Sharing behavioral data through a grid infrastructure using data standards

Objective

In an effort to standardize behavioral measures and their data representation, the present study develops a methodology for incorporating measures found in the National Cancer Institute''s (NCI) grid-enabled measures (GEM) portal, a repository for behavioral and social measures, into the cancer data standards registry and repository (caDSR).

Methods

The methodology consists of four parts for curating GEM measures into the caDSR: (1) develop unified modeling language (UML) models for behavioral measures; (2) create common data elements (CDE) for UML components; (3) bind CDE with concepts from the NCI thesaurus; and (4) register CDE in the caDSR.

Results

UML models have been developed for four GEM measures, which have been registered in the caDSR as CDE. New behavioral concepts related to these measures have been created and incorporated into the NCI thesaurus. Best practices for representing measures using UML models have been utilized in the practice (eg, caDSR). One dataset based on a GEM-curated measure is available for use by other systems and users connected to the grid.

Conclusions

Behavioral and population science data can be standardized by using and extending current standards. A new branch of CDE for behavioral science was developed for the caDSR. It expands the caDSR domain coverage beyond the clinical and biological areas. In addition, missing terms and concepts specific to the behavioral measures addressed in this paper were added to the NCI thesaurus. A methodology was developed and refined for curation of behavioral and population science data.     

Dosimetric evaluation of multi-pattern spatially fractionated radiation therapy using a multi-leaf collimator and collapsed cone convolution superposition dose calculation algorithm

Purpose: In this paper, we present an alternative to the originally proposed technique for the delivery of spatially fractionated radiation therapy (GRID) using multi-leaf collimator (MLC) shaped fields. We employ the MLC to deliver various pattern GRID treatments to large solid tumors and dosimetrically characterize the GRID fields.Methods and materials: The GRID fields were created with different open to blocked area ratios and with variable separation between the openings using a MLC. GRID designs were introduced into the Pinnacle³ treatment planning system, and the dose was calculated in a water phantom. Ionization chamber and film measurements using both Kodak EDR2 and Gafchromic EBT film were performed in a SolidWater^® phantom to determine the relative output of each GRID design as well as its spatial dosimetric characteristics.Results: Agreement within 5.0% was observed between the Pinnacle³ predicted dose distributions and the measurements for the majority of experiments performed. A higher magnitude of discrepancy (15%) was observed using a high photon beam energy (18 MV) and small GRID opening. Skin dose at the GRID openings was higher than the corresponding open field by a factor as high as three for both photon energies and was found to be independent of the open-to-blocked area ratio.Conclusion: In summary, we reaffirm that the MLC can be used to deliver spatially fractionated GRID therapy and show that various GRID patterns may be generated. The Pinnacle³ TPS can accurately calculate the dose of the different GRID patterns in our study to within 5% for the majority of the cases based on film and ion chamber measurements. Disadvantages of MLC-based GRID therapy are longer treatment times and higher surface doses.     

Exploring the food beliefs and eating behaviour of successful and unsuccessful dieters

Background: Cognitions about food are important but relatively unexplored determinants of eating behaviour. In order to alter nutrient intakes at an individual or population level, an understanding of the way in which food is viewed is essential for anyone working in nutrition. The Repertory Grid Technique, a psychological device for examining how people construe their lives, was used to examine food beliefs in women who had dieted. Methods: Twenty-six women were selected from 62 respondents on the basis of their past weight loss to form two groups, successful and unsuccessful dieters. Participants completed a background questionnaire on their weight history and eating style, a 7-day food record and a specially devised repertory grid using foods as the grid elements. Results: Results showed that the groups differed in their eating style and energy intake. The successful dieters had a lower energy intake but consumed a significantly higher percentage of energy from protein. They also had a higher level of dietary restraint and a more regular eating pattern than the unsuccessful dieters. Both groups held similar and complex food belief systems but differed in their perception of what foods were good tasting. The successful dieters appeared not only to hold complex and rigid beliefs about food but to extend this to their actual eating behaviour. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of cognitive factors in the control (and loss of control) of eating and illustrate the potential of the Repertory Grid Technique for use in the field of nutrition.     

Kish Grid抽样在世界健康调查(中国调查)中的应用

目的解决居民健康调查中入户后的抽样问题，产生代表性较好的研究样本。方法采用Kish Grid抽样方法，将抽样家庭按家庭成人数进行分层，在层内进行等概率抽样。结果运用Kish Grid抽样方法所获得的样本，在性别和年龄分布等人口统计学指标上，与总体有较好的一致性。结论Kish Grid抽样方法是一种操作简单，易于核查的抽样方法，可以有效减少入户抽样中的不规范性所造成的偏倚。     

In vitro mechanical test of grid plates for mandibular angle fractures

This study evaluated, by mechanical testing, the strength of four-hole grid plates used for mandibular angle fracture fixation. Much has been discussed about the treatment of mandibular fractures with straight or curved plates. However, there are few studies about the use of grid plates. The geometry of such plates provides three-dimensional stability, resistance against torque associated with a low profile. Ninety polyurethane hemimandibles were used as substratum. The hemimandibles were divided into nine groups and fixation of the fractures was performed varying the type and position of plate and type of screw. An intact hemimandible group was used as control. It was possible to observe that plates positioned at the tension zone present the highest load values, both for dislocations of 3 and 5 mm. There was no statistical difference when plates with or without an intermediate bar were tested. The locking screws were more efficient than the non-locking screws when the plates were positioned at the neutral zone. Results allowed us to conclude that grid plates installed at the tension zone presented greater mechanical efficiency. If grid plates are positioned at the neutral zone, they should have an intermediate bar and be fixed with locking screws.     

利多卡因微乳制备及体外透皮吸收研究

目的制备利多卡因微乳透皮载药系统,并对其理化性质及体外透皮行为进行考察。方法分别以油酸乙酯为油相,吐温-80为表面活性剂,无水乙醇为助表面活性剂,用水滴定的方法制备利多卡因微乳,绘制伪三元相图确定Km值,采用单纯网格法优化微乳,以稳态渗透速率和累积透皮量为指标,采用改良的Franz扩散池考察利多卡因微乳的体外透皮过程,并对其形态、粒径大小等进行了考察。结果优化微乳处方为油酸乙酯-吐温80-无水乙醇-重蒸水-利多卡因(3∶20∶7∶68∶2),微乳为淡黄色透明液体,平均粒径为78 nm。结论利多卡因微乳质量稳定,具有较好的透皮能力,可以为利多卡因经皮给药剂型选择提供参考。     

医疗大数据网格化清洗策略

以上海医疗大数据中心为依托，以质量控制之后、数据利用之前的医疗大数据为研究对象，建立数据清洗框架，给出数据可用性评估方法，根据数据特性聚类分析找出对应的清洗策略，反复推演策略的准确性、可靠性等，为医疗大数据分析利用提供有力支撑。     

曲安奈德玻璃体腔注射联合格栅样光凝治疗囊样黄斑水肿

目的 探讨曲安奈德玻璃体腔注射联合格栅样光凝治疗囊样黄斑水肿的有效性。 方法 本研究采用前瞻性非随机临床试验比较,对确诊为囊样黄斑水肿的患者14例14眼,经玻璃体腔注射曲安奈德2 mg并行格栅样光凝治疗。对照组为资料齐全并随访时间>6个月的既往病例16例(16眼)。治疗后3、6个月观察最佳矫正视力、眼压、黄斑中心凹视网膜厚度。结果 与治疗前视力相比,两组在治疗后3、6个月视力均有提高,差异均有统计学意义(F_对照组=11.4,F_试验组=16.3, P<0.01),试验组治疗前及治疗后3、6个月与对照组相应时间视力比较差异均无统计学意义(t_治疗前=0.122,t_治疗3月=1.11,t_治疗6月=0.79,P≥0.05)。与治疗前黄斑中心凹视网膜厚度相比,两组黄斑中心凹视网膜厚度均有所下降(F_对照组=5.77,F_试验组=7.29,P<0.01),试验组治疗前CMT与对照组相应时间CMT比较差异无统计学意义(t_治疗前=0.288,P>0.05),试验组治疗后3、6个月CMT与对照组相应时间CMT比较差异有统计学意义(t_治疗3月=1.702,t_治疗6月=1.92,P<0.05)。试验组术后4眼(28%)眼压升高。 结论 曲安奈德玻璃体腔注射联合格栅样光凝治疗能有效降低黄斑中心凹视网膜厚度,但必须警惕高眼压及青光眼的发生。     

VirtualPACS—A Federating Gateway to Access Remote Image Data Resources over the Grid

Collaborations in biomedical research and clinical studies require that data, software, and computational resources be shared between geographically distant institutions. In radiology, there is a related issue of sharing remote DICOM data over the Internet. This paper focuses on the problem of federating multiple image data resources such that clients can interact with them as if they are stored in a centralized PACS. We present a toolkit, called VirtualPACS, to support this functionality. Using the toolkit, users can perform standard DICOM operations (query, retrieve, and submit) across distributed image databases. The key features of the toolkit are: (1) VirtualPACS makes it easy to use existing DICOM client applications for data access; (2) it can easily be incorporated into an imaging workflow as a DICOM source; (3) using VirtualPACS, heterogeneous collections of DICOM sources are exposed to clients through a uniform interface and common data model; and (4) DICOM image databases without DICOM messaging can be accessed.

一种基于网格和密度的数据流聚类算法

在"数据流分析"这一数据挖掘的应用领域中,常规的算法显得很不适用.主要是因为这些算法的挖掘过程不能适应数据流的动态环境,其挖掘模型、挖掘结果不能满足实际应用中用户的需求.针对这一问题,本文提出了一种基于网格和密度的聚类方法,来有效地完成对数据流的分析任务.该方法打破传统聚类方法的束缚,把整个挖掘过程分为离线和在线两步,最终通过基于网格和密度的聚类方法实现数据流聚类.