Deep learning model for ultrafast quantification of blood flow in diffuse correlation spectroscopy.

Diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) is increasingly used in the optical imaging field to assess blood flow in humans due to its non-invasive, real-time characteristics and its ability to provide label-free, bedside monitoring of blood flow changes. Previous DCS studies have utilized a traditional curve fitting of the analytical or Monte Carlo models to extract the blood flow changes, which are computationally demanding and less accurate when the signal to noise ratio decreases. Here, we present a deep learning model that eliminates this bottleneck by solving the inverse problem more than 2300% faster, with equivalent or improved accuracy compared to the nonlinear fitting with an analytical method.

Validation of the VBLaST pattern cutting task: a learning curve study.

Background: Mastery of laparoscopic skills is essential in surgical practice and requires considerable time and effort to achieve. The Virtual Basic Laparoscopic Skill Trainer (VBLaST-PC) is a virtual simulator that was developed as a computerized version of the pattern cutting (PC) task in the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) system. To establish convergent validity for the VBLaST-PC, we assessed trainees' learning curves using the cumulative summation (CUSUM) method and compared them with those on the FLS.

Nurses' work with interruptions: an objective model for testing interventions.

Interruptions experienced by nurses may lead to errors as their focus and attention to multiple patient needs are disrupted. As quantitative models to understand the dynamics of interruptions are lacking, the objective of this study is a model of a nurse's work with interruptions, generating insights into the onset of interruptions and evaluating suggested interventions. We observed nurses in a US Level I trauma center for 47.

Use of stochastic resonance methods for improving laparoscopic surgery performance.

Background: Vibrotactile feedback (VIB) has been utilized in previous research as sensory augmentation to improve performance during minimally invasive surgical tasks. Stochastic resonance (SR), introduced into the human control system as white noise at a subthreshold level, has shown promise to improve the sensitivity of tactile receptors resulting in performance enhancement for sensorimotor tasks. The purpose of this study was to determine whether SR could improve performance (accuracy, speed) in a simulated laparoscopic palpation task.

Feasibility of osteoporosis screening by dual-energy radiographic absorptiometry of the phalanx.

A new dual-energy radiographic absorptiometry-based technique is presented as a cost-effective method for mass osteoporosis screening. Designed for use in a dental health care setting, we propose a method and device for bone mineral density (BMD) assessment using the middle phalanx of the 3rd digit as our anatomical measurement site. Our 2-staged project includes the development of the prototype to carry out the measurement and the execution of a small pilot study to determine the efficacy of the method and device.

Overview of the locking compression plate and its clinical applications in fracture healing.

Open reduction and internal fixation of fractures involves the use of metallic implants to support bone reduction. This procedure is often used in situations in which adequate alignment and stability of the bone cannot be achieved using nonsurgical methods such as casting. The locking compression plate is a contemporary implant that allows for both conventional screw placement (using nonlocking screws) and locking screw placement (where screw heads lock into the plate at a predetermined angle).

Configural features of helmet-mounted displays to enhance pilot situation awareness.

Background: In the current research, we used configural displays to investigate what design features contribute to the formation of operator situation awareness (SA). Configural displays have been shown to provide better performance for integration tasks, yet the design aspects of these displays which affect the formation of operator SA have not been determined.

Objective: We compared the design features of three configural attitude head-up displays (HUD) [joint strike fighter (JSF), dual articulated (DA), and arc segment attitude reference (ASAR)] presented on a helmet mounted display (HMD) across four experiments to quantify what aspects of configural displays would affect pilot SA.