Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Computer Systems”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,693 records · Page 94Linked to original sources

Sky coverage estimates for adaptive optics systems from computations in Zernike space.

A sky coverage model for laser guide star adaptive optics systems is proposed. The atmosphere is considered to consist of a finite number of phase screens, which are defined by Zernike basis polynomials, located at different altitudes. These phase screens are transformed to the aperture plane, where they are converted to laser and natural guide star wavefront sensing measurements. These transformations incorporate the cone effect due to guide stars at finite heights, anisoplanatism due to guide stars off axis with respect to the science object, and adaptive optics systems with multiple guide stars. The wavefront error is calculated tomographically with minimum variance estimators derived from the transformation matrices and the known statistical properties of the atmosphere. This sky coverage model provides fast Monte Carlo simulations over random natural guide star configurations, irrespective of telescope diameter. The Monte Carlo simulations outlined show that inclusion of a finite outer scale for the atmosphere significantly reduces the median wavefront error, that increasing the number of laser guide stars in the asterism reduces the median wavefront error, and that a larger natural guide star patrol field provides a smaller median wavefront error when there is a low star density in the field.

Journal Article↗

Tools to incorporate some psychological and organizational issues during the development of computer-based systems.

The organization, findings and outcomes of a joint industrial/academic project are described. The principal goal of the project was to develop and test some tools through which people involved in system development can incorporate explicit consideration of certain key psychological and organizational issues. Five tools developed for this purpose are outlined. These are concerned with the design of work organization, job design, the allocation of tasks between humans and computers, usability and task analysis. The use of the tools is described in a 'live' system development project in a large company. The authors briefly review the extent to which these tools meet a set of pre-specified requirements, compare their approach with those of Mumford (1986) and Lim et al. (1992), and make explicit what claims they are making of these tools.

Computer Systems↗

[A computer real time system for acquiring and monitoring phrenic nerve discharge signal].

This paper presents a real time system of computer (IBM PC/AT) to acquire and monitor phrenic nerve discharge signal according to the need of researching. The system was programmed with 80286 assembly language. It has the properties of fast speed, high efficiency, small size of object code and abundant interactive functions. It is easy to handle and can be used for acquiring and monitoring other electrophysiological signals.

Electrophysiology↗

Cognitive tasks for driving a brain-computer interfacing system: a pilot study.

Different cognitive tasks were investigated for use with a brain-computer interface (BCI). The main aim was to evaluate which two of several candidate tasks lead to patterns of electroencephalographic (EEG) activity that could be differentiated most reliably and, therefore, produce the highest communication rate. An optimal signal processing method was also sought to enhance differentiation of EEG profiles across tasks. In ten normal subjects (five male), aged 29-54 years, EEG activity was recorded from four channels during cognitive tasks grouped in pairs, and performed alternately. Four imagery tasks were: spatial navigation around a familiar environment; auditory imagery of a familiar tune; and right and left motor imagery of opening and closing the hand. Signal processing methodology included autoregressive (AR) modeling and classification based on logistic regression and a nonlinear generative classifier. The highest communication rate was found using the navigation and auditory imagery tasks. In terms of classification performance and, hence, possible communication rate, these results were significantly better (p < 0.05) than those obtained with the classical pairing of motor tasks involving imaginary movements of the left and right hands. In terms of EEG data analysis, a nonlinear classification model provided more robust results than a linear model (p << 0.01), and a lower AR model order than those used in previous work was found to be effective. These findings have implications for establishing appropriate methods to operate BCI systems, particularly for disabled people who may experience difficulty with motor tasks, even motor imagery.

Adult↗

Safety and human factors considerations in control rooms of oil and gas pipeline systems: conceptual issues and practical observations.

All oil and gas pipeline systems are run by human operators (called controllers) who use computer-based workstations in control rooms to "control" pipelines. Several human factor elements could contribute to the lack of controller success in preventing or mitigating pipeline accidents/incidents. These elements exist in both the work environment and also in the computer system design/operation (such as data presentation and alarm configuration). Some work environment examples include shift hours, shift length, circadian rhythms, shift change-over processes, fatigue countermeasures, ergonomics factors, workplace distractions, and physical interaction with control system computers. The major objective of this paper is to demonstrate the critical effects of human and organizational factors and also to highlight the role of their interactions with automation (and automated devices) in the safe operation of complex, large-scale pipeline systems. A case study to demonstrate the critical role of human organizational factors in the control room of an oil and gas pipeline system is also presented.

Accident Prevention↗

Financial considerations regarding acquisition of the Siemens Cerec computer reconstruction system.

There has been much interest in the in-office fabrication of ceramic posterior restorations using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture (CAD-CAM) units. One concern that practitioners have concerning the use of one of these systems is the initial expense of the CAD-CAM unit for the office. This article deals with the financial implications involved when considering the purchase or lease of a CEREC (CAD-CAM) unit.

Capital Financing↗

The role of the computer imaging system in modern aesthetic plastic surgery.

The author describes his 10-year experience of using computer imagery for the preparation of surgical procedures and their predictability. The final results prove to be comparable with those programmed, in particular, in the case of rhinoplasty and liposuction. In the case of operations for rejuvenation, the computer is of some help. However, for the patient, the clinical demonstration in front of a mirror is more effective. As for surgical interventions on the breast, whether for enlargement or for reduction, it is very difficult to anticipate the final result with a computer.

Adult↗

Functional results of seventy-six cases of phalangeal and metacarpal fractures studied using a hand emergency computer card system.

Over a two-year period, the authors analyzed 76 records using a "hand" computer card divided into two parts: "work-up of the initial lesions" and "functional results". Analysis of 102 cases of fractures in this manner led to the conclusion that outcome was most often favorable when the fracture was extra-articular whatever the treatment, except in the case of complex compound fractures. In contrast, treatment of articular fractures often required secondary surgery (50% of cases) and led to 20% poor or average results. This was the case whatever initial treatment (functional, orthopedic or operative) had been undertaken.

Adolescent↗

Comparison of scotopic pupil measurement with slitlamp-based cobalt blue light and infrared video-based system.

PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy and reproducibility of scotopic pupil measurements with a slitlamp-based cobalt blue light. SETTING: University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA. METHODS: In a prospective experimental study, 2 independent observers measured 16 subjects' pupils with a standard slitlamp-based cobalt blue light. In the same setting, the accuracy and reproducibility of the measurements were compared with those obtained with an infrared video-based system. RESULTS: Measurements of pupil size using the infrared video-computer system were highly reproducible. With the slitlamp-based cobalt blue light, the 2 measurements obtained by observer 2 (n = 16) were very close to each other (mean difference 0.09 mm +/- 0.23 [SD]; P =.12), whereas those obtained by observer 1 (n = 16) were slightly different from each other (mean difference 0.18 +/- 0.33 mm; P =.043). The mean pupil diameter measured with cobalt blue light was not significantly different between the 2 observers (P >.05), and the measurements were highly correlated with each other (r = 0.96, P <.01). The mean difference between the measurements using cobalt blue light and the infrared video-computer system was 0.21 +/- 0.54 mm for observer 1 (P =.47) and 0.06 +/- 0.47 mm for observer 2 (P =.85). Good correlation was noted between the measurements taken from each measuring device for both observers (r = 0.87 and 0.90, P <.01). CONCLUSIONS: Slitlamp-based cobalt blue light provided a reasonably good measurement of scotopic pupil size. It correlated well with the infrared video system when used at the lowest setting by experienced personnel. However, the observed difference between the measurements obtained by the 2 devices indicates that the cobalt blue light should be used cautiously in the refractive surgery preoperative evaluation of patients with large pupils.

Color↗

Picture archiving and communication systems: an overview.

Organizational techniques that enable small departments to function efficiently often fail as departments become larger. With the recent growth in imaging technology, the capacity of film-based systems to meet the increasing needs of radiology departments has decreased. Electronic picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) have been developed in an attempt to provide economical storage, rapid retrieval of images, access to images acquired with multiple modalities, and simultaneous access at multiple sites. Input to a PACS may come from digital or analog sources (when the latter have been digitized). A PACS consists primarily of an image acquisition device (an electronic gateway to the system), data management system (a specialized computer system that controls the flow of information on the network), image storage devices (both short- and long-term archives), transmission network (which serves local or wide areas), display stations (which include a computer, text monitor, image monitors, and a user interface), and devices to produce hard-copy images (currently, a multiformat or laser camera). The goals of PACS are to improve operational efficiency while maintaining or improving diagnostic ability.

Radiology Information Systems↗

Medical serials control systems by computer--a state of the art review.

A review of the problems encountered in serials control systems is followed by a description of some of the present-day attempts to solve these problems. Specific networks are described, notably PHILSOM (developed at Washington University School of Medicine Library), the UCLA Biomedical Library's system, and OCLC in Columbus, Ohio. Finally, the role of minicomputers in present and future developments is discussed, and some cautious guesses are made on future directions in the field.

Computers↗

Strategies and techniques for testing the precision, reliability and reproducibility of computerized two-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis systems.

A set of test procedures is described for evaluating the reliability, precision and reproducibility of computer systems designed to analyze two-dimensional gel electrophoretograms. The Elsie 4 gel analysis system (Analyt. Biochem., 169, 49-70 (1988) is used to demonstrate the use of these tests. Three major groups of tests are described: analysis of the scanner; analysis of mathematically constructed model gels; and analysis of real gel images. Scanner tests involve evaluating the stability and reproducibility of the scanner. The tests consist primarily of measuring the output of the scanner over a time period to determine its stability, and evaluating the consistency of the scanner at different points in the scanning field. Commonly encountered real gel situations are simulated and analyzed by arranging computer-generated 'ideal spots' in different ways. With such gels we can determine such things as the ability of the computer system to separate closely resolved and/or shoulder spots; whether or not streaks and/or smears are handled correctly; how random noise affects measurements; and, in idealized situation, the accuracy of the quantitation. The idealized spots are generated using the two-dimensional Gaussian as a model of density distribution; other spot models can be used. The Elsie 4 system is capable of finding virtually any spot (if detection parameters are set low enough), and of resolving different-sized spots whose peaks are separated by one and one-half their mean half width). The most significant tests are done on a set of actual gels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Autoradiography↗

Use of a computer to take booking histories in a hospital antenatal clinic. Acceptability to midwives and patients and effects on the midwife-patient interaction.

An interactive computer system was used by midwives to acquire a full patient history at the first antenatal visit. The clinical efficacy of the system had been previously established. The present evaluation examined the effects of computer use on the interview process and on midwife-patient communications, and its acceptability to midwives and patients. Data included video recordings of 32 conventional interviews and of 63 interviews in which the computer was used, each with associated questionnaires assessing patients' reactions. Midwives' views were obtained through a structured discussion session. Computer use had no effects on patients' reactions to the interview, and midwives were enthusiastic. Detailed analysis of the video recordings using established quantitative techniques did not reveal any negative psychologic effects that would preclude the use of nurse-patient interactive computers. However, midwives were inclined to give less information to patients, especially when they were new to the computer, and to use more closed questions and leading questions. The findings have important implications for the future use of similar computer systems. These are presented in the form of guidelines for future systems design and implementation.

Adult↗

Regulation of the human-erythrocyte hexose-monophosphate shunt under conditions of oxidative stress. A study using NMR spectroscopy, a kinetic isotope effect, a reconstituted system and computer simulation.

The regulation of the hexose monophosphate shunt of human erythrocytes under conditions of oxidative stress has been investigated by monitoring the reduction of oxidised glutathione (GSSG) to reduced glutathione (GSH) in erythrocytes containing high levels of GSSG; 1H NMR and a biochemical assay were used to measure the changes. A reconstituted metabolic system prepared with the purified erythrocyte enzymes was used in conjunction with studies of intact cells and haemolysates to determine the dependence of the rate of GSH production on the activities of hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Both of these enzymes have previously been claimed to be the rate-limiting step of oxidatively stimulated flux through the hexose monophosphate shunt. The absence of a kinetic isotope effect on the rate of GSH production in these systems, when [1-2H]glucose replaced glucose as the source of reducing equivalents, showed that glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity was not a strong determinant of the flux. The dependence of the rate of GSH production on the concentration of the hexokinase inhibitors glucose 1,6-bisphosphate and glycerate 2,3-bisphosphate showed that, under conditions of oxidative stress, hexokinase was the principal determinant of flux through the shunt. Glucose 1,6-bisphosphate at the concentration present in vivo appears to be more important in limiting hexokinase activity, and thus the rate of glucose utilisation, than was previously assumed. A detailed computer model of the system was developed based on the reported kinetic parameters of the enzymes involved. A sensitivity analysis of this model predicted that the hexokinase reaction would have a sensitivity coefficient of 0.995 with respect to the maximal rate of GSH production.

Computers↗

Clinical application of a microcomputer system for analysis of monophasic action potentials.

UNLABELLED: Computerized analysis of monophasic action potentials (MAPs) has rarely been reported in clinical setting. We developed a computer system featuring on-line acquisition and user-monitored automatic measurement of multichannel MAPs with the capability of manual corrections. This system has been used in 34 patients in whom two-channel MAPs and 1-lead ECG were digitized during sinus rhythm, pacing, and programmed stimulation (PS). In total, 41, 413 MAPs in 212 data files were measured. The correct determination rate was 100% for MAP onset and plateau, 99.78% (95.76% during PS) for MAP baseline, and 99.96% (54.29% during PS) for QRS onset. The comparison between the computerized and manual measurements in 292 MAPs showed that the former highly agreed with the latter, with the limits of agreement, defined as mean difference +/- 2 SD, being from -4.8-4.9 ms for activation time and from -4.1-6.0 ms for MAP duration measurements. Using this system, two-channel MAPs of more than 300 consecutive beats can be measured in a few minutes, which made it possible to determine the steady state of MAP duration individually, and evaluate the MAP changes during intervention in detail. The clinical routine procedure for testing the effective refractory period and several new MAP parameters were also evaluated using this system. CONCLUSION: The MAP measurement using this computer system is reliable, rapid and accurate; it can therefore replace the manual method and provide more useful information for clinical research.

Action Potentials↗