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At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

[Kinetic of pH control in anaerobic digestion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste in a batch reactor].

Using a material and ionization balance analysis of anaerobic digestion process, a kinetic model of pH control in a batch anaerobic digestion of organic fraction of municipal solid waste was established on the basis of substrate decay and microbial growth kinetics, and a corresponding computer soft ware was created. The optimal pH in different anaerobic digestion can be predicted by this model. Consequently the maximal methane production can be obtained in anaerobic system by controlling the pH in optimal value. Comparative experiments were conducted to validate the model. The experiments demonstrated that the methane production of anaerobic system under optimal pH was steadier than the same condition under uncontrolled pH, and the cumulative methane production had an average increment about 20%.

Bacteria, Anaerobic↗

Free volume properties of a linear soft polymer: a computer simulation study.

Molecular dynamics simulation of a linear soft polymer has been performed and the free volume properties of the system have been analyzed in detail in terms of the Voronoi polyhedra of the monomers. It is found that there are only small density fluctuations present in the system. The local environment of the monomers is found to be rather spherical, even in comparison with liquids of atoms or small molecules. The monomers are found to be, on average, eight coordinated by their nearest geometric neighbors, including intra-chain and inter-chain ones. The packing of the monomers is found to be rather compact, in a configuration of 1900 monomers there are, on average, only three voids large enough to incorporate a spherical particle as large as a monomer, indicating that the density of the large vacancies in the system is considerably, i.e., by a few orders of magnitude lower than in molecular liquids corresponding to roughly the same reduced densities.

Journal Article↗

[Studies of the eye tracking function in changed sensory conditions with new soft- and hardware and computer tests].

The new soft- and hardware is intended to specifically test the eye-tracking profession in order to diagnose and monitor the ocular and related sensory systems. Oculography is used to investigate different forms, including spontaneous and evoked, of visual tracking by computer stimulation of the sensory inputs. The system validation was a part of the pre- and post-flight examination of Russian spacecrew members, and protocol of the 7-d dry immersion. As a result, demonstrated was a considerable degradation of the precision and velocity, and extension of time parameters after long-duration missions with differentiation of concurrent peripheral vestibular disturbances and central structural changes. Throughout the period of immersion, the parameters displayed diverse changes which rendered distinction between baseline and experimental data impossible. Comparative analysis of the post-flight and experimental data showed that the most marked deviations in the eye tracking function were peculiar to cosmonauts on return from long-duration space flight.

Adult↗

Soft-tissue radiography, computed tomography, and ultrasonography of partial Achilles tendon ruptures.

Ultrasonography (US) was compared with soft-tissue radiography (STR) and computed tomography (CT) for demonstration of partial Achilles tendon ruptures. Thirty-nine patients suffering from chronic localized painful Achilles tendon swelling were examined. The patients had all undergone a previous clinical examination, resulting in a suspicion of a non-healed partial tear in 62 out of the 78 tendons. STR showed unspecific tendon pathology such as thickening and diffuse tendon margins. CT resulted in a better delineation of intra- as well as extratendinous abnormalities compared to STR. Various pathologic changes were seen on CT in 54 tendons and in 29 of these, localized intratendinous hypodensities indicated partial ruptures. At US, abnormal changes were observed in 69 tendons, of which 54 had discontinuity of tendon fibers, focal hypoechoic areas, and localized swelling indicating partial ruptures. In 9 cases with surgically proven partial ruptures, US was correct in all cases, while CT was false-negative in 3. STR only showed localized swelling. It was concluded that US was a better method than STR and CT for the detection of partial ruptures and the US findings correlated well with the surgical findings.

Achilles Tendon↗

Finding-specific display presets for computed radiography soft-copy reading.

Much work has been done to optimize the display of cross-sectional modality imaging examinations for soft-copy reading (i.e., window/level tissue presets, and format presentations such as tile and stack modes, four-on-one, nine-on-one, etc). Less attention has been paid to the display of digital forms of the conventional projection x-ray. The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of providing presets for computed radiography (CR) soft-copy display, based not on the window/level settings, but on processing applied to the image optimized for visualization of specific findings, pathologies, etc (i.e., pneumothorax, tumor, tube location). It is felt that digital display of CR images based on finding-specific processing presets has the potential to: speed reading of digital projection x-ray examinations on soft copy; improve diagnostic efficacy; standardize display across examination type, clinical scenario, important key findings, and significant negatives; facilitate image comparison; and improve confidence in and acceptance of soft-copy reading. Clinical chest images are acquired using an Agfa-Gevaert (Mortsel, Belgium) ADC 70 CR scanner and Fuji (Stamford, CT) 9000 and AC2 CR scanners. Those demonstrating pertinent findings are transferred over the clinical picture archiving and communications system (PACS) network to a research image processing station (Agfa PS5000), where the optimal image-processing settings per finding, pathologic category, etc, are developed in conjunction with a thoracic radiologist, by manipulating the multiscale image contrast amplification (Agfa MUSICA) algorithm parameters. Soft-copy display of images processed with finding-specific settings are compared with the standard default image presentation for 50 cases of each category. Comparison is scored using a 5-point scale with the positive scale denoting the standard presentation is preferred over the finding-specific processing, the negative scale denoting the finding-specific processing is preferred over the standard presentation, and zero denoting no difference. Processing settings have been developed for several findings including pneumothorax and lung nodules, and clinical cases are currently being collected in preparation for formal clinical trials. Preliminary results indicate a preference for the optimized-processing presentation of images over the standard default, particularly by inexperienced radiology residents and referring clinicians.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

[Computed tomography of soft tissue sarcomas (author's transl)].

CT findings in 50 patients with histologically verified soft tissue sarcomas are presented. In nearly all the cases the cross-sectional view and the higher resolution of density make it possible to determine exactly location of the tumors, their size and relationship to adjacent structures. Thus CT opens a new dimension, which is of great value for staging and therapy treatment planning. The high rank of CT in the follow-up after therapy and the detection of recurrent tumor is demonstrated. The contribution of CT, however, to the anatomic characteristics and its prospective value with the regard to soft tissue tumor is less important. Further limits of the method are discussed.

Humans↗

[Computed tomography of soft tissue tumors of the extremities].

The results of 80 CT examinations in 57 patients with malignant (32) and benign (25) soft tissue tumours of the extremities are reported. Thirty-five patients underwent surgery and the CT features (size, structure, density, necrosis, calcification, bone involvement) were compared with the pathological and histological findings. Three quarters of the tumours which were non-homogeneous on CT were malignant, one quarter benign. Only half the cases of malignant tumours showed a definite margin, but 70% of benign tumours did so. Indefinite margins were found in 50% malignant and 30% benign tumours. Soft tissue tumours of the hands and feet were difficult to differentiate. Difficulties were also found during follow-up (37 patients) because of anatomical changes following surgery. Although some histological types tend to be associated with particular CT findings, a definite histological diagnosis can only be made in the case of lipomas.

Adolescent↗

A comparison of image reject rates when using film, hard copy computed radiography and soft copy images on picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) workstations.

A comparison has been made of the reject rates of plain images for three separate periods when film, computed radiography (CR) and PACS systems were in operation throughout the Hammersmith Hospital, London. There was a statistically significant reduction in the overall percentage reject rate across all examinations from 9.9% to 8.1% when the hospital changed from using a conventional film based system to a CR system. There was a further reduction in the reject rate to 7.3% when the hospital moved to a hospital-wide PACS system, but this change was not statistically significant. Using estimations of the total number of images used, the percentage reject rates were 6.6% for film, 5.5% for CR and 5.5% for PACS. Thus, if the radiation dose for each image is unchanged, and the same types of images are used for the examination of each body area, a move from conventional film imaging to phosphor plate imaging provides the potential to reduce the patient population dose.

Computer Systems↗

Computed tomographic assessment of soft tissue abnormalities following calcaneal fractures.

Computed tomographic (CT) examinations of 50 acute calcaneal fractures were compared with a further series of 77 fractures in which the date of injury preceded the CT by 6 months or more. 42 (84%) of the fractures in the acute group and 55 (71%) in the chronic group were classified as intra-articular and they form the basis of this study. The alteration in the position of the peroneal tendons in the two groups was similar, with a 5% or less difference in each category. In the acute group the peroneal tendons were normally located in 40.4% of the cases, entrapped by bone in 11.9%, subluxed in 33.3% and dislocated in 14.2%. Structural abnormalities of the peroneal tendons and surrounding soft tissues were identified in 52.4% of the acute group and in 61.1% of the chronic group. The incidence of partial rupture of the peroneal tendons in the chronic group was approximately one third that in the acute group, but the low incidence of complete tendon rupture remained unchanged. The inference from these observations is that, in the majority of cases, partial peroneal tendon rupture is reversible, whereas complete rupture is not. Seven fractures were common to both series and from this limited group the identification of haemorrhage around the peroneal tendons in the acute phase was shown not to be related to the subsequent development of chronic stenosing tenosynovitis. Various abnormalities of the medial tendons of the hindfoot were identified in 17% of the acute group and in 18% of the chronic group. Following calcaneal fracture, CT in both the immediate post-fracture period and in the late phase can be used to detect and classify the soft tissue changes. The limitations of comparing the two groups in this study are discussed.

Adult↗

Computed tomography in soft tissue calcification layering.

Soft tissue calcification occurs in a variety of disorders. When it is associated with an abnormal calcium phosphorous product, it may present as large, periarticular masses that demonstrate layering on horizontal beam radiographs or computed tomography (CT). Previous reports have shown this phenomenon in idiopathic tumoral calcinosis. We report two patients with metastatic calcification of different etiologies: one patient with tumoral calcinosis and one with secondary hyperparathyroidism complicating chronic renal failure. Both showed layering on CT. The pathology of this phenomenon as well as therapeutic implications are discussed.

Adult↗

[Computed tomography of the soft tissues of the shoulder. 3. Periarthropathia calcificans humeroscapularis].

Computed tomography of the soft tissues of the shoulder in cases of calcifying tendinitis of the rotator cuff provides the following information: 1. Localisation of the calcium deposits within the rotator cuff. 2. Contours and density of the calcium deposits correlated with the clinical findings as described by Uhthoff et al. Ill-defined contours and non-homogeneous deposits are associated with more severe clinical features. 3. Computed tomography shows that apatite particles, which are not visible radiologically, may penetrate into the shoulder joint and produce synovitis with an effusion. This is of importance in local therapy.

Calcinosis↗

Computed tomography and neurological soft signs in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Computed tomography was used to compare the following three groups: obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients with high scores on a soft neurological sign examination, OCD patients with low soft neurological sign scores, and control subjects. Neuranatomical structures were measured using quantitative volumetric analysis. OCD patients with high soft sign scores had significantly increased ventricular volumes compared with OCD patients with low soft sign scores and control subjects. Caudate and lenticular nucleus volumes did not differ between groups.

Adult↗

Computed tomography of the normal soft tissues of the wrist.

Computed tomography and sectional radiography and photography were performed on eight cadaveric wrist specimens in order to define the soft tissue structures of the normal wrist. Three specific levels were analyzed in detail: the levels of the distal radioulnar joint, of the pisotriquetral joint, and of the hook of the hamate. All soft tissues, with the exception of arteries and veins, were well demonstrated with computed tomography. In particular, the contents of both Guyon's canal and the carpal tunnel could be delineated. The position of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon and sheath could also be evaluated. Contrast opacification of the flexor tendon sheaths and palmar synovial sacs did not contribute to the analysis. Computed tomography appears to be an important imaging modality in the evaluation of significant clinical problems, including the carpal tunnel and ulnar tunnel syndromes and subluxation of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon.

Humans↗

[Benign disorders of soft tissue on the roentgen computer tomogram].

Diagnostic procedures of soft tissue lesions have considerably improved by the high density resolution of computed tomography. Indications for investigations by CT are described in detail and illustrated by examples. Enhancement by contrast medium enables further differentiation of the tumors. In most cases for cancer control the scar tissue can be differentiated from relapse. Comparison of both sides reveals isodense tumors. Limits of the CT method will be met in looking for discreet changes in the joints.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Computed tomography of soft-tissue lesions of the extremities, pelvic and shoulder girdles: sonographic and pathological correlations.

Sixty-five patients with various soft-tissue tumours were examined by computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography. Results were correlated with pathological findings. Although an accurate histological prediction could not be made in most cases, certain patterns appeared to be characteristic of specific types of tumours. A lipoma of uniformly low density may be differentiated from the heterogeneously denser liposarcoma. Multiple irregular linear densities with calcification are characteristic of haemangioma. An echo-free mass on the sonogram with soft-tissue density on CT suggests lymphoma or certain sarcomas. Small isodense subcutaneous lipomas or intramuscular lymphomatous masses may be clearly delineated on sonogram but not seen on CT. Our study indicates that the combined use of CT and ultrasound gives a very detailed basis for planning the surgical approach to the tumour.

Adolescent↗

[Computed tomography in assessing the local spread of soft-tissue tumors].

Computed tomographic (CT) data for 213 cases of various soft tissue tumors of the trunk and extremities were analysed to assess the role of the method in evaluating local extension of tumor. CT allowed to reliably identify the degree of tumor interaction with adjacent major vessels. Its data was fully confirmed by surgery in 88.5% of cases. Moreover, CT gave an opportunity to diagnose occult metastases in adjacent anatomic areas and to assess relationship between tumor and adjacent bones, partly by diagnosing X-ray-negative lesions in the latter. To summarize, CT is instrumental in taking decision to operate and planning the extent of surgery.

Humans↗