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At least 703 records · Page 39Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Patient Care Bridge--mobile ICU for transit care of the critically ill.

We describe the development and introduction of a Patient Care Bridge--a mobile ICU for the transit care of the critically ill. This stretcher-mounted Patient Care Bridge is being used for intensive transit care of the critically ill in Northland, New Zealand. It carries all the basic intensive care monitoring accoutrements, is lightweight and is suited for pre-hospital, inter-hospital and intra-hospital transit care. It is ideal for patient evacuation from the scene of motor vehicle and sporting accidents, surface transportation of patients by surface ambulance and aeroevacuation of patients by the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service. This economic and space efficient unit has been used for transfer of more than one thousand critically ill patients.

Air Ambulances↗
PubMed1987

Relations between the statistics of natural images and the response properties of cortical cells.

The relative efficiency of any particular image-coding scheme should be defined only in relation to the class of images that the code is likely to encounter. To understand the representation of images by the mammalian visual system, it might therefore be useful to consider the statistics of images from the natural environment (i.e., images with trees, rocks, bushes, etc). In this study, various coding schemes are compared in relation to how they represent the information in such natural images. The coefficients of such codes are represented by arrays of mechanisms that respond to local regions of space, spatial frequency, and orientation (Gabor-like transforms). For many classes of image, such codes will not be an efficient means of representing information. However, the results obtained with six natural images suggest that the orientation and the spatial-frequency tuning of mammalian simple cells are well suited for coding the information in such images if the goal of the code is to convert higher-order redundancy (e.g., correlation between the intensities of neighboring pixels) into first-order redundancy (i.e., the response distribution of the coefficients). Such coding produces a relatively high signal-to-noise ratio and permits information to be transmitted with only a subset of the total number of cells. These results support Barlow's theory that the goal of natural vision is to represent the information in the natural environment with minimal redundancy.

Humans↗
PubMed1992

Surgical treatment of clinical stage A nonseminomatous testis cancer.

Until clinical staging improves, patients presenting with clinical stage A nonseminomatous testis cancer should be offered the option of initial nerve-sparing RPLND versus surveillance. Either method of management may be successful in the individual patient. We feel each patient with clinical stage A disease must be informed of alternative methods of management and be allowed to choose the method of management that he feels best suits his needs in terms of risk benefit.

Efferent Pathways↗
PubMed1999

Correlated measurements of free and total intracellular calcium concentration in central nervous system neurons.

Transient changes in the intracellular concentration of free calcium ([Ca2+])i) act as a trigger or modulator for a large number of important neuronal processes. Such transients can originate from voltage- or ligand-gated fluxes of Ca2+ into the cytoplasm from the extracellular space, or by ligand- or Ca2+(-)gated release from intracellular stores. Characterizing the sources and spatio-temporal patterns of [Ca2+]i transients is critical for understanding the role of different neuronal compartments in dendritic integration and synaptic plasticity. Optical imaging of fluorescent indicators sensitive to free Ca2+ is especially suited to studying such phenomena because this approach offers simultaneous monitoring of large regions of the dendritic tree in individual living central nervous system neurons. In contrast, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis provides quantitative information on the amount and location of intracellular total, i.e., free plus bound, calcium (Ca) within specific subcellular dendritic compartments as a function of the activity state of the neuron. When optical measurements of [Ca2+]i transients and parallel EDX measurements of Ca content are used in tandem, and correlated simultaneously with electrophysiological measurements of neuronal activity, the combined information provides a relatively general picture of spatio-temporal neuronal total Ca fluctuations. To illustrate the kinds of information available with this approach, we review here results from our ongoing work aimed at evaluating the role of various Ca uptake, release, sequestration, and extrusion mechanisms in the generation and termination of [Ca2+]i transients in dendrites of pyramidal neurons in hippocampal slices during and after synaptic activity. Our observations support the long-standing speculation that the dendritic endoplasmic reticulum acts not only as an intracellular Ca2+ source that can be mobilized by a signal cascade originating at activated synapses, but also as a major intracellular Ca sink involved in active clearance mechanisms after voltage- and ligand-gated Ca2+ influx.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Computer-assisted stereotactic microsurgery for the treatment of intracranial neoplasms.

This paper describes a stereotactic CO2 laser system for the removal of intra-axial, intracranial neoplasms. The volume of the neoplasm is transferred into stereotactic space by computer reconstruction of data derived by computed tomography (CT) performed under stereotactic conditions. The tumor volume is sliced in a plane orthogonal to the surgical approach, and slices at specific distances from the focal point of the stereotactic frame are displayed on a graphics monitor in the operating suite along with a cursor representing the position of the surgical laser. Laser vaporization of sequential slices of the tumor results in a cavity, the formation of which is monitored by anteroposterior and lateral roentgenograms. Fifteen stereotactic laser procedures have been performed on 13 patients, and the results are discussed. By this method, it is theoretically possible to remove all of an intracranial neoplasm detected by CT scanning.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Molecular similarity and property similarity.

This paper reviews the main efforts undertaken up to date in order to understand, rationalize and apply the similarity principle (similar compounds=>similar properties) as a computational tool in modern drug discovery. The best suited mathematical expression of this classical working hypothesis of medicinal chemistry needs to be carefully chosen (out of the virtually infinite possible implementations in terms of molecular descriptors and molecular similarity metrics), in order to achieve an optimal validation of the hypothesis that molecules that are neighbors in the Structural Space will also display similar properties. This overview will show why no single "absolute" measure of molecular similarity can be conceived, and why molecular similarity scores should be considered tunable tools that need to be adapted to each problem to solve.

Combinatorial Chemistry Techniques↗
PubMed1998

Stabilizing unstable steady states using extended time-delay autosynchronization.

We describe a method for stabilizing unstable steady states in nonlinear dynamical systems using a form of extended time-delay autosynchronization. Specifically, stabilization is achieved by applying a feedback signal generated by high-pass-filtering in real time the dynamical state of the system to an accessible system parameter or variables. Our technique is easy to implement, does not require knowledge of the unstable steady state coordinates in phase space, automatically tracks changes in the system parameters, and is more robust to broadband noise than previous schemes. We demonstrate the controller's efficacy by stabilizing unstable steady states in an electronic circuit exhibiting low-dimensional temporal chaos. The simplicity and robustness of the scheme suggests that it is ideally suited for stabilizing unstable steady states in ultra-high-speed systems. (c) 1998 American Institute of Physics.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

The organisation and functions of local Ca(2+) signals.

Calcium (Ca(2+)) is a ubiquitous intracellular messenger, controlling a diverse range of cellular processes, such as gene transcription, muscle contraction and cell proliferation. The ability of a simple ion such as Ca(2+) to play a pivotal role in cell biology results from the facility that cells have to shape Ca(2+) signals in space, time and amplitude. To generate and interpret the variety of observed Ca(2+) signals, different cell types employ components selected from a Ca(2+) signalling 'toolkit', which comprises an array of homeostatic and sensory mechanisms. By mixing and matching components from the toolkit, cells can obtain Ca(2+) signals that suit their physiology. Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of local Ca(2+) signals in defining the specificity of the interaction of Ca(2+) with its targets. Furthermore, local Ca(2+) signals are the triggers and building blocks for larger global signals that propagate throughout cells.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1995

Diagnostic flexible fiberoptic pleuroscopy in suspected malignant pleural effusions.

Up to 25% of malignant pleural effusions can remain undiagnosed following history, physical examination, thoracentesis, and percutaneous closed pleural biopsy. The next diagnostic procedure is often rigid thoracoscopy, an invasive procedure requiring an operating suite and usually a postprocedure chest tube. We performed flexible fiberoptic pleuroscopy using a fiberoptic bronchoscope in conjunction with a closed pleural biopsy on 12 patients with exudative pleural effusions that remained undiagnosed despite extensive clinical evaluation. A sterile 4.8-mm outside diameter flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope was placed into the pleural space during the course of a routine closed pleural biopsy. Pneumothorax was induced to allow visualization. Brush or forceps biopsy specimens of suspicious parietal pleural lesions were taken. Eight pleural spaces appeared smooth while four were diffusely studded on the parietal surface. Of these four, three were proven to have diffuse pleural adenocarcinoma using this procedure; the fourth proved ultimately to have pleural mesothelioma. On long-term follow-up (mean = 17.7 +/- 11.4 months), no false-negative studies or unexpected morbidity was noted. Flexible fiberoptic pleuroscopy may provide a diagnosis in exudative pleural effusions when other less invasive procedures fail to do so and is well tolerated with minimal discomfort and risk.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Geographic Information Systems and travel health.

Questions dealing with space and/or location have always been integral to understanding and addressing health issues, such as charting the spread of a disease. Health researchers have traditionally used paper maps to explore the spatial dimensions of health. However, due to advances in technology, it is now possible to ask such questions using a suite of computer-based methods and tools that are collectively known as a Geographic Information System (GIS).

Geographic Information Systems↗
PubMed1999

Typing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains from an intensive care unit by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD).

The identification and control of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is of primary concern in intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide. The introduction and circulation of particular strains is best studied by genomic procedures and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) is well suited for this task. In this study 14 isolates of MRSA, obtained over an 8 month period from the blood cultures of 12 patients in an ICU at our hospital, were typed by RAPD method using seven primers. Three separate groups were distinguished and clustering of certain types in time and space was noted. These results suggest that although different strains of MRSA were involved in this outbreak, cross-infection with individual types occurred. RAPD fingerprinting is a relatively simple method that allows epidemiologic investigation of MRSA outbreaks in hospital infection.

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗
PubMed1998

Microtubule-mediated centrosome motility and the positioning of cleavage furrows in multinucleate myosin II-null cells.

To study centrosome motility and the interaction of microtubules with the cell cortex in mitotic, post-mitotic and interphase cells, (alpha)-tubulin was tagged in Dictyostelium discoideum with green fluorescent protein. Multinucleate cells formed by myosin II-null mutants proved to be especially suited for the analysis of the control of cleavage furrow formation by the microtubule system. After docking of the mitotic apparatus onto the cell cortex during anaphase, the cell surface is activated to form ruffles on top of the asters of microtubules that emanate from the centrosomes. Cleavage furrows are initiated at spaces between the asters independently of the positions of spindles. Once initiated, the furrows expand as deep folds without a continued connection to the microtubule system. Occurrence of unilateral furrows indicates that a closed contractile ring is dispensable for cytokinesis in Dictyostelium. The progression of cytokinesis in the multinucleate cells underlines the importance of proteins other than myosin II in specifying a cleavage furrow. The analysis of centrosome motility suggests a major role for a minus-end directed motor protein, probably cytoplasmic dynein, in applying traction forces on guiding microtubules that connect the centrosome with the cell cortex.

Anaphase↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Versatile fluid-mixing device for cell and tissue microgravity research applications.

Microgravity life-science research requires hardware that can be easily adapted to a variety of experimental designs and working environments. The Biomodule is a patented, computer-controlled fluid-mixing device that can accommodate these diverse requirements. A typical shuttle payload contains eight Biomodules with a total of 64 samples, a sealed containment vessel, and a NASA refrigeration-incubation module. Each Biomodule contains eight gas-permeable Silastic T tubes that are partitioned into three fluid-filled compartments. The fluids can be mixed at any user-specified time. Multiple investigators and complex experimental designs can be easily accommodated with the hardware. During flight, the Biomodules are sealed in a vessel that provides two levels of containment (liquids and gas) and a stable, investigator-controlled experimental environment that includes regulated temperature, internal pressure, humidity, and gas composition. A cell microencapsulation methodology has also been developed to streamline launch-site sample manipulation and accelerate postflight analysis through the use of fluorescent-activated cell sorting. The Biomodule flight hardware and analytical cell encapsulation methodology are ideally suited for temporal, qualitative, or quantitative life-science investigations.

Cell Culture Techniques↗
PubMed1993

Development of artificial neural filters for pattern recognition in protein sequences.

Four different artificial neural network architectures have been tested for their suitability to extract and predict sequence features. For optimization of the network weights an evolutionary computing method has been applied. The networks have feedforward architecture and provide adaptive neural filter systems for pattern recognition in primary structures and sequence classification. The recognition and prediction of signal peptidase cleavage sites of E. coli periplasmic protein precursors serves as an example for filter development. The primary structures are represented by seven physicochemical residue properties. This amino acid description provides the feature space for network optimization. The properties hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, side-chain volume, and polarity allowed an accurate classification of the data. A three-layer network architecture reached a learning success of 100%; the highest prediction accuracy in an independent test set of sequences was 97%. This network architecture appears to be most suited for the analysis of E. coli signal peptidase cleavage sites. Further suggestions about the design and future applications of artificial neural networks for protein sequence analysis are made.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed2001

Use of fuzzy method to estimate river nutrient loads from scarce observation.

Evaluation of data time series in order to get information about water systems is one of the routinely needed tasks. The results are always associated with uncertainties, of which one arises from data scarcity. Traditional methods, such as regression analyses etc. become rapidly useless with decreasing number of data available. A method based on fuzzy set theory was applied to get more reliable information about the system from scarce databases. Monitored daily flow and water quality data of the medium size Zala River in Hungary were considered as elements of fuzzy sets. Fuzzy rules were generated from data pairs (flow, suspended solids concentration, water temperature and phosphorus load as inputs and output, respectively) from which combined rule bases were set up. These rule bases can be considered as a tool of mapping from the input space to the output space using defuzzification procedure. The method is trainable: it can learn from observations. It is demonstrated that the method is capable to generate daily phosphorus loads and annual balance with acceptable accuracy when it is trained only by weekly, biweekly or monthly data pairs. In comparison to other approaches the tool is well suited to utilize better the information content of scarce observations. Furthermore, monitoring costs can be considerably decreased without substantial information loss since sampling of expensive and labour intensive parameters can be reduced.

Environmental Monitoring↗
PubMed1983

Extracellular matrix distribution during neocortical wall ontogenesis in "normal" and "Reeler" mice.

The spatio-temporal distribution of extracellular spaces (ECS) was analysed during prenatal corticogenesis in the normal mouse or in the recessive mutant Reeler. Colloidal iron was used to visualize extracellular anionic substances (containing glycosaminoglycans) which constitute an extracellular matrix (ECM). The spatio temporal distribution of the ECM appeared closely related to ECS localization. Before the cortical plate formation, the ECM occurred only in the marginal zone. The plate appearance resulted in a redistribution of anionic sites in the subplate of the normal mouse in addition to the marginal zone. Although, in the Reeler, the ECM remained mainly located in a broad outer cortical zone. Until birth, the distribution of the ECM in the normal mouse, followed closely the inside-out gradient of cortical neuropile maturation, while in the Reeler and outside-in gradient was observed. With EM, following standard fixation and staining an extracellular matrix (formed of 5 to 10 nm fibrils) occurred in sites where the ECM was already detected with light microscopy. The ECM fibrils were seen mainly in the vicinity of young neurons showing characters of secretory functions, such as dilated RER cisternae filled with a fibrillar material and well developed golgi complexes. Young Cajal-Retzius cells appeared especially well suited to elaborate the ECM in the marginal zone of the normal mouse or in the outer cortical zone of the Reeler. The potential role of ECM for the differentiation and formshaping of young neurons is discussed.

Animals↗