In this paper we present a linear running time optimization algorithm for meshes with subdivision connectivity, e.g. subdivision surfaces. The algorithm optimizes a model using a metric defined by the user. Two functionals are used to build the metric: a rate functional and a distortion (i.e. error) functional. The distortion functional defines the error function to minimize, whereas the rate f...

than one error simultaneously. We also studied the kind ofoutpatient contml, if any, devoted to these patients. As expected, the greatest percentage of errors was observed in the group of patients without any kind of medical advice (83%). However, practically the same proportion (79%) failed to use the MDIs properly despite the fact that they were under the supervision of medical outpatient car...

Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) which have a valve holding chamber plus a mouthpiece or mask have, in recent years, markedly improved the ease, speed and reliability of aerosol therapy for reversible airflow obstruction in adults, children and infants. MDIs, effective and easily accessible when patients are away from home, are the gold standard for the treatment of reversible airflow obstruction s...

PURPOSE Respiratory drug delivery has been attracted great interest for the past decades, because of the high incidence of pulmonary diseases. However, despite its invaluable benefits, there are some major drawbacks in respiratory drug delivery, mainly due to the relatively high drug deposition in undesirable regions. One way to improve the efficiency of respiratory drug delivery through metere...

Introduction: Quadrangle geological maps from Mariner 10 data cover 45% [1] of the surface of Mercury at 1:5M scale, e.g. [2],[3]. Orbital MESSENGER data, which cover the entire planetary surface, can now be used to produce finer scale geological maps, including regions unseen by Mariner 10. Hokusai quadrangle (0–90° E; 22.5–66° N) is in the hemisphere unmapped by Mariner 10. It contains promin...

PURPOSE Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) and spacers are used widely in the treatment of asthma. Medical personnel who are responsible for training patients must themselves be proficient with the devices. The proficiency of a group of new medical interns with use of MDI and spacer devices was determined, and improvement in their use of these devices was sought. SUBJECTS Fifty six medical interns ...

Maternal cocaine use during pregnancy can affect the infant directly through toxic effects or indirectly through cocaine's influence on maternal psychological status. We followed 160 cocaine exposed and 56 nonexposed infants and their mothers identified at birth through interview and/or urine screen. Although cocaine exposure defined the groups, infant exposure to alcohol, marijuana, and tobacc...

There is increasing evidence that bronchodilators are effective in ventilator dependent preterm infants. The effects of single doses of salbutamol (400 micrograms), ipratropium bromide (72 micrograms), and placebo (four puffs) given by metered dose inhaler and spacer (MDIS) were examined in 10 ventilated preterm infants, with a mean birth weight of 800 g at a postnatal age of 1 week, who were s...

OBJECTIVE Our goals were to determine if continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), compared with those continuing multiple daily injections (MDIs), can be safely used in young children, if those on CSII will have superior glycemic control, if subjects using CSII will have less hypoglycemia for their level of control, and if families using CSII will report an improved quality of life. R...

This pilot study simultaneously evaluated the effects of various factors, including genetic variations of CYP2B6, CYP2C19, and ABCB1, demographic characteristics, disease states, methadone-drug interactions (MDIs), and poly-substance use, on the treatment responses among non-HIV patients in the methadone maintenance treatment program (MMTP) in Taiwan. A total of 178 patients were recruited from...