Pen Technique Research Articles

Generation controllable optical chain using an optical pen.

An aperiodic snake-like optical chain has been proposed and generated by using an optical pen technique, whose numbers and positions of focal points are controllable. Moreover, by introducing a fan phase together with a twisted phase into the optical pen technique, a self-rotation optical chain can be obtained; meanwhile, it transforms the bright optical chain into a twisted optical chain with a rotating hollow region in a three-dimensional (3D) space. The properties of the rotatable focal points and the variable diameters of cross-sectional intensities during the propagation of the optical chain are demonstrated in the experimental results. Consequently, this research framework can be applied in the techniques such as deep multiplexing and rotation angle multiplexing while also enabling the realization of multiple capture sites and more intricate manipulations.

Creation of vector Bessel beams with arbitrary polarization modes using mode extraction principle

According to the current research on polarization generation methods, it is difficult to create multi-mode vector Bessel beams in free space by extracting arbitrary polarization modes from a single beam. This is due to the fact that the polarization and phase distributions between multiple polarization modes can interfere with each other. In this paper, the mode extraction principle is combined with the optical pen technique to extract arbitrary polarization modes from a single Bessel beam, and the number, position and phase of Bessel beams can be arbitrarily regulated to achieve the multi-mode coexistence of vector Bessel beams in free space. The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical analysis. This work is not only important for the in-depth study of vector Bessel beams, but also will facilitate the development of optical manipulation, optical communication, microscopic imaging and other applications.

Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy: A Tool for Nanoscopic Deposition of Light-Driven Photocatalysts

Single and multi-barrel nanopipettes and nanopipette-based scanning electrochemical probe microscopy techniques like scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) have gained significant attention as tools for localized, maskless, three-dimensional surface modifications [1,2]. The nanometer-sized orifices of nanopipettes allow delivering molecules to solution inducing concentration-confined electrodepositions. Also, electroless nanoscale depositions like the fountain pen technique [3] can be achieved by this technique.In this study, we present the deposition of various cobaloxime-based earth-abundant Co catalysts for light-driven hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) [4]. Arrays of different cobalt(III) complexes were deposited via SECCM and investigated in respect with their HER activity using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) in combination of Pd-microsensors [5] for in situ hydrogen (H2) measurements under illumination. In addition, AFM studies revealed possible degradation of the commercially available neutral benchmark complex [Co(dmgH)2(py)Cl] in these studies. First results will also be presented in respect with the deposition of nanowires via co-deposition of HER catalyst and Ruthenium photosensitizer. First spatially resolved photocatalytic studies at such nanowires, which are characterized by high surface area, will be presented. Also, the influence of the substrate will also be discussed.

Role of Leishmanin Skin Test (LST) as Epidemiological Indicator for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Al-tragma Village, River Nile State, Sudan

Introduction: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a common health problem in the world and its zoonotic form has been reported to occur in Sudan. Leishmaniasis has been considered the second most important parasitic disease after malaria. Therefore, the role of leishmanin skin test (LST) as an epidemiological indicator for CL infection was determined in Al-tragma village, one of the endemic areas for the disease in Sudan. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 410 individuals inhabiting Al-tragma village were enrolled. Two methods of data collection were used in this study, a structured questionnaire and LST. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect and test socio-demographic characteristics. The LST was performed by intradermal injection of 0.1 mL of LST antigen on the volar surface of the left forearm. The result of LST was read after 48-72 hours using the ballpoint pen technique. SPSS version 20.0 was used for data analysis. Results: LST results showed that 70.7% of respondents were positive and 29.3% were negative. The most infected age groups were 31–40 years (80%) and more than 40 years (82%). The results showed there was a significant difference in LTS results based on age groups, occupations, domestic animals and pets found in and around the houses, and previous experience of the disease (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The overall positive rate for LST was 70.7%. The exposure duration had no effect on LST results. It seems that the patients acquired long-lasting immunity. LST is still a promising tool for evaluating the epidemiological status of Leishmaniasis in endemic areas.

Knowledge regarding PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line care among primary caregivers of PICC line patients undergoing chemotherapy

PICC lines are widely used for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Regardless of various benefits, poor maintenance can cause thrombosis, infections and multiple complications. The role of caregiver is to protect and maintain the patency of central line with early identification of warning signals to prevent complications. A descriptive study was conducted on 55 primary caregivers of PICC line patients to assess the knowledge of primary care givers regarding PICC line care with a view to develop an informational booklet on PICC line care at home in selected areas of tertiary care hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab. A self-structured questionnaire was prepared which was categorized into 4 sub-categories (general knowledge, care of PICC line, complications of PICC line, flushing PICC line) to assess the knowledge regarding PICC line care among primary caregivers. Data was collected using self-report (paper and pen technique) and observation method. Results revealed that majority (56.47%) of primary caregivers were having average knowledge followed by (38.18%) were having good knowledge while (5.35%) had below average knowledge related to PICC line care. The knowledge was found to be more in the category of general knowledge with mean (5.86±1.43) followed by care of PICC line (4.36±0.88) and complications of PICC line (2.98±1.23) and the least knowledge was found in the category of flushing of PICC line with mean (2.25±1.23). Hence it can be concluded that majority of primary caregivers were having average knowledge regarding PICC linecare, indicating the need to develop an informational booklet for caregivers to provide adequate PICC line care at home and prevent further complications.

Perceptions of Insulin Pen Use and Technique in Black and Hispanic/Latino Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: a Qualitative Study.

Non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) and Hispanic/Latinos (H/L) are affected disproportionately by type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and its complications due to a myriad of reasons. Lack of diabetes education has been identified as one risk factor for poorly controlled diabetes. For persons using insulin, poor insulin administration technique can be problematic. Previous studies done demonstrating this have not been inclusive of NHB and H/L populations. As a result, this study aimed to use semi-structured interviews to examine insulin pen technique and training experience in NHB and H/L inpatients with T2DM. Semi-structured interviews comprised open- and close-ended questions, and prompts were conducted until reaching saturation in NHB and H/L inpatients with at least 3months of insulin pen use. Data was analyzed by two researchers who completed a thematic analysis. Twenty semi-structured interviews were completed. Two major themes emerged from analysis included: patients prefer the insulin pen to syringes and vials and most had a lack of formal pen technique teaching. Although the insulin pen is a preferred modality of insulin delivery, this sampling of disparity patients demonstrates that insulin pen technique should be continually reassessed by health care providers as majority of the patients never had formal insulin pen teaching. Among those who did have training, they still made errors such as not priming the pen or shortened dwell time.

SAT-145 Insulin Technique Assessment and Its Association with Glycemic Control amongst Inpatients with Diabetes

Introduction: Suboptimal glycemic control continues to be an ongoing problem in diabetes care. Poor glycemic control can be caused by a myriad of reasons including improper insulin storage or poor insulin pen technique. The Worldwide Injection Technique Questionnaire Study revealed a high level of poor insulin injection among participants, as well as a high prevalence of injecting complications such as lipohypertrophy (LH).1 The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the injection technique of a sample of inpatients; the secondary objective was to assess the relationship between injection skill accuracy and glycemic control. Methods: Participants were inpatients admitted to med-surgical units at an urban quaternary care center. Included were those with type 1 (T1DM) or type 2 diabetes (T2DM), aged 18 to 75 that were using an insulin pen for at least 3 months. Subjects were given a questionnaire about glycemic control, insulin pen education, and diabetes characteristics. Injection skill was assessed using an institutional competency checklist. Poor glycemic control was defined as HbA1c ≥ 9.0, any hospitalization for uncontrolled diabetes within the past year and occurrence of hypoglycemia within the last month. For insulin skill, those who achieved 80% or higher (75th percentile) were classified as high performers and those below were deemed poor performers. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: 100 study subjects with mostly T2DM (90%) and a mean age of 58.7 years were consented. Majority of patients (n=67) were in the poor performer category while 28 were high performers (5 were excluded). There was no association between poor technique and glycemic control. However, a greater number of poor performers had at least 1 hospitalization for uncontrolled diabetes within the past year (21% vs 11%) (p=0.238). A larger number of those with poor technique were more likely to have had a hypoglycemic episode within the past month (66% vs 61%) (p=0.645). Majority of participants received initial pen training from an endocrinologist or primary care physician (PCP); most of which had never received reinforcement. Those with poor technique were using higher amounts of insulin (total daily dose over 50 units). Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that improved injection training has potential to reduce hospitalizations and episodes of hypoglycemia. The results highlight the overall lack of proper training and reinforcement and the need to emphasize its importance. A follow up study with a larger sample may have better ability to detect statistical significance.

Peptide Optical waveguides.

Small-scale optical devices, designed and fabricated onto one dielectric substrate, create integrated optical chip like their microelectronic analogues. These photonic circuits, based on diverse physical phenomena such as light-matter interaction, propagation of electromagnetic waves in a thin dielectric material, nonlinear and electro-optical effects, allow transmission, distribution, modulation, and processing of optical signals in optical communication systems, chemical and biological sensors, and more. The key component of these optical circuits providing both optical processing and photonic interconnections is light waveguides. Optical confinement and transmitting of the optical waves inside the waveguide material are possible due to the higher refractive index of the waveguides in comparison with their surroundings. In this work, we propose a novel field of bionanophotonics based on a new concept of optical waveguiding in synthetic elongated peptide nanostructures composed of ordered peptide dipole biomolecules. New technology of controllable deposition of peptide optical waveguiding structures by nanofountain pen technique is developed. Experimental studies of refractive index, optical transparency, and linear and nonlinear waveguiding in out-of-plane and in-plane diphenylalanine peptide nanotubes have been conducted. Optical waveguiding phenomena in peptide structures are simulated by the finite difference time domain method. The advantages of this new class of bio-optical waveguides are high refractive index contrast, wide spectral range of optical transparency, large optical nonlinearity, and electro-optical effect, making them promising for new applications in integrated multifunctional photonic circuits. Copyright © 2016 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

V2-10 IDENTIFICATION OF THE S3 FORAMEN DURING TRANSFORAMINAL SACRAL NEUROMODULATION LEAD PLACEMENT – A NOVEL “ROLLING PEN” TECHNIQUE

You have accessJournal of UrologyFemale Voiding Dysfunction1 Apr 2015V2-10 IDENTIFICATION OF THE S3 FORAMEN DURING TRANSFORAMINAL SACRAL NEUROMODULATION LEAD PLACEMENT – A NOVEL “ROLLING PEN” TECHNIQUE Amanda Saltzman, Kristi Hebert, Howard Woo, and Ryan Krlin Amanda SaltzmanAmanda Saltzman More articles by this author , Kristi HebertKristi Hebert More articles by this author , Howard WooHoward Woo More articles by this author , and Ryan KrlinRyan Krlin More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2015.02.335AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is FDA approved for urinary urgency, urinary frequency, urgency urinary incontinence, non-obstructive urinary retention and fecal incontinence. SNM modulates electrical input to the bladder preventing and decreasing over stimulation, thus improving symptoms. The S3 foramen must be localized for lead implantation and the efficacy of implantation depends on the ability to localize S3 reliably and correctly. Localization is accomplished using various strategies, most commonly using a combination of palpation of bony landmarks and fluoroscopy. This paper will serve to introduce a novel “rolling pen” technique that eliminates the use of fluoroscopy for S3 identification. This technique is currently used in clinical practice by the two highest volume implanters in Louisiana. METHODS The patients were positioned prone and prepped in the usual manner. Instead of using fluoroscopy or palpation to identify bony landmarks to localize the S3 foramen, we balanced a marking pen longitudinally in the midline of the sacrum. The pen was allowed to roll until horizontal equilibrium was established. The fulcrum of the balanced “rolling pen” identified the level of S3. A mark 2 cm proximal and 2 cm lateral to this landmark was made for entry of the finder needle at the level of the skin. We then proceeded with our implantation in the usual manner. The rolling pen technique was used for all patients as our initial strategy to identify the S3 foramen. RESULTS 228 implantations were performed between 7/2012 and 10/2014 at our 2 tertiary centers. All cases used the rolling pen technique as our initial S3 foramen identification strategy. Adhering to the ALARA principle, fluoroscopy was limited to confirming and adjusting needle and lead placement in the operating room. All office procedures were performed without fluoroscopy. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the novel rolling pen technique can be used as yet another method for S3 localization during transforaminal lead placement during SNM implantation. This decreases radiation exposure and likely cost. © 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 193Issue 4SApril 2015Page: e100 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Amanda Saltzman More articles by this author Kristi Hebert More articles by this author Howard Woo More articles by this author Ryan Krlin More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

The Effects of Direct and Indirect Corrective Feedback Techniques on EFL Students’ Writing

This article presents the results of the comparison between two different Written Corrective feedback (WCF) techniques to 60 low-intermediate EFL students in Karaj, Iran. Assigned to 2 groups, the participants on one group received the direct red pen technique, whereas the participants on the other group received an indirect technique. The participants produced three pieces of writing (pre-test, immediate post-test, and delayed post-test). Simple past tense errors were targeted in the feedback. The study found that the indirect feedback group outperformed the direct feedback group on both immediate post-test and delayed post-test.

Behaviour of horses in the “round pen technique”

I investigated the behavioural background of the way horses learn to follow humans in the “round pen technique” suggested by “horse whisperers” as a gentle method for initial horse training. Though the practicability of this technique has been adequately demonstrated in the past, the horses’ behaviour during such training has not yet been documented in detail. In a riding arena, horses, that did not follow the trainer immediately, were chased away so that they galloped around the trainer. Galloping horses showed specific behaviour such as turning the ear to the trainer, chewing, licking, and stretching head and throat downwards. In subsequent trials horses needed to be chased for less time and finally followed immediately, even when conditions were changed or the trainer was replaced by another person. This suggests that horses learn to follow in this particular situation and also show some generalisation. However, following did not occur on a pasture even after several successful trials in the riding arena.

Your Questions Answered about Tuberculin Skin Testing

1. To understand TB skin testing, it is necessary to have a basic understanding of the disease process and the role of the immune system. 2. The Mantoux test is the tuberculin skin test of choice, the intermediate strength (5 TU) being the most commonly used. 3. Either the palpation method or the ball-point pen technique may be used to measure induration that results from TB skin testing. An induration of 10 mm or greater is considered significant. 4. TB skin testing should be administered regardless of patient history of BCG vaccination. To eliminate the confusion caused by the booster phenomenon, a two-step procedure is recommended for individuals who at initial screening have an induration of 5 to 9 mm.

Reading the Tuberculin Skin Test

A prospective study of 806 healthy volunteers was carried out to determine the value of induration 24 hours after placement of purified protein derivative, if patients can accurately read their own tests, and if the pen and palpation methods are comparable. Subjects were actively employed health workers between 20 and 64 years of age without active tuberculosis. All subjects were tested using 5 tuberculin units of purified protein derivative via the Mantoux technique. Induration was quantitated by trained readers at 24 hours and at 48 to 72 hours. Patients were asked to read their own tests as well at 48 to 72 hours. The amount of induration at 24 hours was highly predictive of eventual findings at 48 to 72 hours. The patients' abilities to read their own tests were poor. Significant differences were noted between the pen and palpation methods. The degree of induration noted 24 hours after placement of 5 tuberculin units of purified protein derivative is valuable in a screening population. Most decisions, however, should still be based on results measured at 48 to 72 hours. Results with the pen technique must be interpreted with caution in the 5- to 14-mm range. The patients' readings of their own results are inaccurate and should never be relied on to make clinical decisions.

Reading the tuberculin skin test. Who, when, and how?

• A prospective study of 806 healthy volunteers was carried out to determine the value of induration 24 hours after placement of purified protein derivative, if patients can accurately read their own tests, and if the pen and palpation methods are comparable. Subjects were actively employed health workers between 20 and 64 years of age without active tuberculosis. All subjects were tested using 5 tuberculin units of purified protein derivative via the Mantoux technique. Induration was quantitated by trained readers at 24 hours and at 48 to 72 hours. Patients were asked to read their own tests as well at 48 to 72 hours. The amount of induration at 24 hours was highly predictive of eventual findings at 48 to 72 hours. The patients' abilities to read their own tests were poor. Significant differences were noted between the pen and palpation methods. The degree of induration noted 24 hours after placement of 5 tuberculin units of purified protein derivative is valuable in a screening population. Most decisions, however, should still be based on results measured at 48 to 72 hours. Results with the pen technique must be interpreted with caution in the 5- to 14-mm range. The patients' readings of their own results are inaccurate and should never be relied on to make clinical decisions. (<i>Arch Intern Med</i>1988;148:2457-2459)

Computer design and optimization of iron cored particle focusing devices

A method for the design and optimization of particle focusing devices is described. A computer program allowing an interactive design using a light pen technique for instruments with or without iron has been developed and tested on a lens spectrometer with iron. The computed fields and the focusing properties of that spectrometer compare favorably with those measured. Certain optical properties of the instrument have easily been improved by a factor of ten by using the described program.