网络环境下中医药高等院校图书馆的参考咨询服务建设

网络环境下参考咨询尤其是虚拟参考咨询其重要性日趋突出,我国高等院校的虚拟参考服务工作尽管有了相当的进步,但毕竟尚处于发展阶段。其中,中医药高等院校尤为薄弱,起步较晚,只有进一步提高认识,高起点高目标搞好快速高效的信息基础设施建设、建立复合型参考咨询服务体系、健全文献信息资源保障体系、构建高素质的参考咨询队伍等工作,才能迎头赶上。     

浅析医学图书馆参考咨询构成要素

随着科学的发展、技术的进步，参考咨询服务工作在近百年里取得了突破性进展。目前，该项服务已发展成为以虚拟参考咨询服务为主、传统参考咨询为辅的复合型参考咨询服务阶段。本文分析了医学用户的信息需求，阐明了参考咨询源的构成、应用软件的类型和适用范围、标准规范体系以及参考咨询人员知识结构和素质要求，为医学图书馆参考咨询系统的构建提供了依据。     

图书馆参考咨询工作现代与传统的差异

随着信息技术的飞速发展 ,我国图书馆经历了从传统到现代化的激剧变革。作为图书馆发展水平标志的参考咨询工作 ,也正在改变着传统的运作方式。现代参考咨询工作与传统参考咨询工作差异何在 ?本文从参考咨询的内涵、参考信息源、服务方式和对参考馆员的要求等几方面展开讨论。1　内涵的差异传统的参考咨询 ,是针对读者提出的疑难问题 ,利用参考工具 ,检索文献及有关书刊 ,帮助查寻或直接提供有关文献、文献知识、文献线索 ,以个别解答的方式为读者服务。现代参考咨询实质上是信息咨询。是以网络环境为背景 ,以馆藏的现实信息资源和网上虚拟…     

论网络环境下专业图书馆的参考咨询工作

论述了网络环境下专业图书馆参考咨询工作的特点、内容和服务方式及参考咨询人员应具备的能力。     

数字图书馆的信息参考咨询服务

在医院数字图书馆中，信息参考咨询是一项重要的服务内容。本文探讨了医院数字图书馆信息参考咨询的特征和方式。     

了解网络资源类型特点 加强用户参考咨询服务

本文主要探讨网络参考资源的类型和特点,参考咨询服务的方式,网络资源使用方面存在的问题。就图书馆如何加强对用户的参考服务,从应提高认识转变观念,设立有特色咨询主页,构建咨询源保障体系,开展网上导航工作,加强咨询协作网建设,提高信息资源利用率,不断提高馆员素质等方面进行详细论述,以拓展图书馆在网络时代创新服务的模式。     

试析网络环境下医院图书馆咨询服务现状与发展方向

本文从参考咨询的定义、地位、特点、内容等入手，结合广东省人民医院图书馆开展参考咨询服务工作的实例分析，探讨医院图书馆参考咨询服务现状、存在问题及今后发展的方向。     

未来信息天使——参考咨询馆员

阐述了未来图书馆参考咨询馆员的工作特点，继而论述了现代图书馆信息服务所具有的一些特征，提出了现代图书馆应加强参考咨询馆员信息服务能力的培养。     

对医学院校图书馆开展数字参考咨询服务的思考

信息技术的发展给图书馆参考咨询服务带来了深刻的变化,本文介绍了数字参考咨询面临的挑战与机遇,通过对医学院校图书馆数字参考咨询服务中存在的一些问题进行分析,提出了几点改进措施,以进一步改善图书馆数字参考咨询服务.     

研究网络资源类型及特点对做好用户参考咨询的作用

本文主要探讨网络参考资源的类型和特点，参考咨询服务的方式，网络资源使用方面存在的问题。就图书馆如何加强对用户的参考服务，从应提高认识转变观念，设立有特色咨询主页，构建咨询源保障体系，开展网上导航工作，加强咨询协作网建设，提高信息资源利用率，不断提高馆员素质等方面进行详细论述，以拓展图书馆在网络时代创新服务的模式。     

Modelling the wedge shape for the virtual wedge

We present a method to model the virtual wedge shape in a 3D treatment planning system as a physical wedge. The virtual wedge shape was determined using the measured dose profile of the virtual wedge at a chosen reference depth. The differences between the calculated and the measured dose profiles for the virtual wedge were within 0.5% at the reference depth, and within 2.5% at other depths. This method provides a fast and accurate way to implement the virtual wedge into our planning system for any wedge angles. This method is also applicable to model the physical wedge shapes with comparable good results.     

Telepathology overview: From concept to implementation

Telepathology is the practice of pathology at a distance by using video imaging and telecommunications. Significant progress has been made in telepathology. To date, 12 classes of telepathology systems have been engineered. Rapid and ultrarapid virtual slide processors may further expand the range of telepathology applications. Next-generation digital imaging light microscopes, such as miniaturized microscope arrays (MMA), may make virtual slide processing a routine laboratory tool. Diagnostic accuracy of telepathology is comparable with that of conventional light microscopy for most diagnoses. Current telepathology applications include intraoperative frozen sections services, routine surgical pathology services, second opinions, and subspecialty consultations. Three telepathology practice models are discussed: the subspecialty practice (SSP) model; the case triage practice (CTP) model; and the virtual group practice (VGP) model. Human factors influence performance with telepathology. Experience with 500 telepathology cases from multiple organs significantly reduces the video viewing time per case (P < .01). Many technology innovations can be represented as S-curves. After long incubation periods, technology use and/or efficiency may accelerate. Telepathology appears to be following an S-curve for a technical innovation.     

Selection of tests and services to generate revenue for reference laboratories

The 1980s have brought heightened awareness of the operating costs of immunohematology reference laboratories. Revenues can be increased by raising existing charges, expanding services, and acquiring new customers. Selection of tests and services to further increase revenue is best made following a thorough assessment of community needs and the capabilities and resources of the reference Laboratory.     

Web-based virtual microscopy in teaching and standardizing Gleason grading

Gleason grading forms the basis of prognostic and therapeutic assessment in prostatic carcinoma despite its subjective nature and substantial interobserver variation. The accuracy of Gleason grading can be improved by the use of educational tools such as reference images. However, conventional microscopy images are of limited educational value because it is neither possible to view the sample at different magnifications nor to navigate into different areas of the specimen. This limitation can be overcome by the use of virtual microscopy, which allows viewing entire digitized microscope slides. We created an interactive Web site ( www.webmicroscope.net/gleason ) featuring a comprehensive set of prostatic needle biopsies as virtual slides, which can be viewed with a standard Web browser (Internet Explorer or Netscape). To evaluate the validity of Web-based virtual microscopy for Gleason grading, an experienced uropathologist (TK) scored a series of 62 biopsies from the original glass slides and 6 weeks later from virtual slides on the Web site using an ordinary desktop computer. The intraobserver agreement was excellent, with identical Gleason scores found in 48 of the 62 cases ( kappa = 0.73). The 14 remaining scores differed only by 1 point on the Gleason scale (2-10). The virtual slides were viewed by 2 other uropathologists (PM and HH), with interobserver kappa coefficients ranging from 0.55 to 0.62, which is within the range of previously reported studies using glass slides. The 3 uropathologists' Gleason scores were included as reference scores on the Web site, which now serves as a publicly open platform for self-testing and learning of Gleason grading. We conclude that Web-based virtual microscopy is a promising new tool for teaching and standardizing Gleason grading.     

Sample size requirement for digital image analysis of collagen proportionate area in cirrhotic livers

Hall A R, Tsochatzis E, Morris R, Burroughs A K & Dhillon A P
(2012) Histopathology
Sample size requirement for digital image analysis of collagen proportionate area in cirrhotic livers Aims: The requirements for adequate cirrhotic liver biopsy size have not been established for quantitative fibrosis measurements (collagen proportionate area: CPA). We evaluated the CPA of virtual biopsies in cirrhosis to elucidate (i) the amount of tissue required to achieve reliable CPA measurements and (ii) the effect of aetiology on sample size requirements. Method and results: A total of 120 cirrhotic tissue blocks (six aetiologies) were studied. A representative 100 mm² region was selected from each block and a reference CPA measured. Each image (n = 120) was divided into 100 × 1 mm² images; CPA was measured for each 1 mm² and virtual biopsies of different sizes were created from the 1 mm² components. For each virtual biopsy size the probability that the virtual biopsy CPA would be within 5% of the reference CPA was calculated. There were 441 000 virtual biopsies. Biopsy size versus probability plots indicated that, for 90% probability that the virtual biopsy CPA can be expected to be within 5% of the reference CPA, 22–28 mm² of analysable tissue is required depending on liver disease aetiology; and that a 75% probability level requires a biopsy with 12–15 mm² of analysable tissue. Conclusion: The sample size required for a given probability level depends on the aetiology of cirrhosis, and this should be taken into account when judging the reliability of cirrhotic liver biopsy CPA.     

Newborn blood spot screening and genetic services: a survey of Minnesota primary care physicians.

PURPOSE: To (1) obtain guidance on the preferred content and format of quick reference newborn blood spot screening information from the Minnesota Department of Health; (2) determine primary care physicians' perceptions of the benefits of genetic services; and (3) determine primary care physicians' satisfaction with genetic counseling services. METHODS: A written survey was mailed to family physicians and pediatricians in Minnesota (n = 300). RESULTS: Eighty physicians responded (28% response rate). Whereas 70% of respondents felt previous information received from the newborn screening program was adequate, 83% were interested in quick reference information. The majority of physicians preferred this information as a laminated sheet (63%). Physician procedure for an abnormal screen, newborn screening program protocol for an abnormal screen, and disease treatment and follow-up information were recommended for inclusion on quick reference. Over half of physicians agreed with the following benefits of genetic services: provide testing options (88%); evaluate family members (88%); reduce parental anxiety (87%); provide resources (83%); provide diagnostic information (76%); determine medical needs (67%); and determine emotional needs (51%). Ninety-nine percent of physicians were satisfied with genetic counseling services. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians indicated that reference material for primary care physicians should include a quick reference card with specific categories of information. Newborn screening programs should attempt to increase physician awareness of genetic services, including the subsequent medical and psychosocial benefits for their patients.     

Predicting first molar width using virtual models of dental arches

In dentistry, large regions of dentition often are restored with minimal information about the original anatomy. The ability to predict missing anatomy from existing anatomy would aid such restorations. This study investigated the relationship between first molar mesial-distal width and arch shape using newly defined reference points and three-dimensional (3D) digital methods. Full-mouth dental stone casts from 167 dental students were scanned and rendered as 3D virtual models. Maxillary and mandibular arch lengths and widths and first molar mesial-distal widths were measured on the virtual models using new definitions incorporating virtual planes. A linear mixed model of the first molar width regressed on the other measurements was done. Intraobserver reproducibility was evaluated by means of intraclass correlation (ICC) and standard deviation of measurement error (SDME). All measured distances were averaged as a combined group and as gender groups. The correlation coefficients between the maxillary and mandibular first molar widths were over 0.70 (P < 0.01). Intraobserver error was small. ICCs were over 0.92 and SDMEs were from 0.11 to 0.21 mm. Arch dimensions and first molar widths were defined and measured. Regression equations were calculated for predicting first molar width. The prediction of first molar width using arch dimension is essential for virtual designing of missing first molars. This approach also provides reliable reference point definitions for the virtual dental model which was impossible with traditional measurement methods. Therefore, this study would be helpful for understanding the 3D anatomy of dental arch and fabrication of automatic prosthodontic restorations.     

The diffusion of virtual communities in health care: concepts and challenges

OBJECTIVE: This paper providers an overview and discussion of virtual communities in health care. Furthermore, we aim to discuss in this context ethical, legal and technical considerations and the current status of research in this domain. METHODS: We searched medical and social science literature including survey studies, randomized and non-randomized controlled interventions and reviews. RESULTS: The literature indicates that a virtual community in health care as a group of people using telecommunication with the purposes of delivering health care and education, and/or providing support, covers a wide range of clinical specialties, technologies and stakeholders. Examples include peer-to-peer networks, virtual health care delivery and research teams. Ethical challenges including the concepts of identity and deception, privacy and confidentiality and technical issues, such as sociability and usability are discussed. CONCLUSION: Virtual communities may empower patients and enhance coordination of care services; however, there is not sufficient systematic evidence of the effectiveness of virtual communities on clinical outcomes or patient empowerment. Researchers need to address issues, such as sample sizes and experimental design to further the research field in this domain. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: When practitioners utilize virtual community tools to communicate with patients or colleagues they have to maximize sociability and usability of this mode of communication, while addressing concerns for privacy and the fear of de-humanizing practice, and the lack of clarity or relevance of current legislative frameworks.