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James, Lindsey Taylor. "Invasive." Kent State University / OhioLINK, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1524231202288714.
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Kindberg, Katarina. "Invasive and Non-Invasive Quantification of Cardiac Kinematics." Doctoral thesis, Linköpings universitet, Mekanisk värmeteori och strömningslära, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-60202.
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The ability to measure and quantify myocardial motion and deformation provides a useful tool to assist in the diagnosis, prognosis and management of heart disease. Myocardial motion can be measured by means of several different types of data acquisition. The earliest myocardial motion tracking technique was invasive, based on implanting radiopaque markers into the myocardium around the left ventricle, and recording the marker positions during the cardiac cycle by biplane cineradiography. Until recently, this was the only method with high enough spatial resolution of three-dimensional (3D) myocardial displacements to resolve transmural behaviors. However, the recent development of magnetic resonance imaging techniques, such as displacement encoding with stimulated echoes (DENSE), make detailed non-invasive 3D transmural kinematic analyses of human myocardium possible in the clinic and for research purposes. Diastolic left ventricular filling is a highly dynamic process with early and late transmitral inflows and it is determined by a complex sequence of many interrelated events and parameters. Extensive research has been performed to describe myocardial kinematics during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle, but not by far the same amount of research has been accomplished during diastole. Measures of global and regional left ventricular kinematics during diastole are important when attempting to understand left ventricular filling characteristics in health and disease. This thesis presents methods for invasive and non-invasive quantification of cardiac kinematics, with focus on diastole. The project started by quantification of changes in global left ventricular kinematics during diastolic filling. The helical myocardial fiber architecture of the left ventricle produces both long- and short-axis motion as well as torsional deformation. The longitudinal excursion of the mitral annular plane is an important component of left ventricular filling and ejection. This was studied by analyzing the contribution of mitral annular dynamics to left ventricular filling volume in the ovine heart. In order to quantify strains for a specific body undergoing deformation, displacements for a set of internal points at a deformed configuration relative to a reference configuration are needed. A new method for strain quantification from measured myocardial displacements is presented in this thesis. The method is accurate and robust and delivers analytical expressions of the strain components. The developed strain quantification method is simple in nature which aids to bridge a possible gap in understanding between different disciplines and is well suited for sparse arrays of displacement data. Analyses of myocardial kinematics at the level of myocardial fibers require knowledge of cardiac tissue architecture. Temporal changes in myofiber directions during the cardiac cycle have been analyzed in the ovine heart by combining histological measurements of transmural myocardial architecture and local transmural strains. Rapid early diastolic filling is an essential component of the left ventricular function. Such filling requires a highly compliant chamber immediately after systole, allowing inflow at low driving pressures. Failure of this process can lead to exercise intolerance and ultimately to heart failure. A thorough analysis of the relation between global left ventricular kinematics and local myocardial strain at the level of myocardial fibers during early diastole in the ovine heart was performed by applying the method for strain quantification and the technique for computing temporal changes in myocardial architecture on measures of myocardial displacements and tissue architecture in the ovine heart. As data acquisition technologies develop, quantification methods for cardiac kinematics need to be adapted and validated on the new types of data. Recent improvements of DENSE magnetic resonance imaging enable non-invasive transmural strain analyses in the human heart. The strain quantification method was first tailored to displacement data from a surgically implanted bead array but has been extended to applications on non-invasive DENSE data measured in two and three dimensions. Validation against an analytical standard reveals accurate results and in vivo strains agree with values for normal human hearts from other studies. The method has in this thesis been used with displacement data from invasive marker technology and non-invasive DENSE magnetic resonance imaging, but can equally well be applied on any type of displacement data provided that the spatial resolution is high enough to resolve local strain variations.
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Hussain, Shazia Tanvir. "Invasive and non-invasive indices of myocardial ischemia." Thesis, King's College London (University of London), 2014. https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/invasive-and-noninvasive-indices-of-myocardial-ischemia(e8050a58-2a0e-4b05-804c-a2cd5d22e37b).html.
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Recent guidelines for the management of stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial revascularisation emphasise the importance of the presence of ischaemia for guiding revascularisation. Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) perfusion imaging and fractional flow reserve (FFR) are two methods of physiological ischaemia assessment, one invasive and the other non-invasive. In order that the results are interpreted accurately, it is important to be aware of the limitations and advantages of each technique. These techniques measure different parameters so it is not uncommon that the two tests may lead to differing results in one patient. In addition, the extent and not just the presence of ischaemia are increasingly considered to be an important variable that needs to be considered. The aim of this thesis is to assess the similarities and differences in ischaemia assessment between the two tests, in particular in the assessment of ischaemic burden and also on specific clinical scenarios such as microvascular and multivessel disease. Firstly, a close correlation between the extent of ischaemia measured by CMR and the FFR value itself is demonstrated. FFR measurement has previously been used as an indicator of the presence of ischaemia alone and the relationship with ischaemic extent has never been proven. It is an interesting finding, which lends weight to the strategy of targeted revascularisation aiming for the greatest reduction in ischaemic burden. The FFR value itself as an indicator of ischaemic burden is also useful in centres that do not have access to sophisticated imaging techniques such as CMR. Secondly, another simple method of invasive estimation of ischaemic burden is demonstrated via the use of a functional jeopardy score. This is validated against CMR but is limited by a tendency to overestimate the extent of ischaemia. The use of the FFR value itself, as demonstrated in chapter 4, therefore offers better potential as a marker of ischaemic extent. Two examples of areas where there may be discrepant results are in patients with multivessel disease and patients with microvascular disease. A comparative analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of these two tests in multivessel disease demonstrates reasonable concordance but does lead us to question which test is the diagnostic reference standard. In the discrepant cases, it is unclear whether CMR underestimates or FFR overestimates the number of perfusion territories. Finally, a novel method of non invasively differentiating between multivessel disease and microvascular disease is demonstrated, providing a feasible solution to this diagnostic dilemma. Multivessel CAD and microvascular disease can be accurately distinguished using the novel concept of perfusion dephasing analysis, which analyses the spatio-temporal variability in the distribution of myocardial perfusion to the LV myocardium. An improved diagnostic algorithm of CMR is therefore proposed, including the analysis of the variance of time to peak signal intensity, the most accurate index for perfusion dephasing. This has the potential for patient benefit in the reduction of unnecessary invasive angiography procedures.
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Henriksson, Larsson Henny. "Kartläggning över spridning av silvergran, Abies alba." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för biologisk grundutbildning, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-451267.
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Silvergran, Abies alba, är en ursprungligen odlad art som har fått snabb spridning i södra och mellersta Sverige de senaste 100 åren. Risk finns att denna art är invasiv och kan påverka vår inhemska flora och fauna negativt. I ett lövskogsområde norr om Uppsala finns en ungefär 70 år gammal plantering av silvergran som är nära 1200 kvadratmeter stor. I området kring planteringen har ett stort antal plantor av silvergran etablerat sig och syftet med denna studie är att kartlägga spridningen av arten i området. Studien kan bidra till att skapa ett generellt spridningsmönster för silvergran i liknande miljöer i Sverige. Att kartlägga spridningsmönstret kan vara fördelaktigt både för att kunna avgöra om arten måste klassas som invasiv, och om åtgärder behöver vidtas mot den möjligt invasiva ädelgranen. Skogsområdet är omgivet av åkermark och har inventerats genom transekter indelade i rutor. Från inventeringen är en generell spridning av silvergran kartlagd för skogsområdet. Granarna uppmättes i olika storlekskategorier, vilket är representerat i de framställda kartorna. På så sätt får man direkt en visuell överblick över spridningen av silvergran i skogsområdet från ursprungskällan. Tydligt är att silvergranen har stor möjlighet att på egen hand sprida sig i den sydliga, svenska lövskogen och hur spridningen av silvergran i framtiden kommer se ut är ett ämne för diskussion och studier.
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Dolan, Corrine, and Bill Mannan. "Invasive Wildlife." College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/146739.
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3 pp.Tips for Arizona's Rural Landowners: Wildlife Unit
The Tips for Arizona's Rural Landowners Fact Sheet Series is intended to educate homeowners who have recently purchased small acreages in Arizona. The purpose of the series is to give homeowners information about living in rural settings. The Wildlife Unit includes fact sheets on wildlife habitat enhancement, the legal status of wildlife, venomous wildlife, wildlife transmitted diseases, aggressive wildlife and pet safety, wildlife-human conflicts, fencing, safe pesticide alternatives, and invasive wildlife.
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Ahmed, Fahad. "Invasive and non-invasive detection of bias temperature instability." Diss., Georgia Institute of Technology, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/52227.
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Invasive and non-invasive methods of BTI monitoring and wearout preemption have been proposed. We propose a novel, simple to use, test structure for NBTI /PBTI monitoring. The proposed structure has an AC and a DC stress mode. Although during stress mode, both PMOS and NMOS devices are stressed, the proposed structure isolates the PBTI and NBTI degradation during test mode. A methodology of converting any data-path into ring oscillator (DPRO) is also presented. To avoid the performance overhead of attaching monitoring circuitry to functional block, a non-invasive scheme for BTI monitoring is presented for sleep transistor based logic families. Since, BTI is a critical issue for memories, a scheme for BTI monitoring of 6T SRAM cell based memories is also presented. We make use of the concept of a DPRO and show how a memory system can be made to oscillate in test mode. The frequency of oscillation is a function of the devices in the cell. After validation of the proposed schemes using extensive simulations, we have also validated the results on silicon. We also introduce the concept of wearout mitigation at the compiler level. Using an example of a register file, we present a preemptive method of wearout mitigation using a compiler directed scheme.
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Medvecz, Erin. "Resisting Invasion: Grassland Plant Responses to an Invasive Legume, Lespedeza cuneata." OpenSIUC, 2017. https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/theses/2123.
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Invasive species, including Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don, threaten the success of grassland restoration through their ability to alter species composition following invasion. Combining the filter framework model of community assembly with the passenger-driver model of non-native species behavior can clarify the broader impacts of invasive species in the communities they invade. Testing this combined theory by exploring the mechanisms by which an invasive functions (above- and belowground) and the response of native plants from different functional groups to these mechanisms can reveal if an invasive functions as a driver and a filter. Observational field surveys were conducted across fifteen L. cuneata-invaded grasslands to compare species composition of plots in which L. cuneata was either present or absent. In a greenhouse experiment, the response of natives in three functional groups—grasses, forbs, and legumes—to aboveground (competition), belowground (soil conditioning), and both above- and belowground interactions with L. cuneata were investigated. Response variables (height, leaf number, root length, biomass, specific leaf area, leaf chlorophyll, and soil pH and conductivity) were measured. Regional analysis of the field surveys did not identify distinct species compositional differences in invaded and uninvaded areas, while within-site analyses revealed differences in half of the sites, suggesting that site specific characteristics could be impacting whether L. cuneata presence corresponds with a fundamental shift in species composition. Regionally, grass and legume abundance was higher in plots not containing L. cuneata than in plots where it was present. The greenhouse experiment illustrated stronger aboveground competitive effects than belowground soil effects, with impacts differing among functional groups. Under pressure of competition with L. cuneata, grasses experienced increases in certain measured traits (height, root length and specific leaf area), while when grown in conditioned soil, grasses produced greater biomass. Additionally, the growth of L. cuneata differed when grown in competition with forbs, grasses, and legumes. Competition with legumes resulted in the most suppressed growth of L. cuneata individuals among the three functional groups. Considering the field survey and greenhouse experiments in conjunction suggests that grasses can benefit from interactions with L. cuneata and have the potential to outcompete and exclude it, while legumes are detrimental to the growth of L. cuneata and compete for niche space, resulting in L. cuneata establishment in legume-poor areas. The forb functional group did not have a significant relationship to L. cuneata presence in either the field surveys or the greenhouse experiment. Lesepedeza cuneata acts as a driver, altering the abiotic and biotic filters to impact species composition, while it does not act as a filter, with native grasses and legumes acting to filter the L. cuneata.
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Keuter, Stefan. "Invasive und nicht invasive Diagnostik im ersten Trimenon der Schwangerschaft." [S.l.] : [s.n.], 2001. http://deposit.ddb.de/cgi-bin/dokserv?idn=963157876.
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Miller, Nathaniel P. "Invasions of Secondary Forest by a Nonnative Grass Species: Microstegium vimineum {Nees}(Poaceae)." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1307047314.
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Boldt, Martin. "Privacy-Invasive Software." Doctoral thesis, Karlskrona : Blekinge Institute of Technology, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:bth-00459.
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As computers are increasingly more integrated into our daily lives we become more dependent on software. This situation is exploited by villainous actors on the Internet that distribute malicious software in search for fast financial gains on the expense of deceived computer users. As a result, computer users need more accurate and aiding mechanisms to assist them when separating legitimate software from its unwanted counterparts. However, such separations are complicated due to a greyzone of software that exists between legitimate and purely malicious software. The software in this greyzone often vaguely labeled spyware. This work introduce both user-aiding mechanisms and an attempt to clarify the greyzone by introducing the concept of privacy-invasive software (PIS) as a category of software that ignores the users’ right to be left alone. Such software is distributed with a specific intent (often of commercial nature), which negatively affect the users to various degree. PIS is therefore classified with respect to the degree of informed consent and the amount of negative consequences for the users. To mitigate the effects from PIS, two novel mechanisms for safeguarding user consent during software installation are introduced; a collaborative software reputation system; and an automated End User License Agreement (EULA) classification. In the software reputation system, users collaborate by sharing experiences of previously used software programs, allowing new users to rely on the collective experience when installing software. The EULA classification generalizes patterns from a set of both legitimate and questionable software EULAs, so that computer users can automatically classify previously unknown EULAs as belonging to legitimate software or not. Both techniques increase user awareness about software program behavior, which allow users to make more informed decisions concerning software installations, which arguably reduces the threat from PIS. We present experimental results showing the ability of a set of machine learning algorithms ability to perform automated EULA classification. In addition, we also present a prototype implementation of a software reputation system, together with simulation results of the large-scale use of the system.
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Bell, Graeme Douglas Milton. "Regulation of gene expression in invasive and non-invasive Compositae weeds." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/26226.
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Gene expression divergence between populations has been linked to adaptive morphological evolution and is thought to be a factor in the invasive success of certain weedy plants. Understanding the genetic basis of these regulatory changes can identify genes that have been under selection during adaptation to a new environment or new species interactions. A high-throughput sequencing approach was used to study the regulatory basis (cis and/or trans) of gene expression differences between native and invasive populations of Cirsium arvense (Canada thistle) by exploring patterns of differential gene expression and sequence variation. Parent and hybrid allele-specific expression ratios were compared to infer the relative effects of cis- and trans-regulatory change. Genes differentially regulated in cis are considered candidate genes involved in adaptation or weediness because there is evidence for selection acting primarily on cis-regulatory variation. Illumina sequencing of cDNA libraries derived from parents and hybrid pools resulted in a total of 82,713,256 paired-end (2x100bp) reads and 83.4% of these were mapped to a reference C. arvense transcriptome of 88,374 unigene sequences. Expression analysis and variant (SNPs and Indel) calling was performed to score the nature of regulatory divergence for the first 900 contigs, representing ~1% of the total dataset. Of the 40 high-confidence cases, 7 showed cis-effects, 6 showed trans-effects, 9 had varying degrees of both cis and trans, and 18 showed non-intermediate hybrid effects. A set of contigs that had high similarity to 63 known or confirmed stress-related genes, previously identified in studies of sunflower and Canada thistle, was also assayed for allelic imbalance. Of these, 2 cases showed a cis-effect, 2 showed both cis- and trans-effects, and 2 revealed hybrid effects. Contig 23614, an auxin-response transcription factor, was differentially regulated due to cis-effects and has been previously confirmed as drought-stress gene in both sunflower and C. arvense. This research identifies changes in gene expression that are driven by differential selective pressures in native and invasive populations. It also advances our understanding of the nature of genetic changes that drive gene expression evolution.
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Nati, Julie Jeanne Helene. "Invasion physiology : do physiological characteristics facilitate the spread of invasive fish species?" Thesis, University of Glasgow, 2016. http://theses.gla.ac.uk/8104/.
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A considerable number of abiotic (e.g. temperature) and biotic factors (e.g. intra-interspecific interactions) contribute in shaping species’ distribution and invasiveness but knowledge is still lacking regarding the importance of physiological and behavioural traits in determining the distributions of ectotherms and especially the invasion success of non-native species into novel habitats. With rising temperatures, distribution shifts in many of fish species have been observed. Additionally, changing thermal conditions are facilitating the colonisation of invasive species. It is crucial that we gain an increased understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of environmental change on the distribution of aquatic species and the ecological damage caused by invasive species. Physiological traits are likely to present a fundamental constraint on the environments that are habitable to a given species. Whole animal traits associated with energy metabolism and locomotory performance are especially likely to be important in this regard. Nevertheless, the effects of traits such as metabolic rate and aerobic scope (AS) on the distributions of native and invasive species have not been thoroughly studied. In a first step toward understanding these effects, I performed a phylogenetically-informed analysis of links between AS and absolute latitudinal distribution range in 86 fish species. From the results obtained in Chapter 2, I found no evidence for the direct implication of AS in the currently observed distributions of fishes. Moreover, no association between AS and invasion success in 59 freshwater fish species (23 invasive and 36 native species) was found. These results suggested that peak AS is not a constraining or determining factor in the distribution range and invasion success in fish. Following on from these results, there is a possibility that there could be a trade-off between peak and breadth of performance for AS across temperatures in fishes. Species with a higher peak AS might only be able to function normally over a narrow range of temperatures. In Chapter 3, I collected AS data from literature and conducted phylogenetical-informed analysis to test the trade-off theory in AS across 28 fish species. No evidence could be found for a trade-off between peak and breadth performance in AS for fish. Interspecific competition between invasive and native fish species might cause changes in the structure of native fish communities. Furthermore, these interactions can vary over competitive context (e.g. for prey or cover), differ over a range of environmental factors (e.g. in response to temperature variation) and be linked directly or indirectly to species’ metabolic capacity (e.g. aerobic scope). With increasing temperatures, invasive species might gain a competitive advantage over the native species though shifts or changes in competitive behaviour and traits such as AS. After having investigated broad patterns among AS and geographical distributions in fishes, the remainder of my thesis focused on trade-offs in energy allocation and tolerance to environmental stressors in a pair of species to determine the role of aerobic capacity as a factor in competition between these two species. Specifically, I examined interactions between native stone loaches (Barbatula barbatula) and invasive bullheads (Cottus gobio), two species which occupy the same ecological niche and that are believed to compete for similar habitats. Physiological and behavioural traits could play an essential role in the spread of invasive species, particularly the internal underlying mechanisms that modulate an organism’s response to environmental changes. In Chapter 4, I examined physiological and behavioural responses of invasive bullheads and native stone loaches to acute and acclimated temperature shifts (13-21°). I found that invasive bullheads had a lower AS than stone loaches over all temperatures tested. Bullheads were also less active overall and preferred colder temperatures (17.5-19°C) than stone loaches (21-22.4°C). Therefore, changes in AS in response to thermal variation are unlikely to be a contributing factor in invasion success of bullheads in Scottish rivers. In Chapter 5, I investigated the direct competitive interactions between bullheads and stone loaches at three different temperatures (13°C, 17°C and 21°C). Overall, native stone loaches were better competitors for shelter use and in particular at colder temperatures. There was no clear causal effect of temperature or AS on competitive outcomes between these two species. Low competitive ability found in invasive bullheads suggests that bullheads may not be actively displacing stone loaches. It has been suggested that a successful invader should have a wide tolerance range for different environmental factors. For example, invasive species might be more tolerant to hypoxic events as compared to native species. In Chapter 6, I looked at the hypoxia tolerance and avoidance behaviour of bullheads and stone loaches over different dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations (100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, 30%, 25% and 20% DO levels). Surprisingly, I found that bullheads were less tolerant to hypoxic conditions with a Pcrit value of 4.96 mg O2 l-1 at 14°C. Avoidance behaviour towards progressive hypoxia was similar between bullheads and stone loaches; both species spent most of their time utilising the shelter even in hypoxic conditions. Low tolerance towards hypoxia did not give an advantage to invasive bullheads over native stone loaches in particular during harsh environmental conditions. The results from this thesis suggest that metabolic traits may not play as strong a role in constraining species distributions as previously suspected, particularly in the specific case of interactions between native stone loaches and invasive bullheads in Scotland. Instead, other physiological factors, life history traits, and population demographics may play a primary role in affecting invasion success in this case.
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Porter, Erica. "The roots of invasion: Belowground traits of invasive and native Australian grasses." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2019. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/134392/1/Erica_Porter_Thesis.pdf.
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Non-native grasses, originally introduced for pasture improvement, threaten Australia's iconic low-resource grasslands and a thorough understanding of the life-history strategies associated with these species is essential for effective management. Comparing invasive qualities across four congener pairs of native and non-native grasses, it was revealed that non-natives displayed a unique combination of morphological and physiological traits compared to natives. This study applied a novel technique of microdialysis and found that native and non-native grasses use soil nitrogen differently, likely contributing to the competitive advantage shown by non-native grasses across Australia.
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Clibbon, K. L. "3-D electromagnetic computational modelling of invasive and non-invasive hyperthermia techniques." Thesis, Swansea University, 1995. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.636269.
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The use of hyperthermia as an adjuvant treatment to existing cancer therapies such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy is well established. A problem common to all clinical hyperthermia applications is the lack of temperature information available during treatment. To lend understanding to these treatments, computational modelling of the electromagnetic interactions inducing heat within the tissues has been undertaken. The work carried out in this thesis develops predictive models for the power deposition from two hyperthermia techniques: an invasive method using interstitial microwave antenna arrays; and a non-invasive method employing surface current sheet applicators, incorporating the capabilities of existing electromagnetic models and the new approaches developed in this thesis. Such models not only provide understanding of the power deposition during treatment, and hence a measure of the heating produced, but also provide analysis for the improvement of antenna/applicator design, thus improving clinical treatment methodologies. The thesis initially considers the interstitial antenna arrays, developing a model capable of solving the power deposition from an array of symmetric/asymmetric insulated antennas with arbitrary orientations and positions. An improved efficiency solution method is derived and evaluated. The scattering and absorption effects produced by insertion of such arrays within an inhomogeneous biological environment is incorporated using a conjugate gradient FFT solver, based on a spectral iterative technique. Investigations into arbitrary array orientations are carried out and new methods of power deposition control are subsequently proposed. The non-invasive current sheet applicators are approached in the same manner producing a model capable of simulating the power deposition from an array of arbitrarily orientated applicators overlying a highly inhomogeneous treatment volume.
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Overton, Timothy Graeme. "Minimally invasive prenatal diagnosis." Thesis, Imperial College London, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10044/1/7869.
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Bringman, Sven. "Minimally invasive hernia surgery /." Stockholm, 2003. http://diss.kib.ki.se/2003/91-7349-466-6/.
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Beunard, Virginie Laboux Olivier. "Odontologie conservatrice micro-invasive." [S.l.] : [s.n.], 2005. http://theses.univ-nantes.fr/thesemed/CDbeunard.pdf.
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Meswania, Jayantilal Mohanlal. "Non-invasive extending prosthesis." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 2006. http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/1446454/.
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Most sarcomas of the bone occur in patients of a relatively young age including skeletally immature patients. Approximately 50 child sarcomas are treated with limb salvage surgery per year in the United Kingdom. These children need an extendible implant that can be lengthened periodically to keep pace with the growth in the opposite limb. Surgically, invasive devices have been used for the past thirty years with intrinsic problems of infection and long-term recurrent trauma to the patient. To eliminate problems associated with the invasive device I have attempted to develop a non invasive extendible prosthesis by utilising a magnetically coupled drive. The aims of this study were to ascertain the clinical requirements of an electro-mechanical design, evaluate the performance of the proposed design, validate the design by in vitro tests and conclude its effectiveness by conducting an in vivo clinical trial. The final aim was to develop a similar concept for the distraction of juvenile spinal scoliosis. The drive technology used in this device is an induction motor with a gear driven telescoping prosthesis. In very young patients the potential loss of growth in the resected bone usually exceeds the amount of extension that could be built into the prosthesis. Therefore, maximisation of the growth potential was the prime objective of the prospective design. A previously designed two-stage epicyclic gearbox was tested and improvements were made to provide a load carrying capacity identified by in vivo measurements conducted in over 30 patients. In this design the motor configuration is in two parts: a rotor which fits inside the prosthesis and a stator which is an external device used to extend the prosthesis remotely. A compact external drive was developed with focused magnetic flux which required no cooling and operated on a single-phase power supply. The effect of the magnetic rotor on the diagnostic imaging was tested and the findings are reported in this thesis. A number of patients were treated with this new device and the clinical outcome is presented. A different version of the device for use with a spinal rod system was developed for the treatment of juvenile scoliosis.
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Habash, Riadh W. Y. "Non-Invasive Microwave Hyperthermia." Thesis, Indian Institute of Science, 1994. https://etd.iisc.ac.in/handle/2005/193.
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Presented in this thesis are the following theoretical investigations carried out on the non-invasive microwave hyperthermia of malignant tumours in the human body:
Fundamental concepts of electromagnetic wave propagation through a biomass and its interaction with it, are discussed. Various types of applicators used for producing hyperthermia in a biomass, are also discussed.
Propagation of a uniform plane electromagnetic wave through a human body is investigated for the general case of oblique incidence. Various models used for the human body have been discussed and the planar multilayer model has been chosen for this study. Reflection and transmission coefficients for both the parallel and perpendicular linear polarisations of the wave, have been determined. For normal incidence, power transfer ratio at the muscle has been defined and calculated at 433, 915 and 2450 MHz (ISM frequencies).
Efects of skin thickness and also of fat thickness, on the power transfer ratio at muscle, have been studied. Effects of the thickness and dielectric constant of a bolus, and also of the dielectric constant of an initial layer, on the power transfer ratio, have been studied and their optimum values obtained at the ISM frequencies. For microwave hyperthermia, 915 MHz is recommended as the frequency of operation.
Steady-state solution of the bioheat transfer equation has been obtained, assuming the biomass to be a semi-infinite homogeneous medium. Effects of various physical parameters on the temperature profile in the biomass, have been studied. Also studied is the effect of the surface temperature on the magnitude, location and the width of the temperature peak attained in the biomass. A method to determine the microwave power and the surface temperature required to produce a prescribed temperature profile in the biomass, has been developed. The transient-state solution of the bioheat transfer equation has been obtained to study the building up of the temperature profile.
Procedures for the design of an open-ended rectangular metal waveguide applicator and for estimating the total microwave power requirement to produce hyperthermia in the human body, have been developed. Performance of the applicators employing linear as well as planar arrays of open-ended rectangular metal waveguide antennas, has also been studied. In order to reduce the overall physical size of the applicators, filling up of the feed waveguide with a high dielectric constant but low loss material is suggested. A simple method of obtaining the elements of the array by partitioning a large aperture by using metal walls has been adopted. Calculation of the total microwave power required by various applicators for producing hyperthermia at various depths in a biomas, have been made and a comparison of the performance of various applicators, has been presented.
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Habash, Riadh W. Y. "Non-Invasive Microwave Hyperthermia." Thesis, Indian Institute of Science, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/2005/193.
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Presented in this thesis are the following theoretical investigations carried out on the non-invasive microwave hyperthermia of malignant tumours in the human body:
Fundamental concepts of electromagnetic wave propagation through a biomass and its interaction with it, are discussed. Various types of applicators used for producing hyperthermia in a biomass, are also discussed.
Propagation of a uniform plane electromagnetic wave through a human body is investigated for the general case of oblique incidence. Various models used for the human body have been discussed and the planar multilayer model has been chosen for this study. Reflection and transmission coefficients for both the parallel and perpendicular linear polarisations of the wave, have been determined. For normal incidence, power transfer ratio at the muscle has been defined and calculated at 433, 915 and 2450 MHz (ISM frequencies).
Efects of skin thickness and also of fat thickness, on the power transfer ratio at muscle, have been studied. Effects of the thickness and dielectric constant of a bolus, and also of the dielectric constant of an initial layer, on the power transfer ratio, have been studied and their optimum values obtained at the ISM frequencies. For microwave hyperthermia, 915 MHz is recommended as the frequency of operation.
Steady-state solution of the bioheat transfer equation has been obtained, assuming the biomass to be a semi-infinite homogeneous medium. Effects of various physical parameters on the temperature profile in the biomass, have been studied. Also studied is the effect of the surface temperature on the magnitude, location and the width of the temperature peak attained in the biomass. A method to determine the microwave power and the surface temperature required to produce a prescribed temperature profile in the biomass, has been developed. The transient-state solution of the bioheat transfer equation has been obtained to study the building up of the temperature profile.
Procedures for the design of an open-ended rectangular metal waveguide applicator and for estimating the total microwave power requirement to produce hyperthermia in the human body, have been developed. Performance of the applicators employing linear as well as planar arrays of open-ended rectangular metal waveguide antennas, has also been studied. In order to reduce the overall physical size of the applicators, filling up of the feed waveguide with a high dielectric constant but low loss material is suggested. A simple method of obtaining the elements of the array by partitioning a large aperture by using metal walls has been adopted. Calculation of the total microwave power required by various applicators for producing hyperthermia at various depths in a biomas, have been made and a comparison of the performance of various applicators, has been presented.
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Antunes, Raquel Coelho Loyo Pequito. "Comparison of invasive and non-invasive blood pressure measurements in anaesthetised adult horses using an automated monitor." Master's thesis, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/20192.
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Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina VeterináriaBlood pressure is defined as the product of cardiac output (CO) and peripheral vascular resistance (PVR) and is an extremely useful haemodynamic parameter that allows an indirect way of assessing the cardiovascular performance which reflects the organ perfusion. Clinically, arterial blood pressure measurement can be useful for diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring and prognosis of different diseases. It can be obtained either invasively or non-invasively, with pro and cons for each of these. Nowadays, the invasive blood pressure measurement is considered to be the gold-standard in horses undergoing general anaesthesia providing its continuous monitoring. However, to extend its usefulness as a clinical parameter, a trustworthy non-invasive technique which is practical and easily applied to conscious and anaesthetized horses is required. This study aimed at determining the accuracy and precision of a non-invasive blood pressure measurement method when compared to the gold-standard method (invasive blood pressure). To do so, invasive and non-invasive blood pressure measurements were collected simultaneously using the EDAN iM8 VET multiparameter monitor, in eleven horses presented for elective surgical procedures at an equine referral hospital, between September of 2019 and April of 2020. We started by investigating the correlation between simultaneous invasive and non-invasive methods of blood pressure measurement. Furthermore, we intended to identify whether this correlation differed when conditions like the horse’s recumbency and blood pressure range (hypo-, normo-, and hypertension) varied. We showed that, despite being less accurate than the invasive (gold-standard) method, the non-invasive blood pressure measurement method, using the EDAN iM8 VET multiparameter monitor, is reliable for the use in healthy anaesthetized horses. Moreover, we showed that for the horses in left lateral recumbency a stronger correlation between methods was seen.
RESUMO - COMPARAÇÃO DA MEDIÇÃO DA PRESSÃO ARTERIAL INVASIVA E NÃO INVASIVA EM CAVALOS ADULTOS ANESTESIADOS USANDO UM MONITOR AUTOMÁTICO - A pressão arterial é definida como o produto do débito cardíaco (DC) pela resistência vascular periférica (RVP) e é um parâmetro hemodinâmico extremamente útil, que permite avaliar, indiretamente, o desempenho cardiovascular, refletindo a perfusão dos órgãos. Clinicamente, a medição da pressão arterial pode ser útil para diagnóstico, monitorização terapêutica e prognóstico de diferentes doenças, e pode ser obtida de forma invasiva ou não invasiva, com vantagens e desvantagens para cada um. Atualmente, a medição da pressão arterial invasiva é considerada a técnica padrão em cavalos submetidos a anestesia geral, proporcionando uma monitorização contínua da pressão arterial. No entanto, para alargar a utilidade deste parâmetro hemodinâmico, é necessário ter uma técnica não invasiva confiável, prática e de fácil aplicação, tanto em cavalos conscientes como em anestesiados. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a precisão do método não invasivo de medição da pressão arterial, quando comparado ao método padrão (medição invasiva da pressão arterial). Para tal, as medições da pressão arterial, tanto invasivas como não invasivas, foram recolhidas simultaneamente, usando o monitor multiparamétrico EDAN iM8 VET, em onze cavalos sujeitos a procedimentos cirúrgicos eletivos num hospital de referência, entre setembro de 2019 e abril de 2020. Começamos por investigar a correlação entre medições da pressão arterial efectuadas simultaneamente com os métodos invasivo e não invasivo. Além disso, pretendemos identificar se a correlação diferia quando condições como o decúbito do cavalo durante o procedimento cirúrgico e o intervalo de pressão arterial (hipo, normo e hipertensão) variavam. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que, apesar de ser menos preciso do que o método invasivo (padrão), o método não invasivo de medição da pressão arterial, usando o monitor multiparamétrico EDAN iM8 VET, é confiável para o uso em cavalos saudáveis anestesiados. Além disso, mostramos que para os cavalos em decúbito lateral esquerdo há uma correlação mais forte entre os métodos estudados.
N/A
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Liebig, Bernd. "Invasive and non-invasive diagnostics of High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS) discharges." Thesis, University of Liverpool, 2013. http://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/10053/.
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HiPIMS discharges operated with a titanium and an aluminium-doped zinc target sputtered with the working gas argon were investigated by means of optical 2d-imaging in combination with Abel-inversion. By using optical bandpass filters, the spatial and temporal evolution of the plasma-induced emission of argon atoms and ions and metal atoms and ions were studied. The discharge ignition was found to be accompanied by an intensity maximum observed remote from the target, followed by an asymmetric intensity profile. During the stage of high discharge current, the intensity distribution indicates strong rarefaction of the working gas, efficient ionisation of the sputtered particles above the target and a wider sputter distribution. The off-time is characterised by an initial drop of the intensity by 4 - 6 orders of magnitude and a transition from electron-impact excitation to excitation by electron-electron-ion recombination. Decay constants in the order of 1 ms and the spatial distribution of the emission suggest the loss of electrons and ions due to ambipolar diffusion across the magnetic field. Plasma potential measurements by means of emissive probe revealed strongly negative space potentials of up to -300 V and electric fields in the order of 10000 V/m during discharge ignition, caused by strong charge separation due to the extended sheath. The plasma potential increases to a stable level of more than -25 V during the second half of the discharge pulse, while the electric field is largely reduced to maximal 1500 V/m. It was found that the space potential is consistently 5 V lower when the substrate is kept floating compared to a grounded substrate, which can be explained by the reduced electron loss rate to the substrate due to the potential barrier. This is confirmed by spatially resolved Langmuir probe measurements, showing a density maximum of 1019 m-3 in the confined plasma zone, and an increased density in the vicinity of the floating substrate of 1.3 × �1018 m-3 compared to 0.8 × �1018 m-3 for a grounded substrate. The electron temperature was found to be spatially uniform ranging from 1 eV to 3 eV. A quasi-continuous transport model for sputtered particles confirmed the high degree of ionisation of the sputtered particles of about 90 % and revealed a return probability for titanium ions to the target of 80 % for Ti+ and 96 % for Ti2+. Varying the force caused by a modified two-stream instability [1], showed an increasing sideway defletion of ions also increasing the kinetic energy observed for these particles. The spatial distribution of the relative density confirmed efficient ionisation of sputtered particles in the dense plasma zone adjacent to the target. Average azimuthal velocities of the drifting ion fluid of 3�000 m/s for Ti+ and 7�000 m/s for Ti2+ were obtained.
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Ismail, Sharif Ibrahim Muhammad Farag. "Non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques for urodynamic stress incontinence of urine in women." Thesis, University of Hull, 2006. http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:6995.
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1. Extra-corporeal magnetic energy stimulation of pelvic floor muscles for urodynamic stress incontinence; Objective: To assess the efficacy and practicalities of extra-corporeal magnetic energy stimulation of pelvic floor muscles as a non-invasive technique for urodynamic stress incontinence of urine in women. Design: Prospective non-controlled study. Setting: 2 district general hospitals. Population: Female patients with urodynamic stress incontinence of urine. Main outcome measures: Pad test, continence diary, quality of life assessment using the King's health and EuroQol questionnaires as well as side effects and drop out. Method; 18, twice weekly sessions. Assessment was made on recruitment, at the end of treatment and at 3 months follow up. Results: 48 patients were recruited, 31 completed treatment sessions and 27 attended for follow up at 3 months. There was no significant change in outcome measures at the end of treatment as well as at 3 months follow up. Side effects were encountered by 52.1 % of patients and the drop out rate was 35.4%. Relevant side effects were significantly more common in those who dropped out. Conclusions; Extra-corporeal magnetic energy stimulation of pelvic floor muscles seems unlikely to improve urodynamic stress incontinence of urine. This appears to be due to the passive nature of the contractions evoked. Side effects are prominent and appear to contribute to the drop out rate. 2. Transvaginal radiofreguency remodelling of the endopelvic fascia for urodynamic stress incontinence due to urethral hypermobility: Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of transvaginal radiofrequency remodelling of the endopelvic fascia as a minimally invasive technique for urodynamic stress incontinence of urine due to urethral hypermobility in women. Design: Prospective non-controlled study. Setting: 3 district general hospitals and 1 university hospital. Population: Female patients with urodynamic stress incontinence of urine due to urethral hypermobility. Main outcome measures: Pad test, urodynamic assessment, continence diary, pain scores and operative as well as post-operative complications. Method: Transvaginal radiofrequency of the endopelvic fascia. Assessment was made on recruitment, during hospital admission and at 3,6 and 12 months follow up. Results: 24 patients were available for analysis. A rising failure rate was noted as early as 3 months, leading to a cumulative cure rate of 36% at 12 months follow up. No major complications were encountered and pain scores were mild. Conclusions: The effectiveness of transvaginal radiofrequency remodelling of the endopelvic fascia for urodynamic stress incontinence of urine due to urethral hypermobility appears to be low. Inherent weakness of the endopelvic fascia appears to be the main reason. The technique has a low complication and pain profile. 3. Comparison between the tension·free vaginal tape (TVT), pelvicol as well as short autologous slings for urodynamic stress incontinence: Objective: To compare the efficacy and morbidity of the tension·free vaginal tape (TVT), pelvicol as well as short autologous slings, as minimally invasive technique for urodynamic stress incontinence of urine in women. Design: Muticentre randomised controlled single blind study. Setting: 4 district general hospitals and 2 teaching university hospitals. Population: Female patients with urodynamic stress incontinence of urine. Main outcome measures: Quality of life and symptom assessment using Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms as well as EuroQol questionnaires, pad test, continence diary, operating time, stay in hospital, operative as well as post-operative complications. Method: Tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) , pelvicol or short autologous sling insertion. Assessment was made on recruitment, during hospital stay and at 6 weeks as well as 6 and 12 months follow up. Results: A total of 181 patients were recruited. An interim analysis of re-operation rate showed a significantly higher rate with pelvicol, necessitating closure of this arm. All pelvicol failures appeared after 6 months, raising the possibility of a delayed reaction. No significant difference was observed between the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and short autologous slings in terms of operative as well as post-operative complications, pad test and continence diary. Operating time and post-operative stay in hospital were significantly shorter following the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) sling than after the short autologous one. This reduces the higher capital cost of the tension free vaginal tape (TVT) sling. There was also a short term advantage in quality of life assessment. Conclusions: Pelvicol slings are associated with a delayed failure, and should not therefore be used for continence surgery. Although both the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and short autologous slings are equally effective and have a comparable complications profile, the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) sling is quicker to insert and is followed by a shorter stay in hospital; 2 features that reduce its higher cost. It is also associated with a better quality of life change in the short term.
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Bittaye, Mustapha. "Comparative proteomic analyses of clinical Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from invasive and non-invasive sites." Thesis, University of Aberdeen, 2018. http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=240152.
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Streptococcus pneumoniae is a highly diverse and adaptable opportunistic pathogen that can infect and colonise different niches within the human host to cause a wide range of invasive disease (sepsis and meningitis) and noninvasive disease (pneumonia, otitis media and sinusitis). The molecular mechanisms that contribute to the different patterns of pneumococcal infection remain largely unknown. This thesis aims to determine the physiological and proteomic responses that allow the pneumococcus to survive and adapt to invasive and non-invasive sites. The comparative proteomic analyses of clinical S. pneumoniae isolates recovered from blood cultures (classified as invasive site isolates) and mucosal surfaces such as sputum, skin and ear swabs (classified as non-invasive site isolates) was initiated. The pneumococci were grown in vitro under standard conditions and the total cellular bacterial proteins extracted and analysed using both gel based and non-gel based proteomic approaches. Analysis of the pneumococcal isolates by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2DGE) revealed that a high degree of heterogeneity existed between the pneumococcal isolates particularly among isolates in the invasive site isolates. Differential patterns of protein synthesis were observed that discriminated the pneumococcal isolates according to their sites of isolation. These were proposed to be associated with the bacterial adaptation to invasive and non-invasive sites of infection. Mass spectrometry was used to identify selected significant (ANOVA, p < 0.05) protein spots, which were further categorised into functional groups by Gene Ontology analysis. An extension of the 2DGE data using an integrated approach comprising bioinformatics, surfome analysis and a shotgun proteomic workflow provided a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analyses of the pneumococcal intracellular and cell-surface proteomes. Proteins potentially involved in pneumococcal niche-specific adaptation and surface proteins with potential for further investigation and inclusion in the pipeline of vaccine candidates were identified. Quantitative regulation of proteins involved in energy metabolism, genetic competence, stress response, surface adhesion and virulence were considered important for pneumococcal adaptation to invasive and non-invasive sites. The anatomical sites colonised by the pneumococcus vary in their V availability for iron. The 2DGE method was also used on selected pneumococcal isolates from the two sites of infection to define the proteome variability linked to the effect of iron starvation that may contribute to the different disease outcomes associated with pneumococcal infections. The iron restricted condition was generated by cation depletion of the growth medium using Chelex-100. Quantitative differences in protein abundance were demonstrated that correlated with pneumococcal adaptation to iron restriction. The identification of selected significant spots by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and systems biology analysis of the identified proteins contributed to the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying pneumococcal survival under iron limitation. The expression/repression of proteins functionally associated with metal ion binding, oxidative stress response, translation and virulence mainly constituted the pneumococcal adaptive responses to growth under conditions of limited iron availability. The data presented in this thesis extended our understanding of the molecular events underlying pneumococcal physiological adaptation and provide the basis of future work in this area.
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Parker, Ingrid Marie. "Ecological factors affecting rates of spread in Cytisus scoparius, an invasive exotic shrub /." Thesis, Connect to this title online; UW restricted, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/1773/5218.
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Seyed, Sadr Mohamad. "SLIT proteins inhibit malignant brain tumour cell invasion via downregulation of pro-invasive genes." Thesis, McGill University, 2012. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=110340.
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Most cancer deaths result from the progression of the tumour pathology whereby a localised mass evolves into an invasive and metastatic disease, spreading away from the main tumour mass. Malignant brain tumours such as glioblastoma and medulloblastoma are among the most invasive human cancers. The Slit-Robo pathway is extensively characterised as a repellent of axons and neural cells. Therefore we hypothesised that Slit proteins would repel invasive brain tumour cells. The first chapter of this thesis provides a thorough introduction of the oncology field as it pertains to malignant brain tumour biology and to the field of Slit-Robo family of proteins. The second chapter provides evidence for Slit proteins and their inhibitory effect on malignant brain tumour cell invasion. We further characterise the signaling pathway employed by Slit proteins to impart an inhibitory effect on tumour cell invasion. We present data suggesting that Slit proteins decrease the transcriptional expression of numerous pro-invasive and pro-angiogenic genes in malignant brain tumour cells. We characterise the product of one of these genes, MMP14, as a protease of Robo proteins. A model is proposed that explains the observation that decreasing the expression of MMP14 leads to a decrease in brain tumour cell invasion. These results suggest that malignant brain tumour cells respond to Slit by modulating a series of transcripts critical for cell invasion. Therefore, targeting malignant brain tumour cells with Slit proteins or chemical analogues that mimic Slit's effects may provide a potentially novel anti-invasive therapy.La transformation d'une tumeur primaire en tumeur maligne et métastatique, s'éloignant du point d'origine, est souvent la principale cause de décès chez le patient. Les tumeurs cérébrales malignes tel les glioblastomes et les médulloblastomes sont parmi les plus invasives cancers humains. La voie de signalisation de Slit-Robo a été largement caractérisée et montre l'implication de Slit-Robo dans la répulsion des axones et cellules neuronales. Dans cette étude, nous avons étudié la possibilité que Slit-Robo pourraient repousser les cellules cancéreuses invasives cérébrales. Le premier chapitre de cette thèse présente une introduction approfondie du rôle de la famille des protéines Slit-Robo dans le contexte du cancer et de la biologie des tumeurs cérébrales. Le deuxième chapitre présente des preuves de l'implication des protéines Slit et leur rôle dans l'inhibition de l'invasion des cellules de tumeurs cérébrales. Aussi, la caractérisation de la voie de signalisation employée par les protéines Slit dans l'inhibitionde l'invasion des cellules cancéreuses a été montrée. De plus, cette étude présente des résultats qui suggèrent que les protéines Slit diminuent l'expression de la transcription degènes pro-angiogénique et pro-invasif des cellules tumorales. Nous avons aussi identifié MMP14 comme une protéase des protéines Robo et dont l'expression est influencée par les protéines Slit. Finalement, nous proposons un modèle démontrant qu'une diminution de l'expression de MMP14 induit une réduction de l'invasion des cellules tumorales du cerveau.
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Munson, Jennifer Megan. "Novel nanocarriers for invasive glioma." Diss., Georgia Institute of Technology, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/41226.
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The invasive nature of glioblastoma (GBM) represents a significant challenge to the standard of care and contributes to poor clinical outcomes. Invasion of tumors into healthy brain restricts chemotherapeutic access and complicates surgical resection. The central hypothesis of the thesis is that an effective anti-invasive agent can enhance the standard chemotherapeutic response in invasive brain tumors. Through a screen of novel compounds, a new anti-invasive small molecule, Imipramine Blue (IB), was identified. This triphenylmethane compound inhibits invasion of highly invasive glioma in vitro and in vivo. To elicit a response in vivo, Imipramine Blue was liposomally encapsulated to yield better delivery to tumor. Using this formulation, it is shown that IB attenuates invasion of glioma in vivo leading to a more compact tumor in an aggressively invasive rodent glioma model. Further, it is shown that this novel compound binds NADPH oxidases and alters expression of actin regulatory elements to elicit this anti-invasive activity. To test our hypothesis that anti-invasive therapy coupled with chemotherapy will enhance efficacy, nano-IB therapy was followed by liposomally encapsulated doxorubicin (DXR) chemotherapy. Additionally, a co-encapsulated formulation of IB and DXR was developed and tested in vivo. This combination therapy significantly enhanced survival compared to IB or DXR alone, resulting in long-term survival in the syngeneic invasive rat astrocytoma model RT2. It was seen that sequential treatment was more effective than the co-encapsulated treatment indicating a benefit of pre-treating the tumor with the anti-invasive. This thesis demonstrates that novel anti-invasive IB mediated 'containment' of diffuse glioma significantly enhances the efficacy of DXR chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy or anti-invasive therapy alone.
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Eagles, O. D. "Non-invasive blood glucose monitoring." Thesis, Swansea University, 1995. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.636758.
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This Thesis covers the investigation into the feasibility of monitoring blood glucose non-invasively. The work carried out involved the development of an in-vitro instrument through a series of four stages, each stage of development being an improvement on the previous one. Using these instruments it was shown that by using an appropriate wavelength, glucose could be detected down to 156 mg/dL repeatedly in distilled water, saline and a non-opaque blood analogue. It was also demonstrated that this wavelength could be used to detect the difference between blood samples with different glucose levels. The instruments were also used to demonstrate that a appropriate wavelength could be used as a reference wavelength. In addition to the in-vitro instrument, a basic in-vivo instrument was developed so that physiological data could be taken from either a person's ear or little finger non-invasively. It was clearly demonstrated that the instrument could detect a physiological change in a person whilst the person carried out a 75 g oral glucose to tolerance test.
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Liang, Yu. "EXOTIC INVASIVE PLANTS IN KENTUCKY." UKnowledge, 2010. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/gradschool_theses/23.
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Invasion of exotic species is a significant problem in natural ecosystems, reaching epidemic proportions and resulting in significant economic losses. However, insufficient knowledge of explicit spatial distribution of invasive species hinders our ability to prevent and/or mitigate future invasion. In this study, we demonstrate the use of existing voluntary data to survey invasive plant species in Kentucky. We also reconstructed the historical distribution of 16 exotic invasive plants typical to Kentucky using herbarium records. We found that Kentucky is facing a large threat from exotic invasive plants as they are reported throughout most counties. The distribution maps for four of the top 10 most reported invasive species revealed that Kentucky is presently or was previously a front of invasion. The majority of the 16 targeted invasive species were scattered throughout Kentucky with no concentrations within particular regions. Cumulative curves of occupied counties over time fit a “J” shape expansion curve, which indicates the potential for further future invasion. This study demonstrates the usefulness of voluntary data and herbarium data to reconstruct the historical and current distribution of invasive species. Further studies on other invasive species can take advantage of information associated with herbarium specimens to achieve more fruitful results.
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Fung, Po-kei, and 馮寶基. "Invasive birds in Hong Kong." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2003. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31255486.
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Szafir, Daniel J. "Non-Invasive BCI through EEG." Thesis, Boston College, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/2345/1208.
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Thesis advisor: Robert SignorileIt has long been known that as neurons fire within the brain they produce measurable electrical activity. Electroencephalography (EEG) is the measurement and recording of these electrical signals using sensors arrayed across the scalp. Though there is copious research in using EEG technology in the fields of neuroscience and cognitive psychology, it is only recently that the possibility of utilizing EEG measurements as inputs in the control of computers has emerged. The idea of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) which allow the control of devices using brain signals evolved from the realm of science fiction to simple devices that currently exist. BCIs naturally present themselves to many extremely useful applications including prosthetic devices, restoring or aiding in communication and hearing, military applications, video gaming and virtual reality, and robotic control, and have the possibility of significantly improving the quality of life of many disabled individuals. However, current BCIs suffer from many problems including inaccuracies, delays between thought, detection, and action, exorbitant costs, and invasive surgeries. The purpose of this research is to examine the Emotiv EPOC© System as a cost-effective gateway to non-invasive portable EEG measurements and utilize it to build a thought-based BCI to control the Parallax Scribbler® robot. This research furthers the analysis of the current pros and cons of EEG technology as it pertains to BCIs and offers a glimpse of the future potential capabilities of BCI systems
Thesis (BA) — Boston College, 2010
Submitted to: Boston College. College of Arts and Sciences
Discipline: Computer Science Honors Program
Discipline: Computer Science
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Gujarathi, Chetan V. "Cardiac non-invasive diagnostic center." Thesis, California State University, Long Beach, 2016. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10099858.
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Heart disease has been responsible for a significant number of morbidities and mortalities over the last century. As lifestyles and cultures change, so does the approach of management of the disease. With the advent of new technology over the last 6-7 decades the approach towards diagnosing heart diseases has changed a lot. Tools like electrocardiogram, two-dimensional echocardiography, cardiac stress test, Holter monitoring, etc. have become essential in the primary and secondary prevention of heart disease, and also in its management. This clinic is an effort to make these tests easily accessible, affordable and reliable to the patients and potential patients residing in the Orange County area who are at risk for heart diseases.
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Spendel, K. D. "On non-invasive ultrasonic flowmeasurement." Thesis, Cranfield University, 1985. http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/9932.
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This thesis is concerned with non-invasive ultrasonic flow measurement, using
the transit time principle.
The errors associated with the transit-time flowmeter are investigated and a
design of flowmeter is suggested. A theoretical and experimental study of the
transmission of sound through pipe walls is carried out where it is shown that
advantage can be taken of the excitation of Lamb modes. A design of transducer
arrangement is made from the results of the work.
A solution to the difficult problem of measuring very small times is provided in
the form of a novel vernier timing system. The benefits and disadvantages of
this timing system are discussed along with the design aspects of other
electronic circuits required in the construction of the flowmeter. The
flawmeter has been built and tested in the laboratory and is shown to be highly
repeatable and accurate. The results of testing the flowmeter compare
favourably with tests conducted on a commercial instrument.
Improvements to the design and construction and suggestions for further work are
given.
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Ford-Thompson, Adriana E. S. "Conservation, society and invasive species." Thesis, University of York, 2011. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/2356/.
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Invasive species pose a major environmental threat, and are frequently the subject of biodiversity conservation programmes. As stakeholder and public concerns surrounding invasive species have become increasingly recognised and better articulated, society has become more closely involved in invasive species management. This has resulted in the need to ensure that positive ecological outcomes, such as protecting native species and habitats, and positive social outcomes, for example public support and improved stakeholder relationships, are both achieved as a result of management interventions. Through identifying social factors affecting the relationship between conservation, society and invasive species, this thesis considers how both of these outcomes may be attained, in the context of invasive species management in Australia. Three dimensions of this relationship were analysed- stakeholder participation, social and political mechanisms and context, and public attitudes. This involved interview questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and postal surveys, respectively. The studies revealed three main social factors affecting the relationship - social associations with species, conflict over wildlife-related values, and conflicts between humans and invasive species. Social associations were related predominantly to species characteristics and their position in the environment, and may affect policy and legislation. Conflicts over wildlife-related values were related to management approaches, animal rights and welfare, and were also revealed to be a legacy of political history. The type of conflict between humans and invasive species was shown to affect management approaches. Stakeholder participation was shown to be essential in achieving both social and ecological outcomes, through conflict resolution, responsiveness to social factors, and justification of management approaches. This thesis provides a novel approach for analysing how social factors may influence both ecological and social outcomes of invasive species management. Although the focus of the thesis is on invasive species, the conclusions are also likely to be relevant for other conservation programmes.
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Brobäck, David. "Preventing the spread of the invasive plant Lupinus polyphyllus." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för biologisk grundutbildning, 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-272024.
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Invasive species are an increasing problem worldwide, threatening indigenous communities and species. Many human-made environments promote introductions of alien species and one such habitat is road verges. The invasive plant Lupinus polyphyllus is benefiting from these habitats and is today widespread along road verges in many parts of Sweden. However, it has been shown to be a problematic species, as it supresses native plants. Many of these plants originate from semi-natural grasslands, but have found a refuge in road verges. The Swedish Transport Administration has tried to control L. polyphyllus, but it is unclear to what extent it is possible. To manage an invasive species, it is often preferable to prevent further extension by limiting its dispersal, which can be done by reducing seed production. To find out how to prevent L. polyphyllus from spreading, I investigated how resprouting capacity and seed production was affected by cutting of L. polyphyllus at different times throughout the season, and at different heights. Plants in all plots resprouted after being cut, but resprouted leaf stalks grew taller in the plants cut early at the flowering stage, compared to the later cutting treatments. These were also the only ones producing new flowers and fruits, perhaps due to stored resources in roots or the fact that they were cut before the summer solstice. Plants cut higher above the ground produced more flowers and fruits and produced taller leaf stalks and might have used photosynthesizing aboveground parts to acquire resources for regeneration. Fruits were produced but not ripe before the mid-summer cutting. These seeds were still able to germinate after maturing on cut plants. However, they were more mould-infected than seeds maturing on non-cut plants. Seeds from cut plants were also lighter. Thus, seeds produced by the mid-summer cutting might disperse and germinate but may perhaps suffer from lower survival due to more frequent mould infections. The late-cut plants had already produced mature seeds, and thus, were probably able to disperse. Also, the later cutting treatments produced more seeds over the entire season. This indicates that to hinder dispersal by limiting seed production, it is best to cut Lupinus polyphyllus as early as possible, in the flowering stage, when seeds are not produced and to cut them entirely to the ground.
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Robak, Enbratt Emelie. "Utbredningen av den invasiva växten skunkkalla (Lysichiton americanus Hultén & St. John 1931) i Fylleån." Thesis, Högskolan i Halmstad, Akademin för ekonomi, teknik och naturvetenskap, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hh:diva-40092.
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Invasive alien species is one of the biggest threats to biodiversity worldwide. American Skunk-cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) is an invasive alien plant originating from North America. It has become naturalised in several European countries, including Sweden. American Skunk-cabbage is a threat to other plants as it forms dense stands and outcompetes native vegetation by shadowing. It is believed that the biggest population of Skunk-cabbage in Sweden is along Fylleån in Halland. The aim with this report is to map the distribution of Skunk-cabbage in a section of the stream and to examine different methods for control and eradication of the weed. A survey was performed along a section of the stream between the dates 30th April – 8th May 2019. The survey was executed from Ryaberg to Torsaberga (13 km). The search area was comparted into 6 locations. The highest point where Skunk-cabbage was found upstream in Fylleån was at location 6. A total of 4157 individual plants were found along a stretch of 6km and 34 km of the stream is believed to be affected by the invasion. A majority of the plants grows in marshland. Both mechanical and chemical control are used when eradicating Skunk-cabbage. The most common method is digging by hand. This is also the method that I recommend in the event of an eradication campaign in Fylleån. No eradication efforts will be performed in Fylleån during 2019 due to restricted economical resources. Different projects are under development for the purpose of future eradication of Skunk-cabbage in Halland.Invasiva främmande arter är ett av de största hoten mot biodiversiteten globalt. Gul skunkkalla (Lysichiton americanus) är en invasiv främmande växt från Nordamerika. Arten är naturaliserad och etablerad i flera europeiska länder, däribland Sverige. Skunkkalla har en förmåga att konkurrera ut andra arter genom skuggning. Den bildar täta och stora bestånd och tränger på så vis undan annan växtlighet. Sveriges största bestånd av skunkkalla förmodas finnas längs med Fylleån i Hallands län. I bevarandeplanen för Natura 2000-området Fylleån finns en punkt om att man behöver ta ställning till de stora bestånden av skunkkalla i ån. Den här rapporten behandlar både utbredning och kartläggning av skunkkalla i en utvald del av Fylleån, samt bekämpningsmetoder för arten. Kartläggning av utbredningen har skett genom en inventering längs med ån. Inventeringen utfördes mellan Ryaberg och Torsaberga (13km) mellan datumen 30/4 – 8/5 2019. 4157 plantor av skunkkalla hittades längs en sträcka av 6km mellan Ryaberg och Fröbökekvarn. Fyndplatserna delades in i 6 lokaler. Lokal 6 är den högsta fyndplatsen av skunkkalla i Fylleåns lopp. 3,4 mil av ån bedöms vara påverkad av invasionen. Den vanligaste växtplatsen längs med ån bedöms vara sumpmark. I bekämpning av skunkkalla använder sig av både mekanisk och kemisk bekämpning. Den vanligaste använda bekämpningsmetoden visade sig vara bortgrävning för hand. Det är också den metoden jag förespråkar vid en eventuell utrotning i Fylleån. På grund av brist på ekonomiska resurser kommer inte någon utrotning att ske i Fylleån 2019. Olika projekt är nu under konstruktion för framtida bekämpning i länet.
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Saadi, Amel. "Barrett's oesophagus reveals distinctive role of stroma in transition from pre-invasive to invasive disease." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2010. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.608520.
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Lau, Edmund Man Tai. "Novel invasive and non-invasive techniques for the detection and assessment of pulmonary vascular disease." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/11667.
Full textAbstract:
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease of the small pulmonary arteries characterised by vascular remodelling resulting in elevated pulmonary artery pressure. Despite currently available therapies, it remains a lethal disease without a cure. It is recognised that PAH is often diagnosed late in its natural history and early disease detection has become an important strategy to improve outcomes in this devastating condition. However, all current techniques for the detection and assessment of PAH have significant limitations. No single modality has yielded sufficient accuracy for the early detection of PAH. The aim of this thesis was to develop and evaluate novel non-invasive and invasive techniques for the detection and assessment of pulmonary vascular disease. These novel techniques included: (1) Three dimensional single photon emission computed tomography to quantify gravity-induced changes in regional lung perfusion. Patients with PAH displayed marked impairment of gravity-dependent perfusion redistribution compared to controls. (2) Dobutamine stress echocardiography for the assessment of pressure-flow relationship of the pulmonary circulation. This non-invasive technique was shown to be a feasible alternative to exercise stress for studying dynamic pulmonary vascular function. (3) Intravascular ultrasound for the evaluation of elastic properties of the proximal pulmonary arteries. Marked arterial stiffening contributed to increased afterload in PAH, but 6-months of therapy with bosentan (a dual endothelin receptor antagonist) did not improve indices of vascular stiffness. (4) Application of wave intensity analysis (WIA) to characterise wave travel in the pulmonary circulation. WIA was feasible during routine right heart catheterization and WIA revealed markedly enhanced wave reflection and increased wave speed in PAH. Our preliminary studies demonstrate potential utility of these novel techniques as diagnostic and prognostic tools in PAH.
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Allen, Victoria. "Uncovering Pathways Regulating ILC Metastasis Through miRNA Expression Analysis and Generation of Novel Invasive ILC Models." Thesis, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/39616.
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Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the second most common form of breast cancer. ILC presents at later stages with many challenges, therefore improved diagnostic and therapeutic targets are needed. A microRNA (miRNA) genome analysis identified miR-23c and miR-23b-3p as possible regulators of ILC invasion due to their significantly increased expression in invasive compared to minimally invasive ILC cell lines. By decreasing the levels of miR-23c and miR-23b-3p using hairpin inhibitors, the invasive MDA-MB-330 cell line had significantly reduced invasion, while overexpressing these miRNAs using mimics in the minimally invasive MDA-MB-134VI cell line increased invasion. During the course of this study, it became apparent that limited tools exist for studying invasive ILC. Therefore, two more invasive ILC cell line models were created by isolating and expanding MDA-MB-134VI cells that had invaded through Matrigel® coated invasion chambers. This thesis has thus created new models of invasive ILC as well as identified miR-23c and miR-23b-3p as regulators of MDA-MB-330 and MDA-MB-134VI cell line invasion.
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Puigvehí, Badosa Marc. "Factors determinants de l’aplicabilitat i la fiabilitat diagnòstica dels mètodes no invasius en l’avaluació de la fibrosi hepàtica." Doctoral thesis, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/405412.
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La fibrosi hepàtica és un procés comú a totes les malalties cròniques del fetge (MCF), com a resposta al dany mantingut provocat per l’agent etiològic responsable. El procés de fibrosi és progressiu, i pot acabar provocant alteració de l’arquitectura hepàtica (cirrosi) i augment de pressió al sistema venós portal (hipertensió portal), amb el conseqüent risc de descompensació. Per tant, l’avaluació i el seguiment de la fibrosi hepàtica són cabdals pel diagnòstic i el tractament dels pacients amb MCF.
La forma clàssica d’avaluar la fibrosi hepàtica ha estat mitjançat la biòpsia del fetge, però és un mètode invasiu, amb complicacions importants, i que proporciona informació limitada. Aquestes limitacions han promogut l’avaluació de marcadors no invasius, tant serològics com radiològics, per identificar els pacients amb fibrosi hepàtica. Els marcadors serològics tenen una aplicabilitat molta alta, i dins dels radiològics destaca l’elastografia de transició (ET).
Un dels grans avantatges dels marcadors serològics és que es poden emmagatzemar mostres de sèrum congelades per la seva utilització en recerca biomèdica, però la seva estabilitat a llarg termini no havia estat ben avaluada. El primer estudi de la tesi ha demostrat l'estabilitat de marcadors directes de fibrosi en mostres criopreservades durant més de 20 anys, ja que la seva fiabilitat diagnòstica i capacitat predictiva van romandre inalterades.
D’altra banda, l’ET ha suposat un canvi molt significatiu en l’avaluació dels pacients amb MCF, però la seva aplicabilitat és limitada (80% dels pacients) i depèn de l’experiència de l’explorador i del grau d’obesitat del pacient. Per això, s’ha dissenyat recentment una sonda específica per pacients obesos (sonda XL), que ha demostrat millors resultats en pacients amb una distància entre la pell i la càpsula del fetge (DPC) > 25 mm. Però, estudis previs han demostrat que els valors d’ET amb la sonda XL són més baixos que amb la sonda M, pel que caldria validar nous punts de tall en les diferents MCF i identificar aquells pacients que es poden avaluar amb una o altra sonda.
El segon estudi d’aquesta tesi va ser el primer en demostrar la importància de la re-avaluació d’ET en aquells pacients amb un primer resultat inadequat, ja que una segona avaluació per exploradors experts no només va mostrar una milloria significativa de l’aplicabilitat sinó també una fiabilitat diagnòstica millor. Tanmateix, les variables relacionades amb l’obesitat (DPC i perímetre abdominal (PA)) es van relacionar amb l’obtenció d’un resultat inadequat per part d’exploradors experts.
En el tercer estudi de la tesi ha quedat demostrat que només una minoria de pacients amb IMC > 28 Kg/m2 tenen una DPC > 25 mm (13.6%), pel que la sonda M és aplicable a la majoria de pacients obesos si es realitza per un explorador expert. Donat que la DPC no es mesura rutinàriament vam desenvolupar un arbre de decisió senzill utilitzant l’IMC i el PA, que permet identificar els pacients amb DPC < 25 mm, i per tant candidats a ser avaluats amb la sonda M. Aquest arbre de decisió va demostrar que la sonda M és aplicable a gairebé el 95% dels pacients amb sobrepès i obesitat grau I (IMC ≤ 35 kg/m2 i PA ≤ 117 cm), amb una fiabilitat diagnòstica molt alta. D’altra banda, la sonda XL va demostrar una aplicabilitat excel·lent, amb una taxa de resultats inadequats de només el 2%. El nostre estudi ha demostrat que en pacients amb obesitat grau II-III els valors d’ET amb sonda XL van ser similars als dels pacients amb sobrepès i obesitat grau I avaluats amb la sonda M, confirmant la necessitat de l’avaluació amb sonda XL d’aquests pacients.Hepatic fibrosis is a common process in chronic liver diseases (CLD). This process is progressive, and can cause at last liver architecture alteration (cirrhosis) and increased pressure in the portal venous system (portal hypertension), with the consequent risk of decompensation. Therefore, the evaluation and monitoring of liver fibrosis are crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with CLD. The classic way to assess liver fibrosis has been through liver biopsy, but it is an invasive method with significant complications, and provides limited information. These limitations have promoted the evaluation of noninvasive markers, both serological and radiological, to identify patients with liver fibrosis. Serological markers have very high applicability, and within the radiological transient elastography (TE) is the most evaluated. One of the biggest advantages of serological markers is that serum samples can be cryopreservated for its use in biomedical research, but its long-term stability had not been well evaluated. The first study of this thesis has demonstrated the stability of direct fibrosis markers in samples cryopreserved for more than 20 years, since its diagnostic accuracy and predictive capacity remained unchanged. On the other hand, TE has been the most significant progress in evaluating patients with CLD, but its applicability is limited (80% of patients) and depends on explorer’s experience and patient’s obesity. A new probe has been recently designed for obese patients (XL probe), showing better results in patients with a distance between the skin and the liver capsule (SCD) > 25 mm, but previous studies demonstrated that values with the XL probe are lower than with the M probe. Thus, new cutoffs should be validated in different CLD and patients who can be assessed with each probe must be identified. The second study of this thesis was the first to demonstrate the importance of re-evaluation of TE in patients with an inadequate first result, since a second assessment by expert operators not only showed a significant improvement of the applicability but also a better diagnostic accuracy to identify significant fibrosis. However, variables related to obesity (waist circumference (WC) and SCD) were related to inadequate measurements by expert operators. In the third study of this thesis we have shown that only a minority of patients with BMI > 28 kg/m2 have a SCD > 25 mm (13.6%), so the M probe is applicable to the majority of obese patients if it’s performed by expert operators. Since SCD is not routinely measured in clinical practice we developed a simple decision tree using BMI and WC, which can identify patients with SCD < 25 mm, and therefore candidates to be evaluated with the M probe. This decision tree showed that the M probe is applicable to almost 95% of patients with overweight and obesity grade I (BMI ≤ 35 kg/m2 and WC ≤ 117 cm), with very high diagnostic accuracy to identify fibrosis and steatosis. Furthermore, the XL probe showed excellent applicability with a rate of inadequate results of only 2%. Our study has shown that patients with grade II-III obesity evaluated with the XL probe presented similar values to those patients with overweight and obesity grade I evaluated with the M probe, confirming the need of using the XL probe in these patients.
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Robinson, Todd Peter. "Application of advanced techniques for the remote detection, modelling and spatial analysis of mesquite (prosopis spp.) invasion in Western Australia." Thesis, Curtin University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/620.
Full textAbstract:
Invasive plants pose serious threats to economic, social and environmental interests throughout the world. Developing strategies for their management requires a range of information that is often impractical to collect from ground based surveys. In other cases, such as retrospective analyses of historical invasion rates and patterns, data is rarely, if ever, available from such surveys. Instead, historical archives of remotely sensed imagery provides one of the only existing records, and are used in this research to determine invasion rates and reconstruct invasion patterns of a ca 70 year old exotic mesquite population (Leguminoseae: Prosopis spp.) in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia, thereby helping to identify ways to reduce spread and infill. A model was then developed using this, and other, information to predict which parts of the Pilbara are most a risk. This information can assist in identifying areas requiring the most vigilant intervention and pre-emptive measures. Precise information of the location and areal extent of an invasive species is also crucial for land managers and policy makers for crafting management strategies aimed at control, confinement or eradication of some or all of the population. Therefore, the third component of this research was to develop and test high spectral and spatial resolution airborne imagery as a potential monitoring tool for tracking changes at various intervals and quantifying the effectiveness of management strategies adopted. To this end, high spatial resolution digital multispectral imagery (4 channels, 1 m spatial resolution) and hyperspectral imagery (126 channels, 3 m spatial resolution) was acquired and compared for its potential for distinguishing mesquite from coexisting species and land covers.These three modules of research are summarised hereafter. To examine the rates and patterns of mesquite invasion through space and time, canopies were extracted from a temporal series of panchromatic aerial photography over an area of 450 ha using unsupervised classification. Non-mesquite trees and shrubs were not discernible from mesquite using this imagery (or technique) and so were masked out using an image acquired prior to invasion. The accuracy of the mesquite extractions were corroborated in the field and found to be high (R2 = 0.98, P<0.001); however, accuracy varied between classes (R2 = 0.55 to 0.95). Additional sampling may be required in some of the wider class intervals, particularly the moderate density class (30 to 90%) as sampling frequency was poor within the range of 60 to 90%. This is a direct result of there being relatively few quadrats available to be randomly selected in this class. That is, quadrats with between 60-90% cover were only evident in 4% of the test area. A more robust approach would, therefore, be to split this class into two (e.g. 30-60% and 60-90%) and select an additional 15 quadrats in the 60-90% range. The resolution of the imagery (1.4 m) precluded mapping shrubs smaller than 3 m2. Rates and patterns were compared to mesquite invasions in its native range.It was determined that: (i) the shift from grass to mesquite domination had been rapid, with rates of increase in canopy cover comparable to invasive populations where it is native; (ii) rate of patch recruitment was high in all land types (stony flats, red-loamy soils and the riparian zone), but patch expansion and coalescence primarily occurred over the riparian zone and redloamy soils; (iii) mesquite had been spread by sheep and macropods and the recent switch to cattle is likely to exacerbate spread as it is a far more effective dispersal vector; and (iv) early successional patterns, such as high patch initiation followed by coalescence of existing stands are similar to where mesquite is native, but patch mortality did not occur. A knowledge based model was used to predict which parts of the Pilbara region are most at risk. Several limitations of models often employed in predicting suitability ranges of invasive plants were identified and include: (i) an inability to incorporate the notion that within a suitability range there is likely to be a scale of favourability; (ii) an inability to assign greater importance to evidence that is likely to have more importance in defining the areas suitable for invasion; and (iii) an inability to control the level of conservatism in the final results. These three shortcomings were mitigated through the use of: (i) fuzzy membership functions to derive a range of favourability from poor to best; (ii) pairwise comparison to derive higher weights for layers perceived to be more important and vice versa; and (iii) the use of ordered weighted averaging to directly control the level of conservatism (or risk) inherent in the models produced.Based on the outcomes of the historical reconstruction of spatial rates and patterns, data sources included land types, land use, and the derivation of a steady state wetness index from spot height data. Model outputs were evaluated using two methods: the area under the curves (AUC) produced from relative operating characteristic (ROC) plots and by the maximum Kappa procedure. Both techniques agreed that the model most representative of the validation data was the one assuming the most risk. To create a Boolean output representing areas suitable/not suitable for invasion, optimal cut-points were derived using the point closest to the top left hand corner of the ROC plot and by the maximum Kappa method. Both methods obtained identical cut-points, but it is argued that the coefficient produced by the maximum Kappa method is more easily interpreted. The highest AUC was found to be 0.87 and, based on the maximum Kappa method, can be described as good to very good agreement with the validation records used. Digital multispectral imagery (DMSI), acquired in the visible and near infrared portions of the spectrum (3 visible bands, 1 near infrared) with a spatial resolution of 1 m and hyperspectral imagery (126 bands, 3 m spatial resolution) was acquired to assess the potential of developing a reliable and repeatable mapping tool to facilitate the monitoring of spread and the effects of control efforts. Woody vegetation was extracted from the images using unsupervised classification and grouped into patches based on contiguity. Various statistics (e.g. maximum, minimum, median, mean, standard deviation, majority and variety) were assigned to these patches to garner more information for species separation.These statistics were explored for their ability to separate mesquite from coexisting species using Tukey’s Honestly Significantly Different (HSD) test and, to reduce redundancy, followed by linear discriminant analysis. Two approaches were taken to select the patch statistics offering the best discrimination. The first approach selected patch statistics that best discriminated all species (named “overall separation”). This was compared to a second approach, which selected the best patch statistics that separated each species from mesquite on a pairwise basis (named “pairwise separation”). The statistics offering the best discrimination were used as input in an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to assign class labels. An incremental cover evaluation, whereby producer’s accuracy was computed from mesquite patches grouped into various size-classes, showed that identification of mesquite patches smaller than 36 m2 was relatively low (43-51%) regardless of the method used for choosing between the patch statistics or image type. Accuracy improved for patches >36 m2 (66-94%) with both approaches and image types. However, both approaches used on the hyperspectral imagery were more reliable at capturing patches >36 m2 than the DMSI using either approach. The lowest omission and commission rates were obtained using pairwise separation on the hyperspectral imagery, which was significantly more accurate than DMSI using an overall separation approach (Z=2.78, P<0.05), but no significant differences were found between pairwise separation used on either media.Consequently, all methods and imagery types, except for DMSI processed using overall separation, are capable of accurately mapping mesquite patches >36 m2. However, hyperspectral imagery processed using pairwise separation appears to be superior, even though not statistically different to hyperspectral imagery processed using overall separation or DMSI processed using pairwise separation at the 95% confidence level. Mapping smaller patches may require the use of very high spatial resolution imagery, such as that achievable from unmanned airborne vehicles, coupled with a hyperspectral instrument. Alternatively, management may continue to rely on visual airborne surveys flown at low altitude and speed, which have proven to be capable at mapping small and isolated mesquite shrubs in the study area used in this research.
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Taylor, Nigel Gareth. "Why are invaders invasive? : development of tools to understand the success and impact of invasive species." Thesis, University of Leeds, 2016. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/15633/.
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Biological invasions are a major facet of anthropogenic global change, with severe negative environmental and socioecological impacts. Effective and efficient management of biological invasions requires a mechanistic understanding of the factors driving invasion success and impact. I investigate three factors likely to have broad relevance in explaining success and impact of alien invaders: resource use, behaviour and propagule pressure. Alien decapod and amphipod crustaceans may have different patterns of trophic resource use to native analogues. Through quantification of functional responses and food ‘choice’, I highlight an exceptionally large predatory impact of alien Eriocheir sinensis on invertebrate prey, relative to both native and alien crayfish. Through similar methods, I suggest the larger size of alien Dikerogammarus villosus relative to native Gammarus pulex could facilitate higher predatory impacts on fish eggs and larvae. I quantify personality traits (boldness, exploration, activity, sociability and voracity) of invasive and native decapod crustaceans in the laboratory. Invasive E. sinensis and Pacifastacus leniusculus were bolder than European Austropotamobius pallipes. Boldness may a common trait of successful, high-impact invaders. I provide the first evidence of personality (consistent within-individual behaviours) in these decapods, but find no evidence that it drives dispersal in signal crayfish. Comparisons of core and invasion-front populations of P. leniusculus suggest its spread is driven by density rather than behaviour. Using experimental invasions of ciliate protists into laboratory microcosms, I provide quantitative data to show how propagule pressure – the number of introduced organisms and introduction events – can increase invasion success (rate and population density) and invader impact. In general, resource use, behaviour and propagule pressure all have potential to predict the identity, impact and dynamics of successful invaders and thus inform management strategies. Having measured metabolism alongside these other factors, I propose that metabolic rate could provide another readily-measurable, general predictor of invasion success and impact.
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Leung, Mande Tak Man. "The measurement and the monitoring of the central hemodynamics using non-invasive and minimally-invasive data." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/35847.
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular (CV) diseases are the number one cause of death globally, and are projected to remain the single leading cause of death by 2030. Central pulse pressure and several arterial stiffness indices, especially aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), are among the strongest predictors of CV events, including stroke, myocardial infarction (heart attack) and angina (chest pain). Therefore, non-invasive methods for the assessment of the central pressure and central arterial stiffness are very important for the diagnosis of CV diseases at their early stage of development.
In this thesis, non-invasive methods are developed to (i) measure the aortic PWV, and (ii) measure the aortic pressure waveform (APW).
In the intensive care unit, cardiac output (CO) is an important measure of the adequacy of circulation among post-operative patients of cardiovascular diseases. Current methods of monitoring use the heart rate, peripheral blood pressure, and urine output as surrogates of CO, but these indices are inadequate. CO can be monitored directly using thermodilution but the procedure is highly invasive.
In this thesis, a minimally-invasive method is developed to monitor the CO using the radial artery pressure waveform.
The underlying algorithms of the methods developed in this thesis are interrelated.
In this thesis, the arterial system is modeled as a single uniform lossless transmission line terminated by a complex load.
Each measuring and monitoring task is a problem of identification, simulation or data acquisition.
The measurement of the aortic PWV is formulated as an identification problem.
The method developed in this thesis was shown to be able to differentiate a group of children with Marfan syndrome from the healthy children.
The monitoring of CO is formulated as a problem of identification and simulation. The method developed in this thesis was applied to five post-surgical infants. It showed clinically acceptable agreement with the more established echocardiographic technique.
The measurement of APW is a problem of data acquisition. A method was developed to estimate APW from the aortic distension waveform obtained using B-mode ultrasound. This method showed good agreement with carotid artery applanation tonometry when applied to nine healthy children.
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Drynan, Eleanor. "Comparison of blood pressure measurements obtained using non-invasive and invasive techniques, in anaesthetised companion animals." Thesis, Drynan, Eleanor (2013) Comparison of blood pressure measurements obtained using non-invasive and invasive techniques, in anaesthetised companion animals. Masters by Research thesis, Murdoch University, 2013. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/20554/.
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Measurement of blood pressure is a critical tool in the monitoring of patients undergoing general anaesthesia and has become standard practice within medical fields. Adequate vital organ perfusion is reported to be achieved if a central mean arterial pressure (MAP) is greater than 60mmHg. In clinical practice, peripheral arterial blood pressure (ABP) is used as an estimate of central ABP.
Measurement of peripheral ABP can be performed either invasively or non-invasively. While invasive blood pressure measurements (IBP) are considered to be more accurate than non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) measurements, several studies comparing the two methods have demonstrated that measurements obtained non-invasively are still clinically useful. As the algorithms used for measuring blood pressure vary between different machines it is not possible to extrapolate results from one machine to another and thus each machine must be assessed separately to ensure interpretation of the measurements obtained in clinical patients is appropriate.
The purpose of this thesis was to compare both NIBP and IBP measured using the multi-parameter Surgivet monitor (V9203) in anaesthetised dogs, horses, and sheep. Concurrent measurements of NIBP and IBP were obtained in each species at different pressure levels. These pressure levels were divided into the following categories: hypotension (< 60mmHg), low blood pressure (60-80 mmHg), normotension (80-100mm Hg), high blood pressure (100-120 mmHg), and hypertension (> 120 mmHg).For pooled data and data subdivided based on BP category the relationship between IBP and NIBP was determined using the Bland-Altman technique. The bias and precision for concurrently recorded IBP and NIBP measurements was calculated.
In all species, NIBP measurements were generally lower than IBP. Overall for both the dog and the horse data, the mean arterial pressure showed the least bias i.e. the greatest agreement between the two methods. Systolic blood pressure tended to show the least agreement between the methods and this was much more evident in the low blood pressure and normotensive blood pressure groups. Interestingly, from the sheep component of the study, the systolic blood pressure had the greatest agreement in each group.
To determine the clinical usefulness of the NIBP measurements the calculated bias and precision was assessed using the guidelines of the American Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Hypertension Consensus Panel (AVCIMHCP). Using these guidelines, the agreement between NIBP and IBP measurements in greyhounds and horses, were found to be within the limits of agreement recommended by the ACVIMHCP for all pressures except systolic blood pressure. This suggests that the Surgivet NIBP can be used to provide a good estimate of IBP for mean and diastolic pressures in these species.
In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that non-invasive measurements of diastolic and mean ABP provide a clinically useful alternative to IBP measurements, particularly in the horses and greyhounds. However systolic BP measured using non-invasive techniques does not, and therefore needs to be interpreted cautiously. The results also demonstrate a tendency for NIBP measurements to underestimate IBP. This finding needs to be remembered when interpreting NIBP measurements obtained in clinical patients.
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Soley, Nathan. "Reproductive Biology of the invasive plant Elaeagnus umbellata: breeding system, pollinators, and implications for invasive spread." OpenSIUC, 2013. https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/theses/1164.
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Reproductive studies in invasive plants are necessary for an understanding of their potential to establish and spread in foreign environments. Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. (autumn olive) is an invasive woody shrub that flowers early in the spring and is often noted for its abundant fruit set. This study examined the reproductive biology of E. umbellata in Illinois, where it is highly invasive. Hand-pollination experiments were performed to determine the breeding system of E. umbellata, and floral visitors were collected to determine its pollinators. Experiments showed that E. umbellata is a predominantly outcrossing species with a self-incompatible breeding system. However, individual variation was detected in several reproductive characteristics. Pollen tube analyses revealed that a small percentage of individuals allow successful self-pollen tube growth, and self-fruit set resulting from automatic self-pollination (autogamy) was relatively high in a few plants. Automatic self-pollination is possible because the male and female parts of flowers mature sychronously, but the likelihood of autogamy may vary among individuals due to variability in the spatial separation of male and female parts (herkogamy). Variability in the incompatibility system and the level of herkogamy may impact the outcrossing rates and reproductive success of individuals. The majority of floral visitors to E. umbellata were generalist pollinators. Frequently visiting bees included small and large species such as native Andrena spp., Augochlorella aurata, Bombus spp., Ceratina calcarata, Xylocopa virginica, and the introduced Apis mellifera. Bombylius major (large bee fly) and the moth Mythimna unipuncta (armyworm) were also frequent visitors. Most of the above insect taxa are pollinators of E. umbellata based on analysis of pollen on insect bodies. E. umbellata is likely to achieve its abundant fruit set where these common pollinators and other E. umbellata are present. However, in my study sites, many individuals experienced low fruit set on branches that were open to pollinator visitation, suggesting pollen limitation may be common in some years and at certain sites. The discovery of autogamous individuals demonstrates that some E. umbellata individuals may be able to establish and spread even when mates or pollinators are limiting.
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Alessandrini, Aurora Maria <1984>. "Applicazione e confronto tra metodiche non invasive e invasive nello studio delle malattie degli annessi cutanei." Doctoral thesis, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, 2022. http://amsdottorato.unibo.it/10081/1/TESI%20DOTTORATO%20ALESSANDRINI.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Introduzione
Lo scopo dello studio è valutare l’accuratezza diagnostica delle metodiche strumentali non invasive, in particolare dermoscopia, tomografia a coerenza ottica (OCT ) e microscopia confocale (RCM), nelle patologie degli annessi cutanei, confrontate con le metodiche invasive (biopsia ed exeresi chirurgica).
Materiali e metodi
È stato effettuato uno studio prospettico osservazionale in pazienti afferenti all’ambulatorio di Malattie degli Annessi Cutanei, dell’U.O. di Dermatologia dell’Azienda Ospedaliero - Universitaria di Bologna IRCCS Policlinico di Sant’Orsola, Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica Diagnostica e Sperimentale (DIMES) dell’Università di Bologna, della durata di tre anni. Le metodiche di OCT e RCM sono state effettuate c/o il Policlinico di Modena, U.O. Dermatologia. Le patologie incluse comprendono malattie dei capelli e malattie ungueali. La prima parte dello studio si è focalizzata sullo studio delle metodiche non invasive, la seconda parte si è basata sulla conferma istologica del sospetto diagnostico inziale. Nella terza parte dello studio si è effettuato un confronto tra le diverse metodiche e una valutazione dell’accuratezza diagnostica delle stesse nelle malattie dei capelli e delle unghie.
Risultati
Sono stati valutati 231 pazienti (135 con diagnosi di malattie dei capelli e del cuoio capelluto; 96 con malattie delle unghie). In specifico, siamo riusciti a stabilire una corrispondenza tra i parametri tricoscopici, istologici e RCM per l’alopecia fibrosante frontale, l’alopecia areata incognita, la tinea capitis e il lichen simplex cronico. Nell’ambito delle malattie delle unghie, abbiamo valutato le correlazioni tra onicoscopia ed OCT per il lichen planus ungueale, la psoriasi ungueale, l’onicomicosi e il tumore glomico.
Conclusioni
Riteniamo lo studio molto utile, in quanto reputiamo che una conoscenza ancora più approfondita degli strumenti non invasivi per la diagnosi precoce di malattie degli annessi cutanei sia importante a diversi livelli, come ad esempio sui tempi di diagnosi e sulla riduzione dei costi di gestione.Introduction The purpose of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive instrumental methods, in particular dermoscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal microscopy (RCM), in the skin appendages disorders, compared with invasive methods (biopsy and surgical excision). Materials and methods A prospective observational study was performed in patients belonging to the Outpatient Department of Skin Annexes Diseases, of the Dermatology Unit of the Hospital - University of Bologna IRCCS Policlinico di Sant’Orsola, Department of Specialized Diagnostic and Experimental Medicine (DIMES) of the University of Bologna, lasting three years. The OCT and RCM methods were carried out at the Policlinico di Modena, Dermatology Unit. Evaluated diseases included hair diseases and nail diseases. The first part of the study focused on the study of non-invasive methods, the second part was based on the histological confirmation of the initial diagnostic suspicion. In the third part of the study, a comparison was made between the different methods and an evaluation of their diagnostic accuracy in hair and nail diseases. Results 231 patients were evaluated (135 diagnosed with hair and scalp diseases; 96 with nail diseases). Specifically, we were able to establish a correspondence between the trichoscopic, histological and RCM parameters for frontal fibrosing alopecia, alopecia areata incognita, tinea capitis and chronic lichen simplex. In nail diseases, we evaluated the correlations between onychoscopy and OCT for nail lichen planus, nail psoriasis, onychomycosis and glomus tumor. Conclusions We believe that the study is very useful, as we believe that an even deeper knowledge of non-invasive tools for the early diagnosis of skin annexes diseases is important at various levels, such as for example on diagnosis times and reduction of management costs.
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Gong, Jian. "Non-invasive forecast for various diseases." Thesis, University of Macau, 2011. http://umaclib3.umac.mo/record=b2493234.
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Huff, Eva. "Chronisch nicht invasive Mykosen der Nasennebenhöhlen." Diss., lmu, 2008. http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:19-92155.
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Lanternier, Fanny. "Invasive fungal infections and CARD9 deficiency." Thesis, Paris 5, 2013. http://www.theses.fr/2013PA05T082.
Full textAbstract:
Les infections fongiques invasives, sont des infections sévères grevées d’une lourde mortalité. Elles sont actuellement un problème majeur de santé publique et leur incidence augmente. Les candidémies représentent la quatrième cause d’infection hématogène nosocomiale aux Etats-Unis, les cryptococcoses sont responsables de 600 000 décès chaque année en Afrique et l’aspergillose invasive infecte 10% des patients transplantés de cellules souches. La mortalité de ces infections reste élevée avec des taux de mortalité de 50, 15 et 40% respectivement. L’augmentation de leur incidence est due à l’accroissement des populations immunodéprimées à risque de développer des infections fongiques en raison de l’augmentation des thérapeutiques immunosuppressives et de l’allongement de la durée de vie des patients immunodéprimés. Les infections fongiques invasives surviennent chez des patients immunodéprimés, majoritairement dans un contexte d’immunodépression acquise (neutropénie, chimiothérapie, greffe de cellules souches périphériques ou transplantation d’organe solide, diabète, infection par le virus de l’immunodéficience humaine), mais également secondairement à un déficit immunitaire héréditaire (granulomatose septique chronique, déficit immunitaire combiné, neutropénie congénitale, défaut de l’axe IFNγ-IL12). Cependant certains patients développent des infections fongiques invasives sans immunodépression ou facteurs de risques identifiés. Nous avons donc émis l’hypothèse que ces infections avaient possiblement une origine génétique non identifiée. Au cours de ma thèse, j’ai étudié une cohorte de patients présentant des infections fongiques invasives sans facteur favorisant identifié afin de rechercher une étiologie génétique à ces infections. Le premier groupe de patients que j’ai étudié présentait une dermatophytose invasive ou dermatophytose profonde sans immunodépression. Contrairement à la dermatophytose superficielle, en général bénigne et fréquente dans la population générale; la dermatophytose profonde est une infection rare, invasive et sévère, dans laquelle les dermatophytes (qui sont des champignons filamenteux) envahissent les tissus dermiques et hypodermiques, les ganglions et parfois les organes profonds. Les patients que j’ai étudié étaient tous originaires d’Afrique du Nord, pour la plupart issus de familles consanguines, dont certains avec des cas multiples. Ces observations suggéraient une origine génétique de la dermatophytose profonde avec une hérédité probablement récessive. Au cours de ma thèse, j’ai étudié les caractéristiques cliniques, immunologiques et génétiques de 18 patients atteints d’une dermatophytose profonde, issus de neuf familles Marocaines, Algériennes, Tunisiennes ou Egyptiennes. En parallèle, j’ai étudié des patients ayant présenté des infections fongiques avec localisations cérébrales. L’une de ces patients a présenté des abcès cérébraux suite à une infection disséminée à Exophiala dermatitidis et trois patients ont développé des infections du système nerveux central à Candida spp.. Les infections invasives à Exophiala dermatitidis sont des infections rares, avec de fréquentes atteintes du système nerveux central, survenant majoritairement chez des patients sans déficit immunitaire identifié suggérant l’existence d’une origine génétique probable méconnue chez ces patients. Les candidoses invasives surviennent habituellement chez des patients neutropéniques, ayant récemment subi une intervention chirurgicale ou étant porteurs d’un cathéter intraveineux. Parmi les candidoses invasives, les localisations au système nerveux central sont rares, et classiquement rapportées chez des nouveau-nés prématurés ou suite à une intervention neurochirurgicale. J’ai par ailleurs étudié une patiente ayant développé des infections invasives des tissus sous-cutanés et des adénopathies dues à un champignon filamenteux. (...)Invasive fungal diseases are a major health problem as they are severe infections complicated with high mortality rates and with rising incidence. Invasive fungal diseases occur mainly in patients with acquired immunodeficiencies, but also with primary immunodeficiencies (chronic granulomatous disease, defect in IFN-ϒ/IL-12 axis, congenital neutropenia). However, few patients develop invasive fungal disease without known risk factor. We therefore hypothesized that these infections probably have an unidentified genetic etiology. I studied a cohort of patients who developed invasive fungal diseases without risk factors and searched for a genetic etiology to their infections. The first group of patients presented with deep dermatophytosis without known immunodeficiency. Deep dermatophytosis is a rare, invasive and severe infection where dermatophytes invade dermis, hypodermis, lymph nodes and sometimes deep organs. I could study clinical, immunological and genetic characteristics of 18 patients from nine families who presented deep dermatophytosis. I also studied patients who developed central nervous system (CNS) fungal infections; one patient with CNS Exophiala dermatitidis infection and three patients with CNS Candida spp. infection. Invasive E. dermatitidis infections are rare, with frequent CNS location, mainly reported in patients without known immunodeficiencies, suggesting a potential unknown genetic etiology in these patients. CNS candidiasis are also rare infections usually occuring in preterm neonates or following neurosurgery. Based on literature data previously reporting a large consanguineous Iranian family with CARD9 deficiency that developed chronic mucocutaneous and central nervous system candidiasis; according to candidate gene approach, I sequenced CARD9 in all patients. CARD9 is an adaptor protein expressed by myeloid cells that signals downstream Dectin-1 and Dectin2 that are the main Pattern Recognotion Receptor implicated in antifungal immunity. I identified in all studied patients homozygous CARD9 mutations. Among 18 patients with deep dermatophytosis, 16 had homozygous nonsense Q289X and two homozygous missense R101C mutation in CARD9. I identified R18W, R35Q and R70W homozygous missense mutations in the patients who developed E. dermatitidis and two patients who developed CNS candidiasis, respectively. Transmission was autosomal recessive for all patients, except for the one with E. dermatitidis infection who had an uniparental disomy. In contrast with controls, CARD9 expression is abolished in Q289X, reduced in R70W and normal in R18W patients’ myeloid cells. CARD9 deficient patients whole blood and dendritic cells display a selective response defect to Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae ; with IL-6 and TNF-α production impairment after Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae stimulation. This defect can explain elective fungal susceptibility of CARD9 deficient patients to invasive fungal infections. This work evidenced that CARD9 deficiency was the main genetic etiology of deep dermatophytosis. It also could evidence that CARD9 deficiency is associated with Exophiala dermatitidis and Candida spp. CNS infections. This susceptibility is associated with proinflammatory cytokines defect by dendritic cells and whole blood to fungal agents. Various fungal clinical phenotypes in CARD9 deficient patients assess CARD9 central role in skin and central nervous system antifungal immunity