Console Display Research Articles

Comparison of laser power output from the fiber tip during endovenous laser ablation against displayed power and the “first treatment” effect

ObjectiveInternational guidelines recommend endovenous laser ablation as one of the first-line treatments for truncal venous reflux associated with varicose veins. Clinicians use linear endovenous energy density to measure the energy used during treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the power output from the fiber tip and to see if this changed with use. MethodsWe placed 15 mL of water in a thermally insulated 25-mL beaker. Two thermocouples were placed equidistantly adjacent to the laser fiber tip. A 1470-nm laser was fired at 5W for 2 minutes and the temperature change was measured. Three fibers were used on different days to allow the laser to cool for 24 hours between fibers. Each fiber was tested three times in a row. We also tested the “first treatment” effect by comparing the power output when the fiber was fired immediately after the laser was switched on, compared with treatments when the laser had been switched on for 1 hour. To assess whether this was due to the console being “cold” on the first firing of the day, we repeated the experiment having switched on the laser console 1 hour before firing to “prewarm” the console. However, the diode was not fired during this hour. To measure fiber degradation, three runs of the experiment were performed successively before firing the laser continuously for 20 minutes, then three more runs were conducted, resulting in delivery of approximately 10,000 J. ResultsThe actual power output seemed to be lower than the console suggested. The power output from the first fiber used in a succession of three with the same laser had a significantly lower power output than the following two runs (P = .0004 and P < .0001, respectively). When the laser was prewarmed for 1 hour without firing, no change in this output pattern was noted (P = .293). Fiber degradation was not found in any of the fibers that were tested within the maximum recommended for the fiber (10,000 J). ConclusionsThe first use of a fiber in a treatment session has a significantly lower power output from the treatment tip than subsequent uses, even if the machine is prewarmed and the console displays the same power for each. The authors believe that this phenomenon is due to the diode being less efficient when first used after switching it on. Clinicians need to be aware that the true power output at the fiber tip may not be as indicated by the console display and may be variable during a treatment session.

Radiation doses with various body weights of phantoms in brain 128-slice MDCT examination.

The effective dose (HE) and organ or tissue equivalent dose (HT) for use in brain computed tomography (CT) examinations with various body weights were evaluated. Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD-100H) were inserted into Rando and five anthropomorphic phantoms. These phantoms were made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), according to the specifications of ICRU 48, with masses from 10 to 90 kg. Brain CT examinations were conducted, scanning the maxillae from the external auditory meatus to the parietal bone using a 128-slice multi-detector CT (MDCT) scanner. To reduce errors, three independent trials were conducted. Calculated HE,TLD, based on the weighting factor recommended by ICRP 103, was 1.72 ± 0.28 mSv, which slightly exceeds the HE,DLP of 1.70 mSv, that was calculated from the dose–length product (DLP) of the Rando phantom. This experiment yielded HE,TLD values of ICRP 103 from the highest 1.85 ± 0.28 (90 kg) to the lowest 1.47 ± 0.22 (10 kg) mSv. HE,TLD (mSv) = 5.45×10−3 W(kg) + 1.361, with an R2 of 0.87667. Using the DLP protocol, HE,DLP was estimated from CTDIvol that was recorded directly from the console display of the CT unit and multiplied by the conversion coefficient (k) recommended by the ICRP 103. Finally, the experimental results obtained herein are compared with those in the literature. Physicians should choose and adjust protocols to prevent the exposure of patients to unnecessary radiation, satisfying the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) principle. These findings will be valuable to patients, physicians, radiologists and the public.

Evaluating doses of multi-slice CT in brain examinations using various methods

Purpose: The effective dose (HE) and organ or tissue equivalent dose (HT) of a Rando phantom undergoing two brain computed tomography (CT) examination protocols were evaluated using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD-100H) and dose length product (DLP) methods. Materials and methods: TLDs were inserted into the correlated positions of an organ or tissue of Rando phantom, such as thyroid, brain, and salivary gland, using (A) axial scan: scanning the maxillae ranging from external auditory meatus to the parietal bone, and (B) helical scan: scanning from the mandible to the parietal bone. CT examinations were performed on a Philips computer tomography (Brilliance CT) at Lukang Christian Hospital. TLDs were measured using a Harshaw 3500 TLD reader. The HT of organ and tissue during the two protocols was discussed. Results and conclusion: HE were calculated using ICRP 60 and 103 at 2.67 ± 0.18 and 1.89 ± 0.23 mSv based on an axial scan, and 4.70 ± 0.38 and 4.39 ± 0.37 mSv based on a helical scan, respectively. In the DLP method, HE was estimated from CTDIvol that was recorded directly from the console display of the CT unit and then calculated using AAPM 96. Finally, experimental results are compared with those in literature. Radiologists should choose and adjust protocols to prevent unnecessary radiation to patients and satisfying the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) principle. These findings will be valuable to patients, physicians, radiologists, and the public.

Validation Of The Cybex Arc Trainer Estimation Of Energy Expenditure

PURPOSE: Elliptical machine exercise has grown in popularity in the fitness community. Despite the popularity of the Cybex Arc Trainer, (AT) which utilizes a unique arc motion unlike other elliptical machines, little is known about the validity of the AT console display of energy expenditure (EE). The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of the AT estimation of EE during a 30-minute moderate intensity workout. METHODS: Thirteen participants (5 normal-weight, 8 overweight) were fitted with the Oxycon Mobile (OXY), a portable indirect calorimeter system. Resting heart rate was used to calculate heart rate reserve, (HRR) an individual characterization of workout intensity. To maintain a moderate intensity throughout the 30-minute bout, participants were instructed to change the resistance level to yield a rating of perceived exertion of 12-13, while maintaining stride rate at 114 ± 5 strides per min.Criterion EE measured via the OXY was compared to EE values on the AT console display at the end of the workout. Linear mixed effects models and correlations were used to examine differences in EE between the AT and OXY and the relationship between EE OXY and EE AT. RESULTS: The AT significantly overestimated EE compared to the OXY (NW: 12.4%; OW: 18.0%). Correlations between OXY and AT EE ranged from r = 0.96 to 0.97 for NW and OW groups, respectively. No differences were observed in % HRR between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although correlations between OXY and AT EE were high, AT consistently overestimated EE. Additionally, the EE overestimation was larger for the overweight group. These results indicate that the AT EE display is inaccurate. Therefore, users do not receive correct EE feedback. This will affect user ability to achieve desired EE goals, and over-time this discrepancy may have a substantial impact on weight-loss management. Fitness professionals should consider these results when prescribing AT exercise in physical activity interventions.

Implementation and control of a 360 degree rotating cylindrical LED full color display

This study used PIC 32MX 795F512H single-chip micro-controller unit as the control core to implement the design and production of full color LED rotating display. The display of this system is based on human vision. For the eye storage characteristic generated by high-speed dynamic images, the single-chip micro-controller unit controls single-row RGB colors LED display lamp bank, carried and rotated by a rotating platform, in order to implement the full color display of dynamic scan. This rotating full color display has three characteristics: (1) 360° surround display, so that people in any position can see colorful pictures, the information spreading efficiency is increased greatly; (2) as many as 16,777,216 colors can be displayed by using a small amount of control chips and RGB LED with dynamic scanning control technique, so as to display full color pictures; (3) the image acquisition and real-time transmission technology of this work can use camera to shoot various objects or persons. The image display codes are transmitted instantly to the single-chip micro-controller unit of console display by the self-developed image acquisition program and wireless transmission packet technology. The design of the real-time full color LED rotating display for pictures is completed by video scan technique. The test result of the self-made rotating machine shows that any picture can be displayed on the display machine completely, and the performance is good.

Reaction Time and Glance Behavior of Visually Distracted Drivers to an Imminent Forward Collision as a Function of Training, Auditory Warning, and Gender

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) systems are intended to alert drivers to an imminent forward collision threat to reduce the frequency and severity of rear-end collisions and mitigate injury and property damage for occupants of both vehicles. This between-subjects driving simulator study examined the effects of three variables – FCW system training, auditory warning type, and gender – on a visually distracted driver's response to an unexpected, imminent, forward collision threat. First, only half of the participants were provided with a brief description of the FCW system. Second, four different auditory warning conditions were compared: no-auditory warning (baseline), average-urgency warning, highest-urgency warning, and an auditory icon car horn. Drivers who received FCW system training had faster reaction times and 68% fewer collisions than drivers who did not receive training. While the highest-urgency warning produced the fastest initial glance to the forward scene, it was the car horn warning that produced robust reaction time, glance behavior, and collision benefits. Unexpectedly, 34.7% of distracted drivers glanced back to the center console display, following their initial forward glance, prior to braking. This unanticipated behavior resulted in longer reaction times, shorter minimum time-to-collision, and a 63.7% increase in collisions as compared with drivers who did not glance back to the console display. Results suggest that even brief system training can aid interaction with an FCW system and glance behavior, reaction times can improve with an auditory icon car horn as the auditory warning, and that uninterrupted forward attention upon detection of a collision threat is imperative for an effective collision avoidance response.

Clinical implementation and failure mode and effects analysis of HDR skin brachytherapy using Valencia and Leipzig surface applicators.

The planning procedure for Valencia and Leipzig surface applicators (VLSAs) (Nucletron, Veenendaal, The Netherlands) differs substantially from CT-based planning; the unfamiliarity could lead to significant errors. This study applies failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) to high-dose-rate (HDR) skin brachytherapy using VLSAs to ensure safety and quality. A multidisciplinary team created a protocol for HDR VLSA skin treatments and applied FMEA. Failure modes were identified and scored by severity, occurrence, and detectability. The clinical procedure was then revised to address high-scoring process nodes. Several key components were added to the protocol to minimize risk probability numbers. (1) Diagnosis, prescription, applicator selection, and setup are reviewed at weekly quality assurance rounds. Peer review reduces the likelihood of an inappropriate treatment regime. (2) A template for HDR skin treatments was established in the clinic's electronic medical record system to standardize treatment instructions. This reduces the chances of miscommunication between the physician and planner as well as increases the detectability of an error. (3) A screen check was implemented during the second check to increase detectability of an error. (4) To reduce error probability, the treatment plan worksheet was designed to display plan parameters in a format visually similar to the treatment console display, facilitating data entry and verification. (5) VLSAs are color coded and labeled to match the electronic medical record prescriptions, simplifying in-room selection and verification. Multidisciplinary planning and FMEA increased detectability and reduced error probability during VLSA HDR brachytherapy. This clinical model may be useful to institutions implementing similar procedures.

SU‐C‐BRD‐02: A Team Focused Clinical Implementation and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis of HDR Skin Brachytherapy Using Valencia and Leipzig Surface Applicators

Purpose:and Leipzig applicators (VLAs) are single‐channel brachytherapy surface applicators used to treat skin lesions up to 2cm diameter. Source dwell times can be calculated and entered manually after clinical set‐up or ultrasound. This procedure differs dramatically from CT‐based planning; the novelty and unfamiliarity could lead to severe errors. To build layers of safety and ensure quality, a multidisciplinary team created a protocol and applied Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to the clinical procedure for HDR VLA skin treatments.Methods:team including physicists, physicians, nurses, therapists, residents, and administration developed a clinical procedure for VLA treatment. The procedure was evaluated using FMEA. Failure modes were identified and scored by severity, occurrence, and detection. The clinical procedure was revised to address high‐scoring process nodes.Results:Several key components were added to the clinical procedure to minimize risk probability numbers (RPN): ‐Treatments are reviewed at weekly QA rounds, where physicians discuss diagnosis, prescription, applicator selection, and set‐up. Peer review reduces the likelihood of an inappropriate treatment regime. ‐A template for HDR skin treatments was established in the clinical EMR system to standardize treatment instructions. This reduces the chances of miscommunication between the physician and planning physicist, and increases the detectability of an error during the physics second check. ‐A screen check was implemented during the second check to increase detectability of an error. ‐To reduce error probability, the treatment plan worksheet was designed to display plan parameters in a format visually similar to the treatment console display. This facilitates data entry and verification. ‐VLAs are color‐coded and labeled to match the EMR prescriptions, which simplifies in‐room selection and verification.Conclusion:Multidisciplinary planning and FMEA increased delectability and reduced error probability during VLA HDR Brachytherapy. This clinical model may be useful to institutions implementing similar procedures.

SU‐E‐I‐24: Pediatric CT Effective Dose ‐ A Comparison Between the MOSFET Method and the DLP Method

Purpose: The effective doses (ED) were compared between the MOSFET method and the DLP method for a variety of clinical CT scans. Methods: Two CT scanners (Manufacturer A and B) were used in this study. Organ doses were measured with MOSFET detectors. Twenty MOSFET detectors were inserted in the 5‐year‐old anthropomorphic phantom (CIRS, Norfork, VA). The calibration factor for each MOSFET was determined using equivalent CT beam quality of respective manufacturer separately. The phantom was scanned using head, chest, abdomen‐pelvis and chest‐abdomen‐pelvis protocols at our institution. CTDIvol and DLP were recorded from the scanner console display. The MOSFET method employed the ICRP 103 weighting factors to calculate ED; the DLP method used the AAPM 96 (2008) anatomy‐age specific k‐factors. Pediatric protocols except head used CTDIvol data from 32 cm CTDI phantom. For this reason a factor of approximately 2 was applied to the CTDIvol and DLP in body protocols. In addition, CTDIvol measurements were performed with a Piranha CT Dose Profiler (RTI, Fairfield, NJ). Results: The calculated ED from manufacturer A scans underestimated the ED for the head, chest, chest‐abdomen‐pelvis and abdomen‐pelvis scans by 133.27%, 55.84%, 30.24% and 19.13%, respectively. The calculated ED from manufacturer B scans underestimated the ED for the head by 85.66% and overestimated the ED for the chest, chest‐abdomen‐pelvis and the abdomen‐pelvis scans by 102.81%, 114.52% and 96.19%, respectively. The percent difference between console and measured CTDIvol ranged from 11.04% to 24.88% Conclusions: ED calculations from the DLP method differed grossly from the MOSFET method. Console displayed CTDIvol showed good agreement with measured values. One possible explanation for ED disagreement between the two methods may lie in inaccuracies of k‐factors. These k‐factors were computed from old Monte Carlo codes based on mathematical phantoms. Additionally, manufacturer specific conversion factors may need to be proposed.Funding for this research was provided by GE Healthcare and Siemens Healthcare.

The Movie-2 Digital Audio/Video Expansion Bus

The use of economical, general-purpose personal computers (PCs) in demanding professional video applications like nonlinear editing, graphics creation, animation recording, three-dimensional (3-D) rendering, video-on-demand, and commercial insertion continues to grow. In these applications, specialized PC adapters are typically used to handle the massive processing requirements for transporting natural data types in real time. Commonly used subsystems include video input/output (I/O), video processing (digital video effects [DVE-mixing]), video compression/decompression (codec), audio I/O, audio processing (equalization [EQ]-mixing), mass storage interface, network interface, and video-in-a-window console display. Although it is possible to accomplish some of these tasks with host central processing unit (CPU) software and a single highly integrated adapter, most professional systems require more than one adapter. How to connect these multiple video adapters together inside a PC is a question that system integrators have been wrestling with for many years. This paper examines the limitations of commercially available buses in these demanding broadcast video applications, proposes the Movie-2 bus as a high-performance open-architecture standard that overcomes these limitations, discusses the Movie-2 bus in detail, and finally, presents a model of a typical nonlinear editing platform as an example of system-level Movie-2 bus implementation.

Performance analysis of a safety monitoring system under human-machine interface of safety-presentation type

This paper introduces a safety monitoring system equipped with a cold-standby console display under human-machine interface of safety-presentation type. We analyze probabilistically the performance of the safety monitoring system. A set of order relation is established for unconditional intensities of event modes of the safety monitoring system to show the effectiveness of equipping a standby redundant console display for acquiring plant safety under human-machine interface of safety-presentation type.

Extending a stand-alone personal computer to integrate multiple operating systems concurrently

This paper presents a virtual I/O approach to extend an existing personal computer to provide a multiple operating environment. Multiple operating systems can be executed simultaneously, each using a separate window as its console display. A user can swiftly switch his work among different operating systems by activating corresponding windows. Furthermore, these operating systems can be integrated so that the programs under their control can cooperate with each other in a transparent manner. The cooperation is established by using a shared file system and a guest layer mechanism. Current portable operating systems can be easily ported and integrated. A personal computer has been extended to integrate up to four different operating systems. This experimental system is presented to show the advantages of integrating multiple operating systems in a stand-alone machine and serves as the base for further exploration.

On-Line Computer Assisted Mass Spectrometry for Geological Research

Three magnetic sector mass spectrometers have been interfaced with an Interdata Model4computer, which services them on a time sharing basis. Each mass spectrometer is equipped with a digital display at its console. This can be updated by the computer as required by the program instructions, with data selected by the setting of a console selector switch. The system can be operated in various modes. In the simplest mode, the ion current amplitudes are read into the computer at regular intervals, and are returned to the console display after digital filtering. Another mode provides for the storage of filtered data on digital magnetic tape, together with necessary information about scan rate and direction, and amplifier sensitivity. The tape represents a full description of the analysis, which can be processed later on the same or a larger computer. The third mode, as yet only tested for strontium isotope analysis, provides for real time processing of the spectrum. The computed isotope ratios are displayed at the console as the spectrum is scanned, so that the operator can observe the convergence of their averages. If he wishes, he can also observe the present estimates of the standard deviations of the average ratios. The three mass spectrometers may be operated simultaneously in different modes. In addition to data handling functions, the computer may be programmed to control the operating conditions during the analysis. To date, only the scan rate has been controlled in this way. The present paper presents a general description of the system and of its operation.

Experimental evaluation of binary codes for console display.

Experimental evaluation of binary codes for console display.