Normal swallowing physiology as viewed by videofluoroscopy and videoendoscopy

This study examines normal oropharyngeal swallow physiology in 8 young adult males with concurrent videofluoroscopy and videoendoscopy. Twelve swallows were examined for each subject, 3 swallows each of 1 and 5 ml of thin liquid at each of two endoscopic positions: (1) the tip of the endoscope just at or below the tip of the uvula (high position), and (2) the tip of the endoscope just below the tip of the epiglottis (low position). Results indicate that if the clinician is interested in laryngeal events occurring before and after swallow, videoendoscopy with the endoscope in the low position is the procedure of choice. To evaluate pharyngeal anatomy and/or the presence of food in the pharynx before or after swallow, either endoscopy with the endoscope in the high position or videofluoroscopy can be used. However, if the clinician is interested in pharyngeal physiology during swallow, videofluoroscopy is a better diagnostic procedure.     

Simultaneous evaluation of articulatory velopharyngeal function under different dynamic conditions with EMA and videoendoscopy

Objective examination of velopharyngeal (VP) sphincter function has been described based on multiple methods. Videofluoroscopy and videoendoscopy represent today's clinical standard. A new concept of analysis of VP functioning is described using electromagnetic articulography (EMA) for midsagittal measurement of velar movement and videoendoscopy in a setting for simultaneous recording. Multidimensional analysis of VP functions using this setting is demonstrated for a normal subject. Timing aspects of VP closure and a transverse-sagittal ratio of VP port diameter are reported under different conditions of speech dynamics.     

Computerized testing.

Professionals using computerized testing require substantial training in the principles and procedures of testing and an awareness of the variables that affect test-taking behavior, such as distractions, sensory defects, and motivational level. Legal and ethical considerations involved in the use of automated interpretation services are noted, and the question of the comparability of standard and computerized tests is discussed. (8 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Computerized static perimetry

Computerized perimetry, combining a previously existing examination technique with computer technology, has become the state of the act for visual field evaluation. There are described the conceptual basis and methodology of the examination, with special references about technical characteristics available for the clinicians. As a result of computerized perimetry, the visual field can be scrutinized analysed, interpreted, discovered and understood to a degree not previously possible, but the findings of testing must be treated critically in the light of reliability parameters and of the error possibilities.     

Invasion depth diagnosis of depressed type early colorectal cancers by combined use of videoendoscopy and chromoendoscopy

The activation of rat mesocortical dopaminergic (DA) neurons evoked by the electrical stimulation of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) induces a marked inhibition of the spontaneous activity of prefrontocortical cells. In the present study, it was first shown that systemic administration of either clozapine (a mixed antagonist of D1, D2, and alpha1-adrenergic receptors) (3-5 mg/kg, i.v.), prazosin (an alpha1-adrenergic antagonist) (0.2 mg/kg, i.v.), or sulpiride (a D2 antagonist) (30 mg/kg, i.v.), but not SCH 23390 (a D1 antagonist) (0.2 mg/kg, i.v.), reversed this cortical inhibition. Second, it was found that following the systemic administration of prazosin, the VTA-induced cortical inhibition reappeared when either SCH 23390 or sulpiride was applied by iontophoresis into the prefrontal cortex. Third, it was seen that, whereas haloperidol (0.2 mg/kg, i.v.), a D2 antagonist which also blocks alpha1-adrenergic receptors, failed to reverse the VTA-induced inhibition, the systemic administration of haloperidol plus SCH 23390 (0.2 mg/kg, i.v.) blocked this inhibition. Finally, it was verified that the cortical inhibitions obtained following treatments with either "prazosin plus sulpiride" or "prazosin plus SCH 23390" were blocked by a superimposed administration of either SCH 23390 or sulpiride, respectively. These data indicate that complex interactions between cortical D2, D1, and alpha1-adrenergic receptors are involved in the regulation of the activity of prefrontocortical cells innervated by the VTA neurons. They confirm that the physiological stimulation of cortical alpha1-adrenergic receptors hampers the functional activity of cortical D1 receptors and suggest that the stimulations of cortical D1 and D2 receptors exert mutual inhibition on each other's transmission.     

Development of Computerized Specifications

This paper describes the history, development, implementation, and benefits of a computerized master specification system established in a consulting engineering∕architecture company. Besides reviewing the problems encountered in developing such a system, the paper quantifies computer costs and word processing labor hours expended in preparing technical specifications for several projects betwen 1980 and 1983. It compares these costs and labor hours to those expended using the traditional system of preparing specifications. The computerized specification system allows engineers to prepare technical specifications in one‐third to one‐half the time it takes using the traditional methods. Word processing or typing productivity increases by a factor of three to six.     

Endoscopic detection of early esophageal cancer in a high-risk population: does Lugol staining improve videoendoscopy?

This article reports the clinical and angiographic aspects of three patients with congenital coronary arteriovenous fistula to the main pulmonary artery, which manifested as dyspnea crisis and angina. This three cases were found in the course of 4,400 consecutive cardiac catheterization procedures to study coronary artery disease. The interest of the cases reported is based on the peculiar anatomy of the fistula. Prompt diagnosis is relevant for better prognosis and treatment.     

Computerized speech recognition-based endoscopic findings

Discrete, Hidden Markov model based speech recognition and phoneme based speech synthesis techniques were applied for gastroscopy reporting and machine control. The authors developed a special program for grammatical analysis of the sentences. Altogether 100 patient findings were grammatically analysed. The sentences were grouped according to the topographical order of the investigation: oesophagus, cardia, fundus, corpus, antrum, pylorus, bulbus, postbulbar section, and the pathological findings: erosion, ulceration, malignancy. Speech samples from 3 deep voiced male investigators were collected. The recognition rate was above 95%. A simulation program was also developed for dictation and controlling of the different equipment (monitor, printer, video, endoscope) in the gastroscopy laboratory by speech recognition. Speech synthesis was applied for the evaluation of understanding. This module artificially synthesizes the answer of the system giving backup for the understood information. With additional developments the discrete word speech 'recognition' achieved the level of routine application in medical reporting. However, ready-to-use developments need the joint activity of speech technology and endoscopy industry with end-user teams.     

Computerized documentation in home health

Computerized documentation in community health nursing is only now receiving the attention it deserves. The authors explain one agency's experience with adapting a computerized clinical documentation system to visiting nurses' needs and the nurses' responses to the process.     

Computerized Specifications on a Small Project

Since 1973, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has been conducting a Rehabilitation Program for the Midvale Irrigation District near Riverton, Wyoming. The work consists primarily of upgrading the distribution system of open ditches and constructing new buried pipe drains in the farmer's fields. Work is done under eight to ten small contracts each off‐irrigation season (October to April). Since the type of work does not vary from year to year, specifications writing is basically an updating and retyping of the previous year's specifications. A system was developed using the Bureau's dual CYBER 170∕800's (CDC) computer and Xerox 9700 Electronic Printing System in Denver; a LA36 DECwriter timesharing terminal in Riverton; and a versatile formatting system known as COMPOSE∕RUNOFF. Specifications are now prepared at a considerable savings of time, manpower, and money.     

Future Directions for Computerized Construction Research

The crucial research needs and most promising directions for future computerized construction applications are the subjects of this article. It is a summary of the events and recommendations derived from a research workshop jointly sponsored by the University of Illinois Construction Engineering and Management Program and the National Science Foundation. The four principal theme areas of this conference were: (1) Project‐wide data base and communication systems; (2) knowledge‐based systems; (3) simulation; and (4) robotics, though many other peripheral issues were also discussed. Fifty leading representatives from industry, government and academia convened in Urbana, Illinois, to develop strategic plans for this research community to pursue over the next 5 to 10 years. Topics discussed included artificial intelligence, supercomputer simulation, autonomous robots, and project data bases that truly integrate design and construction. Though unanimous conclusions were rarely reached, enough consensus support was present to develop a strong, clear strategic plan of computerized construction research and to identify its constituent community. The participants also analyzed techniques for conducting better research studies and injecting more interdisciplinary and interuniversity cooperation into those programs.     

计算机管理信息系统的设计方法

针对目前绝大多数用户在自行开发管理软件时设计不规范,不利于大系统的合作开发及系统的维护,使用该设计方法可以避免以上缺点,缩短开发周期,节省资金。