear equations by computer science, applied principles of reduction in biological survey, fractal analysis as a representation of dynamic, chaotic, non-linear systems, defined attractors as conditioning elements of biologic function, are just a few of the many instruments that modern science offers as a revolutionary approach to research programming. Borrowing the laws of mathematics, we have defined the fundamental characteristics of linear and non-linear homeostatic systems along with the concept of predictable behavior of a system as a function of its complex structure. Lastly, we have documented, based on personal research and recent findings in biomathematics, and despite current and strong opposition, how the functional death of any dynamic system is identified by the system's absolute state of equilibrium. The operative errors at times caused by different stimuli acting on specific organs and apparatus, are interpreted not as an index of altered function but as an expression of a chaotic response of the deterministic type and therefore an indication of the system's adaptability to the specific functional requirements in that precise moment.

Mathematics↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Representing clinical guidelines in GLIF: individual and collaborative expertise.

OBJECTIVE: An evaluation of the cognitive processes used in the translation of a clinical guideline from text into an encoded form so that it can be shared among medical institutions. DESIGN: A comparative study at three sites regarding the generation of individual and collaborative representations of a guideline for the management of encephalopathy using the GuideLine Interchange Format (GLIF) developed by members of the InterMed Collaboratory. MEASUREMENTS: Using theories and methods of cognitive science, the study involves a detailed analysis of the cognitive processes used in generating representations in GLIF. The resulting process-outcome measures are used to compare subjects with various types of computer science or clinical expertise and from different institutions. RESULTS: Consistent with prior studies of text comprehension and expertise, the variability in strategies was found to be dependent on the degree of prior experience and knowledge of the domain. Differing both in content and structure, the representations developed by physicians were found to have additional information and organization not explicitly stated in the guidelines, reflecting the physicians' understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. The computer scientists developed more literal representations of the guidelines; addition were mostly limited to specifications mandated by the logic of GLIF itself. Collaboration between physicians and computer scientists resulted in consistent representations that were more than the sum of the separate parts, in that both domain-specific knowledge of medicine and generic knowledge of guideline structure were seamlessly integrated. CONCLUSION: Because of the variable construction of guideline representations, understanding the processes and limitations involved in their generation is important in developing strategies to construct shared representations that are both accurate and efficient. The encoded guidelines developed by teams that include both clinicians and experts in computer-based representations are preferable to those developed by individuals of either type working alone.

Brain Diseases↗
PubMed1999

[From cathodic tube to digitalized electromyography: a brief story of electromyography in France].

This article covers the stages of the development of electromyography in France, since the founding works of Lerique [4], the first publications of the "Société d'EEG et des sciences connexes de langue française" (1948), the first international meeting (Strasbourg, 1960), the French-speaking meeting on electromyography which is now being held every other year. It also deals with the difficulties of registering and interpreting the first recordings and the considerable help brought by the improvement in electronics and computer sciences.

Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted↗
PubMed1984

Why aren't there more significant automated nursing information systems?

This article answers the question posed in the title. The author maintains the following factors must exist if a significant computerized nursing information system is to prove successful in clinical settings: a) a strong leader whose training includes research and computer sciences; b) a "good idea" that is practical, researchable, and will attract support; c) a data base amenable to computer manipulation; d) adequate resources, including administrative support, money, hardware, personnel, and authority; and e) successful implementation of the system.

Computers↗
PubMed1999

New computing paradigms suggested by DNA computing: computing by carving.

Inspired by the experiments in the emerging area of DNA computing, a somewhat unusual type of computation strategy was recently proposed by one of us: to generate a (large) set of candidate solutions of a problem, then remove the non-solutions such that what remains is the set of solutions. This has been called a computation by carving. This idea leads both to a speculation with possible important consequences--computing non-recursively enumerable languages--and to interesting theoretical computer science (formal language) questions.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Designing a neural network simulator--the MENS modelling environment for network systems: I.

During recent years, the field of neural network research has increasingly attracted the interest of workers from a large number of different disciplines. Current research topics include aspects as different as detailed simulations in brain physiology, predictions of protein structure in biochemistry, database organization in computer science, or various technical applications. The common scheme behind these different approaches is the use of distributed networks of simple computational elements that communicate with each other by means of weighted links. Computer simulations of neural networks require an appropriate software environment. Due to the computational similarities of many classes of such networks, simulation software can be structured into modular components that, to a large degree, are independent of specific applications. The aim of this and the following paper is to discuss some of the design considerations concerning software for neural network simulations. The aspects presented are interesting for both the development of new simulation software and the efficient use and modification of existing programs. Therefore, the general user as well as the software designer may hopefully benefit from this material. This paper briefly introduces some of the basic principles of neural networks. After a short discussion of different approaches to software design, two simple example applications are presented in order to demonstrate a conceptual framework common to many network simulations. The transfer of these considerations to the design of simulation software is then shown by example of the MENS network simulator developed in the Max-Planck-Institute for Brain Research. The paper gives a general introduction to the layout of data structures and different software components. Using the two introductory examples some aspects of network analysis are demonstrated. The following paper then considers further details of the design of a neural network simulator with respect to performance, implementation, and testing.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Computer-based multimedia in plastic surgery education.

Computer animation complements text explanation, image documentation, and graphic analysis techniques. It is compatible with the development of interactive multimedia science. Computer animation may emerge as a critical tool to assist in the efficient processing and analysis of greater volumes of educational data in plastic surgery training. At St. Louis University, we have continuously developed multimedia plastic surgery teaching materials with full-fidelity digital sound, three-dimensional computer graphics, and "picture-in-picture" video capabilities since 1987. We have used these materials, many of which are illustrated in this paper, for patient informed consent and the education of medical students and residents.

Computers↗
PubMed1992

[Computers and education needs].

The purpose of this study was to identify nurses' computer training needs. A 20-statement questionnaire was circulated to 30 nurses. From the 26 responses received, a profile was created of the target group (nurses working in a teaching hospital), with a view to determining their current and desired level of knowledge. A number of diverse training needs were revealed through the study. The most interesting aspects, from the nurses' point of view, were those related to clinical practice and education. Figure one illustrates the low level of current knowledge of computer science. Figure two, however, demonstrates the high level of interest on the part of respondents (desired level) in becoming more computer literate and their wish to use computers in a wide range of applications, including teaching, health care delivery, clinical decision making and in-service training. Figure three highlights the training needs identified under each statement. The establishment of an information system in a teaching hospital setting is not dealt with in this article. This will be the subject of a second article, to appear next month. A number of teaching variables are described here, including the instructor, the learner, the training process itself, content, media and budgetary constraints. The outline of a training program will be proposed in a third and final article.

Computer User Training↗
PubMed2005

Nurses' attitudes towards computers: cross sectional questionnaire study.

AIM: To estimate the attitudes of hospital nurses towards computers and the influence of gender, age, education, and computer usage on these attitudes. METHODS: The study was conducted in two Croatian hospitals where integrated hospital information system is being implemented. There were 1,081 nurses surveyed by an anonymous questionnaire consisting of 8 questions about demographic data, education, and computer usage, and 30 statements on attitudes towards computers. The statements were adapted to a Likert type scale. Differences in attitudes towards computers were compared using one-way ANOVA and Tukey-b post-hoc test. RESULTS: The total score was 120+/-15 (mean+/-standard deviation) out of maximal 150. Nurses younger than 30 years had a higher total score than those older than 30 years (124+/-13 vs 119+/-16 for 30-39 age groups and 117+/-15 for>39 age groups, P<0.001). Nurses with a bachelor's degree (119+/-16 vs 122+/-14, P=0.002) and nurses who had attended computer science courses had a higher total score compared to the others (124+/-13 vs 118+/-16, P<0.001). Nurses using computers more than 5 hours per week had higher total score than those who used computers less than 5 hours (127+/-13 vs 124+/-12 for 1-5 h and and 119+/-14 for <1 hour per day, P<0.001, post-hoc test). CONCLUSION: Nurses in general have positive attitudes towards computers. These results are important for the planning and implementing an integrated hospital information system.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

The emergence of cognitive science in France.

A comparison between the development of cognitive science in France and the USA enables us to analyze some national differences linked to specific connections between the scientific, military, economic and political worlds. The influence of new practices and tools developed during World War II and the Cold War appears to be of crucial importance in understanding the development of this new field, as well as that of cybernetics, computer science, artificial intelligence and molecular biology. This paper can be considered as a study in how the differing contexts in France and the USA shaped the history of the construction of cognitive science in each of these two countries. In spite of various differences, some common aspects may be pointed out: in both cases, computer experts and psychologists using a computational modelling approach were those first engaged in the construction of cognitive science. If in France neuroscience-oriented cognitive science research was stronger than in the USA, it seems that the artificial intelligence orientation is also of growing importance in France.

Artificial Intelligence↗
PubMed1999

Computing probabilities of homozygosity by descent.

A person is autozygous at a locus if the person inherits the same allele twice identical by descent along two distinct paths from the same ancestor. Autozygosity is a common cause of recessive diseases in inbred populations. Homozygosity mapping uses this fact to locate the genes that cause recessive diseases. The probability of autozygosity can be used to estimate the probability of a true positive and of a false positive in homozygosity mapping. Thompson [1994] and Guo [1997] therefore studied the problem of computing the prior, unconditional (multilocus) probability of autozygosity (MPA). I consider a different quantity: the interval probability of autozygosity (IPA). The two measures are identical in the single-locus case. IPA has two notable advantages over MPA: 1. IPA does not include the possibility of heterozygous regions between the homozygous markers. 2. IPA can be computed in time that is polynomial in the pedigree size. My polynomial-time algorithm for the single-locus case solves a problem mentioned by Guo. I implemented a program to compute the IPA. The contribution of this work is the application of basic, abstract methods from computer science to address a problem in genetics.

Algorithms↗