L'observation des processus de groupe: difficultés méthodologiques et perspectives.

Discusses problems involved in collecting data based on observation of small groups. The example of a study of manifestations of cooperation in groups of preschoolers (aged 21–57 mo) is used for illustration. Statistical treatment of observation data and global analysis of data are considered. (English abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Integrating an Image-Guided Robot with Intraoperative MRI

Microsurgical techniques, together with the introduction of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), established the need and the environment for the integration of robotics with surgery. In this article, we summarize our experience with intraoperative MRI on 781 neurosurgical patients. Intraoperative MRI demonstrated unsuspected residual pathology in up to 20% of patients. To take full advantage of the imaging environment, an magnetic resonance (MR)-compatible image-guided robot capable of both microsurgery and stereotaxy was designed and constructed. Unique features of the system include the use of non-ferromagnetic materials, an end effector that actuates standard surgical instrumentation, automated tool exchange, and haptic feedback.     

A CORRELATION FOR VISCOSITY AND SOLVENT MASS FRACTION OF BITUMEN-DILUENT MIXTURES

A simple equation is presented for predicting the kinematic viscosity of bitumens and heavy oils mixed with diluents. The correlation has been shown to provide accurate viscosity estimates of these mixtures for a wide range of data and requires only the knowledge of the pure bitumen and pure solvent viscosities at any given temperature.

The correlation makes use of a viscosity reduction parameter which reduces error significantly when compared to similar equations presented by Chirinos et al. (1983), and Cragoe (1933). For a total of 89 data points, excluding the pure bitumens and diluents values, the correlation yielded an overall average absolute deviation of about 14 percent. The same equation was applied to predict the mass fraction of diluent required to reduce bitumen viscosity to pumping viscosity. Predicted values matched experimental values very well, with an overall average absolute deviation of about 6 percent.     

Effects of dietary manipulations and glucose infusion on glucagon response during exercise in rats

OBJECTIVE: To describe our initial experience with a computerized telecommunication system, termed the interactive voice-response system, to record resident performance of laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: After completing a laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon and resident telephone a toll-free number independently and respond to three prerecorded statements using a Likert scale of 1 to 5. The caller then is asked to describe the resident's response to critical incidents or elements of surprise that arose during the surgery. The ratings and verbal comments are compiled, transcribed, and forwarded to the respective resident. The resident (and program director) can hear the verbal comments by entering a four-digit code. RESULTS: Between May 1, 1995, and May 31, 1996, 430 cases were reported by 11 surgeons and 16 residents using the interactive voice-response system. One hundred ninety-five (45%) procedures were entered by both the resident and surgeon. A survey undertaken during the introductory phase of the project revealed that five of the seven residents exposed to the system found that it provided useful feedback and preferred the system to traditional in-service reporting methods. In addition, five residents thought that the system complemented the personal feedback they received in the operating room. CONCLUSION: The system has been accepted by both residents and surgeons and has addressed the important components of resident in-training evaluation, namely, evaluation on a case-by-case basis, timely feedback, and self-assessment of resident performance.     

Fixation of osteotomies using bioabsorbable screws in the canine femur

The purpose of this study was to compare the healing properties of femoral osteotomies fixed by bioabsorbable screws (20:80 polyglycolic copolylactic acid copolymer) to standard stainless steel screws of a similar design in a dog femoral model. Two osteotomies were used, the trephine osteotomy (10 mm diameter) in the metaphyseal lateral femoral condyle and in the femoral diaphysis, and a unilateral osteotomy in the lateral femoral condyle. Two months after the trephine osteotomies, the femurs that contained the polymer screws were not significantly different in mechanical strength from the femurs treated with the stainless steel screws, either in the diaphyseal or metaphyseal model. There was no histological difference in bone healing between the metallic and polymer screws for all periods (2, 9, and 17 months). There was no adverse inflammatory response to the polymeric or metallic screws. By month 17, the polymer screws were resorbed completely. All the diaphyseal screw tracks had healed with bone and areas of remodeling were evident in two specimens. For the femoral condyle osteotomy model at 2 months, the polymer screws were present and intact, and all osteotomies healed with no evidence of inflammation. By 9 months, only one specimen had polymeric material left in the screw track. At 15 months, the screw tracks still were present but no evidence of any polymer remained. The tracks were filled with fibrous and adipose connective tissue. All osteotomies stabilized with either bioabsorbable polymer screws or stainless steel screws did heal satisfactorily without any complications, inflammation, or osteolysis. The polyglycolic polylactic acid copolymer may have a clinical role as a bioabsorbable material without the concerns for the osteolysis, foreign body reaction, and sterile abscess formation that have occurred with bioabsorbable fixation methods in the past.     

Ironic catastrophes: one's food--another's poison

Iron deficiency is an important nutritional problem in third world countries because it diminishes work performance. In meat-eating countries, iron excess may be more important than iron deficiency. Heme iron is more efficiently absorbed from the diet than inorganic iron, and iron excess can produce cellular oxidation in association with superoxide dismutase. Metal ion catalysis is linked to aging, coronary artery disease, stroke, carcinogenesis, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammatory disorders. Prudence is advised in the excessive consumption of meat and iron supplementation of the diet until this process is more thoroughly investigated.     

On the relation between state and adjoint variable initial conditions in optimum control theory

The algebraic relation between state and adjoint variable initial conditions for time-optimum control of a particular second order linear system is reported. The relation between adjoint initial conditions and switching time suggests that difficulties might arise when boundary-value search methods are employed to solve two-point boundary-value problems. These analytical results support the conclusions in a recent paper by Paynter and Bankoff.