Optimization of lightweight structure and supporting bipod flexure for a space mirror.

This article presents an optimization process for integrated optomechanical design. The proposed optimization process for integrated optomechanical design comprises computer-aided drafting, finite element analysis (FEA), optomechanical transfer codes, and an optimization solver. The FEA was conducted to determine mirror surface deformation; then, deformed surface nodal data were transferred into Zernike polynomials through MATLAB optomechanical transfer codes to calculate the resulting optical path difference (OPD) and optical aberrations.

A surgeon's help with the management of bowel problems related to gynecology is truly needed - comparison of two periods spanning 24 years.

Objective: Colorectal surgeons are frequently on call to provide help to gynecologists who are managing bowel problems that occur either during or following gynecological surgery. This is a retrospective analysis of a single surgeon's experiences associated with such instances. The analysis focuses on whether there have been any changes in referral patterns, surgical techniques and/or results.

Missed cancerous lesions in emergency laparoscopic surgery: retrospective study of 2074 cases.

Abdominal laparoscopy is a widely accepted surgical procedure effective even for acute abdominal ailments. However, one major concern in using abdominal laparoscopy is missed lesions, in the past this has not been adequately explored. The aim of this retrospective study, therefore, is to evaluate cancerous lesions that are missed during emergency laparoscopic surgeries.

Simplified small-scale backlight unit tester.

A novel design is the concept of using charge coupled device camera embedded with calibrated image processing algorithm as a two-dimensional luminance meter to measure the luminance and uniformity of small-scale backlight of unit. A small-scale backlight unit tester was successfully realized and performed to verify this concept.

Protecting a lens with air.

A novel design is the concept of preventing the camera lens from contamination of the particles by using "airwall." An experimental wireless video camera debris deflecting system was realized and performed to verify the concept. Functional tests have been successfully verified.

Prospective randomized comparison of oral sodium phosphate and polyethylene glycol lavage for colonoscopy preparation.

Aim: To compare the effectiveness, patient acceptability, and physical tolerability of two oral lavage solutions prior to colonoscopy in a Taiwanese population.

Methods: Eighty consecutive patients were randomized to receive either standard 4 L of polyethylene glycol (PEG) or 90 mL of sodium phosphate (NaP) in a split regimen of two 45 mL doses separated by 12 h, prior to colonoscopic evaluation. The primary endpoint was the percent of subjects who had completed the preparation.