A multivariate logistic model (MLM) for analyzing binary family data

We consider modeling the familial correlation between 2 related individuals using a multiple logistic regressive model. It is shown that there is a discrepancy in the marginal probability of the second individual. We investigate the conditions under which this discrepancy can be minimized and show how it can have a direct effect on handling missing values and ascertainment. We derive a functional relationship between the parameters in the model that eliminates this discrepancy, hence solving the problems that can arise in the handling of missing values and ascertainment. Because this methodology fails when there are more than 2 related individuals, we present a new model based on a multivariate logistic distribution. Residual familial correlations can be directly related to the parameters of this model. The likelihood for family data under this model is independent of the order in which the family members enter the calculation. The marginal probabilities can be easily computed.     

Electronic data processing system for clinical microbiology

A computerized clinical microbiology data storage and retrieval system, which was introduced at the Institute of Medical Microbiology 14 month ago, is described. This institute has to perform routine diagnostic microbiology for hospitals in the Kanton of Zuerich including the university hospital. In addition, it serves as a public health laboratory for Zuerich and adjacent districts. Patient and physician data are entered into a data station IBM 3741 and stored on discettes. Each afternoon, these data are printed on special report forms, which then are transferred to the diagnostic laboratories. After completion of the investigation, a copy of this form containing the results is sent to the physician. Every two weeks, the information stored on the discettes are converted onto the magnetic tape "discette". In addition, the original report form, containing the codified results and the fees, are read by an optic reader, which transfers the information onto the tape "report". Both tapes then serve the computer to print the accounts as well as to summarize the results monthly in form of the medical statistics. These provide valuable information to enhance patient care. All data are stored in a cumalative microbiology data bank for later retrieval.     

Multimedia image and data navigation workstation

World Wide Web (WWW) standards have been established for the transmission of and remote consultation on medical information and records, including medical images, extracted from an existing hospital information system. A software package called Osiris is being used for the display and manipulation of medical images in a hospital-based picture archiving and communication system. Recent extensions of Osiris, through the integration of WWW navigational tools, allow easy access to a variety of clinical data from patient records. A special interface allows access to radiologic images, laboratory results, and related textual information through public-domain software programs. These technologic advances offer medical professionals the convenience and ease of use that have made WWW and Internet navigation so popular in the academic community.     

A large screen digitizer system for radiation therapy treatment planning

PURPOSE: This paper describes a new technique for manually drawing contours of anatomy over image data for the purposes of radiation therapy treatment planning. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A large area rear-projectible digitizer tablet is used together with a projection TV system to display computer graphics and image data. Large images of computed tomography or magnetic resonance cross-sections are displayed and the digitizer is used to directly trace outlines of important organs. Digitizer menus allow multiple functions for selecting images and structures, for changing the grayscale level and window, and for zooming and roaming the image. RESULTS: This device has been in clinical operation for many years and has proven to greatly increase the speed of entering cross-sectional outlines defined for serial computed tomography images sets. A small timing study of clinical usage demonstrates up to a factor of ten improvement in the speed of contour entry. CONCLUSION: For 3-dimensional radiation therapy, tumor, and target volumes, as well as important critical organs, must be delineated from serial sets of computed tomography or magnetic resonance images. Often 30 or more slices must be considered and the process of outlining structures on this number of slices can represent a significant fraction of the total treatment planning time. The device described in this paper greatly improve the ease and speed of manual contour entry for 3-dimensional radiation therapy planning.     

The HOME tutor: a new tool for training in microscope skills

AxioHOME is a new concept in microscope design. It is a microscope with a visual display unit mounted in the head permitting computer generated displays to be projected on to the real microscope image when viewed down the eyepieces. This allows the annotation of the microscope image with both text and graphics. The AxioHOME system was used for the construction of complex interactive tutorials for the training and assessment of students. The basis of a tutorial is that features of interest on a microscope slide are indicated to the student who is then provided with either information or questions about those features. In turn the student can also annotate the slide with comments for later discussion with the teacher. The system therefore allows a dialogue between teacher and student. The creation of tutorials is time consuming. It takes approximately 10 min of teacher time to create 1 min of student time. However since the same tutorial can be used by numerous students this releases the teacher from repetitive training. The student response to this teaching method has been very positive. The main criticism being that insufficient teaching material was available.     

A flexible PC-based physiological monitor for animal experiments

We have developed a flexible physiological monitoring and analysis system for physiological studies in which data are obtained over extended periods. Our system uses low-cost personal computer hardware to concentrate data from existing multiple monitoring devices. All monitored parameters are displayed on a single screen and recorded in a single file. The system automates the process of physiological record keeping by providing continuous displays of vital signs. In addition, audible and visual alarms are produced when vital signs are outside of acceptable ranges, prompting the experimenter to take corrective actions. The central element of the system is a program running in a dedicated manner on an IBM PC-compatible computer. The program is written in the C language and makes use of a graphics library to display traces and analysis results in real time on any standard display for the PC. This program assigns the analog channels of an A/D board to particular physiological parameters by initially reading a configuration file, which also describes the alarm conditions and analysis routine for each parameter. All hardware specific code is isolated into well-defined modules. The program is both highly flexible with regard to different sets of parameters and highly portable for different experimental and computer environments.     

3D Scan Information Management System for Construction Management

This paper presents an internet-based three-dimensional (3D) scan information management system (3DSIMS) that can be used as an interface to input, display, and inspect design as-built construction information. This system is mainly developed using 3D scan data. The function of the 3DSIMS is to integrate the scan data collected before, during, and after a scan scheme that is designed to capture as-built 3D records. The information included in this system consists of a scan scheme, scanned point clouds, construction records, and postscan processed clouds for the display, search, and comparison of scans made each week during the construction of a campus building. This study represents a long-term effort that has rarely been done before. A web page is used to deliver and share scan information. The feasibility of this approach is explained by the examples of dimension-related checks through as-built data.     

Using systems performance data for ambulance management

The ambulance service is an important component in the emergency medical system of a community. The availability of performance information on several aspects of the ambulance system may improve ambulance management. The location of new ambulance stations, selection of the destination hospital for urgent cases, scheduling of crew changes, and evaluation of crew performance can be approached through an examination of existing data. Management use of such an information system by the Victorian Civil Ambulance Service in Melbourne, Australia is included in the discussion.     

炼钢厂生产过程数据综合分析系统的设计与实现

宝钢特钢有限公司炼钢厂已投运1套“炼钢生产过程数据综合分析系统”,用于对多条炼钢产线的生产进行全过程数据采集处理,系统24h自动跟踪记录信息,关键数据长期保存。该系统属于离线过程数据质量分析系统,可提高炼钢厂过程数据的自动化数据采集能力和过程监控水平,为过程质量监控管理提供数据支持,为每一炉钢的冶炼、浇铸提供完整的过程质量数据。系统主要数据来自炼钢厂各L2生产过程控制系统。系统将采集来的过程数据通过重组和处理形成一个理想的数据分析平台,利用该平台质量管理人员可以追溯、管理需要的炼钢过程信息。     

Stereoscopic head-mounted display incorporated into microsurgical procedures: technical note

OBJECTIVE: We have previously evaluated video technologies that have allowed for the use of electronic imaging during microneurosurgical and endoscopic procedures. This stereoscopic camera set and monitor/recording system allows for the use of stereoscopic images during surgery by the primary surgical assistant and ancillary personnel. It also allows for stereoscopic recording and playback using a wide video home system format. We describe a novel prototype of a head-mounted display (HMD) that allows the surgical team to simultaneously visualize the surgical field stereoscopically and includes picture-in-picture, voice control, and stereoscopic recording capabilities. INSTRUMENTATION: A stereoscopic HMD with 640 x 480 (video graphics array) pixel resolution and the ability to display 24-bit images has been designed. This device weighs 900 g. It is interfaceable with common video display formats. RESULTS: This stereoscopic HMD is being evaluated in a prospective multicenter trial of open microsurgical and endoscopic minimally invasive procedures. In our experience to date, there have been no equipment failures or complications attributable to the use of the display system. The equipment was well accepted by users who reported significant benefits in visualization. CONCLUSION: The use of a stereoscopic HMD may result in improved efficiency and safety in both endoscopic and open microsurgical procedures. We have verified that the HMD is comfortable during the course of a surgical procedure, is reliable, and allows for accessibility to the operative field with an excellent field of view and three-dimensional perception. Positioning and dexterity within the operative field are also enhanced. Additional uses relate to surgical training, multimodal information display, and operative rehearsals.     

An objective validation of factual interview data.

How valid is information obtained from interviews? 91 physically handicapped individuals were interviewed by 5 female interviewers, each having a 3-hour training period. The information for some was obtained by talking directly to the handicapped person; for others, it was obtained from an adult relative. These data were checked against agency records and employer questionnaires. "It is indefensible to assume the validity of purportedly factual data obtained by interview." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Focused ion-beam tomography

The focused ion beam (FIB) has become an important tool in materials science for studying and modifying materials systems at the micro and nanometer levels. The technique, due to its ability to perform precision in-situ milling, has been extended to studying three-dimensional structural and chemical relationships. With the help of computer algorithms for processing data and graphics packages for display, three-dimensional systems can easily be reconstructed and the structure interrogated to obtain both qualitative and quantitative information. It is possible to study features at spatial resolutions at the tens-of-nanometers level and volumes with dimensions of up to tens of microns. This allows the reconstruction of many systems in the size range important to nanotechnology. Practical aspects of FIB tomography will be presented, emphasizing data collection, image processing, creating three-dimensional volumes, and extracting quantitative information. This article is based on a presentation made at the symposium “Characterization and Representation of Material Microstructures in 3-D” held October 8–10, 2002, in Columbus, OH, under the auspices of ASM International’s Phase Transformations committee.     

Statistical graphics in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics: a tutorial

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the use of statistical graphics in the analysis of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics data. METHODS: Information on graphic techniques and their application was retrieved from a MEDLINE search (January 1980-March 1997) of the English-language literature and bibliographic reviews of review articles and books. Data used to generate plots were extracted from some new drug applications submitted to the Food and Drug Administration and by simulation. DATA SYNTHESIS: In carrying out data analysis, we should look at data in several ways, construct a number of plots, and do several analyses, letting the results of each step suggest the next. The information from a plot should be relevant to the goals of the analysis. Thus, in choosing a graphic method, it is necessary to match the capabilities of the method to the need in the context of the application. For example, if linear relationships among variables in a set of multidimensional data are relevant, scatter plots such as the pairs plot with smoothing is likely to be more informative than other graphic methods. It is necessary to recognize what kinds of perceived structure are attributable to the data, and what kinds are artifacts of the display technique itself when using graphs for data analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Graphic techniques enable the data analyst to explore data thoroughly, look for patterns and relationships, confirm or disprove the expected, and discover new phenomena. An important element of statistical graphic techniques is flexibility, both in tailoring the analysis to the structure of the data and in responding to patterns that successive steps of analysis uncover. Statistical graphics can and should be used to enhance numeric statistical analyses.     

光谱分析数据采集与传输网络

介绍了基于ＷｉｎｄｏｗｓＮＴ网络和专用数据传输接口设备的光谱分析数据采集与传输网络,以及相应的软件和硬件设计方案;建立了一套临线和在线分析的数据采集、存储与传输的通用的新方法。解决了光谱仪串口数据格式的自动识别和工业环境下数据传输设备的抗干扰问题。专门设计的数据传输接口设备的传输距离可达３０００ｍ,端口数目可达３０个。采用星型网络拓扑结构,１０／１００ＢａｓｅＴＵＴＰ线缆连接,提供远程拨入和Ｉｎｔｅｒｎｅｔ连接,因此能够提供远程数据管理、远程系统维护以及基于局域网和Ｉｎｔｅｒｎｅｔ的二次开发和应用。结合工艺参数管理软件,不仅能够实现分析数据的现场显示,还能实现炼钢过程中合金化调整的加料计算和投料控制,从而实现冶炼过程的临界控制     

Sampling biases and missing data in explorations of sexual partner networks for the spread of sexually transmitted diseases

The structures of sexual partner networks are important in determining patterns of transmission of STDs including HIV. Empirical data on sexual partnerships and sexual partner networks collected through sampling individuals are a non-random sample of partnerships and network structures even if individuals are sampled randomly. This has the potential to bias estimates of measures describing the sexual partner network. In addition, biases may be introduced through non-response and missing data. Using Monte Carlo simulation, we investigate the biases that are introduced in estimates measures of the sexual partner network through three common sampling methods. The results indicate that substantial systematic biases are introduced. The direction and magnitude of these biases suggest that, by ignoring them, the risk for the establishment and persistence of infection in a population may be underestimated.     

Conversational computing systems as laboratory instruments.

Attempts to relate what can be reasonably expected from a "public utility" computer via gathering data and experimental control. Possible provision of the new services of real-time processing, remote batch entry, and conversational computing is examined, and the potential of the teletype or typewriter-oriented system regarding advantages, cost, and availability is considered. The keyboard-controlled oscilloscope (CRT) is described and presented as an alternative to the teletype or typewriter. Finally, the full graphics terminal or bit addressable CRT the psychologist's "dream display" is examined and described as "a large, high-resolution, flicker-free oscilloscope display in which every illuminated point is under direct computer control and can be changed without affecting any other part of the display." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

基于避险设施的火灾救援及避灾路线算法

以VC#.net、SQL Server 2008和地理信息系统为平台,对矿井地图进行了具有地理属性开发的研究,建立了图形库、数据库、方法库和知识库,并构建了基于避险设施的矿井火灾应急救援系统。对矿井火灾进行了实时在线模拟,分析和预测了火灾动态发展趋势,实现了矿井火灾烟流传播和最佳避灾路线的动态可视化显示功能。引入安全性、通行效率等因素对灾后巷道通行能力的变化进行修正,制定了基于避险设施的最优避灾路线选择原则和"理想—可行—逃生"等级路线。利用堆栈数据结构对Dijkstra算法进行改进,提高了在线运算速度。该系统已应用到潞安常村煤矿。      

Computer graphics in research: Some state-of-the-art systems.

Describes the structure of 3 graphics systems: a high-speed programmable display capable of displaying 50,000 short vectors, flicker free; a shaded-color video display for gray-scale color images; and a hard-copy output system capable of producing multifont text, line drawing, and half-tone images. The construction of an image-processing system, based on these 3 systems, is also outlined. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Relationship information contained in gamete identity by descent data

We consider idealized gamete identity by descent (IBD) data which consists of the lengths of IBD and non-IBD regions along the genome for gametes segregating from two related individuals. Information on the relationship between the individuals is contained in the pattern of lengths, with the power of the likelihood ratio test to reject one relationship in favor of another giving a measure of the information contained in the data. We model crossovers with a Poisson process and, under this assumption, present a novel Monte Carlo method for calculating the likelihood of a particular relationship for a given data set. The method provides a way to calculate the information content of data and find the maximum power that tests of relationship can achieve. Simulated data from cousin and greatgrandparent-greatgrandchild relationships is analyzed as an example.