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Quantitative forensic evaluation of bite marks with the aid of a shape analysis computer program: Part 2; "SCIP" and bite marks in skin and foodstuffs.

In a previous paper 1, we have shown that the use of an interactive shape analysis computer program ("SCIP") and the derivation of a quantitative Similarity Index 1 greatly facilitated the comparison of experimental flat wax bite marks with the dentition of various 'suspects' and the identification of the agent producing the bite. In this study, "SCIP" was employed in an attempt to quantify the comparison, in the form of the Similarity Index (S.I.), between the "offender's" teeth and the bite marks produced on foodstuffs and on human skin, under experimental conditions. The use of "SCIP" and the S.I. is recommended as a routine means of eliminating suspects in bite mark cases. If a reasonable number of reference points have been registered in the bitten material and particularly if the perpetrator has any unusual features in the anterior dentition, the matching of the bite mark with the actual offender is a possibility with this method.

Bites, Human↗

Computer program for evaluation, physicochemical characterization and optimization of competitive protein binding assays: comparison of four curve-fitting models in peptide and steroid radioimmunoassays.

A modular construced computer program for evaluation, physicochemical characterization and optimization of compititive protein binding assays is put forward. The program allows standard curve fitting by the following models: spline approximation, semi-logarithmic interpolation, logit-log regression and logit-log interpolation. The suitability of these models was studied in a series of routine steroid radioimmunoassays (deoxycorticosterone, deoxycortisol, cortisol and aldosterone) and peptide radioimmunoassays (angiotensin I and angiotensin II). The spline approximation model was used as an approximate reference model. In all assays the logit-log interpolation model exhibited the best correlation with the spline approximation model. In the steroid assays the logit-log regression model was found to be inferior to the other models; in the peptide assays it was equal to or superior to the semi-logarithmic interpolation model. The study on the physicochemical parameters of the antigen-antibody reactions demonstrated that affinity of steroid antibodies was much lower than that of the peptide antibodies. Consequently the degree of antibody saturation at zero dose in the routine peptide assays was greater than 50% and in the routine steroid assays was less than 50%. The relationship of assay characteristics to the applicability of particular curve-fitting models is discussed.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Simple computer program for a low-cost desk-top calculator applied to the evaluation of gas-liquid chromatographic analyses of 17-ketosteroids and pregnanes.

A simple computer program consisting of 445 steps for a low-cost desk-top calculator (Hewlett-Packard 97) to be applied in chromatographic analyses of 17-ketosteroids and pregnanes from human urine samples is described. This program permits the calculation of peak factors following the chromatographic separation of an external standard mixture containing up to ten different fractions, the subsequent printout of the constants and their transcription to magnetic data cards for later retrieval when making calculations for unknown samples. After manual input of sample constants (such as total and aliquot volumes, recovery as determined by addition of radioactive tracer steroid, internal standard) and peak factors via the data card, the individual peak heights of the samples are automatically converted to milligrams of steroid in 24-h urine and each is stored separately. All fractions can be recalled later and printed out in the order of detection or can be transformed into several diagnostically valuable parameters such as the total sum of 17-ketosteroids and pregnanes excreted, the group sums of androgens, of 11-substituted steroids and of pregnanes, the individual percentages of both the fractions and the group sums, and the ratios of aetiocholanolone-androsterone and of pregnanetriol-pregnanediol. Finally, an extension subprogram can automatically generate a plot to illustrate the steroid excretion pattern in a comprehensive fashion.

17-Ketosteroids↗

[Fatigue estimation of visual display terminal (VDT) workers by physiological data--preliminary study of a new computer program for VDT work analysis].

The methods for assessing VDT workload based on individual capabilities are necessary to evaluate general fatigue by VDT work. We have developed a new computer program for assessing data entry performance of each individual. Four healthy male volunteers conducted a data entry task at their own pace using this program under a controlled environment. They performed the task for 30 minutes twice with 10 minutes rest between them. As a result, the average number of inputs was 133.2 characters/min in the first task and 129.1 characters/min after taking the rest. The error rate was 8.6% and 10.6% in each task. This program was useful to evaluate their data entry performance. We also reported our concern with a drop in nasal skin temperature that was observed during these VDT tasks.

Adult↗

PRIMROSE: a computer program for generating and estimating the phylogenetic range of 16S rRNA oligonucleotide probes and primers in conjunction with the RDP-II database.

We describe PRIMROSE, a computer program for identifying 16S rRNA probes and PCR primers for use as phylogenetic and ecological tools in the identification and enumeration of bacteria. PRIMROSE is designed to use data from the Ribosomal Database Project (RDP) to find potentially useful oligonucleotides with up to two degenerate positions. The taxonomic range of these, and other existing oligonucleotides, can then be explored, allowing for the rapid identification of suitable oligonucleotides. PRIMROSE includes features to allow user-defined sequence databases to be used. An in silico trial of the program using the RDP database identified oligonucleotides that described their target taxa with a degree of accuracy far greater than that of equivalent currently used oligonucleotides. We identify oligonucleotides for subdivisions of the Proteobacteria and for the Cytophaga-Flexibacter-Bacteroides (CFB) division. These oligonucleotides describe up to 94.7% of their target taxon with fewer than 50 non-target hits, and the authors recommend that they be investigated further. A comparison with PROBE DESIGN within the ARB software package shows that PRIMROSE is capable of identifying oligonucleotides with a higher specificity. PRIMROSE has an intuitive graphical user interface and runs on the Microsoft Windows 95/NT/2000 operating systems. It is open source and is freely available from the authors.

Algorithms↗

[Computer program for antiglaucomatous surgeries analysis].

Computer analysis of long-term results of the surgical treatment of glaucoma needs suitable program for database data download retrospectively and prospectively as well. We composed a universal database program Glaucoma Access 97 for patients' follow-up in glaucoma surgery centers. Data about 1073 antiglaucomatous filtering surgeries from the period 1990-2000 were downloaded. The program permits to download data about the patients before the surgery, details about the operation procedure, and from the follow-up visits into the database using special software questionnaire sheets. Outcome from the database may be data about long-term IOP compensation, visual acuity changes, and treatment after the surgery. Evaluation of the data allows to follow up the successfulness of the treatment of specified groups of patients and to compare results of surgeons and individual departments as well.

Databases as Topic↗

[The Caceres-USPHS (version HP-3) computer program. Evaluation of automatic analysis of 40,000 ECG (author's transl)].

The main features of Caceres-USPHS (version HP-3) program for automatic analysis of the ECG are reviewed. Our experience at the Ospedale Regionale di Udine has now reached a total of 40,000 tracings analyzed by such a program and with an HP 1530-A computer system. In a detailed study of 1,000 consecutive computer-analyzed tracings reviewed by three experienced cardiologists, 534 were normal and 466 abnormal. A high degree of specificity was detected in the normal group (only 1.5% of false negatives) while the sensivity was rather low. In the abnormal group there were 18.1% of false positives and while the agreement was 100% in complete bundle branch block and some types of infarction, it was 56% in atrial fibrillation and 47% in incomplete right bundle branch block. Program errors were more common in measurements and pattern recognition; they were unusual in the program logic (0.3%). A significant improvement over comparable data obtained one year previously was attributed to a better quality control in data recording and to increase physician acceptance of the program diagnostic criteria. On the current and past figures of accuracy, it is concluded that the version HP-3 of Caceres-USPHS program represents a step forward in computer-derived ECG interpretation. However more progress is still needed for a larger and more profitable clinical application of this ECG computer program.

Computers↗

Computer programs for nucleic acids studies. Atomic coordinates of helices and their graphic display.

For the purpose of calculation of NMR and other physiocochemical properties of nucleic acids, a computer program in FORTRAN language has been written. This program provides the printout of the Cartesian and cylindrical coordinates of all atoms of a double-stranded helix of nucleic acid in either A, A' or B conformation with any specified base sequence up to 50 nucleotides or longer. In addition, the interatomic distances between any two atoms or distances (with both perpendicular and parallel components) from the centers of the base rings to any atom in the helix can be calculated. This information has been used for the calculation of the ring current effects of the 1H chemical shift of two short helices. Satisfactory agreement has been found in the comparison between the present data and that obtained from model construction and from the table prepared by Arter and Schmidt. The structure of the helix can also be illustrated in graphic form on a Tektronix 4006 CRT terminal. The presentation can be manipulated, such as selection, enlargement, translation and rotation.

Computers↗

MAPAG: a computer program to construct 2- and 3-dimensional antigenic maps.

The contact area between an antibody (Ab) and the antigen (Ag) is called antigenic determinant or epitope. The first step in the characterization of an Ag by using monoclonal antibodies (MAb) is to map the relative distribution of the corresponding epitopes on the Ag surface. The computer program MAPAG has been devised to automatically construct antigenic maps. MAPAG is fed with a binary matrix of experimental data indicating the ability of paired MAb to bind or not simultaneously to the Ag. The program is interactive menu-driven and allows the user an easy data handling. MAPAG utilizes iterative processes to construct and to adjust the final map, which is graphically shown as a 2- or a 3-dimensional model. Additionally, the antigenic map obtained can be optionally modified by the user or readjusted by the program. The suitability of MAPAG was illustrated by running experimental data from literature and comparing antigenic maps constructed by the program with those elaborated by the investigators without the assistance of a computer. Furthermore, since some MAb could present negative allosteric effects leading to misinterpretation of data, MAPAG has been provided with an approximate reasoning module to solve such anomalous situations. Results indicated that the program can be successfully employed as a simple, fast and reliable antigenic model-builder.

Algorithms↗

PEDMEANS: a computer program for the interpretation of pediatric electrocardiograms.

The interpretation pediatric electrocardiograms (ECGs) is complicated because of the strong age-dependency of the diagnostic criteria. We wanted to develop and evaluate a computer program for the interpretation of pediatric 12-lead ECGs. Continuous age-dependent normal limits were established based on ECGs from 1,912 healthy Dutch children. Additionally, a reference interpretation was obtained for 1,718 ECGs recorded at the Sophia Children's Hospital. The total set of ECGs was divided in a training set of 1076 ECGs and a test set of 642 ECGs. All ECGs were recorded at a sampling rate of 1,200 Hz. Based on the normal limits and the training set, diagnostic rules were formalized in an iterative process by using expert interviews and automatic rule induction. The resultant rules were evaluated on the test set. The performance of the program, on our study population, appears to justify its use in a clinical setting. Preferably, the program should also be evaluated in other clinical centers.

Algorithms↗

PINTRACE: a computer program for assessment of pin positions in routine radiographs of femoral neck fractures.

A new method for determination of pin positions in internally fixated femoral neck fractures is described. In AP and lateral radiographs of the hip, measurements are made of the cervicofemoral angles, the diameter of the femoral head and neck, and the distances from the central femoral neck axis to each pin. From these values the positions of the fixation pins in defined straight AP and lateral projections are determined by geometric calculations. A computer program in BASIC was developed to perform the calculations and to produce graphic displays of cross-sections of the femoral head and neck with the corrected pin positions indicated. For routine radiographic examinations with unknown inclination angles of the X-ray beams, the error of the method is less than 5% of the femoral head diameter. With conventional methods of determining pin positions the error can exceed 25% of the femoral head diameter.

Algorithms↗

PROBFIND: a computer program for selecting oligonucleotide probes from peptide sequences.

Synthetic oligonucleotides have proven to be extremely useful probes for screening cDNA and genomic libraries. Selection of the appropriate probe can be more easily and accurately achieved with the use of the computer program PROBFIND. The user enters the amino acid sequence from a file or from the keyboard, selects the minimum length allowed for the probe and the maximum allowable degeneracy. The computer prints a list of the sequences of potential probes which meet these minimum specifications and the location of the corresponding sequence in the protein to the screen and to a file. The user may modify the specifications for length and degeneracy at any time during the output of data, which allows for rapid selection of the desired probe. The program is interactive, accepts any file format with only a single modification of the file, is written in BASIC, and requires less than 6 kbytes of memory. This makes the program easy to use and adaptable even to unsophisticated microcomputers.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

HLA-D typing with lymphoblastoid cell lines. VII. A computer program for data analysis.

When lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) are substituted for peripheral blood lymphocytes from human typing cell donors in HLA-D typing experiments, a data analysis program must be designed to distinguish the effect of allo-reactivity from those peculiar to LCL, mainly the "autologous-stimulation" effect. The computer program described in this report was created specifically for such an analysis. The rationale for the design of this program is presented in the preceding report (see this issue).

Cell Line↗

The use of a spreadsheet computer program to expedite TLD reporting.

A method has been devised using an electronic spread sheet that will shorten the data processing time and give a printed report of the results. Lithium Fluoride chips are used in pairs so as to produce the same average response. The raw TL readings along with descriptive comments are entered into the computer. The program then computes the single chip dose, the average dose for each chip pair, applies a non-linearity correction factor and prints out a report with comments and patient data. The program offers several advantages: It is much faster than hand calculations, it provides a precise and accurate conversion of raw data to final data, and outputs an organized display of calibration factors, input data, dosimetry data, patient data and listing of involved personnel. The program is easy to use and can be run on any computer that can support a spreadsheet program.

Calibration↗

Standard computer programs in statistical analysis of survival in childhood lymphoblastic leukemia.

A material comprising all children in Sweden with acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnosed in the years 1973-80 was analysed statistically. The total number of children was 505. Studies were made of 38 different variables, using frequency tables, cross tables, life table studies (1) and linear regression analysis according to Cox's method (2,4). Chi-square tests and log rank tests were included in the methods. The combination of life-table studies and linear regression analysis proved to be of value in assessing the significance of different parameters and treatment programs with regard to prognosis. The aim of this paper is to present a method for analysis of a patient material with use of standard computer programs. The results of the total analysis will be published elsewhere (3).

Child↗

A computer program for randomizing patients with near-even distribution of important parameters.

In clinical trials, the methods for achieving an event or near-even distribution of important patient parameters have been tedious and often disappointing. In this paper, a computer program for minimizing differences between experimental groups with respect to such important parameters, based on a method described by Traves (Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. London 15, 443, 1974) is presented. The program is available from the author.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Neural network computer program to determine photorefractive keratectomy nomograms.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a commercially available neural network program for calculation of photorefractive keratectomy treatment nomograms. SETTING: University referral refractive surgery clinic. METHODS: PRK/LASIK Brain, a commercial neural network computer program, was trained using the demographics, preoperative clinical data, surgical parameters, and 1 year postoperative clinical data of 44 patients treated with a Summit Technology excimer laser using a 5.0 mm optical zone. The neural-network derived nomogram was compared with the standard treatment nomogram for each patient. The relative contribution of age, sex, keratometry, and intraocular pressure (IOP) to the predicted nomograms was also assessed. RESULTS: Nomograms produced by the neural network were qualitatively similar to the standard nomogram. The sequence of data entry during training affected the network's predictions. Entry ordered by outcome (as opposed to entry by chronological order) yielded a nomogram that was more consistent with the standard nomogram. However, both outcome- and chronologically ordered network-derived nomograms diverged from the standard nomogram in individual patients, including a subset for whom use of the standard nomogram yielded desired refractive results (within 0.25 diopter of emmetropia). Further analysis of the neural-network-derived nomograms revealed marked sensitivity to sex, age, keratometry readings, and IOP. CONCLUSIONS: Neural networks offer a potential means of individualizing treatment nomograms, to account for patient demographics, preoperative examination, surgeon style, and equipment bias. However, a data set of 44 patients was not sufficient to train the PRK/LASIK Brain network to accurately predict treatment parameters in individual cases in the training set. A larger training set or a different learning algorithm may be required to improve the neural network's performance.

Adult↗

Preoperative assessment of lymph node metastases in patients with gastric cancer: evaluation of the Maruyama computer program.

The probability of survival of patients with gastric cancer depends upon depth of wall penetration by the primary tumour and metastatic lymph node burden. Radical lymphadenectomy may lead to prolonged survival but with increased morbidity. A computer program from Maruyama, National Cancer Centre, Tokyo enables evaluation of individual survival time and infiltration of lymph nodes. This analysis was applied to a German population. Computer-aided predictions were determined retrospectively using the prognostic factors of sex, age, Borrmann classification, histology, depth of wall penetration, location and diameter of the tumour. Data were collected from 222 patients at the Technical University of Munich (median age 66 years, sex ratio (M:F) 2:1), who had been operated on (72 per cent total gastrectomy, 28 per cent subtotal gastrectomy) for gastric cancer. The predicted results were compared with the postoperative pathological findings. The prediction of node metastases was highly accurate (lymph nodes 13-16, 96 per cent; 7-12, 89 per cent; 1-6, 82 per cent). These computer predictions may provide perioperative information of therapeutic value.

Aged↗