The Kuiper quadrangle (H06) is located at the equatorial zone of Mercury and encompasses area between 288°E – 360°E 22.5°N 22.5°S. Using NASA MESSENGER data, we compiled a geological map 1:3,000,000 scale. mapping was mainly based on photo-interpretation an MDIS (Mercury Dual Imaging System) monochrome 166 m/pixel basemap. Additional datasets were also considered: stereo-DTM region, mosaics wit...

This paper presents an efficient algorithm for filtering multi-layer depth images (MDIs) in order to produce approximate penumbras. The filtering is performed on a MDI that represents the view from the light source. The algorithm is based upon both ray tracing and the z-buffer shadow algorithm, and is closely related to convolution methods. The method’s effectiveness is demonstrated on especial...

The delivery of bronchodilators with metered-dose inhaler (MDI) in mechanically ventilated patients has attracted considerable interest in recent years. This is because the use of the MDI has several advantages over the nebulizer, such as reduced cost, ease of administration, less personnel time, reliability of dosing and a lower risk of contamination. A spacer device is fundamental in order to...

Rationale: Monitoring was required for the introduction of non-chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants in metered dose inhalers (MDIs) to ensure that there were no unexpected adverse events due to the new products. A postmarketing observational study was conducted to evaluate the introduction of the MDI Seretide Evohaler TM (hydrofluoroalkane-134a inhaler containing salmeterol and fluticasone prop...

BACKGROUND Therapeutic inhaled aerosols are often delivered to spontaneously breathing tracheostomized children. Although aerosol delivery can be affected by several factors, no recommendations for device/drug formulation choice are available. We hypothesized that practice modalities will vary among different institutions. METHODS The respiratory care departments in institutions in the Unite...

Proper inhaler technique is crucial for effective management of asthma and COPD. This multicentre, cross-sectional, observational study investigates the prevalence of inhaler mishandling in a large population of experienced patients referring to chest clinics; to analyze the variables associated with misuse and the relationship between inhaler handling and health-care resources use and disease ...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate treatment compliance and use of inhaled medications of patients with asthma receiving complementary pharmaceutical care. METHODS A controlled prospective parallel study involving a study group and a control group. We selected 60 patients with persistent asthma and using metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs) or both. The patients were evaluated three ti...

STUDY OBJECTIVES To compare lung deposition of fenoterol or flunisolide administered from a novel, multidose inhalation device delivering liquid droplets (RESPIMAT; Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd; Bracknell, UK) or from conventional metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) with and without spacers. DESIGN Two randomized, three-way crossover studies. SETTING Clinical research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS Health...