Slide Bar Research Articles

Natural mineral fibers: conducting inhalation toxicology studies – part A: Libby Amphibole aerosol generation and characterization method development

Background Asbestos has been classified as a human carcinogen, and exposure may increase the risk of diseases associated with impaired respiratory function. As the range of health effects and airborne concentrations that result in health effects across asbestos-related natural mineral fiber types are not fully understood, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has established a series of research studies to characterize hazards of natural mineral fibers after inhalation exposure. This paper presents the method development work of this research project. Results A prototype nose-only exposure system was fabricated to explore the feasibility of generating natural mineral fiber aerosol for in vivo inhalation toxicity studies. The prototype system consisted of a slide bar aerosol generator, a distribution/delivery system and an exposure carousel. Characterization tests conducted using Libby Amphibole 2007 (LA 2007) demonstrated the prototype system delivered stable and controllable aerosol concentration to the exposure carousel. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of aerosol samples collected at the exposure port showed the average fiber length and width were comparable to the bulk LA 2007. TEM coupled with energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) analysis further confirmed fibers from the aerosol samples were consistent with the bulk LA 2007 chemically and physically. Conclusions Characterization of the prototype system demonstrated feasibility of generating LA 2007 fiber aerosols appropriate for in vivo inhalation toxicity studies. The methods developed in this study are suitable to apply to a multiple-carousel exposure system for a rat inhalation toxicity testing using LA 2007.

Error of installation of a prismatic workpiece in the vise

The article analyzes the reasons why the workpiece is raised above the horizontal plane when it is fixed in the machine vise. The study is related to both the design of the device and the shape of the positioning of the workpiece surfaces. Five cases of the positioning of the side surfaces of the workpiece when fixed in a vise are considered. The role of backlash in the design of the machine vise in the installation error is determined. The values, by which the workpiece can rise after applying the tightening force in the case of errors in the shape of the workpiece and in the case of backlash in the design of the vise, are obtained. The values, by which the workpiece is raised, provided that there are no backlashes in the vise, are found when considering the tolerances for the positioning of surfaces depending on the method of cutting rolled products and the tolerances for the positioning of surfaces depending on the accuracy of rolled products. In addition, the values by which the workpiece is raised, provided that the workpiece does not have errors in the positioning of surfaces, taking into account the dimensional parameters of the slide bar and the guide of the vise with one movable jaw, as well as the dimensional parameters of the slide bar and the guide of the self-centering vise, are identified. The schemes for calculating the angle at which the slide block can turn due to the gapping in the guides and a scheme for calculating the height of the workpiece after fixing are presented. The geometric characteristics of the orientation of the workpiece after the application of the hold-down force are given; then the comparison of the results obtained in the study is carried out. As a result, it is concluded that the errors introduced by the design of the vise are several times less than the errors introduced by the shape of the workpiece. Methods for reducing the resulting installation errors are provided.

The influence of lip form on incisal display with lips in repose on the esthetic preferences of dentists and lay people

Statement of problemInformation is lacking for viewer preferences for incisal display with lips in repose. PurposeThe purpose of this online survey was to establish measurement parameters to classify and define a lip form and to evaluate the influence of lip form on dentists’ and laypersons’ preferences for the amount of incisal display with lips in repose. Material and methodsComputer-generated male and female models were created using 3 different lip forms each, straight, moderate, and high. Three images of these models (frontal full face, zoomed-in frontal around the mouth, and oblique zoomed-in image of the mouth) were arranged in an interactive survey that was disseminated on the Websites Facebook, Instagram, DentalTown and by word-of-mouth. Respondents manipulated the incisal display of all 3 images in unison, using a slide bar, and the resulting incisal display was measured in millimeters and served as the primary dependent measure. Survey demographic data were obtained from an online survey site. Data were assessed for skewness, kurtosis, and outliers and analyzed with 5-way ANOVA: 2 sex levels for model, 2 levels for sex of respondent, 3 levels for lip height, 3 levels for occupation, and 5 levels of ethnicity, with multiple comparisons corrected with Bonferroni adjustments and post hoc comparisons performed using the Scheffé test (α=.05 for all comparisons). ResultsA total of 1039 individuals consented to the study. A final sample size of 687 respondents was obtained after excluding 352 who failed to complete the survey. The results indicated that lip form affected the esthetic perception of incisal display significantly (P<.001), with a preference for a greater amount of incisal display corresponding with increasing lip forms. Sex of the model was also significant, with greater incisal display being preferred for female faces. A significant difference was found for respondents’ ethnicity, with African Americans generally preferring smaller incisal displays than other ethnic groups. No other main effects were found to be statistically significant. Only 2 interactions were shown to be statistically significant. Post hoc tests examining the interaction between lip form and sex of model showed a preference for greater incisal displays for female faces with high lip forms. A 3-way interaction was observed between lip form, sex of respondent, and occupation. ConclusionsSignificant differences were identified for the 3 different lip forms for both sexes of models. As the lip form changed from straight to moderate to high, there was a preference for increased incisal display. Incisal display preferences for male and female models were the same for all respondents, except for the high lip form, for which a greater amount of incisal display was preferred for the female model. Sex and occupation of respondent failed to produce main effects. Respondents’ ethnicity was shown to be statistically significant, with African Americans generally preferring shorter incisal displays.

Automatic Hard Disk Drive Slider Bar Auditing with Spatial Light Modulator based Imaging System

In Hard Disk Drive (HDD) slider fabrication process, the slider bar auditing is required to verify if the slider bars in the tray are sorted correctly as indicated by the serial numbers printed on sliders. In this paper, we present a machine vision system for automated reading of the serial numbers. Since the sizes of slider bars are very small, an imaging system (CCD camera) with high magnification lens is usually exploited to acquire the slide bar images. For such high magnification vision system, an autofocus module is indispensable. Unlike conventional autofocus modules which perform using mechanical zoom lens, we develop an autofocus module based on Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) where the SLM will act as phase mask filter for focus adjustment. The key contribution of our work is that we perform non-mechanical autofocus approach by adjusting the pixel-based phase mask pattern sending through the SLM. The main advantage of our system is that there is no macromechanical movement part involved in Z-axis focus adjustment. We propose a machine vision algorithm that consists of 3 major steps including coarse localization of slider bar, Autofocus and optical character recognition (OCR). To our best knowledge, our developed system is the first system that uses the SLM based autofocus in machine vision for HDD slider manufacturing. From the experiment, our system can accomplish the task with very high accuracy. By using our system, we can improve the machine vision applications by replacing conventional mechanical zoom lens based autofocus modules that generally cause machine vibrations and increasing maintenance costs related to mechanical movement issues.

Script-theory virtual case: A novel tool for education and research

Context/Setting: The script theory of diagnostic reasoning proposes that clinicians evaluate cases in the context of an “illness script,” iteratively testing internal hypotheses against new information eventually reaching a diagnosis. We present a novel tool for teaching diagnostic reasoning to undergraduate medical students based on an adaptation of script theory.Intervention: We developed a virtual patient case that used clinically authentic audio and video, interactive three-dimensional (3D) body images, and a simulated electronic medical record. Next, we used interactive slide bars to record respondents’ likelihood estimates of diagnostic possibilities at various stages of the case. Responses were dynamically compared to data from expert clinicians and peers. Comparative frequency distributions were presented to the learner and final diagnostic likelihood estimates were analyzed. Detailed student feedback was collected.Observations: Over two academic years, 322 students participated. Student diagnostic likelihood estimates were similar year to year, but were consistently different from expert clinician estimates. Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive: students found the case was novel, innovative, clinically authentic, and a valuable learning experience.Discussion: We demonstrate the successful implementation of a novel approach to teaching diagnostic reasoning. Future study may delineate reasoning processes associated with differences between novice and expert responses.

Using Big Data analytics and other new methods for the modeling of infectious diseases affecting aquatic organisms

Using Big Data analytics and other new methods for the modeling of infectious diseases affecting aquatic organisms

Heightened sensitivity to emotional expressions in generalised anxiety disorder, compared to social anxiety disorder, and controls

ABSTRACTFew studies have examined potential differences between social anxiety disorder (SAD) and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) in the sensitivity to detect emotional expressions. The present study aims to compare the detection of emotional expressions in SAD and GAD. Participants with a primary diagnosis of GAD (n = 46), SAD (n = 70), and controls (n = 118) completed a morph movies task. The task presented faces expressing increasing degrees of emotional intensity, slowly changing from a neutral to a full-intensity happy, sad, or angry expressions. Participants used a slide bar to view the movie frames from left to right, and to stop at the first frame where they perceived an emotion. The frame selected thus indicated the intensity of emotion required to identify the facial expression. Participants with GAD detected the onset of facial emotions at lower intensity of emotion than participants with SAD (p = 0.002) and controls (p = 0.039). In a multiple regression analysis controlling for age, race, and depressive symptom severity, lower frame at which the emotion was detected was independently associated and GAD diagnosis (B = –5.73, SE = 1.74, p < 0.01). Our findings suggest that individuals with GAD exhibit enhanced detection of facial emotions compared to those with SAD or controls.

Artificial Intelligence for Pathologists Is Not Near--It Is Here: Description of a Prototype That Can Transform How We Practice Pathology Tomorrow.

Pathologists' daily tasks consist of both the professional interpretation of slides and the secretarial tasks of translating these interpretations into final pathology reports, the latter of which is a time-consuming endeavor for most pathologists. To describe an artificial intelligence that performs secretarial tasks, designated as Secretary-Mimicking Artificial Intelligence (SMILE). The underling implementation of SMILE is a collection of computer programs that work in concert to "listen to" the voice commands and to "watch for" the changes of windows caused by slide bar code scanning; SMILE responds to these inputs by acting upon PowerPath Client windows (Sunquest Information Systems, Tucson, Arizona) and its Microsoft Word (Microsoft, Redmond, Washington) Add-In window, eventuating in the reports being typed and finalized. Secretary-Mimicking Artificial Intelligence also communicates relevant information to the pathologist via the computer speakers and message box on the screen. Secretary-Mimicking Artificial Intelligence performs many secretarial tasks intelligently and semiautonomously, with rapidity and consistency, thus enabling pathologists to focus on slide interpretation, which results in a marked increase in productivity, decrease in errors, and reduction of stress in daily practice. Secretary-Mimicking Artificial Intelligence undergoes encounter-based learning continually, resulting in a continuous improvement in its knowledge-based intelligence. Artificial intelligence for pathologists is both feasible and powerful. The future widespread use of artificial intelligence in our profession is certainly going to transform how we practice pathology.

Pedagogical Visualization of a Nonideal Carnot Engine

We have implemented a visualization tool for the demonstration of a nonideal Carnot engine, operating at finite time. The cycle time can be varied using a slide bar and the pressure-volume, temperature-entropy, power-time, and efficiency-time diagrams change interactively and are shown on one screen. We have evaluated the visualization tool among engineering students at university level during an introductory course on thermodynamics and we review and discuss the outcome of the evaluation.

Cognitive support for learning computer-based tasks using animated demonstration

This study investigated the influence of cognitive support for learning computer-based tasks using animated demonstration (AD) on instructional efficiency. Cognitive support included (1) segmentation and learner control introducing interactive devices that allow content sequencing through a navigational menu, and content pacing through stop and play buttons along with a slide bar for fast forward and rewind; (2) presentation modality and (3) a hybrid approach using a combined format of ADs with static graphics. Instructional efficiency was a combined effect of time-on-task during the learning phase and test performance. Time-on-task was included as a measurement to determine whether this would provide an alternative explanation for the benefits of learner control. Three learner-paced conditions with different types of cognitive support were developed, whereas a system-paced format, created without additional cognitive support, was used as a control condition. The learning task of this study was using graphic vector-based software Bezier tools to trace a cartoon. The results tended to suggest that the combination of different types of cognitive support (i.e. presenting the accompanying explanations as written captions to the learner-paced AD in visual-only instruction or combining learner-paced AD with static graphics in dual-modality instruction) had a positive effect, while learner pacing alone had not a significant positive effect.

Primal pictures anatomy teaching resources: 3D anatomy software and 3D real‐time viewer

Primal pictures anatomy teaching resources: 3D anatomy software and 3D real‐time viewer

An anatomical three-dimensional study of the posteromedial corner of the knee

For many years, the anatomy of the medial knee corner has been reported. However, it is not exactly clear how all these structures function together. The purpose of this study is to identify and try to understand the relationship between the posteromedial corners of the knee using three-dimensional visualization techniques. This study comprises of 10 knees from adult corpses. Images were acquired from the dissection of different layers of the posteromedial compartment of the knee using a camera Nikon D40 and AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm (Nikon Corp., Japan) placed on a slide bar. The pair of images was processed using Callipyan 3D or Anabuilder software (Ana builder, France) that transforms the two different images of the same structure with the intrapupillary distance proportion into one anaglyphic image. During knee dissection, pictures were taken and transformed into three-dimensional images that become more realistic with the use of special glasses. The images were made during the dissection of the three layers of the posteromedial compartment of the knees. Posteromedial corner ligament structures are quite complex and are not always clearly described in the literature. Three-dimensional images of these structures can help better understanding its anatomy.

Technique for Concept Selection Using Interactive Probabilistic Multiple Attribute Decision Making

Design is a decision-making process that depends on multiple attributes. Analysis of alternatives with respect to a single metric representing the “goodness” of the concept is difficult without resorting to subjective weightings on an overall evaluation criterion. The use of subjective factors in a decision-making process is often met with criticism, as the selection of a design may be traced to preferential decisions made on a certain day by a single individual. A methodology is needed that reduces the impact of uncertainty in the subjective weighting factors while retaining the traceability, defensibility, and rigor provided by traditional multiple attribute decision-making techniques. In this work, a standard process for systems engineering using the quality function deployment approach with a multiple attribute decision-making technique for concept selection is supplemented through the use of parametric slide bars to play “what-if” games and a probabilistic environment that plays all possible “what-if” games and summarizes the results. Using the modified process, families of concepts can be rapidly examined based on varying levels of subjective preferences. Decision makers, armed with a rapid parametric sensitivity analysis tool, can make more informed decisions about future concepts, policies, and acquisition decisions. An interactive graphical environment can be used to visualize the diverse sets of trades and understand non-intuitive answers by tracing customer needs to proposed solutions in real-time. In practice, the proposed process facilitates iteration between needs and concepts and fosters and increased understanding of the concept space between designer and decision maker.

Fornemt skrin – i en kvindegrav fra vikingetid

Fornemt skrin – i en kvindegrav fra vikingetid

Spray-formed high-aluminium bronzes

Unlike standard wrought aluminium bronze, high-performance wrought aluminium bronze with an aluminium content of more than 12 wt.% and additions of iron, cobalt and manganese is difficult to produce by continuous casting. This type of wrought aluminium bronze is much easier to produce by spray forming. With this technology a homogeneous element distribution, a fine and homogeneous grain structure as well as a fine and homogeneous distribution of intermetallic particles in the material can be achieved. Due to its homogeneity the material can be hot worked on an industrial scale. Spray-formed high-aluminium bronzes have a variety of interesting properties such as high hardness between 300 and 400 HB and high mechanical strength at temperatures of up to 250 °C, softening resistance and good machining properties. Spray-formed aluminium bronzes are used in a range of industrial applications such as tube-bending tools, deep-drawing tools, slide bars, moulds, etc.

Anatomic Dissection and Classic Three-dimensional Documentation: A Unit of Education for Neurosurgical Anatomy Revisited

Despite development of computer-assisted neurosurgical navigation, learning by dissecting anatomic specimens is still important. We describe the processes from preparation of specimens for cranial dissection to documentation of three-dimensional (3-D) stereoscopic pictures, particularly focusing on the latter, which has been initiated in the Microneuroanatomy Laboratory, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Florida. Preparation consists of irrigation of the major vessels and injection of colored silicone. The 3-D documentation, obtaining two pictures corresponding to each eye's view, is obtained by the shoot-shift-shoot method using a single camera mounted on a slide bar. The key of this method is correct shifting of the camera without alignment error to get exact 3-D effects. Observation of 3-D image can be made with free viewing, a 3-D viewer, or projection. Tips concerning all of the processes involved are described. The presented method of dissection and obtaining 3-D images is beneficial for accomplishing studies of anatomy and for providing teaching method.

SUGARBEET YIELD MONITORING FOR SITE-SPECIFIC FARMING PART I–LABORATORY TESTS AND PRELIMINARY FIELD TESTS

A site-specific sugarbeet yield monitoring system was developed and tested. Two weight-sensing systems were developed, tested, and evaluated on a laboratory test conveyor. One system used 152 mm (6 in.) idler wheels attached to load cells. The instrumented idlers replaced an existing chain supporting idler on each side of the harvester outlet conveyor. The second system replaced two existing idlers on each side of the harvester outlet conveyor with slide bars covered with UHMW plastic. A product flow rate was obtained from the combined load cell outputs and conveyor speed. Laboratory tests to predict accumulated weight showed a 2.5% error for the slide bar system and a 3.5% error for the idler wheel system. As a result, field testing was performed exclusively with the slide bar weight-sensing system. Calibration was obtained by comparing accumulated truckload weight as indicated by the weight-sensing system to measured gross sugarbeet weight on individual trucks. Typical weight errors ranged from 2% to 3% with an average error of 2.3%. Site-specific yield information was derived from the sugarbeet flow, harvester speed and width, and DGPS receiver. Sugarbeet yield maps were developed as a visual management aid.

The use of inert carriers in regulatory biodegradation tests of low density poorly water-soluble substances.

Many poorly water-soluble compounds fail regulatory ready biodegradation tests as the method of test material preparation limits the bioavailability of the chemical. The recognised method for delivery of poorly soluble materials into biodegradability tests consists of coating test material inside the test vessel or onto inert substrates (i.e., glass cover slide, boiling beads, filter paper, or Teflon stir bar) that are placed inside the vessels. Volatile solvents are often used to augment this process. Although these substrates work fairly well for delivering many poorly soluble materials into biodegradability tests, they have not been effective in keeping low density, poorly water-soluble substances in the test medium. Soon after medium is added to the test vessels, these chemicals break loose from the substrates and float on the surface where they have limited contact with micro-organisms in the test medium. Hence, there is a reduced potential for measuring substantial biodegradability in the test. This paper describes the work undertaken to establish a standard method of adding low density, poorly water-soluble substances into test vessels of biodegradability studies to ensure these materials remain in contact with micro-organisms in the test medium. The substances are prepared for testing by adsorption onto silica gel followed by dispersion into the culture medium. This method of delivery may provide greater intra- and inter-laboratory consistency in biodegradability test results for low density, poorly water-soluble substances and it may more closely mimic the probable transport and fate of these substances in the environment.

An image visualization tool in mammography.

The poor detectability of diagnostic mammographic features, due to their low contrast, is dealt with by a software visualization tool. The tool is domain specific to medical imaging and consequently mammographic imaging, and it is envisaged as part of medical image visualization and manipulation stations. Domain specificity is served by the tool conformance to DICOM 3.0 part 10 image format specifications, specifically PAPYRUS 3.0, window width/level display adjustments of image dynamic range of up to 16 bits, and application of visualization operations to user-defined regions of interest in addition to global operations. The software has been designed and implemented according to an object oriented approach in Visual C++. The tool user interface is friendly, based on a widely used windowing paradigm, the Microsoft Foundation Class library version 4.2, which provides interface items, such as windows, dialogue boxes, lists, slide bars, buttons, etc. The visualization functionality offered by the tool relies on the following three categories of image processing algorithms: dynamic range adjustments by pixel intensity transformations, contrast enhancement and noise suppression by spatial domain direct manipulation of image pixels or by manipulation of wavelet coefficients. The first two categories of algorithms are implemented in real time. Initial use of the tool has demonstrated its potential in improving the detectability of diagnostic mammographic image features.

Utility of the TracCell system in mapping Papanicolaou-stained cytologic material.

Much attention has been directed toward commercial application of automation technology to support both quality and productivity enhancement in cervical cytology screening. The introduction of a fully automated precision microscopy workstation, the AcCell Series 2000, (Accu-Med International, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.) has made it possible to effectively incorporate automated prescreening systems that support the human screener. The TracCell 2000 slide mapping system (AccuMed) is a fully automated, stand-alone prescreening device for Papani-colaou-stained cytologic material, such as cervical cytology specimens. The system locates the areas of the slide that do not require review and maps material in the remaining areas; it finds the optimal focal plane, calculates a preferred routing path for human review and determines speed adjustment relative to material density variation. Through slide bar coding identification, this information is transmitted to the AcCell precision microscopy workstation for presentation of the specimen to the human screener. By making it possible to automatically guide the human screener to the material of interest, the TracCell system eliminates the need to review empty space and irrelevant areas of the slide. This has the immediate advantage of improved productivity. In addition, by reducing the need to review neutral background material, the system increases the signal-to-noise ratio, thus contributing to a sustained level of vigilance in the screener. The system also addresses operator fatigue through computer-assisted focus and speed variation. This instrument is for investigational use only. The performance characteristics of the device have not been established.