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Papers by Richard Barton

Research paper thumbnail of Identification of dermatophytes by sequence analysis of the rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer regions

Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2008

Identification of dermatophytes using the traditional method is sometimes problematic because of ... more Identification of dermatophytes using the traditional method is sometimes problematic because of atypical microscopic or macroscopic morphology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using sequencing of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS)1 and ITS2 regions for identification of 17 dermatophyte species. The ITS regions of 188 strains (62 reference strains and 126 clinical isolates) were amplified by PCR and sequenced. Species identification was made by sequence comparison with an in-house database comprising ITS sequences of type or neotype strains or by blast searches for homologous sequences in public databases. Strains producing discrepant results between conventional methods and ITS sequence analysis were analysed further by sequencing the D1–D2 domain of the large-subunit rRNA gene for species clarification. The identification rates by ITS1 and ITS2 sequencing were higher than 97 %. Based on reference sequences of type or neotype strains, it was no...

Research paper thumbnail of Identification of Dermatophytes by an Oligonucleotide Array

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2007

Species of dermatophytes are classified into three anamorphic (asexual) genera, Epidermophyton , ... more Species of dermatophytes are classified into three anamorphic (asexual) genera, Epidermophyton , Microsporum , and Trichophyton . Conventional methods used to identify dermatophytes are often lengthy and may be inconclusive because of atypical microscopic or colony morphology. Based on the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) and ITS-2 sequences of the rRNA genes, an oligonucleotide array was developed to identify 17 dermatophyte species. The method consisted of PCR amplification of the ITS regions using universal primers, followed by hybridization of the digoxigenin-labeled PCR products to an array of oligonucleotides (17- to 30-mers) immobilized on a nylon membrane. Of 198 dermatophyte strains and 90 nontarget strains tested, the sensitivity and specificity of the array were 99.5% and 97.8%, respectively. The only strain not identified ( Microsporum audouinii LMA 597) was found to have a nucleotide insertion at the ITS-2 region where the probe was designed. Two nontarget strains,...

Research paper thumbnail of Identification of Medically Important Yeast Species by Sequence Analysis of the Internal Transcribed Spacer Regions

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2006

Infections caused by yeasts have increased in previous decades due primarily to the increasing po... more Infections caused by yeasts have increased in previous decades due primarily to the increasing population of immunocompromised patients. In addition, infections caused by less common species such as Pichia , Rhodotorula , Trichosporon , and Saccharomyces spp. have been widely reported. This study extensively evaluated the feasibility of sequence analysis of the rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions for the identification of yeasts of clinical relevance. Both the ITS1 and ITS2 regions of 373 strains (86 species), including 299 reference strains and 74 clinical isolates, were amplified by PCR and sequenced. The sequences were compared to reference data available at the GenBank database by using BLAST (basic local alignment search tool) to determine if species identification was possible by ITS sequencing. Since the GenBank database currently lacks ITS sequence entries for some yeasts, the ITS sequences of type (or reference) strains of 15 species were submitted to GenBan...

Research paper thumbnail of Identification of Medically Important Molds by an Oligonucleotide Array

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2005

Infections caused by fungi have increased in recent years. Accurate and rapid identification of f... more Infections caused by fungi have increased in recent years. Accurate and rapid identification of fungal pathogens is important for appropriate treatment with antifungal agents. On the basis of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS 1) and ITS 2 sequences of the rRNA genes, an oligonucleotide array was developed to identify 64 species (32 genera) of clinically important filamentous (or dimorphic) fungi. These 64 species included fungi causing superficial, cutaneous, subcutaneous, and invasive infections. The method consisted of PCR amplification of the ITS regions using a pair of universal primers, followed by hybridization of the digoxigenin-labeled PCR products to a panel of species- or group-specific oligonucleotides immobilized on a nylon membrane. Of 397 fungal strains (290 target and 107 nontarget strains) tested, the sensitivity and specificity of the array was 98.3% (285/290) and 98.1% (105/107), respectively. Misidentified strains were usually those belonging to the same genu...

Research paper thumbnail of Cooperative Time-Reversal Communication is Order-Optimal for Data Aggregation in Wireless Sensor Networks

2006 IEEE International Symposium on Information Theory, 2006

We demonstrate that a data aggregation rate of ! log n n () can be achieved in wireless sensor ne... more We demonstrate that a data aggregation rate of ! log n n () can be achieved in wireless sensor networks using a generalization of cooperative beamforming called cooperative time-reversal communication.

Research paper thumbnail of Smart Systems Implementation in UK Food Manufacturing Companies – A Sustainability Perspective

The UK food industry faces significant challenges to remain sustainable. With major challenges su... more The UK food industry faces significant challenges to remain sustainable. With major challenges such as Brexit on the horizon, companies can no longer rely on a low labour cost workforce to maintain low production costs and achieve economic sustainability. Smart Systems (SS) is being seen as an approach towards achieving significant improvements in both economic and environmental sustainability. However, there is little evidence to indicate whether UK food companies are prepared for the implementation of such systems. The purpose of this research is to explore the applicability of Smart Systems in UK food manufacturing companies and, to identify the key priority areas and improvement levers for the implementation of such systems. A triangulated primary research approach is adopted and includes a questionnaire, follow up interviews and visits to thirty-two food manufacturing companies in the UK. The questionnaire and interviews are guided by the development of a unique measuring instr...

Research paper thumbnail of The analogy of divine wisdom, between the disposition in men to believe in the saviours of nations and the saviour of mankind

The analogy of divine wisdom, in the material, sensitive, moral, civil and spiritual system of things, in eight parts.

Research paper thumbnail of Predicting ICU Readmission Among Vascular Surgery Patients: Development of A Predictive Nomogram

Annals of Vascular Surgery, 2016

status prior to surgery: Independent (IND) or Dependent (DEP) which included partially dependent ... more status prior to surgery: Independent (IND) or Dependent (DEP) which included partially dependent as well as totally dependent patients. The 2 groups were compared with respect to demographics, comorbidities, complications, length of stay, and mortality. Statistical analysis was performed using student's t-test for continuous variables and Fisher exact test for categorical variables. Results: There were 1055 patients (DEP ¼ 253, 24%). There was no difference in gender or race but DEP patients were older than IND (p¼0.0054). DEP patients were significantly more likely to have history of congestive heart failure (p¼0.003), hypertension (0.0419), and diabetes (p<0.0001). There was no difference in emergent surgeries between the 2 groups (p¼1.00). DEP patients had more tibial interventions compared to IND (p¼0.0027). DEP developed more pneumonia (p¼0.0008) and septic shock (p¼0.0156) and had a trend towards more urinary tract infections (p¼0.051) after endovascular revascularization. There was no significant difference in operating time (0.2765) or major amputation (p¼0.129). DEP had significantly longer length of hospital stay (p¼0.0068). DEP had significantly higher mortality (6.32% vs 2.49%, p¼0.0083). (Table) Conclusions: Functional status should be carefully assessed when considering endovascular revascularization in the elderly as DEP have significantly higher morbidity and mortality.

Research paper thumbnail of A noncontact RF-based respiratory sensor: results of a clinical trial

Journal of Surgical Research, 2016

Background: Respiratory rate (RR) is a critical vital signs monitored in health care setting. Cur... more Background: Respiratory rate (RR) is a critical vital signs monitored in health care setting. Current monitors suffer from sensor-contact failure, inaccurate data, and limited patient mobility. There is a critical need for an accurate and reliable and noncontact system to monitor RR. We developed a contact-free radio frequency (RF)ebased system that measures movement using WiFi signal diffraction, which is converted into interpretable data using a Fourier transform. Here, we investigate the system's ability to measure fine movements associated with human respiration. Materials and methods: Testing was conducted on subjects using visual cue, fixed-tempo instruction to breath at standard RRs. Blinded instruction-based RRs were compared to RF-acquired data to determine measurement accuracy. The RF-based technology was studied on postoperative ventilator-dependent patients. Blinded ventilator capnographic RR data were collected for each patient and compared to RF-acquired data to determine measurement accuracy. Results: Respiratory rate data collected from 10 subjects breathing at a fixed RR (14, 16, 18, or 20) demonstrated 95.5% measurement accuracy between the patient's actual rate and that measured by our RF technology. Ten patients were enrolled into the clinical trial. Blinded ventilator capnographic RR data were compared to RF-based acquired data. The RF-based data showed 88.8% measurement accuracy with ventilator capnography. Conclusions: Initial clinical pilot trials with our contact-free RF-based monitoring system demonstrate a high degree of RR measurement accuracy when compared to capnographic data. Based on these results, we believe RF-based systems present a promising noninvasive, inexpensive, and accurate tool for continuous RR monitoring.

Research paper thumbnail of The Mycota (Vol. VIII)- Biology of the Fungal Cell (edited by RJ Howard and NAR Gow)

Trends in Microbiology, 2002

Research paper thumbnail of Order-Optimal Data Aggregation in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Cooperative Time-Reversal Communication

2006 40th Annual Conference on Information Sciences and Systems, 2006

The predominate traffic patterns in a wireless sensor network are many-to-one and one-to-many com... more The predominate traffic patterns in a wireless sensor network are many-to-one and one-to-many communication. Hence, the performance of wireless sensor networks is characterized by the rate at which data can be disseminated from or aggregated to a data sink. In this paper, we consider the data aggregation problem. We demonstrate that a data aggregation rate of log n n () is optimal and that this rate can be achieved in wireless sensor networks using a generalization of cooperative beamforming called cooperative time-reversal communication.

Research paper thumbnail of Glove with integrated antiseptic absorber

Research paper thumbnail of Characterising SME Attitudes to Technological Innovation

Intelligent Production Machines and Systems, 2006

Publisher Summary Manufacturing has become increasingly competitive in nature and the changing fa... more Publisher Summary Manufacturing has become increasingly competitive in nature and the changing face of manufacturing industry is forcing companies to evolve at an unprecedented rate. Many large manufacturing industries in the UK are responding quickly to these pressures by developing leaner, flexible, technologically advanced, and intelligent manufacturing systems. However, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) do not implement and subsequently develop Advanced and Intelligent Manufacturing Technologies (AIMT) at a rate that will enable them to remain sustainable in the future. This chapter identifies the major operational characteristics of the SMEs and provides a classification system based on the attitudes and abilities of these companies to implement AIMT. It then describes the reasons associated with the poor level of AIMT implementation within SMEs. The findings of a three-year survey into 300 UK manufacturing based SMEs are used in order to provide a broader explanation for the poor level of AIMT implementation.

Research paper thumbnail of Competency development in a statewide initiative to implement psychiatric rehabilitation (psr) services: Mechanisms and choices

Psychiatric Rehabilitation Skills, 2001

Research paper thumbnail of A Methodology for Evaluating the Technological Maturity of Micro and Nano Fabrication Processes

IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology, 2010

Given that Micro and Nano Technologies (MNTs) is still an emerging field, it is important to adop... more Given that Micro and Nano Technologies (MNTs) is still an emerging field, it is important to adopt a tool for evaluating the maturity of MNT-based products and the production processes enabling their manufacture. In particular, as a risk assessment tool, it could help both the pace of technological adoption and the successful exploitation of these technologies. In this context, the objective of the research presented is to describe a methodology for assessing the maturity of MNTs. The paper also demonstrates the implementation of this methodology for a set of micro and nano manufacturing processes employed for tooling and replication. It could also be easily implemented to evaluate the maturity of other production processes for MNT-based products such as micro assembly technologies. The reported study was conducted in collaboration with two networks funded through the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) of the European Commission (EC), namely the Multi-Material Micro Manufacture (4M) Network of Excellence (NoE) and the µSAPIENT Coordination Action (CA). By analysing data from R&D projects carried out in the field of MNTs by partner organisations in these two consortia, the maturity phases targeted by each project could be evaluated and as a result, the maturity profiles for given technologies could be extracted. An important output of this study is to help inform the industry, the global research community and policy makers about the current level of maturity reached by the MNTs which are developed in R&D projects carried out at European level and in particular, within the 4M NoE and the µSAPIENT CA.

Research paper thumbnail of Types of Motors and Their Characteristics

Handbook of Electric Motors, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Commonwealth Communication

Communication Booknotes, 1991

Research paper thumbnail of Decreased mortality from necrotizing pancreatitis

The American Journal of Surgery, 1998

Necrotizing pancreatitis has been associated with mortality rates of 25% to 80%. We reviewed our ... more Necrotizing pancreatitis has been associated with mortality rates of 25% to 80%. We reviewed our experience to determine whether aggressive debridement and comprehensive critical care improves survival. The records of 989 patients with the diagnosis of pancreatitis admitted between January 1990 and September 1997 were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-six patients required surgery for necrotizing pancreatitis and are the subjects of this review. Five of twenty-six patients (19%) died. For all patients, mean Ranson&#39;s score was 4.3 of 11, mean admission APACHE II score was 17.2, and mean Multiple Organ Dysfunction (MOD) score was 9.1. Poor outcome was associated with infected pancreatic necrosis (P = 0.03), elevated APACHE II score on admission (P = 0.04), and progression of MOD during the week after admission (P = 0.02). This review demonstrates improved survival in seriously ill patients with necrotizing pancreatitis as a result of comprehensive surgical and critical care.

Research paper thumbnail of A proprietary extract from the echinacea plant (Echinacea purpurea) enhances systemic immune response during a common cold

Phytotherapy Research, 2005

In a previous paper, it was reported that Echinilin (Factors R &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;a... more In a previous paper, it was reported that Echinilin (Factors R &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; D Technologies, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada) a formulation prepared from freshly harvested Echinacea purpurea plants and standardized on the basis of three known active components (alkamides, cichoric acid and polysaccharides) is effective for the treatment of a naturally acquired common cold. However, the mechanism by which this effect is achieved remains unknown. In the present study, Echinilin or placebo were administered to volunteers at the onset of their cold for a period of 7 days, with eight doses (5 mL/dose) on day 1 and three doses on subsequent days. Fasting blood samples were obtained before and during their colds. The decrease in total daily symptomatic score was more evident in the echinacea group than in the placebo group. These effects of echinacea were associated with a significant and sustained increase in the number of circulating total white blood cells, monocytes, neutrophils and NK cells. In the later part of the cold, the echinacea treatment suppressed the cold-related increase in superoxide production by the neutrophils. These results suggest that Echinilin, by enhancing the non-specific immune response and eliciting free radical scavenging properties, may have led to a faster resolution of the cold symptoms.

Research paper thumbnail of Invasive Aspergillosis in Two Patients with Pearson Syndrome

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 1999

Advertisement. Close Window. Close Window. Thank you for choosing to subscribe to the eTOC for Th... more Advertisement. Close Window. Close Window. Thank you for choosing to subscribe to the eTOC for The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. Enter your Email address: Wolters Kluwer Health may email you for journal alerts and ...

Research paper thumbnail of Identification of dermatophytes by sequence analysis of the rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer regions

Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2008

Identification of dermatophytes using the traditional method is sometimes problematic because of ... more Identification of dermatophytes using the traditional method is sometimes problematic because of atypical microscopic or macroscopic morphology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using sequencing of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS)1 and ITS2 regions for identification of 17 dermatophyte species. The ITS regions of 188 strains (62 reference strains and 126 clinical isolates) were amplified by PCR and sequenced. Species identification was made by sequence comparison with an in-house database comprising ITS sequences of type or neotype strains or by blast searches for homologous sequences in public databases. Strains producing discrepant results between conventional methods and ITS sequence analysis were analysed further by sequencing the D1–D2 domain of the large-subunit rRNA gene for species clarification. The identification rates by ITS1 and ITS2 sequencing were higher than 97 %. Based on reference sequences of type or neotype strains, it was no...

Research paper thumbnail of Identification of Dermatophytes by an Oligonucleotide Array

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2007

Species of dermatophytes are classified into three anamorphic (asexual) genera, Epidermophyton , ... more Species of dermatophytes are classified into three anamorphic (asexual) genera, Epidermophyton , Microsporum , and Trichophyton . Conventional methods used to identify dermatophytes are often lengthy and may be inconclusive because of atypical microscopic or colony morphology. Based on the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) and ITS-2 sequences of the rRNA genes, an oligonucleotide array was developed to identify 17 dermatophyte species. The method consisted of PCR amplification of the ITS regions using universal primers, followed by hybridization of the digoxigenin-labeled PCR products to an array of oligonucleotides (17- to 30-mers) immobilized on a nylon membrane. Of 198 dermatophyte strains and 90 nontarget strains tested, the sensitivity and specificity of the array were 99.5% and 97.8%, respectively. The only strain not identified ( Microsporum audouinii LMA 597) was found to have a nucleotide insertion at the ITS-2 region where the probe was designed. Two nontarget strains,...

Research paper thumbnail of Identification of Medically Important Yeast Species by Sequence Analysis of the Internal Transcribed Spacer Regions

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2006

Infections caused by yeasts have increased in previous decades due primarily to the increasing po... more Infections caused by yeasts have increased in previous decades due primarily to the increasing population of immunocompromised patients. In addition, infections caused by less common species such as Pichia , Rhodotorula , Trichosporon , and Saccharomyces spp. have been widely reported. This study extensively evaluated the feasibility of sequence analysis of the rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions for the identification of yeasts of clinical relevance. Both the ITS1 and ITS2 regions of 373 strains (86 species), including 299 reference strains and 74 clinical isolates, were amplified by PCR and sequenced. The sequences were compared to reference data available at the GenBank database by using BLAST (basic local alignment search tool) to determine if species identification was possible by ITS sequencing. Since the GenBank database currently lacks ITS sequence entries for some yeasts, the ITS sequences of type (or reference) strains of 15 species were submitted to GenBan...

Research paper thumbnail of Identification of Medically Important Molds by an Oligonucleotide Array

Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2005

Infections caused by fungi have increased in recent years. Accurate and rapid identification of f... more Infections caused by fungi have increased in recent years. Accurate and rapid identification of fungal pathogens is important for appropriate treatment with antifungal agents. On the basis of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS 1) and ITS 2 sequences of the rRNA genes, an oligonucleotide array was developed to identify 64 species (32 genera) of clinically important filamentous (or dimorphic) fungi. These 64 species included fungi causing superficial, cutaneous, subcutaneous, and invasive infections. The method consisted of PCR amplification of the ITS regions using a pair of universal primers, followed by hybridization of the digoxigenin-labeled PCR products to a panel of species- or group-specific oligonucleotides immobilized on a nylon membrane. Of 397 fungal strains (290 target and 107 nontarget strains) tested, the sensitivity and specificity of the array was 98.3% (285/290) and 98.1% (105/107), respectively. Misidentified strains were usually those belonging to the same genu...

Research paper thumbnail of Cooperative Time-Reversal Communication is Order-Optimal for Data Aggregation in Wireless Sensor Networks

2006 IEEE International Symposium on Information Theory, 2006

We demonstrate that a data aggregation rate of ! log n n () can be achieved in wireless sensor ne... more We demonstrate that a data aggregation rate of ! log n n () can be achieved in wireless sensor networks using a generalization of cooperative beamforming called cooperative time-reversal communication.

Research paper thumbnail of Smart Systems Implementation in UK Food Manufacturing Companies – A Sustainability Perspective

The UK food industry faces significant challenges to remain sustainable. With major challenges su... more The UK food industry faces significant challenges to remain sustainable. With major challenges such as Brexit on the horizon, companies can no longer rely on a low labour cost workforce to maintain low production costs and achieve economic sustainability. Smart Systems (SS) is being seen as an approach towards achieving significant improvements in both economic and environmental sustainability. However, there is little evidence to indicate whether UK food companies are prepared for the implementation of such systems. The purpose of this research is to explore the applicability of Smart Systems in UK food manufacturing companies and, to identify the key priority areas and improvement levers for the implementation of such systems. A triangulated primary research approach is adopted and includes a questionnaire, follow up interviews and visits to thirty-two food manufacturing companies in the UK. The questionnaire and interviews are guided by the development of a unique measuring instr...

Research paper thumbnail of The analogy of divine wisdom, between the disposition in men to believe in the saviours of nations and the saviour of mankind

The analogy of divine wisdom, in the material, sensitive, moral, civil and spiritual system of things, in eight parts.

Research paper thumbnail of Predicting ICU Readmission Among Vascular Surgery Patients: Development of A Predictive Nomogram

Annals of Vascular Surgery, 2016

status prior to surgery: Independent (IND) or Dependent (DEP) which included partially dependent ... more status prior to surgery: Independent (IND) or Dependent (DEP) which included partially dependent as well as totally dependent patients. The 2 groups were compared with respect to demographics, comorbidities, complications, length of stay, and mortality. Statistical analysis was performed using student's t-test for continuous variables and Fisher exact test for categorical variables. Results: There were 1055 patients (DEP ¼ 253, 24%). There was no difference in gender or race but DEP patients were older than IND (p¼0.0054). DEP patients were significantly more likely to have history of congestive heart failure (p¼0.003), hypertension (0.0419), and diabetes (p<0.0001). There was no difference in emergent surgeries between the 2 groups (p¼1.00). DEP patients had more tibial interventions compared to IND (p¼0.0027). DEP developed more pneumonia (p¼0.0008) and septic shock (p¼0.0156) and had a trend towards more urinary tract infections (p¼0.051) after endovascular revascularization. There was no significant difference in operating time (0.2765) or major amputation (p¼0.129). DEP had significantly longer length of hospital stay (p¼0.0068). DEP had significantly higher mortality (6.32% vs 2.49%, p¼0.0083). (Table) Conclusions: Functional status should be carefully assessed when considering endovascular revascularization in the elderly as DEP have significantly higher morbidity and mortality.

Research paper thumbnail of A noncontact RF-based respiratory sensor: results of a clinical trial

Journal of Surgical Research, 2016

Background: Respiratory rate (RR) is a critical vital signs monitored in health care setting. Cur... more Background: Respiratory rate (RR) is a critical vital signs monitored in health care setting. Current monitors suffer from sensor-contact failure, inaccurate data, and limited patient mobility. There is a critical need for an accurate and reliable and noncontact system to monitor RR. We developed a contact-free radio frequency (RF)ebased system that measures movement using WiFi signal diffraction, which is converted into interpretable data using a Fourier transform. Here, we investigate the system's ability to measure fine movements associated with human respiration. Materials and methods: Testing was conducted on subjects using visual cue, fixed-tempo instruction to breath at standard RRs. Blinded instruction-based RRs were compared to RF-acquired data to determine measurement accuracy. The RF-based technology was studied on postoperative ventilator-dependent patients. Blinded ventilator capnographic RR data were collected for each patient and compared to RF-acquired data to determine measurement accuracy. Results: Respiratory rate data collected from 10 subjects breathing at a fixed RR (14, 16, 18, or 20) demonstrated 95.5% measurement accuracy between the patient's actual rate and that measured by our RF technology. Ten patients were enrolled into the clinical trial. Blinded ventilator capnographic RR data were compared to RF-based acquired data. The RF-based data showed 88.8% measurement accuracy with ventilator capnography. Conclusions: Initial clinical pilot trials with our contact-free RF-based monitoring system demonstrate a high degree of RR measurement accuracy when compared to capnographic data. Based on these results, we believe RF-based systems present a promising noninvasive, inexpensive, and accurate tool for continuous RR monitoring.

Research paper thumbnail of The Mycota (Vol. VIII)- Biology of the Fungal Cell (edited by RJ Howard and NAR Gow)

Trends in Microbiology, 2002

Research paper thumbnail of Order-Optimal Data Aggregation in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Cooperative Time-Reversal Communication

2006 40th Annual Conference on Information Sciences and Systems, 2006

The predominate traffic patterns in a wireless sensor network are many-to-one and one-to-many com... more The predominate traffic patterns in a wireless sensor network are many-to-one and one-to-many communication. Hence, the performance of wireless sensor networks is characterized by the rate at which data can be disseminated from or aggregated to a data sink. In this paper, we consider the data aggregation problem. We demonstrate that a data aggregation rate of log n n () is optimal and that this rate can be achieved in wireless sensor networks using a generalization of cooperative beamforming called cooperative time-reversal communication.

Research paper thumbnail of Glove with integrated antiseptic absorber

Research paper thumbnail of Characterising SME Attitudes to Technological Innovation

Intelligent Production Machines and Systems, 2006

Publisher Summary Manufacturing has become increasingly competitive in nature and the changing fa... more Publisher Summary Manufacturing has become increasingly competitive in nature and the changing face of manufacturing industry is forcing companies to evolve at an unprecedented rate. Many large manufacturing industries in the UK are responding quickly to these pressures by developing leaner, flexible, technologically advanced, and intelligent manufacturing systems. However, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) do not implement and subsequently develop Advanced and Intelligent Manufacturing Technologies (AIMT) at a rate that will enable them to remain sustainable in the future. This chapter identifies the major operational characteristics of the SMEs and provides a classification system based on the attitudes and abilities of these companies to implement AIMT. It then describes the reasons associated with the poor level of AIMT implementation within SMEs. The findings of a three-year survey into 300 UK manufacturing based SMEs are used in order to provide a broader explanation for the poor level of AIMT implementation.

Research paper thumbnail of Competency development in a statewide initiative to implement psychiatric rehabilitation (psr) services: Mechanisms and choices

Psychiatric Rehabilitation Skills, 2001

Research paper thumbnail of A Methodology for Evaluating the Technological Maturity of Micro and Nano Fabrication Processes

IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology, 2010

Given that Micro and Nano Technologies (MNTs) is still an emerging field, it is important to adop... more Given that Micro and Nano Technologies (MNTs) is still an emerging field, it is important to adopt a tool for evaluating the maturity of MNT-based products and the production processes enabling their manufacture. In particular, as a risk assessment tool, it could help both the pace of technological adoption and the successful exploitation of these technologies. In this context, the objective of the research presented is to describe a methodology for assessing the maturity of MNTs. The paper also demonstrates the implementation of this methodology for a set of micro and nano manufacturing processes employed for tooling and replication. It could also be easily implemented to evaluate the maturity of other production processes for MNT-based products such as micro assembly technologies. The reported study was conducted in collaboration with two networks funded through the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) of the European Commission (EC), namely the Multi-Material Micro Manufacture (4M) Network of Excellence (NoE) and the µSAPIENT Coordination Action (CA). By analysing data from R&D projects carried out in the field of MNTs by partner organisations in these two consortia, the maturity phases targeted by each project could be evaluated and as a result, the maturity profiles for given technologies could be extracted. An important output of this study is to help inform the industry, the global research community and policy makers about the current level of maturity reached by the MNTs which are developed in R&D projects carried out at European level and in particular, within the 4M NoE and the µSAPIENT CA.

Research paper thumbnail of Types of Motors and Their Characteristics

Handbook of Electric Motors, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Commonwealth Communication

Communication Booknotes, 1991

Research paper thumbnail of Decreased mortality from necrotizing pancreatitis

The American Journal of Surgery, 1998

Necrotizing pancreatitis has been associated with mortality rates of 25% to 80%. We reviewed our ... more Necrotizing pancreatitis has been associated with mortality rates of 25% to 80%. We reviewed our experience to determine whether aggressive debridement and comprehensive critical care improves survival. The records of 989 patients with the diagnosis of pancreatitis admitted between January 1990 and September 1997 were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-six patients required surgery for necrotizing pancreatitis and are the subjects of this review. Five of twenty-six patients (19%) died. For all patients, mean Ranson&#39;s score was 4.3 of 11, mean admission APACHE II score was 17.2, and mean Multiple Organ Dysfunction (MOD) score was 9.1. Poor outcome was associated with infected pancreatic necrosis (P = 0.03), elevated APACHE II score on admission (P = 0.04), and progression of MOD during the week after admission (P = 0.02). This review demonstrates improved survival in seriously ill patients with necrotizing pancreatitis as a result of comprehensive surgical and critical care.

Research paper thumbnail of A proprietary extract from the echinacea plant (Echinacea purpurea) enhances systemic immune response during a common cold

Phytotherapy Research, 2005

In a previous paper, it was reported that Echinilin (Factors R &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;a... more In a previous paper, it was reported that Echinilin (Factors R &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; D Technologies, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada) a formulation prepared from freshly harvested Echinacea purpurea plants and standardized on the basis of three known active components (alkamides, cichoric acid and polysaccharides) is effective for the treatment of a naturally acquired common cold. However, the mechanism by which this effect is achieved remains unknown. In the present study, Echinilin or placebo were administered to volunteers at the onset of their cold for a period of 7 days, with eight doses (5 mL/dose) on day 1 and three doses on subsequent days. Fasting blood samples were obtained before and during their colds. The decrease in total daily symptomatic score was more evident in the echinacea group than in the placebo group. These effects of echinacea were associated with a significant and sustained increase in the number of circulating total white blood cells, monocytes, neutrophils and NK cells. In the later part of the cold, the echinacea treatment suppressed the cold-related increase in superoxide production by the neutrophils. These results suggest that Echinilin, by enhancing the non-specific immune response and eliciting free radical scavenging properties, may have led to a faster resolution of the cold symptoms.

Research paper thumbnail of Invasive Aspergillosis in Two Patients with Pearson Syndrome

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 1999

Advertisement. Close Window. Close Window. Thank you for choosing to subscribe to the eTOC for Th... more Advertisement. Close Window. Close Window. Thank you for choosing to subscribe to the eTOC for The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. Enter your Email address: Wolters Kluwer Health may email you for journal alerts and ...